Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a process chamber is provided. The chamber includes a plurality of sputter guns with a target affixed to one end of each of the sputter guns. Each of the plurality of sputter guns is coupled to a first power source. The first power source is operable to provide a pulsed power supply to each of the plurality of sputter guns. The pulsed power supply has a duty cycle that is less than 30%. A substrate support disposed at a distance from the plurality of sputter guns is included. The substrate support is coupled to a second power source. The second power source is operable to bias a substrate disposed on the substrate support, wherein the duty cycle of the second power source is synchronized with a duty cycle of the first power source. A method of performing a deposition process is also included.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting device, the method of forming a pattern including providing an electromagnetic substrate for generating an electromagnetic field at a selectively controllable position by selectively controlling where current flows through the electromagnetic substrate; providing a patterning substrate for forming a pattern; aligning the electromagnetic substrate to a first surface of the patterning substrate; selectively applying current to the electromagnetic substrate to form the electromagnetic field at the predetermined position; providing masking powder in a vicinity of a second surface of the patterning substrate such that the masking powder reacts to the electromagnetic field; supplying a pattern forming material to the second surface of the patterning substrate; and cutting off the current to the electromagnetic substrate.

Abstract: The geometric stiffness of structural sheet metal panels, such as those employed in motor vehicles, may be increased, without major increase in the mass of the panel, by application of a coating of a structural polymer. However conventional means of applying such a polymer layer require multiple applications to achieve a desired thickness. By incorporating magnetic particles in a resin, and subjecting the resin to a magnetic field as it is applied, the desired thickness may be achieved in a single application. Embodiments appropriate to the application of such a resin to both magnetic and non-magnetic materials are described.

Abstract: [Problems] To have a thin film suitably function even when the thickness of the thin film is reduced. [Means for Solving Problems] Provided is a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium by forming a thin film on a substrate (12). The method is provided with a thin film forming step of forming the thin film by using a substance brought into the plasma state as a material. In the thin film forming step, the thin film is formed by using a material substance gathering means (30) for gathering the substance brought into the plasma state to the periphery of the substrate. The material substance gathering means (30) gathers the substance brought into the plasma state, for instance, to the periphery of the substrate (12) by generating a magnetic field at the periphery of the substrate (12).

Abstract: A patterned nonreciprocal optical resonator structure is provided that includes a resonator structure that receives an optical signal. A top cladding layer is deposited on a selective portion of the resonator structure. The top cladding layer is patterned so as to expose the core of the resonator structure defined by the selective portion. A magneto-optically active layer includes a magneto-optical medium being deposited on the exposed core of the resonator structure so as to generate optical non-reciprocity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a template for a high-density patterned medium and a high-density magnetic storage medium using the same. In the method, magnetic particles are used as a mask and no lithographic process is required.

Abstract: A sputter gun is provided in the embodiments contained herein. The sputter gun includes an impeller disposed within a backside portion of an opening within a housing of the sputter gun, the housing including an inlet directing fluid to rotate the impeller around an axis. A plate is disposed next to the impeller, the plate has openings extending therethrough, the openings enabling the fluid access to a backside portion of the opening within the housing. A plurality of magnets is disposed within the front side of the plate and extending from a surface of the plate such that as the impeller rotates with the plurality of magnets. A thermally conductive membrane extends across a front surface of the front portion of the opening, wherein the fluid contacts the thermally conductive membrane prior to exiting the opening within the housing. A method of performing a deposition process is also included.

Abstract: Method for applying a pattern onto a substrate, the method including the following steps: applying a layer of a paint comprising magnetically orientable pigments on the substrate; exposing the paint to a magnetic field, whereby the pigments are oriented along field lines of the magnetic field to produce a pattern in the paint layer; and solidifying the paint on the substrate; characterized in that the magnetic field is generated by a magnetic part embedded in the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying filler material onto an object are provided. An apparatus may include a body and an applicator head attached to the body. The apparatus may also include a magnetic member coupled to the applicator head and arranged to attract filler material to a heating surface of the applicator head. The applicator head may be configured to apply the filler material attracted to the heating surface against an object. The heating surface may be configured to apply heat to the filler material attracted to the heating surface to melt the filler material onto the object.

Abstract: Transparent electrodes, devices incorporating such electrodes, and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method for fabricating a transparent electrode can include providing a carbon-insoluble support substrate, forming a carbon-soluble layer on the support substrate, and applying a carbon source to the carbon-soluble layer to form a plurality of graphene layers on the carbon-soluble layer. In another aspect, the method can further include providing a transparent substrate having an adhesive surface, applying the adhesive surface to the plurality of graphene layers such that the transparent substrate is adhered thereto, and removing the carbon-soluble layer and the support substrate from the plurality of graphene layers.

Abstract: There is described a method of producing color effect images on a carrier substrate, wherein it is provided that a latent magnetic image comprising magnetic pixels and non-magnetic pixels is produced on a magnetizable printing form, a carrier substrate with a decorative layer applied to the carrier substrate and provided with non-spherical, preferably needle-form or flake-form magnetic color effect pigments is moved past the magnetizable printing form so that color effect pigments of the decorative layer are changed in their orientation relative to the carrier substrate by the field line image produced by the magnetic pixels of the magnetizable printing form, and the color effect pigments are fixed in the decorative layer in the orientation which is changed by the field line image of the printing form. There is further described an apparatus for carrying out the method and a multi-layer body produced therewith.

Abstract: Method for making a low cost, light weight impact deflecting material, comprising directionally aligned single walled carbon nanotubes in an epoxy resin composition, that is near impervious to bullets fired at close range at all angles of incidence, that does not deteriorate upon abrasion or when exposed to wide ranges of temperature and humidity, and that when used to construct a protective shield for a body armor vest protects the wearer from blunt trauma effects.

Abstract: A process of forming a material having nano-particles and a material having nano-particles are disclosed. The process includes arranging nano-particles in a predetermined pattern within a matrix material. The material includes arranged nano-particles forming a predetermined pattern in the matrix material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for printing using paste like inks such as those used in intaglio printing, wherein the inks include specialty flakes such as thin film optically variable flakes, or diffractive flakes. The invention discloses an apparatus having an energy source such as a heat source for temporarily lessening the viscosity of the ink during alignment of the flakes within the ink.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a negative electrode capable of improving the large current characteristics of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery while maintaining the battery capacity. A negative electrode includes a sheet-like current collector and a negative electrode mixture layer disposed on a surface of the current collector. The negative electrode mixture layer includes graphite particles and ceramic particles interposed between the graphite particles. The mean particle size of the ceramic particles is smaller than that of the graphite particles. In an X-ray diffraction pattern of the negative electrode mixture layer, the ratio R of the intensity I110 of a peak attributed to a (110) plane of the graphite particles to the intensity I002 of a peak attributed to a (002) plane, i.e., the ratio I110/I002, is 0.05 or more. The negative electrode mixture layer has a density of 1.1 to 1.8 g/cm3.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a screen is provided. The method includes propelling a quantity of paint comprising metallic flakes, such as aluminum flakes, toward the screen. The method also includes applying at least one magnetic field in a vicinity of the screen, wherein applying the at least one magnetic field causes at least one metallic flake in the quantity of paint to be oriented relative to the screen in a substantially preferred orientation, thereby producing a screen exhibiting beneficial projection qualities, such as brightness. The magnetic field(s) applied may be unsymmetric in the time domain of, for example, an AC component of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating utensils using a magnetic force is provided. In a process of applying a coating material mixed with a filler having magnetism reaction particles to a surface of the utensil and heat-treating the utensil, magnets disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the utensil generate the magnetic force to cause the magnetism reaction particles to move toward each point where the magnetic force is generated, so that the density of the magnetism reaction particles is increased to make the surface of the utensil uneven.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes powders having a surface coated with an inorganic material. The thermoelectric material includes a thermoelectric semiconductor powder and a coating layer on an outer surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor powders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnesium components with improved corrosion protection. The components are coated with a vitreous binary Mg—X alloy or a vitreous ternary Mg—X—Y alloy, where X is an element selected from the group consisting of the elements of main group III, of transition group III or rare earth elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and Y is an element selected from the group consisting of the elements of main group III or IV, of transition group III or IV or rare earth elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The coating is produced by means of physical vapor deposition processes, such as cathode ray atomization.

Abstract: A method of visualizing a latent image includes: preparing a latent image composed of a plurality of paramagnetic seeds immobilized on a base in the form of an image, and a dispersion liquid of paramagnetic colloidal particles; immersing the latent image in the dispersion liquid of paramagnetic colloidal particles; and applying a magnetic field to the latent image and the dispersion liquid of paramagnetic colloidal particles.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a transfer foil, comprising a release-coated carrier (1), and on said carrier a transfer coating layer (3) having the form of a design comprising oriented optically variable magnetic pigment (OVMP), the pigment orientation representing an image, indicia, or a pattern. Processes of making and using the foil, as well as documents carrying the foil are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming conductive materials. The conductive materials can be applied using a printer in single or multiple passes onto a substrate. The conductive materials are composed of electrical conductors such as carbon nanotubes (including functionalized carbon nanotubes and metal-coated carbon nanotubes), grapheme, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. pentacene and bisperipentacene), metal nanoparticles, an inherently conductive polymer (ICP), and combinations thereof. Once the conductive materials are applied, the materials are dried and sintered to form adherent conductive materials on the substrate. The adherent conductive materials can be used in applications such as damage detection, particle removal, and smart coating systems.

Abstract: A microfibrous article includes a substrate and a plurality of magnetic fibers disposed on the substrate. Each of the plurality of magnetic fibers is individually sheathed with a polymer and includes a plurality of magnetic particles. Further, each of the plurality of magnetic fibers is aligned along a magnetic field and not connected by the polymer to any adjacent magnetic fiber. A method of forming the microfibrous article is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for controlling of the microstructures of a soldered, brazed, welded, plated, cast, or vapor deposited manufactured component. The systems typically use relatively weak magnetic fields of either constant or varying flux to affect material properties within a manufactured component, typically without modifying the alloy, or changing the chemical composition of materials or altering the time, temperature, or transformation parameters of a manufacturing process. Such systems and processes may be used with components consisting of only materials that are conventionally characterized as be uninfluenced by magnetic forces.

Abstract: A methodology and system for applying coatings onto the interior surfaces of components, includes a vapor creation device, a vacuum chamber having a moderate gas pressure and an inert gas jet having controlled velocity and flow fields. The gas jet is created by a rarefied, inert gas supersonic expansion through a nozzle. By controlling the carrier gas flow into a region upstream of the nozzle an upstream pressure is achieved. The carrier gas flow and chamber pumping rate control the downstream pressure. The ratio of the upstream to downstream pressure along with the size and shape of the nozzle opening controls the speed of the gas entering the chamber. Vapor created from a source is transported into the interior regions of a component using binary collisions between the vapor and gas jet atoms. These collisions enable the vapor atoms to scatter onto the interior surfaces of the component and deposit.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of the following innovations: various devices/instruments which may be used in the preparation of a compact monolayer [made up of a suitable organic material (or organic compound)] as well as the carbonization of the latter; efficient methods for preparing a compact monolayer which is free from all “other” materials that were used in the various processes involved in the said preparation of the said compact monolayer; various methods for carbonizing a compact monolayer by means of a suitable “heat source” (which allows the application of a sudden searing “heat” extremely quickly) in order to produce a graphene layer, where the said heat source may be a “hot surface” or a suitable “radiation type beam” such as a suitable laser beam, or a suitable maser beam, or a suitable electron beam; and finally, various methods to provide a protective layer for a graphene layer.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a heat treatment process by flame treatment of at least one thin film deposited on a glass substrate (1) running in the path of at least one flame treatment device comprising at least one burner (2), said treatment being able to increase the degree of crystallization of said at least one thin film and/or to increase the size of the crystallites in said at least one thin film, said process being characterized in that the maximum transient bending “b” is less than 150 mm and respects the following condition: b?0.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with composite matrix material and reinforcement material, such as nanostructures. The nanostructures may be evenly dispersed and/or aligned in the matrix material through application of an electromagnetic field, resulting in a nanocomposite material. In one embodiment, the nanocomposite material is suitable for large scale processing.

Abstract: A process and method is described for the deposition of the enhanced chemical and electrochemical activity layers essential for the operation of a battery, fuel cell or other electrochemical devices like sensors. A precise and well-calibrated combination of agents with specific values, like exterior electric fields (direct current (d.c.), alternative current (a.c.), variable magnetic fields, and acoustic/elastic fields are used in tailoring of interface properties essential for the operation of the device with enhanced properties. This invention describes processes for doping the active interfaces in electrodes, leading to the enhancement of properties and to an increased degree of control via a synergistic combination of (any of the following): direct current (d.c.) field, variable alternative current (a.c.) field, variable acoustic/elastic field, variable magnetic field and a variation of the partial pressure of oxygen and/or other gases in the interior of the electrode deposition reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an iron particulate-reinforced tin based matrix composite alloy tin solder ball and a flip chip ball placement method using the same. A tiny metal iron particle is added in an alloy solder ball to form an alloy solder ball containing iron powder, whereby magnetic equipment can be used to attract and effectively hold the composite alloy solder ball so as to help positioning of a micro alloy solder ball in a flip chip ball placement process by securely attracting and filling the ball in a cavity defined in a stencil. By further employing a proper ball removal process to remove excessive alloy solder balls, the cluster aggregation phenomenon caused by surface moisture absorption and electrostatic force of the micro alloy solder ball can be eliminated to allow for smooth placement of balls and improve the bonding between a micro circuit board substrate and electronic components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for patterning a substrate. The method comprises providing at least one magnetic pattern generator configured and operable to modulate the magnetic field to induce varying magnetic properties to a magnetic field according to a desired pattern; applying the modulated magnetic field in the vicinity of the substrate creating a certain pattern of regions of interaction to be obtained on top of the substrate; and; interacting the substrate with magnetic particles, while under the application of the modulated magnetic field, the magnetic particles being attracted to selected regions of interaction defined by the certain pattern while being substantially not attracted to regions outside the regions of interaction, thus creating on top of the substrate the certain pattern of regions interacted with the magnetic particles.

Abstract: A magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposite and methods of synthesizing it. In one embodiment, the magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposite has at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle coated with a silica (SiO2) shell and terminated with at least one thiol group (—SH), and at least one CdSe/ZnS quantum dot linked with the at least one SiO2-coated magnetic oxide nanoparticle via the at least one thiol group. In one embodiment, the at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle comprises at least one iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle.

Abstract: Multilayer carbon nanotube capacitors, and methods and printable compositions for manufacturing multilayer carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are disclosed. A first capacitor embodiment comprises: a first conductor; a plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid, each fixed CNT comprising a magnetic catalyst nanoparticle coupled to a carbon nanotube and further coupled to the first conductor; and a first plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Another capacitor embodiment comprises: a first conductor; a conductive nanomesh coupled to the first conductor; a first plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid and further coupled to the conductive nanomesh; and a plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Various methods of printing the CNTs and other structures, and methods of aligning and moving the CNTs using applied electric and magnetic fields, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A production method for an electrode for a battery includes preparing a conductive substrate, and electrode material particles having ion conduction anisotropy; and producing an electrode by attaching the electrode material particles onto the conductive substrate, and applying a magnetic field in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials containing substantially parallel-aligned, infused carbon nanotubes are described herein. The carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials contain a fiber material and a layer of carbon nanotubes infused to the fiber material, where the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fiber material and at least a portion of the substantially parallel-aligned, infused carbon nanotubes are crosslinked to each other, to the fiber material, or both. Crosslinking can occur through covalent bonding or pi-stacking interactions, for example. The carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials can further contain additional carbon nanotubes that are grown on the layer of substantially parallel-aligned, infused carbon nanotubes. Composite materials containing the carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials and methods for production of the carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods that combine the initial patterning capabilities of a direct cell printing system with the active patterning capabilities of magnetically labeled cells, such as cells labeled with superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The present invention allows for the biofabrication of a complex three-dimensional tissue scaffold comprising bioactive factors and magnetically labeled cells, which can be further manipulated after initial patterning, as well as monitored over time, and repositioned as desired, within the tissue engineering construct.

Abstract: An apparatus for levitation of an amount of conductive material including a coil for keeping the material in levitation using a varying electric current in the coil. The apparatus has two coils, a first coil and a second coil, both coils generating an alternating electromagnetic field during use, the alternating electric field of the first and the second coil counteracting each other. The first and second coils are positioned such that the conductive material kept in levitation between the first coil and the second coil is evaporated. A method for generating an amount of levitated conductive material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for separating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In certain embodiments, a method is provided for separating magnetic nanoparticles comprising: providing a sample comprising a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles; passing the sample through a first magnetic field; at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the first nanoparticle size desired; altering the strength of the first magnetic field to produce a second magnetic field; and at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the second nanoparticle size desired.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a construction (10) having a functional side (12). The method includes the steps of: supplying a flexible substrate (20); attaching one or more structures (30) to the substrate (20) on a surface or side thereof facing the functional side (12) of the construction (10); and forming one or more features, for example, such as fibrils (39), on at least one of the structures (30), wherein the features have at least one dimension which is at least one of micro-sized or nano-sized.

Abstract: A light control film including a polymer carrier film and a coating disposed on the carrier film and including dark colored or reflective particles dispersed within a cured resin matrix, the particles being aligned either perpendicular or parallel to a major surface of the carrier film, and method for making the same.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes: a first and a second magnetoresistive elements each including: a magnetization free layer; a nonmagnetic spacing layer; a magnetization pinned layer having one or more first layers of a first group of ferromagnetic layers and one or more second layers of a second group of ferromagnetic layers, in which the first layer and the second layer are stacked alternately with a nonmagnetic coupling layer in between, and so antiferromagnetically coupled to each other as to have opposite magnetizations to each other; and an antiferromagnetic layer pinning magnetization orientation in the one or more first and the second layers. The first layers in the first magnetoresistive element are one more in number than that of the one or more second layers. The number of the one or more first layers and that of the one or more second layers in the second magnetoresistive element are equal.

Abstract: There is provided a zinc alloy coated steel sheet including a vacuum deposited layer capable of improving corrosion resistance and sealer adhesion that are suitable for the use in automobiles, and a process of manufacturing the same. The zinc alloy coated steel sheet includes a zinc coating layer formed on a steel sheet; and a zinc/metal alloy deposited layer formed on the zinc coating layer, wherein the zinc coating layer, and a metal diffusion layer is present in the zinc coating layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an optical laminated body having a substrate and a polarizing film that contains a lyotropic liquid crystal compound and is formed on the substrate. The method includes a step (A) of applying a coating liquid containing the lyotropic liquid crystal compound and a solvent onto the substrate and forming a coat film with the lyotropic liquid crystal compound orientated in one direction, and a step (B) of applying a magnetic field to the coat film in a direction substantially parallel to an orientation direction of the lyotropic liquid crystal compound.

Abstract: To provide a (homogeneous) particle deposit without any impurity contamination, on which only particles with a desired size are deposited. A solution, with particles dispersed in a solvent, is jetted as a flow of fine liquid droplets from a tip part of a capillary, and the jetted fine liquid droplets are electrically charged. This flow of the droplets is introduced into a vacuum chamber through a jet nozzle, as a free jet flow. The free jet flow that travels in the vacuum chamber is introduced into an inside of a deposition chamber, inside of which is set at lower pressure, through a skimmer nozzle provided in the deposition chamber, as an ion beam. Subsequently, by an energy separation device, only particles having particular energy are selected from the electrically charged particles in the flow, and are deposited on a deposited body disposed in an inside of the deposition chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanoscale structure having substantially immobilized nanoparticles arranged at a predetermined patterned is generally disclosed. First, a curable polymeric solution is placed within a well defined by a wafer. The curable polymeric solution includes a curable polymeric material and a magnetically coated nanoparticle. The well is positioned adjacent to an atomically-smooth medium. A recording head is moved in a predetermined manner to produce a magnetic field profile that substantially immobilizes the magnetically coated nanoparticle within the curable polymeric solution in the well. The curable polymeric solution is cured such that the magnetically coated nanoparticle remains substantially immobilized after the magnetic field profile is removed.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive pellets are melted and pressure pumped in a controlled application pattern on the substrate at the application site. The high frequency power supply, induction heated melting susceptor, pressure pump, and pattern control electronics are all contained in a single unit within adhesive projection distance.

Abstract: A method of forming a mask, in which a film pattern is formed on a substrate by using a mask, includes sequentially arranging the mask, the substrate and a first member having a flat surface contacting with the substrate in this order from a supply source of film forming material; and attracting the mask and the first member by means of a magnetic force.

Abstract: A method of producing a relatively-thick film of a magnetic material on a substrate for use in microwave and millimeter wave devices is disclosed. The method includes preparing a wet paste comprising a binder material, glass frit, and a finely-grained magnetic material; applying the wet paste over a stencil, template or mask disposed on the substrate, to form a film on a surface of the substrate; drying the wet paste within an applied magnetic field, to vaporize fluid and organic compounds in the binder material and to produce a desired magnetic orientation in the magnetic film; and sintering the magnetic film. Hot pressing the magnetic film during sintering by adding weight on the film improves density.

Abstract: A conductive wire includes a thermoplastic filament having a circumference and a plurality of coating layers dispersed about the circumference of the thermoplastic filament. The coating layers include a plurality of conductive layers comprising aligned carbon nanotubes dispersed therein and at least one thermoplastic layer between each pair of conductive layers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of nanolithography is provided, the method comprising providing a substrate; providing a scanning probe microscope tip; coating the tip with a deposition compound; and subjecting said coated tip to a driving force to deliver said deposition compound to said substrate so as to produce a desired pattern. Another aspect of the invention provides a tip for use in nanolithography having an internal cavity and an aperture restricting movement of a deposition compound from the tip to the substrate. The rate and extent of movement of the deposition compound through the aperture is controlled by a driving force.