Patents Issued in December 20, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010052341
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine performs a second mode of combustion where the EGR is less than the EGR gas that peaks the production of soot. The engine then performs a first mode of combustion where the EGR is greater than the EGR that peaks the production of soot. During the second mode, the engine curbs hydrocarbon supplied to an exhaust gas control catalyst by performing a combustion where hydrocarbon does not increase. The exhaust gas temperature discharged becomes relatively high and the EGR rate is set to zero. The engine then increases the hydrocarbon supplied to the catalyst by performing a combustion that increases the hydrocarbon. The temperature of exhaust gas discharged becomes relatively high, and the EGR rate is gradually increased. Accordingly, the engine quickly warms up the catalyst while preventing problems that occur, like clogging of an exhaust gas recirculation passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shizuo Sasaki, Kouji Yoshizaki, Masato Gotoh, Takekazu Ito
  • Publication number: 20010052342
    Abstract: An intake manifold for an engine is provided that includes a housing having a passageway carrying blow-by gases from an engine crankcase. A valve body housing having a cavity is defined by a portion of the housing. The valve body housing has a vacuum side and a blow-by gas side. The blow-by gas side is in fluid communication with the passageway. A positive crankcase ventilation valve is disposed within the cavity and permits the blow-by gases to flow from the passageway through to the vacuum side when in an open position. A cap is preferably secured to the housing for sealing the positive crankcase ventilation valve within the cavity. Preferably an oil separator is also integrated into the intake manifold to separate the oil from the blow-by gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: John R. Mammarella
  • Publication number: 20010052343
    Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the interior chamber of a respirator is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a body configured to conform to the face of a user and form an interior chamber defined by the respirator body and the face of the user. The system includes a sight region in the upper portion of the body through which the user can see. A thermoelectric module having a first temperature plate and a second temperature plate is interposed in the lower portion of the body so that the first temperature plate contacts the interior chamber and the second temperature plate contacts the external environment. A power source provides DC current to the thermoelectric module causing a temperature differential between the first temperature plate and the second temperature plate. Preferably, the plates of the thermoelectric module include heat exchangers and fans for maximizing the efficiency of the thermoelectric module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: MARK G. REEDY, KEVIN L. BARTON
  • Publication number: 20010052344
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Rajiv Doshi
  • Publication number: 20010052345
    Abstract: A double catheter includes an outer, resilient catheter having shape memory and a hook-shaped distal end, an inner, pliable catheter slidably disposed in the outer catheter and of greater length than the outer catheter so that a distal end portion of the inner catheter can be extended or retracted from a distal end opening of the outer catheter to vary the overall length of the double catheter, the inner catheter preferably having an internal lumen suitable for the introduction of contrast media, and a mechanism operable from the proximal end of the outer catheter for changing the curvature of the hook shaped distal end of the outer catheter. Such a catheter of the invention can cannulate the coronary sinus without significant manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Imran K. Niazi
  • Publication number: 20010052346
    Abstract: A hopper is connected with a machine for manufacture of tobacco industry products including a tangential separator sequentially feeding an entry stock of the hopper. The distribution between portions of tobacco streams including a large proportion of short tobacco fibers and portions including a large proportion of long tobacco fibers of the tobacco stream set apart in advance in the entry stock is essentially longitudinal when the stream arrives on a transfer belt of the hopper. By imposing a change of direction on the tobacco stream as well as a reduction of speed of displacement of this stream, this longitudinal distribution is transformed into a transverse distribution. A spiked or barbed roller, placed at a right angle to this latter stream, homogenizes the distribution, making it possible for the distribution to be regular between short fibers and long fibers in the tobacco stream arriving through the chimney for the manufacture of the tobacco rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID VUILLEUMIER, BERNARD TALLIER
  • Publication number: 20010052347
    Abstract: A hair styling device for twirling locks of hair together including a main body, and at least two hair grabbers for respectively grabbing separate locks of hair. Each of the hair grabbers is connected to respective hair twisters, and each of the hair twisters rotates respective locks of hair to form twists of hair. The device further comprises a hair twist rotator body connected to each of the hair grabbers. The hair twist rotator body is connected to and rotatable relative to the main body. Rotation of the hair twist rotator body cables the twists of hair to form a cord of hair. The hair grabbers are substantially stationary relative to the hair twist rotator when the hair twist rotator rotates relative to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Jose Longoria
  • Publication number: 20010052348
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for cosmetic liquids, in particular a mascara tester, is provided with a container for holding the cosmetic liquid, a closure cap for the container and a wiper for the cosmetic liquid, which lodges in the neck of the container. In an intermediate stage of manufacture of the applicator assembly, the wiper is detachably mounted on the closure cap. In a subsequent stage of manufacture, upon insertion of the closure cap into the container neck, the wiper is durably fixed there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Werner Fischer, Norbert Dumler
  • Publication number: 20010052349
    Abstract: A dental floss holder has a gripping part (2) and a curved part (6) sifting on the latter, which is provided on its one end with an attachment element (10) for a piece of dental floss (8) to be tensed over the curved part. A deflecting element (4) is provided in the region of the other end of curved part (6), by means of which dental floss (8) is inverted by a finger that tenses it of the hand grasping gripping part (2). The reversing element can be configured as the transition region between gripping part (2) shaped like a knob part (4) and the throughput opening (14) for dental floss (8) which passes through curved part (6). A detachable connection, for example, in the form of a bayonet pin-and-socket (20), between curved part (6) and gripping part (2) permits a disassembly of the dental floss holder into a small size for travel as well as use of the gripping part with other attachable devices, for example, a toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kruno S. Thaleck
  • Publication number: 20010052350
    Abstract: A process for cleaning the interior walls of a reaction chamber after a number of silicon wafers is etched inside the chamber. The cleaning process includes bombarding the interior walls of the chamber with a first type of plasma in a dry cleaning operation, and then bombarding the interior walls of the chamber with a second type of plasma containing the element hydrogen in a warm-up operation. No silicon wafers need to be placed inside the chamber when the dry cleaning operation or the warm-up operation is conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: YU-CHANG CHOW, W. H. CHENG, CHIA-FU YEH, C.M. CHI, COBBY LEE
  • Publication number: 20010052351
    Abstract: A cleaning solution and method for removing copper contaminants, slurry particles and other contaminants from the polished surfaces of copper interconnect structures are provided. The cleaning solution comprises various combinations of a plurality of the following components: a zeta potential modifier, a pH adjuster, a contamination remover and a corrosion inhibitor. A corrosion inhibitor remover also may be provided to remove the corrosion inhibitor following contamination removal with the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution components may be pre-mixed or the components may be delivered individually, either simultaneously or sequentially in any order, to the surface of a semiconductor wafer during cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: BRIAN J. BROWN, MADHAVI CHANDRACHOOD, FRITZ REDEKER
  • Publication number: 20010052352
    Abstract: In a method for treating substrates, the substrates are lowered for treatment into a treatment fluid contained in a treatment device. The substrates are then lifted by a first receiving device at least partially out of the treatment fluid and transferred to a second receiving device for completely lifting the substrates out of the treatment fluid. The second receiving device is completely dry at the time of transfer. The drops forming at the lowest point of the substrates are drained during lifting by a drop draining element. The device for performing the method has a lifting device with a first and second receiving device and a drop draining device for draining the drops forming at the lowest point of the substrates during lifting of the substrates from the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: DIETMAR SCHONLEBER
  • Publication number: 20010052353
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning toilets, bathroom fixtures, and other surfaces. The device encloses a reservoir contained in a hollow handle for storing a cleaning solution, with a cap connected to one end of the handle and a base connected to the other end of the handle. A brush, sponge or other scrubber or cleaning surface is preferably attached to the base. A manually operated flow control mechanism opens a valve which seals at least one exit or dispensing orifice at or near the base of the reservoir, and thereby allows volume of cleaning solution to be dispensed at a reasonably fast, controlled rate of flow. In one embodiment, manually operated vacuum pressure release orifices are located at the opposite end of the reservoir from the exit orifice and are normally closed, but may be opened to minimize or eliminate any vacuum (subatmospheric pressure) in the reservoir, thereby aiding the flow of liquid from the reservoir through the exit orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: John Francois Brumlik
  • Publication number: 20010052354
    Abstract: A substrate is processed with a first process solution prepared by mixing sulfuric acid with a hydrogen peroxide solution, followed by processing the substrate with a second process solution. After the substrate is processed with the first process solution, the supply of sulfuric acid is stopped, with the hydrogen peroxide alone being supplied to the substrate. Then, the supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution is stopped, and the substrate is rinsed with a second process solution. The particular processing makes it possible to prevent the second process solution from reacting with sulfuric acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishibe, Akinori Iso
  • Publication number: 20010052355
    Abstract: A pressure washer includes a chassis as well as a liquid pump, a pump-driving prime mover, plural chemical product containers and a product selecting valve, all supported by the chassis. The pump is coupled to a mixing device and has a water inlet port for connection to, e.g., a garden hose. Each of the containers is attached to a separate valve conduit extending to the valve and the valve is connected to a device conduit extending to the mixing device. The product selecting valve includes a valve body with first and second inlet apertures and an outlet aperture. A distributor is mounted for movement with respect to the valve body and has a channel for selectively connecting one of the valve conduits to the device conduit. The user may thereby use the pressure washer to dispense any one of plural solutions involving, e.g., a detergent solution, a deck washing solution, a car washing solution, a car wax solution or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: HERB HOENISCH, PETER NUSHART, WES SODEMANN
  • Publication number: 20010052356
    Abstract: The present invention is an enclosure for sheltering a small aircraft, and provides an arcuate roof frame supported by a base frame. The roof frame has a fixed roof portion engaging a movable roof portion and a hydraulic system for adjusting the position of the movable roof. The fixed and movable roof portions are mutually engaged by a hinge system enabling vertical arcuate motion of the movable roof portion relative to the fixed roof portion. A fabric or thin sheet material cover is mounted over the fixed and the movable roofs so as to protect an aircraft stored within the shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: James M. Ross
  • Publication number: 20010052357
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermoelectric element of enhanced thermoelectric performance is provided by improving the preparation of thermoelectric material and employing hot plastic working in combination. The method comprises the step (a) of mixing and heat-melting a raw material of a predetermined composition; the step (b) of turning the heat-melted material 106 (in FIG. 2) into microglobules by either of scattering and spraying, and then quenching the microglobules, thereby providing a globular powdery thermoelectric material; and the step (c) of plastically deforming the thermoelectric material in a hot condition, thereby to bring crystal grains of the thermoelectric material into a crystal orientation affording an excellent figure of merit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Takeshi Kajihara, Akio Konishi, Yong Hoon Lee, Kiyoharu Sasaki, Kenichi Tomita, Takeji Kajiura
  • Publication number: 20010052358
    Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
  • Publication number: 20010052359
    Abstract: A method of substrate temperature control for plasma processing apparatus in which a substrate which is being held on a substrate holder in a process chamber is being processed, and He gas is passed through the gap between the substrate and the substrate mounting surface during the processing of the substrate, the substrate temperature is controlled by the thermal transfer characteristics of the gas and the substrate is cooled to the prescribed temperature, and the pressure of the He gas is preset by a pressure setting part 50a, the actual pressure is measured with a pressure gauge 49, and the gas flow rate is controlled in such a way that the measured pressure becomes equal to the set pressure by a pressure control valve 46. Furthermore, the substrate temperature controllability is assessed by monitoring the gas flow rate with a substrate temperature controllability assessment part 50b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: MASAYOSHI IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20010052360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and mixing two gases or mixtures of gases under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Francis Bryselbout
  • Publication number: 20010052361
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure relief valve, which achieves a reliable sealed structure in a valve holder 31 without the valve holder 31 jutting far out from a common rail, assures stability of operation of a valve spring 11 in a valve holder 31, and is capable of being manufactured at low cost and can be made compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Bosch Automative System Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Kushida, Etsuro Hozumi, Akinori Yamazaki, Kazumasa Kasahara, Hideya Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20010052362
    Abstract: Rotary handle device includes a coupling mechanism between the handle and a driven member. The handle is rotated about an axis and can also be axially moved between first and second positions. When the handle is in the first axial position it is operatively engaged with the driven member, and when the handle is in its second axial position it is operatively disengaged from the driven member. The handle drives the driven member via a coupling mechanism in the form of a keyed coupling between the handle and the driven member. The handle can be locked or receive a lock out device against rotation when it is in its second axial position. The keyed coupling and/or the pin and track arrangement can be used to permit axial movement of the handle only when the handle is in a predetermined orientation. The handle mechanism is shown in combination with a rotary operated valve having a valve stem as the driven member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: David J. Hasak, Michael A. Fornes, Jennifer K. Peteritis
  • Publication number: 20010052363
    Abstract: A butterfly valve comprises a valve housing, a valve member mounted within the valve housing, and a valve stem supporting the valve member within the valve housing for rotation between open and closed positions. At least one magnet is mounted on the valve stem for rotation with the valve member. At least one sensor is positioned for actuation by the magnet to indicate that the valve member is in its fully closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: T & R Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Raoul W. Robert
  • Publication number: 20010052364
    Abstract: Water is supplied to a water user outlet facility by maintaining a tappable flow of water in a recirculating loop that includes a pump such as a centrifugal pump driven by a substantially constant speed motor to establish the flow, a water delivery path that extends from the pump to the outlet facility, and a water return path that extends from the outlet facility back to the pump. The flow is permitted to be controllably tapped at the facility by a water user while directing any untapped portion of the flow into the water return path. Such recirculation avoids stagnation and thereby impedes deterioration in the potability of the water. Further such recirculation makes the recirculating loop and water within the loop less sensitive to the temperature of the surrounding environment. The recirculating loop may include a water purifier such as an ultra-violet lamp source to kill organic contaminants and, as well, may include a filter to remove inorganic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: ROBERT E WALKER
  • Publication number: 20010052365
    Abstract: Pressure reducer for compressed gases, comprising at least one regulation stage constituted by a chamber divided by a first membrane (25) into two chambers (23, 24), one of which said chambers (24) is maintained at a reference pressure and the other (23) at a pressure which depends on the gas pressure in the outlet pipe (3), an opening, closed by a membrane (43) integral with a cap (42), located between the said chamber (24) at the reference pressure and the said gas outlet pipe (3), a gas inlet chamber (10) with an opening (11) which leads to the said outlet pipe (3) in correspondence with the said cap (42), the movements of which said cap open and close the passage (11) between the said inlet chamber (10) and the said outlet pipe (3), and means (41) integral with the said first membrane (25) which act on the said cap (42) so that it approaches and retracts from opening (11) of the said gas inlet chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Pietro Parietti
  • Publication number: 20010052366
    Abstract: A connector 20 comprises a plug 21 fitted to an opening 2 formed in a container 1, and a socket 22 which is connected to the plug 21. The plug 21 comprises a bracket section 3 which is fitted into the opening 2 of the container 1, and a plug section 23 which is screwed into a threaded aperture 4 formed in the bracket section 3. An annular locking ring 63 formed with lugs 66 on the outer periphery is integrally but removably fitted to the plug section 23 which is threadedly attached to the threaded aperture 4. A plurality of engaging ribs 67 are formed on the inner peripheral face of the bracket section 3 for preventing rotation of the plug section 23 by engaging with the lugs 66 of the locking ring 63 which is fitted to the plug section 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20010052367
    Abstract: A bypass valve for directing fluid flow, where the bypass valve includes a valve body with a notch in at least one end thereof and a spool seated within the valve body. The spool is rotatable within the valve body. One preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one endcap attached to an axial end portion of the spool, where the endcap includes a protrusion extending thereon for preventing relative rotation between the spool and the valve body when the protrusion is positioned within the notch. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a bypass valve with a valve body including a plurality of ports and a generally cylindrical inner periphery, as well as a spool seated within the valve body, where the spool is rotatable and axially translatable within the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Wichmann
  • Publication number: 20010052368
    Abstract: The technical field of the invention generally concerns electronically controlled hydraulic valves adapted for use in electro-hydraulically controlled automotive transmissions. The proportional pressure control valve 20 includes a hollow cage 42 pierced by cage tank ports 52, cage clutch ports 54, and by cage pump ports 56. The cage pump ports 56 receive fluid from a pump. The cage clutch ports 54 supply fluid to a hydraulic actuator, such as that for an automotive clutch. The cage clutch ports 54 supply the fluid at a pressure that is proportional to an electrical control signal applied to a solenoid coil 252 of the valve 20. The cage tank ports 52 return fluid from the valve 20 to a tank from which the fluid circulates back to the pump. Located in the cage 42 is a main spool 112 that is movable laterally relative to the cage 42 for controlling a flow of hydraulic fluid between the cage clutch ports 54 and either the cage pump ports 56 or the cage tank ports 52.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Louis C. Harms, Zilek Liberfarb
  • Publication number: 20010052369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spool valve having a plurality of small-diameter portions formed at predetermined spacings on a peripheral surface of a shaft, and pairs of annular ridges on peripheral surfaces of the small-diameter portions to have a larger diameter than an inner diameter of collars, the collars being closely fitted between the annular ridges to make valve bodies, wherein the collars comprise an inner wall, an outer wall and at least one connection therebetween, and an annular gap is provided between the inner wall and the outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keigo Kato, Masataka Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20010052370
    Abstract: Ink is filled in an ink cartridge having a housing communicating with ambient air through an air communicating hole, a porous member impregnating with ink, an ink supply port, and a valve device including a valve body always urged by a spring and a valve seat abutting against the valve body, and ink is filled in the housing of the ink cartridge through the ink supply port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Shinada, Yuichi Nakamura, Hisashi Koike, Yukiharu Suda
  • Publication number: 20010052371
    Abstract: A treatment method for the internal surface of a moulded polyethylene plastics material container such as a drum, comprising the steps of: introducing an ionisable gas, such as argon, into the container; generating a plasma of the introduced gas by applying electric field of sufficient strength to the container and introduced gas, so as to cause an interaction with the internal surface of the container; coating the internal surface of the container with a curable epoxy-based first polymeric composition; and then curing the polymeric composition to form a coating on the internal surfaces of the container. A second coating, preferably with electrical conductive properties, may be applied and cured over the first coating. Conductive properties may provided by including conductive particles such as antimony doped tin dioxide, graphite or metal powders, in the second composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michael David Christy
  • Publication number: 20010052372
    Abstract: An apparatus for encrusting a filling material is provided. The apparatus includes a screw-transferring apparatus to transfer a filling material and encrusting material, and vane pumps to transfer the respective filling and encrusting materials to a combining nozzle. The combining nozzle combines the crust that is supplied by the vane pump for crusts out of the filling material that is supplied by the vane pump for filling materials. Each screw-transferring apparatus includes horizontal screws. Each vane pump has a vertical rotating shaft. The end of each screw is free and is positioned at the inlet of each vane pump. At the inlet of each vane pump a food-guide plane is formed. That plane is tangent to a trajectory of the outer edge of the vane of the vane pump. The trajectory forms a circle that has the biggest diameter among all of the trajectories defined by the outer edges of the vanes when the vanes rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Torahiko Hayashi, Yasunori Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20010052373
    Abstract: A friction material is disclosed to improve the &mgr;-v characteristic of a friction material without using lead or any other harmful substance. The friction material is a metallic friction material that is made of a copper alloy with a graphite content of about 1 to about 20 wt % and a ceramic content of about 1 to about 15 wt %. The graphite has a particle size of about 50 &mgr;m to about 200 &mgr;m and is arranged in a layer-like form. The ceramic has a particle size of 50 &mgr;m to 200 &mgr;m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jyunji Kanaoka
  • Publication number: 20010052374
    Abstract: A metal mold for manufacturing amorphous alloy. A metal mold is composed of a lower mold having a portion for fusing metal material and a cavity portion, and an upper mold working with the lower mold which presses molten metal in the portion for fusing metal material and pours the molten metal into the cavity portion to mold. And, surface roughness of a part of or all of an inner surface of the metal mold is arranged to be more than 12S in JIS indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Onuki, Akihisa Inoue, Hisashi Kakiuchi
  • Publication number: 20010052375
    Abstract: Abradable coatings for turbine engine shrouds are formed from biscuits formed of silicon-diffused powdered alloy compositions which are processed with an HF precursor to strip oxides from the coating during processing, the alloy blends comprising MCrAl(Y)n alloys in which n is 0, 1 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: GEORGE K. SIEVERS, EUGENE V. CLARK
  • Publication number: 20010052376
    Abstract: A carbon or low-alloy steel is provided with improved machinability. The carbon content of the steel is less than 1.5% and the sum of the alloy elements contained therein is less than 9%. The steel contains oxide and sulfide inclusions, and the chemical composition of the steel includes 0.1%≦Mn, 0.01%≦Al≦0.05%, 0.025%≦S≦0.3%, 0.002%≦Ca, O≦0.0015% by weight; the “KO oxides” cleanness index is less than 30, all the oxides are lime aluminates, and the average calcium content of type 2, type 3, type 4 and type 5 inclusions is less than 30%. A process of manufacturing such steel and an oxide-coated wire for its manufacture are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: ASCOMETAL
    Inventors: Philippe Damie, Christian Turrel
  • Publication number: 20010052377
    Abstract: A copper alloy with excellent punchability, comprising 0.2 to 0.35 wt % of Cr, 0.1 to 0.5 wt % of Sn, and 0.1 to 0.5 wt % of Zn, the balance being made of Cu and unavoidable impurities, wherein, in a Cu matrix, a precipitation phase A of Cr or a Cr compound of 0.1 to 10 &mgr;m in maximum diameter, is provided, at a density in number of 1×103 to 3×105/mm2, and a precipitation phase B of Cr or a Cr compound of 0.001 to 0.030 &mgr;m in maximum diameter, is provided, at a density in number that is 10 times or more of that of the precipitation phase A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Takao Hirai, Yoshimasa Ohyama, Takayuki Usami
  • Publication number: 20010052378
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition which when vulcanized may be used to form a safety support intended to be mounted on a wheel rim within a tire. The invention also is directed to such a support, capable of supporting a tread of the tire in the event of a drop in inflation pressure, and to a mounted assembly comprising this support. A rubber composition according to the invention comprises (phr: parts by weight per 100 parts of diene elastomer(s)): - natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene in a quantity of greater than or equal to 60 phr, more than 60 phr of a reinforcing white filler, and from 3 to 8 phr of sulphur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche et Technique
    Inventors: Francois Masson, Francois Bataille, Serge Teisseyre
  • Publication number: 20010052379
    Abstract: The invention provides a runflat device for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a ring for mounting inside a tire on a one-piece non-standard wheel rim that presents a drop center, an inner flange and an outer flange, said ring being made as at least two sectors each having a radially inner zone and a radially outer zone, wherein the sectors of the ring are independent of one another, and wherein each sector is fixed to the rim via its radially inner zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Olivier Heuze, Eric Michelot, Bruno Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20010052380
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate key sheet wherein a key sheet of a resin film 1 having a display section is bent into a same form as a top face side of the resin button 2 to be integrated with the resin button 2 and a cut-out 3 formed between resin buttons, and a rubber elastic sheet 4 are formed integrally through an adhesive 5 interposing between an area between resin buttons of the key sheet 2 and a rubber elastic sheet 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Akihiro Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20010052381
    Abstract: In a fibrous web, press-welded line portions are formed, and press-welded dot portions are formed in portions other than the press-welded line portions. The formation of the press-welded line portions makes it possible to raise the surface of the fibrous web, to increase the bulkiness of the nonwoven fabric and to make the nonwoven fabric soft. Further, figures are drawn by the press-welded line portions, whereby the nonwoven fabric comes to have an excellent appearance in comparison to a conventional nonwoven fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: HISASHI TAKAI, AKIRA SHIBATA
  • Publication number: 20010052382
    Abstract: A packaging tape includes a plastic film formed in a continuous length, and having first and second edges along the continuous length, and further having first and second portions continuously along the length adjacent the first and second edges, respectively. An adhesive is applied to both the first and second portions. Means for deadening the adhesive is applied to the first portion, whereby the first portion forms a continuous pull-tab along the length of the tape to facilitate removal of the tape. Ink is applied to the first portion for displaying tape removal instructions. A method of manufacturing the tape is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: JM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher A. Moulds, Donald F. Notaro, Michael Jones
  • Publication number: 20010052383
    Abstract: A method for producing wettable plastic film (58, 60; 64), for which the plastic material is extruded from a die (42; 66) and stretched and the surface of the plastic material is subjected to a pretreatment, wherein the pretreatment is carried out by means of a beam (36) of an atmospheric plasma in one working cycle with the extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: AGRODYN Hochspannungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Buske, Peter Frnsel
  • Publication number: 20010052384
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Hannington
  • Publication number: 20010052385
    Abstract: A process for making a protective and decorative surfacing film comprises extrusion coating a solventless polymeric material from an extruder die to form an optically clear first layer on a polyester carrier sheet traveling past the extruder die opening. The extrusion coated first layer is immediately cooled on the carrier sheet to harden it, followed by applying a pigmented second layer to the first layer. The composite paint coat is transferred to a reinforcing backing sheet, after which the carrier sheet is separated from the paint coat to expose the outer surface of the first layer as a high gloss surface with a high distinctness-of-image, providing a transparent protective outer coat for the pigmented second layer. The pigmented second layer can be solvent cast and dried or extruded and hardened as a separate coating on the first layer. The composite paint coat can be bonded to a coextruded size coat and semi-rigid plastic substrate panel to form a thermoformable laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Howard H. Enlow, John J. Markey, John E. Roys, Keith L. Truog, Frederick Young
  • Publication number: 20010052386
    Abstract: A label includes a base label having upper and lower opposed surfaces and first and second opposed ends. A base adhesive coats the lower surface of the base label. A top panel overlies the upper surface of the base label and is joined to the base label adjacent the first end. The top panel has an upper surface. A tab having upper and lower opposed surfaces overlies the upper surface of the base label. An adhesive patch is interposed between the base label and the tab adjacent the second end. The adhesive patch secures the lower surface of the tab to the upper surface of the base label. A laminate cover overlies the top panel and the tab. A laminate adhesive secures the laminate cover to the upper surface of the top panel and releasably joins the laminate cover to the upper surface of the tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Carl W. Treleaven, Glenn A. Grosskopf
  • Publication number: 20010052387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing a laminate, comprising at least one polymer film with information and at least one substrate, for further processing for forgery-proof documents, in which, in the first processing station (31), a supporting film (23) is delaminated on a first side of the polymer film (17), after which a substrate (18) is laminated on by an adhesive and subsequently exposed to a crosslinking-active radiation, and in which a laminate (44) led out from the first processing station (31) is fed to a second processing station (51), and the supporting film (23) is delaminated on a second side of the laminate (44), after which a substrate (19) is laminated on by an adhesive and subsequently exposed to a crosslinking-active radiation. (Significant figure: FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Waldemar Kiener, Johann Rein, Harald Hoeppner, Thomas Loer, Detlef Martens, Michael Radtke, Norbert Sengstock, Wolfgang Dorner, Peter Stiemert
  • Publication number: 20010052388
    Abstract: In this method, hot air at a particular temperature is blown onto lands (25, 26) for welding films (19, 21, 22, etc) two by two with transverse pressure (P) applied to the sheets to press them together, after which cold air is blown onto the welding lands. The machine welds a cellular block (18) of sheets (19, 21, 22) stacked by means of their mutual contact lands, the sheets delimiting horizontal cells (27, 28) between them. The machine comprises two batteries (23) of horizontal tubes (24) mobile horizontally and adapted to be introduced laterally into the horizontal cells of the block, the tubes being provided with nozzles (29) for blowing air onto the lands. This method heats the plates without contact and therefore dispenses with a cycle of cleaning the heat source. It easily welds cellular blocks of profiled polypropylene or polyethylene sheets without the drawbacks of other welding methods known in themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Martin Claude
  • Publication number: 20010052389
    Abstract: An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Catalyst utilization and catalyst/membrane interface improvements are disclosed. Specifically, the catalyst layer is applied directly onto the membrane electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology, California corporation
    Inventors: William Chun, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez, Juergen Linke
  • Publication number: 20010052390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for solid bonding without using a bonding agent are provided. A surface of metal, glass, or other bond members 16a and 16b is fluorinated by exposure to a mixture of HF gas from a HF gas supply unit 24 and water vapor from a vapor generator 26 in a fluorination process section 12. The bond members 16a and 16b are then placed in contact at the fluorinated surface on table 36 in bonding process section 14. Argon is then introduced to bonding chamber 34. Pressure is then applied to the first bond member 16a and second bond member 16b by a cylinder 46, and heated to below the melting point by a heater 48, to bond the first and second bond members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Mori, Yasutsugu Aoki, Takuya Miyakawa