Patents Issued in March 6, 2001
  • Patent number: 6197098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fast drying biocidal composition having enhanced penetration for the treatment and preservation of wood, leather and similar natural products which comprises: A. between about 10 and about 50 wt. % of a concentrate comprising a petroleum distillate boiling above 40° C. and containing (a) between about 0.5 and about 7 wt. % of an active nitrogen- or sulfur-containing biocide and (b) between about 20 and about 55 wt. % of a solvent for said active biocide selected from the group consisting of (i) butyrolactone containing 0 to 85 wt. % N-methyl pyrrolidone and/or 0 to 85 wt. % of a C2 to C4 aliphatic alcohol and (ii) N-methyl pyrrolidone containing 0 to 85 wt. % of a C2 to C4 alcohol and B. from about 90 to about 50 wt. % of a C2to C4 aliphatic alcohol containing 0 to 85 wt. % of mineral spirit as a diluent to provide a sprayable composition and to the process for treating a wood or leather substrate with said biocidal composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventors: Kolazi S. Narayanan, Domingo I. Jon, Donald Prettypaul
  • Patent number: 6197099
    Abstract: A composite mixture of spherical objects and lubricant useful for its cushioning properties is disclosed and claimed. The composite mixture may be composed of microspheres typically less than 2000 microns in diameter with inert atmospheres sealed within their interiors and any of a variety of lubricants facilitating sliding and rolling movement between microspheres. Typically the composite mixture includes lubricant in a quantity sufficient to substantially coat the exterior surface of essentially all of the spherical objects, but in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of the spherical objects in the lubricant sufficient to physically separate the spherical objects from each other and substantially reduce the sliding and rolling contact of the spherical objects with each other. The preferred lubricant is a visco-elastic fluid that has a principle molecule and a cross-linking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Tony M. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6197100
    Abstract: Composition comprising water soluble polymer, such as cellulose ethers, guar, or derivatives thereof and surfactant, such as sorbitan esters, improves dispersibility of polymer in aqueous media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: Mohand Melbouci
  • Patent number: 6197101
    Abstract: Coating compositions comprising (a) an organosilicon compound obtained by the hydrolysis in water of a hydrolyzable mixture of specific hydrolyzable silanes or their partial hydrolyzates, (b) water, and (c) a microparticulate photooxidation catalyst, substantially reduce or eliminate the amount of organic solvent required. In addition, these coating compositions provide applied films having good weather resistance and antifouling properties, and are themselves stable even at an alkaline pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Matsumura, Masahiro Furuya, Masaaki Yamaya, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6197102
    Abstract: The invention discloses a coating solution for use in forming Bi-based ferroelectric thin films containing Bi, metallic element A (at least one selected from the group consisting of Bi, Pb, Ba, Sr, Ca, Na, K and rare earth elements) and metallic element B (at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, Fe, Co and Cr), wherein it contains metal alkoxides of Bi, metallic element A and metallic element B respectively, and an organometallic compound obtainable by hydrolyzing composite metal alkoxides, formed by any two or more of said metal alkoxides, with water alone or in combination with a catalyst, and contains Bi in a molar amount 1-1.1 times as great as the stoichiometric amount; a ferroelectric thin film (5), a ferroelectric capacitor (10) and a ferroelectric memory with the use of such a coating solution; and a method for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd., Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Sawada, Akira Hashimoto, Ichiro Koiwa, Juro Mita, Yukihisa Okada, Takao Kanehara, Hiroyo Kato
  • Patent number: 6197103
    Abstract: A composition of copper phthalocyanines containing, on average, from 0.1 to 3 methyl groups per phthalocyanine nucleus. The composition is suitable for the coloration of paints and plastics materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Peter Kingsley Davies, John David Schofield, John Michael McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6197104
    Abstract: The present invention discloses high solids slurries of anatase titanium dioxide pigment comprising greater than about 75% by weight of anatase TiO2 pigment dispersed in water. A process for producing the slurries of the present invention is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) dry milling the anatase titanium dioxide pigment, preferably by pressure rolling, and b) mixing the dry milled pigment with water in the presence of an acrylic acid dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Millennium Inorganic Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Kostelnik, Fu-chu Wen
  • Patent number: 6197105
    Abstract: An effective production method for silane-treated clays having exceptional reinforcing effects with respect to rubber, and compositions using these silane-treated clays are offered. With the silane-treated clay production method, a functional silane is predispersed or emulsified in water by means of a surfactant in order to mix the functional silane with kaolin clay and thereby uniformly surface-treat the kaolin clay with the functional silane. The surfactant should preferably be a non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value in the range of 8-18. The silane-treated clay formed by surface-treating kaolin clay by means of these functional silanes characteristically contains low residual levels of the non-ionic surfactants. The functional silanes can be either vinyl or sulfur functional silanes. The silane treated clays are useful as fillers or extenders in rubber compositions, particularly those employing silicas and/or carbon blacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: J. M. Huber Corporation, Sanyo Trading Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary M. Freeman, Carl J. Marshall, Jr., Walter O. Lackey, Masao Onizawa
  • Patent number: 6197106
    Abstract: Amorphous ferrophosphorus alloys (Formula II) are useful as shrinkage control agents in cement composites, and new amorphous ferrophosphorus alloys particularly useful for this purpose are disclosed having the formula: FeaCrbMcPdCeSif  (Formula I) wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Vg, Nih, Mni and mixtures thereof, and a is about 66-76, b is about 1-10, c is about 2-7, d about 12-20, e about 1-6, f is less than about 2, g is about 1-5, h is less than about 2 and i is less than about 2, atomic percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Robert H. Tieckelmann, George M. Diken
  • Patent number: 6197107
    Abstract: The present invention is of a cementitious composition containing OPC, calcined gypsum, a source of amorphous silica and a source of amorphous alumina. The ratio of calcium sulfate hemihydrate to OPC is 0.7:1.0 to 1.4:1.0, the ratio of amorphous silica and amorphous alumina to OPC is 0.26:1.0 to 0.4:1.0, and the ratio of amorphous alumina to amorphous silica is 0.3:1.0 to 1.5:1.0. The cementitious composition, by itself and mixed with aggregates, is fast-setting and exhibits good early compressive strength and very high compressive strength after hydration. Despite the high content of calcium sulfate relative to prior art OPC formulations, the cementitious composition according to the present invention is essentially waterproof and exhibits excellent strength characteristics, even after 2 years under water. The use of calcined gypsum in place of alumina cement or even OPC is of great economic advantage, and in addition, provides the cementitious composition with quick-setting characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: M. Gold Investments (1999) Ltd.
    Inventors: Elisha Stav, Meir Gamliel Goldgraber
  • Patent number: 6197108
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a silicon monocrystalline ingot using the Czochralski (CZ) method, there is used a seed crystal whose tip end has a sharp-pointed shape or a truncation thereof, and the maximum apex angle is not less than 3° but not greater than 28°. In this case, a monocrystal having an etched tip end portion or a monocrystalline ingot manufactured in accordance with the CZ method and having a tail portion is used as the seed crystal. Further, there may be used a silicon seed crystal having a tapered tip end portion of a conical or pyramidal shape, a straight body portion of a cylindrical columnar or rectangular columnar shape, and an intermediate portion located between the tip end portion and the straight body portion and having a truncated conical or pyramidal shape formed by a curved outer surface. A silicon monocrystalline ingot having a desired diameter is grown through use of such a seed crystal without performance of necking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Iino, Masanori Kimura
  • Patent number: 6197109
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a silicon single crystal by growing the silicon single crystal by the Czochralski method, characterized in that the crystal is pulled at a pulling rate [mm/min] within a range of from V1 to V1+0.062×G while the crystal is doped with nitrogen during the growing, where G [K/mm] represents an average temperature gradient along the crystal growing direction, which is for a temperature range of from the melting point of silicon to 1400° C., and provided in an apparatus used for the crystal growing, and V1 [mm/min] represents a pulling rate at which an OSF ring disappears at the center of the crystal when the crystal is pulled by gradually decreasing the pulling rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Iida, Masaro Tamatsuka, Wataru Kusaki, Masanori Kimura, Shozo Muraoka
  • Patent number: 6197110
    Abstract: A liquid phase deposition method of mass producing substantially uniform silicon dioxide films on wafers by forming wafer sets from at least four wafers. The wafer sets are placed in a slotted polytetrafluroethylene polymer boat wherein a proper and short distance between the front surface of a wafer and another surface is created. Finally, a substantially uniform silicon dioxide film is deposited on the wafer surfaces by contacting the wafer sets with an aqueous supersaturated silicon dioxide solution comprising a mixture of hydrofluosilicic acid and boric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: National Science Counsel
    Inventors: Ming-Kwei Lee, Bo-Hsiung Lei
  • Patent number: 6197111
    Abstract: A heat shield for a crystal puller including an inner and an outer reflector. The inner and outer reflectors are spaced from each other an have reduced surface area in which they contact each other. Improved heat shielding of a growing crystal ingot reduces defects and permits a greater throughput of ingots produced by the crystal puller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Ferry, Yasuhiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 6197112
    Abstract: A support beam for at least one long working unit, notably of a paper machine or coater, includes several bundled, long profile elements forming in their entirety the support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf Gunter Stotz, Christoph Link
  • Patent number: 6197113
    Abstract: The invention is a device for the application of determinable quantities particularly of viscous liquids onto a movable substrate, consisting of an application roller that spans the length of the device, a supply mechanism to provide the liquid to the application roller, a contact press that pushes the application roller against the substrate, which, when pressed between the application roller and the substrate, creates a narrowing intake gusset in the direction of movement (D) of the application roller and at least one demarcation element that acts in combination with the application roller to define the width of application of the liquid (application width) being applied to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Johannes Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6197114
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for adjusting a discharge width of a powder feeder. The system includes a supply hopper that is spaced from the powder feeder. The powder feeder includes a receiving opening and a discharge opening and at least one adjustable wall. Preferably, two adjustable walls are provided. Movement of the two adjustable walls provides variations in the width of the discharge opening and therefore facilitates use of the powder feeder on target volumes or target areas having different widths. A rotatable auger brush is in communication with the supply hopper for causing powder withdrawn from the supply hopper to be transported to the powder feeder and disposed uniformly across the receiving opening of the powder feeder. The brush is immersed within the powder and extends across the receiving opening of the powder feeder, and maintains a filled level powder feeder. The powder feeder is particularly well-suited for use in a coating apparatus, as well as a dual-side coating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Material Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip Rodenberger
  • Patent number: 6197115
    Abstract: An automated system for performing an operation on a component within a manufacturing workstation is disclosed. The system includes a robot controller having seven axes of motion control. A robotic manipulator is connected to the robot controller and has six axes of motion. The robotic manipulator includes tooling for grasping the component upon which the operation is performed. A fixed location tool is provided for performing the operation, and a servo mechanism is provided for operating the fixed location tool. The servo mechanism is controlled by one of the seven axes of motion control of the robot controller, whereby the robotic manipulator moves the component with respect to the fixed location tool for performing the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Barrey, Claus Madsen, Peter J. Deir
  • Patent number: 6197116
    Abstract: A plasma processing system including a signal sampling unit for measuring electric signals reflecting a plasma condition; a model expression memory for storing a model expression for relating values of the electric signals with plasma processing characteristics; a computing unit for substituting the values of the electric signals measured by the signal sampling unit into the model expression read from the model expression memory to computer predicted values of the plasma processing characteristics; and a diagnosing unit for diagnosing a condition of a plasma, based on the predicted values of the plasma processing characteristics. The plasma processing system of this structure permits a condition of a plasma to be estimated by substituting realtime measured electric signals into a model expression, whereby when a change of plasma processing characteristics occurs, the operator can immediately know it. Accordingly, occurrence of a large number of defective wafers can be precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Makoto Kosugi
  • Patent number: 6197117
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the level of a semiconductor processing chamber susceptor and the inclination of a wafer residing within a pocket of the susceptor. In one embodiment, a light beam transmitter is positioned to direct a light beam, such as a laser beam, onto the top surface of a wafer that has been positioned within a susceptor pocket. The light beam forms a target spot of a particular size and shape on the surface of the wafer. A camera is positioned to observe the target spot. A change in the angular orientation of the wafer or susceptor will result in a change in the size and shape of the target spot. The camera is configured to detect changes in the target spot size and shape. A logic circuit is provided at the output of the camera to correlate the observed shape and size of the target spot to a value indicative of the levelness of the susceptor and/or the inclination of a wafer located within the pocket of the susceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Hung Li, Curtis Vass
  • Patent number: 6197118
    Abstract: To suppress the deposition of thin films on exposed positions inside the process chamber and facilitate the selective deposition of good quality thin films with high productivity, disilane gas is introduced to a substrate 9 heated by a heater 4 inside a process chamber 1, and a silicon film is deposited only on the silicon surfaces of substrate 9 by thermal CVD. A heat-reflecting plate 6, which is provided inside process chamber 1 to reflect the heat radiated from substrate 9 back to the substrate, is made of silicon with a silicon oxide film 61 formed on its surface. Silicon atoms separate out and adhere to the surface of silicon oxide layer 61 through the decomposition of disilane, but a reforming operation in which oxygen gas is introduced is performed between the film deposition processing of each substrate 9, whereby the Si atoms which exist in an isolated state with no Si—Si bonds between them are converted to silicon oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Anelva Corporation
    Inventor: Junro Sakai
  • Patent number: 6197119
    Abstract: A TEOS trap for controlling TEOS polymerization from reaction furnace effluent in a vacuum pump line a SiO2 CVD process includes a molecular species-selective flow impeding medium that adsorbs and retains TEOS and water molecules from the effluent long enough to consume substantially all the water molecules in TEOS hydrolysis reactions while allowing non-hydrolyzed TEOS, ethylene, and other gaseous byproducts to pass through the trap and retaining solid and liquid phase SiO2-rich TEOS polymers formed by the hydrolysis reactions in the trap for subsequent removal and disposal. The molecular species-selective flow impeding medium has a plurality of adsorption surfaces to make a surface density that performs the TEOS and water flow impeding fuction and solid and liquid phase TEOS polymer trapping function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dozoretz, Youfan Gu
  • Patent number: 6197120
    Abstract: A method for making particles coated with a diamond-like network, which can include additive components. The method comprises subjecting a multiplicity of particles to a carbon-based plasma in an evacuated radio frequency powered capacitively coupled reactor system in which ion sheaths are formed around the electrodes and wherein the particles are agitated in such a manner as to expose their surfaces to the reactive species in the plasma while keeping the particles substantially within an ion sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Moses M. David
  • Patent number: 6197121
    Abstract: Reactors for growing epitaxial layers on substrates are disclosed including rotatable substrate carriers and injectors for injecting gases into the reactor towards the substrates on the carriers and including a gas separator for separately maintaining various gases between gas inlets and the injector. Various reactor embodiments are disclosed including removable gas separators, and particular injectors which include cooling channels, as well as flow restrictors mounted within the reactors to restrict the flow of the gases to the substrates from the injector, and heaters mounted within the rotatable shell holding the substrate carriers so that the heaters can be accessed and removed through a lid forming a wall of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Emcore Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander I. Gurary, Richard A. Stall, Robert F. Karlicek, Jr., Peter Zawadzki, Thomas Salagaj
  • Patent number: 6197122
    Abstract: Compounds containing two cyclic hydrocarbon moieties which are substituted to provide crosslinking functionality and which are linked to each other by secondary or tertiary oxycarbonyl containing moiety are basis for compositions which are cured to provide cured thermosets for encapsulation and underfill for electronic components that are thermally decomposable to allow repair, replacement, recovery or recycling of operative electronic components from assemblies that are inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Ober, Hilmar Koerner
  • Patent number: 6197123
    Abstract: A method for processing substrates such as semiconductor wafers (21) includes providing a chamber (12) having a production nozzle (26) and two cleaning nozzles (36, 41). During production intervals, a level of particles carried by gases exiting the chamber are measured by an in-situ particle monitor (53). If an abnormally high particle level is detected, a cleaning procedure is carried out during a nonproduction interval which exists between production intervals in a production mode. During this cleaning, the chamber is maintained at a low pressure by a vacuum pump (56), and a cleaning gas (GAS1) is supplied through valves (83, 103, 108) and mass flow controllers (81, 101, 106) to respective nozzles. The valves are controlled so as to pulse or modulate the flow of the cleaning gas to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank D. Poag, Richard L. Guldi
  • Patent number: 6197124
    Abstract: A process for removing a multiple coating film or an adhering substance and a layer of a cured adhesive agent which comprises a step of contacting a coated article (A) containing a multiple coating film having a lower coating layer formed on a substrate and an upper coating layer formed on the lower coating layer or an adhering substance (B) being allowed to adhere to a substrate by a layer of a cured adhesive agent with a mixture (C) comprising an acidic compound (a) and water as an essential component, the lower coating layer containing a cured binder resin having a chemical structure shown by the following chemical formula (1) and the layer of the cured adhesive agent containing a cured binder resin having a chemical structure shown by the above-mentioned chemical formula (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuharu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6197125
    Abstract: A method for improving the corrosion resistance, increasing the hardness, providing superior ductility, and reducing surface-cracking of a diffusion coating by nitriding and heating-treating the diffusion coating is disclosed. The nitriding and heat-treating may occur subsequently or simultaneously. Further, the disclosed method may be practiced subsequent to or incorporated as an intergral part of any known diffusion coating process which utilizes a heating step in a furnace having a cover gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: McDermott Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Kung
  • Patent number: 6197126
    Abstract: The invention is a process for applying a nickel-free, copper-containing phosphate coating to a metal surface by contacting the metal surface with a phosphate solution containing 0.2 to 2.0 g/l zinc ions, 0.5 to 25 mg/l copper ions, and 5-30 g/l phosphate ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Wolf-Achim Roland, Karl-Heinz Gottwald, Matthias Hamacher, Jan-Willem Brouwer
  • Patent number: 6197127
    Abstract: A heat regenerating material for very low temperature use consisting of a magnetic heat regenerating material particle aggregate, wherein, among magnetic heat regenerating material particles constituting the magnetic heat regenerating material particle aggregate, a ratio of the particles being destroyed when a simple harmonic oscillation of the maximum acceleration of 300 m/s2 is added 1×106 times on the magnetic heat regenerating material particle aggregate is 1% by weight or less. Such a heat regenerating material for very low temperature use has an excellent mechanical characteristics against mechanical vibration and acceleration. A refrigerator comprises a heat regenerator constituted by packing the above described heat regenerating material for very low temperature use into a heat regenerator container. Such a refrigerator can exhibit an excellent refrigeration performance over a long term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masami Okamura, Naoyuki Sori
  • Patent number: 6197128
    Abstract: A rolling bearing including a rolling bearing ring and a rolling element, at least one of the rolling bearing ring and the rolling element consisting of carburized steel containing at least 0.3% and at most 0.6% of C, at least 0.1% and at most 0.35% of Si, at least 1.1% and at most 1.5% of Mn, at least 0.5% and at most 2.0% of Cr, at least 0.2% and at most 0.6% of Ni and at least 0.15% and at most 0.5% of Mo by weight. Thus, an inexpensive and long life carburized steel rolling bearing can be obtained using a combination of chemical components of a relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Kikuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 6197129
    Abstract: A method of refining the grain structure and improving the hardness and strength properties of a metal or metal alloy workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece is subjected to forces that corrugate and then straighten the workpiece. These steps are repeated until an ultrafine-grained product having improved hardness and strength is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Yuntian T. Zhu, Terry C. Lowe, Honggang Jiang, Jianyu Huang
  • Patent number: 6197130
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which enable the nondestructive testing of strength of a heat treated alloy. An alloy is insonified with an ultrasonic signal. The resulting convoluted signal is detected and the acoustic nonlinearity parameter is determined. The acoustic nonlinearity parameter shows a peak corresponding to a peak in material strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John H. Cantrell, William T. Yost
  • Patent number: 6197131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting and controlling the hydrogen corrosion and embrittlement behavior of steels in the presence of H2S. In the method, at least the following stages are carried out: determining a characteristic value l0 which is a function of the proportion of dislocations present in the lattice of a first steel sample treated under hardening conditions such that, after the hardening treatment, by quenching and tempering or by work hardening, the hardness of said steel reaches a maximum value at a threshold stress &sgr;threshold such that &sgr;threshold equals k·Rp0.2 k being less than or equal to Rp0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Martine Hourcade, Patrice Lefrancois, Xavier Longaygue
  • Patent number: 6197132
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the continuous manufacture of ferritic stainless steel bands suitable for use in environments with frequent changes in temperature. It has been found preferable to have such band longitudinally displaced through a coating chamber wherein the band is provided with a coating of aluminum that is deposited thereon by means of physical vapor deposition technology during a time period sufficient so that aluminum becomes evenly distributed in the ferrite, after which a homogenization occurs at 950-1150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Ing-Marie Andersson-Drugge
  • Patent number: 6197133
    Abstract: A target is laser shock peened by directing against an ablative coating thereon a laser beam pulse having a fluence, duration, and corresponding peak power effective for ablating the coating to form a plasma and shock wave therein. The plasma is confined adjacent the target to plastically deform the target by the shock wave to develop residual compressive stress therein. The pulse has a duration less than ten nanoseconds and a corresponding peak power for increasing coupling efficiency between the pulse and plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Josef Robert Unternahrer, William Taylor Lotshaw, Phillip Randall Staver
  • Patent number: 6197134
    Abstract: A process for producing a fcc metal consisting of copper having random orientations comprising cross rolling which is performed to achieve a total draft of at least 20% with the rolling axis being offset at 15° or more in each pass to a total offset of at least 90°, and subsequent full annealing which is accompanied by recrystallization, the fcc metal satisfying the following relationships: I(200)/I(111)≦2.3 and I(220)/I(111)≦1.0, where I(111), I(200) and I(220) are the integral intensities of the (111), (200) and (220) faces, respectively, of crystal faces as measured by X-ray diffractiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kanzaki, Fumi Tanabe
  • Patent number: 6197135
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to the use of certain selected neoalkoxy organo-titanates and organo-zirconates in energetic compositions to improve their processability, physical properties, and combustion properties. The organo-titanates and organo-zirconates of the instant invention, when added to the energetic systems' matrix in advance of the introduction of particulate or other solid energetic components, improve the dispersion of the latter while reducing the energy required to achieve formulation uniformity. This enhances the processability, the physical properties, the burn characteristics and the safety and handling characteristics of the formulated composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kenrich Petrochemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore J. Monte, Gerald Sugerman
  • Patent number: 6197136
    Abstract: A simple method of setting heat-sealing conditions which involves the steps of, (1) using a pressing with heating apparatus having two faces which face each other, at least one face thereof being movable toward the other face to nip an object to be heat-sealed, at least one face being provided with a heating means, and at least a temperature of one face being measurable, (2) providing a surface cover material to a heating face which is the same material as a surface cover material of a real heat sealer to be used, (3) inserting a minute temperature sensor between heat-sealing surfaces of the object to be heat-sealed, (4) locating the object between the two faces, (5) heating the face provided with a heating means at a temperature exceeding the fusing point of the surface to be heat-sealed of the object, (6) moving the movable face toward the other face to nip the object, (7) measuring a time course of temperature at a part to be heat-sealed of the object, (8) setting a pressing period of the real heat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kazuo Hishinuma
  • Patent number: 6197137
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing adhesion of aquatic organisms on structures in the water such as ships. In the method, the underwater part of a structure in the water is covered up with the sheet. The sheet is made of a polyolefin and less than 1 mm thick, and has apertures each of which has a surface area of 1 to 60 mm2, the surface area in total of the apertures occupying 20 to 80% of the entire surface area of the sheet. The sheet has a tensile strength of 15 to 37% as measured under JIS L1096A and a tear strength of 3 to 9 kg as measured under JIS L1096A-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Kaoru Akahani, Masahiro Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6197138
    Abstract: A machine and process are disclosed for bonding an elastic member to a moving substrate web while the elastic member is in an un-stretched condition. The machine provides for upwardly folding a moving substrate web along a longitudinal centerline while maintaining the side edge regions of the web in a flat un-folded or un-gather condition. An elastic member is applied to the moving web while the elastic member is un-stretched, applying the first and second end regions of the elastic member to the respective first and second side edge regions of the moving web. The end regions of the elastic member are next bonded to the side edges of the web, leaving the remainder of the elastic member un-bonded to the web. The web is then un-folded or un-gathered to its first normal width, stretching the bonded elastic member. At least a portion of the remainder of the elastic member previously un-bonded to the web is then bonded to the web, and the stretched elastic member is allowed to relax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Patent number: 6197139
    Abstract: An electrostatic thermal bonding method for bonding a pair of glass substrates, is capable of solving the problems such as a contamination of a device and incomplete vacuum packaging due to gas generated during the bonding of glass substrates utilizing a conventional epoxy or frit. The electrostatic thermal bonding method uses a silicon-glass bonding mechanism. First, a silicon thin film is deposited on a metal thin film formed on a side of one glass substrate, and the two glass substrates are brought face to face with each other by bringing the silicon thin film into contact with the surface of the other glass substrate. A predetermined direct current voltage is applied between the metal thin film and the other glass substrate under a predetermined temperature, thereby the bonding between glass substrates is performed. In the glass-glass bonding method utilizing the silicon thin film, the direct current voltage in the range of 0 to 1000V is applied under a bonding temperature between 100 to 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science & Tech.
    Inventors: Byeong-Kwon Ju, Myung-Hwan Oh, Woo-Beom Choi
  • Patent number: 6197140
    Abstract: A method for bonding together premolded skins of elastomeric material including the steps of providing at least a first and second premolded elastomeric skin. Providing a mold with first and second mold parts and positioning the first premolded elastomeric skin in the first part of the mold. The method also includes positioning fill material atop the first premolded elastomeric skin in the first part of the mold, then applying a layer of elastomer at points of connection of the first elastomeric skin to the second elastomeric skin. The method also includes pressing the first and second mold parts into connection, thereby binding the elastomeric skins. A mounting member is positioned on at least one premolded skin of elastomeric material. The method also includes the step of providing a reinforcement member positioned around the mounting member formed in at least one premolded skin of elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mantec Services Company
    Inventor: LaMar D. Havens
  • Patent number: 6197141
    Abstract: A liquid chemical spray, such as cellulose acetate or thermoplastic material, is discharged, under pressure, from an applicator wherein the liquid chemical is such that a plurality of elongated fibers or filaments are discharged to form an airborne netting of open mesh having a characteristic of light weight so as to float by gravitational force over a large area of vegetation. The formed netting cures in open air as it floats or settles on top of the foliage intended to be protected. The composition being discharged includes a low contact adhesive agent or substance which permits a clinging contact with the leaves of the foliage as the netting settles over the vegetation canopy. The fiber or filaments discharged from the applicator form a long continuous thread-like filament or an array of threads that impede the ingress of birds, insects, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kent M. Madsen
  • Patent number: 6197142
    Abstract: A composite panel includes fibres adhered together by means of an adhesive binder to form a sheet having opposed planar faces and fibre reinforcement ribs imbedded in the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Helmut Wolff
  • Patent number: 6197143
    Abstract: A method of making a bioprosthetic conduit, comprises the steps of: (a) taking a cylindrical mould, having circumferentially spaced protuberances which extend radially from the axis; (b) curving a layer of a biocompatible sheet material around the cylindrical mould, and joining the opposed edges of the layer together along a longitudinal axis, parallel to the axis of the mould to form a tubular layer; and (c) removing the tubular layer from the mould and turning it inside out to form a cylindrical conduit with sinuses, the conduit being fully fixed by a chemical means; after removal or while still on the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Endre Bodnar
  • Patent number: 6197144
    Abstract: Thermoplastic articles such as splash guards, in particular polyethylene splash guards, are decorated using a heat-activated decorative which includes a layer of a compatible thermoplastic adhesive which bonds an intermediate support sheet to the surface of the article. An indicia layer is then bonded to the support sheet. The support sheet is either a nonwoven web, a metal film, or a metalized cloth. The indicia layer can be an outer reflective or polymeric film bonded to the polyester nonwoven web using a compatible adhesive such as a linear alkyl polyester. If the support sheet is a metal film or metalized cloth, it can provide the indicia without a separate layer. However, a clear protective film may be required. This material remains tightly adhered to the surface of the article, even splash guards subjected to road conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: John Mahn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6197145
    Abstract: A method of attaching a flexible plastic film having electronic circuit traces to a rigid plastic substrate. The film and substrate are made from different incompatible plastic materials that do not bond to one another and have different CTE. The use of different or incompatible materials is useful where the properties of the backing structure and film are selected to achieve different results. For example, the flexible film may be selected from a material that provides a high melting point to withstand soldering while the backing material is selected from a low-cost and light weight plastic material that has a lower melting point. The film has conductive traces on at least one surface thereof and a backing surface. A heat activated adhesive is applied to the backing surface. The film is placed within an open injection mold and the mold is closed. A hot plastic resin is injected into the mold adjacent the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael George Todd, Rexanne M. Coyner, Andrew Zachary Glovatsky, Daniel Phillip Dailey, Robert Edward Belke
  • Patent number: 6197146
    Abstract: An assemblage for bonding the skin of an airfoil to the core of the airfoil includes a hybrid caul plate assembly for covering the surface of the airfoil assembly which is exposed to bonding pressure. The hybrid caul plate includes a central elastomeric component and peripheral semi-rigid metal components. The semi-rigid metal components are formed from a steel sinusoidal mesh and are axially elongated. The mesh is flexible in the direction of elongation, but are rigid in the transverse direction. The peripheral semi-rigid caul componnents will thus closely conform to the contours of the core in the axial direction, and will, at the same time, provide support for the edges of the core so that the core edges will not be crushed or deformed by bonding pressure applied to the assemblage during the skin-to-core bonding process. The result of using the hybrid caul plate assembly is an improved skin-to-core bond wherein bridging or voids in the bond line at the periphery of the airfoil are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Sucic, Lori Ann M. Sucic
  • Patent number: 6197147
    Abstract: A process for producing laminates which contain at least one centrally arranged, ion-conductive membrane which is, at least over a substantial part of its two mutually opposite flat faces, electrically conductively bonded to at least one catalytically active substance and to at least one two-dimensional, gas-permeable, electron-conductive contacting material, the bonding of at least two of the said components having been effected by lamination. The process comprises carrying out the bonding of the ion-conductive membrane, of the catalytically active substance and of the electron-conductive contacting material continuously. The ion-conductive membrane is brought together with at least the electron-conductive contacting material in the exact position by means of transport and feeding devices and the two components are laminated and bonded to one another by pressing them together. The range of variation in the a.c. resistances of the laminates produced by the process according to the invention is ±10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hoescht Research & Technology Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harald Bönsel, Joachim Clauss, Gregor Deckers, Georg Frank, Arnold Schneller, Helmut Witteler, Mike Römmler, Michael Heine