Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device (1; 8) for the production of cellular spheroids comprising at least one chamber (2; 9) comprising a fluid inlet (3) for introducing fluid into the chamber (2; 9) and a fluid outlet (4) for removing said fluid from the chamber (2, 9), wherein said at least one chamber (2; 9) comprises a base formed by a substrate (5; 10) comprising at least two recesses (6; 11) to collect a fluid comprising biological cells when the substrate (5, 10) is contacted with the fluid, wherein the size of the at least two recesses (6; 11) decreases from the fluid inlet (3) to the fluid outlet (4) of the at least one chamber (2; 9).

Abstract: A method of assembling a fuel cell stack includes depositing a liquid seal material on an interconnect, pressing a fuel cell into the liquid seal material, and solidifying the liquid seal material after pressing the fuel cell into the liquid seal material. The seal material may also include a support portion or extensions which are configured to reduce an amount of compressive stress on corners of the fuel cell in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head including an ejection orifice for ejecting a liquid, a substrate and a flow path forming member that is joined to the substrate to form a liquid flow path communicating with the ejection orifice, the method including: (1) forming a resin layer having a flow path mold pattern, on the substrate; (2) adding a hydrophilizing material represented by Chemical Formula 1 to an entire surface layer of the resin layer; (3) forming a covering resin layer serving as the flow path forming member, on the resin layer and forming a compatible layer containing the resin layer, the covering resin layer and the hydrophilizing material, at an interface between the resin layer and the covering resin layer; (4) forming the ejection orifice by exposing the covering resin layer; and (5) forming a flow path by removing the resin layer.

Abstract: An electronic device and a driving method therefor. Thicknesses of color resist and a black matrix in a first area, at a corresponding position of a light-transmitting area, of a color film substrate are smaller than the thicknesses of color resist and a black matrix outside the first area, a backlight module is defined with a through hole corresponding to the light-transmitting area, and a photographing module (30) is disposed corresponding to the through hole, so that external light rays can be obtained by means of the through hole and the light-transmitting area, thus under-screen photographing is achieved, and 100% full-screen design is satisfied.

Abstract: A filter device includes one or more filter membranes, and a filter housing enclosing the one or more filter membranes. Each of the filter membranes includes a base membrane and a plurality of through holes.

Abstract: In some examples, a security element includes a substrate that, on one of its sides, includes at least one security feature extending over a first area, the security feature being configured in the form of a three-dimensional intaglio structure. A first ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of first raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of the first color, and at least one second ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of a second color that differs from the first color, and these are provided and arranged offset and spaced apart from one another such that they form an optically variable structure and/or at least some of the mutually adjacent image elements, which differ from one another in the color, occlude and/or expose one another to varying degrees from a varying viewing angles.

Abstract: A silicone member used for a micro device and a micro device which achieve both electrification suppression and light transmittance are provided. The silicone member is used as a micro device and has a holding part for holding samples, or defines the holding part through the combination with a counterpart member. The silicone member includes a silicone material which has silicone and an ionic conductive agent, and the content of the ionic conductive agent is 0.01 part by mass or higher and 1 part by mass or lower with respect to 100 parts by mass of the silicone. The micro device includes the silicone member.

Abstract: A mask and a method of manufacturing the same, an evaporation apparatus and a display device are provided. The method includes forming a first photoresist pattern on a substrate, the first photoresist pattern including a plurality of photoresist structures, each photoresist structure including a first surface away from the substrate and a second surface near the substrate, and the size of the first surface being smaller than that of the second surface; forming a metal layer on the substrate with the first photoresist pattern, the metal layer including a plurality of recessed regions and a plurality of raised regions; forming a second photoresist pattern in the recessed regions, an orthographic projection of the second photoresist pattern on the metal layer overlapping with the recessed regions; removing regions of the metal layer not covered by the second photoresist pattern, the second photoresist pattern, the substrate and the first photoresist pattern mask.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate, a plurality of pad structures disposed between the array substrate and the color filter substrate, a display area, and a light transmissive functional area. The pad structures are correspondingly disposed on the display area. The display area includes a predetermined area disposed at a periphery of the light transmissive functional area, and a thickness of each of the pad structures disposed on the predetermined area gradually decreases along a direction from the predetermined area to the light transmissive functional area.

Abstract: A nozzle plate of a fluid ejection head for a fluid ejection device, a fluid ejection head containing the nozzle plate, and a method for making the fluid ejection head containing the nozzle plate. The nozzle plate contains two or more arrays of nozzle holes therein and a barrier structure disposed on an exposed surface of the nozzle plate between adjacent arrays of nozzle holes, wherein the barrier structure deters cross-contamination of fluids between the adjacent arrays of nozzle holes.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. Three dimensional adjuncts for use with a surgical stapling assembly and methods for manufacturing the same are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus comprising a dewetting phase and a polymerization liquid that are immiscible, and can be used for the formation of three-dimensional objects, wherein the method does not require a dead zone. Additionally, methods and apparatus that employ an optically transparent cooling apparatus to mitigate heat generated during the fabrication process, and the use of a mobile phase to provide a shearing interface to reduce interfacial adhesive forces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming patterns that can improve line width roughness (LWR) by forming a first resist material on an etch target layer, forming a second resist material including a light-shielding portion and a light-transmitting portion on the first resist material, exposing the first resist material using the light-shielding portion of the second resist material as an exposure mask, removing the second resist material, forming a first resist pattern by developing the exposed first resist material, and etching the etch target layer using the first resist pattern as an etch barrier.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to novel methods of fabricating 3-D Li ion batteries using direct nanoimprint lithography. The present invention includes methods of fabricating high surface area electrodes, including imprint patterning of high aspect ratio parallel grating style electrodes. The method includes coating a substrate with an ink containing nanoparticles and subsequently annealing the ink into a desired pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for converting imaging data, for example, medical imaging data, to three-dimensional printer data Imaging data may be received describing for example a three-dimensional volume of a subject or patient. Using printer definition data describing a particular printer, 3D printer input data may be created from the imaging data describing at least part of the three-dimensional volume.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus comprising a dewetting phase and a polymerization liquid that are immiscible, and can be used for the formation of three-dimensional objects, wherein the method does not require a dead zone. Additionally, methods and apparatus that employ an optically transparent cooling apparatus to mitigate heat generated during the fabrication process, and the use of a mobile phase to provide a shearing interface to reduce interfacial adhesive forces.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a hard mask layer over a substrate. A multi-layer resist is formed over the hard mask layer. The multi-layer resist is etched to form a plurality of openings in the multi-layer resist to expose a portion of the hard mask layer. Ion are directionally provided at an angle to the multi-layer resist to predominately contact sidewalls of the plurality of openings in the multi-layer resist rather than the hard mask layer. In one embodiment, the multi-layer resist is directionally etched by directing etch ions at an angle to predominately contact sidewalls of the plurality of openings in the multi-layer resist rather than the hard mask layer. In another embodiment, the multi-layer resist is directionally implanted by directing implant ions at an angle to predominately contact sidewalls of the plurality of openings in the multi-layer resist rather than the hard mask layer.

Abstract: A build plate assembly for a three-dimensional printer includes: a lighting panel having individually addressable pixels configured to selectively emit light and/or transmit light from illumination below the pixels to a top surface top surface of the lighting panel; a rigid, optically transparent, gas-impermeable planar screen or base having an upper surface having an uneven surface topology and a lower surface that is affixed to the top surface of the lighting panel; and a flexible, optically transparent, gas-permeable sheet having upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface comprising a build surface for forming a three-dimensional object, the sheet lower surface positioned opposite the base, wherein the build plate is configured to permit gas flow to the build surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming objects through photo-curing of a liquid resin in a tank by selective exposure (through a mask) to radiation, in which during printing operations the liquid resin in the tank is displaced relative to the build area along an axis orthogonal to that along which the object is extracted from the liquid resin in the tank. A volume of the photo-curing liquid resin may be cycled through a cooling arrangement by being extracted from the tank, cooled, and then reintroduced into the tank as printing of the object is taking place. The mask is preferably one in which charged colorant particles are dispersed in an optically transparent fluid within a plurality of bi-state cells.

Abstract: A substrate processing method capable of suppressing particles from remaining on a surface of a substrate is provided. In the substrate processing method, a liquid film of a protection liquid is formed on the surface of the substrate, and the substrate is dried by using a supercritical fluid so that the protection liquid is removed from the surface of the substrate. After the substrate is dried, the particles remaining on the surface of the substrate is removed.

Abstract: A stereolithography system includes a tank provided with a bottom and a stereolithography machine provided with a supporting frame and with a supporting structure operatively associated with the supporting frame and defining a housing configured to accommodate the tank. The tank includes a duct made of a deformable material and having a first mouth and a second mouth in fluid-dynamic communication with the tank; the supporting structure is configured in such a way as to assume, with respect to the supporting frame, a first position and a second position in which the tank is in an inclined position with respect to the bearing plane of the supporting frame, and the stereolithography machine includes a counteracting mechanism configured to be placed into contact with the duct in that second position.

Abstract: Methods are described for the economical manufacture of Scanning Probe and Electron Microscope (SPEM) probe tips. In this method, multiple wires are mounted on a stage and ion milled simultaneously while the stage and mounted probes are tilted at a selected angle relative to the ion source and rotated. The resulting probes are also described. The method provides sets of highly uniform probe tips having controllable properties for stable and accurate scanning probe and electron microscope (EM) measurements.

Abstract: An optical signal transmitter includes a laser source configured to generate light with different wavelengths, respectively; a wavelength division (WD) demultiplexer configured to redirect the light in different directions based on the different wavelengths, respectively; and a lens array including an array of lenses configured to collimate the light from the WD demultiplexer for transmission in different directions, respectively. The optical signal transmitter may be implemented in a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus. The optical signal transmitter may further include a 1×N splitter and a set of WD demultiplexers to increase the number of distinct optical signal transmissions.

Abstract: Substrates comprising a functionalizable layer, a polymer layer comprising a plurality of micro-scale or nano-scale patterns, or combinations thereof, and a backing layer and the preparation thereof by using room-temperature UV nano-embossing processes are disclosed. The substrates can be prepared by a roll-to-roll continuous process. The substrates can be used as flow cells, nanofluidic or microfluidic devices for biological molecules analysis.

Abstract: A build plate for a three-dimensional printer includes a rigid, optically transparent, gas-permeable planar base having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface; a gas permeable adhesive layer on the base upper surface; and a flexible, optically transparent, gas-permeable sheet having upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface comprising a build surface for forming a three-dimensional object, the sheet lower surface positioned on the adhesive layer opposite the base.

Abstract: A method to permanently mark an item of laminated jewelry involves creating a laminate of two metals, and upper layer typically formed of a more precious metal such as gold, platinum or palladium that do not readily oxidize laminated onto the surface of a less precious metal, such as silver, which can be oxidized to create a dark color (e.g. black). A laser is used to create characters and/or designs in the upper layer by vaporizing portions thereof to effectively remove those portions. This exposes the upper surface of the less precious metal that does become oxidized. An oxidizer, such as liquid sulfur, is then used to blacken the silver, typically a dark gray. However, if more contrast is needed by making the marked text, designs etc. darker than gray a second step can be used by applying an additional oxidizing agent to turn the dark gray to substantially black.

Abstract: A fine dust concentration sensor includes a bulk acoustic resonator and a cap including an upper portion with holes therein and a lateral portion connected to the upper portion to accommodate the bulk acoustic resonator. An upper surface of the upper portion of the cap is coated with a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A system and method for converting imaging data, for example, medical imaging data, to three-dimensional printer data. Imaging data may be received describing for example a three-dimensional volume of a subject or patient. Using printer definition data describing a particular printer, 3D printer input data may be created from the imaging data describing at least part of the three-dimensional volume.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object, comprising: providing a carrier (18, 418) and an optically transparent member having a build surface, said carrier (18, 418) and said build surface defining a build region therebetween; filling said build region with a polymerizable liquid, continuously or intermittently irradiating said build region with light through said optically transparent member to form a solid polymer from said polymerizable liquid, continuously or intermittently advancing (e.g., sequentially or concurrently with said irradiating step) said carrier (18, 418) away from said build surface to form said three-dimensional object from said solid polymer, said optically transparent member comprising a flexible layer (414, 514, 614) having upper and lower opposing sides, wherein the flexible layer (414, 514, 614) upper side defines the build region, the method further comprising forming a region of reduced pressure adjacent the flexible layer (414, 514, 614) lower side.

Abstract: A method of forming a layout definition of a semiconductor device includes the following steps. Firstly, a plurality of first patterns is established to form a material layer over a substrate, with the first patterns being regularly arranged in a plurality of columns along a first direction to form an array arrangement. Next, a plurality of second patterns is established to surround the first patterns. Then, a third pattern is established to form a blocking layer on the material layer, with the third pattern being overlapped with a portion of the second patterns and with at least one of the second patterns being partially exposed from the third pattern. Finally, the first patterns are used to form a plurality of first openings in a stacked structure on the substrate to expose a portion of the substrate respectively.

Abstract: A method for forming a functionalised assembly guide intended for the self-assembly of a block copolymer by graphoepitaxy, includes forming on the surface of a substrate a neutralisation layer made of a first material having a first neutral chemical affinity with regard to the block copolymer; forming on the neutralisation layer a first mask including at least one recess; depositing on the neutralisation layer a second material having a second preferential chemical affinity for one of the copolymer blocks, in such a way as to fill the at least one recess of the first mask; and selectively etching the first mask relative to the first and second materials, thereby forming at least one guide pattern made of the second material arranged on the neutralisation layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object by solidifying a solidifiable material are shown and described. A photohardening inhibitor is admitted into a surface of a photohardenable material to create a “dead zone” where little or no solidification occurs. The dead zone prevents the exposed surface of the photohardenable material from solidifying in contact with a container bottom or film. As the solidified object areas get larger and the build platform speed increases, the dead zone increases which can cause the formation of channels in the resulting objects and delamination. A number of techniques including continuous/discontinuous mode switching, multiple illuminations of portions of the same layer, and the use of gray scaling are disclosed for regulating the size of the dead zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects from polymerizable liquids are described. The methods and apparatus are implemented in the form of a bottom up additive manufacturing apparatus, and in preferred embodiments are implemented in the form of Continuous Liquid Interface Production (or “CLIP”) methods and apparatus. Rotation of at least one of the carrier and the build plate is preferably included, for example to facilitate the filling of the build region with the polymerizable liquid.

Abstract: Non-linear metallic thermal resist structure having more than two layers of different metals and effective eutectic temperature that is lower than eutectic temperature of a reference non-linear metallic thermal resist having only two layer of same different metals. Optionally, at least one the layers of such resist structure is doped with material different from host metals and/or deposited under conditions resulting in strain or stress in a layer at hand. Method of multi-exposure-based patterning of a substrate carrying such structure with laser pulses characterized by irradiance at levels equal to or below 10 mJ/cm2. The sequence of steps producing the required pattern on the substrate may be explicitly lacking a step of removal of a portion of the resist structure between two consecutive exposures.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid ejection head includes a step of providing a positive photosensitive resin layer on a substrate, a step of heat-treating the positive photosensitive resin layer on the substrate, and a step of forming a mold material having a pattern of the flow path by subjecting the heat-treated positive photosensitive resin layer on the substrate to exposure and development. In the method, the positive photosensitive resin layer includes a light absorbing agent that is nonvolatile at a temperature of the heat treatment of the positive photosensitive resin layer, the light absorbing agent has a light absorbance (a1) at a wavelength of 365 nm and an average light absorbance (a2) in a wavelength range of 280 nm or more to 330 nm or less, and an absorbance ratio A is 1.0 or less where the absorbance ratio A is the ratio a2/a1.

Abstract: A mask blank with resist film, includes a substrate having a thin film; and a negative resist film formed on a surface of the thin film, wherein in the resist film, a photoacid generator low-concentration region is formed at a part where the resist film is in contact with the thin film; a concentration of the photoacid generator low-concentration region is lower than that of the other region of the resist film; a thickness of the photoacid generator low-concentration region is 5% to 40% of the thickness of the resist film; and a concentration of the photo acid generator at a part in contact with the thin film in the photoacid generator low-concentration region is a value obtained by decreasing the concentration of the photo acid generator in the other region of the resist film by 10% to 40%.

Abstract: A multi-configurable toy vehicle is described. The multi-configurable toy vehicle comprises a cab and a vehicle body. The cab comprises a first set of one or more wheels and the vehicle body comprises a second set of one or more wheels. The vehicle body is slidably coupled to the cab between a collapsed and expanded configuration. The vehicle body comprises a floor and a platform pivotally coupled to the floor between an upright position and an open position. A trailer may be coupled to the multi-configurable toy vehicle.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument comprising an orthopedic cutting tool includes a metallic cutting insert configured to remove portions of a patient's bone and a body molded to the cutting insert. The cutting insert includes a plurality of chemically etched holes, and the body is molded to the cutting insert such that each of the plurality of chemically etched holes is at least partially filled by a portion of the body. The cutting insert may include a plurality of cutting teeth configured to remove portions of the patient's bone. A method of manufacturing an orthopedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: Photopolymerizable flexographic printing elements which contain cyclohexanepolycarboxylic esters as plasticizers and also their use for producing flexographic printing forms for printing with UV inks, in particular for UV narrow web printing.

Abstract: A continuous flow projection lithography system to form microstructures using an optical array incorporated in a continuous coating process is provided. A mask is placed at a distance from the array. Each element of the array projects one image of the mask onto a substrate, effectively forming an array thereon. A coating process allows flows that can be used to define functional regions of particles or supporting layers that prevent adhesion of crosslinked polymers to surfaces.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head includes the steps of: preparing a substrate including an energy-generating element disposed on a first surface of the substrate and a supply path for liquid; disposing a dry film on the first surface of the substrate in such a manner that the dry film partially enters the supply path; etching the dry film from a side of the dry film facing the first surface of the substrate so that the dry film has an etched surface substantially in parallel with the first surface and covers the supply path; forming a resin layer to be a flow path member on the dry film covering the supply path; and removing the dry film covering the supply path.

Abstract: Methods of micro- and nano-patterning substrates to form transparent conductive electrode structures or polarizers by continuous near-field optical nanolithography methods using a roll-type photomask or phase-shift mask are provided. In such methods, a near-field optical nanolithography technique uses a phase-shift or photo-mask roller that comprises a rigid patterned externally exposed surface that transfers a pattern to an underlying substrate. The roller device may have an internally disposed radiation source that generates radiation that passes through the rigid patterned surface to the substrate during the patterning process. Sub-wavelength resolution is achieved using near-field exposure of photoresist material through the cylindrical rigid phase-mask, allowing dynamic and high throughput continuous patterning.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus useful in the nanopatterning of large area substrates, where a movable nanostructured film is used to image a radiation-sensitive material. The nanopatterning technique makes use of Near-Field photolithography, where the nanostructured film used to modulate light intensity reaching radiation-sensitive layer. The Near-Field photolithography may make use of an elastomeric phase-shifting mask, or may employ surface plasmon technology, where a movable film comprises metal nano holes or nanoparticles.

Abstract: A lithography method including: a preparation, during which a resist layer is deposited on a substrate, and a preliminary lithography carried out to define at least one preliminary pattern in the resist layer, and during the preliminary lithography, a formation of at least one positioning mark forming a relief in the resist layer. The method further includes at least one subsequent lithography applied to the resist layer and including: a preliminary positioning including positioning a lithography mechanism as a function of the at least one positioning mark, and at least one formation of additional patterns in the resist layer using the lithography mechanism positioned as a function of the at least one positioning mark.

Abstract: A mask and a method of fabricating spacers (2) using the mask (1). The mask (1) comprises a light transmitting region including an array of light transmitting holes (230), a light non-transmitting region and a phase shifting layer (240) formed in one of two adjacent light transmitting holes (230) of the mask for shifting phrase of lights passing through the light transmitting holes (230). Thus, a light intensity can be reduced or lowered to zero when the lights pass through a diffractive region of the two adjacent light transmitting holes (230). Therefore, a bridging effect between two adjacent spacers (2) is alleviated and even avoided during fabricating the spacers (2).

Abstract: An instrument for measuring volume solids of a paint sample is described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head. The method includes a first step of forming a telecentric measurement pattern A by exposure, the telecentric measurement pattern A being part of a measurement pattern that allows determination of inclination of a principal ray caused by an off-axis telecentric degree occurring in a projection exposing device, and a second step of forming a telecentric measurement pattern B by exposure under an exposure condition defocused from an exposure condition in the first step, the telecentric measurement pattern B being another part of the measurement pattern, which allows the determination of the inclination of the principal ray caused by the off-axis telecentric degree occurring in the projection exposing device. The off-axis telecentric degree is determined from an amount of misalignment between relative forming positions of the telecentric measurement patterns A and B and an amount of defocusing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a substrate for a liquid ejection head including an ejection port forming member which has formed therein ejection ports, includes the steps of: forming a first layer by using a first layer forming member; forming a second layer on the first layer by using a second layer forming member; and hardening a partial region of each of the first layer and the second layer and removing a region different from the partial region so as to form the ejection ports, resulting in that the first layer and the second layer constitute the ejection port forming member, and a member containing a solvent to dissolve the first layer forming member and a photo-acid-generating agent having an acid strength weaker than an acid strength of the photo-acid-generating agent contained in the first layer forming member is used as the second layer forming member.

Abstract: Tangential flow filtration device is provided wherein liners are provided between the filtration element and the top and bottom holders or manifolds. The liners incorporate the flow channels and inlet and outlet ports, as well as a sensor mount. The liners are made of an inexpensive material and therefore are disposable after a single use, making it more cost effective to dispose of them than to clean the conventional manifolds. The sensor mount accommodates a removable sensor, and isolates it from the fluid path.

Abstract: Electrically-conductive articles are prepared to have electrically-conductive silver metal electrode grids and electrically-conductive silver connector wire patterns (BUS lines) on one or both supporting sides of a transparent substrate. The electrically-conductive silver connector wire patterns are designed with one silver main wire that comprises two or more adjacent silver micro-wires in bundled patterns. These bundled patterns and silver micro-wires are designed with specific dimensions and configurations to provide optimal fidelity (or correspondence) to the mask image used to provide such images in a silver halide emulsion layer. The electrically-conductive articles are provided by imagewise exposure, development, and fixing of corresponding silver halide-containing conductive film element precursors containing photosensitive silver halide emulsion layers. The electrically-conductive articles can be used as parts of various electronic devices including touch screen devices.