Patents Issued in March 15, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010000001
    Abstract: The invention provides a solvent mixture comprising n-propyl bromide, a mixture of low boiling solvents and, preferably, a defluxing and/or ionics removing additive and/or at least one saturated terpene. The invention also provides a method of cleaning an article (e.g., an electrical, plastic, or metal part) in a vapor degreaser using the solvent mixture. The solvent mixture of the invention is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and non-hazardous. In addition, it has a high solvency and a very low ozone depletion potential. Thus, using the solvent mixture of the invention, oil, grease, rosin flux, and other organic material can be readily removed from the article of interest in an environmentally safe manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Clark, James L. Priest
  • Publication number: 20010000002
    Abstract: Process and a device for detecting a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile of a paper or cardboard web in the manufacturing process on a paper or cardboard machine. It is recognized that a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile in the web is inferred or determined by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight cross-direction profile or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it, and/or by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight in the travel direction of the web or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it. The device includes an arrangement for detecting a change in the basis weight cross-direction profile and/or a characteristic chronological course of the change in the basis weight, which is characteristic for a change in the fiber orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser, Ulrich Begemann, Klaus Lehleiter
  • Publication number: 20010000003
    Abstract: A lift apparatus having a pair of support members and a carriage movable along the support members. The carriage includes a pair of rotating members, a band extending between and around the rotating members and a plurality of lift members carried by the band and engageable with support surfaces on the support members. The invention also relates to a support member and a carriage useable with the lift apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: James L. Cope
  • Publication number: 20010000004
    Abstract: A snack dispenser consists of a series of tiers stacked to resemble a wedding cake. Each tier includes a trough divided into slots. A snack may be placed into each slot. The front of each slot is transparent. The troughs or trays are mounted on a rotatable carousel. The carousel is covered with a backshell and a transparent front shell. The front shell has transparent doors therein. By inserting a proper amount of money and aligning the carousel so that the desired snack is beneath a door; the door may be opened and the customer may withdraw his snack from that slot. The opening of the door blocks the rotation of the carousel, blocks the opening of the remaining doors, and also resets or cancels the credit of the coins inserted. When the single door is closed again, all doors will be blocked so that a person can not again open a door until proper coins are inserted. To service the dispenser the front shell is removed. A segment of all tiers is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Billy J. Castleberry
  • Publication number: 20010000005
    Abstract: A multicolor organic light emitting device employs vertically stacked layers of double heterostructure devices which are fabricated from organic compounds. The vertical stacked structure is formed on a glass base having a transparent coating of ITO or similar metal to provide a substrate. Deposited on the substrate is the vertical stacked arrangement of three double heterostructure devices, each fabricated from a suitable organic material. Stacking is implemented such that the double heterostructure with the longest wavelength is on the top of the stack. This constitutes the device emitting red light on the top with the device having the shortest wavelength, namely, the device emitting blue light, on the bottom of the stack. Located between the red and blue device structures is the green device structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Stephen R. Forrest, Mark E. Thompson, Paul E. Burrows, Vladimir Bulovic, Gong Gu
  • Publication number: 20010000006
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon feeds are subjected to hydrocracking in the presence of a hydrocracking catalyst comprising at least one amorphous or poorly crystallized matrix of the oxide type, at least one element of group VB, preferably niobium, and at least one zeolite Y not globally dealuminized, at least one promoter element chosen from the group consisting of boron, phosphorus and silicon, optionally at least one element chosen from the elements of group VIB and group VIII, optionally at least one element of group VIIA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Slavik Kasztelan, Eric Benazzi, Nathalie Marchal-George
  • Publication number: 20010000007
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating an organic waste water which are capable of utilizing compact equipment by reducing the quantity of a sludge to be treated. Organic waste water (A) is subjected to an aerobic biological treatment in a biological treatment tank (3). Then, solution (B) obtained by the treatment in the biological treatment tank (3) is solid-liquid separated into treated water (C) and sludge (D) in precipitation tank (5). A portion of the sludge (D) separated in the precipitation tank (5) is returned to the biological treatment tank (3) through a route (6). A portion (E) of the sludge separated in the precipitation tank (5) is concentrated by a concentration device (8). Thereafter, the concentrated sludge (E) is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria in a solubilizing tank (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Susumu Hasegawa, Akira Akashi, Kenji Katsura, Masahiko Miura, Takahiro Fukui
  • Publication number: 20010000008
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating an organic waste water which are capable of utilizing compact equipment by reducing the quantity of a sludge to be treated. Organic waste water (A) is subjected to an aerobic biological treatment in a biological treatment tank (3). Then, solution (B) obtained by the treatment in the biological treatment tank (3) is solid-liquid separated into treated water (C) and sludge (D) in precipitation tank (5). A portion of the sludge (D) separated in the precipitation tank (5) is returned to the biological treatment tank (3) through a route (6). A portion (E) of the sludge separated in the precipitation tank (5) is concentrated by a concentration device (8). Thereafter, the concentrated sludge (E) is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria in a solubilizing tank (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Susumu Hasegawa, Akira Akashi, Kenji Katsura, Masahiko Miura, Takahiro Fukui
  • Publication number: 20010000009
    Abstract: A shunt controlled welding machine has a regulator handle and a scale that indicates output amperage on the same panel of the welding machine case. The handle attaches to a shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation to move a shunt into and out of a transformer. The handle is part of a planocentric gear. Teeth on an indicator mesh with teeth on a pinion that is fixed to the case panel. By turning the handle, the indicator orbits and slowly revolves about the shaft axis of rotation. The indicator has a pointer that indicates the welding machine output amperage on the scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Mark E. Peters
  • Publication number: 20010000010
    Abstract: The present invention provides a code reader for reading a code marked on a material which tends to prevent diffused reflection, wherein a light source mounted in a reading case illuminates a code, a reflected light from which is read by a camera through an incident light diaphragm mechanism and a lens characterized in that an illumination light of said light source can be made to illuminate the code by means of at least one of a surface of said diaphragm mechanism and an inner surface of said reading case which allow diffused reflection, and that a normal line to a plain at a reading opening is formed such that the normal line is inclined to an optical axis of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Atsutoshi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20010000011
    Abstract: A silicon film provided on a blocking film 102 on a substrate 101 is made amorphous by doping Si+, and in a heat-annealing process, crystallization is started in parallel to a substrate from an area 100 where lead serving as a crystallization-promoting catalyst is introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Hongyong Zhang, Toru Takayama
  • Publication number: 20010000012
    Abstract: A method of forming an interlayer dielectric on a semiconductor device is disclosed. First, a phosphorous doped oxide layer is deposited on the semiconductor device to fill gaps and provide phosphorous for gettering. Then, an undoped oxide layer is deposited and planarized using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). The undoped oxide layer is denser than the phosphorous doped oxide layer, so the undoped oxide layer can be polished more uniformly than the phosphorous doped oxide layer and can serve as a polish stop for a subsequent tungsten plug polish. Also, the denser undoped oxide layer serves as a more effective moisture barrier than the doped oxide layer. Overall fabrication process complexity can be reduced by performing both oxide depositions in a single operation with no intervening densification or CMP steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Ebrahim Andideh
  • Publication number: 20010000013
    Abstract: A multiple integrated circuit chip structure provides interchip communication between integrated circuit chips of the structure with no ESD protection circuits and no input/output circuitry. The interchip communication is between internal circuits of the integrated circuit chips. The multiple integrated circuit chip structure has an interchip interface circuit to selectively connect internal circuits of the integrated circuits to test interface circuits having ESD protection circuits and input/output circuitry designed to communicate with external test systems during test and burn-in procedures. The multiple interconnected integrated circuit chip structure has a first integrated circuit chip mounted a second integrated circuit chip to physically and electrically connect the first integrated circuit chip to the second integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Mou-Shiung Lin
  • Publication number: 20010000014
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a game device that is easier to use for the player. Therefore, the game device according to the present invention advances the game from a position in which the time axis of the game is slightly returned when the screen is switched. Accordingly, the difficulty of the game operation after the screen is switched may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Manabu Ishihara, Kazuyuki Mukaida, Teruhito Abe
  • Publication number: 20010000015
    Abstract: A driver side air bag, in which the impact applied to tether belts during the deployment of the air bag is small, and comprising a member, of which structure is quite simple, for controlling the direction of the flow of gases in the air bag is provided. Ends of tether belts 68 are inserted between tether belt connecting fabrics 64 and 66 and are sewn by sewing yarn. Each tether belt 68 is an elongated band and is sewn to the tether belt connecting fabrics 64, 66 at both ends of the tether belt 68 and sewn to the front panel at the center in the longitudinal direction of the tether belt 68. A sheet 70 is made in a loop configuration to overlap an opening 72 with an opening 74 and a ring-like flametight fabric 80 is disposed between the sheet 70 and a holding ring 82.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Tadahiro Igawa, Akiko Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20010000016
    Abstract: A roof molding for an automobile consists of an extruded mold product 10a in which a leg portion 11 and a decorative portion 15 formed on the upper end of the leg portion are integrally formed. A metal core member 12 is embedded in the leg portion. The leg portion is partially cut away in a range of a predetermined length from an end of the extruded mold product, in accordance with the depth of an end part of the groove of the roof, the metal core member in the vicinity of an end part 10b of the extruded mold product is cut away, and the end part from which the metal core member has been cut away is rearward bent by a bending process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Masatoshi Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20010000017
    Abstract: A clocked logic gate circuit is constituted so that a switch unit is constituted by a logic block and a reference MOS transistor, the source of the reference MOS transistor is connected to one output of the logic block, the gate of the reference MOS transistor is connected to the other output of the logic block, and MOS transistors (input transistors) constituting the logic block are connected in parallel. With this arrangement, complementary inputs are not required and a driving MOS transistor and an input transistor (or a driving MOS transistor and a reference MOS transistor) can be connected in series. As a result, a circuit is obtained which is simpler than the double rail logic in constitution is facilitated and can be operated at a higher speed than a CMOS logic circuit and a path transistor logic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Kazuo Kanetani, Hiroaki Nambu, Kaname Yamasaki, Noboru Masuda, Kenji Kaneko, Makoto Hanawa, Takeshi Kusunoki
  • Publication number: 20010000018
    Abstract: A system and method for generating and optimizing clock signals with non-overlapping edges on a chip using a unique programmable on-chip clock generator. Overlapping of the edges of the clocking signals is avoided by adjusting an amount of delay introduced in the on-chip clock generator circuit. The amount of delay is adjusted by programming the on-chip clock generator using either hardware and/or software programming. In hardware programming, the amount of delay adjusted by physically altering the composition of delay elements in the on-chip clock generator. In software programming, the delay is adjusted using software commands to control the operation of delay elements in the on-chip clock generator, or to select the paths that delay the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Ho Dai Truong, Chong Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20010000019
    Abstract: An article inventory control system for articles, such as books, uses RFID tags attached to each article. Each tag has a unique identification or serial number for identifying the individual article. An inventory database tracks all of the tagged articles and maintains circulation status information for each article. Articles are checked out of the library using a patron self-checkout system. Checked out articles are returned to the library via patron self-check in devices. The shelves are periodically scanned with a mobile RFID scanner for updating inventory status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: John H. Bowers, Thomas J. Clare
  • Publication number: 20010000020
    Abstract: An apparatus for ink-jet printing on a recording medium is provided which includes the steps of jetting aqueous ink drops on paper in the form of an image. The aqueous ink used is a slow-drying (high-surface tension) ink which does not penetrate the paper/paper fibers for a relatively long time. Prior to penetration of the paper/paper fibers, the water in the droplet is quickly evaporated from the ink while still resident on the paper surface. The evaporation process is substantially completed prior to an additional liquid ink being jetted onto the same or adjoining location of the recording medium. The evaporation is rapid enough to prevent the resident ink from substantially migrating/wicking to any adjacent location or into the recording medium. Further the drying energy is transferred to the resident ink spots from the same direction as the printheads ensuring less energy requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Joy Roy, Babur Hadimioglu, Richard N. Ellson, Robert Sprague, James B. Kruger, John Lennon
  • Publication number: 20010000021
    Abstract: An optoelectronic measuring method and a distance measuring device for carrying out the method for determining the dimensions with respect to length, width or height of objects mounted in or outside of processing or measuring machines. At least one ray bundle transmitted by a measuring head of a measuring device is projected on a surface of an object to be measured as a dot-shaped measuring spot at various locations on a circumferential line of a geometric figure, and the reflected ray bundle projects through a projection unit the respective measuring spot onto an optoelectronic transducer unit of the measuring head and the signals produced by the transducer unit are evaluated in an evaluating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Rolf Beck
  • Publication number: 20010000022
    Abstract: A magnetic recording and reading device which has a transfer rate of not less than 50 MB/s and which includes a magnetic recording medium having an absolute value of normalized noise coefficient per recording density of not more than 2.5×10−8 (&mgr;Vrms) (inch) (&mgr;m)0.5/(&mgr;Vpp), and a magnetic head which is mounted on an integrated circuit suspension so that a total inductance is reduced to be not more than 65 nH. The magnetic head has a magnetic core which is not more than 35 &mgr;m of length, a part of the magnetic core being formed by a magnetic film having a resistivity exceeding at least 50 &mgr;&OHgr;cm or by a multilayer film consisting of a magnetic film and an insulating film. A fast R/W-IC having a line width of not more than 0.35 &mgr;m is also provided. The magnetic head is provided with a reading element comprising one of a giant magnetoresistance effect element and a thin film having tunneling-magnetoresistance effect, with an effective track width of not more than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Shiroishi
  • Publication number: 20010000023
    Abstract: A control of a flash memory includes control for supplying a pulse-shaped voltage to each of non-volatile memory cells until a threshold voltage of the non-volatile memory cell having a first threshold voltage is changed to a second threshold voltage. The control involves a first write mode (coarse write) in which the amount of change in threshold voltage of each non-volatile memory cell, which is varied each time the pulse-shaped voltage is applied, is relatively rendered high, and a second write mode (high-accuracy write) in which the amount of change in threshold voltage thereof is relatively rendered low. As compared with the high-accuracy mode, the number of pulses required to change the threshold voltage of each memory cell is smaller than that in the coarse write mode. Therefore, the number of verify operations at the time that the coarse write mode is used, is small and hence the entire write operation can be speeded up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Takayuki Kawahara, Hiroshi Sato, Atsushi Nozoe, Keiichi Yoshida, Satoshi Noda, Shoji Kubono, Hiroaki Kotani, Katsutaka Kimura
  • Publication number: 20010000024
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a fluid feed stock, such as a heavy oil, and particles of a catalyst for gasifying the heavy oil in a reactor, comprises the reactor having in the upper portion a circular port through which the particles are fed, a moving bed-forming section disposed on and in communication with the reactor for forming the particles into an annular or cylindrical high-velocity moving bed by dropping the particles downwardly into the reactor, while dispersing the particles radially, an external fluid feed section located so as to spray the feed stock over the entire upper outer periphery of the annular or cylindrical moving bed passing through the reactor, and an internal fluid-feed section located so as to spray the fluid over the entire upper inner periphery corresponding to the outer periphery of the annular moving bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Shozo Nishida, Yuichiro Fujiyama
  • Publication number: 20010000025
    Abstract: Techniques from computer vision and computer graphics are combined to robustly track a target (e.g., a user) and perform a function based upon the image and/or the identity attributed to the target's face. Three primary modules are used to track a user's head: depth estimation, color segmentation, and pattern classification. The combination of these three techniques allows for robust performance despite unknown background, crowded conditions, and rapidly changing pose or expression of the user. Each of the modules can also provide an identity classification module with valuable information so that the identity of a user can be estimated. With an estimate of the position of a target in 3-D and the target's identity, applications such as individualized computer programs or graphics techniques to distort and/or morph the shape or apparent material properties of the user's face can be performed. The system can track and respond to a user's face in real-time using completely passive and non-invasive techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Trevor Darrell, Gaile Gordon, Michael Harville, John Woodfill, Harlyn Baker
  • Publication number: 20010000026
    Abstract: The invention concerns a stylus for use with a digitizing tablet. The stylus stores information which identifies characteristics of a user's handwriting. These characteristics are transmitted to a computer when the user interfaces with the computer, and are used by the computer to recognize the user's handwriting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Steven K. Skoog
  • Publication number: 20010000027
    Abstract: A digital image reproduction apparatus including a scanner unit, a printer unit, a memory, an operator control unit integrated in the apparatus and provided with an input device and a display for the user to give operator control commands to the apparatus, a network connection unit for coupling to a network for the purpose of communication with a digital external environment including at least a number of workstations of users, a management unit connected to the scanner unit, printer unit, memory and network connection unit, and, via the network connection unit, to the workstations, which management unit maintains logic storage spaces in the memory, each allocated to a specific user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Rene F.A. Collard, Peter J.H.M. Teeuwen, Monica M.W.M. Roosen, Robertus C.W.T.M. van den Tillaart
  • Publication number: 20010000028
    Abstract: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease of the liver characterized by inflammation and damage to the liver cells. Typically, steatohepatitis involves inflammation of the liver related to fat accumulation, and mimics alcoholic hepatitis but is observed in patients who seldom or never consume alcohol. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to serious liver damage, and ultimately cirrhosis. The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the treatment or alleviation of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and the pharmaceutical formulations for their administration to a human. Specifically, compositions comprised of lecithin, antioxidants and vitamin B complex are administered parenterally, most preferably by oral administration. Specific therapeutic formulations include admixtures of these compounds and specific dosage formulations include daily oral administrations of these compounds in tablet or powder forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Houn Simon Hsia, David Fan
  • Publication number: 20010000029
    Abstract: The invention provides an adhesive cooling gel composition which stably contains a large amount of water and which is excellent in cooling effect and/or coolness-preserving effect, and a process for preparing the same. The composition comprises a polyacrylic acid compound, a polyvalent metal component and water, wherein the content of water is 75 to 95% by weight based on the cooling composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Manabu Misumi, Motoko Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20010000030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a final gaseous mixture containing a carrier gas, an oxidizing gas and a silane, with a predetermined content of each of the three gaseous components, comprising the preparation of a primary gaseous mixture containing a neutral gas and the said silane, the silane content of the primary gaseous mixture being below the self-ignition limit of that particular silane in air, and the preparation of a mixture between the primary gaseous mixture and a stream of the said carrier gas and, if appropriate, of [sic] a stream of the said oxidizing gas, in proportions which make it possible to obtain the required final mixture, the mixing being carried out under dynamic conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Alain Villermet, Francois Coeuret, Panayotis Cocolios, Inizan Michel
  • Publication number: 20010000031
    Abstract: The invention provides a treatment for edge surfaces and faces of metallized fiber structure framework plates for use in electric accumulators. The edge surfaces and faces, except for the starting portion of the current tapping tab, are mechanically, thermally or chemically freed of projecting metallized fiber ends and fiber bundles in order to avoid short circuits or soft shorts caused by dendrites penetrating the cell separator or by metallized fiber ends. The mechanical, thermal or chemical treatments can take place individually or in combination with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Otwin Imhof, Holger Kistrup, Dieter Henke, Wilhelm Kitzhofer, Uwe Schaffrath
  • Publication number: 20010000032
    Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes bonding a plurality of lead connection sections arranged in a row to contacts of a microelectronic element such as a semiconductor chip having contacts in rows at the periphery of the chip. The leads have terminal sections secured to a dielectric support structure, and horizontally curved sections between the terminal regions and bond regions. After bonding, the dielectric support structure is lifted upwardly relative to the chip, so as to bend the leads into a vertically-extensive orientation. Partial straightening of the original horizontal curvature allows each lead to stretch and accommodate the vertical movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: John W. Smith, Thomas H. Distefano
  • Publication number: 20010000033
    Abstract: Power semiconductor devices having tapered insulating regions include a drift region of first conductivity type therein and first and second trenches in the substrate. The first and second trenches have first and second opposing sidewalls, respectively, that define a mesa therebetween into which the drift region extends. An electrically insulating region having tapered sidewalls is also provided in each of the trenches. The tapered thickness of each of the electrically insulating regions enhances the degree of uniformity of the electric field along the sidewalls of the trenches and in the mesa and allows the power device to support higher blocking voltages despite a high concentration of dopants in the drift region. In particular, an electrically insulating region lines the first sidewall of the first trench and has a nonuniform thickness Tins(y) in a range between about 0.5 and 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Bantval Jayant Baliga
  • Publication number: 20010000034
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for improving the damascene process window for metallization and utilizes an anti-reflective coating to increase the precision of the photolithography process. An inter-layer dielectric and an anti-reflective layer are formed in turn on a semiconductor substrate. The inter-layer dielectric is patterned to form the interconnection line regions. A conductive layer is then deposited on the semiconductor substrate and fills the interconnecting line regions. The chemical mechanical polish is performed to remove a portions of the conductive layer exceeding the interconnect line regions and simultaneously remove residual portion of said anti-reflective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Meng-Jin Tsai, Yimin Huang
  • Publication number: 20010000035
    Abstract: A process for the reaction of an organic compound in the presence of a catalyst comprising, as active metal, ruthenium alone or together with at least one Group Ib, VIIb, or VIIIb metal in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the catalyst, applied to a support, wherein from 10 to 50% of the pore volume of the support comprises macropores having a pore diameter in the range of from 50 nm to 10,000 nm and from 50 to 90% of the pore volume of the support comprises mesopores having a pore diameter in the range of from 2 to 50 nm, the sum of said pore volumes being 100%, and said catalyst as such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Ruhl, Boris Breitscheidel, Jochem Henkelmann, Andreas Henne, Rolf Lebkucher, Konard Knoll, Paul Naegele, Hermann Gausepohl, Sabine Weiguny, Norbert Niessner
  • Publication number: 20010000036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for preparing active ingredient dispersions, wherein an active ingredient is dissolved in a fluid gas, the fluid gas loaded with active ingredient is essentially completely dissolved in a liquid and is decompressed, and the gas is separated from the liquid loaded with active ingredient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Riede, Werner Gobel, Christian Lockemann
  • Publication number: 20010000037
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic additive containing aluminum stearate and polyvinylidine fluoride which when added to thermoplastics such as polyethylene inhibits and reduces permeation of fluids stored within containers composed of the thermoplastic. The invention has been proven effective in reducing the permeation of hydrocarbon based materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald T. Robichaud
  • Publication number: 20010000038
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a novel intermediates and processes which are useful in the preparation of certain antihistaminic piperidine derivatives of the formula 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Richard C. Krauss, Robert M. Strom, Carey L. Scortichini, William J. Kruper, Richard A. Wolf, Weishi W. Wu, Albert A. Carr, David A. Hay, Duane E. Rudisill, Gianbattista Panzone
  • Publication number: 20010000039
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel NO-releasing compounds which comprise a stabilized S-nitrosyl group and a free alcohol or a free thiol group. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the NO-releasing compounds. The method comprises reacting a polythiol or a thioalcohol with a nitrosylating agent. Also disclosed are medical devices coated with the disclosed compounds, methods of delivering NO to treatments sites in a subject by utilizing the medical devices and methods of sterilizing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Eric J. Toone, Jonathan S. Stamler
  • Publication number: 20010000040
    Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald Adams, Michael Banik, Charles Pugsley
  • Publication number: 20010000041
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for crossing totally to substantially occluded blood vessels by passing a redirectable wire such as a guidewire from a relatively proximal point past the occlusion within a subintimal space formed between the intimal layer and the adventitial layer of a blood vessel wall. The wire may be advanced to a point distal to the occlusion, and thereafter deflected back into the blood vessel lumen, typically using a deflecting catheter which is advanced over the guidewire after it has been positioned within the subintimal space. The deflecting catheter may include a flapper valve assembly or preformed actuator wire for redirecting the guidewire. After the guidewire is returned to the blood vessel lumen, the deflecting catheter may be withdrawn, and the guidewire may be available for introduction of other interventional and diagnostic catheters for performing procedures such as stenting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Matthew R. Selmon, Charles F. Milo, Fred Co, Mark Campello, Ronald French, Amiel Aguilar
  • Publication number: 20010000042
    Abstract: A bag for an infusion solution has front and back wall portions each formed of a flexible plastic film and provided with a plurality of chambers which are filled with one infusion solution and another infusion solution or medicament, independently. The chambers are sectioned by a boundary portion having at least one weak seal portion which is closed by separably bonding inside surfaces of the plastic films mutually facing at the boundary portion so that the one infusion solution and the another infusion solution or medicament in the respective chambers are mixed together when the weak seal portion is opened. The weak seal portion is formed by applying a separable coating material, which provides a reduced bonding strength in a heat sealing process, on one or both inside surfaces of the plastic films mutually facing at the boundary portion and then effecting heat sealing process to the boundary portion. The separable coating material is applied in a form of a dot-pattern through a printing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Takeshi Inuzuka, Susumu Niwa
  • Publication number: 20010000043
    Abstract: There is disclosed a stent for implanting in the body. The stent is formed of a tube having a patterned shape which has first and second meander patterns having axes extending in first and second directions. The first meander patterns can be formed into even and odd first meander patterns. The even and odd first meander patterns are 180 out of phase with each other and the odd patterns occur between every two even patterns. The second meander patterns are intertwined with the first meander patterns. The first and second directions can be orthogonal to each other. The second meander patterns can also be formed of even and odd patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Henry Marshall Israel, Gregory Pinchasik
  • Publication number: 20010000044
    Abstract: A business model / process is described for conducting business transactions over the Internet, allowing buyers to reduce the price of the selected product / service based on the buyer's performance during a collateral activity. Sellers offer the product / service within a specified price range, and buyers accept the offer, in exchange for the opportunity to close the transaction at the lowest price offered by achieving a high score during the collateral activity. The ultimate price is within the agreed upon range, but is determined based upon the buyer's performance during the collateral activity. The activity may be a video game, electronic board game, sports bet, card game, or any other activity, and may be performed against the seller, a pre-programmed software opponent, a computer opponent, another buyer competing for the same or a different product, a player participating as a player only and not as a buyer, or anyone or anything else.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventor: Wayne W Lin
  • Publication number: 20010000045
    Abstract: A Web-based authentication system and method, the system comprising at least one Web client station, at least one Web server station and an authentication center. The Web client station is linked to a Web cloud, and provides selected biometric data of an individual who is using the Web client station. The Web server station is also linked to the Web cloud. The authentication center is linked to at least one of the Web client and Web server stations so as to receive the biometric data. The authentication center, having records of one or more enrolled individuals, provides for comparison of the provided data with selected records.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Yuan-Pin Yu, Stephen Wong, Mark B. Hoffberg
  • Publication number: 20010000046
    Abstract: A processor complex architecture facilitates accurate passing of transient data among processor complex stages of a pipelined processing engine. The processor complex comprises a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to an instruction memory and a pair of context data memory structures via a memory manager circuit. The context memories store transient “context” data for processing by the CPU in accordance with instructions stored in the instruction memory. The architecture further comprises data mover circuitry that cooperates with the context memories and memory manager to provide a technique for efficiently passing data among the stages in a manner that maintains data coherency in the processing engine. An aspect of the architecture is the ability of the CPU to operate on the transient data substantially simultaneously with the passing of that data by the data mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Michael L. Wright, Darren Kerr, Kenneth Michael Key, William E. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20010000047
    Abstract: A linkage editor executing at a server receives instructions for packaging software components that are required for program execution at a client. The linkage editor generates an output file by iteratively analyzing the program for references to other software components and extracting those components from their parent classes. The linkage editor sends the completed output file to an interface task, which transmits it to the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Peter W. Madany, Richard Tuck, Nedim Fresko