Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for obtaining metal oxides by irradiation of low energy laser pulses of metal layers, wherein said metals can be formed as simple metals, alloys, or multilayers. The present invention performs the oxidation of a thin metal film deposited on a substrate; e.g., glass (SiO2) or silicon (Si) by a laser-irradiation time of a few nanoseconds to femtoseconds at high repetition rate, time necessary to achieve a stoichiometry and a well-defined microscopic structure. Through the processes of the invention, it is possible to obtain complex structures and metal oxides at room temperature in a very short time and with very low energy consumption.

Abstract: Electrowetting devices coated with one or more polymeric layers and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The coatings may be formed in a single layer or as multiple layers. In one embodiment the first layer deposited serves as an insulating layer of high dielectric strength while the second layer deposited serves as a hydrophobic layer of low surface energy. These materials may themselves be deposited as multiple layers to eliminate pinhole defects and maximize device yield. In one embodiment the insulating layer would be a vapor deposited silicone polymeric material including, but not limited to, polytrivinyltrimethylcyclotrisiloxane or polyHVDS. In another embodiment the insulating layer may be a vapor deposited ceramic such as SiO2 with very little carbon content. In a further embodiment the insulating layer may be composed of alternating layers of a siloxane material and a ceramic material.

Abstract: A method for making patterns on a metal article comprises providing a metal substrate having an outer surface. A light-absorbing coating is formed on selected regions of the outer surface to reduce the surface laser reflectivity of the metal substrate. The selected regions cooperatively have a shape of a desired pattern. The selected regions are treated by laser-quenching, thereby hardening the selected regions. The outer surface is sandblasted, enabling the outer surface besides the selected regions to have a greater surface roughness than the selected regions. A metal article made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A glass-flake loaded organic sealant system is useful for sealing active layers such as those in electronic devices and solar cells.

Abstract: A method for producing nanostructured coatings on a substrate, comprising: preparing a nanocrystalline powder of a powder size comprised between 1 and 60 ?m; and combining cleaning the surface of the substrate and cold spraying the nanocrystalline powder on the surface of the substrate, and a system for producing nanocrystalline coatings on a substrate, comprising a spray head, a cleaning head and a handling system monitoring the spray head and the cleaning head relative to the substrate to be coated, the spray head being a first cold spray head, the first cold spray head depositing on the substrate at least one nanocrystalline powder, the cleaning head optimizing the surface being coated with the at least one layer of nanocrystalline powder.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanowire structure is disclosed. The method comprises applying on a surface of carrier liquid a layer of a liquid composition which comprises a surfactant and a plurality of nanostructures each having a core and a shell, and heating at least one of the carrier liquid and the liquid composition to a temperature selected such that the nanostructures are segregated from the surfactant and assemble into a nanowire structure on the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a flexible barrier sheet (200) comprising a barrier layer (103) and metallic elements (104), said method comprising: a) providing a metallic layer (102) applied on a polymeric support layer (101), the metallic layer having a first surface (105) facing the polymeric support layer and a second surface (106) facing away from said polymeric support layer; b) providing metallic elements on the second surface of the metallic layer; c) providing a barrier layer covering said second surface of the metallic layer and said metallic elements, the barrier layer having a first surface facing the metallic layer and a second surface facing away from the metallic layer; d) releasing the polymeric support layer from the metallic layer; and e) removing the metallic layer from the metallic elements and the barrier layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for laser engraving, comprising (Component A) an oligomer or polymer having a (meth)acryloyloxy group in the molecule, (Component B) an ethylenically unsaturated compound, (Component C) a compound having in the molecule at least one type selected from the group consisting of a mercapto group, a primary amino group, and a secondary amino group and at least one type of hydrolyzable silyl group and/or silanol group, and (Component D) a thermopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit board, the method includes: forming a capacitive device and a short-circuit section with use of a capacitive device material including a dielectric film and a conductive film in this order on metallic foil, the capacitive device including a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer with the dielectric film interposed therebetween, and the short-circuit section short-circuiting the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; forming an upper-layer wiring above the capacitive device and the short-circuit section; and removing or cutting the short-circuit section after the forming of the upper-layer wiring.

Abstract: A roller includes a cylindrical main body, a resin coating formed on a peripheral side surface of the main body, and a plurality of micro recesses defined in the resin coating. The resin coating is a polymer resin coating having the molecular chain with fluorine element. A method for making the roller and a system for making the roller are also provided.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to coated articles including anti-fingerprint and/or smudge-reducing coatings, and/or methods of making the same. Oil from fingerprints and the like may easily transfer to the surface of an article. However, it has been found that in certain example embodiments, a reduced-smudge and reduced-glare effect on a glass substrate may be achieved by micro-engineering a glass surface's properties, such as surface morphology and/or roughness. In certain example embodiments, a thin film coating may be introduced to the glass surface in order to alter the contact angle of the article, or for other optical, electrical, mechanical, chemical and/or environmental purposes and/or durability. It has further advantageously been found that by altering the contact angle of the surface, the anti-smudge and anti-glare effects of the substrate may be further improved.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for batch fabrication of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery using a silicon substrate as an anode. In one aspect, a pre-formed silicon substrate is provided. A plurality of first openings can be formed on one side of the substrate, which can have a high height to width aspect ratio. A plurality of second openings can be formed alternatingly, or in interdigitated fashion, with the first openings on another side of the substrate that is opposite the first side. A solid electrolyte layer can be deposited on the second side of the substrate in the second openings, and a cathode material can be formed into the second openings and over the electrolyte layer on the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: A method forms an adhesion joint between a cord and a rubber matrix. The method includes the steps of providing a cord having an initial relatively smooth surface, texturing the smooth surface such that the resulting surface is rougher than the initial surface of the cord, and inserting the cord into a rubber matrix such that the resulting surface provides enhanced adhesion to the rubber matrix compared to the adhesion of the initial surface to the rubber matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for laser engraving, comprising: (Component A) a polymer having a constituent unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and having at least two functional groups selected from the group consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated group, a hydroxyl group, and an alkoxysilyl group at the main chain ends.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing process (110) wherein a powder (116) including a superalloy material and flux is selectively melted in layers with a laser beam (124) to form a superalloy component (126). The flux performs a cleaning function to react with contaminants to float them to the surface of the melt to form a slag. The flux also provides a shielding function, thereby eliminating the need for an inert cover gas. The powder may be a mixture of alloy and flux particles, or it may be formed of composite alloy/flux particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-lithographic patterning by laser (or similar-type energy beam) ablation, where the ablation system ultimately results in circuitry features that are relative free from debris induced over-plating defects (debris relating to the ablation process) and fully additive plating induced over-plating defects. Compositions of the invention include a circuit board precursor having an insulating substrate and a cover layer. The insulating substrate is made from a dielectric material and also a metal oxide activatable filler. The cover layer can be sacrificial or non-sacrificial and is used to remediate unwanted debris arising from the ablation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component (4) of a biosensor, comprising at least one first device (6) for receiving a sample liquid, wherein the device (6) is connected via a distributor channel (7) to further receiving devices (8 to 11), into each of which a feed channel (71, 72, 73, 74) branching off from the distributor channel (7) opens, and the feed channels (71, 72, 73, 74) are arranged in succession in flow direction (S) of the sample liquid passed on through the distributor channel (7). In accordance with the invention, it is envisaged that, in the distributor channel (7), in each case between two immediately successive feed channels (71, 72; 72, 73; 73, 74) in flow direction (S), at least one region (K) for at least temporary slowing or stoppage of the capillary flow of the sample liquid has been inserted.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for obtaining a material comprising a substrate provided on at least one of its faces with a permanent coating comprising at least one thin film, said process comprising the following steps: said permanent coating is deposited on at least one of the faces of said substrate; then a temporary coating is deposited directly on top of said permanent coating, said temporary coating comprising, as the layer closest to the substrate, at least one thin film soluble in a solvent, surmounted by at least one functional layer; then the substrate thus coated is subjected to a heat treatment; and then said coated substrate is treated with said solvent so as to remove said temporary coating from the surface of said substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a battery electrode includes the steps of dispersing an active electrode material and a conductive additive in water with at least one dispersant to create a mixed dispersion; treating a surface of a current collector to raise the surface energy of the surface to at least the surface tension of the mixed dispersion; depositing the dispersed active electrode material and conductive additive on a current collector; and heating the coated surface to remove water from the coating.

Abstract: A device for detecting cells and/or molecules on an electrode surface is disclosed. The device detects cells and/or molecules through measurement of impedance changes resulting from the cells and/or molecules. A disclosed embodiment of the device includes a substrate having two opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of electrode arrays are positioned on the substrate. Each electrode array includes at least two electrodes, and each electrode is separated from at least one adjacent electrode in the electrode array by an expanse of non-conductive material. The electrode has a width at its widest point of more than about 1.5 and less than about 10 times the width of the expanse of non-conductive material. The device also includes electrically conductive traces extending substantially longitudinally to one of the two opposing ends of the substrate without intersecting another trace. Each trace is in electrical communication with at least one of the electrode arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a graphene sheet-carbon nanotube film composite structure. The method includes steps of: providing a carbon nanotube film structure and a dispersed solution, and the dispersed solution comprises a solvent and an amount of functionalized graphene sheets dispersed in the solvent; applying the dispersed solution on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure; and removing the solvent and thereby locating the functionalized graphene sheets on the carbon nanotube film structure. The present invention also relates to a method for making a transmission electron microscope grid.

Abstract: A preparation method of an electroconductive copper patterning layer includes (Step 1) preparing a dispersion solution of copper-based particles selected from the group consisting of copper particles, copper oxide particles, and their mixtures; (Step 2) forming a copper-based particle patterning layer by printing or filling the dispersion solution of copper-based particles to a substrate into a predetermined shape; and (Step 3) irradiating laser to the copper-based particle patterning layer to burn and interconnect the copper-based particles contained in the copper-based particle patterning layer. This preparation method burns a copper-based particle patterning layer with a strong energy within a short time by using laser. Thus, it is possible to obtain a copper patterning layer that is hardly oxidized even in the atmosphere, so a copper patterning layer with excellent electric conductivity is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a raised conductive image on a non-conductive or dielectric surface, the method comprising placing a metal coordination complex on a surface of the substrate, exposing the surface to electromagnetic radiation, reducing the exposed complex. removing unexposed complex leaving an elemental metal image, removing unexposed metal complex and then plating the resulting elemental metal image with a highly conductive material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gradient bioceramic coating comprising a rare earth oxide, a broadband laser method for preparing the bioceramic coating, and the use of the bioceramic coating in the field of medical materials.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting thawing on surfaces with interdigital electrodes formed in a resistance layer which is formed on a substrate. In order to develop the sensor device further so that the measuring speed of the sensor device is further increased, the disclosure proposes that the interdigital electrodes and recesses between the interdigital electrodes have a moisture-sensitive hydrophilic surface through condensation cores applied to it.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a circuit board is provided. A non-conductive material layer is provided on a core substrate, wherein the non-conductive material layer comprises a dielectric material and catalytic particles. A recessed circuit structure is then formed in the non-conductive material layer with a laser beam. Simultaneously, the catalytic particles in the recessed circuit structure are activated with aid of the laser. A buried conductive structure is then formed in the recessed circuit structure by chemical copper deposition methods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes at least one magnetic head element for reading from and/or writing to a magnetic medium, the element having an air bearing surface (ABS) facing toward a magnetic medium, an adhesive film including silicon nitride above the ABS having a characteristic of being formed under a water vapor partial pressure, and a protective film above the adhesive film, the protective film including carbon. Also, in another embodiment, a method includes forming an ABS of a magnetic head, the ABS being a surface of the magnetic head which is closest to a magnetic medium when in use, forming an adhesive film above the ABS of the magnetic head, the adhesive film being formed under a water vapor partial pressure, and forming a protective film above the adhesive film, the protective film including carbon.

Abstract: The method of laser surface treating pre-prepared zirconia surfaces provides for applying an organic resin in a thin, uniform film to a zirconia surface; maintaining the resin-coated zirconia surface in a controlled chamber at approximately 8 bar pressure at a temperature of approximately 175 degrees Centigrade for approximately 2 hours; heating the resin-coated zirconia surface to approximately 400 degrees Centigrade in an inert gas atmosphere, thereby converting the organic resin to carbon; and irradiating the carbon-coated zirconia surface with a laser beam while applying nitrogen under pressure, thereby forming a zirconium carbonitride coating.

Abstract: A rapid manufacturing method includes forming tooling in a rapid manufacturing process. The tooling is coated with a conductive material.

Abstract: A coated article includes a substrate, a first layer formed on the substrate, and a second layer deposited on the first layer. The substrate comprises a first outer surface. The substrate defines a plurality of first convexes in the first outer surface. The first layer comprises a second outer surface away from the first outer surface. The second outer surface of the first layer defines a plurality of second convexes corresponding to the first convexes in the position. The second layer substantially includes substance M, O, and N, wherein M is Al or Si.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen separation material resistant to thermal shock, excellent in hydrogen separation characteristic and applicable to a hydrogen separation membrane, etc. and a manufacturing method thereof, as well as a hydrogen separation module and a hydrogen production apparatus comprising the same. In the hydrogen separation material, a silica glass membrane is formed on a porous support having a linear expansion coefficient of 2×10?6/K or less. The manufacturing method for the hydrogen separation material includes a porous support forming step of forming a porous support comprising porous silica glass and a silica glass membrane forming step of forming a silica glass membrane on the surface of the porous silica glass. The hydrogen separation module comprises the hydrogen separation material and a steam reforming catalyst. The hydrogen production apparatus comprises the hydrogen separation module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile identification indicator (1) for locking and unlocking a closure device of a motor vehicle, comprising an electronic unit (6) disposed inside a housing (2). According to the invention, the housing (2) has a defined outer surface (7) on which is applied a functional coating (10), wherein the functional coating (10) comprises an information layer (11) for individualizing the identification indicator (1).

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an engine component. The method includes providing a structural bridge device on a base block; forming a component portion on the structural bridge device with an additive manufacturing technique; removing the component portion from the base block and the structural bridge device; and finishing the component portion to form the engine component.

Abstract: Electronic components on a substrate may be shielded using electromagnetic shielding structures. Insulating materials may be used to provide structural support and to help prevent electrical shorting between conductive materials and the components. The shielding structures may include compartments formed using metal fences that surround selected components or by injection molding plastic. The shielding structures may be formed using metal foil wrapped over the components and the substrate. Electronic components may be tested using test posts or traces to identify components that are faulty. The test posts or traces may be deposited on the substrate and may be used to convey test signals between test equipment and the components. After successful testing, the test posts may be permanently shielded. Alternatively, temporary shielding structures may be used to allow testing of individual components before an electronic device is fully assembled.

Abstract: A high quality component-incorporated substrate achieves a sufficient connection between an in-plane electrode and an interlayer connection conductor at low cost. A method of forming a hole for an interlayer connection conductor of a resin substrate includes a step of forming an in-plane electrode in a core substrate, a step of forming a light reflective conductor for reflecting a laser beam applied on the in-plane electrode in a later step, a step of forming a resin layer so as to cover the core substrate, the in-plane electrode and the light reflective conductor, and a step of forming a hole for the interlayer connection conductor by removing the resin layer on the light reflective conductor through the use of a laser beam.

Abstract: Laser-processed gradient-index (GRIN) lenses and optical interface devices and assemblies that utilize the laser-processed GRIN lenses are disclosed. A GRIN lens assembly includes a cylindrical central section having a GRIN index profile, planar front and back surfaces, an outer surface, and a diameter D1 where 200 micrometers?D1?420 micrometers. An annular cladding of outer diameter D2 surrounds the central section outer surface and has front and back annular surfaces and a constant or a varying refractive index. One or both of the front and back annular surfaces may be curved. An optical fiber is optically coupled to the central section at the planar back surface. An optical interface device is formed by operably supporting at least one GRIN lens assembly with a support member. An optical interface assembly is formed by interfacing two optical interface devices.

Abstract: A method for removing coating from a substrate may include: locating an edge of a substrate; directing a laser beam along a first path to a first position on a surface of the substrate proximate to an edge of the substrate at an angle of incidence suitable to redirect the laser beam along a second path, through the substrate, to a second position on a second surface of the substrate corresponding to the located edge of the substrate, where the second surface can include a coating; and ablating at least a portion of coating at the second position on the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for producing a coated jewelry article or a coated component of a jewelry article, comprising a jewelry article or a component of a jewelry article, a first metallic coating, and a second metallic coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for producing metallic products comprising a substrate and a metallic, external coating. In preferred embodiments, the metallic products are jewelry articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polyimide composites having dispersed in the polyimide base matrix, useful spinel crystal fillers wherein the composite has a visible-to-infrared light extinction coefficient between and including 0.05 and 0.60 microns?1. The composite polyimides formed therefrom are typically used to make circuits having fine electrically conductive pathways adjacent to the polyimide substrate. These fine electrically conductive pathways are typically formed on the substrate using an electro-less metal plating step. First, the surface of the polyimide composite is light activated, typically by using a laser beam, then the light activated portions are plated to form thin lines, or pathways, on the film's surface.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a substrate material (M) having a bulk portion and an outer surface integrated to the bulk portion. The outer surface includes a modified surface layer. The modified surface layer extends to a depth from the outer surface of at least 1 nm. The modified surface layer includes M and at least one other material (X) which is a metal or metal alloy. The modified surface layer has a 25° C. electrical conductivity which is at least 2.5% above or below a 25° C. electrical conductivity in the bulk portion of M. The composition of matter can be an article that includes a frequency selective surface-based metamaterial, and the plurality of modified surface portions can be a plurality of periodic surface elements that provide a resonant frequency.

Abstract: A device having a body with a metal surface having an oxide free portion. An oxide free phosphorus-containing layer is disposed on the metal surface, and a hydroxyapatite layer is on the phosphorus-containing layer.

Abstract: A method for repairing a metal part by recharging damaged parts by spraying a powder of metal onto the metal part, wherein the process includes laser recharging the damaged parts using the powder, followed by hot isostatic compression, the maximum temperature applied during the isostatic compression not exceeding the recrystallization temperature of the metal.

Abstract: A stimulation electrode is provided having an electrically conducting electrode base member which is partially covered with an electrically insulating ceramic layer. The ceramic layer is formed of an oxide and/or an oxynitride of at least one metal of the group of titanium, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, aluminum and silicon. Various methods are provided for production of the stimulation electrode, including methods in which the ceramic layer is formed in situ by a thermal, chemical or electrochemical oxidation or oxynitridation process. The stimulation electrode may be used as a cardiac pacemaker electrode, a neuro-stimulation electrode, or another human implant.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite material includes providing a free-standing carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes, introducing at least two reacting materials into the carbon nanotube structure to form a reacting layer, activating the reacting materials to grow a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are spaced from each other and coated on a surface of each of the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to composites for use in high temperature elastic composite applications. Most particularly, this invention relates to elastic composites formed with a silanol-silanol condensation reaction mixture of silsesquioxane silicone resins thermally stabilized by boron nitride, silica and boron oxide additives as their matrix. The polymer matrix composite comprise a matrix of cured high, intermediate and optionally low molecular weight silicone resins including boron nitride and silica additives and reinforcing material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for making an artificial, amphiphilic bilayer using aqueous micro-droplets (1-1,000 um dia) in a water-immiscible solvent, wherein immediately surrounding each droplet is a monolayer of amphiphilic molecules; the general method comprising: juxtapositioning the droplets with a focused laser beam such that the monolayers merge to create a bilayer of the amphiphilic molecules between the droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window ring for a window of an aircraft, wherein the window ring is substantially formed of a light-guiding substrate, comprises at least one light inlet region to couple light into the substrate, and at least one light exit region which is formed in such a way that light coupled into the substrate exits in it.

Abstract: Various embodiments of millimeter-wave systems on a printed circuit board, including a microstrip, a probe, and an RF integrated circuit, as well as methods for manufacturing said systems. Various embodiments have holes extending through lamina in the PCB, thereby improving radiation propagation. Various embodiments have conductive cages created by multiple through-holes extending through lamina in the PCB, thereby increasing radiation propagation. The manufacture of such systems is easier and less expensive than the manufacture of current systems.

Abstract: A housing for an electronic device is described. The housing includes a metal substrate, and a plurality of recesses formed on an outer surface of the metal substrate. The recesses define a pattern. The recesses are dispersed on the outer surface with a gradual change of density of the recesses across at least one dimension of the outer surface. The recesses have an average width of about 0.02 mm-0.04 mm. The average depth of the recesses is about 0.05 mm-0.1 mm, and the distance between each two adjacent recesses is about 0.2 mm-2 mm.