Patents Assigned to Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140257064
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include adhesive electrode sets and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an adhesive electrode set. The adhesive electrode set can include a first pad, a first electrode, a first electrical contact, a first conductive lead, a second pad, a second electrode, a second electrical contact, a second conductive lead, a flexible strip, and an adhesive material. The flexible strip can include a fold. The flexible strip can be configured to allow the distance between the first pad and the second pad to increase through flexion of the flexible strip. In an embodiment, the invention includes an analyte receiving test patch. The analyte receiving test patch can include a skin contact layer, a wick, an absorbent layer, a barrier film layer, and an adhesive frame. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Cydney A. Einck, Nathan R. Erickson, Dennis Hepp, Gary A. Messer
  • Publication number: 20140190368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for coating aluminum substrates. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of applying a coating on an aluminum substrate including contacting the aluminum substrate with a first solution. The first solution can include a zinc metal salt, a sugar acid or alkali metal salt thereof, and an alkali metal hydroxide. The method can also include contacting the aluminum substrate with a second solution. The second solution can include a molybdate salt, an alkanolamine, and a fluorine acid. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: BIRCHWOOD LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: William V. Block, David J. Halverson, John T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8691346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for coating aluminum substrates. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of applying a coating on an aluminum substrate including contacting the aluminum substrate with a first solution. The first solution can include a zinc metal salt, a sugar acid or alkali metal salt thereof, and an alkali metal hydroxide. The method can also include contacting the aluminum substrate with a second solution. The second solution can include a molybdate salt, an alkanolamine, and a fluorine acid. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: William V. Block, David J. Halverson, John Thanh Ngoc Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8287663
    Abstract: A process for forming a magnetite coating on a ferrous metal surface and for chemical reagents used to implement the coating process. The process comprises the step of making the ferrous metal surface more reactive by contacting the surface with an activating reagent and then contacting the activated surface with an oxidizing reagent to form the coating at a relatively low temperature range. The surface is activated by contact with an acid solution to form a surface rich in reactive iron. The activated surface is then oxidized by contact with an aqueous reagent of alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: William V. Block, Bryce D. Devine
  • Patent number: 7964044
    Abstract: A process for forming a magnetite coating on a ferrous metal surface and for chemical reagents used to implement the coating process. The process comprises the step of making the ferrous metal surface more reactive by contacting the surface with an activating reagent and then contacting the activated surface with an oxidizing reagent to form the coating at a relatively low temperature range. The surface is activated by contact with an acid solution to form a surface rich in reactive iron. The activated surface is then oxidized by contact with an aqueous reagent of alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: William V. Block, Bryce D. Devine
  • Patent number: 7625439
    Abstract: The ferrous metal chemical conversion coating is comprised of mixed oxides and organometallic compounds of aluminum and iron. A ferrous metal substrate is immersed for a period of time in a bath composition, at a temperature, at a pH, and at a concentration for each constituent of the bath composition, that will form a coating with the desired characteristics. The bath composition comprises water, aluminum salt, oxalic acid, and an oxidizer. The conversion coating is amorphous in nature and can be formed as thin as 1 micron with a coating weight in the range of about 40-250 milligrams per square foot. When sealed with an appropriate rust preventive material, the coating enhances corrosion resistance of the ferrous metal substrate. It is an effective absorbent base for paint finishes. When top coated with a lubricant, the conversion coating aids (a) assembly of parts, (b) break-in of sliding surfaces, and (c) anti-galling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce D. Devine, William V. Block
  • Patent number: 7481872
    Abstract: The ferrous metal chemical conversion coating is comprised of mixed oxides and organometallic compounds of aluminum and iron. A ferrous metal substrate is immersed for a period of time in a bath composition, at a temperature, at a pH, and at a concentration for each constituent of the bath composition, that will form a coating with the desired characteristics. The bath composition comprises water, aluminum salt, oxalic acid, and an oxidizer. The conversion coating is amorphous in nature and can be formed as thin as 1 micron with a coating weight in the range of about 40-250 milligrams per square foot. When sealed with an appropriate rust preventive material, the coating enhances corrosion resistance of the ferrous metal substrate. It is an effective absorbent base for paint finishes. When top coated with a lubricant, the conversion coating aids (a) assembly of parts, (b) break-in of sliding surfaces, and (c) anti-galling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce D. Devine, William V. Block
  • Patent number: 7144599
    Abstract: The ferrous metal chemical conversion coating is comprised of mixed oxides and organometallic compounds of aluminum and iron. A ferrous metal substrate is immersed for a period of time in a bath composition, at a temperature, at a pH, and at a concentration for each constituent of the bath composition, that will form a coating with the desired characteristics. The bath composition comprises water, aluminum salt, oxalic acid, and an oxidizer. The conversion coating is amorphous in nature and can be formed as thin as 1 micron with a coating weight in the range of about 40–250 milligrams per square foot. When sealed with an appropriate rust preventive material, the coating enhances corrosion resistance of the ferrous metal substrate. It is an effective absorbent base for paint finishes. When top coated with a lubricant, the conversion coating aids (a) assembly of parts, (b) break-in of sliding surfaces, and (c) anti-galling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: William V. Block, Bryce D. Devine
  • Patent number: 6899769
    Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220 F) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Ravenscroft, William V. Block
  • Patent number: 6899956
    Abstract: This invention includes improvements to a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, to the chemical solutions used in the coating and to the articles coated thereby. A first oxidation applies a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, to a ferrous substrate. A coloring procedure (a second oxidation) follows the first oxidation procedure, using a heated oxidizing solution that reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4). The result is the formation of a brown or black finish. An appropriate rust preventive topcoat may seal the substrate. The finish affords protection, a degree of lubricity to aid assembly, break-in of sliding surfaces, provides anti-galling protection and an adherent base for paint finishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: William V. Block, Bryce D. Devine
  • Patent number: 6695931
    Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220° F.) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Ravenscroft, William V. Block
  • Patent number: 6576346
    Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220° F.) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Ravenscroft, William V. Block
  • Patent number: 6527873
    Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220 F.) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Ravenscroft, William V. Block
  • Patent number: 6309476
    Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220° F.) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Ravenscroft, William V. Block
  • Patent number: 5723183
    Abstract: The invention is the chemical composition and method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal surfaces and subsequent coloring of said conversion coating through the application of a water-soluble dye. The conversion coating has an ordered crystalline structure composed of ferrous oxalate or other ferrous dicarboxylates. The conversion coating can be colored through the application of a water-soluble reactive dye which bonds with Fe (II) within the ferrous dicarboxylate matrix, bound to the dicarboxylate molecules, thereby becoming water insoluble and permanent. When sealed with an appropriate rust preventive top coat, the result is an attractive and protective finish of minimal thickness which can be applied through simple immersion process techniques. Said finish can serve as a final protective finish on a fabricated ferrous metal article and also affords a degree of lubricity for assembly, break-in purposes, or anti-galling protection and serves as an adhesive base for paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, David J. Halverson, James N. Tuttle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5580063
    Abstract: A reusable projectile impact reflecting target for day and night use, and more particularly to a target with a replaceable primary target label including a polypropylene film containing a colored ink target image from which the ink is removed at the point of projectile impact exposing a contrasting colored photoreflective ultraviolet pigmented ink on the surface to increase visibility. A release agent causes the removable ink to be removed in a controlled manner to form a desired halo effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: A. W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5320217
    Abstract: A sealed envelope contains a moistened pad that functions as a swab. The pad is secured to the envelope by an intermediate seal line. When the top of the envelope is removed, the pad is exposed. Since the pad is still captively held to the remainder of the envelope, the liquid on the pad may be dispensed by holding the clean, dry bottom of the envelope. The pad functions as a swab and the remainder of the envelope functions as the applicator handle and reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Lenarz
  • Patent number: D717960
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Birchwood Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Cydney A. Einck, Nathan R. Erickson, Gary A. Messer