Mask Or Stencil Utilized Patents (Class 427/272)
  • Patent number: 5324535
    Abstract: A printed wiring board is selectively covered with solid solder resist pattern implemented by a first solder resist sub-pattern formed from liquid photo-sensitive solder resist and a second solder resist sub-pattern formed from photo-sensitive fry films, and a first area with pads and a second area with a through-hole or via-hole are respectively covered with the first solder resist sub-pattern and the second solder resist sub-pattern so that any peeling of the first solder resist sub-pattern and any residue of the liquid photo-sensitive solder resist in the through-hole or via-hole never take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kiminori Ishido
  • Patent number: 5302423
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a pixelized phosphor having a space between the pixels in the range of about 0.5-25 microns, the process comprising the steps of:(a) depositing a phosphor on a support;(b) exposing the deposited phosphor to a source of electromagnetic radiation through a mask thereby ablating the phosphor segmentally, resulting in a series of structures in both said X and Y directions to produce an array of pixelized phosphors separated by slots;(c) filling the resulting slots between the pixelized phosphors with phosphor material of the same or different composition as utilized in step (a) such that each of the pixelized phosphors on the support are separated by a width of from about 0.5-25 microns; and(d) optionally, planarizing the pixelized phosphors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Nang T. Tran, Kenneth R. Paulson
  • Patent number: 5296271
    Abstract: Photoreactive polymers are treated by exposure to microwave energy. A film of a photoreactive polymer (12), such as a photoresist, is applied to a substrate (10) and selectively exposed to ultraviolet light. The latent image produced is further cured or polymerized by treating the photoresist with microwave energy. Combinations of microwave and thermal energies are also used. The treated photoresist is then developed, producing a sidewall (17) that is vertical, and is improved by reduction of anomolies such as scum or a foot (16) at the base of the resist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Swirbel, Richard J. Kolcz, James L. Davis
  • Patent number: 5296305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of an optical lens providing refractive index modulation, characterized in that, starting from a previously shaped lens of transparent hydrophilic polymer of the hydrogel type, the lens is impregnated with a photopolymerizable composition containing at least one monomer and a photoinitiator in solution in a solvent which causes swelling of the lens, the impregnated lens is subjected to irradiation which is spatially modulated in irradiation intensity and/or irradiation time, thus causing local selective polymerization of the monomer, whereupon the excess quantity of photoinitiator and non-polymerized monomer is removed by solvent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Esslior International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Dominique Baude, Daniel Lougnot
  • Patent number: 5281450
    Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Zvi Yaniv
  • Patent number: 5256442
    Abstract: Method to form a photosensitive ink film having an even thickness over the entire surface of a broad plate material capable of obtaining a multiplicity of printed wiring boards. An emulsion pattern 4 is provided on a screen 3 on which a squeegee travels. The pattern 4 is formed correspondingly to a cutting spaces of a plate material for the purpose of obtaining a multiplicity of printed wiring boards. When a photosensitive ink is forced onto the broad plate material through a screen 3 for a screen printing, the photosensitive ink is dispersed by the pattern 4, thereby forming a film of even thickness over the entire surface of the plate material not corresponding to the emulsion pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon CMK Corp.
    Inventor: Shin Kawakami
  • Patent number: 5246730
    Abstract: A method of applying a conformal coating to a printed circuit board and components attached thereto while leaving selected components attached thereto uncoated, comprises the steps of providing a printed circuit board having a multiplicity of components attached thereto, including selected components that are not to be coated; enclosing the selected components within conductive protective enclosures sized to enclose the selected components therein and thereby protect those components from the intrusion of conformal coating material, the enclosures having sufficient electrical conductivity to discharge electrostatic charges therefrom when one of the enclosures is contacted by an electrically conductive medium, thereby protecting the components attached to the printed circuit board from damage due to the discharge of electrostatic charges from the enclosures; applying a conformal coating to the printed circuit board, thereby conformal coating the enclosures and the components which are not protected by the encl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Conductive Containers, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Peirce, Raymond P. Becker
  • Patent number: 5240740
    Abstract: A two-pole inductive magnetic head for a computer disk drive assembly. The head generates a stream of main pulses and secondary pulses in a readback waveform when reading data from a magnetic medium, each bit of read data represented by a respective main pulse. The head includes an integrating feature which reduces the amplitude and high frequency content of the secondary pulses in the readback waveform so as to ease the task of electronically isolating the main pulses for downstream processing of the read data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Karl A. Frey, Michael Mallary
  • Patent number: 5230849
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a high performance, electrochemical components. The plate is manufactured by forming a first electrode material on a substrate. Next, a thin electrolyte or interconnector coating is deposited on the electrode material. In the final step, a second electrode material is deposited on the electrolyte or interconnector, and the complete structure is removed from the substrate. The electrolyte/electrodes plates and interconnector plates formed by the method of this invention may be used in the manufacture of electrochemical converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Michael S. Hsu
    Inventor: Michael S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5209949
    Abstract: A structural surface such as a wall or pavement related to a building has a patterned layer of stones, which externally retains the texture of the stones. The surface is given a coating of adhesive. A mask of the desired pattern is placed on the adhesive coating. Stones of one characteristics, e.g. color or size, are applied over the mask and adhere to the adhesive layer where the adhesive remains exposed through openings in the mask pattern. Non-adhering stones of the first characteristic are removed; the mask is removed exposing a pattern on the structural surface of said adhesive coating. Stones of a second characteristic are applied to the surface and adhere to the exposed adhesive coating. Excess, non-adhering stones are removed leaving a patterned stony surface, which is then covered with a thin layer of clear plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Hideharu Osada
  • Patent number: 5203944
    Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article by thermal spraying utilizes a plurality of masks having a support layer with a removable liner thereon and a cut-away portion. The masks correspond to cross-sections normal to a centerline through the object. A set of masks defines all cross-sections through the object. A first mask is placed above a work surface and sprayed with a deposition material forming a first layer portion of the deposition material within the cut-out and second layer portion on the liner. The liner and second layer portion of deposition material thereon are removed. A second mask is placed over the remaining support portion of the first mask and sprayed with deposition material therein. Then the liner portion of the second mask and deposition material therein are removed. This process is repeated until the three dimensional article is formed. Then the mask support portions surrounding the article are removed from the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Fritz B. Prinz, Lee R. Weiss, Duane A. Adams
  • Patent number: 5185055
    Abstract: The method of forming a pattern on a substrate is described which includes first applying a film of thermo plastic material under pressure to a substrate. Energy is then supplied to dissipate heat at the surface of the film facing the substrate thereby to bond the film to the substrate. Next, areas of the film are selectively dry etched to form a predetermined pattern on the substrate and this is followed by depositing on the substrate in the areas where the film has been dry etched, a layer of patterning material. Finally, dry removal from the substrate is effected of the film remaining thereon. There is also described the application of this method to the manufacture of an array, drop-on-demand ink jet printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Xaar Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Temple, Stuart Speakman
  • Patent number: 5178913
    Abstract: A mask for covering part of the surface of the material to be coated comprises an aluminum foil, and a film of a resin provided on one surface of the foil and having a high power of adhering to the foil and any film of paint formed on the resin film. The film of paint which is formed on the resin film when the paint applied to the material to be coated is baked in an oven does not peel off and contaminate the interior of the oven. No such paint film peels off and adheres to the coated surface of the coated product, either, but the mask ensures the improved quality of the coated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Gen Kusunoki, Toshio Kai, Ikuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5173441
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing process for laser ablation deposition (LAD) in which metal features are written from a source substrate onto a target substrate. The source substrate and target substrate are mounted in close proximity to one another within a vacuum chamber. A laser beam is scanned in a programmed sequence or selected pattern through a transparent target substrate and onto a metallic film formed on the source substrate. Ablation of the metal film and deposition onto the target substrate may be closely controlled by the laser being focused directly at the metal film on the source substrate and by the selection of a source substrate having a suitable thermal conductivity. The process may be further controlled by selective heating of the source substrate. The process can be used to ablate and deposit a single or multiple metal layers on the target substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Yu, Trung T. Doan
  • Patent number: 5133621
    Abstract: An article and process for creating designs on the surface of concrete are provided wherein the flat, flexible article is placed onto and worked into the smooth, wet surface layer of concrete. The concrete is permitted to harden to a partially set condition and the article is lifted from the partially set surface layer of the concrete to leave an impression of the article in the surface layer which becomes a permanent impression when the concrete hardens to a fully set condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Edward S. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 5110520
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous static pressure gas bearing includes the steps of impregnating a porous material to be adjusted in injection flow rate with resin and closing vent openings, and applying a solvent for dissolving the resin to the porous material through a pattern having a predetermined opening distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takatomi Miyazaki, Satoshi Ohsaki
  • Patent number: 5100764
    Abstract: A method of making patterned metal oxide films on microelectronic wafer substrates. They are prepared by making a sol-gel of a metal oxide in combination with an ultraviolet light sensitive photo-active compound. The sol-gel is applied to a silicon wafer substrate, and the wafer subjected to a predetermined pattern of ultraviolet light to cause the photo-active compound to respond to the ultraviolet light. The wafer is thereafter aqueous alkali metal hydroxide washed to wash away the portions of the metal alkoxide film which have been exposed to UV light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley A. Paulson, Allen R. Landin
  • Patent number: 5091220
    Abstract: A method for shielding areas of an article whereby a masking member is used to protect the selected areas from various surface treatments such as coating, plating, vacuum evaporation, and phosphatizing. The mask is attached to the article with an adhesive, the surface treatment is performed on the article, and the mask is removed by suction. The inventive method is particularly useful on car bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Nagoya Oilchemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seinosuke Horiki, Reiji Makino
  • Patent number: 5087486
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for masking a part during a multi-step process including a blasting process using abrasive media for etching or cleaning a part. In each step of the multi-step process, the workpiece and mask are aligned together by pins extending from a supporting surface of the apparatus. The pins have a lower surface configured to hold the workpiece and an upper part or portion of a triangular cross section to provide line contact with the walls of apertures in the mask and part. The triangular configuration keeps the mask aligned with the workpiece while at the same time allowing air to pass through the apertures. After the abrasive blasting process, a stream of compressed air is applied to the bottom of the part and mask to cause the mask to move or flutter up and down relative to the surface of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Progressive Blasting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. DeVos, Bruce A. Sterenberg, Michael L. Tubergen
  • Patent number: 5085886
    Abstract: A predetermined pattern of a dielectric polymer is formed on a substrate from a prepolymer which is an ether of the reaction product of a dicyclopentadiene and a phenol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Zupancic, Daniel C. Blazej, Howard A. Fraenkel
  • Patent number: 5069939
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for covering a substrate with a cementitious simulated ceramic surface having a mottled, speckled appearance. Cement and sand are mixed with an aqueous solution of an adhesive resin to create a viscous liquid mortar. The viscous liquid mortar is applied onto randomly spaced portions of the cementitious substrate to create a noncontiguous thickened cementitious coating having a high viscosity to prevent spreading of the liquid mortar over the cementitious substrate. The noncontiguous thickened cementitious coating is troweled to form a plurality of interconnecting and non-interconnecting flattened and level plateaus partially covering the cementitious substrate to reveal a simulated mottled, speckled ceramic covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Gordon McKinnon
  • Patent number: 5035916
    Abstract: An optical waveguide is made by forming a layer of SiO.sub.2 on a substrate and implanting a region of the SiO.sub.2 layer with Si ions to define a region containing a stoichiometric excess of Si which defines a region having an elevated refractive index surrounded by a region having a lower refractive index. The resulting optical waveguide is stable at the high temperatures required for many semiconductor processing methods, and is useful for optical interconnection in integrated optical and optoelectronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Joseph P. Ellul, Albert R. Boothroyd
  • Patent number: 5032430
    Abstract: A method of producing a metal gasket having at least a cooling water opening comprises steps of coating a surface treatment agent on an outer surface of the metal gasket, covering by a masking jig the outer surface of the metal gasket except a region surrounding the cooling water opening, and removing the surface treatment agent in the region by jetting superhigh pressure water at the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Leakless Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Abe, Sadao Watanabe, Norio Hamba
  • Patent number: 4997687
    Abstract: A patterned product having a three-dimensional appearance comprising a transparent substrate with a discontinuous pattern coating in combination with a second pattern coating on a separate surface is disclosed, along with a method for its production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Carter
  • Patent number: 4978558
    Abstract: Methods for selectively applying a diffusion aluminide coating to the surface of a metal article while keeping other article surfaces free of the coating are described. The method includes the steps of injection molding a mixture of materials onto the surfaces which are to be kept free of coating; the material comprises solid particles effective in preventing deposition of the coating onto the surfaces and a moldable amorphous thermoplastic resin; it contains no volatilizable solvents. The mixture is applied to the article surface to a thickness of about 5 millimeters. It is useful in pack diffusion as well as vapor phase diffusion aluminide coating operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Foster P. Lamm
  • Patent number: 4968526
    Abstract: A method for making a key top of a push button is disclosed, in which a part of a light intercepting paint, which is the uppermost layer at each of displaying portions on the top surface of the key top, is removed so as to expose a displaying ink printed previously under the layer in accordance with the shape of the display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Takii, Toshiji Chiba, Shigeru Satoh, Shinichi Nagano, Fumio Sakamoto, Atsushi Itoh
  • Patent number: 4954192
    Abstract: A process for applying a permanent filled engraved identification to the surface of an object such as a paving brick which is made of porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Pristine Products
    Inventor: John T. Dziekan
  • Patent number: 4952420
    Abstract: An etchless patterning method for depositing material patterns upon substrates. The method involves providing substrate to be patterned, immobilizing a patterned physical mask upon a mask carrier, transferring the mask from the carrier to contact the substrate, immobilizing the mask upon the substrate while removing the mask carrier, exposing the masked substrate to vapor phase pattern material in a vacuum, reimmobilizing the mask upon the mask carrier and removing the mask from the substrate in a manner that allows the mask to remain immobilized on the mask carrier. The process is particularly well suited for the production of circuit boards or electronic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Advanced Dielectric Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn J. Walters
  • Patent number: 4952104
    Abstract: A method of finishing the surface of a structure, which comprises fixing a rigid or elastic pattern member on a surface, with the pattern member including a releasable covering material applied thereto, applying a coating material to the surface and the member, removing the covering material, which is peelably attached on the surface of the pattern member, together with an uncured portion of the coating material placed on top of the pattern member, before the coating material is completely dried, and curing the coating material. In this way, the pattern member remains in the coating material as a joint, providing an attractive surface finish disposed within the coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventor: Hideharu Osada
  • Patent number: 4935083
    Abstract: A process for providing a design patterns in a material wherein a selected medium is applied to the material, the material being positioned adjacent a surface of a template which surface has selected surface characteristics either topographical or non-topographical in nature. The material is held against the template surface at a selected pressure and for a selected time period, at least a portion of the medium coming into contact with the template surface, the adhesive and conesive forces of the material, the medium, and the template interacting with each other to generate a unique design relief pattern on the surface of the material which pattern differs from the pattern characteristics of the template. The material is then suitably dried. The viscosity and amount of the medium, as well as the pressure used, are selected to lie within specified ranges to produce heavy or light relief patterns on permeable or non-permeable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Todd L. Siler
  • Patent number: 4927663
    Abstract: A method of silk screen printing on a piece of paper, such as poster paper, in which a first silk screen printing is effected onto the sheet utilizing a printing ink that produces minimal curl in the edge of the sheet, and at least one subsequent silk screen printing is effected onto the sheet utilizing a water-based printing ink. The resulting curl is less than that which would be obtained if the first screen printing were made with the water-based ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Small Products Limited
    Inventors: Richard F. Small, Dakshesh S. Patel, Lascelle A. Barrow, Barry M. Dix
  • Patent number: 4923545
    Abstract: This invention is a process for producing composite laminates containing interlaminar disbonds of controlled sizes, shapes, and positions within a composite structure. A composite layer is provided for later inclusion within a laminate. The surfaces of this composite layer are solvent cleaned and sandblasted, except in desired disbond areas, which are coated with a releasing surface. A template to mask the bond areas is employed to obtain disbond areas of controlled shapes and sizes. The resulting composite layer is then used in the subsequent manufacture of a laminate, whereby faulty adhesion in the laminate can be studied with prior knowledge of the size, shape, and location of the disbond areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: George E. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 4913786
    Abstract: A method of corrosion, sound and vibration-proofing of a metal structure which comprises masking a selected surface of said metal structure with a polystyrene foam masking member wherein said polystyrene foam has a closed cell structure and the density of said polystyrene foam is in the range of 12.5 to 50 g/l, coating the surfaces of said metal structure, including said masking member, with plasticized polyvinyl chloride by the spray coating and removing said masking member from the resulting polyvinyl chloride-coated metal structure by stripping off said masking member with a hook for removal from said polyvinyl chloride-coated metal structure, and said masking members are panel types for the even surfaces of said metal structure, block types with a slit for the panel like parts of said metal structure, tube types with a hole for the protruding parts of said metal structure, and plug types for the holes in said metal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignees: Nagoya Oilchemical Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seinosuke Horiki, Reiji Makino, Hisami Iwata
  • Patent number: 4909884
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing a banner consisting of an elongated flexible strip upon which indicia is located wherein the indicia is formed by computer-controlled apparatus. A masking material is directly laminated to the banner face and, preferably, the lateral edge regions of the banner are provided with drive and orientation holes cooperating with drive structure of a computer-controlled cutting machine through which the laminated banner and mask are fed. The computer-controlled cutter slits only the masking material to define the desired indicia and the unwanted portions of the masking material are then peeled from the banner face. The remaining masking material may form the indicia itself, but in the preferred embodiment, the exposed banner face is coated, as with paint, and after drying, the remaining masking material is removed from the banner face to produce a long-lasting banner having painted indicia defined thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Ranger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Wormser
  • Patent number: 4884623
    Abstract: In production of a gap spacer for magnetic heads in electric and electronic appliances, accumulation of a non-magnetic material insoluble to acids or alkalis on a thin base soluble to these solvents is employed with use of a proper mask as a substitute for the conventional rolling process. Stable growth in thickness of the non-magnetic material during the accumulation process assures highly precise thickness uniformity of the product via easy time control of the process and absence of the rolling process allows broader freedom in choice of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Yamaha Corp.
    Inventors: Kunio Suzuki, Masayuki Takamura, Tadashi Kubono
  • Patent number: 4879140
    Abstract: A method for producing pigment flakes in the shape of thin plates. A chamber is provided which is placed under vacuum and a gas, which is capable of forming a plasma upon its exposure to a plasma generating device, was fed to the interior of the chamber device. The plasma is created within the chamber which forms a film upon a surface within the chamber. The film is converted to flakes which are then removed from the interior of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Deposition Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard R. Gray, Richard P. Shimshock, Matthew E. Krisl
  • Patent number: 4875958
    Abstract: A method of making a sanitaryware article with a light transmitting panel. A sheet of light-transmitting plastic is formed into the shape of a article of sanitaryware which has a sump. A mask is applied to a portion of the plastic sheet and the remaining portions are covered with a coating which makes the areas opaque. The mask is removed and a rigid panel of a light transmitting plastic is bonded to the light transmitting area of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 4869778
    Abstract: A process is described for the microdemetalization of an aluminized mylar film, the steps including the printing of a micropattern of a caustic resistant, U.V. curable resin on the aluminum surface, etching of the exposed aluminum with a warm saturated caustic solution, followed immediately by rinsing the patterned surface with an acidic solution to neutralize the caustic and stop the etching. Micropatterns having line widths as small as 0.2 mils may be formed by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Gardoc, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Cote
  • Patent number: 4851071
    Abstract: A masking method which precisely controls porosity of a perforated titanium sheet having suction strips of a defined width includes separately taping suction strip areas and bonding land areas and then applying a coating of maskant material over the tape in the vicinity of the suction strips. Gaps formed on opposite sides of the suction strips are filled with the same maskant material and the bonding land tapes are removed after the masking material is semi-cured. The entire aerodynamic surface of the titanium sheet is covered with strips of tape and overlapping pieces of tape form seams in the vicinity of the bonding surface margins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Frank H. Gallimore
  • Patent number: 4844947
    Abstract: A system which utilizes a source of ultraviolet radiation to mark a surface or to cure selectively a photosensitive paint applied to a surface. The source of UV light is either a laser or a broadband source and the light is controlled by an aperture and/or a stencil apparatus. The photosensitive paint is applied by a controlled technique as a protective or a decorative coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: William H. Kasner, Roger L. Swensrud, Daniel P. Soroka, Wei-Fang A. Su, Steve A. Wutzke, Vincent A. Toth, Luciano C. Scala
  • Patent number: 4808435
    Abstract: An improved method for screen printing fine lines of conductive paste on a substrate wherein a mask having a desired pattern of line shaped openings is placed on the substrate, and conductive paste screened in the openings in the mask in contact with the substrate, and also as a thin layer over the top surface of the mask. The mask is removed from the substrate before the conductive paste in the openings dries, thereby leaving a fine pattern of paste lines with a uniform height on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Cropp, Phillip De Prado, Kamalesh S. Desai
  • Patent number: 4775556
    Abstract: Formation of well-adhered metal layers on aromatic polymeric substrates through a two-step process is based upon reversible charge storage in the electroactive center-containing polymeric substrate. Articles particularly useful for electronic, imaging and solar applications are produced. The process disclosed may be a totally additive process such that articles can be produced in a continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry J. Krause, Jack A. Rider
  • Patent number: 4767584
    Abstract: A process and system for providing a design pattern in a material wherein a seleced medium is applied to the material, the material being positioned adjacent a surface of a template which surface has selected surface characteristics either topographical or non-topographical in nature. The material is held against the template surface at a selected pressure and for a selected time period, at least a portion of the medium coming into contact with the template surface. The surface characteristics of the template interact with the material and the medium as the medium comes into contact with the surface to produce the desired pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Todd L. Siler
  • Patent number: 4752501
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a semiconductor tin oxide thin film on a selected region of a surface without forming the film on an adjacent region. An ink film composed of tin(II) carboxylate compound is applied to the surface and heated to partially decompose the compound. A positive photoresist layer is preferably applied to the partially decomposed layer and selectively irradiated to define a mask overlying the selected region. Unwanted photoresist material is dissolved from the adjacent region using an aqueous alkaline solution. It is found that the solution concurrently dissolves the underlying partially decomposed tin compound, without dissolving the compound protected by the mask. Thereafter, the mask is stripped, and the underlying tin compound is heated and further decomposed to produce the desired tin oxide thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Hicks, Adolph L. Micheli, Shih-Chia Chang
  • Patent number: 4746630
    Abstract: A method for producing field oxide in a silicon substrate by forming a thin oxide layer over the surface of the substrate, forming a thin nitride layer over the thin oxide layer, forming a thick oxide over the thin nitride layer, forming a thick nitride layer over the thick oxide layer; patterning all four of the layers to espose the surface of the substrate where the field oxide is to be formed; and growing the field oxide. Preferably, before the field oxide is grown, trenches are formed into the substrate so that the upper surfaces of the field oxide are substantially planar with the upper surfaces of the substrate. The thin oxide layer minimizes bird beak formation, and eases the removal of the oxide/nitride/oxide/nitride layers. The resultant structure is both planar and bird's beak-free, and is therefore well suited to producing VLSI components having dimensions less than 0.5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Chi-Hung Hui, Paul V. Voorde, John L. Moll
  • Patent number: 4746548
    Abstract: A method of aligning thin-film structure patterns on a substrate formed with the use of an apertured mask in a vacuum deposition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Boudreau, Robert J. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 4738875
    Abstract: A plastics member, such as a container, is provided with an electromagnetic screen by coating the inner surfaces with a film of zinc. The inner surfaces are prepared by shot blasting prior to arc spraying the zinc film and the shot blasting is carried out using G17 chilled iron grit at a pressure of 15 to 20 pounds per square inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Deccospray Limited
    Inventors: Colin C. Hammond, Roy E. Meekings
  • Patent number: 4726877
    Abstract: A solid photopolymerizable composition, contains addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, initiating system, polymer binder and a microgel wherein preferably the binder and microgel form substantially a single phase and have a similar glass transition temperature above 25.degree. C. Although less preferred the solid composition can function without the binder. A preferred use is as a photoresist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Michael Fryd, Terry R. Suess
  • Patent number: 4720315
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of selectively decorated resin films comprises applying a first primer coat to the entire area of the base film, then applying either a masking coat alone or one or more color coats followed by the masking coat, the masking coat applied to an area of the base film that will define the final selective decoration. The masking coated surface is thereafter metalized and the resulting composite is joined to a mask-removing film bearing a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a limited peel strength known as "soft peel". The process is completed by the separation of the respective films, with the mask removing film withdrawing from the base film the unwanted portions of the metal coat and its underlying masking coat, to leave a crisp, patterned decoration.The present process requires no solvents and is therefore environmentally preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Transfer Print Foils, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Greenman
  • Patent number: 4715940
    Abstract: A shadow mask is provided which can provide a precise patterning to a deposit at process temperature without destruction of the shadow mask itself. The shadow mask consists of a plurality of metallic strips having a series of interconnecting small arched bridges that hold the strips of the mask together. The shadow mask is used in a process for depositing electrode structures in an electroluminescent device wherein the mask is positioned over a substrate surface to be coated and deposit electrode material is sprayed from a geometrically broad source, through the mask and onto the substrate. Deposition occurs beneath the arched bridges resulting in a pattern deposition that does not readily reveal the presence of bridges because sufficient material is coated beneath to provide cosmetic and electrical continuity between areas separated by the bridges. This invention is particularly suited for a mask designed to provide a fine pattern of closely spaced parallel lines or electrode structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Boudreau