Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a solution on a substrate is described in which the solution is dispensed through a solution nozzle assembly while the substrate is rotated. As the solution is dispensed, the solution on the substrate forms a wave front that radially spreads from the substrate center to the substrate edge. The dispensing of the solution is performed in such a way that the solution is dispensed at a radial location substantially equivalent to or less than the radial location of the wave front at any instant in time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an optical recording medium. In the method, on the surface of a recording layer formed by spin-coating a first coating solution containing a photo-isomerizable component, a second coating solution that contains a photo-isomerizable component that can be isomerized by radiation having the same wavelength as radiation used for isomerizing the photo-isomerizable component contained in the recording layer and incapable of dissolving the recording layer is spin-coated to form an intermediate layer. Since the intermediate layer thus formed cannot be dissolved by the first coating solution, a recording layer is further laminated on this layer. Thus, it becomes possible to make the recording layer thicker and also to provide a high-density recording characteristic.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for spin coating a film onto a substrate. Preferred embodiments deposit a film, such as a resist, having a thickness gradient from the substrate's centrifugal center to its edge. The gradient may be linear or stepwise continuous, for example. Other embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor fabrication method. The method comprises forming a resist layer having a predetermined thickness on a substrate. Preferably, the predetermining includes making swing curve measurements on a single test wafer that is coated according to embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A spray type gradation system and method wherein an object to be painted is mounted in a jig unit including a rotation shaft. The jig is rotated to position the object to be painted in front of a coloring unit including a first spray gun and a second spray gun. The first and second spray guns spray paints to different portions of the object to be painted.

Abstract: Processes for coating implantable medical devices that improve the stability of therapeutic agents contained within the coating.

Abstract: There is disclosed a film forming method comprising continuously discharging a solution adjusted so as to spread over a substrate by a given amount to the substrate through a discharge port disposed in a nozzle, moving the nozzle and substrate with respect to each other, and holding the supplied solution onto the substrate to form a liquid film, wherein a distance h between the discharge port of the nozzle and the substrate is set to be not less than 2 mm and to be in a range less than 5×10?5 q? (mm) given with respect to a surface tension ? (N/m) of the solution, discharge speed q (m/sec) of the solution continuously discharged through the discharge port, and a constant of 5×10?5 (m·sec/N).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying a coating to an ear of corn are disclosed. An enclosure having a user accessible workspace and a motor to turn an ear of corn therein to apply a coating to the ear of corn rotated by the motor is also disclosed. The method includes providing an enclosure with a user accessible workspace for housing a motor assembly having a motor with a grip, releasably securing the ear of corn to the grip, rotating the ear of corn with the motor, and spraying the coating on the ear of corn with the coating applicator associated with the workspace. Each ear of corn has an identifier to track and index the ear corn during coating and drying.

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance are provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of sandwich composite elements which includes at least two feed apparatus for facings, to which an application apparatus for an adhesion promoter, an application apparatus for a core layer, a conveying apparatus and a cutting apparatus are connected one after the other. The application apparatus for the adhesion promoter includes at least one feed line for the adhesion promoter, a rotary table with at least one lateral outlet orifice and a drive for the rotary table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously coating and measuring a part. The apparatus includes a part support, a sprayer and a part measurer positioned adjacent to the part support and a display device positioned adjacent to the part support. The sprayer applies a coating to a section of the part while the part measurer continuously measures a dimension of the section of the part being coated. In one embodiment, an initial amount of coating and a final amount of coating are applied to the section of the part based on the dimension measurements and desired dimension of the part. In another embodiment, the amount of coating applied to the part is based on the desired coating thickness. As a result, the apparatus and method of the present invention significantly reduces the margin of error related to the application of coatings to parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously coating and measuring a part. The apparatus includes a part support, a sprayer and a part measurer positioned adjacent to the part support and a display device positioned adjacent to the part support. The sprayer applies a coating to a section of the part while the part measurer continuously measures a dimension of the section of the part being coated. In one embodiment, an initial amount of coating and a final amount of coating are applied to the section of the part based on the dimension measurements and desired dimension of the part. In another embodiment, the amount of coating applied to the part is based on the desired coating thickness. As a result, the apparatus and method of the present invention significantly reduces the margin of error related to the application of coatings to parts.

Abstract: A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent is provided.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in a coating apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an outer peripheral surface of a pillar structure 1 comprising a smoothing means, and a nozzle 12b having an opening 12c for supplying a coating material; the opening 12c being disposed nearly at the same position as that of the upper end portion 1e of the structure 1 in nearly vertical direction of the structure when being held for coating, and having a length of the longer direction shorter than the length between the both ends of the structure 1. The coating material is supplied from a nozzle 12b to the outer peripheral surface 1a of the structure and coating it on the outer peripheral surface 1a while smoothing the coating surface by a smoothing means 10. The coated surface of the structure is protected from cracking during drying after coating and it is free from defects. A coating method using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: When a coating film is formed on a substrate, the inplane uniformity of the thickness of the coating film is enhanced to improve through put. Above the substrate, there are provided main and auxiliary nozzles separately movable, and monitoring means for monitoring the state of the surface of the substrate to detect the occurrence of an uncoated region on the surface of the substrate. On the basis of previously prepared coating data, a coating liquid is spirally applied on the substrate by the main nozzle. Then, if the monitoring means detects the occurrence of the uncoated region in a coated region in which the coating liquid has been applied by the main nozzle, a control part detects whether it is required to supply the coating liquid to the uncoated region. If it is required, the coating liquid is supplied to the uncoated region by the auxiliary nozzle. On the other hand, the portion of occurrence of the uncoated region has been grasped by the control part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controllably dispensing photoresist solutions and other fluids in semiconductor manufacturing equipment from an array of syringe-based fluid dispensers. A multi-syringe fluid dispensing system is provided for photoresist coating within a wafer track coating module. The coating module may contain a spin chuck that is positioned within a catch cup. A robotic dispense arm and gripper assembly may be positioned within the coating module for gripping and positioning a fluid syringe. An array of syringes may be stored on a solution tray within the wafer track coating module for holding a plurality of fluid syringes containing photoresist solutions.

Abstract: A coating film forming apparatus that holds a substrate upon a spin chuck and forms a coating film by supplying a chemical liquid upon a top surface of said substrate comprises: an outer cup provided detachably to surround the spin chuck; an inner cup provided detachably to surround a region underneath the substrate held upon the chuck; a cleaning nozzle configured to supply a cleaning liquid for cleaning a peripheral edge part of the substrate, such that the cleaning liquid is supplied to a peripheral part of a bottom surface of the substrate; a cutout part for nozzle mounting, the cutout part being provided to the inner cup to engage with the cleaning nozzle; and a cleaning liquid supply tube connected to the cleaning nozzle, the cleaning nozzle being detachable to the cutout part in a state in which the cleaning liquid supply tube is connected.

Abstract: A liquid resin-coating method in which a wafer (substrate) is concentrically held on a chuck table with a to-be-coated surface facing the upside. A slot die is arranged above and opposite to the wafer so that the slot of the slot die is allowed to correspond to the radius of the wafer. While the chuck table is rotated to bring the wafer into autorotation, resin is discharged from the slot to be coated on a to-be-coated surface of the wafer. The slot does not extend from the to-be-coated surface of the wafer, or if not so, the extension is extremely small. Thus, the amount of resin causing a loss is minimized.

Abstract: A process for coating bodies comprising: producing an upward spray of coating fluid by means of a two-fluid nozzle to create a coating zone, and contacting the bodies with the spray of coating fluid in the coating zone; wherein, before contacting the bodies with the spray, providing the bodies with a spinning movement by a central impact of gas jets directed upward to intersect the centerline of the spray; guiding the spinning bodies by the gas jets towards a central position over the two-fluid nozzle, thereby increasing the number of suspended bodies contacting the spray; providing atomization gas to the two-fluid nozzle in an amount less than the one which, after moderation by means of muffling gas, would scatter the bodies in the spray zone; and pneumatically muffling the atomization gas just above the nozzle to reduce the body scattering effect thereof; and further wherein, the bodies are pneumatically transported in the coating zone in a non-fluidized state.

Abstract: A support device for a stent and a method of coating a stent using the device are provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical information recording medium that has a substrate having a signal recording layer formed on one principal surface thereof; and an optically transparent layer formed on the signal recording layer and made from a radiation cure type resin. According to the method, when the optically transparent layer is formed, the radiation cure type resin is supplied onto the substrate, and the radiation cure type resin is applied over the substrate by spinning the substrate at a predetermined number of application revolutions in a spin coating method. The number of revolutions of the substrate is increased after the application of the resin, and radiation is irradiated to cure the radiation cure type resin while the number of revolutions of the substrate is increased.

Abstract: A method of forming a liquid film characterized by dropping a liquid on a substrate from a dropping unit while rotating the substrate, moving the dropping unit in the radial direction from the inner periphery of the substrate to the outer periphery of the substrate so that the move pitch of the dropping unit in the radial direction occurring in every revolution of the substrate may change slightly, and forming a liquid film on the substrate by adjusting the feed speed of the liquid to the substrate from the dropping unit, while lowering the rotational frequency of the substrate gradually, so that the liquid on the substrate may not move due to centrifugal force by rotation of the substrate, along with the move of the dropping unit in the radial direction of the substrate.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided to form a film by discharging a liquid material with a liquid discharge head or the like, such as an ink jet head, and which can reduce the unevenness resulting from variation of the amount of the discharged liquid material. To provide a device and a method to form a film by discharging a liquid material and which can increase process efficiency while suppressing the increase of costs, even if the liquid material is discharged onto various objects. When a color filter is manufactured, nozzles of a liquid discharge head discharge filter element materials onto filter-element-forming regions. In this instance, one color of the filter element materials is discharged while the liquid discharge head is swept in the longitudinal direction of a mother substrate. The other colors are discharged while the liquid discharge head is swept in the width direction of the mother substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a fluorine-containing polyimide film excelling in heat resistance, resistance to chemicals, water repellency, dielectric properties, electrical properties, and optical properties and a spin coater suitable for the method are to be provided. A method for the production of a fluorine-containing polyimide film which comprises forming a coating film of a fluorine-containing polyimide precursor in an atmosphere having a relative humidity thereof adjusted to a level of not more than 50 RH % and then subjecting the fluorine-containing polyimide precursor to heat treatment thereby forming a fluorine-containing polyimide film is provided. By adjusting the relative humidity in accordance with this method, the fluorine-containing polyimide precursor can be prevented from being decomposed by the absorption of moisture and consequently prevent effectively the fluorine-containing polyimide film from forming piriform spots and scratches.

Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus treating a surface of a substrate held generally horizontally on a stage in a housing by supplying a treating liquid to said surface from a supply nozzle. The liquid treatment apparatus includes a cup body provided so as to surround the substrate held in the substrate holding part laterally, the cup body being mounted detachably to a base inside the housing from an upward direction thereof; a cup body holding part holding the cup body detachably; and an elevating mechanism moving the cup body holding part up and down between a first position at which the cup body is mounted upon the base body and a second position located above the first position.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating for an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided which includes applying a composition to the device in an environment having a selected pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of coating a polymer solution on a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a coating chamber having a rotatable chuck to support a substrate to be coated with a polymer solution. A dispenser to dispense the polymer solution over the substrate extends into the coating chamber. A vapor distributor having a solvent vapor generator communicable with the coating chamber is included to cause a solvent to be transformed into a solvent vapor. A carrier gas is mixed with the solvent vapor to form a carrier-solvent vapor mixture. The carrier-solvent vapor mixture is flown into the coating chamber to saturate the coating chamber. A solvent remover communicable with the coating chamber is included to remove excess solvent that does not get transformed into the solvent vapor to prevent the excess solvent from dropping on the substrate.

Abstract: A dummy dispense of liquid is controlled by recording a time at which a substrate is processed; recording a time at which a liquid is dispensed; comparing the time at which the substrate is processed and the time at which the liquid is dispensed to generate a dummy dispense signal when a dummy dispense is required. A system for controlling dummy dispense of liquid includes at least one information storage device storing a time at which a substrate is processed and a time at which a liquid is dispensed. At least one processor compares the time at which the substrate is processed and the time at which the liquid is dispensed to determine whether a dummy dispense is required.

Abstract: A method for varnish application to a dynamoelectric stator is disclosed. The method includes a varnish treatment process and application by preheating the stator; adjusting a viscosity of the varnish; dripping the varnish onto a coil end of the stator from radially outside the stator while rotating the preheated stator around a central axis; and hardening the varnish dripped onto the coil end by heating the stator. The varnish viscosity is adjusted so that said varnish dripped onto said coil end passes through the coil end from radially outside to radially inside, and the varnish is dripped onto said coil end along a direction which is perpendicular to the central axis of the collective coils.

Abstract: A stent mounting device and a method of coating a stent using the device are provided.

Abstract: A method of making an article having both a polymeric substrate and a metallic spray deposited layer is disclosed. The coefficients of thermal expansion of the polymeric substrate and the metallic layer are preferably similar.

Abstract: An information layer for an optical information storage medium is formed in a centrifuge. A photopolymerizable composition is applied to a solid base having a relief pattern, and a flexible, transparent film layer is applied on top of the composition. The three are spun in a centrifuge to cause a thin, even distribution of the photopolymerizable composition, which is photopolymerized. The resulting replica is separated from the relief pattern and has a fluorescent material applied thereto. Alternatively, the replica has a non-fluorescent material applied thereto, and the non-fluorescent material is made fluorescent through diffusion. Multiple information layers thus formed can be glued together to form a multilayer optical information storage medium.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical recording medium of the present invention includes the steps of forming an underlying layer having a brightness of 8 or more and a chroma of 4 or less on a label surface of a disk body by a spin coating process, and forming an ink-receiving layer on the underlying layer. In the present invention, the underlying layer having a brightness of 8 or more and a chroma of 4 or less is formed by a spin coating process, thereby significantly decreasing the surface roughness of the underlying layer. Even if the ink-receiving layer is formed by the spin coating or slit coating process in which the surface quality of the underlying layer is greatly reflected, therefore, the average surface roughness (Ra) of the ink-receiving layer can be significantly decreased. Thus, printing by an ink jet printer can produce a color and brilliance close to those of a silver salt photograph.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating a rollable device including a device rotator having a pair of rollers and spray nozzle is described. The spray nozzle produces a spray of coating material that is directed towards a gap that is between the rollers of the pair. The majority of any spray not deposited on the rollable device during a coating process passes through the gap between the rollers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film comprising PMMA and a fluorescent substance having a xanthene skeleton and a lactone ring and/or a fluorescent substance having a xanthene skeleton and a group —COOR, where R represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, capable of forming an intramolecular lactone ring, said fluorescent substances being dispersed in the PMMA. The film is useful as an optical memory.

Abstract: A disc is produced using a method of and an apparatus for forming a transparent layer on a disc substrate. The method for forming the transparent layer on the disc substrate includes covering an axial hole formed at a center of the disc substrate with a cover element by inserting a protrusion of the cover element in the axial hole of the disc substrate so that a resin does not leak through the axial hole, dispensing the resin toward the center of the disc substrate from an upper side of the disc substrate, and removing the cover element. A more uniform transparent layer can be obtained throughout the disc substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to rapidly spin-apply an AR coating system to a backside of a prescription lens. The AR coating system comprises a polyurethane primer layer, a siloxane thermally cured scratch resistant coating layer, a two-layer sol-gel AR coating, and a hydrophobic layer. The process comprising steps of spin-applying each of the layers provides a quick way to furnish a prescription lens that is AR coated on both sides.

Abstract: A process including: providing a cylindrical substrate rotating about the long axis; applying at least one coating layer with a direct writing applicator on the outer surface of the rotating substrate; and curing the resulting coated layer or layers. The use of a direct writing applicator provides precision in the dispensing of organic photoconductor coating layers with respect to line width and line thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed or simply disposed of.

Abstract: This invention includes a method of producing a thin, oriented layer of polymer material. The material is preferably produced by the method of introducing a shearing flow to a free surface in a predominantly monomeric solution of the self-assembling polymer sub-units, and inducing polymerization or growth of the monomer while in this shearing flow. The system for forming the oriented layer of material provides relative movement between a delivery system and the substrate on or over which the material is deposited. The rate of flow of the material from the delivery system and the relative velocity between the deposition surface and the material as it is delivered to the surface are controlled to properly orient the material at the desired thickness. These rates can be adjusted to vary the properties of the film in a controlled manner. Preferred embodiments include either angular or linear relative movement between the delivery system and the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the surface treatment of workpieces (12) such as vehicle bodies. One such device has a plurality of successive treatment stations (1–9), a guiding system (16, 17) having a first guiding section (16) extending in the region of the treatment stations (1–9), and a plurality of rotational mounts (13) which can move individually on said guiding system (16, 17). Each rotational mount (13) has a holding device (14) for at least one workpiece (12) and a rotational axis (15) which is arranged in such a way that the workpeice (12) in the holding device (14) can be brought into, or taken out of, one of the treatment stations (1–9) by rotation about the rotational axis (15).

Abstract: A substrate which has been subjected to heat processing in any of hot plate units is transferred to a normal cooling unit by a transfer device and subjected to cooling processing to some extent, and then transferred to a high accuracy cooling unit and subjected to cooling processing with high accuracy, and thereafter transferred to any of coating units or a developing units. Thereby, the substrate can be subjected to the cooling processing with high accuracy and thereafter to coating processing with no increase in apparatus cost and with no decrease in throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a film on a wafer comprising, a first coating apparatus coating a foaming insulation film material on the wafer, a second coating apparatus coating a non-porous insulation film material on the wafer, a low oxygen heating temperature regulating process apparatus performing a heating process on the wafer on which the foaming insulation film material is coated, a low oxygen high temperature heating process apparatus performing the heating process on the water on which the non-foaming insulation film material is coated, a transfer mechanism transferring the wafer to these apparatuses, and a selecting means selecting a path to which the wafer is transferred corresponding to the film formed on the wafer.

Abstract: A developing method comprises determining in advance the relation of resist dissolution concentration in a developing solution and resist dissolution speed by the developing solution, estimating in advance the resist dissolution concentration where the resist dissolution speed is a desired speed or more from the relation, and developing in a state in which the resist dissolution concentration in the developing solution is the estimated dissolution concentration or less.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously coating and measuring a part. The apparatus includes a part support, a sprayer and a part measurer positioned adjacent to the part support and a display device positioned adjacent to the part support. The sprayer applies a coating to a section of the part while the part measurer continuously measures a dimension of the section of the part being coated. In one embodiment, an initial amount of coating and a final amount of coating are applied to the section of the part based on the dimension measurements and desired dimension of the part. In another embodiment, the amount of coating applied to the part is based on the desired coating thickness. As a result, the apparatus and method of the present invention significantly reduces the margin of error related to the application of coatings to parts.

Abstract: Encapsulating a component structure includes applying a fluid, light-sensitive first reactive resin layer to a surface of a component substrate containing the component structure, exposing and developing the first reactive resin layer so as to form a frame structure that encloses the component structure, covering the frame structure with an auxiliary foil, applying a second reactive resin layer to a surface of the auxiliary foil so as to form ceiling structures on the surface of the auxiliary foil, at least one of the ceiling structures making a seal with the frame structure, and removing the auxiliary foil in areas between ceiling structures.

Abstract: An improved method for high-volume production of coated stents with highly uniform stent coatings using a roll coating technique is provided. In a first embodiment, uncoated stents are placed onto rotating stent holders with automated stent handling equipment. The holders are mounted on an endless conveyer belt which advances the stents toward a stent coater. As the stents advance through the coater, the holders rotate, thereby rolling the stents about their longitudinal axes as coating material is sprayed toward them, ensuring the stents are uniformly coated on their exterior and interior surfaces. After the conveyer turns to carry the coated stents back toward the loading area, the rotating stents pass again through the coating spray, downstream of the initial coating location, thereby increasing the efficient utilization of the coating material. The conveyer then advances the coated stents to an unloading area for removal before the holders return to the stent loading area to receive new stents.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for coating a substrate with a polymer solution to produce a film of uniform thickness, includes mounting the substrate inside an enclosed housing and passing a control gas, which may be a solvent vapor-bearing gas into the housing through an inlet. The polymer solution is deposited onto the surface of the substrate in the housing and the substrate is then spun. The control gas and any solvent vapor and particulate contaminants suspended in the control gas are exhausted from the housing through an outlet and the solvent vapor concentration is controlled by controlling the temperature of the housing and the solvent from which the solvent vapor-bearing gas is produced. Instead the concentration can be controlled by mixing gases having different solvent concentrations. The humidity of the gas may also be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for heat processing a substrate. After a coating film is formed on the substrate, the substrate is baked at a predetermined high temperature. The baking step is performed by first increasing the substrate temperature from a predetermined low temperature to a predetermined intermediate temperature that is lower than a predetermined reaction temperature at which the coating film reacts. Next, a second baking step maintains the substrate at the predetermined intermediate temperature for a predetermined period of time, and is followed by a third step of increasing the temperature of the substrate to the predetermined high temperature that is higher than the predetermined reaction temperature. This results in uniform temperature within the surface of the substrate when the temperature of the substrate reaches the reaction temperature. Consequently, a chemical reaction due to heat processing of the coating film within the surface of the substrate is performed uniformly.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses that reduce problems encountered during coating of a device, such as a medical device having a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus including a bi-directional rotation member. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method with a bi-directional indexing movement. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating solution supply member having a major axis oriented parallel to a gap between rollers on a coating apparatus. In an embodiment, the invention includes a device retaining member. In an embodiment, the invention includes an air nozzle or an air knife. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method including removing a static charge from a small diameter medical device.