Abstract: A film transferring method according to an embodiment of the present invention of transferring a film adhered to a substrate to a roller in a state that a first adhesion force between the roller and the film and a second adhesion force between the film and the substrate are substantially the same includes: a transporting step of transporting the substrate and the film of which a first adhesion surface formed on one surface is adhered to the substrate in a first direction; a close contacting step of closely contacting the front end of the second adhesion surface formed on the other surface of the film that is transported with the roller rotating in the first rotation direction; and a transferring step of peeling the film from the substrate and simultaneously transferring it to the roller by peeling the front adhesion surface of the first adhesion surface from the substrate, while simultaneously transferring the front end of the second adhesion surface to the roller and continuously transporting the substrate i

Abstract: A method for attaching a fingerprint module which includes providing an adhesive tape which includes a base film, a protective film which is oppositely arranged to the base film, and a number of adhesive layers positioned between the base film and the protective film and are arranged at intervals, and each of the base film and the protective film is an integral piece of film which is continuous in an entire layer. The method further includes partially peeling off the protective film to expose a first adhesive surface of one of the plurality of adhesive layers; attaching the fingerprint module to the exposed first adhesive surface of the adhesive layer; and peeling off the attached fingerprint module and adhesive layer together from the base film to expose a second adhesive surface of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for molding a contact pad in place on an automation template. The apparatus includes an automation template having a contact pad retainer and a molding cap received over the contact pad retainer and retained using a self-locking fit. A mold cavity is formed between the automation template and the molding cap.

Abstract: A production method for a fiber-reinforced component according to the present invention includes: a step 1, in which a melt of a thermoplastic resin is formed in a lower die, a mat-shaped material formed from a reinforcing fiber B is placed on the melt, an upper die for pressing is closed on the lower die and is pressed, and an impregnation treatment is performed, and then, the mat-shaped material impregnated with the resin is cooled and solidified, whereby a main body part formed from a fiber-reinforced resin is molded; and a step 2, in which the upper die for pressing is opened, an upper die for injection molding is closed on the lower die to form an injection molding die, and then, injection molding is performed to form an additional part, whereby a fiber-reinforced component having the additional part combined with the main body part is molded.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment (1) for manufacturing a part (2) by injection moulding, including: a first cavity (10), a second cavity (20), and a supporting element (30), shaped such as to hold the part (2) in position in the equipment, and defining, together with the cavities (10, 20), an inner space of the equipment, the holding element (30) as well as the first cavity (10) and/or the second cavity (20) being movable relative to one another.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and a method for removing an epoxy resin from a backing sheet at a temperature at or below the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin. The apparatus (200) comprises a housing (210) in which is mounted a dispensing roll (220) comprising epoxy resin (230) on a backing sheet (240), a wind-up roll (250) comprising the backing sheet (240), a release element (260) over which the backing sheet (240) is directed, and a collection tray (270) for collecting pieces of resin (230a) removed from the backing sheet (240). The dispensing and wind-up rolls (220, 250) are mounted on respective drive shafts (225, 255) which are driven by a drive mechanism (285) controlled by a controller (280). A temperature controller (290) is also provided for controlling the temperature within the housing (210) so that it remains below or at the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin.

Abstract: A duplex partially cutting apparatus, for cutting partially a panel from above and below, includes a frame, a panel fastening unit, a first partial cutting unit, a second partial cutting unit, and a plurality of electrostatic fans. The panel fastening unit is disposed on the frame to fix the panel. The first partial cutting unit is disposed on the frame and above the panel fastening unit to cut partially the panel from above. The second partial cutting unit is disposed on the frame and below the panel fastening unit to cut partially the panel from below. The electrostatic fans are disposed on the frame and correspond in position to a point of partial cut performed by the first partial cutting unit and the second partial cutting unit cut panel. The duplex partially cutting apparatus is advantageously conducive to reducing instances of alignment, alignment-induced errors, and manufacturing process duration.

Abstract: A metal-film forming method of the present invention includes a surface activation process of irradiating a laser beam to the surface of the base metal, thereby activating the surface of the basemetal, a noble-metal nanoparticle dispersion liquid coating process of coating the surface of the base metal with a noble-metal nanoparticle dispersion liquid, a solvent thereof, containing noble-metal nanoparticles in as-dispersed state, and a noble-metal nanoparticle sintering process of irradiating the laser beam to the noble-metal nanoparticle dispersion liquid coated on the surface of the base metal, thereby causing the noble-metal nanoparticles to be sintered. Further, a scudding press process of executing press forming of a base metal, and the metal-film forming process of applying noble-metal plating to the surface of the base metal are executed on the same line.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a transportation portion which transports a medium in a transportation direction, a cutting portion which moves in an intersection direction intersecting with the transportation direction and cuts the medium, and a head portion which is provided so as to be aligned with the cutting portion in the intersection direction, has a cutout portion on which the cutting portion is arranged, moves in the intersection direction and discharges liquid onto the medium.

Abstract: An adhesive label production device has an ejection mechanism that is easy to maintain. A printer 100 used as an adhesive label production device has a conveyance mechanism 8 that conveys continuous recording paper (recording medium) P; a recording head 5 that prints on the recording paper P conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 8; an automatic cutter 4 that cuts the recording paper P; and an inkjet head (ejection mechanism) 15 that ejects adhesive 18 onto the recording paper P that was cut by the automatic cutter 4. The inkjet head 15 has a plurality of nozzles (ejection holes), and ejection by each of the nozzles can be individually controlled.

Abstract: A label paper processing method includes printing a print image on label paper with a cutting locus along a contour of a shape to be cut out, using a printer in which the label paper is fed to travel intermittently. While the printed label paper is fed to travel continuously, it is half-cut with a laser beam irradiated along the printed cutting locus, thereby forming a half-cutout in the label paper. Operations of control and adjustments of a cutting depth are reduced, and a precisely cut label sheet is obtained without cutting the supporting sheet.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system comprising a platen assembly configured to restrain and release a film, a head gantry configured to retain a print head for printing a three-dimensional part on the restrained film, and a removal assembly configured to draw the film having the printed three-dimensional part from the platen assembly and to cut the drawn film.

Abstract: A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys a workpiece having a sheet member and a resin base on the sheet member, an unevenness forming unit that moves a cutting blade in a direction different from the conveying direction of the workpiece and that makes a cut in the surface of the resin base to form concave and convex portions, a resin supply unit that includes nozzles supplying a lens resin to areas, in which the concave portions are not formed, between the convex portions formed on the surface of the resin base, and a resin curing unit that cures the supplied lens resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dividing a thin film device having a first layer which is a lower electrode layer, a second layer which is an active layer and a third layer which is an upper electrode layer, the layers each being continuous over the device, into separate cells each having a width W, which are electrically interconnected in series by interconnect structures.

Abstract: A hygienic protection apparatus for touch panel device is disclosed, in which the apparatus comprises: a touch panel; a host machine electrically connecting with the touch panel; a protecting member comprising a transparent film and at least one film-output element locating at one side of the touch panel, wherein part of the film is received by the film-output element and part of the film covers the touch panel to protect the surface of the touch panel.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a frame having a first frame section connected to a second frame section. The frame also has at least one physical connection that allows the first frame section to move relative to the second frame section. A first roller is connected to the first frame section. The first roller has a crowned outer surface surrounding an axle. Also, first connectors connect the first roller to the first frame section. The first connectors allow the first roller to rotate around the axle and allow the first roller to move in a direction parallel to the axle. A second roller is also connected to the second frame section. At least one biasing member is connected to the first frame section and the second frame section. The biasing member applies a bias to cause the first frame section to move away from the second frame section. A belt substrate contacts the first roller and the second roller. A latch is connected to the first frame section and the second frame section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. In one embodiment, a planar nanoporous or microporous metal foam or metal aerogel structure is provided, from which an electrode with a catalyst layer integrally formed by fixing a catalyst in the metal foam or metal aerogel is formed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: affixing a die attach film and a dicing film to a back surface of a semiconductor wafer: thereafter dicing the semiconductor wafer and the die attach film to divide the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips: thereafter pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a first tensile force to cut the die attach film chip by chip; and thereafter picking up the semiconductor chips together with the die attach film while pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a second tensile force smaller than the first tensile force.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and apparatus of an organic resin coated metal sheet is provided. Temperatures of edge portions of the metal sheet and a temperature of an approximately central portion of the metal sheet are respectively measured using a metal-sheet temperature measuring device arranged directly upstream of lamination rolls. Respectively measured temperature values are inputted to a heating temperature controller, and output values calculated by the heating temperature controllers are inputted to a metal sheet center portion heater and the metal sheet center portion heater, respectively, to control the heating of a widthwise approximately center portion and edge portion, respectively, to a first and second temperature, respectively, the second temperature being higher than the first. A resin film is extruded to pre-rolls and is sandwiched and pressure-bonding to the metal sheet between a pair of lamination rolls. Resin portions projecting from both edge portions are then removed.

Abstract: A coating device includes two workspaces, two first slide rails, two second slide rails, two transporting loops, a number of rotating platforms, and a number of loading poles. The first slide rails are respectively fixed on the bottoms of the workspaces. The second slide rails are respectively fixed on the tops of the workspaces. The transporting loops are movably positioned on the first slide rails respectively. The rotating platforms are rotatably positioned on the transporting loops and capable of being driven by the transporting loops to rotate and slide along the first slide rails. The loading poles are positioned between the rotating platforms and the second slide rails, and are used for holding substrates. The loading poles are capable of being transported from one workspace to another workspace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a heat exchanging fin unit and a housing unit in an air handling system with antimicrobial function, the aluminum coil fin unit and the housing unit being coated with metal nano particles including nano silver particles to have antibiosis, sterilization and antimicrobial functions. According to a preferred embodiment, the metal nano particles are mixed with a hydrophilic paint and a preventing paint to be coated on the surface of the heat exchanging aluminum coil fin unit. The nano particle is one or its mixture selected from the group consisting of Pt, Au, Ag, Cu and TiO2 and has a density of 1,000 ppm to 10,000 ppm and a size of 20 nm or less. Preferably, the nano particle has a size of 1 to 2 nm and a density of 100 ppm to 200 ppm to provide a high sterilization effect.

Abstract: A cutting device which cuts a tape-shaped material in a width direction of the tape-shaped material, includes: a tape pressing mechanism which presses the tape-shaped material at the time of cutting the tape-shaped material, the tape pressing mechanism, a tape guiding unit which has a guiding surface for guiding the tape-shaped material and a receiving surface as a concaved portion with respect to the guiding surface, and a tape pressing unit which has a pressing surface for pressing the receiving surface of the tape guiding unit with the tape-shaped material sandwiched between the pressing surface and the receiving surface.

Abstract: Systems for manufacturing national shingles are provided. The systems include the steps of establishing a standardized process for manufacturing shingles having standardized performance characteristics. The national shingles can be manufactured in more than one manufacturing facility, and further wherein the national shingles can be mixed on a common roof and provide a standardized performance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor power device may includes: performing a grinding process on a back side of a wafer, performing a first plasma process and a rapid thermal process sequentially after performing the grinding process, performing a second plasma process after performing the rapid thermal process, and performing a metal thin film process after performing the second plasma process. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor device may be capable of preventing a peeling effect from occurring on a wafer surface by removing hydrogen from the wafer surface by controlling surface roughness to a desired level by treating the wafer surface using hydrogen plasma and a rapid thermal process (RTP) after subjecting a backside of the wafer to a grinding process.

Abstract: A method of producing a low-dust, fire retardant cellulose fiber material useful in producing insulation and other such products is provided. A liquid, comprising a solvent and at least one fire-retarding material soluble in that solvent, is applied to a cellulose source material, and the liquid is allowed to permeate into the cellulose source material. The liquid permeated material is dried to remove the solvent while the fire-retardant material remains in the cellulose source material. The dried fire-retardant cellulose source material is reduced in size and then de-dusted to produce a low to no dust, fire-retardant cellulose fiber material that has functionally equivalent fire-retardant properties as the dried fire-retardant cellulose source material before de-dusting.

Abstract: A method of micro forming an array of microstructures comprising: advancing a punch having an array of protrusions (620) towards a sheet of material (640) disposed between the punch (620) and a die (630), each protrusion (625) shaped to deform the sheet of material (640) into a corresponding microstructure; providing a holder for holding the sheet of material (640) in place; and punching the sheet of material (640) with the protrusions on the punch (620) to form the array of microstructures on the sheet of material (640).

Abstract: The machine (1) for manufacturing electrical circuits (2) from a web (3) of electrically conductive material comprises means (4) for feeding the web (3) along a defined path (P), a stamping station (11) for applying a certain quantity of insulating varnish on certain portions of the web (3) and a punching station (22) for cutting the electrical circuits (2) out of the web (3).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an intensive machine performing a plurality of processes in a series of steps of fabricating a multilayer substrate. In order that the object may be achieved, the invention provides an intensive machine including an intensive platform installed in a direction in which a ceramic green sheet is fed out of a roll by a feeding apparatus. An adsorbing and conveying table is installed on the platform for conveying the sheet while the sheet is adsorbed and held by an air suction force. On the intensive platform are installed a via hole forming apparatus, via hole inspecting apparatus, filling and printing apparatus, filling and printing apparatus, filling and printing inspecting apparatus and wiring pattern printing apparatus arranged in the sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: Method of coating a substrate which is a belt, sheet, film, or tape, comprising applying an active coating material to the substrate to form an active coating layer, the active coating material comprising biologically active material. The active coating material is applied electrostatically as a powder and, after the active coating material is applied, the active coating material is fused to form an active film layer. The active coating material is removable from the substrate as a wafer comprising the active film layer.

Abstract: For manufacturing a multi-layer structure with repeating layer sequences, a band-shaped carrier material is first partially separated into individual sections of a same size with connections capable of bearing remaining between the individual sections. After continuously applying at least one further material layer on the surface of the carrier material, the individual sections are completely separated by cutting or punching. The multi-layer structure is obtained by stacking the individual sections obtained in this way on top of one another, whereby intermediate layers can also be potentially inserted between two individual sections.

Abstract: A device for perforating, die-cutting, cutting or creasing in printing machines comprises a supporting foil which at two of its opposite sides is provided with strips for mounting onto a rubber blanket cylinder of a printing unit, whereby a component for perforating, die-cutting, cutting or creasing is affixed to the supporting foil. An impression cylinder covered with a protection foil co-operates with the rubber blanket cylinder. The use of a relatively hard supporting foil instead of a rubber blanket allows for much cleaner and quicker perforation and punching, and the affixing of the perforating, die-cutting, cutting or creasing component to the supporting foil on the rubber blanket cylinder allows a much easier and more precise positioning of that component. As a result, the device can also be used in endless printing machines. Moreover, the use of an independent inner underlying blanket allows an exact calibration of the total thickness of the supporting foil comprising the working tools.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a treating device 1, especially a rotating transverse gluing mechanism for high-speed, register mark-related paper or film webs 2. The movements of the transverse gluing mechanism 1 are synchronized with the web 2, and the transverse gluing mechanism has an independent synchronous drive 6 with a drive motor 7 and a regulating unit for this purpose. The electronic regulating unit compensates variations in the synchronism of the running web 2.

Abstract: A glue sizing mechanism includes a container secured to the bottom of a pair of walls. A coil of sheet member is rotatably supported on the walls. A roller has the ends slidably engaged in the walls and a pair of cams are engaged with the ends of the roller for moving the roller up and down. A cover is pivotally secured to the walls for covering the roller and includes a panel having a groove for engaging with a knife. A rule includes two extensions secured to the walls for measuring the width of the sheet member.

Abstract: An apparatus including a supply source for a long composite which includes a long carrier film and a green ceramic layer continuously formed thereon along its longitudinal direction, a printing station, a drying station and a punching station. A conductor film is printed on the green ceramic layer with conductive paste in the printing station, the printed conductor film is dried in the drying station, and the green ceramic layer provided with the conductor film is punched while being registered with the conductor film and separated from the carrier film in the punching station, whereby a ceramic green sheet for a laminated ceramic electronic component is extracted.

Abstract: A vector brush can be attached to the front face of a movable carriage of a device for cutting foil material. The vector brush includes an air brush, which can be adjusted in height, thereby adjusting the size of its atomizing cone. The motion of the air brush is controlled by the motion of the carriage in one direction and the motion of the foil strip moved underneath it in the perpendicular direction. After a pattern has been sprayed on the foil material with the vector brush, it can immediately be cut out with a cutting tool mounted on the same carriage.

Abstract: The invention is a spray machine for spraying liquid coating material onto the interior surface of a pipeline. The spray machine is provided with a movable frame which can be rolled on attached wheel assemblies through the pipeline and positioned with its spray gun pointing toward the interior pipe surface. The frame serves as a base to which the other parts of the spray machine attach. The spray gun and an attached hollow gun rotating shaft continuously rotate axially within the pipeline. When the spray gun is properly positioned, the spray gun is mechanically turned on and off by a cable attached to a gun actuating arm which is pivotally mounted on a bracket attached to the gun rotating shaft. The gun actuating arm is provided with a cam follower which travels in a rotating path against a movable cam plate assembly. The cam plate assembly is attached to and moved reardward by pistons of air actuated cylinders.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for forming a plastic coating on a metal strip. A metal strip is cleaned, surface treated, coated with an electrostatically charged plastic powder in an enclosed chamber using a plurality of spray guns positioned on both sides of the strip, inductively heated to above the melting point of the powder, and maintained in an infrared heater until the fused powder is flowed into a coating having a smooth surface and a uniform thickness. Thermoplastic and thermosetting coatings, having thicknesses of at least 10 microns formed using total induction and infrared heating times of less than 60 seconds, can be fabricated without cracking.

Abstract: Several embodiments of apparatus for producing disposable absorbent personal articles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, apparatus is disclosed for depositing superabsorbent polymer powder on a portion of a fluff mat in a given concentration greater than zero and a second, different concentration of superabsorbent polymer powder on another portion of a fluff layer, so that there is a heavier concentration of super absorbent polymer in a target area than in areas adjacent the target area. Such apparatus has a dosing cylinder with a discontinuous outer cylindrical surface which has a pattern of first dosing depressions adjacent to a pattern of second dosing depressions. The dosing cylinder is rotated through a polymer powder hopper and powder received in the first and second depressions is sequentially discharged from the hopper and deposited on a fluff substrate in alternating areas of high powder concentration and low powder concentration.

Abstract: The system includes a veneer lathe, a conveyor or apron (50) onto which the veneer from the lathe is initially directed, followed by a combination of an anvil roller (54) and a rotating clipper knife (62), which in turn is followed by a trash gate (72). The speed and rotation of the knife (62) is controlled such that the veneer material produced by operation of the lathe is first cut upon recognition of the start of random veneer and then again upon the recognition of the start of ribbon veneer. The trash gate (72) is controlled synchronously with the operation of the knife (62) such that the trash gate (72) is open up to the point in time where the veneer trash is cut from the remainder of the veneer material, at which point the trash gate (72) is closed.

Abstract: A system for detecting offsize defects and for segregating the veneer sheets containing the defects from the non-defective sheets. Scanners are positioned along the in-feed conveyor leading to the clipper. As offsize defects are identified, a computer determines which of the sheets to be cut will contain the defects. These sheets are segregated as by diverting them to a pull chain conveyor following the cutting of the sheets from the continuous sheeting. Dye is sprayed on the area of the defects as detected by the scanners to aid in further handling of the defective sheets when removed from the pull chain.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a coating layer on a molded product formed in a split-type mold assembly, which assembly includes first and second dies supported for movement relative to each other and a shut-off pin for forming a perforation in the molded product. The shut-off pin is first caused to project into a mold cavity, defined between the first and second dies when the both are closed together, through the first dies during the formation of the molded product. The shut-off pin is then allowed to retract from the mold cavity and inwardly of the first dies, leaving in the molded product the perforation extending completely through the thickness of the molded product.

Abstract: An apparatus for annotating a workpiece with powder comprises a writing device which outputs a stream of powder and a mechanism such as an X-Y plotter for moving the device and the workpiece relative to one another to shape the annotation. One such writing device comprises a grinding wheel which grinds powder from a stick of chalk, a nozzle aimed at the workpiece, and air moving means for entraining the powder and transporting it through the nozzle. Another such writing device comprises a storage means for the powder, the storage means tapering to form a downwardly sloping guide which collects powder and leads to an outlet, and a gear adjacent the guide having teeth which move the powder along the guide towards the outlet. Both the rate of powder grinding by the first device and the rotational speed of the gear in the latter device are variable in proportion to the writing speed to adjust the output of powder and thereby provide an annotation of generally uniform intensity despite variations in writing speed.

Abstract: A tape marking and cutting device which can be operated to apply marking on tape and to cut the marked tape to a desired length. The sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which devices a pulse motor which in turn drives a tape feed roller. The feed roller drives the tape in correspondence with the desired marking interval and a marking device is actuated. After each marking, the feed roller feeds the tape corresponding to the remaining length and the tape is cut. The sequence can be preset in a program.

Abstract: A web of crepe paper, thin plastic foil or like material convoluted into a roll has an outer side which is provided with a continuous coat of adhesive. Transversely extending, uniformly spaced weakened portion in the form of perforations or slits are formed in the web, and layers of a material which does not adhere to the adhesive are applied to the web. Such layers are applied to the inner side of the web so that they flank the weakened portions and allow for rapid engagement of the leader of the web by two fingers when the user wishes to remove one or more sections or panels between neighboring weakened portions. The roll can be used for the cleaning of garments or for analogous purposes and can be made in an apparatus wherein the application of layers of non-adherent material precedes or follows the making of weakened portions.

Abstract: An automatically controlled machine for cutting single plies of limp sheet material employs a cutting wheel and a hard, smooth and continuous support surface on which the sheet material is spread for cutting. The machine is controlled by a program to move the cutting wheel along predetermined cutting paths that define pattern pieces for clothing, upholstery and similar products. The machine has a rotatable marking tool that includes a consumable shaft of marking matter such as chalk. The shaft is translated over the sheet material cut by the machine and is lowered into engagement with the material at desired locations to generate nonpermanent marks for positional reference in subsequent cutting, sewing or other finishing operations.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber insulation, a manufacturing method and a plant for practicing the method. Waste paper is pulverized in a hammermill apparatus to provide a quantity of cellulose fiber particles which are air conveyed past a fog-type injection nozzle where the particles are wetted with a solution of fire and/or pest resistant and corrosion inhibiting chemicals. The wetted particles are thereafter air conveyed away from the nozzle with heated exhaust air from the hammermill apparatus to dry the particles prior to depositing them in a storage bin. The air by which the particles are conveyed may be exhausted through a filter to catch residual particles which may be returned to the storage bin or directly to the process. The sprayed solution may be prepared by a batch process or by counterflow percolation of heated liquid upward through a bed of soluble fire-retardant chemical. The concentration of chemical in the resultant saturated solution may be regulated by a thermostatic control system.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tube, preferably of flexible thermally insulating material, comprises a cutting head 14 with a pair of concentric cutting edge 16, 18 which cooperates with a presser head 28 to cut rings 50 of material from a sheet 48 presented to the cutting head. The rings are stacked up on a guide bar 32 and sprayed with a coating composition to consolidate them into a tube which may be collected on a take-up drum in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A rolled strip of adhesive mounted on a reel is unrolled and punched with a cutter pressed against it or by passing between a punching roll and a receiving roll, the punched part being affixed to a band-shaped film of paper or plastic. The film having had a part of the punched adhesive pasted on it is wound up on a winding reel and the punched excess adhesive is wound up on another winding reel.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a substance to a layup of sheet material at a selected location on each of the sheets which comprise the layup includes a table for supporting the layup, a tool assembly including an axially elongated rotary applicator tool having a sharp free end, a carriage assembly movable relative to the supporting surface of the table for positioning the applicator tool with its free end in alignment with the selected position, a mechanism for feeding a supply of the substance to the applicator tool, a first drive mechanism for rotating the applicator tool about its axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the applicator tool toward the layup supporting surface whereby to cause the free end of the tool to penetrate the layup and for moving the tool away from the supporting surface to withdraw it from the layup. The substance may comprise a liquid, a solid material or a paste-like substance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a large area photovoltaic cell into a plurality of photovoltaic cells on a common substrate and preparing the individual cells for an overlying layer of conductive material. A tool bit is urged against the polycrystalline materials forming the heterojunction to remove a preselected pattern and expose a layer of conductive material, tin oxide, on a supporting glass substrate. Tool bit pressure causes fracturing of the crystals to produce defined edges along the tool bit furrow. An electrical arc is produced to vaporize a portion of the exposed tin oxide to electrically isolate the individual photovoltaic cells. Applicator pens coat the edges of the polycrystalline material with preselected insulating films. Finally, a buffer wheel abrades a preselected metal onto the remaining exposed surface of the tin oxide to obtain an improved metallurgical and/or electrical contact between the tin oxide and the subsequent conductor layer.