Patents Examined by Shrive Beck
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Patent number: 6258413Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a self-lubricating bearing as a laminate of a metallic substrate and a series of raised structures formed integrally therewith and extending orthogonally therefrom. A fluoropolymer sliding or bearing layer is superposed with the substrate, with the raised structures embedded therein. The raised structures serve to hold the bearing layer in place to help prevent it from sliding along the surface of substrate during bearing operation. This anchorage to the substrate enables a relatively thick bearing layer to be utilized to relatively reduce tendency to creep. Alternatively, the structures provide a bearing fabricated according to the disclosed method having a relatively thin load bearing layer with a relatively constant friction coefficient over its life, with the structures acting as thermal and electrical bridges for relatively high heat and electrical conductivity between the substrate and a supported article such as a rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Norton CompanyInventors: Peter Woelki, Dominique Petit, Friedrich Harig
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Patent number: 6258710Abstract: A method of providing sub-half-micron copper interconnections with improved electromigration and corrosion resistance. The method includes double damascene using electroplated copper, where the seed layer is deposited by chemical vapor deposition, or by physical vapor deposition in a layer less than about 800 angstroms.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Hazara S. Rathore, Hormazdyar M. Dalal, Paul S. McLaughlin, Du B. Nguyen, Richard G. Smith, Alexander J. Swinton, Richard A. Wachnik
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Patent number: 6254935Abstract: A method for applying a barrier layer which comprises a barium-strontium aluminosilicate to a silicon containing substrate which inhibits the formation of cracks.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Harry E. Eaton, Thomas H. Lawton
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Patent number: 6254991Abstract: The process for preparing ceramic powder having a core-shell structure by dissolving a crystalline ceramic powder In water so as to leave a core portion of the ceramic powder while heating; depositing a component of the ceramic powder dissolved in the water on and around surfaces of the core portion thereof as a deposited material from the water by gradually cooling the ceramic powder and the water obtained in the step of dissolving; and firing a mixture of the ceramic powder obtained in the step of depositing with an additive at a high temperature to subject the deposited material and the additive to solid phase reaction to form a shell portion on and around the core portion of the ceramic powder. The process can produce the ceramic powder having a core-shell structure from a crystalline ceramic powder, thereby achieving high electrical and mechanical features when formed into ceramic electronic parts.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Kono, Kenji Saito, Yoichi Mizuno, Hirokazu Chazono
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Patent number: 6255228Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a semiconductor wafer having a spin on coating of material. Contaminants are removed by applying a cleaning solution to the periphery, and preferably, the exposed backside of the wafer after the edge bead has been dissolved and removed. The cleaning solution is formulated to react chemically with unwanted coating material residue to form a compound that may be ejected from the periphery of the spinning wafer. Any residual solution or precipitate that is not ejected from the wafer may be rinsed away with water, preferably deoinized water. One exemplary use of this method is the removal of metallic contaminants that may be left on the periphery and backside of a wafer after the formation of ferroelectric film coatings. A cleaning solution comprising a mixture of hydrochloric acid HCl and water H2O or ammonium hydroxide NH4OH and water H2O is applied to the periphery of the spinning wafer.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: J. Brett Rolfson
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Patent number: 6254932Abstract: A system for the softening or other treatment of fabric articles is provided which comprises a vented bag comprising a fastening system and flexible sheet releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a liquid fabric-treatment composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Custom Cleaner, Inc.Inventors: James A. Smith, George W. Kellett
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Patent number: 6254921Abstract: A process and apparatus for dip-coating intermediate and/or discrete discontinuous portions of longitudinal devices, including medical devices such as catheters and guidewires. The apparatus provides a chamber in which both the desired portion(s) of the device and the coating solution can be controllably contacted. A controlled coating can be achieved within the chamber by providing and controlling one or more of the following relationships: a) the manner in which a chamber (containing solution) is itself moved with respect to a static device, b) the manner in which the device is moved with respect to a fixed chamber position containing a fixed volume of solution, and/or c) the manner in which both the chamber and device are fixed in position, and the coating is achieved by adding and removing a volume of solution from the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: SurModics, Inc.Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Steven J. Porter
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Patent number: 6254930Abstract: Coating for the tube sheets and heat exchanger coolant tubes extending from them, especially steam condensers, based on hardening plastic mixtures, obtainable by cleaning the surfaces provided for coating using an abrasive; closing the tube inlets and outlets (or tube inlets only) with removable plugs; applying at least one layer of a hardening plastic coating on the tube sheet; allowing the coating to harden so that additional mechanical processing can ensue, and processing the surface; removing the plugs from the tube inlets and outlets (or tube inlets only) as well as applying at least one layer of a hardening plastic coating at least in the inlet area of the coolant tube, and allowing it to harden, coating of the coolant tubes by timed applications being done reactively to the tube sheet coating and the coolant tube coating exhibiting in comparison to the tube sheet coating a greater elasticity having an elongation at tear at least 2% greater in accordance with ASTM D522 with respect to the elongation atType: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventor: Richard Kreiselmaier
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Patent number: 6254936Abstract: Systems and methods are described for environmental exchange control for a polymer on a wafer surface. An apparatus for controlling an exchange between an environment and a polymer on a surface of a wafer located in the environment includes: a chamber adapted to hold the wafer, define the environment, and maintain the polymer in an adjacent relationship with the environment; and a heater coupled to the chamber. A method for improving performance of a spin-on material includes: forming the spin-on material on a surface of a wafer; then locating the spin-on material in an environment so that said environment is adjacent said spin-on material; and then controlling an exchange between the spin-on material and said environment. The systems and methods provide advantages because inappropriate deprotection is mitigated by careful control of the environmental temperature and environmental species partial pressures (e.g. relative humidity).Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Silicon Valley Group, Inc.Inventors: Emir Gurer, Ed C. Lee, Tom Zhong, Kevin Golden, John W. Lewellen, Reese Reynolds, Scott C. Wackerman
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Patent number: 6254934Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing spatially substantially uniform layers of material onto a plurality of substrates positioned upon a rotatable tool within a vacuum chamber. The chamber is generally of the type that includes a sealable volume bounded by six orthogonally-arranged chamber walls. Apparatus is provided within the chamber for generating a flux of the coating material of known spatial character. A mask of predetermined shape is engaged to apparatus, including a linkage and a linear translation stage driven by a programmable stepper motor, for controllably advancing it during deposition with respect to the mounted substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Agop H. Cherbettchian, Martin Koran, Lynette Ratkovic, Alan F. Stewart
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Patent number: 6254931Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming thin films by the application of a film forming liquid to a substrate at rest or rotating a speed up to 500 rpm and then rotating the film forming liquid on the substrate at a speed and for a time sufficient to form the thin film. Such films can be used for analysis by spectrophotometric methods. Apparatus for forming such thin films is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventors: Robert Herpst, Kenneth B. Cuthbert
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Patent number: 6254927Abstract: An improved shimming process and release composition for filling the gap between a releasable composite skin and a supporting body with a liquid shim material, using a novel viscous liquid release composition free of volatile vehicle. The liquid release composition is viscous and easy to apply by brushing or wiping, and enables complete and clean release of the composite skin without delamination. The release composition is easy to clean from the parted surfaces of the cured shim material on the composite skin and the supporting body.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Haney Samuel Meda, Romeo Racsa Manansala
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Patent number: 6251479Abstract: Bodies containing superabsorber polymers, having superabsorber polymers bonded together with polymer fibers, wherein at least part of the superabsorber polymers are present as a microporous open-celled foam. The bodies are used for producing diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons and other articles of personal hygiene.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventors: Dieter Groitzsch, Gerhard Schaut
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Patent number: 6251487Abstract: A resist film having a thickness of 5500 Å or less is coated on the wafer having a large diameter of 8 inches or more by the spin coat process. A resist is dripped while allowing the wafer to be rotated at a rotation speed of 500 rpm to 1200 rpm and the dripping of the resist is suspended at the time of spreading the resist on the whole surface of the wafer. The rotation speed is raised to the predetermined rotation speed which regulates the thickness of the resist film and is determined from the correlation of the predetermined rotation speed and the thickness of the resist film. The wafer is rotated for 1 second to 5 seconds at the predetermined rotation speed. Then, the wafer is rotated for 15 seconds or more at the rotation speed which is lower than the predetermined rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Shinya Yonaha
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Patent number: 6251834Abstract: The invention provides an improved substrate for growing layers of oxide superconductor materials for use in high current engineering applications. The invention also provides superconducting laminates based on the inventive substrates, and processes for the manufacture thereof. The substrate includes an alloy layer that is formed of either a cube-textured FeNi alloy containing about 47% Ni to 58% Ni, or (b) a cube-texture Ni—Cu alloy in the composition range 41% Ni to 44% Ni. The substrate may further include an oxide buffer layer covering a surface of the alloy layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Carpenter Technology (UK) LimitedInventors: Bartlomiej Andrzej Glowacki, Jan Edgar Evetts, Rodney Major
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Patent number: 6251477Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating a moving paper web, in which the web (2) to be coated is first guided to a coating station (7) correctly aligned and a first side of the web (2) is coated with a coat layer. Next, the web (2) is guided upwards from the coating station (7) and the first coat layer is dried using non-contact dryers (8, 9). From the dryers the web (2) is guided to the next coating station (14) correctly aligned, and the second side of the web (2) is coated with a coat layer, the web (2) is guided upwards from the coating station (14) and the coat layer on the second side of the web (2) is dried using non-contact dryers (8, 9). When the web is directed from the coating station (7) through the dryers (8, 9), it (2) is guided non-contactingly by means of air jets such that the web (2) is first non-contactingly turned in the machine direction during drying and next, similarly during drying, towards the level of the coating stations (7, 14).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Valmet CorporationInventors: Jorma Kinnunen, Vilho Nissinen
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Patent number: 6251476Abstract: A method for applying fibrous cellulose insulation to a wall, ceiling, or floor which includes in at least certain embodiments mixing cellulose fibers with an adhesive without water producing a mixture, and applying (e.g. by blowing or spraying) the mixture to a surface. The method further includes spraying the mixture with a spray nozzle onto the wall by introducing cellulose fibers under pressure through a first hose into the spray nozzle, introducing the adhesive in aqueous solution under pressure through a second hose into the spray nozzle, and spraying from the spray nozzle the mixture onto the wall. In one aspect acid-containing fibers are sprayed with a PVOH adhesive (cooked with or without an acidic medium) to create the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: International Cellulose Corp.Inventors: Harold F. Boyer, Steven A. Kempe
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Patent number: 6248401Abstract: This invention relates to a metal body having at least one vapor-deposited treatment layer overlying and adhered to at least one side of the metal body, and a layer of adhesion-promoting material overlying and adhered to at least one treatment layer, provided that when two treatment layers are deposited on one side of the body and the first layer is vapor-deposited zinc, the second layer is not vapor-deposited silica or alumina, said adhesion-promoting material being suitable for enhancing adhesion between said body and another substrate. The invention also relates to laminates comprising metal foils and at least one vapor-deposited treatment layer overlying and adhered to at least one side of the metal foil; a layer of adhesion-promoting material overlying and adhered to at least one vapor-deposited treatment layer; and a layer of an electrically non-conductive material overlying and adhered to the adhesion-promoting layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1997Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventors: Shiuh-Kao Chiang, Mary K. Prokop, Tibor Kalnoki-Kis
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Patent number: 6248397Abstract: A method of depositing a silicon oxide coating on hot glass at a temperature below 600° C. comprising contacting the hot glass with a gaseous mixture of a source of silicon and oxygen enriched with ozone. Preferably, the hot glass in the form of a hot glass ribbon is contacted with the gaseous mixture during the float glass production process downstream of the float bath. Preferred sources of silicon are silanes, alkylsilanes, alkoxysilanes and siloxanes.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Pilkington PLCInventor: Liang Ye
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Patent number: 6248403Abstract: A non-chrome process for the pretreatment of substrate surfaces to simultaneously clean them and improve their bonding strength for organic coatings such as adhesives, protective primers, sealants, paints, composites and similar materials conventionally bonded to such substrates, including non-chromated or chromated curable organic resin protective coatings applied directly to bare aluminum substrates. The invention involves the use of novel wipe solvent compositions containing a major volume of an environmentally-safe volatile organic solvent which has a low composite vapor pressure or is otherwise exempt from federal, state or local regulations, and a minor volume of a polyfunctional coupling agent, preferably of the silane type.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: John Douglas Weir, Joanne Swiderski McLaughlin