With Assisting Projection Or Spray Of Coating Material Through Free Space Patents (Class 118/627)
  • Patent number: 11434381
    Abstract: A coating including one or more nano-materials and an organic material; wherein the one or more nano-materials are present in a concentration of up to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the coating. A razor comprising one or more blades; and a coating disposed on at least one of the one or more blades, wherein the coating comprises one or more nano-materials and an organic material, wherein the one or more nano-materials is present in a concentration of up to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: BIC-VIOLEX SA
    Inventors: Gerasimos Vasileiou, Georgios Vlachos, Vasileios Papachristos, John Parthenios, Konstantinos Papagelis
  • Patent number: 10600999
    Abstract: According to the disclosure, a method for producing an organic component is provided. The method includes providing a carrier substrate; forming an electrically conductive layer on or above the carrier substrate; applying an electrical potential to the electrically conductive layer; and forming at least one organic, functional layer for forming the organic component on or above the electrically conductive layer at least partly during the process of applying the electrical potential to the electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: OSRAM OLED GMBH
    Inventors: Heiko Heppner, Egbert Hoefling, Dieter Musa, Simon Schicktanz
  • Patent number: 10456837
    Abstract: A method for producing monodisperse spherical granules includes heating a dispersed chemically active material that contains at least one rare-earth metal, melting the material in a pot to form a melt, forming a laminar jet when the melt flows through a die made of a high-melting metal, forming a flow of monodisperse drops when the jet disintegrates under an action of perturbations applied with a set frequency, collecting any granules formed after switching to a stationary granulation mode, wherein, before the melt is fed to the die, an outer surface of the melt is covered with a film of an oxide of a dispersed chemically active material, helium is bubbled within the melt, mechanical impurities are removed from the melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL RESEARCH UNIVERSITY “MPEI”
    Inventors: Vasiliy Borisovich Ankudinov, Yuriy Aleksandrovich Marukhin, Vladimir Pavlovich Ogorodnikov
  • Patent number: 10351968
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electroplating are described. Apparatus described herein include anode supports including positioning mechanisms that maintain a consistent distance between the surface of the wafer and the surface of a consumable anode during plating. Greater uniformity control is achieved. The consumable anode in one implementation has a plurality of through channels and at least one depression on its surface (e.g., a depression surrounding a channel) that is configured for registering with a protrusion on a component of an anode assembly, such as with a support plate. Fasteners may pass through the channels in the anode and attach it to a charge plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingbin Feng, R. Marshall Stowell, Shantinath Ghongadi, Zhian He, Frederick Dean Wilmot
  • Patent number: 10307773
    Abstract: This coating system (2) for coating a workpiece (W1) with a liquid coating product, includes an ultrasonic spray head (14) for generating droplets of coating products, an electrode (32A) for generating an electrostatic field (E) between the electrode and the ultrasonic spray head (14) and a high-voltage generator (52) connected to the electrode for supplying the electrode with high voltage. The shape of the electrode (32A) is advantageously configurable on the basis of the geometry of the workpiece (W1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Exel Industries
    Inventors: Michel Colrat, Rémi Pagot, Robb Engle
  • Patent number: 9676078
    Abstract: A method of applying particles to a backing having a make layer on one of the backing's opposed major surfaces. The method including the steps of: supporting the particles on a feeding member having a feeding surface such that the particles settle into one or more layers on the feeding surface; the feeding surface and the backing being arranged in a non-parallel manner; and translating the particles from the feeding surface to the backing and attaching the particles to the make layer by an electrostatic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Moren, Brian G. Koethe, John T. Boden
  • Patent number: 9550672
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of forming an alane-etherate complex and ?-alane from the alane-etherate complex. The methods include reacting an alkyl halide with a metal alanate in a solvent including an ether. A tertiary amine may also be added to the reaction. The alane is collected after removal of the solvent and/or the tertiary amine. An electrospraying process can be used to remove the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Allison M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8985051
    Abstract: A coating apparatus produces a spray of charged droplets and controls the spray angle of travel of the spray toward the object to be coated. Electrically charging droplets minimizes the amount of coating material required to uniformly coat a surface as compared to conventional web coating techniques such as blade coating. An inductive ring guides the spray charged droplets as they exit the nozzle of a spray device. The electrostatic repulsion between the charged droplets insures that a uniform coating of liquid formulation can be applied to a web surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Crawford
  • Patent number: 8919278
    Abstract: A coating comprises a resin solution including a solution of neoprene latex and liquid asphalt emulsion and an accelerator solution including an aqueous solution of zinc sulfate powder and water. A spray system for applying the coating includes a spray gun having first and second nozzles, a first pump fluidly connected between the first nozzle and a resin solution reservoir for delivering the resin solution to the first nozzle at a first fluid pressure, and a second pump fluidly connected between the second nozzle and an accelerator solution reservoir for delivering the accelerator solution to the second nozzle at a second fluid pressure different from the first pressure. The accelerator solution may be aerated by a source of compressed air prior to discharge from the second nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Harco Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8602326
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer spray coating device, in certain embodiments, has a bell cup with a generally parabolic flow surface. This generally parabolic flow surface provides additional surface area for dehydration of coating fluids, thereby improving color matching as compared to traditional bell cups, for example, by affording capability for higher wet solids content. In addition, the coating fluid accelerates along the generally parabolic flow surface, resulting in the fluid leaving the bell cup at a greater velocity than in traditional bell cups. Furthermore, a splash plate disposed adjacent the bell cup, in certain embodiments, is designed such that fluid accelerates through an annular area between the splash plate and the generally parabolic flow surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: David M. Seitz, Roger T. Cedoz
  • Patent number: 8605292
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for cleaning of an optical position measurement system in a coating installation. The optical position measurement system includes a cantilever, and a sensor head having a radiation inlet and/or outlet for the reception and/or emission of an optical signal, at a free end of the cantilever. For tempering of the sensor head, a local thermoregulation is applied using a heater and/or cooling device for heating and/or cooling of the sensor head depending on thermal conductivity of material of at least the sensor head and depending on secondary heat in the coating installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: VON ARDENNE Anlagentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Damir Muchamedjarow, Hubertus Von Der Waydbrink, Michael Hentschel, Marco Kenne, Reinhardt Bauer, Steffen Leβmann, Thomas Bock, Reinhard Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20130095252
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally include apparatus and methods for depositing nanowires in a predetermined pattern during an electrospinning process. An apparatus includes a nozzle for containing and ejecting a deposition material, and a voltage source coupled to the nozzle to eject the deposition material. One or more electric field shaping devices are positioned to shape the electric field adjacent to a substrate to control the trajectory of the ejected deposition material. The electric field shaping device converges an electric field at a point near the surface of the substrate to accurately deposit the deposition material on the substrate in a predetermined pattern. The methods include applying a voltage to a nozzle to eject an electrically-charged deposition material towards a substrate, and shaping one or more electric fields to control the trajectory of the electrically-charged deposition material. The deposition material is then deposited on the substrate in a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: KURTIS LESCHKIES, Steven Verhaverbeke, Robert Visser
  • Publication number: 20130040067
    Abstract: Processes, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for forming products from atomized metals and alloys. A stream of molten alloy and/or a series of droplets of molten alloy are produced. The molten alloy is atomized to produce electrically-charged particles of the molten alloy by impinging electrons on the stream of molten alloy and/or the series of droplets of molten alloy. The electrically-charged molten alloy particles are accelerated with at least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field. The accelerating molten alloy particles are cooled to a temperature that is less than a solidus temperature of the molten alloy particles so that the molten alloy particles solidify while accelerating. The solid alloy particles are impacted onto a substrate and the impacting particles deform and metallurgically bond to the substrate to produce a solid alloy preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Kennedy, Robin M. Forbes Jones
  • Patent number: 8342120
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a tube with an ingress opening to receive a liquid, and an egress opening to release the liquid, a conductor positioned in a conduit of the tube, the conductor and the conduit having dimensions to cause a surface tension of the liquid to prevent a constant flow of the liquid from the egress opening, and a power supply coupled to the conductor to apply a charge to the liquid to overcome the surface tension and form at the egress opening a single jet stream of the liquid applicable on a substrate to create a pattern. The single jet stream can be controllable in part by a viscosity of the liquid. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kyekyoon Kim, Hyungsoo Choi, Philip Edward Heil, III
  • Patent number: 8272345
    Abstract: An electrohydrodynamic spraying or spinning deposition system, which includes a common source of pressurized liquid within a manifold, and an array of 2 or more spraying tips, each tip being fed from the common source of pressurized liquid to create a liquid flow path. An individual flow impedance device is disposed within each tip's individual liquid flow path from the pressurized liquid source into each spraying tip. The individual flow impedance devices are disposed within a replaceable sheet, which can be easily cleaned or changed to accommodate the instance liquid viscosity and composition. A high voltage source is applied to create a high voltage potential applied between the tip array and a deposition surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nanostatics Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Robertson, Ashley Steve Scott
  • Patent number: 8245661
    Abstract: A system for coating a surface comprising providing a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface; and separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface. Also an apparatus for coating a surface comprising a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; an application system for directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface, and a system for separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Phillip D. Hailey, Sumner D. Day, Joseph C. Farmer, Nancy Yang, Thomas M. Devine, Jr., Larry Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8236705
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for depositing a viscous material on a substrate surface. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of depositing a viscous material on a substrate surface, the method comprising: applying a pre-wet material to a surface of a substrate; depositing a viscous material atop the pre-wet material; rotating the substrate about an axis to spread the viscous material along the surface of the substrate toward a substrate edge; and depositing additional pre-wet material in a path along the surface and adjacent the spreading viscous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nitin H. Parbhoo, Spyridon Skordas
  • Patent number: 8161904
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dry coating solid dosage forms. The method includes the steps of placing solid dosage forms in a rotatable, electrically grounded housing, and spraying a film forming polymer powder composition into the housing during rotation thereof to form a polymer coating on the solid dosage forms, the polymer powder composition being sprayed using an electrostatic spray gun, and curing the coated solid dosage forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Jiangxu Zhu, Yanfeng Luo, Ying Liang Ma, Hui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110238161
    Abstract: This disclosure describes the application of a supplemental corona source to provide surface charge on submicrometer particles to enhance collection efficiency and micro-structural density during electrostatic collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicants: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, MICELL TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: John L. Fulton, George S. Deverman, Dean W. Matson, Clement R. Yonker, C. Douglas Taylor, James B. McClain, Joseph M. Crowley
  • Patent number: 8007871
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for selectively depositing molecular ions on nanoscale substrates such as carbon nanotube arrays using electrospray ionization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: NanoSelect, Inc.
    Inventors: Piu Francis Man, Salvatore J. Pace
  • Patent number: 7972567
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for manufacturing ultra-fine particles using corona discharge capable of manufacturing the ultra-fine particles nanometers in size from a reaction gas using the corona discharge. In the apparatus for manufacturing ultra-fine particles of the present invention, a reaction gas feeder supplies a nozzle with reaction gas, and the reaction gas is injected. When a power supply applies a high voltage to the nozzle, the corona discharge occurs at the nozzle. Thus, the injected reaction gas is dissolved, and a large number of ultra-fine particles are produced. Then, a collection plate collects the ultra-fine particles. In addition, a duct encloses the nozzle, so that a passage is formed between the nozzle and duct. Sheath gas supplied to the passage of the duct forms a gas curtain between the nozzle and the collection plate, so that the gas curtain leads the flow of the ultra-fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Kang-Ho Ahn
  • Patent number: 7882799
    Abstract: A method for establishing a calibrating standard for wafer inspection includes depositing solid ionized particles of a known size range with an aerosol onto a wafer. The method also includes depositing particles onto a wafer in a deposition chamber by using an aerosol stream and the solid particles suspended in a gas; ionizing the aerosol stream with a negative or positive charge polarity or both by passing the aerosol stream through a non-radioactive ionizer to produce charged particles and supplying such aerosol stream to the deposition chamber. An apparatus for producing charged particles includes an atomizer and a non-radioactive ionizer in fluid communication with each other. The apparatus may also include an electrospray droplet generator for producing an aerosol with dry-solid particles and an ionizer that ionizes the molecules of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: William Dick, Benjamin Y. H. Liu
  • Publication number: 20100307413
    Abstract: An arm of a coating robot is used to prevent external leakage of a high voltage. A tank is installed on a robotic arm and contains water as an actuating liquid. The water is supplied to a paint cartridge by a pump controlled by a controller. The water sent from the pump under pressure is supplied to the paint cartridge by a conduit tube. A high voltage generator and a bleeder resistor are combined with the tank such that a high voltage generated by the high voltage generator is supplied to the electrostatic paint applicator via the water. For replenishment of water to the tank is attained by relatively connecting a nozzle in communication with a water source to a main pipe. While the high voltage generator generates a high voltage, the nozzle and the main pipe are kept disconnected to maintain electrical insulation between the nozzle and the main pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: RANSBURG INDUSTRIAL FINISHING K.K.
    Inventors: Michio Mitsui, Ryuji Tani, Sadao Inose
  • Patent number: 7661610
    Abstract: An atomizer including an air motor and a rotary atomizing head, mounted in a front side of a housing member, while a high voltage generator applying a high voltage to paint through the air motor is mounted in a rear side of the housing member. A cover member is fitted on the housing member to cover an outer surface of the housing member. Opposite axial ends of the cover member are fitted on and attached to opposite axial ends of the housing member so as to leave an annular gap space between the cover member and the housing member. The annular gap space keeps almost entire radially confront areas of the cover member and the housing member, preventing high voltage electrostatic charges on the outer surfaces of the cover member from leaking through the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Patent number: 7105058
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a microfiber coating includes directing a liquid solution toward a deposition surface. The apparatus includes a tube defining a volume through which the liquid solution travels. An electric field is applied between the origin of the liquid solution and the surface. A gas is injected into the tube to create a vortex flow within the tube. This vortex flow protects the deposition surface from entrainment of ambient air from the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: PolyRemedy, Inc.
    Inventor: Dmitriy Sinyagin
  • Patent number: 7097711
    Abstract: An electrostatic flocking operation of a workpiece (5) is advantageously performed in a condition in which the moisture content of an adhesive layer formed on a surface of the workpiece (5) is kept at a favorable value by a humidifier (1). The humidifier (1) is provided between an electrostatic flocking chamber and an adhesive applicator which is disposed in the upstream side of the electrostatic flocking chamber. In the humidifier (1), a current of a moisture bearing air (2) is driven upon the adhesive layer of the workpiece (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignees: Mesac Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Abe, Teruyuki Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 7056387
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for isolating an electrostatic sprayer from an electrically grounded coating product distribution circuit connected thereto. The apparatus includes an electrostatic sprayer carried by a maneuverable robot arm, the sprayer capable of spraying an electrically conductive coating product such as water-based paint onto a workpiece passing in adjacent proximity thereby, on command. The coating product is supplied from a remote source of supply through at least one distribution circuit connected to the sprayer. The apparatus includes therein, carried by the robot arm, an electrically insulative storage tank for the coating product in valved fluid communication with the sprayer. The insulated storage tank is connected to and positioned downstream from a length of electrically insulative supply conduit connected to the distribution circuit and also carried by the robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: EFC Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunnar van der Steur
  • Patent number: 6887314
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating sheet material with thermoset material. In certain embodiments, first and second different induction furnaces are provided, with the coated sheet first proceeding into and through the first furnace, and then into and through the second furnace. The first furnace may be maintained at a temperature less than the second furnace, so that out-gassing of volatile materials is achieved in the first furnace and thereafter heightened cross-linking conversation rates are achieved in the second furnace at higher temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Material Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas E. Edwards, Mark R. Monterastelli
  • Patent number: 6827781
    Abstract: A device for moistening a material web moved in the transport direction, is preferably used for re-moistening a paper or textile web dried after printing by means of spray device for spraying a water fog onto the material web under the influence of an electrostatic field produced by a device for electrostatic charging. The device includes a reversing roller provided in the transport direction upstream of the spray device for deflecting the material web. The reversing roller has associated with it a device designed as a corona-charging electrode for electrostatic charging and the spray device has two water spray heads located on both sides of the material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Eltex-Elektrostatik GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst August Hahne, Franz Knopf
  • Patent number: 6787196
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming a paper or board web made from fibers in which the web is treated with calcium hydroxide and then with carbon dioxide gas so as to form calcium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper Oy
    Inventors: Vilho Nissinen, Timo Nyberg, Pasi Rajala, Lars Grönroos, Pentti Virtanen, Veli Käsmä, Hannu Niemelä
  • Publication number: 20040107900
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing objects includes an elevated tubular frame rail mounting a four axis robot arm with a tool such as a painting applicator. The robot is attached to a mounting base that moves along the rail permitting painting of the top and/or side of a vehicle body. Electrical power and fluid lines can be routed through the rail to the robot. Two such rails and multiple robots can be combined as a module for installation in a new or an existing painting booth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Scott J. Clifford, Eric D. Buchanan, James M. Kowalski, Roy A. Jerue, Paul D. Copioli, Michael G. Beem
  • Patent number: 6736899
    Abstract: In order to obtain an evenly flocked and an evenly coated surface of a strip-like elongated workpiece, any slack of the strip-like elongated workpiece is removed not to affect the workpiece when the workpiece travels through an electrostatic flocking and an electrostatic coating chamber at high speed. A slack of the workpiece occurs due to its own weight under the influence of gravity when the workpiece travels through the electrostatic flocking and the electrostatic coating chamber at high speed. A V-shaped oblique surface portion of the workpiece is forcibly defined by a pressure roller in a position corresponding to that of the slack of the strip-like elongated workpiece. An electrode is disposed in parallel to the workpiece's V-shaped oblique surface portion defined by the pressure roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignees: Mesac Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Abe, Teruyuki Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 6716286
    Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-web contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an effective electrical field originating from a location on the second side of the substrate and at a location substantially at and downstream of the fluid contact area. The electrical field can be generated in a highly effective manner relative to the coating fluid by a sharply defined electrode on the second side of the substrate. Ultrasonics combined with electrostatic fields further enhances coating process conditions and coating uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Sharon Wang, Luther E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6680086
    Abstract: Method and assembly for forming a paper or board web and a product made using the method. According to the method, the web (11) is made from fibers and then the web (11) is treated with pigment particles. The web is treated with microscopic pigment particles whose average size is so small as to permit the particles to adhere to each other by van der Waals forces. The particles are transferred to the web and adhered thereto advantageously using an ion-blast technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mesto Paper Oy
    Inventors: Vilho Nissinen, Timo Nyberg, Pasi Rajala, Lars Grönroos, Pentti Virtanen, Veli Käsmä, Hannu Niemelä
  • Patent number: 6666918
    Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-substrate contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an electrical field (originating from electrical charges which are on the second side of the substrate) that is substantially at and downstream of the fluid wetting line. The electrical field can be generated by charges that have been transferred to the second side of the substrate from a remote charge generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Nancy J. W. Hiebert, Luther E. Erickson, Peter T. Benson
  • Patent number: 6645300
    Abstract: A plurality of unconventional negative tribo-charging materials are described for use as the powder contact surfaces in tribocharging and corona powder spray guns, gun components, and powder delivery system components. The invention also provides a short barrel tribo-charging powder spray gun having an interchangeable powder contact insert and nozzle, with turbulence inducing air jets. The invention further provides novel tribocharging and corona gun designs. Improved powder coating systems are made possible wherein, for example, negative tribo guns can be utilized with negative corona guns to coat different parts of the same workpiece in a powder coating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Rehman, Harry J. Lader, James W. Messerly
  • Publication number: 20030143315
    Abstract: Methods and systems for coating at least a portion of a medical device (e.g., a stent structure) include providing a plurality of coating particles (e.g., monodisperse coating particles) in a defined volume. For example, the particles may be provided using one or more nozzle structures, wherein each nozzle structure includes at least one opening terminating at a dispensing end. The plurality of coating particles may be provided in the defined volume by dispensing a plurality of microdroplets having an electrical charge associated therewith from the dispensing ends of the one or more nozzle structures through use of a nonuniform electrical field between the dispensing ends and the medical device. Electrical charge is concentrated on the particle as the microdroplet evaporates. With a plurality of coating particles provided in the defined volume, such particles can be moved towards at least one surface of the medical device to form a coating thereon (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: David Y.H. Pui, Da-Ren Chen
  • Patent number: 6558754
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for distribution of hard particles to the surface of a paper web (20) impregnated with resin. The apparatus includes a feed hopper (3), a rotating doctor-roll (2) placed under the feed hopper (3). The doctor-roll (2) is in spaced relation to said paper web (20) fed under the doctor-roll (2). There is a means for releasing the particles from the doctor-roll (2) and distributing them evenly on the fed paper web. Said means comprises an electrode arrangement (4). The electrode arrangement (4) is enclosed by a casing (5) provided with a downwards direction sliding plate (7). The invention also includes a process where the apparatus is used as well as particle coated paper produced by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Per-Erik Velin, Brian Perkins, Jan-Olof Bengtsson, Henrik Frosthagen
  • Patent number: 6491756
    Abstract: It is proposed in order to adjust the release quantities of spraying heads (58), by means of which lubricant is sprayed onto surface areas of metal sheets (10), to provide a temperature regulation for the lubricant and to control the lubricant release by the spraying heads (58) via the temperature adjustment. The temperature adjustment of the lubricant is effected by using a heat exchanger (16) circulating hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Klaschka GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Platsch, Walter Klaschka, Albert Kiessling
  • Publication number: 20020176926
    Abstract: Apparatus and a concomitant method for electrostatically depositing select doses of medicament powder at select locations on a substrate. Specifically, the apparatus contains a charged particle emitter for generating charged particles that charge a predefined region of a substrate and a charge accumulation control circuit for computing the amount of charge accumulated upon the substrate and deactivating the emitter when a selected quantity of charge has accumulated. Additionally, a triboelectric charging apparatus charges the medicament powder and forms a charged medicament cloud proximate the charged region of the substrate. The medicament particles within the medicament cloud electrostatically adhere to the charged region. The quantity of charge accumulated on the substrate at the predefined region and the charge-to-mass ratio of the medicament powder in the cloud control the amount (dose) of medicament deposited and retained by the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy Allen Pletcher, Pabitra Datta, Christopher Just Poux, Randall Eugene McCoy
  • Patent number: 6486004
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for evenly applying an atomized adhesive for bonding a die to a leadframe is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hood in communication with an air supply and a vacuum plenum that encompass a semiconductor device component located in a target area during adhesive application so that the adhesive is selectively applied to specific portions of the leadframe or other semiconductor device component and adhesive is not allowed outside the system. A mask or stencil may be employed for further prevention of adhesive application to undesired areas. An air purge may be employed to direct the adhesive mist toward the component to be coated. In another embodiment, a fine adhesive spray is directed against the surface of the workpiece to be coated, selected areas being masked to prevent coating. Wafers may be coated as well as leadframes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Wensel
  • Publication number: 20020106452
    Abstract: The present invention provides: (i) a method of and apparatus for depositing material, preferably a film, on a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: providing a substrate; heating the substrate (5); generating an aerosol comprising droplets of a material solution; providing a nozzle unit (11) for delivering the aerosol to the substrate, the nozzle unit including at least one outlet (18) through which a directed flow of the aerosol is delivered and at least one electrode (21); charging the aerosol droplets with a positive or negative charge; providing a flow of the aerosol through the nozzle unit so as to deliver a directed flow of the aerosol from the at least one outlet; and generating an electric field between the substrate and the at least one electrode such that the directed aerosol flow attracted towards the substrate; and (ii) a method of and apparatus for fabricating a powder, preferably an ultrafine powder, the method comprising the above steps but where the aerosol droplets react homogeneous
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Kwang-Leong Choy, Bo Su
  • Patent number: 6326062
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for use in spraying inter alia personal care and personal hygiene products comprises an outlet (94) from which the product issues in the form of an electrostatically charged spray and a control member (60, 60a) for attenuating the potential gradient in the vicinity of the outlet (94) to such an extent that spraying is suppressed until the device is brought to within a predetermined distance from a site to be spayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Timothy James Noakes, Andrew Jefferies, Maurice Joseph Prendergast, Michael Leslie Green
  • Publication number: 20010038988
    Abstract: In a heat processing apparatus structured to heat a wafer on a hot plate, a black plate at least the rear face of which practically has a color with a JIS lightness of 0V to 4V is positioned above the hot plate. Moreover, cooling air is blown out from nozzles onto the rear face of the hot plate. Thus, the temperature of the hot plate can be cooled rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tetsuya Oda, Mitsuhiro Tanoue, Toshichika Takei, Eiichi Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 6280524
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically coating powder on a flat panel and a method for using such apparatus are provided. In the apparatus, a heating device is used to heat a panel to be coated and positioned on a powder spray chamber to a temperature of at least 100° C. and simultaneously charging the panel with a negative voltage of at least 20,000 volts. The high temperature and the high voltage of the otherwise non-conductive panel result in a panel that is electrostatically conductive. Powder particles that are charged with a high positive voltage are then injected toward the panel surface by an air pressure of at least 0.8 kg/cm2 until particles are adhered to the panel surface. The present invention novel method can be used advantageously at low costs due to its simple processing steps and as an environmentally friendly process since no solvent needs to be evaporated and released into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Shieh-Hsien Lin, Jen-Yun Huang, Lung-Tsai Kuang
  • Publication number: 20010009700
    Abstract: A method for transferring in an encapsulated space (1), with the aid of high voltage, additional material (5) onto the surface of a material web (2) moving through the space. The additional material which is added onto the surface of the material web (2) is brought into the housing (1) in a controlled manner in the form of dust or spray (5), for example. The dust or the spray particles are transferred onto the surface of the material web (2) in the encapsulated space (1) by using ion blasting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: VEIKKO ILMASTI, TIMO NYBERG
  • Patent number: 6168666
    Abstract: Acoustic bead charger/dispenser employs a bead dispersion plate (BDP) to align beads with, for example, bead collection zones of a bead transporter chuck, then propel or launch them toward the bead collection zones, using acoustic energy provided by a speaker. The bead dispersion plate can be configured so that the acoustic energy from the speaker may be directed so as to impart to the bead translational kinetic energy primarily in a direction toward the bead collection zone of the bead transporter chuck. The bead dispersion plate can comprise a conductive surface that can be used to accelerate the beads toward the bead transporter chuck. Using sufficient acoustic energy applied by the speaker, sufficient translational kinetic energy can be imparted to beads to remove them from the conductive surface when they are under the influence of an electrostatic image force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventor: Hoi Cheong Sun
  • Patent number: 6126752
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising an integrated circuit and a capacitor. In this capacitor, a bottom electrode, a dielectric film and a top electrode are formed, independently of the integrated circuit, on the interlayer insulating film, and the top electrode and bottom electrode are connected with metal interconnections through contact holes opened in the protective film for protecting the surface of the capacitor. In this constitution, either the top electrode or the bottom electrode is connected the bias line of the integrated circuit, and the other is connected to the ground line, so that extraneous emission may be reduced without having to connect the capacitor outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Fujii, Yasuhiro Shimada, Yasuhiro Uemoto, Shinitirou Hayashi, Tooru Nasu, Koichi Arita, Atsuo Inoue, Akihiro Matsuda, Masaki Kibe, Tatsuo Ootsuki
  • Patent number: 6127082
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for supplying material to a substrate (109). The apparatus includes a member (3) having a surface with a plurality of features (8) which locate, in use, menisci of a liquid (1) supplied to the member. An actuator (4) induces mechanical vibrations within the liquid located by the features to cause liquid droplets (7) to be sprayed. Liquid (1) is supplied to the member and electrical charge is supplied to the member and electrical charge is supplied to the liquid by, for example, an electrode (14). Electrical charge or potential is also supplied to the substrate (109) so that the droplets are directed towards the substrate to deposit material thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: TCC Group PLC
    Inventors: Victor Carey Humberstone, Andrew Jonathan Sant, David Mark Blakey, Peter John Taylor, Richard Wilhelm Janse Van Rensburg
  • Patent number: 6113759
    Abstract: An anode assembly includes a perforated anode and an electrical contact assembly attached to the anode. A perforated anode holder holds the anode. The anode holder includes perforations at least in a bottom wall such that plating solution may flow through perforations in the anode holder and perforations in the anode. An anode isolator separates the anode and a cathode. The anode isolator includes at least one curvilinear surface. The contact assembly includes a closed or substantially closed cylinder member of titanium or titanium alloy, a copper lining or disk disposed within the cylinder, and a titanium or titanium alloy post fixed and in electrical engagement with the lining or disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Cyprian E. Uzoh