CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 853325
Mr. Charles G. Dodd
Connecticut Technology Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 524
Stratford, Conn. 06497
RE: The tariff classification of Langmuir-Blodgett troughs from
England
Dear Mr. Dodd:
In your letter dated June 5, 1990 you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
Langmuir-Blodgett troughs are used in laboratories for the
controlled deposition of ultra-thin organic films onto liquid
surfaces and the transfer of these films to substrates such as
slides or silicon wafers. They are utilized in such areas of
research as biochemistry, medicine, and biomedical engineering.
In operation, a suitable organic material is initially
spread onto a liquid surface (usually ultrapure water) which
resides in the trough. Movable barriers are used to compress
the floating layer into a quasi-solid film one molecule in
thickness on top of the water. This monomolecular film is
transferred onto the desired substrate by dipping and raising the
substrate through the monolayer covered surface. The speed at
which the substrate is dipped and raised, as well as other
operating parameters, is controlled by means of a separate
computer which is not imported.
The troughs consist of a teflon well mounted on an anodized
aluminum base containing anti-vibration mountings. They are 53
centimeters in diameter and 44 centimeters in height, and the
well has a depth of 5 millimeters. Each trough contains two
teflon movable barriers driven by DC motors for smooth
symmetrical compression of the monolayer film. Wilhelmy plate
film pressure sensors with built-in lifting mechanisms are also
incorporated in the unit so that barrier compression can be
monitored without danger of premature collapse of the film. The
dipper mechanism utilizes a DC motor to lower the substrate
carrier and substrate into the trough. The troughs are imported
in two configurations. Model L-D1-S features a single dipper
mechanism and pressure sensor, while model L-D2-2S contains an
alternate layer dipper mechanism and two pressure sensors for
creation of multiple film layers in desired sequences. We
understand that the Langmuir-Blodgett troughs will not be
imported with plotters, software, computer interfaces, or
constant temperature bath controllers, and, in their imported
condition, they cannot be used to perform any type of in-situ
film analysis.
The applicable subheading for the model L-D1-S and L-D2-2S
Langmuir-Blodgett troughs will be 8479.89.9090, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other
machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions,
not specified or included elsewhere. The rate of duty will be
3.7 percent ad valorem.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport