Movement Of Work Treats Coating (e.g., Vibrating, Tilting, Etc.) Patents (Class 427/346)
  • Patent number: 6040016
    Abstract: A liquid coating nozzle is provided with a first block which has an inner liquid reserving section that extends in the longitudinal direction and an inner discharge section which includes a plurality of small holes formed in the longitudinal direction at a bottom portion of the liquid reserving section. The nozzle is also provided with a second block which has an inner space defining a gas reserving section that extends in the longitudinal direction outside the first block and an outer discharge section formed in the longitudinal direction at a bottom portion of the inner space. The outer discharge section includes a plurality of small holes and produces a gas flow that externally surrounds a linear or curtain-shaped liquid flow that flows downward from the small holes. This results in the formation of a thin coating film in a short time and reduces the consumption of liquid and coating nonuniformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Matsushita Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Mitani, Kazuto Nakajima, Hiroyuki Kotani, Nobutaka Hokazono, Hiroyuki Naka, Akira Yamaguchi, Junji Ikeda, Nobuyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6027769
    Abstract: A method for depositing at least two components having dissimilar compositions on a cylindrical surface is disclosed wherein the method comprises the steps of:(a) rotating the cylindrical surface about its axis;(b) locating a mixing head a short distance from the cylindrical surface, said mixing head being connected to separate supply means for each of said components via flow controlling means;(c) opening a first flow controlling means thereby supplying a first component to the mixing head;(d) moving the mixing head in the axial direction along the cylindrical surface while depositing the first component from the mixing head onto the cylindrical surface;(e) opening a second flow controlling means to the extent necessary to supply a second component to the mixing head at a flow rate lower than that at which the first component is supplied;(f) gradually decreasing the flow rate of the first component while gradually increasing the flow rate of the second component until the flow of the first component is termi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Vincent J. Gajewski, Ronald W. Fuest
  • Patent number: 6010573
    Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an intravascular stent with endothelial cells and/or engineered endothelial cells which may have genetically altered DNA to minimize failure rates includes an external conductor sleeve, an insulating tube held therein, and a pair of insulated end caps, each detachably securable over each end of said insulating tube. Each insulated cap has a substantially centered aperture therethrough and a stent holder extending transversely therefrom to hold opposite ends of the stent therebetween. The insulated end caps and the insulating tube hold a solution containing the endothelial cells inside the insulating tube to surround exposed surfaces of the stent. An insulated internal conductor is received through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventor: Gary L. Bowlin
  • Patent number: 5980979
    Abstract: A method is presented for consistently forming low resistance contact structures in vias between interconnects. A two-step adhesion layer deposition process with an intermediate particle removing step is employed to ensure sidewalls and bottom surfaces of vias are adequately covered with adhesion layer material prior to via plug formation. Two separate layers of an adhesion layer material (e.g., TiN) are deposited, each layer having a thickness which is adequate for that layer to act as a nucleating surface for subsequently deposited via plug material (e.g., W). The particle removing step is performed following deposition of a first adhesion layer. During the particle removing step, particles of the adhesion layer material are removed from the upper surface of the first adhesion layer, including particles blocking via openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Don R. Rohner
  • Patent number: 5925410
    Abstract: A method for forming a layer of material, particularly a dielectric material, on a substrate includes the steps of dispensing the material onto the substrate, spinning the substrate to produce a layer of the dispensed material, and vibrating the substrate to eliminate voids and/or gaps in the dispensed material. The dispensed material is hardened and if not sufficiently planar, may be subjected to a planarization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Paul D. Shirley, William T. Rericha
  • Patent number: 5858475
    Abstract: A method is disclosed to improve the planarization of a coating upon a substrate, in particular to improve the planarization of a photoresist or spin-on-glass coating upon a semiconductor wafer. This is achieved by coupling an ultrasonic wave generator to either the chuck or the spindle of the chuck. Ultrasonic waves emanating from the ultrasonic generator are induced into the coating, vibrating it. The vibration causes coating material to fill in the valleys of the coating, thus planarizing the surface of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd
    Inventor: Wei-Kay Chiu
  • Patent number: 5820945
    Abstract: A magnetic disc for a computer disc drive has distinct zones of differing lubricant thickness. A bonded+mobile zone covers a portion of the disc which preferably coincides with the landing zone. A zone of different lubricant thickness, such as lubricant-free, bonded-only or mostly-bonded, covers a different portion of the disc such as over the data zone. After a uniform layer of lubricant is coated over the disc surface, lubricant can be removed from distinct zones by solvent removal over a periphery of the disc and by removal by laser. The lubricant removal from distinct zones can occur either before or after bonding. Multiple lubricant thickness zones may be used, and the lubricant thickness profile over the entire disc can be controlled as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Wei, Dallas W. Meyer, Venkat R. Koka
  • Patent number: 5798140
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for efficiently and effectively coating a substantially flat surface, i.e., a substrate, with a high-viscosity liquid chemical, such as photoresist. The flat surface is oscillated by rotating the surface in one direction and then repeatedly reversing the direction of rotation of the surface. The chemical is spread by both the centrifugal force of the rotation of the surface and the tangential force of the angular acceleration of the surface. The tangential force helps spread the chemical without prematurely overcoming the surface tension of the chemical resulting in a particularly effective coating using substantially less chemical. Chemical is alternatively spread by vibrating the flat surface. Vibrating applies to the chemical, in addition to radial, centrifugal force, if any, non-radial forces which are not directly opposed by surface tension. The chemical is therefore spread more evenly and efficiently without overcoming the surface tension of the chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Semiconductor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Parodi, Roy E. Hurtig
  • Patent number: 5789032
    Abstract: There is provided coated substrate where a filled flowable polyester composition is cured in contact with and bonded to the substrate. The composition contains 20 to 40% resin and in excess of 50% filler, the balance being welling agent, air release agent and catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Excelstone International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hai Le Cong, Arthur Jack Grigler
  • Patent number: 5783261
    Abstract: A method of using an amorphous carbon-based coating to extend the operating life of a fuel injector having a needle operating within a valve body, the valve body, the valve and body having steel surfaces subject to repeated impact and sliding friction contact over the operating life of the injector. The method comprises (a) providing the steel surfaces of at least one of the needle and body with an ion implanted stabilized amorphous carbon-based coating in a thickness of 1-10 micrometers, the coating having low internal stresses and low coefficient of friction independent of humidity and being stabilized by the presence of up to 30% by weight of carbide forming material selected from the group of silicon, titanium and tungsten, and (b) repeatedly and rapidly actuating the fuel injector in time periods of 0.5-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Potter, Marcus W. Fried, Ellsworth Schanergerger
  • Patent number: 5780100
    Abstract: A method for depositing particles coated with biological substances onto the concave inner surface of a length of tubing includes the steps of preparing a uniform suspension of coated particles, introducing the particles into the tubing, placing the tubing into a generally horizontal position, removing the evaporable liquid after the particles have settled, and drying the particles. When dry, the tubing is cut into sample cartridges of appropriate length for use in a particle acceleration instrument.An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: PowderJect Vaccines, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. McCabe, Richard J. Heinzen
  • Patent number: 5780121
    Abstract: A method for blending fluorine into a polyimide free of fluorine comprises the steps of generating fluorine radicals in a fluorine based gas, removing charge particles from the gas to leave the fluorine radicals in the gas, and exposing a polyimide free of fluorine to an irradiation of the fluorine radicals so that the irradiated fluorine radicals penetrate into the polyimide, thereby avoiding reaction of the charge particles with a surface of the polyimide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Endo
  • Patent number: 5738906
    Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic disk having a surface roughness in the entire portion of its main surface in which the peak height of the surface roughness in a data zone of the magnetic disk is lower than the peak height of the surface roughness in a CSS zone of the magnetic disk, wherein forming a magnetic disk substrate having the main surface in which a surface roughness having a substantially uniform peak height is formed in the substantially entire portion of the main surface; conducting varnishing only to the data zone in the main surface of the substrate having the surface roughness to lower the peak height of the surface roughness of the data zone; and forming a ferromagnetic layer, a protective layer and a lubricant layer sequentially on a region of the main surface of the substrate, which includes the data zone and the CSS zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: AG Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Momose, Tsuneo Manabe, Yuzo Murayama, Yoshizumi Hideshima
  • Patent number: 5731038
    Abstract: A solvent-containing coating composition is applied to a work to a thickness larger than a running limit thickness and is subjected to a setting step of evaporating the solvent in the coating composition applied to the work and a hardening step of hardening the coating composition after the setting step while the work is rotated about a substantially horizontal axis after the coating step to prevent the coating composition on a vertical surface of the work from running or sagging. The coating composition is arranged so that the coating composition has a flowability and at the same time the solvent accounts for not more than 30% by weight of the coating composition at a time during the setting step or the end of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 5702762
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a nickel active material, nickel hydroxide particles coated with cobalt hydroxide are put on the mesh disk 4 of the fluidized granulator 1. Then, hot air is continuously supplied from outside through the hot air inlet 5, while air inside the fluidized granulator 5 is continuously emitted through the air outlet 8. At the same time, the nickel hydroxide particles are stirred with the stirring fan 3 and further dispersed by a hot air current. In this condition, an alkali aqueous solution is sprayed on the nickel hydroxide particles through the spray nozzle 7 by the pump 9. After the spray, the nickel hydroxide particles are further stirred in hot air so as to complete an alkali heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Baba, Motoo Tadokoro, Akifumi Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 5698260
    Abstract: A plurality of petri dishes or other glass or plastic containers are coated on the inside bottom surface of the containers by passing the containers through a coating or layering apparatus. The apparatus includes an indexing conveyor to sequentially pass the open containers through a filling station where an amount of a coating material is applied while tilting the container to one side thereby distributing the material to the entire bottom surface of the container. The containers are conveyed to an aspirating station to aspirate excess material while tilting the container toward the aspirating nozzle. Subsequent to the aspiration step, the containers are tilted in the opposite direction to distribute the material in the container. The material is then dried and the containers stacked and packaged. The coating material includes metal ions such as calcium or other divalent metal ions, in a suitable carrier that is able to bond the bottom inside surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: RCR Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Roth, Gordon Bontrager
  • Patent number: 5693378
    Abstract: A reinforcing composition is provided comprising pellets produced by the process of hydrating glass fibers to achieve a water content on the glass fibers of from about 11 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, mixing the glass fibers for at least about three minutes, thereby forming pellets, and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Homer G. Hill, Leonard J. Adzima, Robert A. Schweizer, Denny E. Black
  • Patent number: 5686148
    Abstract: A body of a vehicle, that is supported by a carrier or conveyor is rotated about a rotational axis extending in an approximately horizontal direction of the carrier or conveyor. When the body is supported in a normally standing position with its roof at the top of the body and its floor at the bottom thereof, the center of gravity of a rotary member containing the body is set to be at a position underneath the rotational axis in a vertically extending plane containing the rotational axis. The body is locked by a clamping unit so as to prevent rotation when the body is coated in the coating station. In the drying station, the locking by the clamping unit is released and the body is then displaced at a given angle so as to cause rotation on account of inertia on the basis of its own weight. After the drying station, the forcible rotation is shifted to free rotation which in turn is caused to be converged into a rest or normally standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5683844
    Abstract: A carrier comprised of a core with a coating thereover comprised of at least one polymer resin and wherein the outer surface of the coated carrier is fibrillated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Mammino
  • Patent number: 5665444
    Abstract: A tube-shaped film, made of fluorine resin, has a fold-free, smooth, and uniform inner peripheral surface formed thereon by a surface treatment. An apparatus for treating the inner peripheral surface of the tube-shaped film includes a holding device for holding the tube-shaped film on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical body with a cylindrical configuration of the tube-shaped film maintained. A treatment device is inserted into the cylindrical body to treat the inner peripheral surface of the tube-shaped film held on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. The holding device and the treatment device make a uniform linear motion relative to each other and a uniform rotary motion relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Kurashiki Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yosuke Eguchi, Atsuki Wada, Tomohiro Nagase, Yoshiro Hirajima
  • Patent number: 5618367
    Abstract: A process for preparing uni-tape prepreg from polymer powder coated filamentary towpregs is provided. A plurality of polymer powder coated filamentary towpregs are provided. The towpregs are collimated so that each towpreg is parallel. A material is applied to each side of the towpreg to form a sandwich. The sandwich is heated to a temperature wherein the polymer flows and intimately contacts the filaments and pressure is repeatedly applied perpendicularly to the sandwich with a longitudinal oscillating action wherein the filaments move apart and the polymer wets the filaments forming a uni-tape prepreg. The uni-tape prepreg is subsequently cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Steven P. Wilkinson, Norman J. Johnston, Joseph M. Marchello
  • Patent number: 5607717
    Abstract: An applicator for seed treatment products includes an elongated, cylindrical tube having an enlarged flange at a top end for receiving a canister of treatment products. The bottom end of the tube is inserted into a seed hopper filled with seeds, the tube penetrating beneath the surface of the seeds. A canister of treatment products is opened at one end and inserted into the flange with the open side down. The canister fits snugly in the flange so the treatment products can escape only from the bottom of the tube which is within the seed pile. The user stirs the pile with the tube to distribute the treatment products evenly throughout the pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Trace Chemicals Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary Grossweiler, Timothy McArdle
  • Patent number: 5601882
    Abstract: A process and device for manufacturing cut threads according to which glass threads composed of continuous filaments are coated with a liquid non-aqueous size, which can react under the effect of actinic radiation. The threads are cut by a member which is also used to draw or entrain the threads mechanically before they are subjected to actinic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Vetrotex France
    Inventors: Eric Augier, Timothy Johnson, Patrick Moireau
  • Patent number: 5582865
    Abstract: A method of making a high efficiency, low pressure drop, adsorptive, non-woven filter composite is disclosed, comprising a high surface area chemically impregnated adsorbent, and a non-woven carrier material; and a method for forming said composite comprising dry application of the chemically impregnated adsorbent to the non-woven carrier material which is then heated and calendared with or without a cover sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Extraction Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Rezuke, Devon A. Kinkead
  • Patent number: 5573813
    Abstract: Fiber materials of unidirectional, parallel filaments are fully impregnated with highly viscous resins such as polymers having linear, long chain molecular structures, by heat softening the resin, applying it to opposite sides of the fiber material, subjecting it to low pressure (e.g. 4 psi) and generating shear stresses in a boundary layer of the pressurized resin immediately adjacent the faces of the fiber material to align the long chain molecules in the vicinity of the filaments substantially parallel to the filaments. Shear is generated by moving the material, including the applied resin, through a restricted passageway which defines a shear zone. While the resin is subjected to shear its viscosity is reduced to such an extent that it penetrates into the fiber material and substantially fully encapsulates the fibers with the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Milton F. Custer, Kenneth E. Vicknair, William R. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 5565244
    Abstract: The coating method contains a spraying step in which a paint is sprayed at least on a coating substrate extending in an upward and downward direction to a film thickness thicker than causing sages of the sprayed paint. The coating substrate on which the paint is sprayed is rotated about the horizontal axis while the sprayed paint is dried until it does not sag any more.The coating apparatus includes a carriage conveying the coating substrate arranged to run along the conveying direction, and the carriage is provided with a supporting base for supporting the coating substrate rotatively about the horizontal axis. One embodiment for rotating the substrate supported by the supporting base is a spring that is disposed on the carriage to rotate the substrate by means of a restoring force produced by the spring. On the passage for conveying the carriage is disposed a force storing mechanism for storing the restoring force in the spring that released the restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Matsui, Toshiaki Aono, Yoshio Tanimoto, Tadamitsu Nakahama, Takakazu Yamane
  • Patent number: 5558902
    Abstract: A coating method for detecting the presence of contaminants carried by a liquid that is applied as a coating on a workpiece. A tube guides the liquid along a flow path to the workpiece. A light source illuminates the liquid along the flow path with an optical fiber or other light carrier, and light is scattered by any contaminants present in the liquid. Light scattered by the contaminant particles is more intense than light scattered by the other liquid particles, and this brighter scattered light is detected by a light detector positioned adjacent to the fluid flow path. The coating system is particularly well suited for use in a spin-on coating process that applies a liquid, such as a photoresist material or a dielectric material, to a semiconductor wafer or other workpiece that is secured to a rotating turntable and rotated to receive a coating of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Sayka, Patricia A. Vargas
  • Patent number: 5543179
    Abstract: A head cleaning device for use in a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprises a cleaning roller in which a lubricant with an excellent lubricating action under low humidity conditions impregnates the soft material. This lubricant compensates for the drop in the natural lubricating action resulting from a moisture deficiency, and therefore prevents the production of seized deposits. Furthermore, the head cleaning device comprises a first cleaning portion impregnated with polymer resin and abrasive particles, and a second cleaning portion comprising only a soft material, the second cleaning portion can remove by wiping any abrasive particles or deposits left on the magnetic head surface immediately after the abrasive action of the first cleaning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norimoto Nouchi, Masaya Sakaguchi, Hiroshi Yoda, Yoshiaki Mizoh
  • Patent number: 5538903
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell, comprising the steps of forming a layer of n-type compound semiconductor, a layer of p-type compound semiconductor, and an electrode layer on a glass substrate, wherein at least one of said steps of forming a layer of compound semiconductor layer comprises preparing a paste by mixing a semiconductor raw material and a viscous agent, applying said paste to said substrate, drying said paste to harden it, and firing the dried paste, and vibrating said substrate during or after the application of the paste, to remove the bubbles in the paste, resulting in a semiconductor layer which is smooth, dense, and having good adhesion, thus realizing a solar cell with improved and uniform characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Aramoto, Nobuo Nakayama, Kuniyoshi Omura, Mikio Murozono
  • Patent number: 5470603
    Abstract: Method of coating cores of pharmaceutical tablets with a dry powder, wherein the cores are fed onto a conveyor, the dry powder is supplied to a region through which the cores are to be conveyed, and the cores are conveyed on the conveyor through the region with the cores maintained at a different electric potential from the dry powder. In this way, the dry powder is attracted to the exposed surfaces of the cores to form powder coatings thereon. The dry powder on the surface of the cores is then melted to convert the powder into fused film coatings secured to the cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst UK Limited
    Inventors: John N. Staniforth, Martin P. Grosvenor
  • Patent number: 5468520
    Abstract: A method for sequentially depositing a silicon oxide based film as a barrier on a substrate. The film is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas permeability in containers and for extending shelf-life of containers, especially plastic evacuated blood collection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Joel L. Williams, Susan L. Burkett, Shel McGuire
  • Patent number: 5460859
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed in which an article, having large open areas or a multiplicity of apertures, is dip coated. The method and system is particularly adapted for use in coating a grid of a corona charging device utilized in the xerographic process. A transport system immerses and removes the article from a tank storing coating material. An unwanted coating material is created across the apertures of the article. Thereafter, the transport system moves the article past an ultrasonic wave source. The impact of the ultrasonic energy transmitted to the unwanted coating material across the apertures causes the removal thereof. The removed coating material is returned to the coating material in which the article was immersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Reale
  • Patent number: 5427822
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for coating horizontal and vertical components of a vehicle body. The designations horizontal component and vehicle component generally refer to the in-body position of such components (panels) after final assembly. In the method, coating is conducted prior to assembly of such components. According to one aspect of the invention, the vertical panels are coated in their in-body position, and then moved to a horizontal position while baking sufficiently to set the coating. Preferably, the horizontal position is maintained for the entire bake cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel C. Bracciano
  • Patent number: 5403624
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their head portions, where fasteners are centered by a rotating wheel, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Nylok Fastener Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony DiMaio, Richard J. Duffy, Eugene Sessa
  • Patent number: 5376402
    Abstract: An ultrasonically assisted coating method for applying a smooth layer of coating material on a surface of a moving web are disclosed. A coating material is applied onto one web surface. An ultrasonic energy generator excites the line of initial contact between the coating material and the web at a uniform ultrasonic intensity selected in combination with the properties of the coating material. The coated web has a thin, uniform crossweb thickness with low thickness variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Donald L. Pochardt, Robert B. Secor, Karl J. Warren
  • Patent number: 5370927
    Abstract: The present invention provides an article, comprising: a fabric sheet which has been compacted using a heat shrink yarn; and a curable or hardenable resin coated onto the fabric sheet. The present invention involves compacting a fabric sheet to impart stretchability and conformability to the fabric while minimizing undesirable recovery forces. Suitable fabrics for compacting are fabrics which comprise fiberglass fibers which are capable of first being compacted and then being set or annealed in the compacted state. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic bandage and may optionally contain a microfiber filler associated with the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Jacquelyn A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5358734
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp comprising a sealed envelope, a pair of opposing electrodes, a fill of inert gas and mercury and a phosphor coating on the internal walls of the envelope wherein the coating contains as at least one element thereof particles of europium activated barium magnesium aluminate having an average particle size of about 4 micrometers, less than about 5% of the particles having a size greater than 15 microns and less than about 5% of the particles having a size less than about 1 micron, said particles having on the external surfaces thereof a coating of sub-micron aluminum oxide having a surface area of from about 80 to about 120 square meters per gram, said coating being sufficient to impart stir in quality to said phosphor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Lenox, Albert K. Fan
  • Patent number: 5356665
    Abstract: A pipe coated with a resin layer on the inner surface and a method for manufacturing the pipe. According to the method, a resin mixture including thermal melting fluoro resin and fluorine elastomer is applied to the inner surface of a pipe member. The resin mixture is thermally treated on the inner surface of the pipe member to form a mesh like pattern so that a resin layer of a predetermined stripping strength is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniaki Seki, Shinichi Nishiyama, Hajime Abe, Noboru Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 5352484
    Abstract: A method of densifying a porous substrate by means of a matrix containing carbon, for obtaining an article made of a composite material, the method comprising the following steps:providing on one side of a substrate to be densified a slip containing submicron carbon powder;establishing a pressure difference to force the slip through the substrate;filtering the liquid that has passed through the substrate to retain the carbon powder inside the substrate; andwhen densification of the substrate by means of the carbon powder has terminated, drying the densified substrate and transforming a carbon precursor introduced into the substrate into carbon by carbonization, thereby binding the powder constituting the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Propulsion
    Inventors: Bruno C. Bernard, Christian B. Brosse, Jean-Claude Cavalier
  • Patent number: 5342648
    Abstract: Amorphous ferroelectric materials are formed by a sol-gel type process and the ferroelectric properties stabilized by complete hydrolysis and polycondensation, and extraction of residual organic materials, preferably by heating at temperatures below the temperature at which crystallization may occur. Stable solutions of metal alkoxides are prepared by reacting or dissolving a metal alkoxide in alcohol such as absolute ethanol. The solution may be spincast on essentially any substrate, conductor or nonconductor, crystalline or amorphous, transparent or opaque, and even including plastics. Hydrolysis and polycondensation occur in situ to deposit an amorphous ferroelectric film. Residual alcohol is extracted by heating below the temperature at which crystallization occurs. Such films show P-E hysteresis loops and pyroelectric current. Such ferroelectric thin films are useable in electronic, opto-electronic and optical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: The Regents of the Universty of California
    Inventors: John D. MacKenzie, Ren Xu, Yuhuan Xu
  • Patent number: 5340604
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composite vapor deposition film composed of a plurality of elements and a method for manufacturing the same. A composite vapor deposition film is produced by having a composite of multi-component particles turned into a vapor to instantaneously evaporate the multi-component particles to an energy active vapor phase state. The composite vapor phase substance is solidified on a deposition substrate to form the vapor deposition film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Ogura Atsushi
  • Patent number: 5338569
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating dowels with a substantially uniform coat of water soluble glue. A plurality of dowels and a preselected amount of liquid, water soluble glue are placed in a closed container. The container is rapidly shaken so that the container moves in a combination oscillating motion comprising an up and down movement and a back and forth movement that is substantially perpendicular to the up and down movement. Dowels coated with the liquid, water soluble glue are removed from the container and deposited on a drying surface. The dowels are dried by applying heat and a stream of air to the dowels. When the exposed surface of the coat of water soluble glue on the dowels has become essentially tack free but before the coat has dried completely, the dowels are rotated about their longitudinal axes so as to separate any dowels that are stuck together and to free any dowels stuck to the drying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: J. Mel Hatch
  • Patent number: 5336524
    Abstract: A method of applying to surfaces of component parts of an evaporator hydrophilic coatings which do not emit offensive odors under operating conditions, or at other times. The method provides coatings in which water glass and colloidal silica are attached to the surfaces in the form of solids in an amount of 0.010 to 0.066 g/m.sup.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Tanaka, Takashi Takishita, Kiyoshi Fukushima, Yasuyuki Nagakura, Kaoru Inoue, Tsuyoshi Nishijima, Haruhiro Inada
  • Patent number: 5318800
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming thin uniform micron range and submicron range aberration-resistant and hole-free high-temperature thermally stable metal oxide coatings upon metal, insulating and other substrates, involving the application of a polymer metal complex precursor solution to the substrate and appropriate firing for oxidation of the metal and the coating while burning off all traces of the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Academy of Applied Science
    Inventors: Benmin Gong, James C. W. Chien
  • Patent number: 5288521
    Abstract: A process for the impregnation of workpieces of porous material and an apparatus to carry out the process are disclosed. The impregnation of workpieces is carried out in that, initially, all gas is withdrawn from the workpiece by evacuation, whereupon the workpiece is saturated with impregnating agent. Impregnation can be carried out in a very short period of time, if the workpieces are subjected to vibration during impregnation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Hubert Maldaner
  • Patent number: 5273790
    Abstract: Method for consolidating diamond material, substantially free of voids, has an average crystallite size greater than about 15 microns, a maximum intensity of the diamond Raman peak in counts/sec divided by the intensity of photoluminescence at 1270 cm.sup.-1 greater than about 3, a Raman sp.sup.3 full width half maximum less than about 6 cm.sup.-1 and a diamond-to-graphite Raman ratio greater than about 25. The diamond material may also comprise carbon atoms with a C.sup.13 content less than 0.05 atomic %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Crystallume
    Inventors: John A. Herb, John M. Pinneo, Clayton F. Gardinier
  • Patent number: 5264246
    Abstract: A spin coating method includes the steps of applying a coating material on the surface of a substrate, rotating the substrate about a first axis, and revolving the substrate about a second axis while tilting the substrate towards the second axis. The rotating step spreads the coating material over the surface of the substrate, and the step of revolving while tilting the substrate smoothens the surface of the coating material. At least the rotating step may be performed in an atmosphere containing a solvent vapor. A spin coating apparatus includes a nozzle for applying a coating material to the surface of a substrate, a chuck for rotating the substrate about a first axis, a support arm for revolving the substrate about a second axis, and a tilting mechanism for tilting the surface of the substrate towards the center of the second axis while the substrate is revolving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Ikeno
  • Patent number: 5262193
    Abstract: An ultrasonically assisted coating method for applying a smooth layer of coating material on a surface of a moving web are disclosed. A coating material is applied onto one web surface. An ultrasonic energy generator excites the line of initial contact between the coating material and the web at a uniform ultrasonic intensity selected in combination with the properties of the coating material. The coated web has a thin, uniform crossweb thickness with low thickness variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Donald L. Pochardt, Robert B. Secor, Karl J. Warren
  • Patent number: 5260098
    Abstract: A method of tinning tinnable areas of an electronic component package, the method comprising a first step during which additional metal is applied in the liquid state to said tinnable areas, and a following step during which at least one cycle of oscillations about an equilibrium position is applied to the package while said metal thus applied is still in the liquid state, for the purpose of setting up successive and opposite displacements of masses of said metal along said areas in order to obtain a uniform distribution of said metal over said areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Alcatel Cit
    Inventors: Thierry Trentesaux, Yves Martin, Christian Daniel
  • Patent number: 5254371
    Abstract: This method comprises the following steps, which are compatible with thin-film technology: forming a bottom electrode (2) on an insulating substrate (1), depositing a humidity-sensitive polymer layer (5) of uniform thickness on the bottom electrode (2) leaving contact areas (3a, 3b) uncovered, activating surface bonds of the polymer layer (5), applying a colloidal dispersion of SiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 particles (6) of uniform grain size as a thin layer to the polymer layer (5) and subsequently drying it, depositing a cover electrode (7) on the particles (6) still evenly distributed on the polymer layer (5) after the drying of the dispersion, and removing the particles (6) together with the portions of the cover electrode (7) overlying them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Endress u. Hauser GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Frank Hegner, Traugott Kallfass