Patents Examined by Hoa T. Le
  • Polymeric articles having improved cut-resistance
    Patent number: 6080474
    Abstract: A polymeric article having improved cut-resistance is composed of (A) an initial polymeric article having cut-resistant properties; and (B) a cut-resistant elastomeric coating disposed on an outer surface of the initial polymeric article, wherein the elastomeric coating is composed of an elastomer and a hard filler distributed in the elastomer. The hard filler has a Mohs Hardness value of at least about 3. The final polymeric article has improved cut-resistance, improved flexibility, and improved comfort and will retain its properties when routinely laundered. The article is preferably in the form of a polymeric textile article, more preferably in the form of an elastomeric protective garment, and most preferably in the form of gloves, e.g., surgical gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Ehteridge Odell Oakley, Gregory J. Johnson, Herman Leslie Lanieve
  • Langmuir-Blodgett films containing tetrathiafulvalene
    Patent number: 6074744
    Abstract: The inventive Langmuir-Blodgett film is made of an amphiphilic organic carboxylic acid, such as a long chain fatty acid, and a tetrathiafulvalene derivative having no long chain alkyl group. For example, the long chain fatty acid comprises behenic acid, and the tetrathiafulvalene derivative comprises 4,5-ethylenedioxy-4',5'-ethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene or bis-ethylenedioxy-tetrathiafulvalene. Such Langmuir-Blodgett film comprises uniform and well-ordered layered structure, may be readily produced and may exhibit a high electrical conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ohnuki, Mitsuru Izumi
  • Colored composites exhibiting long afterglow characteristics and colored articles exhibiting long afterglow characteristics
    Patent number: 6074739
    Abstract: Disclosed are a composite exhibiting long afterglow characteristics comprising at least a phosphorescence layer and a coloration layer, wherein the phosphorescence layer contains a phosphor and binder and the coloration layer contains a colorant, phosphor and binder, and an article exhibiting long afterglow characteristics which has the composite exhibiting long afterglow characteristics on at least a part of the surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Noboru Katagiri
  • Method of bonding using non-compressible beads
    Patent number: 6074506
    Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming means for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling means for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventors: James Morton Herring, Jr., Bruce Norman Greve
  • Spherical pigments, process for producing them and use thereof
    Patent number: 6074754
    Abstract: The invention relates to pigments consisting of substantially spherical particles with a mean particle diameter of less than 10 .mu.m, on the basis of an oxidic or silicate substrate material with noble metal distributed extremely finely on and/or in the particles. Preferred pigments are purple-colored and are based on an oxide from the series SiO.sub.2, SnO.sub.2 and ZrO.sub.2 and gold as noble metal. The pigments are suitable for the production of ceramic decorations and for the dyeing of plastics, synthetic films and fibers as well as lacquers. Exceptional application properties are obtained by virtue of the spherical shape. The pigments are obtainable by a spray-pyrolysis process in which an aerosol consisting of a solution of at least one noble metal compound and an oxide- or silicate-forming precursor is subjected to pyrolysis; the pigment is separated from the pyrolysis gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Degussa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hauke Jacobsen, Werner Hartmann, Stipan Katusic, Andreas Schulz, Norbert Giesecke, Ralph Brandes, Jorg Sperlich
  • Microporous fluorinated silica agglomerate and method of preparing and using same
    Patent number: 6071614
    Abstract: Microporous fluorinated silica agglomerates are disclosed and their method of preparation from a reaction of colloidal silica of small particle sizes with an alkylamine (or a hindered amine) and hydrofluoric acid or with alkylammonium fluoride, under convenient laboratory conditions at an atmospheric pressure. The agglomerate is useful to interact with dispersants surrounding inkjet ink pigment particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Omar Farooq
  • Enhanced resolution matrix-laser desorption and ionization TOF-MS sample surface
    Patent number: 6071610
    Abstract: A thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, comprising a matrix material in a supported dispersion wherein the support is a solid or is formed from a solid. The invention is also directed to a method of making a thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, the layer comprising a matrix-solid composition disposed upon a substrate, comprising the step of depositing a solution containing matrix, solid and solvent upon a spinning substrate at a deposition rate sufficient to allow evaporation of the solvent, thereby interspersing the matrix and support on the substrate in a thin layer. Enhanced mass resolution is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Joseph A. Jarrell, Michael J. Tomany, Craig A. Dorschel
  • Super water-repellent coating material, and super water-repellent coating film using the same
    Patent number: 6068911
    Abstract: A super water-repellent coating film is formed of a super water-repellent coating material comprising an organic coating material composed of organic polymer, a filler mixture composed of plural kinds of fillers of at least 5 nm in average particle diameter, which is dispersed in the coating material, and a perfluoropolyoxyalkyl group compound. Because the surface of various solid bodies can be made super water-repellent by a simple process using this water-repellent coating material, the coating film can be utilized in various fields, such as preventing snow covering, frosting, ice coating, water adhering, and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Shouji, Tomoyuki Hamada, Ken'ichi Kawashima, Yutaka Ito
  • Magnetic recording medium comprising a mixed magnetic region having a thickness relative to the total thickness of magnetic layers
    Patent number: 6063489
    Abstract: A magnetic recording medium having a lower magnetic layer 3 and an upper magnetic layer 4 is disclosed, wherein the lower magnetic layer 3 contains tabular magnetic particles and acicular nonmagnetic inorganic particles and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.5 .mu.m, the tabular magnetic particles being oriented with their plane having the longest diameter tilted at an angle of 70 to 90.degree. in average with the plane of the magnetic recording medium, the upper magnetic layer 4 contains acicular magnetic particles and has a thickness of not greater than 0.3 .mu.m, and a mixed magnetic region 6 which comprises tabular magnetic particles and acicular magnetic particles, mixed together, and formed between the upper and lower magnetic layers, a thickness m of the mixed magnetic region 6 being 1 to 20% of the total thickness T of all the magnetic layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kobayashi, Hidehiko Nakayama, Kazutaka Yamashita, Akira Ishikawa
  • Magnetic recording medium comprising non-magnetic acicular particles containing mainly iron and having titanium dispersed therein
    Patent number: 6063490
    Abstract: A magnetic recording medium of the present invention comprises: a base film; a non-magnetic undercoat layer formed on said base film and comprising a binder resin and non-magnetic acicular particles containing iron as a main component, comprising iron and titanium of 0.05 to 50% by weight, calculated as Ti, based on the total weight of the particles, which is present within the particle; and a magnetic recording layer formed on said non-magnetic undercoat layer and comprising magnetic particles and a binder resin. Such a magnetic recording medium has a low light transmittance, an excellent smooth surface, a high mechanical strength and an excellent durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Toda Kogyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hayashi, Keisuke Iwasaki, Toshiharu Harada, Hiroko Morii
  • Moisture sensor comprising conductive particles and a hygroscopic polymer of polyvinyl alcohol
    Patent number: 6063486
    Abstract: A moisture sensitive film having conductive particles dispersed in a hygroscopic polymer is disposed between a pair of electrodes to construct a moisture sensor. The hygroscopic polymer is a modified polyvinyl alcohol which is obtained by saponifying a polymer comprising vinyl ester units and 0.1 to 15 mol % of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid units such that the vinyl ester units are saponified to a degree of at least 30 mol %. The moisture sensor has improved condensing/drying cycle performance and moisture resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Kobayashi
  • Transparent decorative article having an etched appearing/prismatic image thereon
    Patent number: 6060157
    Abstract: The present invention provides transparent decorative articles formed from a transparent substrate, glass microspheres, and a bonding layer, optional layers, and optional coatings, having an etched appearance or rainbow-like appearance depending on illumination conditions and viewing angle. Transfer graphics and transfer media are also provided. The ratio of the transparent microsphere refractive index to the transparent microsphere bonding layer refractive index is about 1.3:1 to about 1.7:1. From about 20% to about 80% of the average diameter of each microsphere is embedded in the bonding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James Douglas LaPerre, Warren Douglas Burke
  • Flocculating or viscosifying compositions and their production and use
    Patent number: 6060164
    Abstract: Primary polymer particles having a size at least 90% below 10 .mu.m and which contain water soluble and water insoluble polymer are made by reverse phase polymerisation of a water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer or monomer blend with cross linking agent, and the emulsion is then spray dried to form spray dried granules which disintegrate upon addition to water, thereby forming an aqueous composition of the insoluble particles having activity similar to the starting emulsion. This aqueous composition of insoluble particles is particularly useful for flocculation, for instance flocculation of sewage sludge followed by centrifugation or belt pressing, or for viscosification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments Limited
    Inventors: Michael Green, Malcolm Hawe, John Rodney Field
  • Polymeric forming tool
    Patent number: 6060155
    Abstract: The present invention provides a material forming tool, such as a sheet metal stamping die, having a polymer matrix and filler material mixed therein. The filler material is a plurality of microspheres which are coated with a release agent. The coating of the release agent should be sufficient to allow the microspheres to rotate in the polymer matrix when the tool is used to form material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: Bruce Norman Greve
  • Silica-coated aluminum nitride powders with improved properties and method for their preparation
    Patent number: 6054220
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a silica coated powder that provides improved hydrolysis stability and damage tolerance compared to silica coated powders previously described and commercially available. The improved coated powder of this disclosure is clearly distinguished from other silica coated powders, in that the silica coating of the disclosed product is dense, or contains only closed pores, and as such does not allow for water penetration to the AlN core via permeability or any other means. Further disclosed is the process by which such improved coated powders can be produced. The process utilizes any form of silica coated aluminum nitride, which can be produced by any number of means as described in the literature. Such powders are then subjected to a further heat treatment which causes the closure of porosity and densification of the silica coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Refractory Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mroz
  • Film forming mixtures, image bearing films and image bearing retroreflective sheeting
    Patent number: 6054208
    Abstract: Aliphatic polyurethane film forming mixtures, image bearing aliphatic polyurethane films, and image bearing retroreflective sheeting having such image bearing films are described. The image-bearing aliphatic polyurethane films of the invention comprise an aliphatic polyurethane film derived from a film-forming mixture comprising (A) an aliphatic polyurethane, and (B) at least one hydroxy-containing imidazoline surfactant represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an aliphatic group containing from about 10 to about 22 carbon atoms and R.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Rega, George H. Wise
  • Molded magnetic article
    Patent number: 6054210
    Abstract: A molded magnetic article and fabrication method are provided. Particles of ferromagnetic material embedded in a polymer binder are molded under heat and pressure into a geometric shape. Each particle is an oblate spheroid having a radius-to-thickness aspect ratio approximately in the range of 15-30. Each oblate spheroid has flattened poles that are substantially in perpendicular alignment to a direction of the molding pressure throughout the geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert G. Bryant, Min Namkung, Russell A. Wincheski, James P. Fulton, Robert L. Fox
  • Process for forming insulating layers on soft magnetic powder composite core from magnetic particles
    Patent number: 6054219
    Abstract: The present invention provides a soft magnetic powder composite core for an electric apparatus produced with soft magnetic particles having electric insulating layers on the surfaces thereof, wherein said electric insulating layers are formed by mixing said soft magnetic particles with an insulating layer-forming solution which comprises a phosphating solution and a rust inhibitor, which is an organic compound containing at least one of nitrogen or sulfur having a lone pair of electrons suppressing the formation of iron oxide and surfactant, and drying the treated soft magnetic particles at a predetermined temperature. The soft magnetic powder composite core is excellent in iron loss and magnetic flux density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Powdered Metals, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Satsu, Hideaki Katayama, Yuzo Ito, Akio Takahashi, Noboru Baba, Chikara Tanaka, Kazuo Asaka, Chio Ishihara, Hiroaki Miyata, Kazuhiro Satou
  • Composite of ceramic-coated magnetic alloy particles
    Patent number: 6051324
    Abstract: A composite structure and method for manufacturing same, the composite structure being comprised of metal particles and an inorganic bonding media. The method comprises the steps of coating particles of a metal powder with a thin layer of an inorganic bonding media selected from the group of powders consisting of a ceramic, glass, and glass-ceramic. The particles are assembled in a cavity and heat, with or without the addition of pressure, is thereafter applied to the particles until the layer of inorganic bonding media forms a strong bond with the particles and with the layer of inorganic bonding media on adjacent particles. The resulting composite structure is strong and remains cohesive at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur J. Moorhead, Hyoun-Ee Kim
  • Alumina sol, alumina hydrate powder and processes for their production
    Patent number: 6048470
    Abstract: A process for producing an alumina sol, which comprises stirring a dispersion of an alumina hydrate having a solid content of from 1 to 40 wt % at a pH of from 7 to 12 with an effective consumptive power of at least 0.5 kW/m.sup.3 for aggregation treatment, and then adding an acid thereto for peptization treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumasa Nakahara, Kenji Yamada, Hachiro Hirano, Toshiya Matsubara