Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a pair of opposed electrodes disposed on an insulating substrate and defining a gap therebetween and a humidity sensitive thin film covering the gap. This thin film is formed by coating a polymer of specific structure having an ethylenically unsaturated reactive group and exposing the coating to ultraviolet radiation for crosslinking. The sensor is fully water resistant and produces accurate outputs over a wide humidity range and thus can detect and determine moisture in the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for producing an object by layerwise solidification of the object by means of electromagnetic radiation is expedited by simultaneously solidifying the material of a layer at a plurality of places.An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises an irradiation device (11, 12, 14, 15, 16) generating a plurality of beams (20, 21, 22) as well as a control device (7, 17, 18, 19) directing each of the plurality of beams independently to different regions of the layer (8a . . . 8d).

Abstract: In a process for cladding an optical fiber, a photoinitiator monomer having both a photoinitiating group and an ethylenically unsaturated group is reacted with a fluorosubstituted monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group, thereby preparing a copolymer having pendant photoinitiating groups. This copolymer is then mixed with a fluorosubstituted diacrylate, thereby forming a photopolymerizable composition, which is coated on to the optical fiber and exposed to ultraviolet light, thereby curing the photopolymerizable composition to produce a cladding on the optical fiber. Preferred claddings can have refractive indices below 1.35.

Abstract: An improved process which comprises applying a layer of a color coating composition to a substrate used for the exterior of a motor vehicle and then applying a layer of a clear coating composition to the color coating and curing the resulting clear coat/color coat layer; the improvement is the use of a clear coating composition containing a film forming binder of an acrylosilane polymer and exposing the clear coat layer after curing to an artificial source of UV light under ambient temperatures and atmospheric conditions in an amount sufficient to improve the resistance of the clear coat to water spotting and acid etching when exposed to natural weathering conditions.

Abstract: Doped encapsulated semiconductor nanoparticles of a size (<100 .ANG.) which exhibit quantum effects. The nanoparticles are precipitated and coated with a surfactant by precipitation in an organometallic reaction. The luminescence of the particles may be increased by a further UV curing step.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing copper clad laminates from a copper substrate without a conventional or infrared oven. The method contains the steps of: (a) preparing a precursory coating composition which can be subsequently cured to become polyimide; (b) coating the precursory coating composition on a copper substrate; and (c) exposing the precursory coating composition to an infrared heater provided in an infrared curing apparatus. The infrared heater is selected such that it emits infrared rays of wavelengths correponding to the absorption spectrum of the precursory coating composition. A plurality of infrared heaters can be provided in the infrared curing apparatus, each can be designed to have a different effective heating length and/or operated at a uniquely predetermined surface temperature for optimum energy efficiency.

Abstract: In forming a thin film pattern, first a seed material film is formed on a substrate and then exposed using electron beam lithography, for example, in the shape of the pattern. The latent image is then removed and an oriented material is deposited on one of the seed material and the substrtate, which have different hydrophilicity properties, to form the pattern. The oriented film is formed by an LB film forming method, in one example, and in another example the LB film material is a cresol novolak resin having a proportion of p-cresol novolak to m-cresol novolak of at least 20%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for coloring optical fibres, each fibre being drawn through an upper nozzle in a coloring tool into a color chamber, into which colorant is introduced, and further through a lower nozzle out of the color chamber. The colored fibre is passed onward through a quartz tube of a UV lamp curing the colorant. To reduce costs and to increase the production rate, the coloring tools are arranged close to each other in pairs in at least two different planes, and the fibres to be colored are drawn simultaneously through the coloring tools and further simultaneously through the quartz tube of the UV lamp common to the fibres to be colored.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing a free-radically polymerizable composition comprising the steps:(a) coating a coatable free-radically polymerizable mixture onto at least one major surface of a web;(b) deoxygenating a liquid inerting medium;(c) immersing the coated web into the deoxygenated liquid inerting medium; and(d) irradiating the immersed coated web with actinic radiation sufficient to effect polymerization of the free-radically polymerizable mixture, while maintaining the liquid inerting medium in an essentially oxygen-free state.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is fabricated from a light curable liquid resin by repeating the following process to superimpose a plurality of cured resin layers. The process utilizes a vessel containing a volume of the liquid resin and a vertically movable platform. In the process, the platform is immersed in the liquid resin in the vessel to dispose an overlay surface of an immediately previously cured layer sufficiently below the liquid level of the liquid resin. The platform is then raised such that the overlay surface is slightly higher than the liquid level of the liquid resin in the vessel, while keeping the liquid resin on the overlay surface connected with the surrounding liquid resin in the vessel by the effect of surface tension acting on the liquid resin. An excess amount of the liquid resin on the overlay surface is removed to form a liquid resin layer having a desired thickness.

Abstract: Polymer precursor formulations suitable for stereolithography may be prepared from compositions containing vinyl ether functionalized compounds and epoxy functionalized compounds plus an effective amount of a cationic photoinitiator and an ultraviolet light-absorbing compound to provide a predetermined depth of cure. Preferably, the ultraviolet light-absorbing compound is anthracene or its derivatives.

Abstract: Process for producing a multi-layer lacquer coating by the application of a coat of clear lacquer including coating agents which are curable exclusively by polymerization in radicalic and/or cationic manner to a dried or crosslinked colored and/or effect-producing basecoat film process is performed in light having a wavelength of over 550 nm or subject to the exclusion of light. The application step is followed by initiation or implementation of curing of the clear-lacquer film by high-energy radiation. The process is particularly suitable for producing multi-layer lacquer coatings in the automobile industry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, where high viscosity liquids, including pseudoplastic, plastic flow, and thixotropic liquids, as well as gels, semi-solid, and solid materials are viscosity reduced during coating and allowed to increase in viscosity during imaging steps, for use in Solid Imaging applications. Use of these materials and the apparatus improves coating uniformity and final object tolerances.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a composite made therefrom of an organic substrate, such as a polycarbonate and a radiation cured silicon containing polyacrylate hardcoat. Improved weathering resistance results when an anaerobic gelation inhibitor such as galvinoxyl is used during the processing of the hardcoat.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is modelled by solidifying superposed layers in such a manner that on an already solidified layer a following layer of initially liquid or powdery material is solidified by light action or the like in correspondence with the form of the object.

Abstract: An anti-reflection film is produced on the panel surface of a cathode-ray tube by:(A) preparing a solution for forming an anti-reflection film, which contains water and a metal alkoxide having the formula,M(OR).sub.nwherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Si, Ti, Al, Zr, Sn, In, Sb and Zn; R is an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms; n is an integer of from 1 to 8; and when n is not 1, the alkyl groups represented by R may be the same or different,(B) coating the solution for forming an anti-reflection film on the outermost surface of the panel of a cathode-ray tube, and(C) applying an ultraviolet light to the solution for forming an anti-reflection film coated on said surface to cure the solution to form a transparent film with fine roughness.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultra thin polymer film electret comprising a polymer and a substrate having a surface electric charge, wherein a side chain of the polymer and the substrate are physically or chemically bonded. A method of manufacturing an ultra thin polymer film electret comprising: adsorbing a monomolecular film comprising a unsaturated group or a laminated film comprising the monomolecular film on to a substrate surface, irradiating the monomolecular film or the laminated film with an energy beam to polymerize the unsaturated groups and applying a high voltage to the film is also disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing an ultra thin polymer film electret comprising: physically bonding a side chain of the polymer to a substrate surface to form a thin film and applying a high voltage to the thin film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A superficial model with an inner reinforcing structure having communication ports formed for communication among cells defined by ribs constructing a honeycomb structure. For this purpose, a process of temporarily stopping light exposure is added in a light exposure process for modeling ribs. Alternatively, a process of offsetting phases of ribs is added in the light exposure process for modeling ribs.

Abstract: A process for producing an essentially monolayer coating of crosslinked polymer on a substrate, in which a block copolymer is introduced into a semi-solvent which solvates only one block of the copolymer, the resultant block copolymer semi-solution is contacted with a substrate, and the copolymer is then crosslinked.

Abstract: A method of coating a machined surface of a plastic optical element includes providing a holder having a rotational axis therethrough for receiving the optical element such that the machined surface is openly receptive to the coating material. The optical element is positioned within the holder. The machined surface is then wetted with the coating material and the holder is spun about an axis to form a nonconformal coating material surface on the machined surface. The nonconformal coating material surface on the machined surface is then cured. The machined surface is an optical asphere. An apparatus for coating a machined surface of an optical element with a coating material includes a holding member having an axis therethrough and a cavity portion for accepting the optical element therein. The holding member has its weight substantially equally distributed about the axis after the element is inserted in the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying a plastic coating to woven yarn tubing to provide conduit for protecting wiring harnesses and the like. The resulting plastic coating layer is very thin so as to generally follow the contours of the woven yarn tubing, without filling in the valleys, thus minimizing the amount of plastic used. Woven yarn tubing is waterproofed by impregnating with latex sealant, and is continuously pulled by a take-up mechanism along a horizontal axis through a heated die and two treating stations in tandem. Each of the treating stations includes a coating pot containing liquid plastisol material and having a resilient circular exit die through which the tubing exits the coating pot to form a layer of liquid plastisol, and an infrared curing oven which heats the plastisol-coated tubing sufficiently to cure the plastisol layer. The tubing, while coated with uncured plastisol material, is not contacted by any element which would tend to deform the tubing from a circular cross section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic vertical dip coater with simultaneous UV curing. The invention includes a method of automatically dip-coating and simultaneously UV curing a conformal coating on both sides of a circuit board including the steps of positioning a circuit board, to be coated on both sides with a conformal coating, on a tool; advancing said tool towards a dip-coating tank containing a UV curable conformal coating so that both sides of said circuit board are immersed in said conformal coating to a predetermined position; advancing said tool passed opposed UV lamps so that the conformal coating on both sides of said circuit board is simultaneously cured by ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method for coating individual items each having two plain and parallel sides comprises two process steps, wherein an item is first sprayed with a coating when it passes a spray box, and wherein the coating is then hardened, with at least two mutually adjoining sides of the item being treated in both steps. The method comprises two stages, each of which comprises both process steps, and where the item in the first stage at least in the second step is supported on a side which is not treated, after which the remaining sides on the item are treated in the second stage where the item is supported on a side which was treated in the first stage. The items at least in the second step in one of the stages are supported on the one parallel side by vacuum between the item and a conveyor belt. The contact between the item and the conveyor belt is initiated by air jets directed towards the conveyor belt. An apparatus is also proposed for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a continuous thread coated with a mixture which reacts to ultraviolet radiation, a large number of continuous filaments are formed by mechanically drawing a large number of molten thermoplastic material streams flowing from openings in at least one device. A mixture in the liquid state which can react under the effect of ultraviolet radiation is deposited onto the surface of at least some of the filaments before they are combined to form at least one thread. The thread is wound into the form of a winding on a rotating support, and exposed to ultraviolet radiation during the winding operation.

Abstract: A "maskless" process is provided for the formation of a refractory metal layer (22b), such as titanium, in via holes (18) through GaAs wafers (12) to contact microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) devices (10) formed on the front surface (12a) thereof. The process of the invention, which prevents AuSn solder (28) from filling up the holes during a subsequent eutectic AuSn bonding of the device to a metal carrier (30), such as molybdenum, utilizes the difference of resist thickness on the GaAs backside surface (12b) and in the via holes, so that the resist (24b) remaining in the via holes after removing the resist (24a) over the GaAs back surface serves as a mask in etching the refractory metal layer (22a) over the GaAs back surface. The process of the invention does not require any masks, and results in self-alignment of the refractory metal to the via hole. The process is simple and results in high yield of the MMIC devices on GaAs chips (26).

Abstract: A process for cationically polymerizing 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene to produce a polymer which is predominantly a polyindane is disclosed. The resulting polyindanes are novel compounds useful as low dielectric constant coatings. Compositions containing 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene and cationic photoinitiators, and optionally containing a polyindane useful for preparing coatings, are disclosed as are processes for coating substrates using the compositions.

Abstract: Color filter arrays containing one or more colors for liquid crystal displays and other optoelectronic devices are made by using a laser to ablate portions of a coating on either a colored or transparent substrate. Color filter materials are placed into the ablated openings and cured. The number of laser ablated openings in the coated substrate varies, depending on the quantity and types of colors desired.

Abstract: A coating composition which includes an ionizing radiation-polymerizable oligomer, an ionizing radiation-polymerizable monomer and a releasing agent. The composition has a viscosity regulated to 1000 cps or less, can be rapidly and continuously produced and has excellent surface characteristics. A process for forming a decorative material using the coating composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bubble-free solder stop lacquer coatings of circuitboards are obtained for high conductor runs and close spacing, in that one proceeds from a photopolymerizable low-solvent lacquer, which is heated to pouring viscosity through a heatable roll and doctor blade by means of infrared lamps and is poured onto cooled circuitboards as a lacquer curtain.

Abstract: To color code optical fibers, a ultraviolet light curable ink is mixed with a carrier fluid. The mixture is then applied to a horizontally moving optical fiber by an ink applicator using a rigid applicator die. The fiber then passes through a convection oven to evaporate the carrier fluid and a ultraviolet light radiator to cure the ultraviolet light curable ink.

Abstract: A method for making an optical recording medium having an optically responsive polydiacetylene monomolecular film or monomolecular built-up film is provided. In the method, a substrate having a hydrophilic surface is immersed in a solution, in organic solvent, of a substance containing a diacetylene group and an --Si--Cl group to form a monomolecular film of the substance on the substrate by chemical adsorption. The diacetylene groups are polymerized by energy beam irradiation to obtain the optically responsive polydiacetylene film. This medium is usable as a write-once or rewriteable medium.

Abstract: To produce a solid phase coated with an immunologically active substance, a carrier material is absorptively coated with a mixture of an immunologically active substance and a compound which contains at least two functional groups which can be photoactivated and at least one moiety which interacts with the carrier material and the immunologically active substance and it is subsequently irradiated for the cross-linkage.

Abstract: A method for grafting hydrophilic monomers containing double bonds onto polymer surfaces in aqueous solution.The grafting is activated by ultraviolet radiation and by the presence in suspension of a photoactivator of controlled particle size distribution.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming a pattern coating, the method including the steps of:applying to a substrate a radiation curable composition containing a resin (a) which contains, per kilogram of said resin (a) about 1.5 to about 4.5 moles of a polyermizable unsaturated group, about 0.4 to about 2.5 moles of a carboxyl group and 0.2 to about 3.5 moles of a thioether group, the resin having a number average molecular weight of about 500 to about 50,000; selectively irradiating a portion of the applied coating with actinic rays; and subjecting the coating to development with an alkali aqueous solution.

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 three-dimensional printed circuit assembly is formed by first making a substrate (20). A substrate (20) is first formed from a photoactive polymer (14) that is capable of altering its physical state when exposed to a radiant beam (30). At this point, the substrate is only partially cured. A conductive circuit pattern (50) is then formed on the partially cured substrate. The substrate is then molded to create a three-dimensional structure, and then further cured to cause the photoactive polymer to harden.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: An improved method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object wherein ordinarily solidified internal walls of the object remain at least partially unsolidified. Any unsolidified medium within the object can be drained from the internal walls of the object prior to post-curing so that a hollow three-dimensional object is formed. The object is formed on a layer by layer basis with the internal portion of each layer of the object formed as a grid of solidified portions and unsolidified portions wherein the solidified and unsolidified portions are different on each layer. Objects formed in this manner can be used as patterns in investment casting.

Abstract: Related operations are performed on workpieces, e.g., coating and curing circuit boards, of different types in random order in assembly line fashion on a rotary table of an apparatus under programmed control. The table is rotated stepwise to move successive sections thereof from a load-unload station at which the respective workpieces are loaded and unloaded in random order, to a sensing station at which the type and orientation of the workpiece is sensed, next to an initial work station at which initial work, e.g., coating, is performed on the workpiece in dependence upon its type and orientation previously sensed at the sensing station, then to a subsequent work station at which related subsequent work is performed on the workpiece, e.g., curing of the coating, and in turn back to the load-unload station to complete a cycle. The workpiece is either changed in orientation on the table section for a repeat cycle to perform further work thereon or is replaced by another workpiece in random order.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of a material such as plastics, metals, glasses and ceramics which comprises the steps of (1) coating a compound having at least one azido group on the surface of the material to be modified, (2) making a modifier substance to be fixed for the modification exist on or in the coated surface, and (3) irradiating ultraviolet rays to the coated surface to fix the modifier substance to the coated surface, wherein various compounds can be used as the modifier for converting the characteristics of the material surface to the desired characteristics without previously treating them, and various materials can be easily modified with a firm fixing of the modifier.

Abstract: A stereolithographic system for automatically generating three-dimensional objects on a layer by layer basis by alternately forming layers of medium over previously formed layers of the object and selectively solidifying successive layers of medium at a surface of a body of the medium whereby the object is formed from a plurality of solidified and adhered layers. The surface of the body of medium is maintained at a desired working surface, for example by detecting its level and relatively adjusting it and the working surface so that they coincide.

Abstract: A method of producing a flat, reinforced article with micro-openings is described wherein at least one reinforcing layer is applied to a basic layer. To be able to carry out such a method in an easy and inexpensive way, the following steps should be taken: Coating a prefabricated basic layer at both sides with a radiosensitive resist in such a way that the resist fills the micro-openings, irradiating the basic layer provided with the resist from one side in such a way that the radiation passes through the resist in the micro-openings, removing the resist from the basic-layer regions to be provided with the reinforcing layer, applying the reinforcing layer and subsequently removing the remaining resist.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for coating exterior surfaces of glass containers such as bottles. The containers are conveyed along a coating path by conveying means so that the containers are arranged in a non-contact relationship with one another. A coating vessel is provided for containing a bath of liquid coating material M. The conveying means is arranged to dip containers being conveyed at least partially into the bath of liquid coating material so as to apply a coating of material to exterior surfaces of the containers. Setting means operates to set the coating applied to the containers. The method and apparatus may be incorporated into a continuous container manufacturing line so that the containers to be coated are continuously received from a lehr conveyor for conveying along the coating path by the conveying means.

Abstract: A method for making an optical recording medium having an optically responsive polydiacetylene monomolecular film or monomolecular built-up film is provided. In the method, a substrate having a hydrophilic surface is immersed in a solution, in organic solvent, of a substance containing a diacetylene group and an --Si--Cl group to form a monomolecular film of the substance on the substrate by chemical adsorption. The diacetylene groups are polymerized by energy beam irradiation to obtain the optically responsive polydiacetylene film. This medium is usable as a write-once or rewriteable medium.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for restoring weathered plastic surfaces and for enhancing the resistance of the treated surface to sunlight. The surface of a plastic article being treated is first cleaned with a suitable cleaning agent and the surface is polished with a mild abrasive to remove major imperfections in the surface. Following cleaning and polishing, a first layer of an uncured adhesive material is applied over the surface. The adhesive material is selected from those compositions that are ultraviolet curable. An outer coat of a curable adhesive is applied over the uncured to form a semi-permanent outer surface on the article. The article then can be exposed to sunlight and other effects of weathering and over a period of time the underyling ultraviolet curable coating is gradually cured by exposure to sunlight so that the composite coating on the surface of the article becomes even tougher and better cured the more the article is exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: A method for making optical recording media in which the optically readable information is embossed therein by means of an information master recording which is directly usable as a stamper.

Abstract: A method for producing a three dimensional plastic article having an insert. The three dimensional plastic article (20) is formed by exposing a liquid photopolymer or other material (14) capable of selective solidification or curing to a source of energy (10), preferably a laser beam (30). A portion of the three dimensional plastic article is formed by selectively exposing portions of the surface (12) of the liquid photopolymer to the laser beam. The insert (26) is placed onto the partially formed article (20), and the remainder of the article is formed by selectively exposing additional portions of the surface (16) of the liquid polymer to the laser beam, creating successive layers, whereupon a plurality of the layers form the three dimensional article (20). The insert (26) becomes an integral part of the completed three-dimensional article.

Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a method for the preparation of paper having improved water and/or solvent resistance which comprises applying to a base paper a plastic particle containing formulation, and then wetting the formed coating with a solvent to which the plastic particles are sensitive. The present invention is particularly applicable to the preparation of electrostatic paper masters of improved water resistance for lithographic printing having a photoconductive layer and a barrier coat to which the photoconductive layer is applied. The barrier coat contains a binding amount of a binder resin and filler at least a portion of which is an amount of said plastic particles sensitive to the solvent system of the photoconductive layer, the amount of plastic particles and sensitivity being sufficient to materially increase water resistance.