Patents Issued in September 20, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010022305
    Abstract: A seal for use on a container such as a beverage or food storage container and more specifically such as a soft drink, beer, or soup can where the seal prevents contamination of the rim or lip, trough and area adjacent to and surrounding the drinking aperture as well as between the drinking aperture and the nearest rim. The seal covers the inner surface of the rim but does not restrict use of 6-pack rings or the like, nor does the seal interfere with stacking of the cans. The seal further includes a peel tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: MICHAEL CAVELLA
  • Publication number: 20010022306
    Abstract: The system comprises at least one cabinet (A) having several compartments for containing bottles, each compartment consisting of a generally half-cylindrical gutter part (5) and an access part (6) that converges toward the gutter part and opens at the front of the cabinet, where it can be closed by a door (13) fitted with a bolt (15) controlled by a transaction module (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: L'AIR LIQUIDE, SOCIETE ANONYME POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
    Inventors: Anthony Mc Cord, Pierre Pic, Yves Le Nevez
  • Publication number: 20010022307
    Abstract: An automatic vending machine is provided in which the exhausted heat produced by cooling is utilized effectively and decrease in running costs is accomplished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ichiro Kamimura
  • Publication number: 20010022308
    Abstract: A grain storage bin has a circular bin floor structure and a cylindrical bin wall upstanding from the floor. A bin aeration system includes a perforated air discharge tube mounted diametrically across the bin supported on a frame above the floor from one side with an air supply duct for supplying air from a fan through the wall. The floor structure is divided diametrically into two separate half sections. A rectangular discharge duct extends from a feed opening at a center of the bin horizontally under the horizontal support surface to a discharge outside the wall of the bin with a belt having parallel runs along the duct, a first opening at the center of the bin and a second opening adjacent the wall so that the material within the bin can fall onto the upper run of the belt to be carried to the side for discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Richard J. Epp, Dwayne S. Epp
  • Publication number: 20010022309
    Abstract: A fluid-dispensing member comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Stephane Beranger
  • Publication number: 20010022310
    Abstract: A pusher for a dispensing member for dispensing a fluid, the pusher being depressed to actuate the dispensing member and to dispense the fluid, said pusher being provided with central fastening means for enabling trim to be fixed to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Stephane Beranger
  • Publication number: 20010022311
    Abstract: A slide pack container housing a plurality of piled slide packs has a cut-off portion. The cut-off portion has a width slightly larger than the width of a slide contained in each slide pack. As a sucker of a package take-out apparatus draws one of the slide packs from the slide pack container through the cut-off portion, a sealed portion of the slide pack interfering with the edge of the cut-off portion is folded inward so that the slide pack is successfully taken out. The sucker transfers the slide pack to a separated unwrapping apparatus. The sucker releases the slide pack when the front edge of the slide pack is caught between paired rollers of the unwrapping apparatus. After a cutter makes a slit on the slide pack, the paired rollers transfer only a wrapping sheet to separate the wrapping sheet from the slide wrapped therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Fumio Sugay, Yoichi Endo, Akihiro Komatsu, Tomoyuki Takiue
  • Publication number: 20010022312
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting upon load carrier feet that are disposed at opposing side edge regions of a vehicle roof, the arrangement including a load carrier strut that has a substantially streamlined outer cross-sectional configuration that is exteriorly defined, at least partially, by an outer contour line. Longitudinal slots are located at opposing end regions of the load carrier strut on an underside of the load carrier strut. The outer contour line of the streamlined outer cross-sectional configuration of the load carrier strut is being broken at the underside of the load carrier strut by a longitudinal projecting portion that has a forward defining surface, a rear defining surface and a bottom surface. The forward defining surface and the rear defining surface are approximately parallel and vertical. The bottom surface is substantially planar and transversely directed to the forward defining surface and the rear defining surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: ANDERS LUNDGREN
  • Publication number: 20010022313
    Abstract: An approach prevention wall for preventing a head portion of a lead nail from unnecessarily approaching is protruded on a front inner wall of the nose section of the nailing machine. The nose section accommodates the lead nail of connected nails, and the connected nails are connected with a connecting member. A lower end face of the approach prevention wall is inclined, and the inclined face of the lower end face of the approach prevention wall is formed at a position where the height of the inclined face is substantially the same as that of a position where the connecting member to connect the lead nail with the next nail is cut off at the time of driving the lead nail. Otherwise, the inclined face of the lower end face of the approach prevention wall is formed at a position where its height is higher than that.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terufumi Hamano, Kouji Kubo
  • Publication number: 20010022314
    Abstract: A device for mating strips joined at an angle for forming rectangular frames having a L-shaped element, acting as movable abutment for the strips, has a symmetrical hinged connection to a pair of linkages, pivotally connected to a free end to the supporting element fixed to the platform, and an arm protruding outside the L-shaped element along the extension of its bisecting line and undergoing elastic centering. The element and linkages are accommodated in the supporting element in two mutually aligned seats which lie transversely to the slot of the platform, and are each constituted by a bush from which a slider protrudes; the slider is pushed, until it rests against an abutment of the bush, by a cylindrical spring which acts between the slider and the screw-type cap used also to adjust the preloading of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Giuseppe Raffoni
  • Publication number: 20010022315
    Abstract: The ball bump mainly includes a body and a protrusion. The protrusion is located at the upper of the body and essentially consists of a flat upper surface with an annular inclination. The flat upper surface and the annular inclination together define the area for wire bonding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Fang Tsai, Jaw-Shiun Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20010022316
    Abstract: In order to solder a lead wire of an electronic device to a wiring pattern formed on a printed circuit board, the electronic device is first placed on a first face of the printed circuit board such that the lead wire thereof are protruded from a second face of the printed circuit board, on which the wiring pattern is formed. Then cream solder is coated on the protruded lead wire. On the other hand, there is provided a liquefied heat medium having a temperature higher than a melting temperature of the cream solder. The second face of the printed board is immersed in the liquefied heat medium in a predetermined time period, to melt the cream solder. Finally, the printed board is lifted from the liquefied heat medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Takatsugu Matsudome
  • Publication number: 20010022317
    Abstract: A flat transparent envelope has a rectangular, transparent cover sheet and a rectangular, preferably transparent backsheet. The cover sheet and backsheet are preferably flexible films that are joined together along at least two but no more than three of the sheet edges so that the envelope is open along at least one of the sheet edges and the edges of the joined sheets are situated in the envelope plane. The transparent cover sheet and backsheet may advantageously be entirely formed of a magnifying material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: WILLI FREI
  • Publication number: 20010022318
    Abstract: Cardboard pocket pack comprising a front wall 11 and a rear wall 21 which are connected to one another via a folding line 111, 115 and which are adhesively bonded as they lie one upon the other, it being the case that a flap 31 is articulated on the top edge of the front wall 11 via a folding line 114, in the rear wall 21 there is provided a cutout 41 into which the flap 31 can be introduced, and on the sub-region 211 of the rear wall 21, said sub-region being located beneath the flap 31, there is provided at least one spot of adhesive 61, with the result that, when the cardboard pocket pack has been assembled, the flap 31 and the rear wall 21 are adhesively bonded to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: GERT KADEN, GUNTHER SCHULTZ
  • Publication number: 20010022319
    Abstract: The blank of cardboard or similar material, has cutout lines and score lines within a periphery cutout to a sheet and thus subdivided into elements of which certain ones are if desired glued flat against each other, said blank being adapted to be sold and stored flat, then ultimately to be bent, set up, and held bent thus constituted in a container for objects to be packaged, the setting up of the blank and the insertion of the objects being carried out manually and individually for each blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Pierre Andre Marc Chevalier
  • Publication number: 20010022320
    Abstract: A fuel injector is provided which has an improved structure capable of adjusting fuel jet characteristics such as the quantity of fuel to be injected to an engine and a fuel injection time lag after the fuel injector is assembled. The fuel injector includes an air gap adjusting screw and a spring pressure adjusting screw. The air gap adjusting screw serves to change an air gap between a stator and an armature of a solenoid valve to adjust the quantity of fuel to a target one. The spring pressure adjusting screw serves to change a spring pressure urging a valve in a spray hole-closing direction to regulate a spray hole open duration, thereby adjusting the fuel injection time lag or the quantity of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Senta Tojo, Tetsuya Toyao, Teruaki Yamaguchi, Motoichi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20010022321
    Abstract: A flow mixer apparatus and method in an injection molding system which transitions a flowing medium around an obstruction and/or a degree change in direction, said flowing medium exhibiting reduced stagnation points and substantially uniform flow characteristics downstream of the obstruction and/or change in direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Abdeslam Bouti
  • Publication number: 20010022322
    Abstract: A connecting device connecting a spray boom to a chassis of an agricultural sprayer, said connecting device is noteworthy in that it consists of a single quadrilateral arranged in a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to a longitudinal plane of said sprayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: KUHN-NODET S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Guesdon
  • Publication number: 20010022323
    Abstract: A transportable, trailer-mounted system for removing graffiti from exterior and interior surfaces is disclosed. The system includes a water supply tank, a pressure washer, provision for applying cleaning chemicals to surfaces, storage areas for cleaning chemicals, sandblasting apparatus, and painting apparatus. Also included are sources of electrical power, air compressor, painting equipment and surface preparation tools. Using the system enables the cleaning and restoration of graffiti-damaged surfaces in the minimum possible amount of time after the graffiti is applied. It is generally agreed that the prompt removal of graffiti reduces the incidence of graffiti application and that graffiti is more easily removed if removal is accomplished soon after it has been applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Graffiti Gone Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Aslakson
  • Publication number: 20010022324
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing devices provided with tilting or bending pickup tubes for allowing substantially complete evacuation of the contents of the supply bottles. In preferred embodiments, the pickup tube is connected to a dispensing unit such as a sprayhead by a variety of different types of flexible connectors to allow tilting of the pickup tube. In other preferred embodiments, a semi-flexible pickup tube is weighted to cause bending of the tube with or without the addition of a flexible connector between the pickup tube and sprayhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: EVNX Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Evans, William L. Klima
  • Publication number: 20010022325
    Abstract: A bin for a sand spreading vehicle is provided with curved lower sidewalls that deliver sand to a central conveyor. The curvature of the sidewalls lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle for a given load; or permits carriage of a greater load for a given height for the center of gravity of the loaded bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Paul Geroux, Larry Cole, Irwin Plested, Achim Martin, Larry Magill
  • Publication number: 20010022326
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve, in particular for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, includes a magnet coil, an armature acted upon in a closing direction by a return spring, and a valve needle, in nonpositive engagement with the armature, for actuation of a valve closure element that, together with a valve seating surface, forms a sealing fit. At least one fuel conduit through which fuel flows is provided in the armature and/or in the valve needle. An impact element is mounted on the valve needle in the spray-discharge direction of the fuel conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Norbert Keim
  • Publication number: 20010022327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the comminution of bulk materials comprising synthetic polymers which do not have an elastomeric behavior by mechanical, thermal or electromagnetic loading of the bulk materials, which comprises treating the bulk materials, before and/or during the loading, with oxidants which have a redox potential of greater than 1.5 V or subjecting them to corona, UV or plasma treatment without complete oxidation of the synthetic polymer taking place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Olaf Mientkewitz, Elke Schweers, Ulrich Bauer, Helmut Gursky, Hubert Muller, Raimo Drogemeier
  • Publication number: 20010022328
    Abstract: An automatic foodstuff waste processing system comprises a conveying apparatus for removing salt and bad odors by the supply of washing water and facilitating the withdrawal of vinyl, etc. during the conveying of foodstuff wastes, a crushing apparatus for effectively crushing the foodstuff waste twice, while separating and removing the metal material, a drying apparatus for drying the foodstuff waste and removing the bad odors during the drying, a cutting apparatus for cutting the dried foodstuff waste into chips to be collected for feeds and collecting the sludge, separately, and washing water removing apparatus for enabling the automatic washing of the inner portion of the system, thereby performing a series of the foodstuff waste processes to manufacture feed chips as its by-products and enabling the processing of a larger amount of foodstuffs according to its size without the environmental pollution or contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Se-Heon Oh
  • Publication number: 20010022329
    Abstract: A refiner for shredding pulps having refining surfaces provided on a rotor and a stator and which form a cylindrical or a conical refining gap. The refining gap is set by wedges which are mounted on the stator and rotor and can be moved against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Peter Antensteiner, Helmuth Gabl, Gerald Schadler, Walter Writzl
  • Publication number: 20010022330
    Abstract: An automotive seatbelt take-up device has a primary spiral spring biasing a take-up shaft in a seatbelt take-up direction. A spring clutch transfers rotation of the take-up shaft in a seatbelt drawing-out direction to a ring. A secondary spiral spring is capable of generating rotational biasing force on the take-up shaft in a direction opposite that of the primary spiral spring. Thus, the present invention provides an automotive seatbelt take-up device that can reduce both the drawing-out force and the take-up force of a seatbelt when the seatbelt is being worn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Sadaaki Mitsuo, Masahito Wakahara, Norikazu Akamatsu, Kazuhiro Osaki
  • Publication number: 20010022331
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a frame member having an offset handle upon which line can be stored. The handle has a hole therein through which the line can be passed in order to properly secure the device to the line. Furthermore, the device has hooks on each end of the line for hoisting an article or attaching the line to an article of clothing. In use, the device can be used to attach one end to a person's clothing and attach the other end of the line to an article, such as a backpack, to be hoisted up a tree such as a hunter might hoist an article up a tree stand. Furthermore, the present invention is adapted so that the handle can be attached to a structural member of a tree stand or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Howard W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010022332
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the real time location of wheeled cars linked together in a train traveling on a fixed track. The method creates a wheel count and a location point for the train by counting the number of wheels on the train in a sequential order as the train passes a first wheel counting station, wherein the wheel counting station is stationary at a fixed location. The wheel count and location point for the train is then recorded in a computer. As the train passes subsequent wheel counting stations positioned along the track, the train is identified by recounting the wheels on the train and matching the number of recounted train wheels to the wheel count. The location point of the train is updated in the computer to correspond to the location of the last wheel counting station and to count the number of wheels on the train. Subsequently, a rail car location in the computer is created, wherein the rail car location corresponds to the last updated location point for the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Sydney Allen Harland
  • Publication number: 20010022333
    Abstract: A support that is to be attached to the center rail of the handle structure of a stroller or carriage. The support is mounted to the center rail by one or more hooks and has an elongated bar that is suspended from the rail and hangs below and parallel to it. Objects, such as the handle hoops of a bag can be looped over the bar and held by it. In one embodiment, the support mounted to the rail has upper and lower bars that are parallel to each other with a space between the two. A bag has fasteners on a flap and the bag front panel. The bag flap is passed over the bottom bar and the fasteners brought together to secure the flap. This hangs the bag from the support, which in turn is hung from the stroller handle center rail. A bag with a flap in sections also can be used with a support having only a top bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: LUCIA D. BANKO
  • Publication number: 20010022334
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pivotal armrest apparatus which comprises a cradle having a direct pivotal mechanism mounted on an anti-slip member. The pivotal mechanism automatically converts with the anti-slip member from the irregular movements of fingers (i.e. typing a keyboard) into stress releasing movements over the forearm without impairing a specific part of the wrist, whereby RSI can hardly be generated on the upper torso, nerves, and muscles. Also, the armrest enables a proper degree of rigidity to allow no drifting of the fingers, improves the repeatability of the finger position, and makes the installation area minimum while it is detachable and used as a comfortable rest means for respite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Koichi Iwata, Hiroshi Saito
  • Publication number: 20010022335
    Abstract: A fitting to support a shelf and hanger bar to receive coat hangers, comprising a frame of several wall longitudinal and perpendicular to each other. This fitting overcomes problems when the back wall and the end wall are not at 90 degrees to each other by covering the gap that would appear at the front end and top of the shelf. It also conceals any rough edge on the shelf from the saw cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Harold E. Querin
  • Publication number: 20010022336
    Abstract: This invention intends to provide a bracket for mounting an accessory to a vehicle body capable of simplifying installation work and eliminating connector coupling failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Sawayanagi
  • Publication number: 20010022337
    Abstract: A grid-shaped array of conductor areas is used for capacitive image acquisition. Shielding conductors are disposed in each case between the conductors that are provided for measurement. During a plurality of charging and discharging cycles, the potential is always carried along on the conductors belonging to a respective pixel in order to prevent displacement currents between the shielding capacitors. By way of example, a compensation line with a feedback operational amplifier can be used for identically altering the electrical potentials on the conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Paul-Werner Von Basse, Josef Willer, Thomas Scheiter, Stephan Marksteiner
  • Publication number: 20010022338
    Abstract: Disclosed is a probe signal outputting apparatus comprising an electrooptic probe for receiving an optical output from a light source and outputting a first optical signal and a second optical signal which are polarized in accordance with a voltage of a to-be-probed signal from an object to-be-probed; a first photoelectric converting element and a second photoelectric converting element, connected in series between a first bias power supply and a second bias power suppl, for respectively receiving the first optical signal and the second optical signal and converting the first and second optical signals to electric signals; an output circuit for outputting an electric signal acquired at a connection node between the first photoelectric converting element and the second photoelectric converting element; a current drive circuit, provided in an optical input/output unit together with the first photoelectric converting element, the second photoelectric converting elements and the output circuit, for supplying a dr
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshiki Yanagisawa, Nobukazu Banjo, Jun Kikuchi, Sanjay Gupta, Mitsuru Shinagawa, Chisato Hashimoto, Tadao Nagatsuma, Hakaru Kyuragi
  • Publication number: 20010022339
    Abstract: Disclosed is a probe signal outputting apparatus which comprises an electrooptic probe for receiving an optical output from a light source and outputting a first optical signal and a second optical signal which are polarized in accordance with a voltage of a to-be-probed signal from an object to be measured; a first photoelectric converting element and a second photoelectric converting element, connected in series between a first bias power supply and a second bias power supply, for respectively receiving the first optical signal and the second optical signal and converting the first and second optical signals to electric signals; an output circuit for outputting an electric signal acquired at a connection node between the first photoelectric converting element and the second photoelectric converting element to a measuring circuit; an adder for adding voltage values equivalent to currents respectively flowing in the first photoelectric converting element and the second photoelectric converting element; and a
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshiki Yanagisawa, Nobukazu Banjo, Jun Kikuchi, Sanjay Gupta, Mitsuru Shinagawa, Chisato Hashimoto, Tadao Nagatsuma, Hakaru Kyuragi
  • Publication number: 20010022340
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electro-optic probe which comprises a laser diode for emitting a laser beam based on a control signal from a main body of a measuring unit; an electro-optic element having a reflection film on an end face; first isolators, provided between the laser diode and the electro-optic element, for passing the laser beam emitted from the laser diode and separating reflected light of the laser beam reflected by the reflection film; two photodiodes for converting the reflected light separated by the first isolator into electric signals; and a second isolator provided on an optical path which connects the photodiodes to the first isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Akishige Ito, Katsushi Ohta, Mitsuru Shinagawa, Tadao Nagatsuma, Hakaru Kyuragi, Kazuhide Ohno, Jin Yoshito
  • Publication number: 20010022341
    Abstract: A light path deviation detecting apparatus has a diverging element for diverging a detection target light path into two light paths, and detects light receiving position on light receiving surfaces disposed spaced light path lengths different from each other in the diverged light paths. A tile of the detection target light path is detected from the light receiving positions detected respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Akira Adachi, Tadashi Uchida, Mikio Aoshima
  • Publication number: 20010022342
    Abstract: An optical transducer comprises a light source for emitting radiant energy, a base member, and an elongate light collector positioned for receiving radiant energy from the light source. The elongate light collector comprises a tunnel formed in the base member and a collector window that extends along a length of the tunnel. Radiant energy projected by the light source is received in the tunnel through the window and is transmitted along a length of the tunnel. A portion of the transmitted radiant energy exits the tunnel to thereby vary the intensity of light along the tunnel length. At least one photosensor is positioned for detecting the amount of radiant energy at a location in the tunnel. In this manner, the intensity of radiant energy at the tunnel location is indicative of at least relative position between the incident radiant energy and the at least one photosensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Alvin R. Wirthlin
  • Publication number: 20010022343
    Abstract: In a multi-beam scanning device and method of the present invention, a semiconductor laser array having a plurality of light emitting parts emitting multiple laser beams is provided. A rotary deflector deflects the laser beams emitted by the light emitting parts of the semiconductor laser array. The deflected laser beams from the rotary deflector is focused onto a scanned surface to form a plurality of beam spots that are separated on the scanned surface in a sub-scanning direction, the scanned surface being scanned simultaneously with the plurality of beam spots in a main scanning direction by a rotation of the rotary deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Kohji Sakai, Seizo Suzuki, Hiromichi Atsuumi, Akhisa Itabashi
  • Publication number: 20010022344
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer including a sprayer for spraying a sample solution, a needle electrode for ionizing the sample contained in the sample solution, an aperture for introducing the ions of the sample into a lower pressure region having a pressure lower than the pressure of a region in which the needle electrode is disposed, and a mass spectrometric apparatus for analyzing the ions introduced from the aperture. A direction of a spray caused by the sprayer is almost perpendicular to or at an angle with respect to a center axis of the aperture, and a tip of the needle is disposed facing to an electrode having the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yasuaki Takada, Minoru Sakairi, Atsumu Hirabayashi, Takayuki Nabeshima, Hideaki Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20010022345
    Abstract: A method of inspecting contact holes or via holes in a semiconductor device. Plural small measurement regions Q are established on the whole sample surface. The measurement regions Q are successively irradiated with an electron beam. At this time, an absorption current flowing across the sample is detected and amplified by a current amplifier. A control unit stores data about the absorption current signal derived from the small regions Q in locations of a memory which are addressed corresponding to the positions of the small regions. The control unit reads data about absorption current intensity values from the memory and classifies the intensity values into four intensity ranges, for example, to which different brightness intensities are assigned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Ishimoto
  • Publication number: 20010022346
    Abstract: A scanning electron microscope capable of imaging a specimen at a magnification lower than the minimum magnification of the microscope. The specimen surface is virtually partitioned into cells. The specimen is so moved that the cells can be individually scanned by the electron beam and hence image data can be taken from each cell. Image data derived from each cell by the scan is stored in locations of an image memory that are addressed corresponding to the positions of the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventors: Masumi Katagami, Miyuki Kaneyama
  • Publication number: 20010022347
    Abstract: The specification describes a method and apparatus for electron beam lithography wherein a Wehnelt electron gun is modified to improve the uniformity of the electron beam. A mesh grid is applied to the Wehnelt aperture and the mesh grid functions as a multiple secondary emitter to produce a uniform beam flux over a wide area. The grid voltage of the modified gun is substantially lower than in a conventional Wehnelt gun, i.e. less than 100 volts, which can be switched conveniently and economically using semiconductor drive circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Victor Katsap, James Alexander Liddle, Warren Kazmir Waskiewicz
  • Publication number: 20010022348
    Abstract: A test piece analyzing apparatus is provided which includes a releasably fixed absorbent member, a horizontally reciprocative pinching mechanism for simultaneously transferring a plurality of test pieces in a transfer direction, and an optical analyzing assembly provided with a primary illuminator and a secondary illuminator. The second illuminator serves to illuminate the bottom surface of the test piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: KYOTO DAIICHI KAGAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriaki Furusato, Atsushi Murakami, Ken Kishimoto, Kouji Egawa
  • Publication number: 20010022349
    Abstract: A radiation image storage device composed of a fluorescent sheet which contains a phosphor which absorbs a radiation energy and emits a light of ultraviolet or visible region, and a radiation image storage panel having a fluorescent layer and a radiation image storage layer, in which the fluorescent layer contains a phosphor that absorbs a radiation energy and emits a light of ultraviolet or visible region, and the radiation image storage layer contains a phosphor that absorbs the light emitted by the phosphors of the fluorescent layer and the fluorescent sheet to store energy of the absorbed light and releases the stored energy in the form of a light upon irradiation with a light of visible or infrared region is favorably employed for a radiation image storing and reproducing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kenji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20010022350
    Abstract: A pressure-variable valve device which is adapted to be embedded in the human body and which is capable of changing a difference in pressure between an inlet-side and an outlet-side duct, the valve device including a rotating member capable of rotating around a central axis in directions to vary a set pressure for a valve, and a rotation control mechanism for controlling the rotation of the rotating member, wherein the rotation control mechanism includes permanent magnet structures supported by the valve-device main body so as to be capable of making a linear reciprocal translation in directions, and displacement transmission mechanisms, for rotating the rotating member in the direction corresponding to the direction of the translation of the permanent magnet structures. A set-pressure adjusting device includes a magnetic field generating mechanism which generates a magnetic field in which the permanent magnet structures cause the rotating member to rotate in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Takashi Ito
  • Publication number: 20010022351
    Abstract: The tap comprises a body (10) containing a closing member for opening or closing the passage of the gas between an inlet connection piece (12) and an outlet connection piece (14), and also a control valve (20) for controlling the flow of the gas between the inlet connection piece (12) and the outlet connection piece (14) and comprising a piston (28) sliding non-sealingly in a cylindrical receptacle (26) and carrying on one of its faces a closing seal (30) for closing the passage of the gas, and a spring (40) stressing said piston (28) axially in the closing direction of the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Kremer
  • Publication number: 20010022352
    Abstract: A touch sensor with a sensor surface insulated with respect to ground potential, the sensor surface being connected via a measuring resistor to an a.c. voltage generator, and the voltage across the measuring resistor being used as a difference measuring signal. At least one touch sensor can advantageously be integrated in a sanitary fitting and used to control solenoid valves on water feeds of the fitting. An operating element of the fitting is used as a sensor surface and is connected via a connecting cable to control electronics of the sensor. A method of detecting a touch on an electrically conductive surface, a capacitive touch sensor being used which detects the complex conductance of a human body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Rudrich
  • Publication number: 20010022353
    Abstract: A housing (4) is provided with a shut off valve attaching bore (16) within which an intermediate transmission means accommodating space (25) and a shut off valve chamber (9) are formed. A thrust screw member (17), an intermediate transmission means (18) and a closure member (19) are attached into this bore in the mentioned order. A diaphragm (21) is arranged between the closure member (19) and the intermediate transmission means (18). The diaphragm (21) partitions the shut off valve attaching bore (16) into the intermediate transmission means accommodating space (25) and the shut off valve chamber (9), and hermetically seals the shut off valve chamber (9). Disposed in the intermediate transmission means accommodating space (25) is a valve opening spring (29), which resiliently urges the intermediate transmission means (18) in a valve-opening direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Masaru Takeda, Koji Miyazaki, Kazuyuki Miyata
  • Publication number: 20010022354
    Abstract: To use a media agitating mill of a wet internal circulation type when grinding materials, and offer oxide magnetic materials and coils in which influences of ZrO2 and Y2O3 mixing when using partially stabilized zirconia as media beads are improved. The magnetic materials and coils are characterized in that Fe2O3, ZnO, NiO and CuO are main components, and Y2O3, ZrO2 and Bi2O3 are contained with respect to these main components, where an amount of Y2O3 is 0.007 to 0.028 wt % for the total amount, an amount of ZrO2 is 0.12 to 0.55 wt % therefor and an amount of Bi2O3 is 0.03 to 10.12 wt % for the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ko Ito, Yukio Takahashi