Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale polymeric microstructures utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.

Abstract: The emittance value is a measure of an amount of energy expelled from a given surface area relative to a black-body reference. Depending on the specific coating a change in the emittance value is actively or passively effected. There are known active variable emittance thermal control coatings. However, such coatings are actually panels housing a mixture of both high and low emissivity materials that are electrically manipulated to control the emittance value of the panel. These “coatings” are classified as either electrochromic or electrophorectic. Both electrochromic and electrophorectic coatings require an applied voltage to cause a change in the emittance value of the coating. By contrast, aspects of the present invention do not include active variable emittance thermal control coatings. Aspects of the present invention do include passive variable emittance thermal control coatings and materials.

Abstract: A bonding structure according to the present invention includes: a ceramic member made of aluminum nitride and including a hole; a terminal embedded in the ceramic member, exposed to a bottom surface of the hole, and made of molybdenum; a brazed bond layer consisted of gold (Au) only; and a connecting member inserted in the hole, bonded to the terminal via the brazed bond layer, and made of molybdenum.

Abstract: A structure and method of forming the structure. At least one copper wire is formed within a first dielectric layer of a substrate. The top surface of each copper wire and of the first dielectric layer are essentially coplanar. A recess is formed in the first dielectric layer from the top surface of each copper wire to a recess depth less than a thickness of each copper wire within the first dielectric layer such that the recess surrounds a perimeter surface of each copper wire. A capping layer, which is a copper diffusion barrier, is formed in the recess and on the top surface of each copper wire and on the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed on the capping layer. The recess depth has a magnitude sufficient to prevent a lateral fail of the capping layer during packaging and/or operation of the substrate.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus includes a base sheet; a conductive pattern formed on the base sheet; a circuit chip mounted on the base sheet and connected to the conductive pattern; and plural protrusions arranged on at least one of a frontside and a backside of the base sheet to overlap at least a portion of the conductive pattern. The plural protrusions protrude in a direction away from the base sheet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding film for a display device includes a transparent, resinous first base, an intaglio pattern formed on at least one side of the first base, and an electromagnetic shielding pattern containing a conductive material with which the intaglio pattern is filled. A method of fabricating an electromagnetic shielding film for a display device, includes the steps of coating a first curable resin on one surface of a transparent backing, forming an intaglio pattern on the first curable resin using a patterning roll and curing the first curable resin, filling the intaglio pattern with a second curable resin containing a conductive material, and curing the second curable resin.

Abstract: A method and superalloy component for depositing a layer of material onto gas turbine engine components by atomic layer deposition. A superalloy component may have a ceramic thermal barrier coating on at least a portion of its surface, comprising a superalloy substrate and a bonding coat; and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer may be deposited on top of an yttria-stabilized zirconia layer and form a bonding coat by atomic layer deposition. The yttria-stabilized zirconia layer may have a plurality of micron sized gaps extending from the top surface of the ceramic coating towards the substrate and defining a plurality of columns of the yttria-stabilized zirconia layer. Also, atomic layer deposition may be used to lay an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer over a tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) layer on a silicon-based substrate.

Abstract: A construction component is claimed having a substantially solid member with at least one opening and a layer of polymer applied to the solid member such that it coats at least a portion of a surface of the solid member and substantially fills the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and tools for directed assembly of nanoelements across a large area using a nanosubstrate. The nanosubstrate has a substrate layer, an adhesive layer, a conductive layer, and an insulating layer that is interrupted by one or more nanotrenches or nanowells having a width of at least 20 nm. The nanosubstrate allows the rapid assembly of linear assemblies and arrays of single walled carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles by DC electrophoresis. The density of nanoelements assembled can be controlled by varying the voltage and trench size. Functionalized nanoparticles can be assembled into arrays useful, e.g., as biosensors.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate having recesses filled with heteroepitaxial silicon-containing material with different portions having different impurity concentrations. Strained layers can fill recessed source/drain regions in a graded, bottom-up fashion. Layers can also line recess sidewalls with one concentration of strain-inducing impurity and fill the remainder to the recess with a lower concentration of the impurity. In the latter case, the sidewall liner can be tapered.

Abstract: An adhesive article and a method of making the adhesive article are described. The adhesive article includes a facestock film having a first surface, a second surface and end edges wherein the second surface has a plurality of recesses formed therein that provide a path for fluid egress to at least one end edge; and a continuous layer of adhesive adhered to the second surface of the facestock film. The adhesive layer can compress, collapse or flex into the recesses of the embossed surface in response to a force to create a path for fluid egress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disposable cleaning sheet for removing debris, especially hair from a non-smooth or rough surface, especially fibrous type surfaces such as carpeting or upholstery. The cleaning sheets comprise a fibrous substrate and a plurality of protrusions extending from strand elements embedded within fibrous substrate. The cleaning sheets use the protrusions to dislodge the debris from the surface being cleaned, and the fibrous substrate captures the dislodged debris without a backing for the protrusions interfering with the particle capture of the fibrous substrate. Further, the protrusions are firmly embedded within the fibrous substrate such that they cannot be dislodged from the substrate in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost MEMS functional device by improving air tightness of a jointed section by anode junction in wafer level packaging for MEMS based functional devices. The MEMS functional device comprises a function element section formed by processing a substrate mainly made of Si, a metallized film for sealing formed around the functional element, and a glass substrate jointed to the metallized film for sealing by anode junction. Formed on a surface of the metallized film for sealing is a metallized film containing at least one of Sn and Ti as a main component.

Abstract: New anti-reflective or fill compositions having improved flow properties are provided. The compositions comprise a dendritic polymer dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system, and preferably a light attenuating compound, a crosslinking agent, and a catalyst. The inventive compositions can be used to protect contact or via holes from degradation during subsequent etching in the dual damascene process. The inventive compositions can also be applied to substrates (e.g., silicon wafers) to form anti-reflective coating layers having high etch rates which minimize or prevent reflection during subsequent photoresist exposure and developing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the structuring of surfaces of substrates in which a substrate is structured in a first step and, in a second step, coated by the sol-gel process for partial smoothing of the structuring, giving, in particular, a surface which scatters in a diffuse manner.

Abstract: A process is provided for the formation of miniaturized getter deposits, comprising the steps of forming a layer of a photosensitive polymeric material on a support; selectively exposing the polymeric layer in order to cause a chemical modification in a portion of the polymeric layer; removing with a first solvent only one of the previously exposed or the not previously exposed portions of the polymeric layer, thus forming cavities in the polymeric layer; forming a thin layer of a getter material by cathodic deposition at the bottom of the cavity and on the residual polymer; and removing with a second solvent the polymer portion not removed by the first solvent, leaving at least a getter material deposit on the support surface.

Abstract: One or more cavities are formed in the bonding surfaces of one, all, or some of the elements to be bonded. These cavities serve as receptacles for the bonding material and are where the bonds are localized. The cavities are of sufficient size and shape so that their volume is greater than the volume of bonding material forming the bond. This ensures that when the elements are brought into contact with one another to mate, the bonding material, which can flow prior to solidifying into a bond, will flow into the cavities and will not impede the separation of the parts. This allows the parts to be mated with nominally zero separation. Once solidified, the bonding material forms a localized bond inside each cavity. Different cavity shapes, such as, rectangular, circular, or any other shape that can be injected or filled with adhesive material may be used.

Abstract: A method of patterning a deposit metal on a polymeric substrate is described. The method includes providing a polymeric film substrate having a major surface with a relief pattern having a recessed region and an adjacent raised region, depositing a first material onto the major surface of the polymeric film substrate to form a coated polymeric film substrate, forming a layer of a functionalizing material selectively onto the raised region of the coated polymeric film substrate to form a functionalized raised region and an unfunctionalized recessed region, and depositing electrolessly a deposit metal selectively on the unfunctionalized recessed region.

Abstract: Composites are provided having improved strength and rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, as compared to known polymeric composites or polymeric composites in combination with metal reinforcement. The composites of the present invention are metallic-polymeric composites and are comprised of polymeric composites and metallic composites. Such metallic-polymeric composites provide for composite parts having improved strength and/or rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, compared to other composite parts. The composite parts of the present invention have potential utility, for example, as aerospace craft leading edges, bodies, panels, and control surfaces.

Abstract: A vapor permeable, water impermeable film is coating partially with an adhesive surface coating. The partial adhesive coating is deposited on both surfaces of the film and coated areas on one surface of the film are at least partially in line with the coated areas of the second surface. A three ply laminate sheet is manufactured having a middle layer consisting of a vapor permeable water impermeable films having partial surface coating with an adhesive material on both surfaces.

Abstract: A method for patterning self-assembled colloidal photonic crystals and a method for fabricating three-dimensional photonic crystal waveguides having an inverted-opal structure using the patterning method. The patterning method includes depositing first and second conductive films separate from each other, on an area corresponding to a pattern of the self-assembled colloidal photonic crystals that are to be formed on a substrate and on another area except for the area corresponding to the pattern, respectively, and growing the photonic crystals on the substrate on which the first and second conductive films are deposited by dip-coating in a fluid containing colloidal particles while applying a DC voltage to the respective first and second conductive films. Various types of colloidal photonic crystals can be fabricated depending on the electrode pattern defined on the substrate.

Abstract: A sealing technique is established in which a seal can be easily formed and which is excellent in reliability and a heat cycle property in a high temperature region of 800° C. or higher, so as to provide a composite body preferably used for a device for producing pure oxygen, oxygen-rich air, and the like, a membrane reactor represented by that for partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas, a solid oxide fuel cell, an oxygen purification device, a heat exchanger, or the like. The present invention makes it possible to increase a possibility of practical use in a wide area which has been delayed in development owing to a bottleneck of improvement in a sealing property. Particularly, its application to the device for producing pure oxygen, oxygen-rich air, or the like, the membrane reactor represented by that for partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon gas, the solid oxide fuel cell, the oxygen purification device, the heat exchanger, or the like can greatly contribute to acceleration of the development.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet radiation which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing. In another variant, two different spectral regions of UV curing radiation are used so that a urethane coating can be employed as a top coat with a selectively embossed surface.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet light which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing.

Abstract: Composite materials having colloidal photonic crystals patterned in substrates for use in different technologies including lab-on-chip and photonic chip technologies. The colloidal crystals are patterned either on or within surface relief patterns in the substrates of the composite materials and each colloidal crystal exhibits Bragg diffraction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nonostructure, which enables cylindrical pores arrayed according to any periodic pattern to be easily made on a substrate over a large area at a low cost in a short period of time. The method of manufacturing a structure having such pores includes the steps of preparing a substrate having recesses in its surface, providing a film on the surface of the substrate and anodizing the film.

Abstract: Improved optical element wafers comprising stacked, optically coupled etalon wafers are disclosed. Each etalon wafer comprises a bulk optic wafer defining the optic cavity between selectively transparent thin film mirror coatings. The bulk optic wafer comprises an optically transparent body, such as a portion of a substrate wafer, along with a wedge correcting coating on at least one of the two surfaces of the optically transparent body and/or a thickness-adjustment layer on one or both surfaces. The bulk optic wafer is a solid, self-supporting body, optically transparent (at the wavelength or wavelengths of interest), whose thickness, i.e., the dimension between the selectively transparent surfaces, defines the cavity spacing of the bulk optic etalon wafer. Methods of making and using the optical element wafers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adherent sheet material and method of making including at least one adhesive, non-raised region protected from inadvertent adherence to a contact surface. This adherent sheet material also including a film having a front face and back face, wherein the front face has a plurality of collapsible, non-adhesive protrusions extending outwardly from the front face and adhesive, non-raised region disposed between the protrusions. Also, a substrate is bonded to the back face of film. An adherent sheet material including a contact adhesive protected from inadvertent adherence to a contact surface. This adherent sheet material also including a film having a front face and back face, wherein the front face has a plurality of collapsible, non-adhesive protrusions extending outwardly from the front face and adhesive, non-raised region disposed between the protrusions.

Abstract: A device having an improved thermal barrier coating (46) and a process for manufacturing the same. A support structure (28) for retaining a ceramic insulating material (46) on a substrate (16) is formed by the deposition of a support structure material through a patterned masking material (14). The support structure can define cells into which the ceramic insulating material is deposited following removal of the masking material. The masking material may be patterned by known photolithographic techniques (22,24) or by laser etching (48). The support structure (28) may be a composite metal-ceramic material having either discreet layers (30,34) or a graded composition and may be deposited by an electro-desposition process followed by a heat treatment to form a solid state diffusion bond with the substrate.

Abstract: A method (50) of instrumenting a component (10) having a barrier coating (14). A sensor (76) is embedded within or below the coating. Material forming the sensor is deposited within a trench (80) formed into the barrier coating. The trench is then backfilled with material (70) to protect the sensor from the environment within which the component is operating. In this manner, the sensor may be embedded at any desired location and any desired depth within a barrier coating on a previously fabricated component. An array of sensors (98, 100, 102) may be embedded across the depth of the coating to provide signals indicative of operating conditions across the coating. The signals may be conducted to a connection location (24) by conductors (62, 64) that are deposited within the trench. The trench may be formed with a laser engraving process (54) and the material for the sensor and conductors may be deposited with a selective laser melting process (58).

Abstract: An enhanced embossing pattern of an absorbent article having a substrate that has at least one embossed area and one unembossed area, wherein the embossed area has at least two sidewalls and a floor and a coating deposited in the embossed area, wherein the coating imparts visual contrast between the embossed area and the unembossed area of the substrate. Also included are related methods of making such absorbent articles.

Abstract: A process for fabricating monolithic membrane structures having air gaps is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a wafer; depositing and patterning a protective layer on the wafer; providing a trench in the wafer; depositing and patterning a metal in the trench; depositing and patterning a sacrificial layer on the metal; depositing and patterning a membrane pad on the sacrificial layer; providing a polymeric film on the protective layer and sacrificial layer, wherein part of the polymeric film has a tensile stress; and releasing part of the polymeric film from the protective layer and sacrificial layer, wherein the tensile stress of a portion of the polymeric film releases the portion of the polymeric film from the wafer and generates the air gap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the cleaning of surfaces by the contact application of a nonwoven fabric having a three-dimensional image imparted therein. The three-dimensional image of the nonwoven fabric induces the formation of lather due to pronounced surface projections that come in contact with the cleaning surface and provide air passageways that are parallel to the plane of the substrate. The imaged nonwoven fabric disclosed herein exhibits low linting qualities thereby reducing the potential of fiber contamination of the cleaned surface and is sufficiently durable that the sample can be used in a brisk manner.

Abstract: A substance delivery system has a three dimensional structure with outermost surface features and spaces for containing a substance. The substance has a level below the outermost surface features such that the substance is protected from inadvertent contact with external surfaces. The substance remains protected until the three dimensional structure is sufficiently deformed into a substantially two dimensional structure and the substance is thereby exposed to contact an external surface without compliance of the external surface being necessary. Deforming is preferably achieved by a compression force, wherein the outermost surface features of the three dimensional structure deform in a direction of the compression force.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable surface sheet placed on a liquid-receiving side of the absorbent layer for introducing excreted liquid from the human body to the absorbent layer. The surface sheet is of a corrugated configuration to have valleys and peaks extending in a longitudinal direction of the article and alternately arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each valley has a connecting part raised to connect between two adjacent peaks.

Abstract: Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.

Abstract: Sheet-like materials suitable for use in the containment and protection of various items, as well as the preservation of perishable materials such as food items, comprise a sheet of material having a first active side and a second side. The first active side comprises a plurality of three-dimensional non-adherent protrusions extending outwardly from surrounding depressions and a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition coating on at least a portion of the depressions, wherein the adhesive composition coating has a thickness less than the height of the non-adherent protrusions and from about 0.00001 (0.00025 mm) to about 0.0002 inches (0.0051 mm) in thickness.

Abstract: A polishing pad for polishing a surface of a work, (A) said polishing pad being made of a resin formed of a ring-opened polymer from a cycloolefin by metathesis polymerization, and (B) said resin having a heat deformation temperature of 90 to 135° C., a compression elastic modulus of 980 to 2,940 MPa and a water absorption of 0.01 to 0.25% by weight. The polishing pad of the present invention has a proper hardness, shows a low water absorption, causes no damage on a work surface and has durability.

Abstract: A composite article having large scale predictable dimensional stability comprises a metal foil backing having adhered thereto a layer of cured polymer having an exposed surface bearing a three-dimensional microstructure of precisely shaped and located functional discontinuities. The article is made by depositing a layer of a radiation curable composition onto a metal foil backing, contacting a master with a pattern capable of imparting a three-dimensional microstructure of precisely shaped and located functional discontinuities into the layer of radiation curable composition, while the layer of radiation curable composition is in contact with the master, exposing the curable composition to radiation to cure the composition, and separating the cured polymer layer on the metal foil backing from the surface of the master. Either the metal foil backing or the master may be radiation transmissive.

Abstract: An article of footwear provides a dual energy management system to improve the biomechanical properties of the article of footwear. The article of footwear includes a forefoot portion, a rearfoot portion, and a sole layer. The sole layer is divided into a first area and a second area. The first area extends over the forefoot portion and comprises an elastic material. The second area extends over the rearfoot portion and comprises a viscous material.

Abstract: Backerboards comprising a shaped cut or groove the allows bending of the backerboard into an L-shaped corner with a rounded outer surface and sharp inner surface are useful for supporting bullnose tile pieces.

Abstract: A single-electron transistor includes a projecting feature, such as a pyramid, that projects from a face of a substrate. A first electrode is provided on the substrate face that extends onto the projecting feature. A second electrode is provided on the substrate face that extends onto the projecting feature and that is spaced apart from the first electrode. At least one nanoparticle is provided on the projecting feature between the first and second electrodes. Accordingly, the geometric configuration of the projecting feature can define the spacing between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image receiving sheet for forming a toner image by removably adhering toner thereto.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a TBC system including grooves or other features between the bond coat/substrate and the ceramic thermally insulating layer. The features are initially provided by selectively removing material to define the features, for example by laser. Any disturbed surface layer, e.g., re-cast material in the case of a laser or plastically worked material in the case of machining, is then chemically removed, leaving the remaining material with a microstructure of a more uniform geometry, and free of disturbed material. The ceramic layer is then applied. TBC systems using the method show improved durability, with lives up to 4× longer than prior TBC systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and its product by embossing or processing the transparent soft or solid thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride(PVC) sheet, the thermoplastic polyethylene(PE) film sheet, the ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer(EVA) film sheet, and the PEVA (the mixture) film sheet; and more particularly a product by utilizing said thermoplastic material plastic sheet printed by lithographic or gravure printing; whereon a pattern arranged by a computer is printed. The plastic sheet is further embossed by a embossing machine on both front and rear sides to produce a coordinated indension so as to produce a product with a stereo flash effect.

Abstract: A foam rubber sheet comprises a substrate made from rubber material and two cloth layers respectively bonded to two sides of the substrate. Each cloth layer has an outer surface comprising a plurality of recessed portions and a plurality of protruded portions. The foam rubber sheet is made from a foam rubber sheet raw material having the substrate and two second cloth layers bonded to both sides of the substrate. A pair of embossing rolls is provided for drawing the foam rubber sheet raw material to pass through the embossing rolls. Each embossing roll includes an outer surface with a pattern, the pattern being configured to form the recessed portions and the protruded portions on each second layer cloth when the foam rubber sheet raw material is passing through the embossing rolls, thereby forming the foam rubber sheet with the cloth layers having the recessed portions and the protruded portions.

Abstract: An ornamental steel plate and a manufacturing method therefor wherein the ornamental steel plate includes a steel plate, a pattern forming groove being formed on the surface of which according to a pattern to be expressed, a pattern forming material having different texture and color from the steel plate and filled in the pattern forming groove, and a decal unit decalled on the surface of the pattern forming material; and the method for manufacturing the ornamental steel plate includes coating an etching resist ink on the surface of the steel plate except for a pattern to be expressed, drying and heating the etching resist ink, forming the pattern forming groove by etching the pattern by spraying an etching solution on the surface of the steel plate, removing the etching resist ink by spraying an etching resist ink remover on the surface of the steel plate, filling the pattern forming material having different texture and color from the steel plate in the pattern forming groove, removing a protruding portion

Abstract: A foam body structure formed of plastic foam with one or more flame retardant reception cavities formed in the main body either simultaneously with an initial foam body formation process such as expandable plastic bead molding or subsequent to the foam body formation such as by melting, drilling or cutting. A solid flame retardant such as one in granular form is preferably supplied in sufficient quantity as to entirely fill the volume defined by the reception cavities. A covering or coating is provided over the flame retardant material to fix the material within the cavities. The volume and distribution of the reception cavities and the amount of the chosen flame retardant received in the cavities is sufficient to provide an essentially common flame retardation quality or characteristic over the entire volume of foam body (or at least the volume that could be exposed to a flame in its intended use).

Abstract: This invention describes methods of synthesis and applications of planarized photonic crystals. Provided are simple, quick, reproducible and inexpensive methods that combine self-assembly and lithography to achieve the first examples of vectorial control of thickness, structure, area, topology, orientation and registry of colloidal crystals that have been patterned in substrates for use in lab-on-chip and photonic chip technologies. 1-, 2 and 3-D colloidal crystals patterned either on or within substrates can be used for templating inverted colloidal crystal replica patterns made of materials like silicon as well as building micron scale structural defects in such colloidal crystals.