Patents Issued in April 26, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010000361
    Abstract: This invention relates to a clothing combination comprising a shirt and a pair of pants wherein the shirt and the pair of pants are fastened together by a self-releasing bond. Preferably, the bond is made using hook strips and loop strips that, in combination, form a hook and loop fastener. The self-releasing bond separates in a reformable manner when subjected to severe tensile strength or shear strength but has sufficient flexibility and bond strength to enable the clothing combination to be useful in sporting activities. Multicomponent kits and processes of making the same are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Fred Alger
  • Publication number: 20010000362
    Abstract: A ventilated crib bumper is provided for forming a safer protective barrier around the interior boundary of a crib. The crib typically has side supports defining an interior boundary extending around the periphery of a mattress disposed in the crib. The periphery of the mattress is spaced from the interior boundary by a spacing. The ventilated bumper is supported in the spacing. The ventilated bumper includes an upper bumper section disposed above the upper surface of the mattress and a lower bumper section disposed at least partly in the spacing between the interior boundary of the crib and the periphery of the mattress. The upper bumper section has at least one padded portion which includes flexible padding and at least one ventilated portion which includes a plurality of openings for ventilating between the interior of the crib and the exterior of the crib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Allen S. Wagner, Gina Rae Wagner
  • Publication number: 20010000363
    Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a head support coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Borders
  • Publication number: 20010000364
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously cleaning a yarn moving through the device. A first scouring body has a yarn entrance and a yarn exit connected by a central cavity. Pressurized fluid is introduced through the yarn while the yarn is positioned within and moving through the central cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Richard T. Entrekin, Samsel K. Labrecque, Harvey Gordon Anderson
  • Publication number: 20010000365
    Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V. Netherlands corporation
    Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
  • Publication number: 20010000366
    Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus is provided with a plurality of support blocks for supporting boards. A support block is automatically selected from among the plurality of support blocks and exchanged in accordance with the switching of the kind of boards to be supported by the support block, so that the time required for switching the kind of boards is reduced, thereby improving the productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Ryoji Inutsuka, Kunio Ohe, Tomoyuki Nakano, Yoshiyuki Nagai, Hideo Sakon
  • Publication number: 20010000367
    Abstract: A gripper unit including a mounting bracket, a housing with a rotatable carrier and a height adjuster having a cylinder unit and guides, which are connected at the other end with the housing. The carrier is rotatable about a first axis by a first drive . Arranged at the carrier are a first gripper module with a first gripper and a second gripper module with a second gripper. The grippers can be spread apart or spread out by gripper drives. The second gripper module is rotatable about a second axis by a second drive. By this gripper unit, leads are brought together by rotary movements in order to be subsequently connected together in common with a contact by crimping technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Komax Holding AG
    Inventor: Alois Conte
  • Publication number: 20010000368
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly provides for connection between a mating connector and a printed circuit board. The assembly includes an elongate insulative housing having a connection face and an opposed mounting face. A plurality of elongate electrical contacts are supported within the housing. The contacts include connection ends adjacent the connection face and contact tails extending from the mounting face for insertion into through-holes of the printed circuit board. The contacts further define a securement member between the connection end and the opposed tail. The housing includes contact support members adjacent the mounting face. At least one of the contact support members is positioned at a location closer to the connection face than the other contact support members so as to position the connection end of at least one contact at a different longitudinal position than the other contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Terrence S. Ward, Bernard H. Hammond, John T. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20010000369
    Abstract: An insole is described having a deep heel cup, and high medial and lateral flanges extending from said heel cup, wherein said heel cup cups the calcaneous of a foot in approximately a neutral degree of varus so that the insole does not induce locking of the midtarsal joint, and said high medial and lateral flanges extend continuously high along the medial and lateral sides of the insole substantially to the first and fifth metatarsal necks of the foot. The insole is useful for individuals with a high arch or supinated foot type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel B. Snyder, Laura J. Crane
  • Publication number: 20010000370
    Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner (preferably polyester), a first layer of tacky film, stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky waterproof compound, and a second release liner (preferably polyethylene). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy L. Traxler
  • Publication number: 20010000371
    Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a fiber reinforced material (preferably fiberglass), a second layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, and a layer of protective film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy L. Traxler
  • Publication number: 20010000372
    Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of preselected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Kermit E. Stahl, Joseph Quaranta
  • Publication number: 20010000373
    Abstract: A blow molded, bi-axially oriented plastic canister or container has a generally cylindrical body, a bottom, and a tapering upper portion, which terminates at a wide mouth or opening surrounded by a radially outwardly directed annular flange having an inwardly facing corner. A generally disc-shaped closure insert having a circumferential rim and a dispensing outlet is placed across the opening such that the closure rim is generally fitted into the corner of the annular flange. Heat or some other form of energy is applied to the entirety of the annular flange, which in response shrinks to tightly conform to and engage the closure rim, forming a circumferential seal. The dispensing outlet may be provided with an outlet closure, such as a screw cap or the like. Also, a sealant may be disposed between the annular flange and the closure rim before the heat is applied in order to form an enhanced seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Martin H. Beck
  • Publication number: 20010000374
    Abstract: A filter apparatus 20 is connected to an outlet portion of a canister mounted on a fuel supply system for a vehicle. A housing 21 and a filter element 30 are provided. The housing 21 has a connection-opening portion 25 connected to the outlet portion and atmospheric release opening portion 26 communicating with the atmosphere. The filter element 30 is received in the housing 21 so that one end of a hollow portion 31a passing through the center of a filter body 31 is connected to the connection opening portion 25 from the inner side of the housing 21. The hollow portion 31a of the filter element 30 is utilized as a part of a passage for introducing fluid, which has been introduced from the connection opening portion 25 into the housing 21, into the atmospheric release opening portion 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hayato Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010000375
    Abstract: A material not releasing gaseous organic substances during use is used as a filter medium and a sealing material for tightly sealing between the medium and a frame. Specifically, a synthetic paraffin not containing an aliphatic hydrocarbon having not more than 19 carbon atoms or less is used as a non-silicone type water repellent contained in a treatment agent for forming fibers into a cloth-like filter medium. A carboxylic acid ester having 400 or more molecular weight is used as a plasticizer and a phenolic compound having 300 or more molecular weight is used as an antioxidant to be added to the treatment agent and the sealing material. This enables that the gaseous organic substances are not present in a clean room, a semiconductor production apparatus or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Sadao Kobayashi, Masayuki Imafuku, Yoshihide Wakayama
  • Publication number: 20010000376
    Abstract: A lawn mower system is disclosed. The system includes a deck having a side wall with a vertical axis and a top wall coupled to the upper edges of the side wall and with an opened bottom. Two pair of wheels are provided including a set of front wheels generally centrally located on opposite sides of the side wall and extending outwardly therefrom and a pair of rear wheels extending outwardly from adjacent to the rear edge of the side wall. Also provided is a handle having a pivotable lower end coupled with respect to the housing adjacent to the rear edge and having an upper handle area for use by the user. A motor is mounted in a central region of the deck with a rotatable drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom. A rotatable blade is mounted to the lower end of the drive shaft. Finally, a supplemental cutter wheel in a circular configuration is located between the upper surface of the deck and the lower end of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Laszlo Vastag
  • Publication number: 20010000377
    Abstract: A method and a system for cooling a steel strip are disclosed. A high water volume mist cooler and a low water volume mist cooler are disposed along a direction in which the steel strip travels. The high water volume mist cooler sprays high water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, and then the low water volume mist cooler sprays low water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, thereby cooling the steel strip while suppressing the influence of transition boiling, to prevent the steel strip from having a temperature-nonuniform portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Naohiko Matsuda, Takanori Nagai, Kwang-Hee Han, Jae-Young Lee, Joo-Seung Lee
  • Publication number: 20010000378
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Joseph B. Willey
    Inventors: Harold Newell, John Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20010000379
    Abstract: A method for driving a ramped drive assembly longitudinally, to drive a penetrator transversely, to cause the penetrator to penetrate and withdraw from a downhole tubular element. An anchor holds the tubing punch assembly in place in the downhole tubular element. A double piston assembly drives the drive assembly hydraulically in the downhole direction, thereby driving the ramp downhole, to force the penetrator outwardly to penetrate the tubular element. Thereafter, pulling uphole on the work string shears a shear sleeve, separating the housing of the tubing punch assembly from the work string. Further pulling on the work string partially withdraws the ramped drive assembly from the tubing punch assembly, thereby withdrawing the penetrator into the tubing punch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Gary E. Cooper, Larry Thomas Palmer, Jonathan Price
  • Publication number: 20010000380
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a gas, in particular hydrogen, from a fluid stream utilizing a plate membrane flattened with a wave spring on the low pressure side of the membrane and a turbulence generator on the high pressure side. Alternately, the membrane is folded and wrapped against a central conduit within the membrane fold. Extraction membranes have a substrate layer of Ta—W, V—Co, V—Pd, V—Au, V—Cu, V—Al, Nb—Ag, Nb—Au, Nb—Pt, Nb—Pd, V—Ni—Co, V—Ni—Pd, V—Nb—Pt or V—Pd—Au alloy or combination thereof and a first layer affixed to the outer surface of the substrate towards a mixed gas flow which is composed of palladium, platinum, rhodium, or palladium alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Buxbaum
  • Publication number: 20010000381
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a shaped adsorbent article disposed in a housing. The shaped adsorbent article has one or more projections extending from a surface of the article toward the housing to provide for flow of fluid between the shaped adsorbent article and the housing. The filter assembly may optionally includes a diffusion channel for additional filtering and/or one or more porous polymer films disposed over inlet or outlet openings in the housing to reduce or prevent particulate contamination. The filter assembly may be used in a device, such as a computer disk drive, to filter a fluid, such as air, within and/or entering or exiting the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Tuma, Andrew C. Dahlgren, Vijay Garikipati, Randy J. Logan
  • Publication number: 20010000382
    Abstract: An image is formed by providing a coating of a crosslinkable polymeric substance on a first substrate, and applying a pattern or image of crosslinker to the coated substrate by ink jet printing to crosslink the polymeric substance. Uncrosslinked polymer is removed by washing the coated substrate, and the crosslinked polymer is then transferred imagewise to a second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Michael J. Simons
  • Publication number: 20010000383
    Abstract: A gas-generant-molded-article for air bags which is prepared by molding a gas generant composition into a cylindrical form containing an opening hole, wherein the relationship between the linear burning velocity r (mm/second) of said gas generant composition under a pressure of 70 kgf/cm2 and a thickness W (mm) of said molded article falls within a range represented by 0.005≦W/(2·r)≦0.3, with the linear burning velocity preferably falling within a range of from 1 to 12.5 mm/second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo Yamato, Norimasa Hirata, Takeshi Takahori, Takushi Yokoyama, Naoki Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20010000384
    Abstract: The invention concerns a protective device for valuable documents, including a volume capable of being closed and divided into two compartments, one of the compartments being used to receive the documents to be protected while in the second compartment caps contain a pyrotechnic mixture which, when the device is wrongly manipulated, will burst into a flame and penetrate the documents in the first mentioned compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: FN HERSTAL, S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Appeltans, Luc Mellebeek
  • Publication number: 20010000385
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve device is provided for use with a pneumatically operable device and a storage vessel for pressurized gas at a pressure to operate the pneumatically operable device. It comprises a valve pneumatically connectable to the storage vessel to admit and release pressurized gas into and from the storage vessel; a connecting chamber for pneumatically connecting the valve to the pneumatically operable device to conduct pressurized gas released through the valve to the pneumatically operable device; and a manually operable control operable to release pressurized gas from the valve into the connecting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Duncan Newman
  • Publication number: 20010000386
    Abstract: Tobaccos are cured in a manner so as to provide tobaccos having extremely low tobacco specific nitrosamine (TSNA) contents. Harvested Virginia tobacco is subjected to flue-curing so as to provide flue-cured tobacco. During the curing processing steps, contact of the tobacco with nitric oxide gases, such as those produced as combustion products of propane burning heating units, is avoided. Tobacco in curing barns is not subjected to direct-fire curing techniques, but rather, heat for tobacco curing can be provided by heat exchange or electrical heating methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: David McCray Peele
  • Publication number: 20010000387
    Abstract: A gas generating composition having a low combustion temperature and a low heat of combustion at the time of burning and therefore enabling downsizing of gas generators themselves, which comprises as the essential components nitroguanidine and an oxidizing agent comprising (a) nitrates or nitrites of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, (b) oxides or multiple oxides of metals selected from among copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, molybdenum and bismuth, or a mixture of the components (a) and (b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yo Yamato
  • Publication number: 20010000388
    Abstract: A tire for heavy loads and having beads intended to be mounted on flat rim seats or rim seats which are inclined at 5°, including at least one radial carcass ply formed of inextensible reinforcement elements and anchored in each bead to a bead wire to form an upturn, the end of which is located at a radial distance HRNC from the base of the bead. Each bead is reinforced by at least two additional reinforcement armatures, at least one first armature formed of at least one ply of radial textile reinforcement elements which is located axially to the outside of a second armature formed of at least one ply of inextensible elements forming an angle a with the circumferential direction such that 0°≦&agr;≦45°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MICHELIN-MICHELIN & CIE.
    Inventor: Patrick Corsi
  • Publication number: 20010000389
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of floral sleeves having a uniform design or pattern and printed circumferentially about a lower end thereof without requiring the waste of significant portions of sheet material is provided. The method includes the step of sealing and severing a pair of web portions along lines defined by coextensive first side edges and coextensive second side edges of printed portions. In another aspect, the method includes the step of sealing and severing a pair of overlapping web portions provided with a plurality of printed portions along a plurality of lines which traverse the printed portions and each of the corresponding unprinted portions to form a plurality of sleeves wherein each sleeve has an upper portion and a lower portion with the lower portion having a printed portion extending continuously about the exterior circumference of the lower portion of the sleeve while the upper portion is free of any printing contained in the lower portion of an adjacently formed sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20010000390
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for forming a single face paperboard web are disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention includes a forming corrugating roll for corrugating flutes on a medium web and a carrier corrugating roll operably connected to the forming corrugating roll for carrying the medium web into contact with a liner web. A bonding nip is defined by the carrier corrugating roll for pressing the liner web into adhering contact with the medium web, thereby forming a single faced web. A steam supplying device, including at least one fluid port in fluid communication with the bonding nip, supplies a low pressure steam against at least one of the liner web and the medium web. The steam supplying device further includes a body having a heated surface facing one of the liner and the medium webs. A primary channel extends within the body and is in thermal communication with the heated surface. A high pressure steam is supplied to the primary channel for heating the heated surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: United Container Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Finke, Kent W. Thurston, Charles E. Thomas, Stephen Joseph Mettee
  • Publication number: 20010000391
    Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus for mounting a flexible tire on a rim includes a robot having at least one articulated joint and a wrist. The robot is moveable with at least three degrees of freedom along a selectable one of a plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A central processing unit selectively executes any one of the plurality of paths stored in memory. A bead mounting tool is attachable to the wrist of the robot for movement along the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths of the robot. The tool is orientatable with at least three degrees of freedom independent of the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A workpiece support positions the rim in a predetermined location with respect to the robot and positions the tire in a predetermined orientation with respect to the rim. A signal is generated and sent to the robot corresponding to a size of the rim and tire combination to be assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: John P. Kane, Karl D. Sachs
  • Publication number: 20010000392
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielded vent panel construction for disposition over an opening of an electronics enclosure. The panel includes an electrically-conductive medium having an outer periphery supported within an electrically-conductive frame. The frame is configured as having a generally C-shaped cross-sectional profile and includes an elongate end wall having an interior an exterior surface, and a pair of oppositely-disposed side walls extending from the end wall interior surface. Each of the side walls has an outer surface, one of which is disposable about the opening of the enclosure in electrically-conductive adjacency with the surface thereof, and an inner surface spaced-apart a first predetermined distance from the inner surface of the other of the side walls. The outer periphery of the medium is received intermediate the inner surfaces of the side walls such that each extends over a corresponding edge portion of the medium faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Mitchell, Charlene Andersen
  • Publication number: 20010000393
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for protecting integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface comprising: cutting a core sample from the subterranean formation using a drilling fluid; encapsulating the core sample with an encapsulating material that is separate from said drilling fluid and comprises a property which renders said encapsulating material capable of protecting said chemical integrity of said core sample during transport from said subterranean formation to said surface, wherein said property is other than a property selected from the group consisting of a viscosity which increases in response to a decrease in temperature and an ability to solidify in response to a decrease in temperature; and, transporting said encapsulated core sample from said subterranean formation to said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Pierre Emmanuel Collee, Steven R. Radford, William A. Mallow, Dorothy P. Enright
  • Publication number: 20010000394
    Abstract: An electric bicycle assembly provided with a lightweight, high performance DC electric motor and a tuned centrifugal slip clutch assembly in combination therewith. This bicycle assembly includes a two-stage start-run electric control circuitry which prevents high motor zero rpm in-rush currents which may damage the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald W. Whittaker
  • Publication number: 20010000395
    Abstract: The present invention prepares a rule base for storing therein a plurality of control rule sets, predicts a group management performance such as a waiting time distribution which is obtained when applying an arbitrary rule set stored in the rule base to the current traffic situation, and selects the optimal rule set in accordance with the performance prediction result. In addition, a weight database for storing therein weight parameters of a neural net corresponding to the rule sets and performance learning measure for correcting the weight parameters in the weight database in accordance with the learning result of the neural net is provided, whereby the prediction of the group management performance by the neural net using the corrected weight parameters is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Shiro Hikita, Shinobu Tajima
  • Publication number: 20010000396
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for deposition of metal ions contained in an electrolyte solution to form a metal film primarily on a seed layer formed on at least a first side of a substrate. The substrate has a second side that is opposed the first side and an edge joining the first side and the second side. The apparatus comprises a substrate holder system and an electric contact element. The electric contact element physically contacts one of the second side or the edge of the substrate. In one aspect, the substrate is rotated about its vertical axis when the seed layer of substrate is immersed in the electrolyte solution during the metal film deposition. In another aspect, the substrate is not rotated about its vertical axis when the seed layer on the substrate is immersed in the electrolyte solution during the metal film deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Yezdi N. Dordi, Joseph J. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20010000397
    Abstract: A packaging system for a compact disk comprising a box and a insert disposed within the box. The insert including first indicia disposed on the insert. The first indicia are setback from the window and are viewable through the window to provide a three-dimensional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: WizardWorks Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Rinde
  • Publication number: 20010000398
    Abstract: A container (11) for a liquid containing bag. The container is capable of adjusting the flow rate of a liquid (41) to be poured out. The container includes a container body (12) having an opening (24), and a cap (13) for selectively closing the opening. The container body is closed by a pair of lids (17). The upper end portion of the bag (42) is supported between mating faces (25) of the lids. The cap has fasteners (37) for clamping the upper end portion of the bag. When the cap is slid along grooves (26) formed in the lids, the fasteners close a pourer (43) of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Hideya Makino, Yutaka Iwashita
  • Publication number: 20010000399
    Abstract: A two-stage process for converting petroleum residua and other low value oils to high valued gasoline blendstocks and light olefins. The first stage is comprised of a thermal process unit containing a reaction zone comprised of a horizontal moving bed of fluidized hot particles operated at temperatures from about 500 to 600° C. and having a short vapor residence time, and the second stage is comprised of a catalytic conversion zone operated at a temperature of about 525° C. to about 650° C., and also having a short vapor residence time, preferably shorter than that of the first stage reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Mitchell Jacobson, Willibald Serrand
  • Publication number: 20010000400
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel filter for use with internal combustion engines. The fuel filter includes a fuel additive that can be released into fuel. The rate of release for the fuel can be controlled. In one form the fuel additive can be released a substantially constant rate to maintain a uniform level of fuel additive in the fuel. Use of the present invention provides a fuel filter having an extended life span that is longer than fuel filters typically used with combustion engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Harold R. Martin, David M. Stehouwer
  • Publication number: 20010000401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the fractionation of molasses using a chromatographic simulated moving bed system in which the liquid flow is effected in a single direction in a system comprising at least two chromatographic partial packing material beds. In the method of the invention, the product or products are recovered during a multi-step sequence comprising the following phases: feeding phase of molasses, eluting phase and recycling phase. The liquid present in the partial packing material beds with their dry solids profile is recycled in the recycling phase in a loop comprising one, two or several partial packing material beds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Heikki Heikkila, Goran Hyoky, Jarmo Kuisma
  • Publication number: 20010000402
    Abstract: The present invention provides an induction heating method for a manifold in a hot runner mold where it is possible to uniformly heat material over the entire length of a runner and in which a coil may be easily attached to and detached from the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: JU - OH INC
    Inventors: Itsuo Shibata, Shinichi Edagawa, Ryoichi Sekiguchi, Hitoshi Toki, Tamotsu Munakata
  • Publication number: 20010000403
    Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. Oven designs are provided to achieve more suitable oven size for fixed operating frequencies. Apparatuses for impedance matching an oven to a microwave source are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Gaisford, David L. Walters
  • Publication number: 20010000404
    Abstract: An automated power actuated gun having a fastener feeding track with guides for holding a fastener assembly having a plate and attached stud in a firing position. The power actuated gun is attached to the fastener feeding track so as to permit relative movement there between. A fastener loading control prevents movement of an adjacent fastener assembly held within the fastener feeding track from moving until the barrel of the power actuated gun is clear. The relative movement between the fastener feeding track and the power actuated gun is utilized to activate a control mechanism to perform various functions on the power actuated gun, such as to advance a charge or to push a trigger firing the power actuated gun. The functioning of the power actuated gun is automated, greatly increasing productivity of a worker and eliminating the need of the worker to tediously load by hand and fire individual fastener assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Alfonso Losada
  • Publication number: 20010000405
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus of providing a card and/or reader that recognizes a communication mode of a corresponding reader and/or card. The card reader comprises a memory and a card interface circuit to detect a mode of a card. A processor coupled to the card interface circuit and the memory, communicates with the card in the detected mode if the detected mode matches a communication mode of the processor. The card comprises a memory and a reader interface circuit to detect a mode of a reader. A processor coupled to the reader interface circuit and the memory, communicates with the reader in the detected mode if the detected mode matches a communication mode of the processor. Another aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus of providing a card and/or reader that is operable in two communication modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Robert J. Gray, Lee Gudmundsen, Charles E. Frasier
  • Publication number: 20010000406
    Abstract: A method of displaying relative information which uses special segments in a liquid crystal display within the electronic price label. The system includes the electronic price label and a number of computers. In addition to the liquid crystal display, the electronic price label includes a memory. The liquid crystal display includes first and second display portions. The first display portion displays first information in a number of first display segments within the first portion. The first display segments are linearly arranged as a relative scale. The second display portion displays second information, including price or promotional information, in second display segments in the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: John C. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20010000407
    Abstract: Temperatures in a Dr side air-conditioning zone and a Pa side air-conditioning zone are controlled highly independently of each other without temperature interference between each zone. A room internal air temperature sensor and a room external air temperature sensor are provided. Dr side and Pa side temperature setters separately set room setpoint temperatures (Tset(Dr), Tset(Pa)) in each zone. First and second target blow-out temperature calculating portions, which include neural network, input the room setpoint temperatures and the temperature data. Then it calculates Dr side and Pa side target blow-out temperatures (TAO(Dr), TAO(Pa)) relative to each air-conditioning zones by using a neural network. Air-mixing doors separately adjusts the temperatures of conditioned air blown out from Dr side air passage and Pa side air passage to be the first and second target blow-out temperatures. Here, the neural network has the learning function, which adjusts its output to be desired data (teacher signal).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ichishi, Takayoshi Kawai, Yuji Ito, Katsuhiko Samukawa, Yuichi Kajino
  • Publication number: 20010000408
    Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: Automated Merchandising Systems
    Inventors: James M. Hair, Kyriakos P. Spentzos
  • Publication number: 20010000409
    Abstract: A method for ashing a resist pattern covered by a hardened layer caused by an ion implantation process previously conducted including a first step for conducting an ashing process at a first temperature e.g. 120° C. or less at which no popping phenomenon happens, for removing the hardened layer, and a second step for conducting an ashing process at a second temperature e.g. 150° C. at which the ashing rate is high, for entirely removing the remaining resist pattern, and apparatus employable for the method for ashing a resist pattern covered by a hardened layer including a mechanism for moving up and down a semiconductor wafer to regulate the temperature of the semiconductor wafer and including a shutter which intervenes between the semiconductor wafer and a heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: Toshiro Mitsuhashi
  • Publication number: 20010000410
    Abstract: The invention is a method for designing semiconductor light emitting devices such that the side surfaces (surfaces not parallel to the epitaxial layers) are formed at preferred angles relative to vertical (normal to the plane of the light-emitting active layer) to improve light extraction efficiency and increase total light output efficiency. Device designs are chosen to improve efficiency without resorting to excessive active area-yield loss due to shaping. As such, these designs are suitable for low-cost, high-volume manufacturing of semiconductor light-emitting devices with improved characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Michael R. Krames, Fred A. Kish, Tun S. Tan