Abstract: In an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, in a state where a potential difference is caused between a gravure roll and a current collector foil conveyed by a back-up roll, a mixed powder is continuously supplied into recessed portions on an outer peripheral surface of the gravure roll such that the mixed powder is moved from the gravure roll to a surface of a current collector foil by an electrostatic force working between the mixed powder supplied into the recessed portions of the gravure roll and the current collector foil. In the gravure roll, a volume of first-end-side recessed portions per unit area in a first-end-side region and a volume of second-end-side recessed portions per unit area in a second-end-side region are made larger than a volume of intermediate recessed portions per unit area in an intermediate region.

Abstract: An installation for impregnating a porous substrate by transfer of powder, including an area for storing the powder, and an endless conveyor capable of being moved, which includes an external surface containing cavities. The external surface of the conveyor delimits an edge of the storage area to fill said cavities with the powder. The installation comprises a positioner for holding the porous substrate in contact with a fraction of the conveyor length, to seal cavities containing the powder. A drive device enabling to move the conveyor and the porous substrate, and means for displacing the powder are arranged opposite said fraction of the conveyor length, to at least partly displace a portion of the powder across the porous substrate.

Abstract: Multiplexed electrospray deposition apparatus capable of delivering picoliter volumes of one or more substances is disclosed. The apparatus may include a unitary planar dispenser etched from a silicon wafer through microfabrication or micromachining technology. The apparatus may be used as a deposition tool for making protein microarrays in a noncontact mode. Upon application of potential difference in the range of 7-9 kV, the substances may be dispensed directly, not through a collimating mask, onto a substrate with microhydrogel features functionalized with an anchoring agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include coating apparatuses and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus can include a motor, a rotating contact member, a fluid applicator, a fluid pump, and a base member. The fluid applicator can include an orifice. The rotating contact member can be configured to rotate around a device to be coated that does not rotate. The rotating contact member can be configured to move along the lengthwise axis of a device to be coated. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device.

Abstract: A process for producing a corrugated electrode for use in an electroactive polymer cartridge is disclosed. A laminated web comprising a support sheet laminated to a dielectric elastomer film is positioned. The support sheet defines areas exposing portions of the dielectric elastomer film. A force is applied to the positioned laminated web to stretch the laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web in a direction that is orthogonal to a plane defined by the web. An electrically conductive material is applied to the laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web while the laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web is in a stretched state. The laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web is relaxed to form the corrugated electrode on the dielectric elastomer film portion of the web.

Abstract: A method for controlling a particle diameter and a particle diameter distribution of emulsion particles during manufacturing of an emulsion dispersion is provided. The method includes causing two or more types of liquids substantially immiscible with each other to continuously and sequentially pass through net bodies. The net bodies are disposed in a cylindrical flow passage at intervals of 5 to 200 mm, and the number of the net bodies is more than 50 and 200 or less. Each of the net bodies is equivalent to a gauze having a mesh number of 35 mesh to 4000 mesh in accordance with an ASTM standard and has a surface that intersects the direction of the flow passage. An emulsification apparatus used for the method includes a feed pump for feeding two or more types of liquids substantially immiscible with each other; and a cylindrical flow passage to which the two or more types of liquids fed by the feed pump are delivered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous powder coating of a non-conductive profile produced in a continuous forming process, such as pultrusion or extrusion, such that the profile is powder coated while on the profile forming machine and before the subject segment of the continuous profile is severed from the continuous profile on the forming machine (i.e. in-line).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of applying particles to a coated backing. A first layer of particles is created over a second layer of particles on a support surface and the first layer of particles is different in at least one property from the second layer of particles. A coated backing is positioned above the first and second layer of particles. An electrostatic field is applied simultaneously to the first and second layer of particles such that the first layer of particles closer to the coated backing are preferentially attracted to the coated backing first before the second layer of particles.

Abstract: Biocompatible coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for coating an object with a biocompatible coating wherein the device is suspended using a flowing gas during the coating process. Embodiments of the invention provide tropoelastin coatings and methods of creating tropoelastin coatings for implantable medical devices. Optionally, the biocompatible coating can be a drug eluting coating.

Abstract: A nanofiber manufacturing system in which nanofiber is formed from a raw material liquid by electrostatic explosions in a nanofiber forming space and the formed nanofiber is collected and deposited on a main surface of a base sheet. The system includes: a first dielectric belt having dielectric property; sheet conveying devices for conveying the base sheet in the nanofiber forming space; a sheet contacting device for putting a back surface of the base sheet and a first surface of the first dielectric belt into contact with each other; a dielectric belt driving device for running the first dielectric belt in a conveyance direction of the base sheet within the nanofiber forming space while the first surface is kept in contact with the back surface of the base sheet; and a voltage applying device for applying a voltage to the second surface of the first dielectric belt so that dielectric polarization occurs to the first dielectric belt.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot filter is applied as a thin coating on a film, for example, a packaging film, and permits interesting color effects. The coating has a layered construction in which both reflecting layers of the filter may be made of aluminum and the intermediate layer between the reflecting layers may be made of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing electrodes using an electrostatic deposition unit. In the first step of the process a mixture of magnetic carrier beads and a conductive powder is prepared in the sump of the deposition unit; the mixture forms a magnetic brush on the sleeve of the deposition unit. In the second step of the process, the substrate is positioned away from the magnetic brush to form an air gap. In the third step of the process, a voltage is applied between the substrate and the sleeve of the deposition unit in order to produce a large asymmetry between the magnetic brush and said substrate such that the electric field at the magnetic brush is at least 3.0 times as great as the electric field at the substrate. In the fourth step of the process, conductive powder is deposited onto the substrate.

Abstract: A lubricant dispensing system is provided. The dispensing system includes a lubricant supply, a lubricant dispensing nozzle and a control panel. The dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body with a fluid passageway therein which is in fluid communication with the lubricant supply, an electrode assembly for electrostatically charging lubricant in the fluid passageway and at least one discharge orifice through which electrostatically charged lubricant can be discharged. The discharge orifice is defined by at least one spray needle having a first end in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and a second end that extends outward of the nozzle body. The control panel directs the flow of lubricant from the lubricant supply to the lubricant dispensing nozzle and controls the electric power supplied to the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A coater for coating an electric insulating sheet with coating liquid while sustaining an identical charging polarity of the insulating sheet and the coating liquid in a process for coating one surface of a traveling electric insulating sheet with coating liquid, and a method for producing a coated electric insulating sheet. In order to sustain an identical charging polarity of the insulating sheet and the coating liquid, the coater comprises any one or both of a sheet charger for imparting electrostatic charges to one surface of the electric insulating sheet and a coating liquid charger for imparting electrostatic charges to the coating liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate having at least one décor layer or overlay being applied to at least one surface of the substrate, wherein hard particles are distributed over the décor layer or overlay for improving the abrasion resistance of the décor layer or overlay, wherein the hard particles have a coating containing a silane, preferably an aminosilane, providing a chargeable or electrically conductive surface for the coated particles.

Abstract: Provided are a multi-functional hybrid fiber, a composite material with the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The multi-functional hybrid fiber includes a carbon fiber having a bundle of a plurality of continuous fibers, the continuous fiber having an external diameter of 5 ?m to 10 ?m, a nano particle attached to an outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electrophoretic deposition method, and a metal attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electroplating method. The nano particle and metal are mixed and attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by the simultaneous electrophoretic deposition and electroplating methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel electric powder impregnation process for impregnating powder into a fibrous, filamentary and/or porous network, especially in order to produce a composite, comprising a continuous, rigid or flexible, matrix with which said network is in intimate contact, in which process the powder on the one hand and said network on the other are placed between a lower electrode and an upper electrode, these electrodes are electrically insulated from each other by a dielectric and connected to the respective poles of an AC generator so as to simultaneously subject the powder and said network to an electric field, characterized in that the upper electrode comprises at least one electrode tube and the AC electric field applied is from 0.10 to 20 kV/mm.

Abstract: A hose of impermeability has a wall corrugated along at least a part of its length, and formed by an inner thin resin layer, a laminated layer including a metal film, or a layer formed by a metal film, and an outer thin resin layer. It has a very high fluid impermeability owing to its wall layer including or formed by a metal film, and is also very flexible, capable of absorbing vibration, light in weight and strong. A tubular inner thin resin layer is formed by extrusion as the innermost layer of a multi-layered hose wall, and a laminated tape including a metal film, or simply a metal film is spirally wound or longitudinally lapped about the inner resin layer. An outer thin resin layer is formed about a layer formed by the laminated tape, or metal film, and the whole is at least partly corrugated. Alternatively, corrugation is done before an outer thin resin layer is formed by electrostatic powder coating.

Abstract: Processes for making fibrous structures wherein the process includes the step of contacting a fibrous structure with a solid additive such that the solid additive is present on a surface of the fibrous structure at a greater level than within the fibrous structure a solid additive are provided.

Abstract: A film is formed on a planar surface by applying a granular layer on the planar surface by using electrostatic forces, and then finishing the granular layer to form the film. A converting line may be rebuilt to have devices employing this method. A multilayer sheet-like product comprising a film layer may be produced.

Abstract: A powdery layer is formed on a first side of a web (W) which serves as a substrate by applying electrically charged particles on the web while a rotating grounding electrode is located at a second side of the web.

Abstract: A method for preliminary treatment of particles of a powder in a dry surface treatment process before applying the powder particles on a surface of a substrate by utilizing an electric field created by electrodes. The Electrodes are located at opposite sides of the substrate in such a way that at least one first electrode is located at the side of the substrate to be coated, and at least one second electrode is located at the opposites side of the substrate. The particles of the powder are pre-charged before bringing them into the electric field.

Abstract: A process for producing products in web form comprising at least two layers, in which a composition emerging from an applicator is applied as a layer to a substrate in web form which is guided on a transport means, said application taking place with application of electrostatic charges, and the substrate coated with the composition is electrostatically neutralized before departing the applicator.

Abstract: A process for producing products in web form comprising at least two layers, in which a composition emerging from an applicator is applied as a layer to a substrate in web form which is guided on a transport means, the application taking place with application of electrostatic charges, and in which the substrate coated with the composition is electrostatically neutralized before departing the applicator, the transport means being provided with an electrically insulating coating.

Abstract: A continuous web having a first surface and a second surface is coated with a coating powder by allowing the web to move between a first and a second electrode, which are in different potentials and are located on the opposite sides of the web, applying the coating powder on the surface of the web by utilizing the difference in the electric potential, and finishing the coated surface of the web. Both surfaces of the web are coated essentially simultaneously by using oppositely charged electrodes.

Abstract: A liquid coating is formed on a substrate by electrostatically spraying drops of the liquid onto a liquid-wetted conductive transfer surface and transferring a portion of the thus-applied liquid from the transfer surface to the substrate. Optionally, one or more nip rolls force the substrate against the transfer surface, thereby decreasing the time required for the drops to spread and coalesce into the coating. Preferably, the coating is passed through an improvement station comprising two or more pick-and-place devices that improve the uniformity of the coating. The coating can be transferred from the conductive transfer surface to a second transfer surface and thence to the substrate. Insulative substrates such as plastic films can be coated without requiring substrate pre-charging or post-coating neutralization. Porous substrates such as woven and nonwoven webs can be coated without substantial penetration of the coating into or through the substrate pores.

Abstract: A single or multi-component particulate tape and a method and apparatus for making the single or multi-component particulate tape. More particularly, the present invention relates to a single or multi-component particulate tape and method for making a single or multi-component particulate tape using the process of electrophoretic deposition. These tapes and tapes produced using these methods can be used to make single or multi-layer electronic devices such as capacitors, varistors, inductors, and the like, as well as structural laminate components. The method comprises casting a tape by electrophoretic deposition and also or alternatively depositing additional functional materials on or into the cast tape by electrophoresis.

Abstract: A floating substrate reactor allows heat treatment of a series of semiconductor substrates, one by one. The heat treatment occurs while flowing gas suspends a substrate between two heated surfaces of the reactor. The two heated surfaces each have multiple heating zones. The heating zones are heated to desired temperature(s) and a substrate is then loaded into the reactor for heat treatment. Upon loading, the relatively cold substrate absorbs heat and cools the process chamber. A heat spike, which can be varied, is applied to the heating zones to heat the reactor to the desired temperature again. The substrate, however, is unloaded from the reactor before the temperatures of the heating zones have reached the desired temperature. After the heating zones have reached the desired temperature, the next substrate in the series of substrates is loaded into the reactor for heat treatment.

Abstract: A process of retaining fine adsorbent particles such as carbon material or APS silica gel in the micro-cavities of a shaped fiber comprises the steps of continuously conveying a shaped fiber with micro-cavities to a charging arrangement where the fiber is electrostatically charged. The electrostatically charged fiber is then drawn through a reservoir of the fine adsorbent particles. As the fiber passes through the reservoir the fine particles adhere to the fiber and the micro-cavities thereof. Any excess particles are removed from the fiber outside the reservoir. Subsequently the shaped fiber loaded with fine adsorbent particles is collected for use in filter applications of one type or another such as cigarette filters, for example.

Abstract: A process for producing products in web form comprising at least two layers, in which a composition emerging from an applicator is applied as a layer to a substrate in web form which is guided on a transport means, said application taking place with application of electrostatic charges, and in which the substrate coated with the composition is electrostatically neutralized before departing the transport means, electrostatic charges being applied to the web-formed substrate prior to coating, by means of a substrate electrode, so that the substrate is pressed onto the transport means.

Abstract: The use of electrostatic impregnation to load materials such as binders and flavors onto substrates such as fibers and medical devices is disclosed. Substrates loaded with materials such as binders and flavors, wherein the materials are loaded on the substrates via electrostatic impregnation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of coating a substrate which is a belt, sheet, film, or tape, comprising applying an active coating material to the substrate to form an active coating layer, the active coating material comprising biologically active material. The active coating material is applied electrostatically as a powder and, after the active coating material is applied, the active coating material is fused to form an active film layer. The active coating material is removable from the substrate as a wafer comprising the active film layer.

Abstract: Methods for coating the interior surface of tubular structures having high aspect ratios and tubular structures produced by such methods. The interior surface of the tubular structure is coated by inducing a magnetic field having a given magnitude around a circumference along a length of the tubular structure, applying a bias at a given voltage to the tubular structure, and exposing the interior surface to a precursor material to deposit the precursor material onto the interior surface of the tubular structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impregnation method for producing in particular a composite material comprising a fiber or filament array and a continuous matrix, rigid or flexible, with which said array is in close contact. The method is characterized in that said matrix is incorporated in said array in powder form before being transformed to constitute the continuous matrix. It consists in placing the powder and said fiber or filament in an electrostatic field with an alternating current voltage of at least 20 kV for at least 5 s.

Abstract: A method to obtain and keep, at the time of actual coating, a uniform charge distribution on a web that is to be subsequently coated in order to establish stable high-speed coating provides a higher resistivity in a web edge area than that in a web central area by applying a subbing layer to the web central area while leaving the edge area free of the subbing layer.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus including a housing with an interior coating area for receiving a workpiece. The interior coating area includes a vortex inducing surface and a pressurized air input device directs air against the surface to form a swirling pattern of air around the workpiece. A powder introducer directs charged powder into the swirling pattern of air and the powder is then electrostatically attracted to the workpiece. The powder introducer may be a powder fluidizing bed disposed in the housing or other suppliers, such as electrostatic powder spray guns. In alternative embodiments, vortex generators in the form of tubular structures connected proximate the housing inlet and outlet have tangential ports for introducing positive pressure air or inducing vacuum in the tubular structures.

Abstract: A liquid coating is formed by spraying drops of liquid onto a substrate or a transfer surface from an electrostatic spray head that produces a mist of drops and a wet coating in response to an electrostatic field. During spraying, the electrostatic field is repeatedly altered to change the pattern deposited by the drops. The wet coating can be contacted with two or more pick-and-place devices that improve the uniformity of the coating.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant coated strap is formed from an elongated metal strap base element having a width and a thickness and defining first and second sides and a pair of edge regions. A coating is sprayed and cured onto the base element. The coating has a substantially consistent thickness at the first and second sides and at about the edge regions. A method for making the coated strap includes providing a metal strap and conveying the strap through a coating apparatus. A powder is electrostatically applied on the first side of the strap, which covers the first side and the opposing edges. The powder is applied on the second side of the strap, covering the second side and the opposing edges. The powder is melted to form a flowable material and is cured on the strap. The coating method is carried out in an in-line strap manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for distribution of hard particles to the surface of a paper web (20) impregnated with resin. The apparatus includes a feed hopper (3), a rotating doctor-roll (2) placed under the feed hopper (3). The doctor-roll (2) is in spaced relation to said paper web (20) fed under the doctor-roll (2). There is a means for releasing the particles from the doctor-roll (2) and distributing them evenly on the fed paper web. Said means comprises an electrode arrangement (4). The electrode arrangement (4) is enclosed by a casing (5) provided with a downwards direction sliding plate (7). The invention also includes a process where the apparatus is used as well as particle coated paper produced by the process.

Abstract: The use of a solid state waveform generator together with a suitable non-inverting amplifier provides a very versatile system for depositing particles on a substrate by an upward deposition, or “UP”, technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for improving the coating surface of a coating mass deposited on or applied to a paper web (8, 23) by a film press. An anionic aqueous coating mass or an anionic paper web are provided with an opposite electric charge by an electric charger, whereby the applied coating is attracted to the oppositely charged paper (8, 23) in a nip exit area of the film press. The electric charger is, for example, a corona generator (13, 17) or a direct current voltage source (9) that is connected to the paper (8, 23) and coating slip by electrodes (5, 5a, 7, 7a).

Abstract: A method for application of a fluid on a substrate formed as a film or web or laminate in which the substrate is located between two spaced apart electrodes for generating an electrostatic field. An electrostatic field is generated on each side of substrate and a fluid is introduced as droplets for application to the substrate into the electrostatic field on at least one side of the substrate, forming electrostatically charged droplets. The electrostatically charged droplets are directed based upon a predetermined pattern onto the at least one side of the substrate. In accordance with one embodiment, the electrode on the side opposite to the side on which the droplets are introduced is used to cause the droplets to migrate into the interior of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for applying a matting layer to a radiation-sensitive layer of a printing plate precursor is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) providing a matting composition comprising a polymer and a solvent, wherein the matting composition has a solid content of more than 10% and no more than 50% by weight based on the total composition; and (b) spraying the matting composition on the radiation-sensitive layer using an electrostatically aided rotary atomizer having a bell speed of more than 10,000 rpm, wherein the distance between the bell and the radiation-sensitive layer to be coated is less than 30 cm. The printing plate precursor may be in the form of a moving web. The method of the present invention can be used for matting any kind of radiation-sensitive layer of conventional positive and negative working lithographic printing plate precursors.

Abstract: Application device for a paper machine, a paper machine, a nozzle dampener, and a process for improving the surface of offset paper. The application device includes a plurality of nozzles distributed across a machine width as at least one row of nozzles, such that the plurality of nozzles are oriented to spray a passing paper web. The at least one row of nozzles is adapted for an alternative selective throughput of water and binding agent. The paper machine includes the application device. The nozzle dampener includes a plurality of nozzles distributed across a machine width as at least one row of nozzles, such that the plurality of nozzles are oriented to spray a passing paper web. The at least one row of nozzles are adapted to improve paper properties of offset paper by applying a binding agent onto the passing paper web.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus including a housing with an interior coating area for receiving a workpiece. The interior coating area includes a vortex inducing surface and a pressurized air input device directs air against the surface to form a swirling pattern of air around the workpiece. A powder introducer directs charged powder into the swirling pattern of air and the powder is then electrostatically attracted to the workpiece. The powder introducer may be a powder fluidizing bed disposed in the housing or other suppliers, such as electrostatic powder spray guns. In alternative embodiments, vortex generators in the form of tubular structures connected proximate the housing inlet and outlet have tangential ports for introducing positive pressure air or inducing vacuum in the tubular structures.

Abstract: A method for applying a matting layer to a radiation-sensitive layer of a printing plate precursor comprises: (a) providing a matting composition comprising a polymer and a solvent, wherein the matting composition has a solid content of more than 10% and no more than 50% by weight based on the total composition; and (b) spraying the matting composition on the radiation-sensitive layer using an electrostatically aided rotary atomizer having a bell speed of more than 10,000 rpm, wherein the distance between the bell and the radiation-sensitive layer to be coated is less than 50 cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for directly or indirectly applying a liquid or pasty application medium (2) onto one or both sides of a continuous surface (4), wherein the application medium (2) is applied to the surface (4) in a plurality of single application regions by means of a plurality of single application nozzles (12) spaced apart from one another side by side and/or in succession in the direction of width (B) and/or longitudinal direction of the surface (4) and clearly distanced (D) from the surface (4), the application medium (2) emerging from each of these nozzles, wherein adjacent single application regions each intersect (U) at least in part in their respective edge regions, causing a layer of application medium to be produced across substantially the entire width (B) of the surface (4) to be coated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method.

Abstract: Floating wafer provided with heating elements which, by means of a controller, keep the walls of the floating wafer reactor at the desired temperature. By means of the sensors arranged in the walls, this temperate is kept substantially constant. To compensate for the temperature drop occurring during the entering of a wafer, which is caused by the absorption of warmth by the comparatively cold wafer, and to limit temperature variation in the processing area as much as possible, it is proposed to immediately supply an amount of energy to the heating elements, independently of the reaction of the sensors, during entering of the wafer.

Abstract: An electrode wire for a hybrid scavengeless developer unit is electrostatically coated with a conductive coating comprised of a crosslinked polymer and a conductive material. The wire is coated by first electrostatically coating the wire with a coating composition including a crosslinkable polymer and a conductive material. Following electrostatic application of the coating, the coated wire is initially heated to a temperature above the melt temperature of the crosslinkable polymer and below the crosslinking temperature of the polymer for a time sufficient to permit the at least one polymer to flow out over the surface of the wire, and then further heated by increasing the temperature of heating above the crosslinking temperature of the polymer for a time sufficient to crosslink the polymer.

Abstract: A method of attaching a substantially uniform distribution of particulates to individual exposed surfaces of a matrix of fibrous material. The method includes the following steps: 1) electrically charging a matrix of fibrous material having individual exposed surfaces to create a substantially uniform distribution of charged sites at the exposed surfaces; 2) applying particulates to the charged matrix of fibrous material so that at least some particulates adhere at the charged sites; and 3) attaching particulates adhering to the fibrous material at charged sites by substantially non-transient bonding.