Patents by Inventor David Alexander Wheeler

David Alexander Wheeler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040156165
    Abstract: A method of protecting surface mount capacitors from moisture and oxygen corrosion by applying a thermally curable pre-coat resin to a portion of the terminals of a capacitor and encapsulating the capacitor element(s) with a protective resin. The pre-coat resin is substantially rigid at ambient temperatures and flexible at elevated temperatures and is preferably a lactone-containing epoxy resin. The pre-coat resin may be applied to a solder coating-free portion of the terminals by brush or wiper prior to encapsulating the capacitor element(s) with the protective resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Daniel F. Persico, Chris Stolarski, Phillip Michael Lessner, Qingping Chen, Kim Pritchard, Albert Kennedy Harrington, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20040154149
    Abstract: A method of protecting surface mount capacitors from moisture and oxygen corrosion by applying a thermally curable pre-coat resin to a portion of the terminals of a capacitor and encapsulating the capacitor element(s) with a protective resin. The pre-coat resin is substantially rigid at ambient temperatures and flexible at elevated temperatures and is preferably a lactone-containing epoxy resin. The pre-coat resin may be applied to a solder coating-free portion of the terminals by brush or wiper prior to encapsulating the capacitor element(s) with the protective resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Daniel F. Persico, Chris Stolarski, Phillip Michael Lessner, Qingping Chen, Kim Pritchard, Albert Kennedy Harrington, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20040140221
    Abstract: An anodizing solution, and method of anodizing, comprising suspending at least one aluminium substrate in an anodizing solution and applying an anodizing current to the anodizing solution. The anodizing solution comprises 0.01-5%, by weight, sodium silicate and 0.01-5%, by weight, &agr;-amino acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: John Tony Kinard, Brian John Melody, Albert Kennedy Harrington, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6755959
    Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolytic solutions suitable for anodizing valve metal derivative anodes, methods of anodizing using non-aqueous electrolytic solutions, and capacitors prepared with non-aqueous electrolytic solutions. The non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprises glycerine and at least one soluble salt formed by the neutralization of at least one non-halogen-containing organic or inorganic acid anion with at least one alkali metal, ammonium, or protonated amine cation; wherein the acid anion is derived from an acid having a pKa lower than phosphoric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, David Alexander Wheeler, Philip Michael Lessner
  • Patent number: 6721169
    Abstract: Separator paper comprising paper impregnated with soluble silicate. The soluble silicate may be applied to the separator paper by immersing the paper into an aqueous solution of the soluble silicate or by spraying with an aqueous solution of the soluble silicate. In a preferred embodiment, the soluble silicate is sodium silicate. An electrolytic capacitor comprising an electrolytic solution, at least one anode foil, at least one cathode foil, and separator paper between the at least one anode foil and at least one cathode foil, wherein the separator paper comprises paper impregnated with a soluble silicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Guy Cornelius Scibenas Van Natta, Jr., Albert Kennedy Harrington, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20030235024
    Abstract: Separator paper comprising paper impregnated with soluble silicate. The soluble silicate may be applied to the separator paper by immersing the paper into an aqueous solution of the soluble silicate or by spraying with an aqueous solution of the soluble silicate. In a preferred embodiment, the soluble silicate is sodium silicate. An electrolytic capacitor comprising an electrolytic solution, at least one anode foil, at least one cathode foil, and separator paper between the at least one anode foil and at least one cathode foil, wherein the separator paper comprises paper impregnated with a soluble silicate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: KEMET ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Guy Cornelius Scibenas Van Natta,, Albert Kennedy Harrington, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6652729
    Abstract: An electrolyte comprising a polyester condensation product of 2-methyl-1,3-propane diol and boric acid; and further comprising dimethyl amino ethoxy ethanol in an amount to reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may further comprise ortho-phosphoric acid and at least one substituted pyrrolidone or lactone, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxy ethyl-2-pyrrolidone or 4-butyrolactone. The ortho-phosphoric acid prevents hydration of anodic aluminum oxide in contact with the solution. The pyrrolidone or lactone reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may also comprise sodium silicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6591515
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying materials wet with one or more solvents, particularly hygroscopic materials and materials wet with a high boiling point (low vapor pressure) solvent that are sensitive to heat. Wet material is loaded into a chamber, which is then sealed and caused to oscillate back and forth. Vacuum is enlisted to provide rapid evaporation of solvent at a lower temperature than possible at standard atmospheric pressure. The material is oscillated until a sudden decrease in the residual pressure of the chamber, which indicates completion of the drying cycle. Because vacuum is applied to an oscillating chamber, a rotary vacuum seal is not required to accomplish drying in accordance with the practice of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: John Tony Kinard, Michael John Maich, Brian John Melody, Duane Earl Stenzinger, David Alexander Wheeler, Keith Lee Moore
  • Publication number: 20030111355
    Abstract: An electrolyte comprising a polyester condensation product of 2-methyl-1,3-propane diol and boric acid; and further comprising dimethyl amino ethoxy ethanol in an amount to reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may further comprise ortho-phosphoric acid and at least one substituted pyrrolidone or lactone, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxy ethyl-2-pyrrolidone or 4-butyrolactone. The ortho-phosphoric acid prevents hydration of anodic aluminum oxide in contact with the solution. The pyrrolidone or lactone reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may also comprise sodium silicate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6540900
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous anodizing of aluminum foil for use in aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Specifically, etched anode foil is anodized to relatively low voltage in a two-step reel-to-reel process. The process is particularly useful for anodizing highly-etched aluminum foil for use in surface mount aluminum capacitors containing conductive polymer cathode material. The process is economical and provides high foil quality. Specifically, the process for anodizing aluminum foil comprises anodizing the foil in a first electrolyte a solution, passing the foil through an oven, anodizing the foil in a second anodizing solution wherein the first electrolyte solution and second electrolyte solution each comprise about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % glycerine, about 0.01 wt % to about 0.2 wt % ammonium phosphate, and de-ionized water, and wherein the foil is anodized in the first electrolyte solution for at least 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: John Tony Kinard, Brian John Melody, Philip Michael Lessner, Albert Kennedy Harrington, David Alexander Wheeler, Erik Karlsen Reed, Duane Earl Stenziner
  • Publication number: 20030046824
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying materials wet with one or more solvents, particularly hygroscopic materials and materials wet with a high boiling point (low vapor pressure) solvent that are sensitive to heat. Wet material is loaded into a chamber, which is then sealed and caused to oscillate back and forth. Vacuum is enlisted to provide rapid evaporation of solvent at a lower temperature than possible at standard atmospheric pressure. The material is oscillated until a sudden decrease in the residual pressure of the chamber, which indicates completion of the drying cycle. Because vacuum is applied to an oscillating chamber, a rotary vacuum seal is not required to accomplish drying in accordance with the practice of the instant invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: John Tony Kinard, Michael John Maich, Brian John Melody, Duane Earl Stenzinger, David Alexander Wheeler, Keith Lee Moore
  • Publication number: 20020195348
    Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolytic solutions suitable for anodizing valve metal derivative anodes, methods of anodizing using non-aqueous electrolytic solutions, and capacitors prepared with non-aqueous electrolytic solutions. The non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprises glycerine and at least one soluble salt formed by the neutralization of at least one non-halogen-containing organic or inorganic acid anion with at least one alkali metal, ammonium, or protonated amine cation; wherein the acid anion is derived from an acid having a pKa lower than phosphoric acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: KEMET ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, David Alexander Wheeler, Philip Michael Lessner
  • Publication number: 20020186521
    Abstract: Aluminum surface mount capacitors containing one or more anode foil coupons are initially anodized in an aqueous phosphate solution in order to produce an anodic oxide film having extreme resistance to hydration and attack by corrosive anions for the purpose of producing surface mount capacitors at high yield and of high stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: KEMET ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Philip Michael Lessner, Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Erik Karlsen Reed, Albert Kennedy Harrington, Daniel F. Persico, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6485676
    Abstract: A method of thermally removing binder from porous compacts pressed from metallic or ceramic materials using atmospheric pressure and binder-free compacts produced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David Alexander Wheeler, Brian J. Melody, John Tony Kinard, Keith Lee Moore, Duane Earl Stenzinger
  • Patent number: 6480371
    Abstract: Electrolytes containing water, phosphoric acid, at least one organic solvent, and at least one alkanolamine can be used for anodizing valve metals prepared from metal powder having a surface area of least 0.35 m2/g or 35,000 CV/g. The anodizing electrolytes have relatively high conductivity and are capable of being used at high anodizing currents. The anodic film produced by these electrolytes on valve metals is of substantially uniform thickness and has improved electrical parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: John Tony Kinard, Brian John Melody, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6475368
    Abstract: A method of anodizing an aluminum substrate comprising heating the substrate to a first temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; suspending the substrate into a first electrolyte and applying a first anodizing current to the first electrolyte; rinsing the substrate; heating the substrate to a second temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; and suspending the substrate into a second electrolyte and applying a second anodizing current to the second electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte and second electrolyte each comprise an aqueous solution of at least one salt of alpha-hydroxy acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Kennedy Harrington, Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Philip Michael Lessner, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6459565
    Abstract: Aluminum surface mount capacitors containing one or more anode foil coupons are initially anodized in an aqueous phosphate solution in order to produce an anodic oxide film having extreme resistance to hydration and attack by corrosive anions for the purpose of producing surface mount capacitors at high yield and of high stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Michael Lessner, Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Erik Karlsen Reed, Albert Kennedy Harrington, Daniel F. Persico, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20020125143
    Abstract: A method of anodizing an aluminum substrate comprising heating the substrate to a first temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; suspending the substrate into a first electrolyte and applying a first anodizing current to the first electrolyte; rinsing the substrate; heating the substrate to a second temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; and suspending the substrate into a second electrolyte and applying a second anodizing current to the second electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte and second electrolyte each comprise an aqueous solution of at least one salt of alpha-hydroxy acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Albert Kennedy Harrington, Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, Philip Michael Lessner, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6436268
    Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolytic solutions suitable for anodizing valve metal derivative anodes, methods of anodizing using non-aqueous electrolytic solutions, and capacitors prepared with non-aqueous electrolytic solutions. The non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprises glycerine and at least one soluble salt formed by the neutralization of at least one non-halogen-containing organic or inorganic acid anion with at least one alkali metal, ammonium, or protonated amine cation; wherein the acid anion is derived from an acid having a pKa lower than phosphoric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, David Alexander Wheeler, Philip Michael Lessner
  • Patent number: 6375710
    Abstract: Metal powders are pressed into compacts more readily through the addition of a minor percentage of dimethyl sulfone binder. Dimethyl sulfone may be dry-blended with the metal powder by mixing it in the form of a powder, or it may be wet-blended by first dissolving it in a suitable solvent, then adding it to the metal powder and evaporating the solvent. Dimethyl sulfone may be almost completely removed from compacts pressed from tantalum, etc., either by vacuum distillation or by water leaching, to leave compacts uncontaminated by the binder and suitable for further processing into capacitor anodes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Lee Moore, Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, David Alexander Wheeler