Patents Examined by Pamela A Wilson
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Patent number: 6484418Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is disclosed for drying a wet web quickly and efficiently on the surface of a steam heated drying cylinder in a continuous papermaking process. A steam-heated drying cylinder having an exterior surface is rotated under a drying hood adjacent the exterior surface of the drying cylinder. The hood comprises a drying zone of heated air, with nozzles adapted to supply hot air streams into the drying zone. A wet web is adhered to the drying cylinder and rotated through the drying zone of the hood. Then, hot air streams are directed from the nozzles upon the wet web. A hot air stream is provided from a nozzle at a lead angle that deviates from perpendicular between about 3 and about 30 degrees, in a lead direction towards the downstream end of the web drying process.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Frank Hada, Ron Gropp
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Patent number: 6477787Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating and cooling a substrate are provided. A chamber is provided that comprises a heating mechanism adapted to heat a substrate positioned proximate the heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism spaced from the heating mechanism and adapted to cool a substrate positioned proximate the cooling mechanism, and a transfer mechanism adapted to transfer a substrate between the position proximate the heating mechanism and the position proximate the cooling mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Ratson Morad, Ho Seon Shin, Robin Cheung, Igor Kogan
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Patent number: 6473996Abstract: In a load port mechanism of a substrate treatment unit, protuberances are provided on a sealing surface formed along a door with which a wafer carrier is to dock, or on a sealing surface formed around the door of the wafer carrier. The wafer carrier door is faced with the load port door with the protuberances therebetween, thereby separating the sealing surface of the substrate treatment unit from the sealing surface of the wafer carrier by only a predetermined distance. Thus, there is formed a channel along which clean air flows from the inside of the substrate treatment unit to the outside thereof. The load port structure and the wafer carrier structure improve the reliability of opening/closing action of the wafer carrier and prevent entry of extraneous particles into the treatment unit with sufficient reliability, and enable high-yield production of integrated circuits.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Semiconductor Leading Edge Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Kenji Tokunaga
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Patent number: 6473997Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a drying section for dewatering a fibrous web (9), the drying section preferably being intended to dry fibrous webs in a paper machine, and the drying section comprising a number of drying cylinders (8), by which an inlet and outlet nip are formed when running the fibrous web, and the drying section comprising drying devices for decreasing the moisture content of the fibrous web, the drying devices comprising a blow device for blowing air in the proximity of the surface of the fibrous web.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Equitor OYInventor: Carl-Gustav Berg
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Patent number: 6467185Abstract: A potted timer and circuit board assembly for use in a regenerative desiccant air dryer. The potted timer and circuit board assembly comprise a support member of a predetermined size and shape having a first surface and a second surface. A conductive pattern of a predetermined material and thickness is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member. A predetermined quantity and arrangement of electronic components of a predetermined voltage is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member for providing a timed electronic signal to a solenoid valve that pneumatically operates an air dryer. A non-conductive material of a predetermined composition encases the electronic components on the support member for insulating the electronic components from environmental elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventors: Matthew D. Mitsch, James Varney
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Patent number: 6467187Abstract: A vacuum processing system, including a vacuum processing chamber for processing wafers, provides a controller for controlling a wafer processing mode and a cleaning mode for the processing chamber. The vacuum processing system further provides for a wafer moving mechanism which is controlled by the controller and allows for the transferring of a dummy wafer into the processing chamber when the cleaning mode is started and then returning the dummy wafer when the cleaning mode is finished.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shigekazu Kato, Kouji Nishihata, Tsunehiko Tsubone, Atsushi Itou
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Patent number: 6467190Abstract: A duct system includes an upper duct that supplies heated air to an upper plenum and a lower duct that supplies heated air to a lower plenum, and the upper and lower plenums provide the heated air to a kiln chamber. An intermediate plenum is between the upper and lower plenums and has outlets through which heated air supplied to the upper and lower plenums is discharged. A plurality of circulation passages extend generally laterally through the intermediate plenum. Fans positioned in the circulation passages circulate heated air that is external to the plenums. The outlets are nozzles defining discharge axes that are respectively directed generally parallel to, yet slightly toward, the rotational axes of the fans. Tips of the fans' blades extend into boundary layers adjacent the interior surfaces of the circulation passages. The fans operate in first and second modes to respectively force flow in opposite first and second directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Inventors: Robert T. Nagel, John Craig Holbert
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Patent number: 6463678Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shigekazu Kato, Kouji Nishihata, Tsunehiko Tsubone, Atsushi Itou
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Patent number: 6463675Abstract: In a spray drying process utilizing a spray dryer having internal gas filters and an internal fluidized bed and comprising an after-treatment of the product in a separate unit outside the spray drying chamber, which treatment produces a particle-loaded gas stream, said particle-loaded gas stream is conducted from the separate unit to the spray drying chamber. The stream passes, together with the spent drying gas in the drying chamber, the filters integrated in said chamber. Several plant modifications are suggested for performing the process which involves substantial savings by making external particle collectors superfluous.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Niro A/SInventors: Ove Emil Hansen, Jens Mourits Sørensen, Martin Andreas Grønlund Scholten
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Patent number: 6461376Abstract: A tanning apparatus with first and second tanning units movable between an open position to provide access to an interior and a closed position to enclose the interior and define a tanning chamber. Ultraviolet lamps are supported on one of the tanning units, and a control switch operates to generate ultraviolet radiation within the tanning chamber for a selected time interval. At least one handle projects away from a mounting surface for one of the units, and includes at least one mount and a grasping member connected to the mount so that the individual's arms can be elevated to promote exposure to radiation on a first region of the individual's body between the arm and torso during a tanning session. A method of promoting exposure to ultraviolet radiation is also provided, as well as a handle for use by the individual during a tanning session and a tanning apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventor: Burrus D. Beshore
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Patent number: 6457256Abstract: An apparatus for controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is disclosed. The grain dryer includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of a discharge opening of the column. The grain dryer further includes a regulator member which is movable between a flow regulating position and a trash escape position. The regulator member contacts either the metering roll, or grain supported by the metering roll when the regulator member is positioned in the flow regulating position. The regulator member is spaced from the metering roll by a distance sufficient to enable a trash object to advance between the regulator member and the metering roll when the regulator is positioned in the trash escape position. A method of controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: The GSI Group, Inc.Inventors: Phillip C. Middaugh, L. Michael Watson
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Patent number: 6446352Abstract: Device for drying washed and rinsed crates or cases, comprising a frame and receiving or accommodation spaces carried by the frame for the crates or cases, in which the accommodation spaces are attached to a rotating shaft and are situated on either side of it in a symmetrical manner, and furthermore comprising means for rotating the rotating shaft and thus the accommodation spaces in order to cast off the water present on the crates or cases from them through centrifugal forces.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Systemate Group, B.V.Inventors: Gerrit Middelkoop, Johannes C. Andeweg
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Patent number: 6425190Abstract: A method and device for moisture profiling of a fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining this web that includes subjecting the fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of microwaves and/or high-frequency waves.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbHInventors: Robert Wolf, Markus Oechsle, Wolfgang Mayer, Roland Mayer, Frank Wegehaupt
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Patent number: 6421932Abstract: While being transferred in substantially horizontal state along a predetermined path of transfer by a conveyer means, a substrate plate is dried by a jet of compressed air which is spurted out from a slit-like mouth of an air knife nozzle crosswise of the entire width of the substrate plate and at a predetermined angle of incidence with respect to a drying surface of the substrate plate to scrape off a liquid. The angle of incidence of jet air is made shallower as soon as the substrate on the conveyer means comes to a point of entry to an air blasting zone and is made deeper at latest when the substrate plate comes to a position immediately before a point of disengagement from the air blasting zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Hitachi Electronics Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Gommori, Kazuto Kinoshita, Isamu Akiba, Masao Sugiyama
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Patent number: 6418637Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided between a rotary drum kiln and the stationary end thereof arranged in a material flow relation to each other, having enhanced effectiveness and requiring less maintenance. Pressurized gas, such as air, is fed to the connecting area of the drum and stationary end so that the angle &agr; between the feeding direction of the gas and a plane substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the rotary drum is 90° or less (preferably between about 10-30°). The air flow is directed to the seal in such a way that it prevents leaking of process gas and solid matter dust from the connecting point of the rotary drum and the feed chamber, and so that as little air as possible escapes to the surroundings. Due to the gas flow, the stationary surface and the moving surface substantially do not rub together.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Andritz-Ahlstrom OyInventor: Arto Ahvenainen
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Patent number: 6406257Abstract: A system and method of cooling heat generating components. Heat generating components are placed in an enclosure having an air permeable cover. A mating panel having a mating connector is placed proximate to the air permeable cover. A fan assembly having a hub is coupled to the mating panel, wherein coupling includes wiring the fan to a fan connector, mounting the fan connector along an axial line running through the hub and pressing the fan assembly into the mating panel so as to mate the mating connector and the fan connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.Inventor: Philip J. Houdek
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Patent number: 6393730Abstract: The drying assembly includes a drying apparatus with a far-infrared-ray radiator and ultraviolet irradiator. This ultraviolet irradiator is provided in the rear of the drying apparatus and the irradiation amount irradiated from the device is about 300 to about 600 mJs/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Daito Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Suzuki
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Patent number: 6389994Abstract: The invention is directed towards a front panel assembly for receiving air to be conditioned by a manufactured home furnace. The front panel assembly comprises molded panels allowing for a greater amount of open louver area, improved appearance, and improved sound-deadening qualities. The molded panels can be held together by rails, which can also be used to hold a filter in place behind the molded panels.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: York International CorporationInventors: Thomas Dale Chase, James Joseph Hopper, II
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Patent number: 6389710Abstract: An infrared hair drier having a front barrel and a rear barrel mounted with a grille defining the main body of the hair drier, wherein the main body is a conic shape enclosing a tapered inner barrel having a smooth surface for directing air, a first fixing frame having a tapered shape being formed by two vertical boards mounted across from each other and then being mounted within the inner barrel, the larger end of the fixing frame is provided with a recess for the adaption of a conductive metal rim, a second fixing frame, together with the first fixing frame, is used to enclose a heat emitting element, a motor for a fan is mounted to the external edge of the second fixing seat to provide air from an air-inlet when the motor is turned on, and the rear barrel is connected to the front barrel to form the hair drier.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Yin Yen Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsiu-Fang Chou
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Patent number: 6385862Abstract: An apparatus for use in drying articles defining internal cavities within a conventional clothes dryer includes a manifold and a plurality of tubes extending therefrom. Each of the tubes is provided with various, circumferentially spaced and longitudinally extending ribs. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted within the clothes dryer, with the manifold being seated about an exhaust outlet of the dryer and a shoe, glove or the like to be dried being placed over a respective tube. Air flow into the dryer is caused to flow along the tubes, between adjacent ribs, into an internal cavity of the article, then into the manifold through the tube, and finally out of the dryer through the exhaust outlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventor: Evan R. Vande Haar