Patents Examined by G. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7279238
    Abstract: A pressable dental ceramic comprising a mixture of glass and glass-ceramic frits. A refractory filler is also combined with the frits. The dental ceramic contains an amount of leucite less than about 35 percent by weight. Other additives may be included such as pigments, opacifying agents and fluorescing agents. The dental ceramic comprises a cellular-like microstructure comprised of glassy regions surrounded by clusters of leucite crystals distributed around those glassy regions forming a cellular three-dimensional network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Pentron Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dmitri Brodkin
  • Patent number: 7276289
    Abstract: A first surface mirror includes a reflective layer and one or more dielectric layers. A metal oxide (e.g., aluminum oxide) nucleation layer(s) is provided above and/or below the reflective layer in order to improve durability of the first surface mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Yiwei Lu, Donald V. Jacobson, Francis Wuillaume
  • Patent number: 7273660
    Abstract: An interface forming method includes forming a first layer containing a first chemical element and chemisorbing on the first layer an interface layer containing at least one monolayer of the first chemical element intermixed with a second chemical element different from the first chemical element. A second layer comprising the second chemical element can be formed on the interface layer. The first layer might not substantially contain the second chemical element, the second layer might not substantially contain the first chemical element, or both. An apparatus can include a first layer containing a first chemical element, an interface layer chemisorbed on the first layer, and a second layer containing a second element on the interface layer. The interface layer can contain at least one monolayer of the first chemical element intermixed with a second chemical element different from the first chemical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cem Basceri, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7267879
    Abstract: A low-E coated article is provided, in certain example embodiments, with a layer including silicon oxynitride adjacent the glass substrate in order to improve chemical and/or mechanical durability of the coated article. In certain example embodiments, the coated article may be formed so as to have a fairly high visible transmission (TY or Tvis) to sheet resistance (Rs) ratio (i.e., a ratio Tvis/Rs). The higher this ratio, the better the coated article's combined functionality of providing for both good solar performance (e.g., ability to reflect and/or absorb IR radiation) and high visible transmission. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, architectural or residential monolithic window units, vehicle window units, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.)
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Anton Dietrich, Jose Nunez Regueiro
  • Patent number: 7267880
    Abstract: A substrate having a surface carrying a removable transparent film that can be removed by the surface by a desired washing process, and removable presence indicator associated with the removable transparent film, the presence indicator being removable by the same desired washing process as the removable transparent film. A method of producing a substrate having a presence indicator in contact with a removable transparent film a method of washing a substrate having a presence indicator in contact with a removable transparent film are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cardinal CG Company
    Inventors: Leah Miller, Annette Krisko, Klaus Hartig, Roger O'Shaughnessy, Gary Pfaff
  • Patent number: 7264881
    Abstract: A protective plate for a plasma display comprises conductive substrate for protecting a plasma display and an electrode in electrical contact with the conductive substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Sakurada, Toshihiro Ajikata, Kouichi Osada, Ken Moriwaki, Katsuaki Aikawa, Kazuyoshi Noda, Takuji Oyama
  • Patent number: 7261957
    Abstract: A multilayer system and its production. Multilayer systems, such as those used as mirrors in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength range, suffer contamination or oxidation during storage in air and in long-time operation, i.e. when exposed to EUV radiation in a vacuum environment with certain partial pressures of water or oxygen, which causes a serious reduction in reflectivity. The multilayer system according to the invention will have a long life with constantly high reflectivity. Their reflectivity can be enhanced by barrier layers. The multilayer systems according to the invention have protective layers comprising iridium. The multilayer systems according to the invention are produced by direct, ion-beam-supported growth of the respective layer. The multilayer systems according to the invention are not only resistant to contamination and oxidation, but can also be cleaned if necessary, without losing reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Frederik Bijkerk, Eric Louis, Andrey E. Yakshin, Peter Cornelis Görts, Sebastian Oestreich, Lambertus Gerhardus Albertus Michael Alink, Jan Verhoeven, Robbert Wilhelmus Elisabeth van de Kruijs
  • Patent number: 7261931
    Abstract: An antireflection film laminate comprising a low refractive index film on the surface side and a high refractive index film which is disposed under the low refractive index film in contact therewith, wherein the high refractive index film is formed as a discontinuous layer in the planar direction. If the high refractive index film is formed as a discontinuous layer, the high refractive index film can enter into the low refractive index film to restrain movement of the low refractive index film, and therefore an antireflection film laminate exhibiting superior antiscratching property and transparency can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: JSR Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nishikawa, Naoki Sugiyama, Hiroomi Shimomura
  • Patent number: 7258934
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a ceramic thermal barrier coating, TBC, deposited and attached directly to a metallic substrate (2), or an intermediate bond coating (3) deposited on such a substrate (2). The TBC includes at least two layers, wherein a first, inner TBC layer, that is directly attached to the substrate (2) or bond coating (3), presents a different microstructure than a second, outer TBC layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Wigren, Mats-Olov Hansson
  • Patent number: 7255898
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises zirconia toughened ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The component can be made entirely of the ceramic material or the ceramic material can be provided as a coating on a substrate such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or refractory metal. The zirconia toughened ceramic can be tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (TZP) material, partially-stabilized zirconia (PSZ), or a zirconia dispersion toughened ceramic (ZTC) such as zirconia-toughened alumina (tetragonal zirconia particles dispersed in Al2O3). In the case of a ceramic zirconia toughened coating, one or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the ceramic coating. To promote adhesion of the ceramic coating, the component surface or the intermediate layer surface may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment prior to depositing the ceramic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 7252887
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an interlayer film for laminated glass which exerts excellent heat insulation or electromagnetic wave transmittance and which is suitable for producing a laminated glass having excellent fundamental performance characteristics required for the laminated glass, such as transparency, especially good haze, appropriate bond strength between an interlayer film and glass, penetration resistance, impact absorption, weather resistance, and so on. Also, the object of the present invention is to provide a laminated glass produced by using the above-mentioned interlayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinnen Kobata, Yoshio Aoshima, Hajime Shohi
  • Patent number: 7247383
    Abstract: An integrated window design for optical transmission in combustion environments is described. The invention consists of an integrated optical window design that prevents and removes the accumulation of carbon-based particulate matter and gaseous hydrocarbons through a combination of heat and catalysis. These windows will enable established optical technologies to be applied to combustion environments and their exhaust systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Michael D. Kass, William P. Partridge, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7241506
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant low-emissivity coating is provided. The low-emissivity coating comprises, in sequence outwardly, a corrosion-resistant inner infrared-reflective layer, a transparent dielectric middle coat, and an outer infrared-reflective layer. The outer infrared-reflective layer consists essentially of silver and the corrosion-resistant inner infrared-reflective layer has a different composition than the outer infrared-reflective layer. Also provided are methods for depositing coatings of this nature, as well as substrates bearing these coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cardinal CG Company
    Inventor: Klaus Hartig
  • Patent number: 7226645
    Abstract: An artificial palm tree constructed from modular components which are combined in various ways to produce a palm tree having different characteristics for use as a beach umbrella. The palm tree consists of a base, a trunk mounted on the base, a tree heart mounted on the trunk, and a leaf/canopy component attached to a collar for opening and closing the leaf/canopy component. The leaf/canopy, the trunk, and the tree heart may be stored in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Mary M. Braithwaite
  • Patent number: 7223479
    Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a multi-layer undercoat may include a layer of or including tin oxide on the glass surface and a layer of silicon nitride thereover. Tin oxide is advantageous in that it is relatively durable, and is a low stress material with excellent adhesion to glass. Moreover, the sputtering rate for tin oxide is several times higher than that of silicon nitride. Thus, problems of high cost (due to slow deposition rate) and durability (due to high compressive stress) can be overcome through the use of tin oxide as a bottom portion of the dual layer overcoat. The coated article may or may not be heat treated in different embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Grzegorz Stachowiak
  • Patent number: 7220489
    Abstract: Device of layered structures for optical reflectors and method for making the device. A device for providing environmental stability and mechanical integrity in space includes a substrate and a first silicon oxynitride layer on the substrate. The first silicon oxynitride layer has a tensile stress. Additionally, the device includes a second silicon oxynitride layer on the first silicon oxynitride layer. The second silicon oxynitride layer has a compressive stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Chang Wei, Barry Lee-Mean Yang, Yiqun Pan
  • Patent number: 7217461
    Abstract: A coated article is provided with a low-emissivity (low-E) layer stack for use in a window unit or the like. The layer stack, or coating, may permit the coated article to achieve one or more of a low solar factor (SF) value, a high selectivity (Tvis/SF) value, substantially neutral color at normal and/or off-axis viewing angles, and/or low emissivity. When high selectivity values are achieved, there is provided a high ratio of visible transmission to SF, which is a desirable feature in certain example instances. In certain example embodiments, a sub-oxide layer (e.g., NiCrOx) may be used as a contact layer under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer in order to permit low SF values, high selectivity, and good coloration to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignees: Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.), Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Jose Ferreira, Jean-Marc Lemmer, Jens-Peter Muller, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7217460
    Abstract: A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Nunez-Regueiro, Anton Dietrich, Philip J. Lingle, Scott V. Thomsen, Hong Wang, Jean-Marc Lemmer, Nancy Bassett, Bryce Corsner
  • Patent number: 7211329
    Abstract: The easily cleanable coated product is made by a process, in which a coating mixture including a hydrophobic and/or dirt-repellent substance uniformly distributed throughout a hydrolyzable, network-forming gel is applied to a product surface. The hydrophobic and/or dirt-repellent substance, which is a silane of the formula (CFxHy)—(CFaHb)n—(CFa?Hb?)m—Si—(OR)3, wherein R is an optionally heteroatom-containing, C1–C8-alkyl or aminoalkyl group and x and y each equal 0, 1, 2 or 3 and x+y=3, and a, a? and b, b? each equal 0.1 or 2, and a+b as well as a?+b?=2, and n and m each denote an integer from 0 to 20 and n+m equal at most 30, is chemically bound In the backbone of the gel network to form the easily cleanable coating. The gel is preferably an inorganic metal oxide gel made by a sol-gel process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Bernd Metz, Gerhard Weber, Mevluda Blecker
  • Patent number: 7211323
    Abstract: An improved coating material possessing super-hard and low friction properties and a method for forming the same. The improved coating material includes the use of a noble metal or soft metal homogeneously distributed within a hard nitride material. The addition of small amounts of such metals into nitrides such as molybdenum nitride, titanium nitride, and chromium nitride results in as much as increasing of the hardness of the material as well as decreasing the friction coefficient and increasing the oxidation resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: U Chicago Argonne LLC
    Inventors: Ali Erdemir, Mustafa Ürgen, Ali Fuat Cakir, Osman Levent Eryilmaz, Kursat Kazmanli, Ozgul Keles