Patents Examined by Todd J. Kilkenny
  • Patent number: 6474386
    Abstract: The method of the present invention is capable of securely removing air from a space between the cover glass and a slide glass and securely locating a damaged part of a specimen outside of a visual field of a microscope. One end of the cover glass is held by a sucking pad, which is provided to an arm capable of rotating and vertically moving. Then, cover glass is obliquely held in a state. The one end of the cover glass is located on the upper side with respect to the other end thereof. A position of a rotational axis of the arm is moved to a position under the slide glass, and the arm is rotaed to make the other end of the cover glass contact the slide glass and curve the cover glass, and the one end of the cover glass is gradually moved toward the slide glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tiyoda Seisakusho, Sakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Kazuhisa Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6471799
    Abstract: Provided are a process and an apparatus for producing gypsum boards, both of which feature minimized occurrence of defective products and especially excellent continuous productivity and superb efficiency. Making use of the facts that lining paper sheets for gypsum boards are insulators and a gypsum slurry held between the lining paper sheets is a good electrical conductor, a detection of an electric current flowing between an upper forming unit and a lower forming unit or a like method makes it possible to promptly detect any localized tearing which may occur in the overlay paper and/or underlay paper due to an undesired object or the like mixed in during continuous production of gypsum boards and moreover, to readily remove the undesired object or the like as a cause for the tearing without stopping the production of gypsum boards while preventing the localized tearing from spreading over the entire width of the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Yoshino Gypsum Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunitoshi Sasaki, Mikiyoshi Simojima, Shouichi Endo, Shinji Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 6458235
    Abstract: Method of coating a metallic substrate (1) with thermoplastic coating material, comprising a preheating the substrate in such as way that, just prior to coating, it is at a temperature between 70° C. and 150° C., preferably between 100° C. and 130° C. in the case of a coating containing polypropene and between 80 and 110° C. in the case of a coating containing polyethene; coextrusion, in the first coating station of a sheet (6) comprising a polyolefin covering layer and a modified polyolefin adhesion layer; coating of the substrate (1) with a molten sheet in the presence of ozone by pressing it with the adhesion layer against the surface of the substrate; transportation of the strip (9) coated on one side to a second coating station and heating the strip so that, just before coating, the strip is at a temperature between 70° C. and 130° C., preferably between 80° C. and 120° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Corus Staal BV
    Inventors: Petrus Cornelis Jozef Beentjes, Willem Jan Van Veenen
  • Patent number: 6451152
    Abstract: Composite articles are produced by guiding composite tape material through a compaction region where the tape material is pressed onto a substrate, and heating the tape and substrate ahead of the compaction region by irradiating opposing surfaces of the tape and substrate with laser radiation produced by a laser diode array. The laser diode array is divided into independently controllable diode groups, and the diode groups are controlled so as to independently control heating of one area of the tape and substrate relative to another area of the tape and substrate. In one embodiment, the widthwise profile of the light energy is such that a widthwise portion of the tape at an inner radius of a curved path along which the tape is steered at the compaction region is heated to a greater extent than a widthwise portion of the tape at an outer radius of the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Scott Holmes, Stanley A. Lawton, John M. Haake
  • Patent number: 6447885
    Abstract: Two surfaces are adhesively bonded together by providing on one of the surfaces a central, single point adhesive contact deposit and providing on one of the surfaces, adhesive extending from a central point deposit in a spoke-like array diagonally across substantially the entire surface. Also provided is the article obtained by the above method as well as the assembly used for bonding the two surfaces together. The surfaces are brought together, one on top of the other, with the adhesive located between the surfaces to cause the adhesive to spread out and cover the surfaces to thereby bond them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gaynes, Ramesh R. Kodnani
  • Patent number: 6444079
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing endless laminated veneer boards from a veneer-panel strand comprising veneer panels laid together in a plurality of layers by means of gluing and compression in a heated, continuously operating press. The veneer-panel strand is run through a preliminary press with a preheating device before it enters the press. The layers of glue applied to the veneer panels and/or the veneer panels for the center or a central-layer strand have a higher moisture content than the layers of glue and/or the veneer panels for the outer layers or the cover-layer strands. The veneer panels are each then assembled to give an upper and a lower cover-layer strand and, if required, a central-layer strand, and are combined to give a veneer-panel strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt
  • Patent number: 6444075
    Abstract: The invention relates to a textured surface covering having a hot melt wear layer and methods of applying the hot melt wear layer to a textured or embossed surface without distortion of the visual image of the textured substrate. The wear layer substantially follows the contours of the substrate with minimum change in thickness of the wear layer over the textured surface and provides an aesthetically pleasing three dimensional appearance to the textured surface of the substrate. Melt applying the melt processable polymer resin to the textured substrate with a conformable pressure roll deter entrapment of bubbles between the wear layer and the textured substrate. Therefore, the wear layer exhibits significant clarity and visual depth, as well as improved maintenance (cleanability) properties. The resulting product has a visual image clarity reflecting any texture in the substrate including very light reflective (lenticular moray) embossings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Schneider, William M. McQuate, Peter A. Christie
  • Patent number: 6440256
    Abstract: A method of forming and inserting filter elements into cup-shaped containers comprises the steps of: a) folding a continuous web of filter material into two adjacent plies which have separable upper edges and are joined one to the other along a bottom fold line; b) blanking the adjacent plies to form their upper edges into a scalloped pattern; c) inserting carrier mandrels between the adjacent plies; d) joining the adjacent plies along seams extending transversely with respect to the bottom fold line to form a series of collapsed frustoconical filter elements interconnected by scrap segments and supported internally by the carrier mandrels; e) separating the filter elements one from the other by blanking and removing the scrap segments; f) transferring the filter elements from the carrier mandrels into cup-shaped containers arranged therebeneath; and g) securing the thus inserted filter elements to interior surfaces of the cup-shaped containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Gordon, Richard P. Sweeney, Anthony J. Christopher, Brett Anderson, A. David Boccuti, Kevin Walsh, Hani Sallum, David Ramler, Jim Wolf, Mike Helmbrecht
  • Patent number: 6435245
    Abstract: A method and system for producing a self-mailer using a folding apparatus for folding sheets into folded materials and a tabbing apparatus for sealing the folded materials with tabs in a continuous flow. Typically a folded material exits the folded apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading and this traveling direction of the folded material is not suitable for tabbing. A path directing apparatus is placed between the folding apparatus and the tabbing apparatus so as to cause the folded material to enter the tabbing apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading. As such, the entire process can be carried out without manually reversing the traveling direction of the folded material. In addition, a printer and a labeling device can be added to the self-mailer producing system to put on an address label, a postage indicia and a return address while keeping the process steps in a continuous flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Sette, Richard A. Sloan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6432242
    Abstract: A method for applying elastic, preferably thread elastic, to a travelling web (1) of material in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the feed direction (20) of the web (1). An applicator (9) is moveable generally perpendicular to the web (1) and includes a thread guide (6) which is moveable between two outer positions, the thread guide (6) being adapted to apply elastic (5a-b) to the web (1). The thread guide (6) delivers the elastic (5a-b) to a stopper (16) as it passes the stopper (16) while moving to its outer position and the thread guide (6) again picks up the elastic (5a-b) as it passes the stopper on the way to the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Jimmy Nielsen, Peter Berntson, Hakon Lundberg, Arne Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 6416619
    Abstract: A system for making wallboard or backerboard sheets may include a mixer for mixing materials for making aerated concrete, at least one face layer supply, and a former downstream from the mixer. The former is for forming core material having opposing first and second major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete, and for securing at least one face layer from the at least one face layer supply onto at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material. The system may also include a cutter downstream from the former for cutting the core material and at least one face layer secured thereto into a plurality of wallboard or backerboard sheets. The provision of aerated concrete for the core provides many key advantages over conventional gypsum wallboard sheets, and/or conventional backerboard sheets, such as gypsum greenboard or cementitious backerboard, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Consolidated Minerals, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Browne Gregg, Leslie G. Bromwell
  • Patent number: 6416605
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for manufacturing a filter element by winding a fluted media into a coreless roll. The fluted filter media is transported forwardly and a front edge is lifted upwardly by a rearwardly facing inclined ramp. A rearwardly facing surface pushes the front edge rearwardly, and then a downwardly facing surface pushes it downwardly, thereby forming an incipient log, or roll start. The remaining portion of the fluted media is then rolled around the incipient log, thereby making a coreless cylindrical fluted filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Golden
  • Patent number: 6409855
    Abstract: A method for making wallboard or backerboard sheets which are relatively lightweight, strong, and which have good fire resistance, thermal insulation, and sound absorbing properties includes forming core material having opposing first and second major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete, securing at least one face layer on at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material, and cutting the core material and at least one face layer secured thereto into a plurality of wallboard or backerboard sheets. The provision of aerated concrete for the core provides many key advantages over conventional gypsum wallboard sheets, and/or conventional backerboard sheets, such as gypsum greenboard or cementitious backerboard, for example. In one class of embodiments, the method may further include curing the core material prior to securing the at least one face layer thereto. In another class, the method may further include curing the core material after securing the at least one face layer thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Consolidated Minerals, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Browne Gregg, Leslie G. Bromwell
  • Patent number: 6409866
    Abstract: A process for mounting a semiconductor device whereby electrodes of a fine-pitch semiconductor device and a wiring board can be surely connected to each other. A process for mounting a semiconductor by electrically connecting an electrode 42a of an IC chip 4 to an electrode 10a of a wiring board 1 by using an anisotropic conductive adhesive film 3 having conductive particles 31 dispersed in an insulating adhesive, which process involves: the step of tentatively thermocompression bonding an insulating adhesive layer 2 free from conductive particle 31 onto the wiring board 1 and then forming a concave 20 of a definite size in the insulating adhesive layer 2; and the step of putting in the concave 20 of the insulating adhesive layer 2 an anisotropic conductive adhesive film 3 and then putting an IC chip 4 into the concave 20 followed by positioning and thermocompression bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corp.
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Patent number: 6402877
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing endless laminated veneer boards from a veneer-panel strand comprising veneer panels laid together in a plurality of layers by means of gluing and compression in a heated, continuously operating press. The veneer-panel strand is run through a preliminary press with a preheating device before it enters the press. The preliminary press comprises a high-frequency or microwave-energy preheating device, the preheating device being adapted to focus energy and a reflection of said energy in a central region of veneer-panel strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt
  • Patent number: 6395124
    Abstract: A method of laminating a structure comprises at least two layers and a photopolymerizable adhesive composition between the layers, at least one of the layers being opaque, colored, or reflective. One or both of the layers is transmissive to actinic radiation in wavelengths in the range of greater than 400 nm and up to 1200 nm. The photopolymerizable adhesive composition absorbs radiation in the identified spectral region of the radiation transmissive layer. Curing is effected by directing radiation in the identified spectral region through the radiation transmissive layer and produces a laminated structure. An underfilled flip chip assembly on an integrated circuit board substrate can be prepared by the method described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joel D. Oxman, Michael A. Kropp
  • Patent number: 6390169
    Abstract: A conformal compaction roller for a fiber placement machine. The compaction roller includes a plurality of independent roller segments which are disposed for eccentric, pivoting movement about a common pivot shaft. Each roller segment includes a roller segment plate having an arcuate slot formed therein. A strong back member is disposed within the slot to limit pivoting movement in fore and aft directions. A pair of expandable bladders are disposed within the arcuate bore adjacent the strong back member. The bladders urge the roller segment plates pivotally in the fore direction to provide a generally uniform pressure against a complexly shaped tool surface of the fiber placement machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brice Aaron Johnson
  • Patent number: 6378588
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for in-line folding and affixing a label to an article, the label having a fold line thereacross defining a foldable portion and a cover portion of the label. The apparatus comprises a transfer grid having one or more rollers to convey the label from a first end of the transfer grid to a second end of the transfer grid. An opening is defined between two of the rollers intermediate the first and second ends of the transfer grid. The transfer grid conveys the label in a substantially unfolded orientation from the first end of the transfer grid to the opening of the transfer grid such that the foldable portion of the label is projective through the opening. A folding station is adjacent the opening and receives the foldable portion of the label, urging a projecting portion of the foldable portion over the cover portion to define a substantially folded-over orientation of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: Tracy S. Nixon, David F. Laurash
  • Patent number: 6372079
    Abstract: Machine for welding hollow articles and process for welding these articles, for example half-shells of a plastic fuel tank, using the technique of hot-plate welding, in which the mirror is in the form of separate elements which can be moved independently. Particular processes in which the articles to be welded together are preshaped by pressing against cold-plate elements, which might not be plane, by stretching or compressing the side walls of the articles or by pressing against the walls of a mould. Process applied to the manufacturer of injection-moulded/welded fuel tanks. Use of the machine for manufacturing such tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Solvay, S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Coninck, Pierre Gilliard, Joel Op De Beeck, Guy Van Meulebeke, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Patent number: 6368441
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber array by connecting bare fibers to connection elements in a facing arrangement, comprising a step of aligning a plurality of bare fibers using a bare-fiber guide; a step of bringing a flat member into contact with the aligned bare fibers, tacking the bare fibers onto the flat member by direct or indirect bonding means while keeping the bare fibers sandwiched between the bare-fiber guide and the flat member, and separating the bare fibers and the bare-fiber guide thereafter; and a step of forming a coating of uncured material on the external peripheral surfaces of the tacked bare fibers and on the flat member exposed between the bare fibers, curing this material, and bonding the bare fibers to the flat member. This method dispenses with the need to provide a bare fiber guide member and allows manufacturing costs to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamada