Patents Assigned to Midwest Research Institute
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Patent number: 5091499Abstract: A process for preparing phenol-formaldehyde resole resins and adhesive compositions in which portions of the phenol normally contained in said resins are replaced by a phenol/neutral fractions extract obtained from fractionating fast-pyrolysis oils.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1989Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Helena L. Chum, Roland E. Kreibich
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Patent number: 5041361Abstract: A method of providing and developing a resist on a substrate for constructing integrated circuit (IC) chips includes the following steps: of depositing a thin film of amorphous silicon or hydrogenated amorphous silicon on the substrate and exposing portions of the amorphous silicon to low-energy oxygen ion beams to oxidize the amorphous silicon at those selected portions. The nonoxidized portions are then removed by etching with RF-excited hydrogen plasma. Components of the IC chip can then be constructed through the removed portions of the resist. The entire process can be performed in an in-line vacuum production system having several vacuum chambers. Nitrogen or carbon ion beams can also be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1989Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventor: Y. Simon Tsuo
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Patent number: 5011517Abstract: An instrument for removing chemical vapors from air and concentrating the chemical vapors in a liquid scrubbing medium has been invented. A cylindrical receptacle receives a preselected amount of scrubbing liquid. Air is pulled tangentially into the cylinder through an inlet slit and swirls toward the cylinder top, carrying the liquid with it so that the cylinder wall is coated with the liquid. At the end of a sampling cycle, the air flow is shut off and the liquid is allowed to settle before being drained off for analysis. A cleaning cycle between sampling cycles is possible, during which the cylinder can be heated by an electrical heater cable.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1990Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Brian R. Cage, Arbor D. Drinkwine
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Patent number: 4964995Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating low molecular weight components from complex aqueous organic mixtures. The process includes preparing a separation solution of supercritical carbon dioxide with an effective amount of an entrainer to modify the solvation power of the supercritical carbon dioxide and extract preselected low molecular weight components. The separation solution is maintained at a temperature of at least about 70.degree. C. and a pressure of at least about 1,500 psi. The separation solution is then contacted with the organic mixtures while maintaining the temperature and pressure as above until the mixtures and solution reach equilibrium to extract the preselected low molecular weight components from the organic mixtures. Finally, the entrainer/extracted components portion of the equilibrium mixture is isolated from the separation solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1989Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Helena L. Chum, Giuseppe Filardo
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Patent number: 4960675Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen ion microlithography process for use in microelectronic fabrication and semiconductor device processing. The process comprises the steps of providing a single layer of either an amorphous silicon or hydrogenated amorphous silicon material. A pattern is recorded in a selected layer of amorphous silicon or hydrogenated amorphous silicon materials by preferentially implanting hydrogen ions therein so as to permit the selected layer to serve as a mask-resist wafer suitable for subsequent development and device fabrication. The layer is developed to provide a surface pattern therein adaptable for subsequent use in microelectronic fabrication and semiconductor device processing.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1988Date of Patent: October 2, 1990Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Y. Simon Tsuo, Satyen K. Deb
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Patent number: 4942299Abstract: A Method and apparatus for differential spectroscopic atomic-imaging is disclosed for spatial resolution and imaging for display not only individual atoms on a sample surface, but also bonding and the specific atomic species in such bond. The apparatus includes a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) that is modified to include photon biasing, preferably a tuneable laser, modulating electronic surface biasing for the sample, and temperature biasing, preferably a vibration-free refrigerated sample mounting stage. Computer control and data processing and visual display components are also included. The method includes modulating the electronic bias voltage with and without selected photon wavelengths and frequency biasing under a stabilizing (usually cold) bias temperature to detect bonding and specific atomic species in the bonds as the STM rasters the sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1989Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventor: Lawrence L. Kazmerski
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Patent number: 4942269Abstract: A process is disclosed for fractionating lignocellulosic materials fast-prolysis oils to produce phenol-containing compositions suitable for the manufacture of phenol-formaldehyde resins. The process includes admixing the oils with an organic solvent having at least a moderate solubility parameter and good hydrogenThe United States Government has rights in this invention under Contract No. DE-AC02-83CH10093 between the United States Department of Energy and the Solar Energy Research Institute, a Division of the Midwest Research Institute.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1988Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Helena L. Chum, Stuart K. Black
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Patent number: 4908493Abstract: The efficiency of laser welding and other laser material processing is optimized according to this invention by rotating the plane of polarization of a linearly polarized laser beam in relation to a work piece of the material being processed simultaneously and in synchronization with steering the laser beam over the work piece so as to keep the plane of polarization parallel to either the plane of incidence or the direction of travel of the beam in relation to the work piece. Also, depending to some extent on the particular processing being accomplished, such as welding or fusing, the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the work piece is kept at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle. The combination of maintaining the plane of polarization parallel to plane of incidence while also maintaining the angle of incidence at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle results in only minimal, if any, reflection losses during laser welding.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1988Date of Patent: March 13, 1990Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventor: Ingo Susemihl
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Patent number: 4876323Abstract: .alpha.-Substituted acrylic acid esters, their polymers and adhesives therefrom, and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The compounds of the invention are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of isocyanato esters and can be polymerized to form an effective, non-toxic adhesive. The method of the invention encompasses utilizing the adhesive composition in biomedical applications, such as joining live animal tissue. Other adhesive applications are contemplated for living tissue and inanimate objects. The compounds are also used as monomers which can be polymerized, used in conjunction with other monomers as adhesive compositions, cross-linking agents, dye acceptor additives to vinylic polymers and useful chemical intermediates. The method of the invention encompasses synthesizing the aforementioned monomers and intermediates. Methyl .alpha.-(ethoxycarbonamido)acrylate is synthesized from either DL-serine or methyl pyruvate.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1987Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: James F. Engel, Thomas J. Byerley, Howard W. Christie
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Patent number: 4860729Abstract: A method of storing and controlling a release of latent heat of transition of a phase-change material is disclosed. The method comprises trapping a crystallite of the material between two solid objects and retaining it there under high pressure by applying a force to press the two solid objects tightly together. A crystallite of the material is exposed to a quantity of the material that is in a supercooled condition to nucleate the crystallization of the supercooled material.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1988Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: David K. Benson, Peter F. Barret
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Patent number: 4816294Abstract: Unwanted build-up of the film deposited on the transparent light-transmitting window of a photochemical vacuum deposition (photo-CVD) chamber is eliminated by flowing an etchant into the part of the photolysis region in the chamber immediately adjacent the window and remote from the substrate and from the process gas inlet. The respective flows of the etchant and the process gas are balanced to confine the etchant reaction to the part of the photolysis region proximate to the window and remote from the substrate. The etchant is preferably one that etches film deposit on the window, does not etch or affect the window itself, and does not produce reaction by-products that are deleterious to either the desired film deposited on the substrate or to the photolysis reaction adjacent the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1987Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Simon Tsuo, Alison A. Langford
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Patent number: 4779980Abstract: An atmospheric optical calibration system is provided to compare actual atmospheric optical conditions to standard atmospheric optical conditions on the basis of aerosol optical depth, relative air mass, and diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio. An indicator can show the extent to which the actual conditions vary from standard conditions. Aerosol scattering and absorption properties, diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio, and precipitable water vapor determined on a real-time basis for optical and pressure measurements are also used to generate a computer spectral model and for correcting actual performance response of a photovoltaic device to standard atmospheric optical condition response on a real-time basis as the device is being tested in actual outdoor conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1987Date of Patent: October 25, 1988Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Roland L. Hulstrom, Theodore W. Cannon
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Patent number: 4718920Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing smoke employs a fine spray of water droplets that are electrically charged opposite to the charge of soot particles in the smoke. A hand held housing contains a rotary shaft which carries a cup that spins within an air nozzle when the shaft is rotated. Electrically charged water is applied to flared inside surface of the cup and moves by centrifugal action to an annular lip on the end of the cup. An air driven turbine drives the shaft, and the compressed air used to power the turbine is passed through the nozzle where it helps to atomize and spray the water discharging from the lip on the spinning cup. The entire metal assembly within the insulated housing is maintained at a high electrical potential to effectively charge the water.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1986Date of Patent: January 12, 1988Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: John S. Kinsey, Frank J. Pendleton
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Patent number: 4704466Abstract: .alpha.-Substituted acrylic acid esters, their polymers and adhesives therefrom, and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The compounds of the invention are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of isocyanato esters and can be polymerized to form an effective, non-toxic adhesive. The method of the invention encompasses utilizing the adhesive composition in biomedical applications, such as joining live animal tissue. Other adhesive applications are contemplated for living tissue and inanimate objects. The compounds are also used as monomers which can be polymerized, used in conjunction with other monomers as adhesive compositions, cross-linking agents, dye acceptor additives to vinylic polymers and useful chemical intermediates. The method of the invention encompasses synthesizing the aformentioned monomers and intermediates. Methyl .alpha.-(ethoxycarbonamido)acrylate is synthesized from either DL-serine or methyl pyruvate.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1984Date of Patent: November 3, 1987Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: James F. Engel, Thomas J. Byerley, Howard W. Christie
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Patent number: 4659475Abstract: A composite reverse osmosis membrane which can be used to separate a solvent, generally water, from solutes dissolved therein, can comprise a flexible microporous support with a thin film membrane comprising the condensation polymerization product of a polyfunctional crosslinking compound and a polymerized amine-epihalohydrin adduct.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1984Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Tsung K. Liao, Cecil B. Chappelow
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Patent number: 4634803Abstract: A method of selecting optimum values for the factors H and .mu. in a thermoelectric heating/cooling device. A system model is formulated by relating the heat transfer characteristics of the heat exchangers on the hot and cold sides of the device to the thermoelectric properties of the TE couples. The model yields a set of governing differential equations that take into account the relative flow directions of the fluids and the position dependence of the temperatures. The equations can be solved and the solutions used in an iterative procedure to select optimum values of H and .mu. that will meet the specified heating or cooling requirements. In a less rigorous method, the average temperatures on the hot and cold sides of the device are used, and these temperatures are mathematically expressed by equations that normally provide results within acceptable margins of error.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1985Date of Patent: January 6, 1987Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventor: Balakrishnan Mathiprakasam
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Patent number: 4601587Abstract: A freezing point method and device (10) are disclosed. The method and device pertain to an inflection point technique for determining the freezing points of mixtures. In both the method and device (10), the mixture is cooled to a point below its anticipated freezing point and then warmed at a substantially linear rate. During the warming process, the rate of increase of temperature of the mixture is monitored by, for example, thermocouple (28) with the thermocouple output signal being amplified and differentiated by a differentiator (42). The rate of increase of temperature data are analyzed and a peak rate of increase of temperature is identified. In the preferred device (10) a computer (22) is utilized to analyze the rate of increase of temperature data following the warming process. Once the maximum rate of increase of temperature is identified, the corresponding temperature of the mixture is located and earmarked as being substantially equal to the freezing point of the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1983Date of Patent: July 22, 1986Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventor: Balakrishnan Mathiprakasam
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Patent number: 4599368Abstract: A coating composition for marine structures containing a soluble acrylic organotin polymer and a soluble metal-free acrylic polymer, in combination with an insoluble crosslinked organotin polymer, and an insoluble filler in a coating composition solvent can provide a tough, durable flexible coating and can provide extended protection to marine structures from the growth or accumulation of marine organisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1984Date of Patent: July 8, 1986Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Albert L. Kimmel, Cecil C. Chappelow, Jr., Vincent J. Castelli
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Patent number: 4443312Abstract: A method is disclosed for the in situ coating of electrically conductive structures such as a pipe line wherein a reservoir of a water dispersion of an ionic organic resin composition is provided at the section of the pipe or other structure to be coated and a direct current is impressed on the reservoir of resin and the conductive structure of a polarity to cause the resin ions to electrophoretically migrate to the conductive surface of the structure and form an insoluble coating thereon. The process allows coating of areas of the structure beyond the limits initially contacted by the resin composition by virtue of the fact that gas evolved from the water during electrolysis progressively displaces soil surrounding the structure allowing the resin to contact additional conductive surface portions of the structure and thus form a coating thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1982Date of Patent: April 17, 1984Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventor: Gary J. Hennon
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Patent number: RE33048Abstract: A coating composition for marine structures containing a soluble acrylic organotin polymer and a soluble metal-free acrylic polymer, in combination with an insoluble crosslinked organotin polymer, and an insoluble filler in a coating composition solvent can provide a tough, durable flexible coating and can provide extended protection to marine structures from the growth or accumulation of marine organisms.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1988Date of Patent: September 5, 1989Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Albert L. Kimmel, Cecil C. Chappelow, Jr., Vincent J. Castelli