Abstract: Magnetic ink and toner compositions traditionally comprise magnetic materials in fine particulate form, either as a dry composition or a liquid suspension. Often such materials are black or dark in colour. Disclosed herein are particles compositions suitable for use as inks or toners, that exhibit desirable magnetic properties, and furthermore which include particles coated so they appear white substantially white, or coloured. Such compositions present new opportunities for the production of corresponding magnetic layers, when the compositions are deposited in an appropriate manner to a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms includes a mixer for mixing a sump of the powder material to electrostatically charge the powder material, the mixer including two substantially parallel elongate mixing shafts having oppositely angled mixing paddles thereon and being arranged to rotate in opposite directions; and a feeder for removing the electrostatically charged powder material from the sump and supplying it to the applicator, and a method for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of nanolithography is provided using a driving force to control the movement of a deposition compound from a scanning probe microscope tip to a substrate. 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.

Abstract: A method for hot dip coating a metal strand includes passing the metal strand vertically through a coating tank that contains molten coating metal and through a guide channel upstream of the coating tank. A electromagnetic field is generated by inductors on both sides of the metal strand and an electromagnetic field superposed on the electromagnetic field of the inductors is generated by supplementary coils on both sides of the metal strand. A center position of the metal strand in the guide channel is stabilized by: (a) measuring the position of the metal strand in the guide channel; (b) measuring the induced current in the inductors; (c) measuring the induced current in the supplementary coils; and (d) influencing the induced current in the supplementary coils as a function of all of the parameters measured in steps (a) to (c).

Abstract: The invention discloses a device and a method for transferring a predeterminable, high-resolution magnetic design onto a document printed with a magnetic ink, in particular a magnetic optically variable ink. The device comprises a body of a composite permanent-magnetic material, having at least one flat or curved surface engraved with indicia corresponding to the design to be transferred, wherein the said magnetic material is permanently magnetized, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the said surface. The method comprises imprinting or coating a first surface of a sheet or web with a magnetic ink or coating composition, and approaching the imprinted sheet or web to the engraved surface of a body of magnetized composite permanent-magnetic material while the ink is wet, followed by hardening the ink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aligning magnetic flakes, which includes: coating a substrate with a carrier having the flakes dispersed therein, moving the substrate in a magnetic field so as to align the flakes along force lines of the magnetic field in the absence of an effect from a solidifying means, and at least partially solidifying the carrier using a solidifying means while further moving the substrate in the magnetic field so as to secure the magnetic flakes in the carrier while the magnetic field maintains alignment of the magnetic flakes. An apparatus is provided, which has a belt for moving a substrate along a magnet assembly for aligning magnetic flakes. The apparatus also includes a solidifying means, such as a UV- or e-beam source, and a cover above a portion of the magnet assembly for protecting the flakes from the effect of the solidifying means.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroless plating includes a plating bath containing an aqueous metal salt solution, and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field. An object to be plated is immersed in the solution. The magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator increases the level at which the metal ions are attracted to a surface of the object. Therefore, a layer of plating of good quality may be formed at a rapid rate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material, the method comprising: growing a layer of reinforcement; and impregnating the layer with a matrix. The reinforcement layer may be formed by a chemical vapour deposition process. The method can be used as an additive layer manufacturing technique to form a component with a desired shape and physical characteristics, or can be used to form a thin sheet material.

Abstract: A method for depositing high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARMS), which method comprises applying a force upon an aerosol comprising one or more HARM-structures, which force moves one or more HARM-structures based on one or more physical features and/or properties towards one or more predetermined locations for depositing one or more HARM-structures in a pattern by means of an applied force.

Abstract: In order to provide a roller bearing ball, a roller bearing and a method for treating roller bearing balls, which are distinguished by an inexpensive and, in terms of production technology, simple surface treatment or coating of the rolling bodies, there is provision for the spherical rolling face of the roller bearing ball which rolls on a running face of a roller bearing in operation to have at least one flattened portion.

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: The invention relates to a method for the hot dip coating of a metal strip (1), in particular a steel strip, according to which the metal strip (1) is fed vertically through a container (3) that holds the molten coating metal (2) and a guide channel (4) that is connected upstream. According to the invention, to retain the coating metal (2) in the container (3) in the vicinity of the guide channel (4), an electromagnetic field is generated by means of at least two inductors (5) that are situated on either side of the metal strip (1) and to stabilise the metal strip (1) in a central position in the guide channel (4), the electromagnetic excitation of the inductors (5) is modified and/or an electromagnetic field that overlaps the electromagnetic field of the inductors (5) is generated by means of at least two correction coils (6) that are situated on either side of the metal strip (1). The aim of the invention is to control the centring of the metal strip in a manner that is not susceptible to interference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feature substance for securing the authenticity of documents of value, having at least one luminescent substance in particle form and nanoparticles enveloping the surfaces of the luminescent substance particles at least partially, wherein the properties of the feature substance result from the interaction of the properties of the luminescent substance and of the nanoparticles. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing the feature substance, a method for securing the authenticity of a security element or document of value using a feature substance, as well as security elements and documents of value with authenticity features on the basis of the feature substance.

Abstract: A sputter target for sputtering a silicon-containing film is provided. The target includes a silicon-containing sputter material layer, and a carrier for carrying the sputter material layer, wherein the sputter material layer contains less than 200 ppm iron.

Abstract: A chip on film (COF) structure includes a flexible circuit board and a chip. The flexible circuit board includes a flexible base film and a conductive layer. The flexible base film has a polyimide layer and an anisotropic conductive layer (ACL). The conductive layer is disposed on the flexible base film. The conductive layer and the ACL are separated by the polyimide layer. The chip is mounted with the conductive layer via interconnectors.

Abstract: An integrated angular magnetic sensor apparatus for determining a magnetic field angle within two axes of a plane is formed on a substrate onto which two anisotropic magneto-resistive sensing elements and at least one magneto-resistive sensing element are fabricated. The two anisotropic magneto-resistive sensing elements are oriented such that the output voltages of a first and second of the anisotropic magneto-resistive sensing elements are a function of a first and second trigonometric function (a sine function) of the magnetic field angle to a reference axis. The at least one magneto-resistive sensing element on the substrate and having a fixed reference magnetization oriented with respect to the reference axis such that an output voltage of the at least one magneto-resistive sensing element provides a quadrant indicator for the magnetic field angle with respect to the reference axis. The quadrant indicator is a trigonometric function such as a sine or cosine function.

Abstract: Simultaneous setting of exchange pinning field magnetization in more than one direction for several thin film structures on a single substrate has been achieved by first orienting the structures as needed. A layer of hard magnetic material is then deposited, suitably patterned to control the direction of its flux, and then magnetized through a single exposure to a strong magnetic field. The assemblage is then thermally annealed (in the absence of any applied field) at a temperature higher than the AFM material blocking temperature, following which the thin film structures are magnetically pinned in the intended directions.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus by which property values in a film formed by the AD method can be improved. The film forming apparatus includes: a chamber having a substrate stage for holding a substrate on which a film is to be formed; an aerosol generating unit for generating an aerosol by dispersing a raw material powder into a gas; a magnetic field applying device for applying a magnetic field to a flow path of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating unit so as to orient crystal orientation in the raw material powder in an aerosol state; and an injection nozzle for spraying the aerosol applied with the magnetic field by the magnetic field applying device to the substrate so as to deposit the raw material powder, in which the crystal orientation is oriented, on the substrate.

Abstract: A device having a substrate, a pair of ferromagnetic leads on a surface of the substrate, laterally separated by a gap, and one or more ferromagnetic microparticles comprising a conductive coating at least partially within the gap. The conductive coating forms at least part of an electrical connection between the leads. A molecular junction may connect the leads to the microparticle.

Abstract: A collimator panel comprises: a solid panel having a first face for receiving uncollimated radiation and a second opposite face for providing collimated radiation; and a plurality of elongate particles disposed in the panel and orientated to provide the collimating function. A method of manufacturing a collimator panel comprises the steps of: suspending a plurality of elongate particles in a liquid; applying an electric or magnetic field to the suspension to orientate the particles; and solidifying the liquid to fix the orientation of the particles, thereby forming a collimator panel. A method of manufacturing the elongate particles is also provided.

Abstract: A kit for producing optically variable images is disclosed wherein the kit includes a special effect pigment having particles that are magnetically alignable, a magnet for aligning the particles and a scribing tool for personalizing an image. Alternatively or in addition the kit can include e-field responsive flakes in a carrier vehicle and an electric field source for aligning said flakes. A stylus may be included for moving or changing the alignment of a portion of the flakes that have been aligned in the magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of coating fibers with a metal by a liquid method. In this process, a fiber (3) is drawn through a bath (15) of molten liquid metal so as to coated with the latter, the liquid metal bath (15) being maintained in a crucible (9) of the “levitation” type, which at least partly eliminates contact between the liquid metal and the crucible (9). The bath (15) is fed with metal, during the process, by a metal powder (16). Thanks to the invention, the molten metal bath is fed in a simple and effective manner.

Abstract: Fiber based z-directional reinforced composites having enhanced inter-laminar strength, impact toughness, transmission properties (electrical and thermal conduction) and coefficient of thermal expansion are provided. The composites include at least two substrates separated by a reinforcement zone that includes a plurality of fibers disposed in a binder resin. At least some, and in one embodiment, a majority, of the fibers are oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular to the substrates. Multi-layered composites having more than two substrate layers can also be formed. Methods for forming such composites are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward core-shell nanoparticles, each comprising a ligand-capped metal shell surrounding a plurality of discrete, nonconcentric, metal-containing cores. Methods of making and using these nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thermal barrier coating system (90) in communication with at least a portion of at least one substrate (92). The method includes: depositing a first bond coat (94) on at least a portion of at least one substrate (92); depositing a first thermal barrier coat (96) disposed on the bond coat (94); whereby the deposition occurs in one or more chambers to form the thermal barrier coating system (90); and wherein the deposition of the first bond coat (94) (or subsequent bond coats) and the deposition of the first thermal barrier coat (96) (or subsequent thermal barrier coats) is performed without out-of-chamber handling of the thermal barrier coating system (90).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for attaching nanomaterials by using a Langmuir-Blodgett method, wherein a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film, which is comprised of nanomaterials, is formed from a dispersed solution where the nanomaterials are stably dispersed in a volatile organic solvent, and then the nanomaterials of the LB film are transferred to a substrate or a holder. The method according to the present invention may be desirably applied to fabrication of a nanopattern structure, or manufacture of a probe, as a mechanical and electric device, for detecting signals such as surface or chemical signals.

Abstract: A method of forming a cast metal alloy comprises providing a molten ferromagnetic metal alloy; utilizing AC or DC electrical power to generate a pulsed or oscillating magnetic field within the interior space of a casting mold via a magnetic core assembly surrounding the casting mold; filling the casting mold with the molten metal alloy; applying the pulsed or oscillating magnetic field to the molten metal alloy during solidification to mix a molten portion of the solidifying body; and continuing applying the pulsed or oscillating magnetic field to the solidifying body until complete solidification is achieved. The method has particular utility in the formation of cast ferromagnetic alloys for use as high PTF sputtering targets having improved microstructural features.

Abstract: There are described thermoelectric elements that are manufactured by using a porous matrix or a porous substrate. The matrix consists of an electrically insulating material having sufficient thermal and chemical resistance as well as the lowest possible thermal conductivity, and is provided in predetermined regions with different thermoelectric materials, so that continuous conductors are formed in the matrix. These are electrically connected to one another to form thermocouples, which in turn are electrically interconnected with one another to form the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A kit for producing optically variable images is disclosed wherein the kit includes a special effect pigment having particles that are magnetically alignable, a magnet for aligning the particles and a scribing tool for personalizing an image. Alternatively or in addition the kit can include e-field responsive flakes in a carrier vehicle and an electric field source for aligning said flakes. A stylus may be included for moving or changing the alignment of a portion of the flakes that have been aligned in the magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: The light-polarizing solid coating composition which comprises (i) particles of at least one magnetic material suspended in a solvent, is characterized in that it comprises (ii) at least one dichroic dye compound. Application to ophthalmic optics.

Abstract: A PVD layer system for the coating of workpieces encompasses at least one mixed-crystal layer of a multi-oxide having the following composition: (Me11-xMe2x)2O3, where Me1 and Me2 each represent at least one of the elements Al, Cr, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Nb, Ti, Sb or V. The elements of Me1 and Me2 differ from one another. The crystal lattice of the mixed-crystal layer in the PVD layer system has a corundum structure which in an x-ray diffractometrically analyzed spectrum of the mixed-crystal layer is characterized by at least three of the lines associated with the corundum structure. Also disclosed is a vacuum coating method for producing a mixed-crystal layer of a multi-oxide, as well as correspondingly coated tools and components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a substrate with a layer of a material, such as a metal, in which a quantity of electrically conductive material is vaporized in a space with a low background pressure and energy is supplied to the material which is to be vaporized in order to vaporize this material. According to the invention, the material which is to be vaporized, while it is being vaporized, is kept floating, without support, in the space and is enclosed in an alternating electromagnetic field, the alternating electromagnetic field being generated with the aid of a high-frequency alternating current. The invention also relates to a device for coating a substrate and to a substrate.

Abstract: A system for coating a surface comprising providing a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface; and separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface. Also an apparatus for coating a surface comprising a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; an application system for directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface, and a system for separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface.

Abstract: A magnetic field is applied to planarize magnetic pigment flakes relative to a surface. Pigment flakes, such as optically variable pigment flakes, are used in a variety of paints, inks, extrusions, powder coatings, and other forms for decorative and security applications. In many applications pigment flakes tend to align parallel to each other and to the surface to which they are applied. If the pigment flakes include a suitable magnetic structure, a magnetic field can be applied to subsequently align the flakes or enhance the alignment of the flakes in the plane of the substrate if the carrier that the flakes are dispersed in is still fluid. In some printing operations, pigment flakes that are applied parallel to the substrate are pulled out of plane when the print screen or printing die is lifted off the substrate. Application of a magnetic field can re-align pigment flakes to the plane of the substrate, enhancing the visual quality of the printed image, especially with optically variable pigments.

Abstract: A rubbing method, i.e., a method of forming an alignment layer, of a liquid crystal display device includes providing a substrate, applying an alignment layer on the substrate, applying a magnetic field to the alignment layer by a magnetic field generator and firing the alignment layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thin film magnetic recording media, the method comprises generating magnetic nanoclusters from a target of magnetic material, crystallizing the magnetic nanoclusters, and depositing the magnetic nanoclusters onto a substrate to form a thin film of magnetic particles thereon. The magnetic nanoclusters are deposited onto the substrate after crystallized and therefore after the deposition. The apparatus comprises a first chamber, a second chamber connected to the first chamber, and a third chamber connected to the second chamber. The first chamber has a source for generating magnetic nanoclusters. The second chamber is to receive the magnetic nanoclusters and crystallize the magnetic nanocluster. The third chamber is to receive the crystallized magnetic nanoclusters from the second chamber and deposit the crystallized magnetic nanoclusters onto the substrate positioned therein.

Abstract: As track widths of magnetic read heads grow very small, conventional longitudinal bias stabilization has been found to no longer be suitable since the strong magnetostatic coupling at the track edges also pins the magnetization of the free layer. This problem has been overcome by extending the free layer so that it is no longer confined to the area immediately below the spacer or tunneling layer. A longitudinal bias layer immediately below the free layer is given a relatively weak magnetic exchange coupling field of about 200 Oe. Although there is strong exchange coupling between this and the free layer, the degree of pinning of the free layer is low so that the device's output signal is reduced by less than about 10%. A process for manufacturing both the CPP SV and a MTJ versions of the invention is described.

Abstract: A substrate is printed with areas of magnetizable ink. The magnetizable ink is compressed into the surface of the substrate, and overprinted to hide it. Suitable inks for the purpose are disclosed. The ink may be permanently magnetized in any of a variety of patterns.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium has a recording layer, disposed above a surface of a substrate and made of hard magnetic nano-particles. The hard magnetic nano-particles are made of an alloy having as a main component an element selected from a group consisting of FePt, FePd and CoPt, and the hard magnetic nano-particles have axes of easy magnetization oriented in a direction approximately perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A serpentine tube used in the manufacture of a fluorescent lamp is coated with a reflective or phosphor material. A magnetic material and coating material slurry is placed within one end of a serpentine glass tube. A magnet is placed adjacent the magnetic material and coating material slurry and is moved in a path conforming to the shape of the serpentine tube. The magnet causes the magnetic material and coating material slurry to travel along therewith, coating a portion of the interior surface of the serpentine tube with a reflective, phosphor, or other material. In another embodiment of the invention, abrasive magnetic material is placed within the serpentine lamp for removing a previously coated material resulting in an aperture being formed. The present invention is particularly suited to the manufacture of serpentine fluorescent lamps that are used to illuminate flat panel displays.

Abstract: Provided are a double-layer perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a high medium S/N at an areal recording density of 50 Gbits or more per square inch, and a magnetic storage apparatus having excellent reliability with a low error rate. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium is formed by sequentially laminating a domain control layer, an amorphous soft magnetic underlayer, an intermediate layer, and a perpendicular recording layer on a substrate. The domain control layer is a triple-layer film formed by laminating a first polycrystalline soft magnetic layer, a disordered antiferromagnetic layer, and a second polycrystalline soft magnetic layer from a substrate side.

Abstract: A process of making a magnetic assembly having at least one magnetic layer and at least one printable substrate layer including the steps of providing a magnetic composition comprising about 70 wt-% to about 95 wt-% of at least one magnetic material and about 5 wt-% to about 30 wt-% of at least one thermoplastic binder, forming the magnetic composition into a magnetic layer, and directly applying the magnetic composition at an elevated temperature in molten form to a printable substrate layer, and to the magnetic composition and any articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electric machines comprised of geometrically patterned arrays of permanent magnets, soft magnetic materials, and electrical conductors deposited by kinetic spraying methods directly atop a carrier. The magnets and planar coils of the present invention may be integrally formed atop carriers to form electrical machines such as motors, generators, alternators, solenoids, and actuators. The manufacturing techniques used in this invention may produce highly defined articles that do not require additional shaping or attaching steps. Very high-purity permanent and soft magnetic materials, and conductors with low oxidation are produced.

Abstract: Carriers hold remote-acting bodies which can be manipulated by a remote force, and also hold a micro-substance which is a target substance of an assay. The remote-acting bodies are manipulated in order to control the positions of the micro-substances, so as to execute assays for various target substances efficiently, at low cost, easily, and reliably. Various aspects of interest include the carriers which hold the micro-substances, a system suspending the carriers, an apparatus for manipulating the carriers, and a method of controlling the position of the carriers.

Abstract: A carrier sheet comprising a printed paper sheet having an integrated detachable card with a magnetic backing and method of manufacturing same is described. The carrier sheet is comprised of a printed paper sheet having printed matter on at least a front face thereof. The printed matter contains card information printed in a card area. A polyfilm patch is adhered over the card area and over the card information printed thereon. A thin flexible patch of magnet material is adhesively secured on a rear face of the paper sheet and extends over the card area. A die-cut is made in the sheet and delineates the contour of the card area and extends through the polyfilm patch, the paper sheet and partly into the patch of magnet material to form a burstable region along said die-cut to hold the card in the carrier sheet. The die-cut can have any ornamental shape.

Abstract: The invention seeks to provide a magnetized coating suitable for exerting durable magnetic forces. To do this, the method of the invention consists in spreading conductive particles (13) on a medium (11), the particles being directed by prior magnetization along an inducing magnetic field and being embedded in a binder (12). The coating apparatus for implementing the method of the invention comprises means (10, 15) for feeding the medium (11) onto a conveyor (20), means for applying a main binder (12) via presser rollers (40) and via at least one nozzle (30), said means being coupled to heater means, a tank (50) of particles (13) coupled to a duster (51) for dispensing the fill of particles, means for spreading the fill of particles within the main binder, electromagnetic means (60) for producing an anisotropic magnetic field for magnetizing the particles, a sprayer (80) for depositing an additional binder, dryer means (100), demagnetizer means (110), and winder means (120).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a monolayer of substantive particles including the steps of applying to a substrate a curable composition having substantive particles contained therein, the substantive particles having a particle size on at least one dimension thereof of at least 1 micrometer and being in two or more groups of different sizes; exposing the substantive particle-containing curable composition to a source of energy suitable for effecting polymerization of the curable composition for a sufficient time to effect polymerization of a layer of the curable composition having a thickness of no more than 50% of the height of the largest substantive particles; and optionally, removing uncured curable composition. The invention also provides a method of forming a monolayer of substantive particles in a non-random array where the curable composition comprises a ferrofluid composition.

Abstract: Magnetic films are annealed by radio frequency (RF) radiation. During the RF annealing process, the layers may be subjected to a magnetic field in order to control their anisotropy axes. The RF annealed layers are useful for applications such as longitudinal and perpendicular magnetic recording layers of magnetic data storage media.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of magnetically linking a ferromagnetic object to a partially magnetized coating material made by applying a coating to a surface of a continuously-moving medium including the steps of providing a coating material by mixing a binder material suitable for being spread substantially and regularly over the surface and a ferromagnetic component, the binder material being a hot melt adhesive; providing a continuously-moving medium having a top surface to be substantially coated, the surface capable of receiving a substantially and regularly spread coating material; passing the coating material and continuously-moving medium between rollers to form a substantially constant thickness of the coating material substantially covering the top surface and allowing the coating material to set to form the coated medium as a magnetizable component, wherein the medium that is coated is one of a paper, a card, wallpaper, a flexible plastic sheet, a rigid plastic sheet, and walls; partially

Abstract: Coupling components to an underlying substrate using a composition of a polymer and magnetic material particles. Upon applying the composition between the component and the printed circuit board, the composition may be subjected to a magnetic field to align the magnetic material particles into a conductive path between the component and the underlying substrate. At the same time the polymer-based material may be cured or otherwise solidified to affix the conductive path formed by the magnetic material particles.