Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a coating film, which comprises ejecting a curable coating composition from a spray gun, spray-coating the ejected composition while applying thereto an active energy beam, and heat-curing the resulting coating film, wherein the curable coating composition contains an epoxy group-containing resin (A) and a photo-induced cationic polymerization initiator (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a thin fluorosilicone elastomer coating as a cost effective solution to the oil weepage problem while retaining the sealing advantages of silicone rubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical component. In this method, a substrate, for example of glass, is successively provided with an orientation layer and an optically anisotropic layer of a material containing monomers which are provided with at least one covalently bonded reactive group, whereafter the optically anisotropic layer is polymerized. In accordance with the present invention, the applied orientation layer also comprises covalently bonded reactive groups. As a result, a good adhesion between the optically anisotropic layer and the orientation layer of the substrate is achieved. This has a favorable effect on the optical quality of the component. For the reactive groups use is preferably made of (meth)acrylate compounds which are polymerized by exposing them to radiation. Good results are achieved if for the orientation layer use is predominantly made of polyimide with covalently bonded reactive groups.

Abstract: A hydrophilic coating on a polymeric substrate is prepared by subjecting at least one hydrophilic vinyl monomer to radiation-induced graft polymerization on an activated substrate surface.

Abstract: An biologically compatible coating, enables an apparatus to which it is applied to resist to cell adhesion and/or protein adsorption. The coating comprises a polyacrylamide network grafted to a surface of the apparatus at polymerization sites on that surface and a poly(ethylene glycol) network interpenetrating the polyacrylamide network, and is prepared by sequentially polymerizing the polyacrylamide and poly(ethylene glycol) layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from photosensitive formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor that have been selectively exposed to UV light, laser light, or electron beams. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These formulations can be used to manufacture multichip modules on typical multichip module substrates, such as alumina, fiberglass epoxy, silicon and polyimide. The formulations and methods of the invention enable the formation of passive electronic circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors in multichip modules or printed wiring boards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing a photoresist that is deposited in liquid form and spun on a surface of a wafer leaving a thin film to be cured. This invention teaches methods for curing the resist with improved thickness control using front side heating.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process and a system for transforming a liquid into a solid material using light energy. In particular, a solution containing a parent material in a liquid form is atomized in a reaction vessel and directed towards a substrate. The atomized liquid is exposed to light energy which causes the parent material to form a solid coating on a substrate. The light energy can be provided from one or more lamps and preferably includes ultraviolet light. Although the process of the present invention is well suited for use in many different and various applications, one exemplary application is in depositing a dielectric material on a substrate to be used in the manufacture of integrated circuit chips.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a curable composition which comprises a) a N-substituted 4-(o-nitrophenyl)dihydropyridine which constitutes a base-generating substance that is caused to generate a base by the action of ultraviolet light, and (b) a silicone polymer (R.sub.2 SiO.sub.2/2)(RSiO.sub.3/2) containing silicon-hydrogen bonds (Si--H) which are capable of reacting with hydroxy groups to form silicon-oxygen bonds (Si--O) and hydrogen molecules (H.sub.2) under the effect of the base. This composition is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light. Patterns are formed by placing a mask between a coating film of the composition and the ultraviolet light source during the irradiation with ultraviolet light, and then dissolving and removing the uncured portions of the composition following said irradiation.

Abstract: Conventionally produced edible tubular casing is improved in its mechanical properties by being exposed to ultraviolet spectra in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm. The so treated casing is humidified, collapsed and wound onto a reel. The reel of tubular casing may be transported to a point of use where it is unwound, inflated, shipped and cut into lengths as desired.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powder coatings curable by exposure to radiation, typically ultraviolet radiation. Powder coatings based upon cationically catalyzed resins (typically epoxy resins) are described including bisphenols, bisphenols modified by novolac, as well as aliphatic type epoxides including hydrogenated bisphenol-A, glycidyl methacrylic, glycidyl acrylics or related compounds, and vinyl ethers including mixtures of the foregoing compounds. Photoinitiators of sulfonium type, ferrocinium type, iodonium type, triphenolic types and related compounds are also included. Opacifiers, flow agents and plasticizers are also included. Charge additives for improved electrostatic deposition of the power coating are also described. Degassing agents are also typically included in the formulation, both for degassing the powder coating during cure, and to assist in degassing those substrates (such as wood) which tend to form bubbles during cure. Flow agents are also typically included in the formulation.

Abstract: A thin-film forming method comprising an uncured-layer forming step in which a mixed composition containing an organic polymerizing agent curable composition and a silicone polymerizing curable composition is prepared to form an uncured layer consisting of this mixed composition on a resin substrate; a solvent removing step in which the solvent in the uncured layer is removed; a first polymerization curing step in which the organic polymerizing curable composition in the uncured layer is polymerized; and a second polymerization curing step in which the silicone polymerizing curable composition in the uncured layer is polymerized. The thin-film forming method can comprise formation of the uncured layer on a resin substrate through the intermediation of a primer layer or formation of an uncured underlayer and uncured top layer followed by separate underlayer polymerization and top layer polymerization curing steps.

Abstract: Plastic lenses are provided wherein a tinting agent is provided within the coating to impart color to the lens. Methods are provided whereby such coatings can be applied to plastic lenses using radiation or thermal curing techniques with a plastic coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a thin fluorosilicone elastomer coating as a cost effective solution to the oil weepage problem while retaining the sealing advantages of silicone rubber.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a pigmented coating on a poorly prepared, old metal surface that cures in less than one minute by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from a xenon lamp and emits extremely low levels of volatile organic compounds so that application can be done safely in a confined space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating and curing fiberglass sleeving with an ultraviolet light curable acrylic includes the steps of singeing the fiberglass sleeve at a singeing station and thereafter, cooling the sleeve. The fiberglass sleeve is then coated with an ultraviolet light curable acrylic resin. Thereafter, the coated fiberglass sleeve is cured by passing it through a curing station wherein the sleeve is subjected to ultraviolet light radiation about its entire circumference. The process is speed adjustable and further, the intensity of the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source may be varied so that the system is tuned to cure fiberglass sleeves of any diameter up to approximately 1.00 inch.

Abstract: A process for coating a front surface of a cathode ray, the process being characterized by using a ultraviolet ray setting plastic material as a coating material. According to the process, a preformed cathode ray tube bulb having a front surface is maintained with the front surface directed upwards and a transparent, fluidized or molten plastic material of ultraviolet setting property is discharged to the front surface of the bulb through a plurality of thin nozzles arranged in at least one row or one or more nozzles each having an elongated nozzle opening. In this instance, it is preferable that the molten plastic material discharged from the nozzles is received by a film forming surface which is arranged adjacent to the nozzles to form a thin plastic film before it reaches the front surface of the bulb. Preferably, the film forming surface is provided by a sheet of a material, such as a silicon rubber, which is not wettable to the plastic material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a color filter comprising a base equipped with light-transmitting areas, and an ink-receiving layer provided on the base and equipped with colored light-transmitting areas on the light-transmitting areas of the base, wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises a homopolymer of a monomer having a structural unit represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 denotes hydrogen or a methyl group, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are, independently of each other, hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or its copolymer with one or more other vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Provided is a color filter which comprises a substrate and a resin layer on the substrate, the resin layer containing a plurality of colored portions of different colors and non-colored portions.

Abstract: This is a system and method of in-situ coating, baking and curing of dielectric material. The system may include: dispensing apparatus for dispensing spin-on material; a lamp module 50; a window 54 connected to the lamp module 50; an environmental control chamber 56 connected to the window 54; an access gate 60 for wafers 58 in the environmental control chamber 56; a spin chuck 62 inside the environmental control chamber 56; and an exhaust pipe 64 connected to the environmental control chamber 56. The lamp module 50 may contains infra red and ultra violet lamps. In addition, the coating chamber may process dielectric material such as spin-on glass, silicon dioxide and various other spin-on material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to confer antiscratch and antiabrasion properties onto a shaped article based on thermoplastic acrylic polymers by coating the article with a composition comprisinga) 40-98.5% by weight of a methacrylic or acrylic monomer and/or an oligomer of the methacrylic or acrylic monomer, the monomer or oligomer having at least two polymerizable double bonds;b) 1-20% by weight of a polar methacrylic or acrylic monomer and/or oligomers of the polar monomer;c) 0.5-10% by weight of a UV photoinitiator;and optionally containing silica, UV stabilizers and non ionic surfactants; by polymerizing and crosslinking in situ said composition by UV light, at temperatures of 20.degree.-65.degree. C.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a vibrational enhancement to the recoating process in stereolithography are disclosed. The formation of a thin layer of building material over a previous layer of structure of a partially completed three-dimensional object, in preparation for formation of an additional layer of structure, is enhanced by the use of vibrational energy imparted to the building medium. In a first preferred apparatus, vibration is induced into the surface of the material by a plurality of vibrating needles that penetrate below the working surface to a sufficient depth to ensure adequate coupling but not deep enough to come into contact with the surface of the partially completed part. In a second preferred apparatus, vibration is coupled directly to the object support. The vibrational energy is then transmitted through the part to the surface of the building material.

Abstract: Cathodic electrocoat compositions containing self-crosslinking polymers are described. The polymers of the invention are formed from an epoxide-functional prepolymer having polyepoxide and extender segments. Each extender segment has at least one pendant hydroxyalkyl carbamate group. The prepolymer is reacted with an amine compound having at least one blocked primary amine group and at least one epoxide-reactive group. The primary amine group is unblocked and the resultant polymer is dispersed in water with the aid of a neutralizing acid.

Abstract: A tube-shaped film, made of fluorine resin, has a fold-free, smooth, and uniform inner peripheral surface formed thereon by a surface treatment. An apparatus for treating the inner peripheral surface of the tube-shaped film includes a holding device for holding the tube-shaped film on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical body with a cylindrical configuration of the tube-shaped film maintained. A treatment device is inserted into the cylindrical body to treat the inner peripheral surface of the tube-shaped film held on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. The holding device and the treatment device make a uniform linear motion relative to each other and a uniform rotary motion relative to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for adhering resin to the exterior of the bottles includes a coating section, a flash-off section, and a curing section. In the coating section, the bottles are dipped in a solution of resin and solvent. Only the exterior of the bottles is coated. The bottles are fed from the coating section to the flash-off section where they will be conveyed along a zig-zag path. In the flash-off section, air will pass over the bottles in order to remove solvent from their exterior. The bottles are then fed to the curing section where they pass in front of a plurality of ultraviolet lights. The ultraviolet lights will cure the resin on the exterior of the bottles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method produces an integral three-dimensional object from a multiplicity of cross sectional portions of the object by selectively exposing successive layers of a liquid photoformable composition to actinic radiation. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing the composition so as to present a free surface, and a movable platform disposed within the vessel below the free surface. Part of the composition is transferred above the free surface by lowering and raising a dispenser at predetermined positions located away from the platform. A doctor blade contacts the composition transferred above the free surface, and then moves over the platform to form a substantially uniform layer of the composition.

Abstract: A method of making a water absorptive article comprising, a fibrous substrate impregnated with a water absorptive, water insoluble polymer, wherein the polymer is intertwined and interlocked with fibers of the fibrous substrate, and the article has high water absorbing capacity.

Abstract: A method for grafting maleic anhydride groups to the surface of polyolefins s described. The method uses an excited inert gas phase species in contact with the polyolefin and solid maleic anhydride. The surface functionality is identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The modified polyolefin has an increased ability to form a thermal bond with metals, including aluminum.

Abstract: An optical molding process for obtaining a three-dimensional resin model by scanning a surface of a photocurable resin liquid held in a photocurable resin liquid tank by a light beam to cure the same and successively building up the scanned and cured layers on an elevator. When the molding of one constant-height section layer is ended and the elevator is made to descend, the overflow of the photocurable resin liquid from the photocurable resin liquid tank to an overflow tank is temporarily blocked and then after the blocking of the overflow is lifted, the next constant-height section layer is molded.

Abstract: An improved method for stereolithographically making an object by alternating the order in which similar sets of vectors are exposed over two or more layers. In another method, a pattern of tightly packed hexagonal tiles are drawn. Each tile is isolated from its neighboring tiles by specifying breaks of unexposed material between the tiles. Using an interrupted scan method, vectors are drawn with periodic breaks along their lengths. In another method, modulator and scanning techniques are used to reduce exposure problems associated with the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning system when jumping between vectors or changing scanning directions.

Abstract: A novel method of applying paints and other coatings is disclosed which can be carried out by forcibly inserting a cloud of coating particles carried by at least one inert gas into a laser beam attenuated by defocusing. At least one of the inert gases serves as a shield against combustion and can be directed downwardly in addition to a sideway spreading and spraying action. The pressure of the inert gas pushes the particles down onto the substrate. As soon as the particles are energized by the laser beam, they melt and begin to flow while at that exact instant, the coating particles come into contact with the substrate to avoid any possible dissipation of the laser energy. The coating material compositions can be altered by increasing the melting time of the particles even though a short melting time is preferred for achieving a fast coating process.

Abstract: This invention is in the general field of surgical instruments and, in particular, catheters. Specifically, it relates to procedures for coating the interior surfaces of surgical devices with a cross-linkable lubricious polymer, preferably one which is hydrophilic. These catheters may be variously used in cardiovascular and endovascular procedures to deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, or vaso-occlusive agents or devices to a target site within a human or animal body and to catheters used to guide other catheters to a particular site in that body. The interior of the catheters are coated using the noted procedure in such a way that the interior is exceptionally slippery and very durable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making high resolution objects by stereolithography utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to form unsupported structures of desired thinness and/or their inability to form coatings of desired thinness. Data manipulation techniques, based on layer comparisons, are used to control exposure in order to delay solidification of the material on at least portions of at least some cross-sections until higher layers of material are deposited so as to allow down-facing features of the object to be located at a depth in the building material which is equal to or exceeds a minimum cure depth that can effectively be used for solidifying these features. Similar data manipulations are used to ensure minimum reliable coating thicknesses exist, above previously solidified material, before attempting solidification of a next layer. In addition, horizontal comparison techniques are used to provide enhanced cross-sectional data for use in forming the object.

Abstract: An effective non-specular reflector, for use in a Liquid Crystal Display, is formed by first coating a substrate with a two component solution. One component hardens when heated or when exposed to ultraviolet light (optionally through a mask) while the other component remains liquid. The result is a solid layer in which are dispersed multiple liquid regions, some of which break the surface where they are easily removed, leaving behind a roughened surface. Once a high reflectance metal has been deposited onto this surface it becomes an effective nonspecular reflector. Examples of materials for use as the two components are given.

Abstract: A method of supporting an object made by stereolithography or another rapid prototype production method, in which a support is provided with at least one supporting structure which is airier than a supporting structure made of solid standing walls, including those made with notches at the top and/or at the bottom. The supporting structure can be made airy by using walls of which at least a number are provided with openings over a major part of their surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a simplified method for coating a substrate with photocatalytic semiconductor by mixing photocatalytic semiconductor powder with water to form a mixture, reducing said pH of the mixture to below about 4, emulsifying the mixture, coating the substrate therewith, and illuminating the coated substrate with ultra-violet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first waveguide having a first surface having a first hole through which a fiber passes, and a second surface having a second hole through which an object passes and opposing the first surface, a magic tee connected to the first waveguide, and an adjustable short plunger connected to the magic tee.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an object using stereography is disclosed. The apparatus has a bath of liquid material in a container, the bath having a free surface. A support in the container supports and positions the object relative to the surface. A means for applying electromagnetic radiation solidifies a layer having solidified sections of the material. A wiper extends across the surface in a first direction. The wiper is at least partly formed of a flexible material and has a substantially horizontal lower edge, and it is positioned below the free surface of the bath in a working position. Displacement means displaces the wiper in the working position in a second direction substantially transversely to the first direction to move a portion of the liquid material in the bath. The lower edge of the wiper is flexibly yielding so as to apply a thin film of liquid material on a surface of the solidified layer and liquid material between solidified sections when displacing the wiper in the second direction.

Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A thin-film forming method comprising an uncured-layer forming step in which a mixed composition containing an organic polymerizing agent curable composition and a silicone polymerizing curable composition is prepared to form an uncured layer consisting of this mixed composition on a resin substrate; a solvent removing step in which the solvent in the uncured layer is removed; a first polymerization curing step in which the organic polymerizing curable composition in the uncured layer is polymerized; and a second polymerization curing step in which the silicone polymerizing curable composition in the uncured layer is polymerized. The thin-film forming method can comprise formation of the uncured layer on a resin substrate through the intermediation of a primer layer or formation of an uncured underlayer and uncured top layer followed by separate underlayer polymerization and top layer polymerization curing steps.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminas, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a color filter which comprises arranging colorants on a substrate by using inks capable of curing by the application of energy, said method comprising (1) a step of imparting, to the substrate, the inks capable of curing by the application of energy to form colored portions, (2) a step of applying the energy to the substrate to partially cure the colored portions, (3) a step of forming an energy-curable resin layer on the partially cured colored portions, and (4) a step of curing the partially cured colored portions and the resin layer by the application of the energy.

Abstract: Process for coating flexible belt seams including providing a flexible belt having an outwardly facing surface and a welded seam, forming a smooth liquid coating comprising a hardenable film forming polymer on the welded seam, the coating being substantially free of fugitive solvent, and hardening the coating to form a smooth solid coating on the seam.