Patents Issued in March 2, 1999
  • Patent number: 5876478
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a metal mold for glass, which needs not apply any swab in molding of glass, enabling no-swabbing glass forming. The alloy for the mold comprises by weight Cu: 10 to 80%, Al: 4 to 11%, Cr: 3 to 16%, Ni: 2 to 36%, and at least one rare earth element: 0.02 to 2.0% with the balance consisting of Fe and further comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Ti: Al%.times.0.5 to 2, V: Al%.times.0.2 to 1, Zr: Al%.times.0.1 to 0.3, and Nb: Al%.times.0.1 to 0.3. The alloy is gradually cooled from the solidification initiation temperature to 50.degree. C. at a cooling rate of 10.degree. C./ min. The surface of the mold is coated with an Al-containing coating or roughened to an average roughness of 0.3 to 5 .mu.m. A solid lubricating film is provided in a fitting portion of the mold, or alternatively a self-lubricating solid is embedded in the fitting portion of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroto Imamura, Michio Endo, Syoichi Sekiguchi, Shigeki Ogura, Isao Arikata, Mitsuji Hirata, Koji Akafuji, Hirokazu Taniguchi, Toru Ono
  • Patent number: 5876479
    Abstract: Manufacturing procedures and compositions for soil enhancers and the like are disclosed. A solution is formed from adding humate to water under constant agitation. Sodium Bicarbonate is added to the solution, resulting in a reaction allowing silica to precipitate out of the solution. The resulting solution is about 12% humic acid. Additional water is added to the solution along with a series of crude protein sources, including fish protein, blood extract, and feather meal. Following the addition of each protein source to the humic acid solution, citric acid is added to increase the protein solubility. Sarsaponins (Yucca extract) is then added to stabilize microbial activity. Additional water is added to the resulting mix, followed by the addition of sugar beet waste lime (calcium carbonate). The calcium carbonate brings the mixture to a pH of about the range of 6.8 to 7.2, which has been found to be encouraging for microbial activity. Seaweed is then added to the mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Joel Hedgpeth, IV
  • Patent number: 5876480
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder of unagglomerated metallic particles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a powder of unagglomerated metallic particles having an average diameter of about 1-100 nm and the process for making the same. Additionally, the powder of unagglomerated metallic particles can be formed into a lyophilized form which upon reconstitution maintains the average diameter of between about 1-100 nm wherein the particles remain unagglomerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael Markowitz, Gan Moog Chow, Alok Singh
  • Patent number: 5876481
    Abstract: A steel powder consisting of a combination of purified steel and prealloyed manganese, chromium, molybdenum and nickel. The steel powder is used in the production of metal parts using powder metallurgy. The addition of the prealloyed elements results in a metal part having greater strength and hardness with a low oxygen content and good compressibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Quebec Metal Powders Limited
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Chagnon, Yves Trudel
  • Patent number: 5876482
    Abstract: A powder for covering an ingot mold for the continuous casting of steel, in particular steels with ultra-low carbon content. The powder comprises a base powder and particles of at least one metal nitride, its free carbon content (%C.sub.free) being between 0 and 1% by weight, it being produced by atomization, and having the form of granules of between 20 and 800 .mu.m in diameter. In one application of the invention, the nitride is silicon nitride, and its weight content (%Si.sub.3 N.sub.4) is equal to: %Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 =0.5-0.28.times.%C.sub.free .+-.0.10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Sollac and Denain-Anzin Mineraux
    Inventors: Bernard Debiesme, Jean-Paul Radot, Denis Coulombet, Claude Lefebvre, Jean-Noel Pontoire, Yves Roux, Corinne Damerval
  • Patent number: 5876483
    Abstract: A melting furnace for reforming steel-making slag so as to be available, for example, to roadbed ballast by mixing steel-making dust with the slag in molten states, which is provided with a fuel oxygen burner for melting the slag and the dust, a slag charging port for charging the slag in molten state into the furnace, a dust feeder for supplying the dust into the furnace, a slag feeder for supplying the slag in powdered state into the furnace, a storage portion for storing a molten mixture of the slag and the dust in a quantity corresponding to a tilting angle of the furnace body and an outlet port for discharging the molten mixture, and is possible to dispose the slag efficiently whether the slag is in the powdered or molten state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Daido Tokushuko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Okamoto, Motoshi Shinkai
  • Patent number: 5876484
    Abstract: A process for the removal of metal ions from solution and means for effecting such removal are described. The process is based on the hydroponic growth of sunflowers, terrestrial turfgrasses and/or members of the family Brassicaceae in solutions containing one or more metal ions. Metal ions can be efficiently removed from solutions by passing these solutions through the root biomass of these terrestrial plants. Receptacles containing the plants are also part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Phytotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Raskin, Slavik Dushenkov, Yoram Kapulnik, Nanda P. B. A. Kumar
  • Patent number: 5876485
    Abstract: This process carries out a cycle on a monoadsorber (1) connected, on the one hand, to at least one container (2, 3) via a line (8, 10) fitted with a variable-opening valve (9, 11) and, on the other hand, to a reversible compression/pumping machine coupled to a speed variator (5). Application in particular to the production of oxygen at a variable flow rate from atmospheric air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Philippe Andreani
  • Patent number: 5876486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for continuously removing metabolically produced carbon dioxide from respired air, such as the air found in life support systems or cabin circulating systems, using two sets of hollow fibers disposed in a flowing, carbon dioxide-selective liquid membrane. The carbon dioxide-containing respired air flows through the first set of hollow fibers and the second set of hollow fibers serves to carry away the permeate stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Dornier GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Steinwandel, Walter Jehle, Burkhard Wagner, Theodor Staneff
  • Patent number: 5876487
    Abstract: An adsorbent filter including compression molded particulate adsorbent construction is provided. The compression molded particulate adsorbent construction contains a particulate adsorbent and a sufficient amount of binder to retain the particulate adsorbent in a non-free flowing form. The adsorbent filter preferably includes a compression molded particulate adsorbent construction as described, positioned within an outer, porous cover. Preferably the outer, porous cover includes expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene. In certain preferred applications, the adsorbent filter is positioned within a housing defining an internal volume and including therein electronic component(s), such that the adsorbent filter protects the internal volume of the housing, and components therein, from damage. The typical application is as a disk drive adsorbent filter. A preferred method for preparing an adsorbent filter according to the present invention is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Christian Dahlgren, Robert Murray Rogers
  • Patent number: 5876488
    Abstract: The invention provides a regenerable supported amine sorbent having an amine concentration of from about 35 wt. % to about 75 wt. %. The balance of the sorbent is a porous support which provides the sorbent with structural rigidity and a surface for gas/solid contact. The invention further provides a process for making the sorbent and system for cyclically absorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide using a plurality of sorbent beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Birbara, Thomas P. Filburn, Timothy A. Nalette
  • Patent number: 5876489
    Abstract: A germ-removing filter includes a filter substrate, and an antimicrobial material dispersedly mixed into the filter substrate. The antimicrobial material is antimicrobial fiber bonded with silver ion. The total amount of the silver ions present in the filter substrate material when mixed with the antimicrobial fiber is equivalent to an amount of silver ions contained in an antimicrobial fiber which is mixed at more than 10 wt % in the filter substrate and which has entire exchange groups or bonding groups thereof exchanged or bonded with silver ions. An apparatus using the filter for maintaining a sterile room under sterile condition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignees: Suntory Limited, Takuma Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shinichi Kunisaki, Takeshi Saeki, Goro Fujiwara, Mitsunobu Masuda, Takeshi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 5876490
    Abstract: A slurry containing abrasive particles and exhibiting normal stress effects. The slurry further contains non-polishing particles resulting in reduced polishing rate at recesses, while the abrasive particles maintain high polish rates at elevations. This leads to improved planarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporatin
    Inventor: Maria Ronay
  • Patent number: 5876491
    Abstract: Ink compositions comprising an aqueous medium containing:(1) at least one water-soluble dye;(2) at least one cyclic ester or amide of the formula: ##STR1## wherein m is a whole number from 3 to 5 and X represents --O-- or --N(R)-- in which R represents hydrogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl;(3) at least one hydroxy compound selected from polyhydroxy compounds having at least four hydroxy groups, optionally substituted cycloalkanols, cyclohexane dimethanol, benzyl alcohol, benzene dimethanol, phenol and polyhydroxybenzenes, and(4) at least one water-soluble organic solvent selected from alkanediols, alkanetriols, ether glycols and thioether glycols and suitable for use in inkjet printing processes for coloration of substrates such as paper or overhead projector slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Janet Gunn, Mark Holbrook, Aidan Joseph Lavery
  • Patent number: 5876492
    Abstract: An ink comprised of (1) a liquid ester vehicle, (2) a solid ester compound, (3) a liquid crystalline ester compound, (4) a UV absorber, (5) an antioxidant, and (6) a colorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Shadi L. Malhotra, Danielle C. Boils
  • Patent number: 5876493
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing inorganic pigments in aqueous media and waterborne coating compositions is provided. The method comprises forming a pigment treatment composition of a polyester havng an acid number between 15 mg KOH/g and 50 mg KOH/g or a phosphate ester or pyrophosphate ester, having an acid number between 10 mg KOH/g and 50 mg KOH/g, solvent, and an amino functional resin. The composition is then deposited on the pigment. The treated pigment is stable in an aqueous environment and is suitable for waterborne coating compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory G. Menovcik, Thomas C. Balch, Hilary P. Davis, Paul Dudek
  • Patent number: 5876494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the preparation of precipitated silica which has a very good dispersibility and very satisfactory reinforcing properties. It also relates to new precipitated silicas which are in the form of powder, of substantially spherical beads or of granules, these silicas being characterized by the fact that they have a CTAB specific surface of between 100 and 240 m.sup.2 /g, a DOP oil uptake lower than 300 ml/100 g, a pore distribution such that the pore volume consisting of the pores whose diameter is between 175 and 275 .ANG. represents less than 50% of the pore volume consisting of the pores of diameters which are smaller than or equal to 400 .ANG., a median diameter, after disintegration with ultrasound, smaller than 5 .mu.m and an aluminium content of at least 0.35% by weight. The invention also relates to the use of the said silicas as reinforcing fillers for elastomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Chimie
    Inventors: Yves Bomal, Yvonick Chevallier, Philippe Cochet
  • Patent number: 5876495
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for pulling a single crystal silicon whose diameter is more than 200 mm. The single crystal silicon pulled by the method of this invention has a desired oxygen concentration and a uniform oxygen concentration distribution along its longitudinal axis. In the process of this invention, the single crystal silicon and the quartz crucible are driven to rotate in reverse directions, and the rotation speed of the single crystal silicon is set within the range of 8 to 16 rpm and to be more than twice the rotating speed of the crucible. The rotation speed of the crucible is set to be at its minimum value during pulling a body portion which begins from the beginning end of the single-crystal body and terminates at a location apart from the beginning end within a distance of 10% of the total length of the single-crystal body. Subsequently, the rotation speed of the crucible is gradually raised and is set to no more than a maximum value of 8 rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Komatsu Electronic Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Hiraishi, Shigeki Nakamura, Teruhiko Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 5876496
    Abstract: A feeding reservoir 11 for intermittently or continuously feeding granular raw material into a pulling apparatus 1, a chamber 13 connected to the feeding reservoir 11 through a gate valve 12, a granular raw material supply section 15 by which the granular raw material is supplied to the chamber 13 through a gate valve 14 and a pressure adjustment means 20 which adjusts the inner pressure of the chamber 13 is provided, and the granular raw material is fed to the feeding reservoir 11 while maintaining the inner pressure of the feeding reservoir 11 as the same as the inner pressure of the single crystal pulling apparatus 1. This feeding method and structure makes it possible to feed an additional amount of granular raw material even during the continuous charging process and or the recharging process without interrupting the process and also to pull a heavy single crystal rod with a large diameter without increasing the capacity of the feeding reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Nagai, Chihiro Tashiro, Atsushi Ozaki, Michiaki Oda
  • Patent number: 5876497
    Abstract: The conventional fabrication processes of SOI substrate employed wet etching for removing a porous single-crystal Si region, but wet etching involved difficulties in management of concentration for fabricating SOI substrates in high volume, which caused reduction in productivity.Therefore, provided is a fabrication process of SOI substrate comprises a step of forming a non-porous single-crystal Si region on a surface of a porous single-crystal Si region of a single-crystal Si substrate having at least the porous single-crystal Si region, a step of bonding a support substrate through an insulating region to a surface of the non-porous single-crystal Si region, and a step of removing the porous single-crystal Si region, wherein the step of removing the porous single-crystal Si region comprises a step of performing dry etching in which an etch rate of the porous single-crystal Si region is greater than that of the non-porous single-crystal Si region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadashi Atoji
  • Patent number: 5876498
    Abstract: A device for preserving solder paste in the manufacturing of printed circuit board assemblies. In one embodiment, the preserving device has a frame adapted to be positioned on a stencil plate of a solder paste stenciling machine and a cover coupled to the frame. The frame has a wall that is configured to substantially surround at least a portion of the solder paste on the stencil plate between printing cycles. In a preferred embodiment, the wall is configured to surround a working region on the stencil plate defined by the area on the stencil plate that the solder paste contacts during a printing cycle. The cover is coupled to the frame to form a protective compartment that substantially houses the solder paste between printing cycles. As a result, the preserving device restricts the airflow across the solder paste to protect the solder paste from environmental elements within the stenciling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: MOMS, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis C. Thompson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5876499
    Abstract: An improved horizontal solder leveller for applying molten solder to boards while removing residual flux therefrom include a single pair of upper and lower solder sparge bars with outlet nozzles arranged so as to direct solder jets from one sparge bar toward the jets from the other sparge bar in the gap formed between the sparge bars. The gap between the sparge bars and the speed of the solder jets is sufficient to remove residual flux from a board passing therethrough as molten solder is applied to the board. An oil guide is included that directs oil to form curtains immediately upstream and downstream of the sparge bar gap to form a barrier to air flow in the gap. An oil trough upstream and downstream of the lower sparge bar limits the vertical extent of the oil curtains. Preferably a pair of castellated infeed rollers and outfeed rollers are used to move boards through the leveller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Peter P. Lymn
  • Patent number: 5876500
    Abstract: A coating apparatus including a slit die 4 for applying a liquid to a surface of a resin film. The slit die 4 ha a die body which is rotatable between an operating position whereat an injection nozzle 13a of the slit die 13 faces a back-up roller 2 for feeding the resin film 50 and a rest position where the nozzle 13a is spaced from the resin film or foil 50. A cleaning device is provided having a roll 40 of a cleaning sheet 41, a take-up roller 23 for taking up the cleaning sheet, and a cleaning roller 24, on which the cleaning sheet moves. The cleaning sheet 41 on the cleaning roller 24 faces the injection nozzle 13a of the slit die when the latter is in its rest position for executing a cleaning operation. After an application of the liquid to a front surface of the resin film, the liquid is also applied to a rear surface of the film, so that the applied layers 50a on the front surface are registered with the applied layers 50b on the rear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Toray Engineering Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yasuo Kurimoto
  • Patent number: 5876501
    Abstract: Wheel lubricating apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting wheels on their side in succession into position to be lifted by a lower unit into clamp engagement with an upper stationary unit to support the wheel to be lubricated against rotation. A pair of lubricant brushes are supported by a rotary carriage on opposite sides of the wheel and are rotated in alternating half rotations during each successive soaping cycle to apply soap to the bead seats of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fori Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul George Doan
  • Patent number: 5876502
    Abstract: A glue gun type gluing apparatus has glue guns 8a and 8b for applying glue to a gluing area in a joint flap 2 of a corrugated board sheet 1 for manufacturing a box, which runs on a box manufacturing line, a sheet end detection sensor 3 for detecting the front and rear ends of the corrugated board sheet 1, an encoder 7 for measuring the travel distance of the corrugated board sheet 1, and a control unit 9 for controlling the operation of the glue guns 8a and 8b. The control unit 9 learns and stores the position of gluing area on the basis of the information from the sheet end detection sensor 3 and the encoder 7 while the corrugated board sheet 1 is run at a low speed, and restricts the acquisition of detection signals by the sensor 3 during the time from the passing of the end point of the joint flap 2 to the arrival of the start point of the next joint flap 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nireco Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sugimura, Yoshimitsu Ishibashi, Katsuhiko Koike, Hideaki Miyaoka
  • Patent number: 5876503
    Abstract: A system for the deposition of a multicomponent material layer on a substrate from respective liquid precursors for components of the multicomponent material layer, comprising: a vapor deposition zone; and multiple vaporizer units, each of which is joined (i) to at least one source of liquid precursor for supplying at least one liquid precursor thereto, and (ii) in vapor flow communication with the vapor deposition zone arranged to retain the substrate therein, for deposition on the substrate of vapor phase species from precursor vapor formed by vaporization of liquid precursors in the vaporizer units of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Roeder, Peter C. Van Buskirk
  • Patent number: 5876504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing crystallographic oriented oxide thin films having an NaCl-type structure, a spinel structure or a Wurtzite structure used as a buffer layer to obtain a functional oxide thin film such as a superconductive oxide thin film and a ferroelectric thin film, and a chemical vapor deposition apparatus used therefor. A rotatable substrate holder is provided in a reaction chamber. The substrate holder, which holds substrates thereunder, includes a substrate heater. The substrate holder is grounded to provide an electrode. Another electrode, which is connected to a high frequency power source, is located opposing the substrate holder in the reaction chamber. At a side wall of the reaction chamber, an exhaust is arranged. In a plasma electric discharge area formed between the substrate holder and the electrode, a material gas supplier is located, having a predetermined tilt angle .theta. with respect to the substrate holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Eiji Fuji, Atsushi Tomozawa, Hideo Torii, Ryoichi Takayama
  • Patent number: 5876505
    Abstract: Glucose is obtained from papermaking sludge by first removing calcium carbonate from the sludge to produce a mixture substantially depleted of calcium and containing cellulose; and then hydrolyzing the calcium-depleted mixture using either a dilute or a strong acid. The glucose, as well as calcium salts removed from the sludge, may be isolated and used in numerous applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Thermo Fibergen, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatole A. Klyosov, George P. Philippidis, Alan M. James, Yiannis A. Monovoukas
  • Patent number: 5876506
    Abstract: The present invention is a new mesomorphic polycrystallite product and a process for making the same. In the present invention amorphous sugar is transformed to a mesomorphic product having polycrystallites therein by a completely anhydrous process rather than by hydrating and then dehydrating the sugar. The product of the present invention is unique in shape and size, and possesses a high degree of uniformity. The properties of the polycrystallite make it possible to replace some or all of the fat in comestibles such as frostings and fillings and to provide fondants of extraordinarily fine grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fuisz Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Subraman R. Cherukuri, Jose F. Zamudio-Tena, Robert K. Yang, Garry L. Myers, Andrea S. Blake, Paul M. Croushorn
  • Patent number: 5876507
    Abstract: A fluid treating device with at least one chamber, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for imparting ultrasonic waves through fluid when present in the at least one chamber; a screen located in the at least one chamber wherein the screen is coated with a dielectric material. The coated screen diffuses the ultrasonic waves and enhances uniform treatment. The fluid treating device is useful for treatments such as cleaning, degreasing, plating or etching articles such as ceramic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David John Bajkowski, Mark Alan Brown, Richard Emerson Cole, Daniel Stephen Potsko
  • Patent number: 5876508
    Abstract: A method for effectively cleaning the slurry remnants left on a polishing pad after the completion of a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process is provided. This method is able to substantially thoroughly clean away all of the slurry remnants left on the polishing pad. In the method of the invention, the first step is to prepare a cleaning agent which is a mixture of H.sub.2 O.sub.2, deionized water, an acid solution, and an alkaline solution mixed to a predetermined ratio. The cleaning agent is subsequently directed to a nozzle formed in the pad dresser. This allows the cleaning agent to be jetted forcibly onto the slurry remnants on the polishing pad so as to clean the slurry remnants away from the polishing pad. The cleaning agent can be provided with predetermined ratios for various kinds of slurries so that the cleaning agent can be adjusted to be either acid or alkaline in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kun-Lin Wu, Chien-Hsien Lai, Horng-Bor Lu, Jenn-Tarng Lin
  • Patent number: 5876509
    Abstract: A cleaning solution of a semiconductor device is composed of aqueous ammonia (NH.sub.4 OH), methanol (CH.sub.3 OH), hydrofluoric acid (HF) and deionized water (DI--H.sub.2 O), the volume ratio of NH.sub.4 OH to CH.sub.3 OH to DI--H.sub.2 O being 1:1-50:0.1-50, and the volume of HF being 1-10,000 ppm with respect to the mixture solution of NH.sub.4 OH, CH.sub.3 OH and DI--H.sub.2 O. The cleaning solution can be manufactured by simply mixing the respective compositions. The cleaning solution can strip polymers and particles within a short time, without etching or damaging the cleaned metal layers. Since the cleaning process of a semiconductor device is simplified, the processing cost is reduced and the yield and reliability are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-woo Nam
  • Patent number: 5876510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for cleaning one or more articles which includes the steps of:I) contacting the article(s) with a cleaning agent containinga) from 0.01 to 80 weight percent of water andb) from 99.99 to 20 weight percent of an organic solvent having the features of:i) forming an azeotrope with water, andii) forming a separate phase after azeotropic distillation, the amounts of a) and b) being based on the total weight of a) and b),II) rinsing one or more cleaned articles with a rinsing agent containing from 99.99 to 60 weight percent of water and from 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marius A. M. Kuemin, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 5876511
    Abstract: Beverage containers such as kegs are cleaned by pre-rinsing the containers and then cleaning the containers with a cleaning solution. Post-rinse of the containers is carried out in order to remove the cleaning solution. The post-rinse includes an earlier rinsing phase in which a containers is rinsed with a first rinsing fluid, and a later rinsing phase rinses out one of the containers that has gone through the earlier rinsing phase with a second rinsing fluid. The second rinsing fluid that has been used in the later rinsing phase is used as the first rinsing fluid in the earlier rinsing phase of the post-rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: GEA Till GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 5876512
    Abstract: A method for excavating solid materials within a pressurized storage tank by inserting a flexible lance under pressure within an outlet of the tank, the lance sealed off so that pressure is maintained in the tank, and flowing a pressurized fluid into the storage tank to excavate the solid material from the tank by allowing the material to be sucked out of the outlet port of the tank for collection. The method also includes flowing water under pressure adjacent the exit port for affecting a greater suction on the solids and providing a fluid medium for the solids to easily flow from the tank. The system which undertakes the method of the present invention may be utilized on a skid so as to make the system occupy less space when utilized on the rig floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas F. Desormeaux, Kenny Desormeaux, Anthony Theriot, Paul Alexandrenko
  • Patent number: 5876513
    Abstract: A method and kit for cleaning jewelry and small parts to 95% and greater clean. A holding basket has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and is adapted to securely retain jewelry and small parts therein. Jewelry is placed in the holding basket and dunked into a container filled with cleaning solution to coat the jewelry with cleaning solution. The holding basket is removed from the container of cleaning solution, and is placed in an automatic dishwasher and run through a wash cycle and dry cycle, thereby exposing the jewelry to impinging water and the action of steam to remove the cleaning solution and grime from the jewelry and small parts. The steam helps prevents formation of water spots. The kit includes a hinged jewelry holding basket with handles and a container filled with cleaning solution. The hinged jewelry holding basket is sized to be dunked into the cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jon Frankson
  • Patent number: 5876514
    Abstract: We have found an alkaline warewashing detergent composition that can contain a critical amount of a nonionic rinse agent that when used in automatic warewashing machines permits the use of a potable water rinse without the addition of a separate rinse agent. Sufficient residual nonionic surfactant from the alkaline detergent remains on the surface ware and internal machine and rack surfaces after washing to promote adequate sheeting in the rinse cycle. The residual nonionic surfactant on internal surfaces dissolves in the rinse water to create an effective aqueous rinse agent. The nonionic rinse agents can be a single nonionic for both foam reduction cleaning and sheeting or can be a blend of nonionic materials providing these functions. The detergent can be in the form of a particulate, pelletized or block solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Rolando, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 5876515
    Abstract: A Method for washing items in an automatic washing line, and an automatic washing apparatus. When items (1) are conveyed to a washing zone (2), the method uses a sensor (6a) for detecting if there is a continuous flow of items (1) to the washing zone (2). If there is a break in the flow of items, washing in the washing zone (2) is interrupted. The apparatus comprises a sensor (6a) for detecting if there is a continuous flow of items (1) to be washed to the washing zone (2). In addition the apparatus comprises a program for interrupting the wash in the washing zone (2) when the sensor (6a) detects a break in the flow of items (1) to be washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Timo Varpio
  • Patent number: 5876516
    Abstract: Window blinds are cleaned by suspending a blind in a tank containing a bath of water. Pressurized air and water are discharged from openings in elongated conduits into the bath so as to form vortices contacting the blind. After the blind is washed, it is rinsed and dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Norwood Dry Cleaning Unlimited
    Inventors: Gale W. Miller, James P. Rogers, Michael A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5876517
    Abstract: Process for finishing zinc, zinc alloy or cadmium surfaces which consists in bringing the components to be treated into contact first with an acidic chromate-plating bath based on chromium, cobalt and silver salts and then with a top coat bath comprising a colloidal silica, a corrosion inhibitor, a complexing agent, a surfactant and a black dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Eliane Jeannier
  • Patent number: 5876518
    Abstract: An R-T-B-based, permanent magnet with improved resistance to the deterioration of magnetic properties by working, electroplating, etc. and to their change with time, wherein R is one or more of rare earth elements including Y, and T is Fe, part of which may be substituted by Co, has (a) a corrosion-resistant film layer having an average thickness of 5 .mu.m or more on a surface of a sintered magnet having a composition consisting essentially of 20-45 weight % of R, 15 weight % or less of Co, 0.5-6 weight % of B, and 10 weight % or less of M selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Nb, Mo, V, Mn, Sn, Ni, Zn, Ti, Cr, Ta, W, Ge, Zr, Hf and Ga, the balance being substantially Fe and inevitable impurities, and (b) a layer richer in rare earth elements than a main phase of R.sub.2 Fe.sub.14 B beneath the corrosion-resistant film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motohisa Hasegawa, Takashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5876519
    Abstract: An Fe-based amorphous alloy having a compositional formula in atomic percent represented by Fe.sub.100-a-b-c-d-e-f Al.sub.a Ga.sub.b P.sub.c C.sub.d B.sub.e Si.sub.f, wherein a to f satisfy 4.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.6, 1.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.3, 9.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.12, 5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.7, 3.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.5 and 0.25.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.4. The Fe-based amorphous alloy is an amorphous magnetic material having an excellent amorphous phase-forming ability, and can easily form an amorphous material having a thickness of 1.5 mm or above by a mold casting method realizing a cooling speed of about 10.sup.3 K/s. Also, because the amorphous alloy has a supercooled liquid region of 50 K or larger, by applying a working method utilizing a super cooled state, amorphous magnetic materials of various form can be prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Unitika Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Inoue, Akira Murakami
  • Patent number: 5876520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiprocessed nonoriented magnetic steel sheet which is used in iron cores of motors and transformers, finished to a final product by rolling having a reduction rate of 2 to 18% after final annealing by a manufacturer, and assures desired magnetic characteristics due to coarsening of crystal grains during strain-relief annealing after processing by a user. The excellent magnetic characteristics can be achieved by increasing lubrication during second cold rolling so as to satisfy the equation: e.sub.c .ltoreq.e.sub.s .ltoreq.1.18e.sub.c wherein e.sub.s represents a strain value at the surface layer of the steel sheet and e.sub.c represents a strain value at the central layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Takashima, Akio Fujita, Keiji Sato, Masaki Kawano
  • Patent number: 5876521
    Abstract: High strength steel is produced by a first rolling of a steel composition, reheated above 1100.degree. C., above the austenite recrystallization, a second rolling below the austenite recrystallization temperature, water cooling from above Ar.sub.3 to less than 400.degree. C. and followed by tempering below the Ac.sub.1 transformation point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Jayoung Koo, Michael John Luton
  • Patent number: 5876522
    Abstract: A process for pickling a strip which is produced in a thin slab installation and subsequently hot-rolled, especially a low-carbon steel strip, in a continuous process immediately following the rolling process. The process includes the following sequence of steps: gently cooling the strip exiting the rolling mill at .gtoreq.880.degree. C. in a first cooling zone to 850.degree. to 680.degree. C., balancing surface temperature and core temperature of the strip in a first recovery zone to a uniform cross section temperature of approximately 680.degree. C., gently cooling the strip in an immediately adjoining second cooling zone from 680.degree. to 480.degree. C., and balancing surface temperature and core temperature in a second recovery zone to a uniform cross section temperature of approximately 480.degree. C. The process continues by drastically cooling the strip from 480.degree. C. to approximately 95.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Figge, Helmut Humbs, Michael Haentjes, Rainer Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5876523
    Abstract: A method of producing a spheroidal graphite cast iron article containing at least one pearlite stabilizing element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cu, Sn, Sb and Pb and having a double layer structure which comprises a surface layer portion and an inner portion. The surface layer portion has a matrix 60% or more of which is ferrite phase and a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. The inner portion has a matrix substantially comprising pearlite phase. The method comprises: (1) heat-treating a starting spheroidal graphite cast iron at a temperature which transforms a whole part of a matrix of the starting spheroidal graphite cast iron substantially to austenite phase; (2) slowly cooling the austenitized spheroidal graphite cast iron at a cooling rate (5.degree. to 20.degree. C./min) which allows in a subsequent step the surface layer portion to be ferritized before the inner portion starts to be pearlitized; (3) holding the cooled spheroidal graphite cast iron at a temperature (710.degree. to 770.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Nagayoshi, Seishin Ueda, Kouhei Imanishi
  • Patent number: 5876524
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing tubes of zirconium based alloys for usage in nuclear reactors. According to the invention one can achieve good resistance towards general corrosion, improved transversal creep strength and reduced irradiation induced growth by subjecting a .beta.-quenched tube a vacuum anneal in the .alpha.-phase range at a temperature and a time sufficient to obtain an annealing parameter value A in the range 3.4 .times.10.sup.-16 to 3.4 .times.10.sup.-13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Thomas Andersson
  • Patent number: 5876525
    Abstract: In order to simplify the production of a nigh-resistance bobbin body made of an aluminum alloy, the following process steps are performed: (a) extruding or flow extruding an essentially cylindrical bobbin blank; (b) cutting the bobbin blank to a length including the desired bobbin body length plus an overlength sufficient to form end flanges on the bobbin body; (c) shaping end flanges at both ends of the bobbin body from the overlength portion; hardening the bobbin body; and age-hardening (aging) the bobbin body. Various process parameters are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hilebrandt-Spolen-Bobbins GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Prechtel, Davorin Lenarcic
  • Patent number: 5876526
    Abstract: An on-board storable system for repairing a flat tire on an automobile comprising a utensil adapted to endow a power impact wrench to actuate a scissors jack. Such system preferably includes an air compressor for inflation of a replacement tire after mounting the wheel bearing the replacement tire has been secured to the hub with the impact wrench. An alternative system utilizing the utensil and a power impact wrench comprises an air reservoir; compressor; electro-mechanical means for driving the compressor; a pneumatic distribution system; the pneumatic distribution system conveying air from said reservoir to an air distribution post for each wheel of the automobile; and tubular means for conveying air from said posts to a tire proximate each said post. The electro-mechanical power transmission means being selected from the group comprising an engine driven belt powered pulley; an auxiliary battery and associated electric motor; and an electric motor driven by the automobile electric system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignees: Quantum Electronics, Inc., Thomas A. Hamade
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hamade, Fahad H. M. Alkuwaliet
  • Patent number: 5876527
    Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire comprises a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions, a carcass of at least one rubberized ply containing cords arranged in a radial direction and consisting of a main carcass body and a turnup portion. A belt is superimposed about a crown portion of the carcass, and a rubber filler is arranged between the main carcass body and the turnup portion above the bead core. The rubber filler is composed of three different rubber stocks, and a hardest rubber stock among these rubber stocks is arranged in at least an outer zone in the radial direction of the tire sandwiching a normal line drawn from the turnup end to the outer surface of the main carcass body at a cross section of the tire and perpendicular to the main carcass body. A rubber stock having a middle hardness is arranged between the outer surface of the main carcass body and the hardest rubber stock as a stress-mitigating rubber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Tsuruta, Hiroshi Nakamura