Abstract: Methods of creating patterns on substrates are presented, and articles of manufacture resulting therefrom. One method comprises applying a first surface energy modifier to an applicator to form a coating on the applicator; contacting the coating with a receiving member, the receiving member having a topography, the coating only contacting and remaining on at least some protrusions; exposing the first modified receiving member to a second surface energy modifier, thereby forming a second modified receiving member having surface modified recesses; applying a composition comprising a polymeric material to the second modified receiving member, the composition substantially conforming to the topography of the surface modified protrusions and the surface modified recesses; and contacting the composition-coated, surface modified protrusions with a substrate for a time and under conditions sufficient to transfer the polymeric material on protrusions to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for controlling the deflection and/or position of a deflection-compensated doctor blade support beam relative to a web. The movement range of the doctor blade support beam is divided into radial control sectors so that the working directions of compensation elements in the support beam essentially form interface limits of the radial control sectors. When the support beam is to be moved, a set point is selected toward which a reference point of the support beam should move. The specific control sector is then determined within which the set point is located and this control sector becomes the active control sector. Deflection of the doctor blade support beam employs these two compensation elements so that one is used for controlling the deflection in the x-axis direction of the coordinate system, while the other is used for controlling the deflection in the y-axis direction of the coordinate system.

Abstract: A coating fluid for forming a coating on a support for use in inkjet printing comprises a liquid medium having dispersed therein (a) an inorganic oxide selected from aluminium oxide and silica, (b) a binder polymer, and (c) a polymeric crosslinking agent containing functional groups for reaction with the inorganic oxide. The components (a), (b) and (c) are preferably dispersed in an aqueous liquid and the relative amounts of inorganic oxide to polymeric crosslinking agent are from 500:1 to 15:1 preferably 250:1 to 20:1, the relative amounts of inorganic oxide to binder polymer are from 50:1 to 2:1 preferably 20:1 to 4:1 and the relative amounts of binder polymer to polymeric crosslinking agent are from 40:1 to 2:1 preferably from 20:1 to 3:1 the amounts being by weight on a dry basis.

Abstract: A system and method for storing a solution containing a subset of a group consisting of a metal ion, a complexing agent, an ammonium salt, and a strong base and then nearer to a time of use in an electroless deposition process, using the solution to form an electroless deposition solution containing the entire group. In one embodiment of the invention, the metal ion includes a cobalt ion, the complexing agent includes citric acid, the ammonium salt includes ammonium chloride, and the strong base includes tetramethylammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method for applying a seamless coating of a surface-modifying material to a product roller by transfer of the material to the product roller, from an application roller, to produce the seamless coating. Gravure rollers, slot dies, falling curtains or ribbons, jets and sprays may be used to deposit the material on the product roller. Dipping may also be used. Gravure rollers are preferred as the application roller. The coating is applied as a plurality of coatings, which are applied without drying the previous coating before application of a subsequent coating.

Abstract: With extremely-thin-film and thin-film measurement, models are formed based upon a combination of film thickness, optical constants obtained using the dispersion formula, incident angle, etc., and the model and measured spectrums are fit by BLMC for a single layer of a structure with a certain number of iterations, obtaining information regarding the single layer. With thin-film multi-layer-structure measurement, models are formed for multiple layers of a thin-film multi-layer structure likewise, and fit by BLMC or EBLMC, obtaining information regarding the thin-film multi-layer structure. In either measurement, light is cast onto a thin film on a substrate to be measured while changing the wavelength as a parameter in order to obtain the spectrums &psgr;E(&lgr;i) and &Dgr;E(&lgr;i) for each wavelength &lgr;i, representing the change in polarization between the incident and reflected light. The measured spectrums are fit, obtaining the best model. The results are confirmed and stored, as necessary.

Abstract: A coloring agent addition system which generally includes a processing module having an in-feed conveyor for receiving and processing a raw material and a coloring unit connected to the in-feed conveyor for adding a coloring agent to the raw material. The coloring unit is driven by the processing module to deliver the coloring agent depending on operation of the processing module. The coloring unit includes a motor that is in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid line of a processing module motor, whereby the processing module motor is connected in series to the coloring unit motor to drive the coloring unit.

Abstract: Single crystal CVD diamond is heated to temperatures of 1500° C. to 2900° C. under a pressure that prevents significant graphitization. The result is a CVD diamond with improved optical properties.

Abstract: An organic thin film device in which as a junction interface shape between an organic thin film and an adjacent layer, a sectional contour shape of a device interface having a Hausdorff dimension, as one fractal dimension, falling within the range 1.5≦D≦2.0 is formed by defining the Hausdorff dimension and its scale length.

Abstract: Metal oxide particles having a metal oxide core and a silicon dioxide coating have a low structure. The particle are produced by a base dissolved in water being added under agitation to a dispersion comprising a metal oxide, at least one compound of the type XnSi(OR)4−n, and water, the reaction product being separated out, optionally washed with water and dried. The metal oxide particles coated with silicon dioxide may be used in sun screening agents and in chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solder plating system with automatic monitoring of wash fluid pressure. The system automatically activates an alarm and/or initiates shutdown of a solder plating machine when the pressure reading indicates a failure of the wash fluid supply. The system thereby reduces the number of parts that are affected by failures in the wash fluid supply system. In some cases, problems with the wash fluid supply are detected before any parts are affected.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing portions of a diffusion aluminide coating from a substrate is described. The coating is treated with an aqueous composition based on an acid having the formula HxZrF6, wherein x is an exemplary 2. The coating being removed is usually a noble metal-aluminide coating, and the substrate is typically a superalloy. Related compositions are also described.

Abstract: A method and device of treating an irregularly shaped article to prepare the article for painting is provided. The device includes a burner which can produce an adjustable flame tongue which can fit into crevices, openings and other irregular topographical features of an item to be painted or otherwise coated. The burner device further provides means to apply a grafting chemical on a freshly oxidized surface. Further, the invention provides means to colorize treated objects so that they may be recognized as having been treated. In another embodiment, the grafting chemicals may be enhanced with electrolytic solutions such that electrostatic methods of painting may be subsequently employed on the item. In an alternate embodiment, the burner is adapted to spray a powder inside of a generally enclosed flame, and is used in conjunction with chop guns to manufacture glass or carbon fiber preforms.

Abstract: A coating unit for coating a substrate with a treatment solution and a peripheral aligner, which has a mounting table rotatable and movable in at least one direction and irradiates the peripheral portion of the substrate on the mounting table with light from an irradiating portion to expose a coating film on the substrate, are provided in a substrate processing system. The peripheral aligner has film thickness measuring means provided with a sensor member for measuring a film thickness of the coating film. It is not necessary to separately provide a unit for measuring the film thickness outside of the system, thus preventing the substrate from being contaminated or dropped to be damaged when the film thickness is measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating a surface through graft polymerization, characterized in that before graft polymerization, the surface is modified, in the presence of an amine of formula: wherein R1 is hydrogen or a group R4, R2 and R3 are each independently a group R4, and R4 is [-1,2-C2-C3alkylen-T-]n-H wherein T is O or NH and n is a number from 1 to 3, by a compound having a functional group: wherein R5 to R7 are each C1-C4alkyl. The amount of amine is preferably from 5 to 500 g/m2 of surface of the substrate particle. The amount of the trialkoxysilane compound is preferably from 0.1 to 2 g/m2 of surface of the substrate particle. The process for coating a surface is particularly useful for effect pigments.

Abstract: Coatings are stripped from substrates by means of a stripping composition which comprises at least one low vapor pressure solvent. The stripping compound is applied to a coated surface of the substrate and is allowed to dwell in contact with the coating. The coating and stripping compound are removed, separately or together, and the stripping compound is reused to strip the same or a different substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulation film includes the steps of forming an insulation film on a substrate, and modifying a film quality of the insulation film by exposing the insulation film to atomic state oxygen O* or atomic state hydrogen nitride radicals NH* formed with plasma that uses Kr or Ar as inert gas.

Abstract: Structure-directing agents, such as quaternary ammonium, are removed from silicalite or zeolite crystals by oxidative attack (e.g., using CO2, H2O or NH3) first, by using a combination of ammonia, water and hydrogen peroxide at an elevated temperature; second, by using choline, hydrogen peroxide and a surfactant; third, by using ozonated water; and fourth, by exposing the crystals to an oxygen-containing plasma. Thin porous films of silicalite or zeolite crystals are useful, for example, in forming low dielectric constant insulating layers in semiconductor chip fabrication. In order for the silicalite or zeolite crystals to form a low dielectric constant film, however, the entrained molecules of the structure-directing agent must be removed.

Abstract: A method of increasing the color-stability of an electroluminescent phosphor which comprises the steps of forming the phosphor and then firing the formed phosphor in a vacuum in the presence of a material selected from the group of Eu, Ce, and Sm for a time sufficient to provide said increase in color-stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction vessel used for oxidizing and decomposing equipment suitable for processing with supercritical water, and methods of manufacturing the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel comprises an oxide film containing a platinum group metal oxide, for example having a fine crystalline structure, and a high corrosion resistance in both oxidizing and reducing atmosphere. The film is formed on a surface of the vessel by performing a pyrolysis reaction in an atmosphere containing water vapor. The oxide film is comprised of at least one platinum group metal oxide selected from Ir, Ru or Rh oxide, and a platinum group metal selected from Ti and Ta.

Abstract: A UV curing system includes a light source, which produces UV light and non-useful light (heat energy), a shade member having a lamp-side surface that reflects light and provides thermal insulation to the target substance, and a housing having an internal reflecting surface. The shade member is situated between the light source and the target substance so that all, or most, light from the light source does not directly strike the target substance. The housing is situated on the opposite side of the light source from the barrier and partially encloses the light source.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for surface treatment of at least one electrically conducting substrate or a substrate that has been coated so as to be conducting (1) by means of a gas placed in the region of an electric discharge (2). The discharge region is restricted by at least two essentially opposite sides of the substrate surface to be treated (7). This process is especially suitable for treating band-shaped and continuously supplied substrates.

Abstract: A masking for an engine block to be thermally sprayed with a coating includes a head deck mask portion adapted to engage a head deck of an engine block to prevent over-spray of a thermally sprayed coating on the head deck. The masking also includes a crankcase mask portion adapted to be disposed in a crankcase chamber of the engine block and engage a lower end of a cylinder bore cavity of the engine block to prevent over-spay of the thermally sprayed coating into the crankcase chamber.

Abstract: Pre-treatment tunnel and method of preparing extrusions or section bars for being coated, wherein each workpiece is caused to move along a pre-treatment path and each treatment liquid is poured from above onto each workpiece so as to spread liquid onto the entire external surface of each workpiece with no solution of continuity.

Abstract: A method of depositing nano-particles in a gas stream for efficiently depositing nano-particles by irradiating an electron beam on charged nano-particles in the stream of a first gas species containing the nano-particles, as well as a method of modifying the surface of the nano-particles in a gas stream by mixing them with the first gas species in a gas mixing chamber thereby activating the second gas species, intended for providing a method of depositing nano-particles and a method of modifying the surface thereof in a gas stream, capable of efficiently depositing the nano-particles in a charged state in a gas stream and modifying the surface of the nano-particles which are extremely sensitive to defects and impurities caused by large exposure ratio of surface atoms in a gas stream at a good controllability.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a processing system and related methods that include a chamber, a pedestal disposed in the chamber, a shadow ring and a set of alignment and support tabs which receive and directly align a substrate with a shadow ring, substantially independently of the pedestal. In one aspect of the invention, a shadow ring is provided which includes an upper shielding portion and a lower alignment and support member. The alignment and support member preferably includes one or more alignment and support tabs. A set of lift pins are preferably disposed in the chamber that may align the substrate and shadow ring with the pedestal. At least one pedestal recess may be located in the pedestal to receive the alignment and support tabs when the pedestal is in a raised position and in some instances to align the substrate and shadow ring to the pedestal.

Abstract: A method is taught for preparing a coating hopper prior to initiation of coating a liquid coating composition at a predetermined coating flow rate onto a moving substrate wherein the coating hopper includes at least one internal flow path therethrough. The internal flow path(s) of the coating hopper are drained. The liquid coating composition is introduced into internal flow path(s) at a purge flow rate which may be determined empirically. The internal flow path(s) are filled with the liquid coating composition and with the liquid coating composition then discharging from the internal flow path(s) onto a slide surface of the coating hopper, the liquid coating composition flowing down the slide surface and over a lip of the coating hopper at the purge rate to a drain. The flow of the liquid coating composition through the internal flow path(s) is maintained at the purge rate until air within the internal flow path(s) has been displaced from the coating hopper.

Abstract: An integrated paint quality control (IPQC) system for feedback control of paint process for painting vehicle bodies includes a film thickness sensor system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies. The IPQC system also includes a control system communicating with the film thickness sensor system for receiving information of the paint film thickness and combining the paint film thickness information with paint automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control the paint process.

Abstract: Metallic surfaces are prepared to receive ceramic coatings. An abrasion process of progressively declining intensity removes a portion of the metallic surface. Ceramic coating applied to surfaces so prepared display improved lives at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A substrate to be processed in a high temperature processing chamber is preheated to avoid the problems associated with thermal shock when the substrate is dropped onto a heated susceptor. Preheating is effected by holding the substrate over a susceptor maintained at or near the processing temperature until the temperature of the substrate approaches the processing temperature. Thus, wafer warping and breakage are greatly reduced, and wafer throughput is improved because of time saved in maintaining the susceptor at constant temperature without cool down and reheat periods.

Abstract: This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, adhesive, fountain solution and agricultural compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of a mixture of a non-fluorinated anionic compound and a non-fluorinated weak base cationic compound, the mixture demonstrating a dynamic surface tension (DST) which is less than the DST of the individual anionic and cationic compounds and less than 45 dynes/cm, at a concentration of ≦5 wt % in water at 23° C. and 20 bubbles/second or less than 40 dynes/cm at a concentration of ≦0.03M in water at 23° C. and 0.1 bubbles/second according to the maximum-bubble pressure method.

Abstract: A system, such as a gap drying system, moves a substrate having a substrate tension over a curved plate at a substrate speed such that the substrate floats over at least a region of substantially constant clearance (H0) between the substrate and the curved plate. H0 is controlled without adjusting the substrate speed and without adjusting the substrate tension.

Abstract: In pre-treating a surface of a substrate in a process of forming a narrowed thin film pattern on the surface of the substrate from a solution such as a plating liquid, a mask with an opening corresponding to the thin film pattern to be formed later is formed on the surface of the substrate. Then, by micronizing a pre-treating liquid such as a water, a plating liquid, an acidic liquid ad an alkaline liquid, an atmosphere containing microparticles having diameters smaller than the minimum distance of the opening of the mask is produced. The substrate is positioned into the atmosphere, and the microparticles of the pre-treating liquid are stuck on the surface of the substrate exposing to the lower part of the opening of the mask. In using a water as the pre-treating liquid, the substrate is positioned into an atmosphere containing moisture vapor and the water particles are stuck on the surface of the substrate through their condensation.

Abstract: A method for passing multiple fibers having curable coating thereon through a high intensity curing zone comprises an irradiator having a curing zone; a transparent tube enclosing the curing zone; a plurality of coating dies disposed upstream of the irradiator to coat the fibers; and a plurality of take-up mechanisms disposed downstream of the irradiator to guide the fibers through the curing zone. The coating dies and the take-up mechanisms are rotatably displaced relative to each other about a longitudinal axis through the centerline of the curing zone so that the fibers at an intermediate location between the coating dies and the take-up mechanisms define a cylindrical volume having a diameter less than the diameter of the tube so that the multiple fibers can pass simultaneously through the tube.

Abstract: A multicomponent film on a substrate can be annealed at higher temperatures in oxygen by using a specifically designed annealing vessel. The vessel is formed of a multicomponent material which has at least all of the components of the first multicomponent material of the film or, in the case where there are nonvolatile components, then the vessel is formed of a second multicomponent material which has at least the same composition of relatively volatile components as the first multicomponent film. As the multicomponent film is annealed for a sufficient time within the vessel the multicomponent film remains in contact with a vapor of the first multicomponent material and the vessel material. This process called bomb annealing prevents loss of volatile components from the film and roughening of the film surface and leads to films with lower dielectric loss. Preferred thin film materials are ferroelectric materials although any material could be used.

Abstract: There are provided an oxygen absorbable laminate comprising an internal layer, an oxygen absorbable layer and an external layer, in which at least one surface of the oxygen absorbable laminate is roughened and subjected to a water incorporation treatment; and a production method thereof. The oxygen absorbable laminate can effectively exert oxygen absorbability even when used for dried foods and the like.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned magnetic nanostructure is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a non-magnetic single layer or multi layer film that can be converted into a magnetic state by annealing and/or mixing. The method further includes positioning a mask having a desired pattern and resolution associated with the patterned magnetic nanostructure on or over the film. The method additionally includes subjecting the mask-covered substrate to a beam of radiation (focussed or unfocussed) having sufficient energy to locally anneal and/or mix the non-magnetic or weak-magnetic single-layer or multi layer film. Because of the mask effect, only the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are exposed to the beam of radiation. As such, the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are changed from a non-magnetic to a magnetic state to produce an array of magnetic elements in a non-magnetic matrix. The size of each magnetic element is dependent on the resolution of mask.

Abstract: A substrate processing method and a substrate processing apparatus are provided to remove a processing liquid from a substrate without using an organic solvent. Upon completion of liquid treatment to dip the substrate W in the processing liquid 30, when exposing a substrate W out of a processing liquid 30 for its removal, the liquid 30 is subjected to an electric field to generate an electric current on the liquid surface and also a magnetic field B. With the arrangement of the electric field and the magnetic field, an electromagnetic force F is produced and applied on the liquid 30 in a direction to leave from a surface of the substrate W.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquids onto a rotating surface. In one embodiment the apparatus includes one or more dispense lines, each dispense line having a tube and a tubular fitting connected to a nozzle. In another embodiment the apparatus includes a heat exchanger providing circulation of a heat transfer medium between the annular regions defined by the tubes inside the dispense lines through a fluid channel in communication with the annular regions. A method of heating a dispense line. The method includes the steps of flowing a heating medium through the annular region of one dispense line to another through a fluid channel in communicating with the annular regions.

Abstract: Decrease in sensitivity can be avoided to obtain a stable and highly sensitized photosensitive layer in a process for preparing a photopolymerizing lithographic plate including a coating step and using rubber rollers before and after the coating site. This is achieved by excluding an antioxidant and/or aging retardant from at least the surface of rubber rollers placed before and after the coating site. The photopolymerizing lithographic plate excellent in its sensitivity as compared with the conventional one can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing multiple fibers having curable coating thereon through a high intensity curing zone comprises an irradiator having a curing zone; a transparent tube enclosing the curing zone; a plurality of coating dies disposed upstream of the irradiator to coat the fibers; and a plurality of take-up mechanisms disposed downstream of the irradiator to guide the fibers through the curing zone. The coating dies and the take-up mechanisms are rotatably displaced relative to each other about a longitudinal axis through the centerline of the curing zone so that the fibers at an intermediate location between the coating dies and the take-up mechanisms define a cylindrical volume having a diameter less than the diameter of the tube so that the multiple fibers can pass simultaneously through the tube.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for improving the impregnability of refractory wood species by pretreatment with fungi of the genera Trichoderma o Gliocladium or with weakly wood-degraging fungi. The pretreatment comprises a thermal treatment of the wood, the addition of a nutrient medium as well as an incubation phase to promote fungal growth. The incubation phase is stopped when the desired depth of penetration of the fungus is reached. The wood is subsequently impregnated with a wood impregnating agent. The typical result of the fungal pretreatment is an incarease in the depth of penetration of the impregnating agent to a depth of penetration of 5 mm to 30 mm required depending on the intended use.

Abstract: A vacuum lubricant deposition station coats a lubricant onto the back side of a moving web prior to coating the front side with emulsions. The deposition station has a sidewall creating a chamber containing a heat source along its bottom and an evaporating tray above the heater which holds the lubricant to be vacuum vapor deposited on the web. A water cooled jacket fits about the top of the sidewall and receives the film through a narrow slot between its top and bottom plates to expose the back side of the film to a vapor cloud of lubricant in the chamber. Lubricant from the cloud deposits on the back side of the web. Stray lubricant from the cloud condenses on the bottom plate which receives cooling water through an inlet. The cooling water traverses the length of the bottom plate, enters the top plate through a water loop connecting the top and bottom plates, and exits through the top plate. The vapor cloud condenses on the bottom plate before reaching the front side of the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for transferring processing structures between first and second processing environments. The apparatus includes a first apparatus compartment configured to provide the first processing environment and a second apparatus compartment configured to provide the second processing environment. The apparatus is preferably configured for transferring wafer structures between the processing environments. The first and second processing environments are coupled together through a transfer passage that is opened and closed in order to isolate the wafer in a small transfer volume between the processing environments. Preferably, the transfer passage is opened and closed with first and second movable tables to create the small volume transfer cavity.

Abstract: A method for treating a micro-roughened metal surface to improve bonding between the metal surface and a polymer material. The method involves post-treating the micro-roughened conversion coated metal surface with an aqueous organo-silicon wetting composition after having formed the micro-roughened conversion coated metal surface with an adhesion promotion composition. Suitable organo-silicons include organosilanes, organosiloxanes, organosilizanes and the like. The method can be employed in the circuit board industry to improve bonding between layers in multilayer circuit boards.

Abstract: Described is a process for the homogeneous surface activation of a material in web form, by means of plasma-treatment. The material in web form is selected from metallic materials in web form having a thickness of less than 100 &mgr;m, polymeric materials in web form and combinations thereof. The process involves treating homogeneously at least a portion of the surface of the material in web form, which is moved over at least one pair of rolls, with an atmospheric plasma, optionally in the presence of a process gas and/or a process aerosol. The atmospheric plasma is generated by an indirect plasmatron.

Abstract: A process produces a substantially stable aqueous dispersion of metal or metal oxide particles suitable for use in forming a transparent conductive coating. The process comprises the steps of (a) adding a nanocrystalline material to water, the nanocrystalline material comprising primary particles of metal or metal oxide having a substantially spherical shape and (b) mixing the nanocrystalline material and water to form an aqueous dispersion. The process identified above, prepares a substantially stable aqueous dispersion of nanocrystalline particles, which may be used in forming a transparent conductive coating.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for depositing controlled short intervals of electrostatic charge on a moving web substrate to be coated, including a mathematical model that estimates the charging performance of the apparatus. The model is constructed via benchtop characterization of the apparatus. The model is implemented in coating production via an algorithm comprising a best-fit equation representing the model predictions over a range of relevant input parameter values such as web speed, web capacitance, and desired web voltage. The apparatus includes an electrical charging apparatus, a power supply for powering the charging apparatus, and a controller programmed with the algorithm for automatically setting and controlling the intensity and duration of the output of the power supply to yield the optimal electrostatic potential on the charging apparatus. In operation, run-specific variables including web type and coating speed are also provided as inputs to the controller.

Abstract: A metal shaft is covered with plastic. A metal sleeve is moved relative to the plastic covered shaft. The sleeve and the plastic covered shaft are ultrasoncially vibrated to calibrate the plastic on the shaft.

Abstract: A method of making cookware and bakeware having a stick resistant and mar resistant cook surface comprising the steps of providing a cooking utensil having a cook surface, and cryogenically treating the cooking utensil at one or more selected temperatures comprising −100° F. to −300° F. or lower to harden said cook surface. The cooking utensil may have a bare metal cook surface, or it may be coated with a stick resistant coating such as one of a PTFE, metal nitride or sulfide coating or combinations thereof prior to the cryogenic hardening treatment.