NY 853325 - The tariff classification of Langmuir-Blodgett troughs from England - United States International Trade Commision Rulings

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NY 853325

June 25, 1990

CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 853325

CATEGORY: CLASSIFICATION

TARIFF NO.: 8479.89.9090

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

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