appl

Apparatus for Applying Corrective Forces to Shape Palate

An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.




appl

Method and Apparatus for Generation of 3D Models with Applications in Dental Restoration Design

Methods and apparatus are provided for generating computer 3D models of an object, by registering two or more scans of physical models of an object. The scans may be 3D scans registered by a curve-based registration process. A method is provided for generating a 3D model of a portion of a patient's oral anatomy for use in dental restoration design. Also provided are scanning workflows for scanning physical models of an object to obtain a 3D model.




appl

Systems and methods for applying markings to an article

Systems and methods for applying markings to an article are disclosed. One aspect comprises providing a dye pad shaped to correspond to a desired marking; applying an infusion dye to the dye pad; applying an activation solution to the infusion dye, thereby forming an infusion dye mixture; placing the dye pad in contact with a discrete area of an outer surface of the article; leaving the dye pad in contact with the outer surface of the article under room temperature and pressure, for a duration sufficient to allow the infusion dye mixture to open a polymeric structure of a material of the outer surface and to allow the infusion dye to penetrate the outer surface and form the desired marking within a substrate of the article; and removing the dye pad from the outer surface. An infusion dyeing kit and method for supplying a kit are also disclosed.




appl

Active moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance

A laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry and configured to perform one or more cycles of operation and method for actively dehumidifying the treating chamber of a laundry treating appliance to retard or eliminate the adverse effects of moisture-laden laundry remaining in the treating chamber or moisture remaining in the treating chamber or other areas of the laundry treating appliance.




appl

Method and apparatus for redistributing an imbalance in a laundry treating appliance

An apparatus and method for detecting an imbalance in the laundry load and effecting a redistribution of the imbalance by reducing the rotational speed of the treating chamber such that part of the load may redistribute while part of the load remains satellized, without ceasing rotation, and increasing the rotational speed back to a spin speed after redistribution.




appl

Appliances with sudsing-reducing flushable detergent dispensers

Appliances having a detergent dispenser that may be flushed with a water flow for removal of residual treating chemistry while reducing sudsing are disclosed. An example dispenser includes a cup with a bottom wall, a siphon tube projecting upwardly from the bottom wall, a cover for the siphon tube, an opening configured to introduce a liquid stream into the cup from a position above and beyond a periphery of the cover, wherein substantially all of the liquid stream flows downwardly along a trajectory defined by the opening and terminating below and within the periphery of the cover, and wherein the liquid stream directly impinges a portion of at least one of the cup or the siphon tube below the cover.




appl

Head for the application of reinforcing threads on a deposition surface

An applicator head for cutting yarn into segments of yarn and depositing the segments of yarn on a deposition surface. The applicator head includes a single mechanism that moves the yarn towards said deposition surface and also cuts the yarn into segments.




appl

Maintenance Decision Support System and Method for Vehicular and Roadside Applications

A method and system are provided in which maintenance vehicles collect information from sensors and operators, forward the collected information to a server, and, is response, receive maps and operator instructions.




appl

A MONITOR FOR A NATURAL GAS-FIRED APPLIANCE

A monitor for a natural gas-fired appliance is provided. The monitor comprises: a natural gas cycle-monitor interface configured to receive cycling signals from one or more of: the appliance; and a monitoring device located in the appliance and/or proximal to the appliance; a processor, in communication with the interface, configured to monitor cycles of the appliance based on the cycling signals; one or more indicators, in communication with the processor, configured to provide an alarm when the processor determines that the cycles of the appliance meets a threshold value; a first reset device configured to temporarily reset the one or more indicators to turn off the alarm when actuated, the one or more indicators again providing the alarm after a given time period following a temporary reset; and, a second reset device configured to reset monitoring of the cycles at the processor when actuated.




appl

LOW INERTIA POWER SUPPLY FOR APPLYING VOLTAGE TO AN ELECTRODE COUPLED TO A FLAME

A system and method for electrically charging a combustion flame with a power supply.




appl

Control System and Method for a Solid Fuel Combustion Appliance

Techniques for controlling a solid fuel combustion appliance, e.g., a wood burning stove, are disclosed. A control system measures an exhaust gas temperature of airflow through an outlet of the solid fuel combustion appliance. The control system determines a derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time. The derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time is compared to a predetermined threshold. The control system modulates the inlet damper in response to determining that the derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time reaches the predetermined threshold.




appl

Glass run with applique assembly

A trim or weatherstrip assembly secured to an associated vehicle. The assembly includes a cover portion that overlies an associated vehicle adjacent an edge. A connection member is defined on the cover portion. A fastener portion includes a detent connection member having first and second portions for operatively and alternatively engaging the connection member in a shipping, first position and in an installed, second position.




appl

Seal with primary and secondary sealing lobes for use in roll-up door applications

A roll-up door seal that may be monolithically formed from a single material of uniform density. The seal is sized and adapted to assemble to a standard roll-up door frame without a separate or dedicated frame structure. The seal provides redundant sealing surfaces, positioned to cooperate with both the door and door frame, which ensure an effective and durable fluid tight seal between the cargo space enclosed by the roll-up door and the ambient environment. The seal may be produced by extrusion from a flexible, weather resistant material such as EPDM, thereby providing a low cost solution for sealing roll-up doors having industry standard door frame constructions. The seal is firmly engageable with the door frame, such that the seal may be installed with little or no secondary fixation.




appl

Applications of Ultra High Solids emulsions

Processing and use of ultra-high solids formulations wherein no drying step is needed for the formulation to be incorporated in a wide variety of applications. Adhesives, top-coatings, sealants, fasteners are amongst the use areas.




appl

METHOD OF APPLYING AND USING VISCOUS LIQUID RUBBER COMPOSITION

Viscous liquid rubber compositions are applied to articles by brushing, rolling, pouring, or dipping to repair leaks or to modify the appearance and/or physical properties of the article, such as water-permeability, thermal insulation, shock resistance, vibration resistance, electrical insulation, and the like.




appl

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A MATERIAL ONTO ARTICLES WITH A PRE-DISTORTED TRANSFER COMPONENT

Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve providing a deposition device, such as a printing device; providing a transfer component; depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device; modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of the surface of the three-dimensional article; and transferring the transfer material onto the surface of the article.




appl

THERMO-OPTICAL ENCLOSURE FOR LED LIGHTING APPLICATIONS

The invention provides a lamp (1) comprising (i) a solid state light source (10) and a first envelope (100) at least partially enclosing the light source (10), thereby forming a first cavity (150) hosting said solid state light source (10), wherein at least part of the first envelope (100) is transmissive for visible light (11) generated by the solid state light source (10); and (ii) a second envelope (200) at least partially enclosing the first envelope (100), wherein the first envelope (100) and the second envelope (200) provide a second cavity (250) at least partially enclosing the light source (10), wherein at least part of the second envelope (200) is transmissive for visible light (11) generated by the light source (10) and transmitted through the first envelope (100) into the second cavity (250), wherein the second cavity (250) is configured as a heat pipe (251).




appl

Combining Search Results That Specify Software Application Functions

Techniques include receiving a first search result from a search system, the result specifying a first state of a software application (app) and the state associated with a function performed based on a first parameter. The techniques further include displaying a first user-selectable link associated with the first result, the link configured to, upon being selected, set the app into the first state. The techniques still further include receiving a first user input and displaying a second user-selectable link associated with a second (e.g., previously stored) search result, the result specifying a second parameter. The techniques also include receiving a second user input selecting the first and second links and displaying a third user-selectable link associated with the first and second results, the link configured to, upon being selected, set the app into a second state associated with the function performed based on the second parameter.




appl

GENERATION OF COMPLEMENTARY APPLICATONS

An application complementation module may access application data from an application repository, the application data associated with a first application. The data collections of a data service provider (e.g., OData service) used in the first application and at least one navigation used in the first application to navigate between the data collections are determined based on the application data. Service metadata (e.g., Entity Data Model (EDM)) from the data service provider is searched for new navigations between the used data collections that are different from the navigations used in the first application. An application that is complementary (e.g., provides different or complementary navigations) to the first application may then be generated based on the data collections used in the first application and any new navigations between the data collections discovered from the service metadata. A recommendation regarding the generated application may be provided to a user of the first application.




appl

Methods and Systems for Selective Hydrogen Gas Extraction for Dissolved Gas Analysis Applications

Systems and methods for selectively extracting hydrogen gas dissolved in oil are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a selectively permeable membrane provided at a point of contact between oil and a sensor chamber. The selectively permeable membrane has a hydrogen specificity and a thickness selected to minimize detection of further gasses dissolved in the oil by a hydrogen gas sensor cross-sensitive to the further gasses. The selectively permeable membrane can include polyimide. The further gasses include carbon monoxide, acetylene, and ethylene. The system can include a further membrane and a porous metal disc. The porous metal disc is bound to the selectively permeable membrane by using the further membrane as an adhesive layer and by applying pressure and temperature. The porous metal disc supports the selectively permeable membrane and the further membrane against pressure of the oil when exposed to a vacuum. The further membrane includes fluorohydrocarbons.




appl

PACKAGING OPTOELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CMOS CIRCUITRY USING SILICON-ON-INSULATOR SUBSTRATES FOR PHOTONICS APPLICATIONS

Package structures and methods are provided to integrate optoelectronic and CMOS devices using SOI semiconductor substrates for photonics applications. For example, a package structure includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an optoelectronics device and interposer mounted to the IC chip. The IC chip includes a SOI substrate having a buried oxide layer, an active silicon layer disposed adjacent to the buried oxide layer, and a BEOL structure formed over the active silicon layer. An optical waveguide structure is patterned from the active silicon layer of the IC chip. The optoelectronics device is mounted on the buried oxide layer in alignment with a portion of the optical waveguide structure to enable direct or adiabatic coupling between the optoelectronics device and the optical waveguide structure. The interposer is bonded to the BEOL structure, and includes at least one substrate having conductive vias and wiring to provide electrical connections to the BEOL structure.




appl

Casket cap panel insert with applique applied thereto

A casket comprises a casket shell adapted to receive the remains of a deceased having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, and a bottom wall, and a casket cap. The cap includes a dish assembly mounted to an underside of the cap. The dish assembly includes a cap panel, a pair of opposed puffings attached to opposed longer sides of the cap panel, a pair of opposed puffings attached to opposed shorter sides of the cap panel, and at least a pair of generally horizontally spaced apart and generally vertically extending pleats. An appliqué panel overlies the cap panel and is sized and configured such that its opposite side edges are removably received and retained by respective ones of the pair of pleats. The appliqué panel is transparent to allow viewing of the cap panel behind it, and includes an embroidered appliqué applied on its front face. The appliqué panel thereby creates a three-dimensional appearance of the embroidery floating in front of the cap panel.




appl

Energy recovery in syngas applications

The disclosed embodiments include systems for using an expander. In a first embodiment, a system includes a flow path and a gasification section disposed along the flow path. The gasification section is configured to convert a feedstock into a syngas. The system also includes a scrubber disposed directly downstream of the gasification section and configured to filter the syngas. The system also includes a first expander disposed along the flow path directly downstream from the scrubber and configured to expand the syngas. The syngas comprises an untreated syngas.




appl

Plastic soft composition for polishing and for surface protective material application

A plastic soft composition is formed of soft base material constantly provided with plasticity, porous fine particles for polishing contained in the base material, and the like, and a polishing process and a coating process are performed to a painted surface and the like using the plastic soft composition. The fine particles for polishing are impregnated with a coating agent (a surface protective agent) added with an activator which is emulsified by contact with water, and the coating agent is held in concave portions formed in the fine particles. Both polishing work and coating work are achieved by sliding the plastic soft composition on a painted surface by a palm pressure of a user.




appl

Impregnated diamond structure, method of making same, and applications for use of an impregnated diamond structure

A layer of matrix powder is deposited within a mold opening. A layer of super-abrasive particles is then deposited over the matrix powder layer. The super-abrasive particles have a non-random distribution, such as being positioned at locations set by a regular and repeating distribution pattern. A layer of matrix powder is then deposited over the super-abrasive particles. The particle and matrix powder layer deposition process steps are repeated to produce a cell having alternating layers of matrix powder and non-randomly distributed super-abrasive particles. The cell is then fused, for example using an infiltration, hot isostatic pressing or sintering process, to produce an impregnated structure. A working surface of the impregnated structure that is oriented non-parallel (and, in particular, perpendicular) to the super-abrasive particle layers is used as an abrading surface for a tool.




appl

Polycrystalline diamond compact including a polycrystalline diamond table with a thermally-stable region having at least one low-carbon-solubility material and applications therefor

Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) comprising a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table including a thermally-stable region having at least one low-carbon-solubility material disposed interstitially between bonded diamond grains thereof, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate, and a PCD table bonded to the substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween and defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD table further includes at least one low-carbon-solubility material disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The at least one low-carbon-solubility material exhibits a melting temperature of about 1300° C. or less and a bulk modulus at 20° C. of less than about 150 GPa.




appl

Light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications, and method for producing same

The present invention provide a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications which can be used as a covering material for an agricultural house or the like, is excellent in uniformity of color or the like of crops cultivated, can reduce the occurrence of leaf scorch, seedling blight or the like, and can cultivate the crops at high productivity. Specifically, the invention provides a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications that gives a ratio of scattered light with a scattering angle of 5.5 to 10° being 5% or higher relative to the total transmitted light.




appl

Liquid application device

A liquid-application device that permits a user to selectively apply herbicide to weeds without applying the herbicide to adjacent plants. A reservoir of herbicide is mounted to a container end of an elongated tube and a wick is mounted to an opposite end. The tube has a central passage through which the liquid flows from the container end to the wick end by gravity. A valve mechanism at the wick end controls the flow of liquid out of the central passage. A wick retainer in the valve mechanism holds a wick that receives liquid released through the valve. A shroud covers the wick and the wick protrudes after the shroud is seated on a weed leaf. The shroud can be withdrawn by a mechanical connection, such as a trigger, or by simply forcing the shroud out of the way.




appl

Foliar application of nutrients to vegetation

The present invention provides a system and method to accurately and safely allow the application of nutritional elements to the foliage of vegetation. The accuracy and safety are the result of the nutritional elements being pre-mixed and applied via a pressurized canister, which produces a foam-based delivery system. The foam is highly visible, dissipates rapidly, and is inert except for the nutrients which it contains (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and others including all of the micro-nutrients that are essential for plant growth). The nutrient content of the foam, for specific uses of the invention, is necessarily variable depending on the type and condition of the vegetation needing such an application.




appl

Method to use a photoluminescent adjuvant in agricultural applications

The invention provides a nontoxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.




appl

Method to use a photoluminescent adjuvant in agricultural applications

The invention provides a non-toxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.




appl

Rotatable Shroud for Directional Control of Application Area

A controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle has a CDA nozzle cone having a first axis of rotation in a first position and, after adjustment, a second axis of rotation in a second position orthogonal to the first. A rotationally adjustable directional shroud surrounds at least a portion of the cone, the directional shroud blocking at least a portion of a lip of the cone regardless of whether the cone is positioned in the first or second axis of rotation.




appl

DUAL-TERMINATED POLYAMIDE FOR HIGH SPEED SPINNING APPLICATION

Methods of producing a polyamide filaments and fibers are provided. The methods include providing a dual-terminated polyamide and spinning the dual-terminated polyamide at a speed of 3500 m/min to 8000 m/min to form a fiber. In one embodiment, the polyamide has an amine endgroup concentration of 25 mmol/kg to 40 mmol/kg and a carboxyl endgroup concentration of 18 mmol/kg to 50 mmol/kg. Fibers and yarns comprising polyamide filaments and fibers formed from the method are also disclosed.




appl

Application of carbon nanotubes on agglomerates of ore fines to increase the mechanical strength thereof

An application of carbon nanotubes on agglomerates of ore fines to increase the mechanical strength is provided. A process for the preparation of ore agglomerates having enhanced mechanical strength by the application of the carbon nanotubes is also provided.




appl

Compression stocking applicator

The disclosure provides a medical compression stocking applicator having an elongate member which has a pair of opposed sidewalls and an interconnecting wall and therefore may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and is open at each end. The elongate member also includes a heel opening between the ends of the elongate member. The heel opening extends entirely through the elongate member, and is adapted to support a person's heel during application of a stocking.




appl

CIRCUIT BOARD FOR HF APPLICATIONS INCLUDING AN INTEGRATED BROADBAND ANTENNA

A circuit board includes a substantially planar component carrier and a microstrip which is applied to a surface of the component carrier. The microstrip extends towards a connection transition which is arranged on a lateral edge of the component carrier. A waveguide portion of an antenna element which is produced by a 3D printing process is coupled to this connection transition.




appl

APPLIANCE INCLUDING AN ANTENNA USING A PORTION OF APPLIANCE AS A GROUND PLANE

An appliance, such as an oven, includes a housing having an internal compartment and an RF antenna. At least a portion of the housing comprises an electrically conductive portion. The antenna includes an active component and a connection to the electrically conductive portion, which serves as a ground plane of the antenna. The housing may include a door assembly having a window that includes the electrically conductive portion in the form of a transparent conductive layer. The door assembly may be detachable and the connection to the antenna may be made by way of capacitive coupling. In an alternative arrangement, the housing includes a light fixture for illuminating the internal compartment, wherein the active component of the antenna is disposed in the light fixture.




appl

Composite material used for catalyzing and degrading nitrogen oxide and preparation method and application thereof

The invention discloses a composite material used for catalyzing and degrading nitrogen oxide and its preparation method and application thereof. The invention of the hollow g-C3N4 nanospheres/reduced graphene oxide composite-polymer carbonized nanofiber material is prepared as follow: 1) the preparation of silica nanospheres; 2) the preparation of hollow g-C3N4 nanospheres; 3) the preparation of graphene oxide; 4) the preparation of surface modified hollow g-C3N4 nanoparticles preparation; 5) the preparation of composites; 6) the preparation of composite-polymer carbon nanofiber material. The raw materials used in the process is low cost and easy to get; the operation of the invention is simple and convenient without the use of expensive equipment in the whole process; the composite has high adsorption efficiency of ppb level nitrogen oxide with good repeatability.




appl

TREATING SOLID TUMOURS WITH NK-92 CELLS APPLIED BY MICROCATHETER

Disclosed herein are methods for treating solid mass tumors with direct delivery of an anti-tumor immunotherapeutic agent to the tumor site. In one aspect, this invention encompasses methods of treating solid mass tumors by direct microinjection via a microcatheter of an anti-tumor immunotherapeutic agent into the microvasculature leading into tumor thereby providing high levels of contact with the tumor while minimizing the degree of systemic buildup of the immunotherapeutic agent.




appl

VACUUM-ASSISTED IN-NEEDLE CAPPLICARY ADSORPTION TRAP WITH MULTIWALLED POLYANILINE/CARBON NANOTUBE NANOCOMPOSITE SORBENT

A vacuum-assisted in-needle capillary adsorption trap (VA-INCAT) device for sampling and delivering materials to an analytical device is disclosed. A sorbent is multiwall carbon nanotube/polyaniline (PANI/MWCNT) nanocomposite and is coated within an interior space of the needle between the second end and the side aperture to entrap an analyte within a sample. The VA-INCAT device also includes a vacuum device configured to vacuum the vacuum flask to improve the extraction of the analytes vapors from the sample matrix to the sorbent bed.




appl

Gamma-Ray Detectors For Downhole Applications

Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis.




appl

Remote additive application

The present disclosure is directed to the application of additives to a feed material at a location remote from an industrial facility using the feed material.




appl

Biological composite material loaded with magnetic nanoparticles with core-shell structure, the preparation therefore and the application

A preparation method of Bacillus subtilis biological composite material loaded with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles with core-shell structure includes the following steps: 1) preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, 2) preparation of Fe3O4@mSiO2 nanoparticles, 3) preparation of Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE nanoparticles; and 4) preparation of Bacillus subtilis@Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE composite.




appl

APPLICATION SPECIFIC FUEL FILTER

An apparatus and a method are provided for an application specific fuel filter that is configured to prevent particulates from entering the fuel system of a motor vehicle, the fuel filter comprising a hollow canister comprising a length and diameter; a first end comprising a fuel inlet; a second end comprising a fuel outlet; a filter element comprising a plurality of pleats; and a rolled seam.




appl

APPLYING PHASE SEPARATION OF A SOLVENT MIXTURE WITH A LOWER CRITICAL SOLUTION TEMPERATURE FOR ENHANCEMENT OF COOLING RATES BY FORCED AND FREE CONVECTION

A method and system for cooling a device (preferably a micro-device), comprising cooling the device by using a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) mixture. Enhancement of heat transfer rates is achieved during phase separation of a two-component system (two-component mixture) with a LCST. Convective heat transfer rates in small diameter pipes and over a vertical (hot) plate are demonstrated.




appl

Linear Hydraulic Pump for Submersible Applications

A submersible pumping system has an electric motor, a rotary hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor, and a linear hydraulic pump that is configured to move a production fluid. The rotary hydraulic pump produces a pressurized working fluid that drives the linear hydraulic pump. In another aspect, a method is disclosed for controlling the temperature of an electric motor within a submersible pumping system disposed in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of circulating motor lubricant through a hydraulically driven production pump to reduce the temperature of the motor lubricant.




appl

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A MATERIAL ONTO ARTICLES USING A TRANSFER COMPONENT THAT DEFLECTS ON BOTH SIDES

Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve providing a deposition device, such as a printing device; providing a transfer component; depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device; modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of the surface of the three-dimensional article; and transferring the transfer material onto the surface of the article.




appl

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LAMINATION OF RIGID SUBSTRATES BY SEQUENTIAL APPLICATION OF VACUUM AND MECHANICAL FORCE

Method and apparatus for lamination of substrates, e.g. rigid plastic layers, to manufacture laminated products. The methods include the sequential application of vacuum and mechanical force through a two-stroke process performed by a lamination apparatus having one or more force-producing stroke cylinders. Actuation of a cylinder to produce a first stroke creates a sealed chamber within the apparatus, enclosing a stack of substrates to be laminated. The sealed chamber may be evacuated of air by application of a vacuum. Subsequent actuation of a cylinder to produce a second stroke applies mechanical force to the sealed chamber, which compresses the substrates into a laminated product substantially free of air bubbles or voids.




appl

MULTI-ZONE ACTIVE-MATRIX TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHOD, AND ELECTROSTATIC CHUCK AND PLASMA PROCESSING APPARATUS APPLY THEREOF

The present invention discloses a multi-zone active-matrix temperature control system, the control system having a temperature control matrix and a gate driver; the temperature control matrix comprising: N*M temperature control modules forming a N-row M-column matrix, a power supply line, and a power return line; each temperature control module comprising: a temperature control unit adapts to be heated up by electrical power for temperature controlling; a semiconductor switch provided with a gate electrode connected with the gate driver, two ends of the gate, which turn on or off, being connected with the power supply line, and with the power return line through the temperature control unit, respectively. In the temperature control matrix, one ends, which are connected with a power return line, of the temperature control units of temperature control modules in a same row or same column are serially connected, and connected with the power supply line; one ends, which are connected with the power supply line, of the semiconductor switches of the temperature control modules at a same row or a same column are serially connected, and connected with the power supply line. The present invention may precisely perform temperature control to each zone of the electrostatic chuck and significantly reduces the number of electrostatic chuck lead-out lines.