Patents Examined by Ellis P. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5512383
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wavelength converting element forms an optical waveguide having a substantially uniform thickness and a desired size. A thin film of lithium niobate is formed on a substrate of lithium tantalate, and a mask corresponding to an optical waveguide is formed on the thin film. A proton exchange is performed on a predetermined area of the thin film through the mask. A potassium ion exchange is further performed on the proton-exchanged area, thus yielding the optical waveguide. The mode of light that propagates in the optical waveguide can be set to a low-order mode, so that the efficiency of converting the incident light to the second harmonic is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyofumi Chikuma, Atsushi Onoe
  • Patent number: 5510188
    Abstract: A process of coating a glass substrate with a ceramic-like tough film, as well as the composite product of said process is disclosed. The process comprises forming, by conventional coating methods, a film of an aqueous silicate composition on the surface of a glass substrate. The aqueous silicate composition comprises pigment, aqueous silicate solutions, alkali metal hydroxide, colloidal silica and feldspar. The process is especially useful for rendering architectural grade and automobile glass opaque and decorative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Industrial Control Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Vockler
  • Patent number: 5508081
    Abstract: A porous material composed of many SiO.sub.4 tetrahedra sheets having interlayer bridges of SiO.sub.2. It has pores having a diameter of 10 .ANG. or above, and possesses the properties of a solid acid formed by the isomorphous substitution of metal atoms for Si of SiO.sub.4 frameworks. It is made by a process including introducing an organic substance into interlayer space of crystals of layered silicates to expand the spacing between crystal layers, as well as forming bridges of SiO.sub.2 therebetween, bringing the intercalated compounds into contact with a metal salt to link metal atoms to the SiO.sub.4 frameworks, and firing the products. The material can withstand a temperature of 800.degree. C., has a pore diameter larger than that of zeolites, etc., and is useful in making an adsorbent or catalyst for molecules having a high molecular weight, such as a catalyst for the catalytic cracking of petroleum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Shinji Inagaki, Yoshiaki Fukushima, Akane Okata, Chuzo Kato, Kazuyuki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5508076
    Abstract: A preform for use in the production of a container in a blow-molding operation includes an inner parison molded in a first mold to include a finish portion including a mouth-defining opening, a threaded outer surface adapted to engage a container closure, and a lower margin including a support ring, a closed bottom portion including a gate vestige, and a barrel portion extending between the finish portion lower margin and the bottom portion, and an outer parison molded in a second mold and consisting essentially of a barrel portion having a length similar to the inner parison barrel portion and a bottom portion including an opening for receiving the inner parison gate vestige, the outer parison having an inner surface conformably matching the inner parison outer surface. The outer parison is mechanically telescopically assembled over the inner parison outside the first and second molds to form a layered preform, the preform optionally including an intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Electra Form, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Bright
  • Patent number: 5508082
    Abstract: Composite panels with high fire-proofing capacity have two outer layers and a core that features a core mixture containing aluminum hydroxide in compacted form, lightweight fillers, in some cases fine gained or splintery aluminum hydroxide, as desired magnesium hydroxide and polymer-based binding agents. The composite panels are suitable e.g. as facade panels for building constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Alusuisse-Lonza Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Rainer Ehrat, Rene Bregenzer
  • Patent number: 5506036
    Abstract: A laminated material for packaging containers comprising polyvinyl alcohol or other water-soluble, thermoplastic resin layers disposed on both sides of a paperboard base material layer and other thermoplastic synthetic resin layers laminated thereon. An aluminum foil layer 5 may be provided over a polyolefin adhesive resin layer. The paper pulp can be readily separated from the polyethylene and other thermoplastic synthetic resins during the recycling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: AB Tetra Pak
    Inventor: Claude Bergerioux
  • Patent number: 5506012
    Abstract: A lift bag includes a plurality of independently inflatable chambers for controlling lifting of objects. Each chamber is defined by an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet, the upper surface sheet of one chamber positioned below an adjacent chamber being securely attached to the lower surface sheet of an adjacent chamber. The lift bag can be operated at pressures of about 15 psig at specified heights which allows greater flexibility compared to conventional, single-chambered lift bag which operate at pressures of about 7 psig. Preferably, all seams, reinforcements, and fittings are vulcanized in place using uncured rubber coated fabric. Grommets or other securing means may provide further stability to the lift bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Engineered Fabrics Corp.
    Inventors: Hancel R. Wright, Harry T. Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 5503931
    Abstract: An improved moisture absorbing amorphous silicate material formed by the steps of: parboiling rice under 22 psi and at a temperature above 212 degrees F. to force bran into the rice grain and dissolve cellulose from the rice hulls creating voids in the rice hulls; drying the parboiled rice; milling the parboiled rice into grain, bran, and broken rice hulls; separating the broken rice hulls from the grain and bran; and burning the broken rice hulls at high temperatures to produce a skeletal residue of amorphous silicate material. Several uses of the amorphous silicate material are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Elstun F. Goodman, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5503930
    Abstract: In a layer structure oxide in crystallite form having a composition of the formula: AMO.sub.2 wherein A is Li or Na and M is Co, Ni, Fe or Cr, at least one additive element Z which is Bi, Pb or B is present in the form of an oxide on the surface of crystallites or between crystallites. Atomic ratio Z/M is from 0.0001 to 0.1. Since the crystallites have an increased size, the layer structure oxide has improved properties and is suitable for use as a positive electrode material of a secondary cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Maruyama, Makoto Kondo
  • Patent number: 5503886
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blow molded article and an apparatus and method for blow molding the article. The article contemplated by the present invention includes a recessed lip. The apparatus includes two plates reciprocally movable toward and away from one another. A center ring member and a separating ring are fixedly and perpendicularly mounted on each plate. A mold half is mounted on each plate and is divided into two sections. One section is located on each side of the center ring member and is reciprocally movable toward and away from the center ring member. A first insert member is provided in each mold section in proximity to said center insert member. The first insert has a channel therein for receiving a second insert member. The second insert member is reciprocally movable in said channel and engages the center ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Nursery Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Guarriello, Joseph A. Guarriello, Theodore J. Guarriello
  • Patent number: 5503885
    Abstract: An article, such as a card of thermoplastic material containing vials, is molded by a method and apparatus which deforms a portion of the mold flash so as to form a reference surface. In a preferred embodiment, the article has a pair of lower walls extending from a central wall in a generally inverted V-shape configuration diverging from an apex which defines a downwardly facing reference surface from which a predetermined reference position can be established for subsequent operations. A conveyor belt can be employed to engage the reference surface and support the article at the reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Weiler Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5501780
    Abstract: A gray-colored heat insulating glass plate has a transparent glass plate and a multilayer coating formed on one side of the glass plate. The multilayer coating includes first, second and third layers. The first layer is formed on a surface of the glass plate, is a film of a tantalum oxide, and has a thickness ranging from 5 to 20 nm. The second layer is formed on the first layer, is a film of an oxynitride of a metal selected from Cr, Ni--Cr alloy and stainless steel, and has a thickness ranging from 5 to 25 nm. The third layer is formed on the second layer, is a film of a tantalum oxide, and has a thickness ranging from 5 to 20 nm. The heat insulating glass plate is sufficiently low in transmittance for solar radiation, sufficiently high in transmittance for radio waves, relatively low in transmittance for the visible light and good in durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Central Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasunchu Iida, Satoru Honda, Sachio Asai, Isao Nakamura, Hidenori Noguchi, Takao Tomioka
  • Patent number: 5500288
    Abstract: A chemical conversion coating formed on a surface of an aluminum substrate. The coating comprises a composite material formed by a reaction of a nitrate or sulfate of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and an organic compound that can form a compound with aluminum or exhibit a weak basicity an an aqueous aluminum treating liquid comprising the nitrate or sulfate of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and the organic compound, with the aluminum substrate. The coating is corrosion-resistant, bacteria-proof or fungiproof, and the surface is of a heat exchanger, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Isobe, Hiroyoshi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5500279
    Abstract: The laminate of the invention is provided with an etch stop to protect the laminate's adhesive layer. The etch stop also circumvents any etching interference due to degradation products which would arise from breakdown of the adhesive layer. The etch stop is a protective thin film in the form of a metal oxide, metal nitride, metal oxynitride, metal carbide or metal oxycarbide coating deposited on the back side of the metal sheet prior to lamination onto the substrate by means of an organic adhesive. The thin etch stop film is in the form of a blanket coating to assure adhesion to the metal surface and to the adhesive. It may be deposited onto the metal sheet by standard vacuum deposition techniques such as DC and magnetron sputtering, thermal and E-beam evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition methods. The thin film thickness is flexible, and can range in thickness from tenths of angstroms to microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lee Walter, Steven J. Adamson
  • Patent number: 5492740
    Abstract: The enclosure assembly, being particularly but not exclusively conceived for use over electric cable splices, comprises a sleeve of an elastomer material, a support whereover the sleeve is fitted in a condition of elastic expansion, said sleeve being adapted to shrink around the elongate cylindrical objects upon removal of the support. The support comprises two substantially cylindrical, tubular bodies having ends abutted coaxially with each other in mutual continuation relationship; the abutted ends are disposed at substantially inward locations of the sleeve longitudinal extension. Thus, the support removal can begin from a predetermined internal region of the sleeve; the sleeve starts shrinking over the splice within said internal region, and any axial deformations in the sleeve would leave the sleeve positioning relatively to said predetermined internal region unaffected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Vallauri, Francesco Portas, Bruno Parmigiani
  • Patent number: 5487949
    Abstract: A process for forming a cobalt conversion coating on a metal substrate, thereby imparting corrosion resistance and paint adhesion properties. The invention was developed as a replacement for the prior art chromic acid process. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a cobalt conversion reaction solution comprising an aqueous, alkaline solution containing a soluble cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex, the concentration of the cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex being from about 0.1 mole per gallon of solution to the saturation limit of the cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex; and (b) contacting the substrate with the aqueous reaction solution for a sufficient amount of time, whereby the cobalt conversion coating is formed. The substrate may be aluminum or aluminum alloy, as well as Cd plating, Zn plating, Zn-Ni plating, and steel. The cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex may be present in the form of [Co(NH.sub.3).sub.6 ]X.sub.3 wherein X is Cl, Br, NO.sub.3, CN, SCN, 1/3PO.sub.4, 1/2SO.sub.4, C.sub.2 H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Matthias P. Schriever
  • Patent number: 5486388
    Abstract: The enclosure assembly particularly, but not exclusively, conceived for spliced electric cables, comprises a sleeve of an elastomer material, a support whereover the sleeve is fitted in a state of elastic expansion, said sleeve being adapted to shrink about the elongate cylindrical objects upon removal of the support. The support comprises a tubular body formed of a strip of a strong flexible material wound into a helix having mutually bonded adjacent turns, the turns being separable by applying a pull force along a substantially longitudinal direction to an end portion of the strip unravelled from the adjacent turns and taken through the interior of the tubular body along a substantially axial direction and out through the opposite end of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Patent number: 5484658
    Abstract: A silicon thin film member according to the present invention comprises a supporting substrate and an a-Si thin film formed by plasma CVD and including hydrogen. The a-Si thin film has a distribution of hydrogen density in which a hydrogen content of the a-Si thin film has a maximum value of 1.times.10.sup.22 atoms/cm.sup.3 or more in a position 20 nm or less away from an interface between the a-Si thin film and the supporting substrate, and the maximum value of the hydrogen content is larger than a hydrogen content of the supporting substrate on the interface. The hydrogen content of the a-Si thin film decreases from the position toward the interface and decreases from the position in a direction from the supporting substrate to the a-Si thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hisanori Ihara, Hidetoshi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 5484655
    Abstract: The invention provides a silicon carbide fiber carrying an aluminum nitride coating between about 1 and about 15 micrometers thick. The AlN coating serves as a debond layer which improves the fracture toughness of composite materials in which the coated fiber is a reinforcement phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Carborundum Company
    Inventors: Sai-Kwing Lau, Carl H. McMurtry
  • Patent number: 5480690
    Abstract: The biaxially stretch-oriented multi-layer tubular packaging casing for packaging pasty products, in particular the artificial sausage casing, includes a barrier layer having a reduced permeability to oxygen, an outer layer and an inner layer. The barrier layer comprises a partially aromatic polyamide and/or copolyamide, the outer and inner layers an aliphatic polyamide or copolyamide or a polymer mixture of at least one of the two compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Stenger, Ludwig Klenk, Dieter Beissel