Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprising: a substrate process chamber having a plasma generation space where a processing gas is plasma-excited and a substrate processing space communicating with the plasma generation space; a substrate mounting table installed inside the substrate processing space and for mounting a substrate; an inductive coupling structure provided with a coil installed to be wound around an outer periphery of the plasma generation space; a substrate support table elevating part for raising and lowering the substrate mounting table; a gas supply part for supplying the processing gas to the plasma generation space; and a controller for controlling the substrate support table elevating part, based on a power value of a high-frequency power supplied to the coil, so that the substrate mounted on the substrate mounting table is positioned at a target height according to the power value and spaced apart from a lower end of the coil.

Abstract: A filling system for filling a container with a filling product includes a filling device for filling the container with the filling product, and a deflection device having an electrostatic field for deflecting the filling product relative to the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the microstructured grafting of a plurality of proteins onto a substrate, which includes a substrate (7), a film, a matrix (10), a light source (9), an optical system (11), a first container (1) for receiving a first aqueous solution, a second container (2) for receiving a second aqueous solution, and a microfluidic circuit, wherein the film is arranged on the substrate, the source is suitable for illuminating the matrix with the light, the matrix is suitable for propagating the light in a first structured pattern, the matrix includes an optical means for replacing the first structured pattern with a second structured pattern, the optical system is suitable for forming, on the film, a first microstructured image of the first pattern, the circuit is suitable for containing the first aqueous solution, the circuit includes an opening for placing the first solution in contact with the film at the opening, the circuit includes a microfluidic means for replacing the first solut

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of graphical elements and is directed to an optical effect layer (OEL), a device and a method for producing same. The disclosure provides an optical effect that is easy to detect as such and exhibits a viewing-angle dependent apparent motion of image features over an extended length if the viewing angle with respect to the OEL changes. An OEL includes a binder material being at least partially transparent and a plurality of particles dispersed within the layer. Each particle has a non-isotropic reflectivity and may be magnetic or magnetizable. The orientation of the particles forms an orientation pattern extending over a length within an extended surface of the OEL, such that the local average of an angle between (i) a straight line along an observed longest dimension within the corresponding cross-section shape, and (ii) said first direction x varies according to a function (?) of a position (P) along said first direction.

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

Abstract: A manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a printing magnetic orientation master and a magnetic pigment presswork are provided. The manufacturing method for a printing magnetic orientation master comprises: providing a magnet; using a heat radiation beam to heat a partial area of the magnet so that a new magnetic domain structure is formed in the partial area through self-magnetization of the magnet to change a magnetic-field distribution in the partial area; and removing the heat radiation beam to keep the new magnetic domain structure after it is decreased to a normal temperature so that the changed magnetic-field distribution is kept in the partial area, thus forming the printing magnetic orientation master having a predetermined magnetic orientation pattern. This can simplify the manufacturing process of the printing magnetic orientation master and allow the printing magnetic orientation master to carry abundant pattern information.

Abstract: A confined pulsed laser deposition method and apparatus that includes an ablative coating between a transparent confinement layer and a backing plane, and a laser beam directed through the confinement layer to ablate the coating at generally ambient temperature and pressure, and using laser induced pressure to synthesize metaphase from the ablative coating. For example, diamond phase carbon can be synthesized from a graphite coating. The laser beam can be directed through a focus lens to control the final spot size, or through a beam diffuser to make the intensity more uniform. An XYZ-stage can position a desired target area of the ablative coating to be irradiated by the laser beam. The laser beam can have an intensity of less than about 6 GW/cm2, or less than about 4 GW/cm2. The laser beam can have an excitation wavelength of about 568 nm.

Abstract: A system for in-process orientation of particles used in direct-write inks for fabricating a component may include a device for polarizing direct-write particles in an aerosol. An outlet may direct the aerosol including the polarized direct-write particles on a substrate to form a component. An apparatus may cause the polarized direct-write particles to be aligned in a selected orientation to form the component with predetermined characteristics when deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for coating kitchen vessels which uses magnetic force of a magnet to which a metal plate is applied to be magnetized by the magnetic force, and thus can produce clearer stereoscopic patterns on a vessel in an overlapping manner by causing the magnetic force according to the magnetizing force of the metal plate to be maximized to be as strong as the magnetic force of the magnet by disposing the magnet on a jig to allow the metal plate to overlap with the magnet to be magnetized by actively receiving magnetic force from the magnet.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for depositing a coating onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber with an inlet for supplying a precursor gas to the chamber. The chamber includes a carrier for locating the substrate in the chamber, a first anode having an aperture in which plasma can be formed, and a magnetic field source. The substrate, when located in the carrier, constitutes a first cathode. When a substantially linear magnetic field between the anode and the cathode is formed, the direction of the magnetic field is substantially orthogonal to the surface to be coated and plasma production and deposition takes place substantially within the linear magnetic field.

Abstract: A system for in-process orientation of particles used in direct-write inks for fabricating a component may include a device for polarizing direct-write particles in an aerosol. An outlet may direct the aerosol including the polarized direct-write particles on a substrate to form a component. An apparatus may cause the polarized direct-write particles to be aligned in a selected orientation to form the component with predetermined characteristics when deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes providing a structural element that provides a predetermined gap between a first substrate and a second substrate to at least one of the first and second substrates, forming an alignment film on each of the first and second substrates, and subjecting the alignment film formed on each of the first and second substrates to a rubbing process. The structural element is formed after the alignment film is formed and before or after the rubbing process is performed.

Abstract: A processing method and apparatus uses at least one electric field applicator (34) biased to produce a spatial-temporal electric field to affect a processing medium (26), suspended nano-objects (28) or the substrate (30) in processing, interacting with the dipole properties of the medium (26) or particles to construct structure on the substrate (30). The apparatus may include a magnetic field, an acoustic field, an optical force, or other generation device. The processing may affect selective localized layers on the substrate (30) or may control orientation of particles in the layers, control movement of dielectrophoretic particles or media, or cause suspended particles of different properties to follow different paths in the processing medium (26). Depositing or modifying a layer on the substrate (30) may be carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus and process operate to impose sonic pressure upon a spin-on film liquid mass that exhibits a liquid topography and in a solvent vapor overpressure to alter the liquid topography. Other apparatus and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool heats wafers using radiant heat and resistive heat in chamber or in a load lock where pressure changes. The wafers are heated in greater part with a resistive heat source until a transition temperature or pressure is reached, then they are heated in greater part with a radiant heat source. Throughput improves for the tool because of the wafers can reach a high temperature uniformly in seconds.

Abstract: An equipment for making abrasive particles in even distribution, array pattern and preferred orientation comprises an adsorbing releasing apparatus being composed of a plurality of acicular soft magnetic metallic sticks, an upper and a lower stators, and a plurality of windings. Each winding forms an electric circuit through a electrical source, a resistance, and a switch a plurality of blind holes being distributed on face of the blind hole feeding tropism board. Using electric current to form magnetic field for the acicular soft magnetic metallic sticks absorb or release abrasive particles plated with soft magnetic materials. The equipment is simple, convenient in operation, high in efficiency and reliability. The equipment makes abrasive particles in matrix with an ideal state in distributing density, uniformity, arrange, and tropism. Thereby, the function of the abrasive materials is fully exerted and the life of products is prolonged.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems form structures from nanoparticles by providing a source of nanoparticles, the particles being capable of being moved by application of a field, such as an electrical field, magnetic field and even electromagnetic radiation or fields such as light, UV, IR, radiowaves, radiation and the like; depositing the nanoparticles to a surface in a first distribution of the nanoparticles; applying a field to the nanoparticles on the surface that applies a force to the particles; and rearranging the nanoparticles on the surface by the force from the field to form a second distribution of nanoparticles on the surface. Nanoparticle catalysts can be deposited on the surfaces. The second distribution of nanoparticles is more ordered or more patterned than the first distribution of nanoparticles as a result of the rearranging. Nanotubes can then be grown on the ordered nanoparticle deposited catalysts.

Abstract: A method and device for producing an aligned carbon nanotube array. The arrays of aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may be formed by drying liquid dispersions of CNTs on a nanoporous substrate under an applied electrostatic field. The array may be used in a number of applications including electronics, optics, and filtration, including desalination.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a plurality of substantially uniform nano-scale features in a substantially parallel manner in which an array of micro-lenses is positioned on a surface of a substrate, where each micro-lens includes a hole such that the bottom of the hole corresponds to a portion of the surface of the substrate. A flux of charged particles, e.g., a beam of positive ions of a selected element, is applied to the micro-lens array. The flux of charged particles is focused at selected focal points on the substrate surface at the bottoms of the holes of the micro-lens array. The substrate is tilted at one or more selected angles to displace the locations of the focal points across the substrate surface. By depositing material or etching the surface of the substrate, several substantially uniform nanometer sized features may be rapidly created in each hole on the surface of the substrate in a substantially parallel manner.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool heats wafers using radiant heat and resistive heat in chamber or in a load lock where pressure changes. The wafers are heated in greater part with a resistive heat source until a transition temperature or pressure is reached, then they are heated in greater part with a radiant heat source. Throughput improves for the tool because of the wafers can reach a high temperature uniformly in seconds.

Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques for fabricating a structure from nanoparticles are provided.

Abstract: Method for Forming a Semiconductor Structure A method and apparatus for applying a carrier fluid (101,602,1101) to a substrate (102), the carrier fluid carrying nanoparticles (201,202), manipulating the positions of a plurality of the nanoparticles (201,202) in the carrier fluid by applying an electric field, removing the carrier fluid from the substrate so as to leave the nanoparticles on the substrate, and sintering the nanoparticles to form a region.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component from a composite material, the composite material comprising a matrix and a plurality of reinforcement elements (CNTs), the method comprising: forming a series of layers of the composite material, each layer being formed on top of a previous layer; and applying an electromagnetic field to the composite material before the next layer is formed on top of it, the electromagnetic field causing at least some of the reinforcement elements to rotate. An apparatus comprising a build platform, a system for forming a series of layers of composite materials on the build platform and an electrode for applying an electromagnetic field is also disclosed. A composite powder comprising CNTs and a matrix and the method of fabrication are disclosed as a second aspect of the application.

Abstract: A SMC lamination line is disclosed that has an upper carrier film and a lower carrier film with oriented chopped fibers being deposited between the carrier films. Resin paste or adhesive is provided to retain oriented fibers on the lower carrier film. A guide roller guides the carrier film in close proximity to an in-feed conveyor that feeds oriented chopped fiber unto the lower carrier film. The guide roller is preferably less than the diameter of the end roller of the feed conveyor. The guide roller is also preferably within the arc of movement of the ends of the oriented chopped fibers to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of the oriented chopped fibers to the lower carrier film.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for magnetically transferring indicia, such as a design or an image, to a wet coating layer applied on a substrate, such as a sheet or a web, wherein the said coating layer comprises at least one type of magnetic or magnetizable particles; said device comprising a) at least one magnetized permanent-magnetic plate (2) carrying relief, engravings or cut-outs, mounted such that its relief surface remains accessible, b) at least one additional magnet (3), disposed below said at least one permanent-magnetic plate, facing the surface of the magnetic plate which is opposite to the relief, engraving or cut-out, and c) a holder (1), which has the mechanical function to hold the pieces together in fixed positions. A method for producing the device, the use of the device, and magnetically induced designs obtained with the device, which are useful for protecting currency, value—and identity documents, are disclosed as well.

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

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for controlling placement of nanoparticles, and methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a substrate and a plurality of funnels in the substrate, wherein each of the funnels comprises an inlet opening and an elongated, rectangular shaped outlet opening. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes creating a dusty plasma comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes, positioning a mask between the dusty plasma and a desired target for the carbon nanotubes, the mask having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, and extinguishing the dusty plasma to thereby allow at least some of the carbon nanotubes in the dusty plasma to pass through at least some of the plurality of openings in the mask and land on the target.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for incorporating a composition into a substrate using neutral beams are provided to repeatedly process an oxide layer using the neutral beams having low energy to minimize electrical damage to the oxide layer and improve characteristics of the oxide layer. The apparatus is mounted in a plasma generating chamber, and includes: an ion beam generating gas inlet, which injects a gas for generating ion beams; an ion source, which generates the ion beams having a polarity from the gas introduced through the ion beam generating gas inlet; a grid assembly, which is installed on one end of the ion source; a reflector, which is aligned with the grid assembly and converts the ion beams to the neutral beams; and a stage, on which the substrate is placed on a traveling path of the neutral beams. Formation of the oxide layer and application of the neutral beams are repeatedly performed on the substrate so as to improve the characteristics of the oxide layer.

Abstract: A device for applying powder onto an application surface has a powder container (35) and a voltage source (32) for applying a voltage between the powder container and the application surface, wherein the powder container (35) at least partially consists of a conductive material and the powder container (35) has an opening (35a) or is completely open at its side facing the application surface when the voltage is applied.

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

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems form structures from nanoparticles by: providing a source of nanoparticles, the particles being capable of being moved by application of a field, such as an electrical field, magnetic field and even electromagnetic radiation or fields such as light, UV IR, radiowaves, radiation and the like; depositing the nanoparticles to a surface in a first distribution of the nanoparticles; applying a field to the nanoparticles on the surface that applies a force to the particles; and rearranging the nanoparticles on the surface by the force from the field to form a second distribution of nanoparticles on the surface. The second distribution of nanoparticles is more ordered or more patterned than the first distribution of nanoparticles as a result of the rearranging.

Abstract: An equipment for making abrasive particles in even distribution, array pattern and preferred orientation comprises an adsorbing releasing apparatus being composed of a plurality of acicular soft magnetic metallic sticks, an upper and a lower stators, and a plurality of windings. Each winding forms an electric circuit through a electrical source, a resistance, and a switch a plurality of blind holes being distributed on face of the blind hole feeding tropism board. Using electric current to form magnetic field for the acicular soft magnetic metallic sticks absorb or release abrasive particles plated with soft magnetic materials. The equipment is simple, convenient in operation, high in efficiency and reliability. The equipment makes abrasive particles in matrix with an ideal state in distributing density, uniformity, arrange, and tropism. Thereby, the function of the abrasive materials is fully exerted and the life of products is prolonged.

Abstract: In a method of forming an insulating layer on a silicon substrate, the silicon substrate is arranged inside a process chamber. An oxide layer is formed on the substrate's surface. An electrical field is applied and an oxygen particles containing plasma is provided above the substrate's surface. The electrical field accelerates the oxygen particles in the direction of the surface so that the oxygen particles penetrate inside the substrate and form said oxide layer. Thereafter, the stoichiometry of the oxide layer is modified. A nitrogen particles containing plasma is provided above the substrate's surface. The electrical field accelerates the nitrogen particles in the direction of the surface so that the nitrogen particles penetrate inside the oxide layer and modify the stoichiometry of the oxide layer. The step of forming the oxide layer and the step of modifying the stoichiometry are carried out inside the same process chamber.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer-wise solidification of a building material in powder form at positions in the respective layers corresponding to the object is disclosed. The device comprises: a container (25) arranged in the device; a support device (26), which can be vertically moved in the container, wherein the upper side of the support device (26) forms a building platform (78), on which the three-dimensional object is generated layer-wise; an application device (27) for applying building material in powder form onto the building platform and a previously solidified layer, respectively; and an energy source (6) that provides a beam (9) for solidifying the building material in powder form. In a region below the container (25) in the device (1) outlets (90) are provided, wherein from each of the outlets (90) a directed flow of a fluid medium escapes in a directed manner to peripheral regions of the container (25).

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

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus which uses a thermal CVD reaction to deposit a film onto a substrate has a ring with an electrode terminal that makes contact with either the substrate or the deposited film thereon, a power supply that applies a current or a potential to this electrode terminal of the ring, and a piston cylinder mechanism for moving the ring up and down, so as to cause its electrode terminal to make and break contact with the substrate or deposited film thereon.

Abstract: An electrostatic flocking operation of a workpiece (5) is advantageously performed in a condition in which the moisture content of an adhesive layer formed on a surface of the workpiece (5) is kept at a favorable value by a humidifier (1). The humidifier (1) is provided between an electrostatic flocking chamber and an adhesive applicator which is disposed in the upstream side of the electrostatic flocking chamber. In the humidifier (1), a current of a moisture bearing air (2) is driven upon the adhesive layer of the workpiece (5).

Abstract: A conductive powder is stored at a predetermined position in a tank. At least one substrate is placed at a predetermined position opposite the conductive powder in the tank. The tank is rotated so as to immerse the substrate into the conductive powder. Thereby, the conductive powder is applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A system (100, 100′) and method for robotic manipulation of objects (130) is provided wherein a liquid (110, 110′) is agitated by the transfer of energy thereto for establishing an oscillatory motion instability in the liquid (110, 110′). The energy input into the liquid (110, 110′) forms standing waves (112). The objects (130) align themselves with nodes of the standing waves (112) and thus are dynamically arranged in a configuration established by the location of the standing waves (112). The location of the standing waves (112) can be predetermined by controlling the energy input by energy application system (140) and the size and shape of the container (120). Predetermined waveforms are supplied from the signal source (150, 154) to the energy application system (140).

Abstract: A system (100, 100′) and method for robotic manipulation of objects (130) is provided wherein a liquid (110, 110′) is agitated by the transfer of energy thereto for establishing an oscillatory motion instability in the liquid (110, 110′). The energy input into the liquid (110, 110′) forms standing waves (112). The objects (130) align themselves with nodes of the standing waves (112) and thus are dynamically arranged in a configuration established by the location of the standing waves (112). The location of the standing waves (112) can be predetermined by controlling the energy input by energy application system (140) and the size and shape of the container (120). Predetermined waveforms are supplied from the signal source (150, 154) to the energy application system (140).

Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-web contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an effective electrical field originating from a location on the second side of the substrate and at a location substantially at and downstream of the fluid contact area. The electrical field can be generated in a highly effective manner relative to the coating fluid by a sharply defined electrode on the second side of the substrate. Ultrasonics combined with electrostatic fields further enhances coating process conditions and coating uniformity.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for supporting a workpiece within a plasma reactor chamber having sidewalls surrounding an interior region capable of supporting a plasma. The assembly includes a chuck base and at least one support arm extending outwardly from the chuck base perimeter to the chamber sidewalls. The chuck assembly includes a workpiece support member which is supported by one or more vertical translation members arranged between and operatively connected to the chuck base and the workpiece support member.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus which uses a thermal CVD reaction to deposit a film onto a substrate has a ring with an electrode terminal that makes contact with either the substrate or the deposited film thereon, a power supply that applies a current or a potential to this electrode terminal of the ring, and a piston cylinder mechanism for moving the ring up and down, so as to cause its electrode terminal to make and break contact with the substrate or deposited film thereon.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus including a housing with an interior coating area for receiving a workpiece. The interior coating area includes a vortex inducing surface and a pressurized air input device directs air against the surface to form a swirling pattern of air around the workpiece. A powder introducer directs charged powder into the swirling pattern of air and the powder is then electrostatically attracted to the workpiece. The powder introducer may be a powder fluidizing bed disposed in the housing or other suppliers, such as electrostatic powder spray guns. In alternative embodiments, vortex generators in the form of tubular structures connected proximate the housing inlet and outlet have tangential ports for introducing positive pressure air or inducing vacuum in the tubular structures.

Abstract: Apparatus and a concomitant method for electrostatically depositing select doses of medicament powder at select locations on a substrate. Specifically, the apparatus contains a charged particle emitter for generating charged particles that charge a predefined region of a substrate and a charge accumulation control circuit for computing the amount of charge accumulated upon the substrate and deactivating the emitter when a selected quantity of charge has accumulated. Additionally, a triboelectric charging apparatus charges the medicament powder and forms a charged medicament cloud proximate the charged region of the substrate. The medicament particles within the medicament cloud electrostatically adhere to the charged region. The quantity of charge accumulated on the substrate at the predefined region and the charge-to-mass ratio of the medicament powder in the cloud control the amount (dose) of medicament deposited and retained by the substrate.

Abstract: A method for providing a low carbon and/or low oxygen containing conductive material includes providing a substrate assembly having a surface and providing a stream of a precursor containing conductive material to a region proximate the surface of the substrate assembly where the conductive material is to be deposited. A stream of reaction gas is also provided to the region proximate the surface of the substrate assembly where the conductive material is to be deposited. The reaction gas is one of an oxygen or hydrogen containing gas. A focused beam is scanned over the surface of the substrate assembly in the presence of the stream of precursor containing conductive material and the stream of the reaction gas to deposit the conductive material on the surface. The stream of the precursor containing conductive material may include a stream of a precursor containing one of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, chromium, silver, and iridium; preferably platinum.

Abstract: A diffuser comprises a conduit having a cross-sectional area that increases in a direction fluid flow. In one embodiment, the diffuser is used to reduce the incidence and severity of flow fluctuations that occur in an electrostatic deposition apparatus. In some embodiments, the diffuser includes one or more flow control features. A first flow-control feature comprises one or more appropriately-shaped annular slits through which fluid having a greater momentum than a primary fluid moving through the diffuser is injected into the “boundary layer” near the wall of the diffuser. A second flow control feature comprises one or more annular slits or, alternatively, slots or holes that are disposed at appropriate locations around the circumference of the diffuser through which a portion of fluid flowing in the boundary layer is removed. Boundary-layer flow removal is effected, in one embodiment, by creating a pressure differential across such annular slit or slots.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus including a housing with an interior coating area for receiving a workpiece. The interior coating area includes a vortex inducing surface and a pressurized air input device directs air against the surface to form a swirling pattern of air around the workpiece. A powder introducer directs charged powder into the swirling pattern of air and the powder is then electrostatically attracted to the workpiece. The powder introducer may be a powder fluidizing bed disposed in the housing or other suppliers, such as electrostatic powder spray guns. In alternative embodiments, vortex generators in the form of tubular structures connected proximate the housing inlet and outlet have tangential ports for introducing positive pressure air or inducing vacuum in the tubular structures.

Abstract: A system (100, 100′, 100″) and method for robotic manipulation of objects (130) is provided wherein particulates (110, 110′) are agitated by the transfer of energy thereto to establish patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′). The patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′) forms standing waves (112). The objects (130) align themselves with the standing waves (112) and thus are dynamically arranged in a configuration established by the location of the standing waves (112). The location of the standing waves (112) can be predetermined by controlling the waveform of the signals applied to the energy application system (140). The predetermined waveforms are supplied from the signal source (150, 154) to the energy application system (140).