Patents Issued in March 6, 2001
  • Patent number: 6197148
    Abstract: A web material, which is able to avoid air entrainment, comprises a surface for applying at least one layer of coating material. The web material has at least one splicing tape for connecting a preceding web and a succeeding web with respect to a transport direction of the web material. The splicing tape defines a trailing edge on the surface of the succeeding web. After the trailing edge of the splicing tape a thin layer with limited width and a rough surface is formed. Additionally, there is a method for continuous coating a web material having at least one spliced joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Deprez, James M. Breitfeller
  • Patent number: 6197149
    Abstract: An insulating varnish comprising a resin component, electrical insulating whiskers, and if necessary, one or more additives such as an ion adsorbent, and/or an organic reagent for preventing injury from copper, produced by adding the additives to the resin component and the whiskers, or filtering the whiskers, or milled by using a beads mill or a three-roll mill, or the like, is excellent for producing a multilayer printed circuit board having high wiring density, high reliability and excellent other electrical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Kobayashi, Yasushi Kumashiro, Atsushi Takahashi, Koji Morita, Takahiro Tanabe, Kazunori Yamamoto, Akishi Nakaso, Shigeharu Arike, Kazuhisa Otsuka, Naoyuki Urasaki, Daisuke Fujimoto, Nozomu Takano
  • Patent number: 6197150
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for wafer treatment during the manufacture of semiconductor devices. The apparatus for wafer treatment includes a shaft, a chuck supported by the shaft for holding a wafer to be treated, a solution nozzle for supplying a treatment solution for wafer treatment onto the wafer, a gas supplier for supplying a gas to the back side of the wafer, and a heater for heating the gas supplied to the back side of the wafer. The use of this apparatus improves the uniformity of a treatment process such as an etching process or a cleaning process by minimizing the temperature changes of the treatment solution supplied onto the wafer mounted on the spin chuck of the apparatus during the wafer treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyu-hwan Kwag, Kyung-seuk Hwang
  • Patent number: 6197151
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus comprising a vacuum processing chamber, a plasma generating means including a pair of electrodes, a sample table for mounting a sample to be processed inside the vacuum processing chamber and also serving as one of the electrodes, and a evacuating means for evacuating the vacuum processing chamber, which further comprises a high frequency electric power source for applying an electric power of a VHF band from 50 MHz to 200 MHz between the pair of electrodes; and a magnetic field forming means for forming a static magnetic field or a low frequency magnetic field larger than 10 gausses and smaller than 110 gausses in a direction intersecting an electric field generated between the pair of electrodes and the vicinity by the high frequency electric power source; therein the magnetic field forming means being set so that a portion where a component of the magnetic field in a direction along the surface of the sample table becomes maximum is brought to a position in the opposite side o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsunori Kaji, Shinichi Tachi, Toru Otsubo, Katsuya Watanabe, Katsuhiko Mitani, Junichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6197152
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously removing soluble minor constituents from brines containing soluble major and minor constituents by use of a Helminthoid evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tarim Associates for Scientific Mineral & Oil Exploration AG
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hsu
  • Patent number: 6197153
    Abstract: The method for de-inking paper pulp produced by the reduction to pulp, with water, of old papers of various qualities according to which a stream of air bubbles (C) is sent through the flow (E2, S2, E3, S3) of pulp at least once, is characterized by the fact that a countercurrent of water (E1) is sent into the stream of de-inking air bubbles after said bubbles have passed through the pulp and become laden with ink particles so that the countercurrent releases the particles (fibers, fines, fillers) borne along by these de-inking bubbles and carries them away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: E & M Lamort
    Inventor: Alain Serres
  • Patent number: 6197154
    Abstract: A method for making a textured tissue sheet on a conventional tissue making machine using a conventional cylindrical drum dryer creates a product that is remarkably bulky, soft, and wet resilient. A combination of rush transfer and sheet molding with three-dimensional fabrics is combined with the step of web inversion to ensure that the surface of the web which was molded onto a first textured transfer fabric is the surface which is placed against the surface of the cylinder dryer. Web inversion improves machine productivity and enhances physical properties of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Shan Liang Chen, Michael Alan Hermans, Sheng-Hsin Hu, Richard Joseph Kamps, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6197155
    Abstract: A lightweight, coated web printing paper is described for suitability in the cold-set printing process, which has specific values for water penetration and ink absorption and has gloss values in the 40-50% range for a smoothness in the range of 500 sec. Bekk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Haindl Papier GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Wurster, Hans-Peter Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6197156
    Abstract: A press section of a paper machine, in particular for printing paper qualities whose grammage is in the range of about 40 g/m2 to about 80 g/m2 is disclosed. The press section comprises a pick-up roll having a suction zone on which a paper web is detached at a pick-up point from a forming wire and is passed on the pick-up felt into a first press nip in the press section. In the first press nip, the pick-up felt acts as a press fabric. The press section further includes an extended nip placed after the first press nip. Into this extended nip, the web is passed as a closed draw on support of a fabric face or roll face. The first nip in the press section is a roll nip with relatively low load and acts as a front nip. In the area of the first press nip, almost or approximately one half of the total amount of the water contained in the web entering into the front nip is removed from the web. The extended nip, which is the second press nip in the press section, is formed against a smooth-faced back-up roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Antti Ilmarinen
  • Patent number: 6197157
    Abstract: A press device for draining and/or smoothing, or shaping the surface and controlling the sheet structure of fibrous pulp webs with a surface weight of under 100 g/m2, such as the fibrous pulp webs used to make graphic papers. The device has a press area which includes at least one press nip through which, during operation, the fibrous pulp web is fed at a velocity of at least 1200 m/min, under simultaneous impingement by pressure. The press area includes at least two press zones subsequent to one another. The device is further characterized by a K value of at least 2.5 kPa·s·m. This K value is the product of L1 and Itot. L1 is the length of the first press zone, measured along the direction in which the web runs, and Itot is the total press impulse operating on the fibrous pulp web in the entire press area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Hasenfuss, Joachim Grabscheid, Christian Schiel, Wolfgang Schuwerk
  • Patent number: 6197158
    Abstract: Drying screen for a fibrous pulp web and process for using the same. The drying screen includes a support structure composed of one of a web or mesh, and an elastic coating having a shaped surface provided on a side of the support structure adapted to face the fibrous pulp web. The process of using the drying screen includes pressing the drying screen and the fibrous pulp web together, whereby the press device compresses the elastic layer of the drying screen, adhering the fibrous pulp web to the drying screen via suction after the pressing of the fibrous pulp web and drying screen, and guiding the fibrous pulp web on the drying screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6197159
    Abstract: In a paper making machine for manufacturing a material web (10), such as in particular a paper or cardboard web, the material web (10) to be manufactured is transferred on the surface of a transfer means (24) to a take-off position (30) in the region of which a preferably air-permeable belt (32) having an at least substantially open surface is guided over a take-off roll (34) or the like and takes off the material web (10) from the surface of the transfer means (24). A pressing gap (36) extended in the web running direction (L) is formed at the take-off position (30) with the surface of the transfer means (24, 60) facing the material web (10) being deflected in the region of the extended pressing gap, while forming an at least substantially concave depression (38), and also being pressed by a pressing force intentionally generated in the region of this deflection against the take-off roll (34) in order to thereby assist the take-off of the material web (10) from the surface of the transfer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Albrecht Meinecke, Helmut Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6197160
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process for dewatering a pulp web, particularly a chemical pulp web, where dewatering takes place between twin wire belts or felts in an initial dewatering zone with a set area pressure and then in a second dewatering zone. It is mainly characterized by the area pressure in the initial dewatering zone being pre-set, and in the second dewatering zone it is adjustable, with the web being dewatered in both directions (upwards and downwards). The invention also refers to a device for implementing the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesselschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Johann Sbaschnigg, Edgar Brogyanyi, Wilhelm Mausser
  • Patent number: 6197161
    Abstract: A headbox for a paper-making machine includes a plurality of side walls and an apron. A nozzle blade is connected to one of the side walls. The nozzle blade and the apron define a discharge nozzle therebetween. A profile bar is rigidly connected to an end of the nozzle blade. A slice lip is rigidly and removably attached to the profile bar and/or nozzle blade. The slice lip and the apron define a discharge outlet therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin X. Graf, Dale A. Haltinner, James A. Eng, Frank Stilen
  • Patent number: 6197162
    Abstract: A method of remediating water contaminated by dissolved gases and liquids and suspended particles wherein the contaminated water is collected into a closed container without filling the container and heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water. Negative pressure is then drawn on the closed container without causing the water in the container to boil, whereby the dissolved gases and liquids in the contaminated water, having a boiling point lower than water, will evaporate out of the water into the head space above the water in the container. Finally, atmospheric air and/or oxygen are allowed into the container to push the vapors out of the head space of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Jose M. Quiros
  • Patent number: 6197163
    Abstract: The impurity content, e.g. propionitrile, in a fraction containing C5 or C6 tertiary olefins obtained by cracking hydrocarbons is reduced by distilling with an alkanol and removing the impurity as a higher boiling point fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Catalytic Distillation Technologies
    Inventor: Claus-Peter Thomas Hälsig
  • Patent number: 6197164
    Abstract: An ion beam sputtering system having a chamber and a target, a substrate, and a movable flux regulator located between the target and the substrate in the chamber. The position of the movable flux regulator relative to the deposition substrate affects the thickness uniformity of thin films deposited on the substrate in the ion beam sputtering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mustafa Pinarbasi
  • Patent number: 6197165
    Abstract: Ionized physical vapor deposition (IPVD) is provided by a method of apparatus for sputtering coating material from a compound sputtering source formed of an annular ring-shaped target with a circular target at its center, increasing deposition rate and coating uniformity. Each target is separately energized to facilitate control of the distribution of material sputtered into the chamber and the uniformity of the deposited film. The sputtered material from the targets is ionized in a processing space between the target and a substrate by generating a dense plasma in the space with energy coupled from a coil located outside of the vacuum chamber behind an annular dielectric window in the chamber wall in the central opening of the annular target and surrounding the circular target. A Faraday type shield physically shields the window to prevent coating material from coating the window, while allowing the inductive coupling of energy from the coil into the processing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: John S. Drewery, Thomas J. Licata
  • Patent number: 6197166
    Abstract: A system and related method are disclosed for performing inductively-coupled-plasma-enhanced ionized physical-vapor deposition process for depositing a material layer on a work piece such as a semiconductor substrate or a thin-film head substrate. Within a PVD process chamber, a plurality of inductive antenna segments axially surround a region between the PVD target/cathode assembly and the work piece. The inductive antenna segments are arranged cylindrically around (or conformlly with respect to the physical-vapor deposition target/cathode) and aligned substantially vertically with respect to the target/cathode assembly and/or the work piece. A first radio-frequency (RF) power source provides electrical power to half of the antenna segments to create a first inductively-coupled plasma source, a second RF power source provides electrical power to the remaining antenna segments to create a second inductively-coupled-plasma source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: CVC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehrdad M. Moslehi
  • Patent number: 6197167
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for depositing a metal film on a substrate, comprising generating a high density plasma in a chamber, sputtering metal particles from a target to the substrate, and applying a modulated radio frequency (RF) bias to the substrate during deposition. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for depositing a metal film on a substrate comprising a high density plasma physical vapor deposition (HDP PVD) chamber and a controller to modulate a RF bias power applied to a substrate in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6197168
    Abstract: An electrochemical stain prevention apparatus of a submerged structure comprising a submerged structure of which at least the stain prevention surface is formed of a conductive film that does not generate chlorine even by applying a potential of 5 V vs. SCE or less, a counter electrode located so as not to contact with the submerged structure, and a power supply unit for passing a direct current through the submerged structure having the conductive film formed thereon and the counter electrode. Aquatic organisms adhered to the surface of the conductive film can effectively be controlled by applying a potential of from 0.1 to 5 V vs. SCE to the submerged structure of such a stain prevention apparatus without generating chlorine. A potential applied to the conductive film of the submerged structure can be controlled with good accuracy by disposing a reference electrode between the submerged structure and the counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Matsunaga, Tsuruo Nakayama, Hitoshi Wake, Kin-ichi Ozawa, Noriyuki Nakamura, Nobuyuki Murakami, Hiromichi Takahashi, Toshihiro Takimoto, Hideo Kadoi
  • Patent number: 6197169
    Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating and deplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution using ultrasonic energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to rotatably maintain the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a mounting structure mountable within the tank partially on each side of and generally below the cylinder, along with a plurality of conductors at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the upper portions of the conductors and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A protective cover to protect the transducer element from the effects of the plating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Hubert F. Metzger
  • Patent number: 6197170
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a conductor roll which obviates burning troubles caused by poor contact between the collector rings (C rings) and the roll shafts, which makes removal and installation of the C rings and operation of sliding contact adjustment unnecessary during the repairing operation of the roll body, and which extends the life of the sliding collector parts. The ringless-collector conductor roll according to the present invention comprises an electroplated Cu layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft ends of the conductor roll and having a Vickers hardness of at least 100 Hv, the electroplated Cu layer being directly contacted with brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokogawa
  • Patent number: 6197171
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for electroplating a pin grid array device having a plurality of pins, the pins having a side surface and an extremity. The apparatus comprises a contact plate defining a plane and having a plurality of electrically conductive flexible contact fingers extending from the contact plate away from the plane, the contact fingers adapted to flex when contacted by the pins. The process comprises contacting each of the plurality of pins with a flexible contact finger extending from a single electrically conductive plate, the conductive plate defining a plane, wherein the flexible contact fingers extend away from the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuele F. Lopergolo, Mark A. Brandon, Arden S. Lake, Joseph M. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6197172
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor with a gelled membrane for prolonging the useful life of an ion-selective electrode. The gelled membrane is a hydrophilic membrane having a specially-formulated gel layer coated on one side. The gel-coated side of the gelled membrane is in intimate contact with the ion-selective membrane and separates the ion-selective membrane from the test samples and the calibration and cleaning fluids. The gelled membrane is a semi-permeable barrier which allows passage of the species to be measured while inhibiting the passage of surfactant and proteinaceous material into the polymeric ion-selective membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: David H. Dicks, Handani Winarta, John Hiti, Nicole Pouliot, Jeffrey C. Chien, Chung Chang Young
  • Patent number: 6197173
    Abstract: Polymerization of gels for electrophoresis with improved photoinitiators results in gels which are suitable for electrophoresis. The new initiator systems are much faster than current systems for making such gels. Moreover, the polymerization reaction can be conducted in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies gel casting. In particular, it is possible with the invention to cast and use gels of acrylic monomers in a “submarine” mode, which was not previously possible with acrylamide gels. Continuous casting of gels is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Francis H. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 6197174
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for electrodeionizing water, whereby the water to be purified is passed through diluting compartments in an electrodeionization unit having an anode compartment at one end of the unit and a cathode compartment at the other end of the unit, and a plurality of diluting compartments alternating with concentrating compartments defined by anion and cation exchange membranes. Each of the diluting compartments contains ion exchange material. Importantly, the ion exchange material comprises at least one mixed bed phase of anion exchange material and cation exchange material and at least one single phase, adjacent to the mixed bed phase, of anion exchange material or cation exchange material, or anion exchange and cation exchange material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: E-Cell Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Barber, David Florian Tessier
  • Patent number: 6197175
    Abstract: Electrical contacting system for an electrophoretic dip painting plant for motor vehicle bodies, where the bodies are guided through an electrophoretic dip paint bath by an overhead conveyor having hangers for engaging beneath the body carriers. Each conveyor hanger has at least two lower contacting devices secured thereto and each body carrier has at least four upper contacting devices secured thereto. Each upper contacting device has a protective bell open at the bottom and storing an air bubble in the submerged state. In the area of the air bubble the bell has a downwardly concave, partially circular cylindrical support and contact surface and has a horizontal cylinder axis extending transversely to the conveyance direction. At its outer side facing the guide element, two locking elements form a vertical opening therebetween to interact with a locking nose on the guide element where the locking noses pass through the openings formed by the locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: Durr Systems GmbH, DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hidayet Kisi, Heiko Haefecker, Reinhard Miesner, Thomas Mayer, Karl-Heinz Zenker
  • Patent number: 6197176
    Abstract: An apparatus for promoting reactions between particles suspended in a liquid is provided. The apparatus includes a treatment cell having an electrode array. The suspension of the particles is fed to the treatment cell by feeding means. The liquid is removed from the treatment cell by removing means. The feeding means is connected to the electrode array in the cell and adapted to generate a first non-uniform electrical field, at a first frequency, within the cell. The removing means is connected to the electrode array in the cell and adapted to generate, within the cell, a second non-uniform electrical field, at a second frequency which is different from the first frequency. The apparatus further includes means for simultaneously applying at least the first non-uniform electrical field, at the first frequency, and the second non-uniform electrical field, at the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventors: Ronald Pethig, Julian Burt
  • Patent number: 6197177
    Abstract: One or more water treating devices each includes a housing for receiving a number of electric conductive particles and one or more electrodes for electrifying the particles. The waste water to be treated is introduced into the housing and flows through the particles when the particles are electrified for allowing the particles to treat the water. The particles, after use, may be discharged from the housing so as to be cleaned. The water treating devices may be arranged in series or in parallel or in both series and parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Silkroad Corp.
    Inventor: Fang Chung Lu
  • Patent number: 6197178
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming oxide coatings on bodies of aluminum and aluminum alloys are described. The process includes forming an electrolyte bath in an inert container. At least two reactive metal bodies are suspended in the bath. The bodies are connected to electrodes which, in turn, are connected to a multiphase AC circuit. A multiphase power (preferably three-phase between three bodies) potential is imposed between each of the bodies. The bodies are moved in the electrolyte bath relative to each other until micro-arcs occur on the surfaces of the bodies, whereby to commence oxidation of the bodies. The imposition of the potential between each of the bodies is continued until the desired thickness of oxide is formed on the bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Microplasmic Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry L. Patel, Nannaji Saka
  • Patent number: 6197179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for coating objects by means of direct current, in which process an adjustable DC voltage is pulse-modulated with an adjustable AC voltage. The process is useful for electrochemical coating of objects with resinous coating material. Preferably, the pulse modulation of the DC voltage is limited to certain time intervals during the coating process and the pulse modulation is connected and disconnected with an adjustable duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Coatings AG
    Inventors: Klaus Arlt, Karin Eckert, Margaret Stockbrink, Rolf Schulte, Harald Berlin, Gerd Nienhaus
  • Patent number: 6197180
    Abstract: The performance of many macroscopic structures (those whose dimensions are on the order of centimeters, meters, or even larger) can be greatly improved by covering their surfaces with microstructures. There are several applications in which “large,” microstructure-covered sheets are useful. An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming high aspect ratio microstructures (“HARMs”) on planar and non-planar surfaces, using a modification of the LIGA microfabrication process. A free-standing polymer sheet is lithographically patterned with through-holes. The polymer sheet is then pressed against, clamped to, or otherwise attached to a conductive substrate in such a way that the patterned holes in the sheet are not blocked. Subsequent electroplating produces well-defined HARM structures on the planar or non-planar surface, in shapes that are complementary to the lithographically patterned through-holes in the polymer. The polymer may then be removed (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventor: Kevin W. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6197181
    Abstract: A process for applying a metallization interconnect structure to a semiconductor workpiece having a barrier layer deposited on a surface thereof is set forth. The process includes the forming of an ultra-thin metal seed layer on the barrier layer. The ultra-thin seed layer having a thickness of less than or equal to about 500 Angstroms. The ultra-thin seed layer is then enhanced by depositing additional metal thereon to provide an enhanced seed layer. The enhanced seed layer has a thickness at all points on sidewalls of substantially all recessed features distributed within the workpiece that is equal to or greater than about 10% of the nominal seed layer thickness over an exteriorly disposed surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: LinLin Chen
  • Patent number: 6197182
    Abstract: A plating apparatus and methodology is disclosed that is particularly useful in improving the plating rate, improving the plating of via holes, improving the uniformity of the plating deposition across the surface of the wafer, and minimizing damage to the wafer. With regard to improving the plating rate and the plating of via holes, the plating apparatus and method immerses a wafer in a plating fluid bath and continuously directs plating fluid towards the surface of the wafer. Immersing the wafer in a plating fluid bath reduces the occurrence of trapped gas pockets within via holes which makes it easier to plate them. The continuous directing of plating fluid towards the surface of the wafer increases the ion concentration gradient which is, in turn, increases the plating rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Technic Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kaufman, Gary C. Downes, Daniel J. Gramarossa
  • Patent number: 6197183
    Abstract: This invention relates to the electrodeposition of chromium onto zinc or zinc alloys, and particular electrodeposition bath conditions. The chromium plating bath is suitable for enhancing surface hardness of relatively high copper, low aluminum zinc-alloys. The bath is an aqueous solution which includes chromic acid and sulfate ions in amounts so that the weight ratio of chromic acid to the sulfate ions is about 75:1 to about 125:1, respectively. The bath further includes specified amounts of fluoride ion, boric acid and an alkali metal carbonate. The bath may additionally include an alkali metal bicarbonate in a carbonate-to-bicarbonate weight ratio of about 0.6 to about 13:1, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Richard C. Iosso
  • Patent number: 6197184
    Abstract: An oxide dissolving acid dip is integrated into an anodic foil formation process. After a foil, either etched or un-etched, is hydrated in a bath of deionized water at an elevated temperature, the foil is then dipped in an organic acid mixture. Next, an oxide layer formation step is utilized to form a barrier oxide layer on a surface of the foil. Next, an oxide dissolving acid dip is utilized to selectively remove a diffuse hydrate layer formed in the formation process. The diffuse hydrate layer is responsible for the reduction of capacitance of the anodic foil. By the use of this oxide dissolving acid dip in conjunction with an organic acid dip, the foil exhibits reduced leakage current properties, while maintaining its capacitance. The treated foil can then be incorporated into a high voltage electrolytic capacitor suitable for use in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Jason Hemphill, Thomas Flavian Strange
  • Patent number: 6197185
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an exo-methylenepenam compound represented by the general formula (5) characterized in that a &bgr;-lactam halide compound represented by the general formula (2) is subjected to an electroreduction process to obtain the exo-methylenepenam compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Otsuka Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sigeru Torii, Hideo Tanaka, Michio Sasaoka, Yutaka Kameyama
  • Patent number: 6197186
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing silver compounds. The process relates to the preparation of silver compounds of the general formula (I) RSO3Ag  (I) where R is an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched, saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated alkyl or alkenyl radical having 1 to 9 carbon atoms or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl radical having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, which comprises subjecting acid of the general formula (II) RSO3H  (II)  where R has the above mentioned meaning, to an electrolytic dissolution of the anode in a membraneless electrolysis cell having metallic silver as anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Th. Goldschmidt Ag
    Inventors: Dieter Guhl, Frank Houselmann
  • Patent number: 6197187
    Abstract: A method for treating a contaminated media. The method comprises disposing electrodes at the contaminated media, injecting a salt-containing solution into contaminated media, applying an electric voltage between electrodes imposed peripherally to the region, forming ions from the salt-containing solution, and migrating the ions between the electrodes across the contaminated media. The ions of the salt-containing solution migrate into at least a portion of the contaminated media to treat the contaminated media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roy Fred Thornton, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Timothy Mark Sivavec
  • Patent number: 6197188
    Abstract: A filtration system for concentrating radioactive debris particulate provides efficient filtration, concentration and transport to collection canisters of radioactive particles from a refueling cavity, spent fuel pool, or other water volume where small particles must be removed from the water. The system includes a flushing pump module that draws contaminated water from a cut zone enclosure. The flushing pump module has a separator that removes large size particulate from the contaminated water. A solid media filter module receives the contaminated water from the flushing pump module and removes medium size particulate from the contaminated water. The solid media filter module has a structure for ejecting the medium size particulate and passing the ejected particulate to a concentrate handling module having a purge tank and a slurry transfer pump. A disposal canister station receives the medium size particulate from the slurry transfer pump and fills disposal canisters for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: GE Nuclear Power LLC
    Inventor: Edward F. Lamoureux
  • Patent number: 6197189
    Abstract: An oxygenated water cooler and method of operating the same for dispensing oxygen enriched water from a bottle installed on the cooler. An oxygen source integrated into the cooler delivers oxygen through the water to a headspace above the water in the bottle to maintain the dissolved oxygen content of water in the bottle at a supersaturated level throughout the usage cycle of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Oxygen8, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Schwartz, Dennis E. Crowley, Jason Ritton, George P. Mravlja, Jr., R. Glenn Wright, Doug Mowers
  • Patent number: 6197190
    Abstract: Described herein is an improved water treatment process for separating particulate contaminants from raw water. The process is performed by introducing, into a single tank, raw water injected with a coagulating agent for neutralizing charges on the particles and a flocculating agent for agglomerating the neutralized particles; mixing, in the mixing area of said tank, the neutralized and agglomerated particles with a granular medium to increase the size and weight of the particles; directing the particles and water from the mixing area of said tank to a baffled quiescent zone for settling; further directing said water, free of settlement, in said quiescent zone through a buoyant medium to entrap unsettled particles; and wherein the improvement is characterized by conducting tapered flocculation in the mixing area of said tank with a turbine mixer having a plurality of radial blades of varying surface areas, said blades tapered in decreasing areas as the distance from the point of influent increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick Hanlon
  • Patent number: 6197191
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for filtering and separating flow media by reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration, in particular for water desalination and water purification, wherein there are provided a housing (10) having at least one feed (14a) for the flow medium to be filtered or separated and at least one respective discharge (14b, 20a) for the permeate and the concentrate, and a filter device (30). The filter device is formed by a flat filter element (30) which is arranged in the housing (10) and which is disposed in a back and forth meander configuration in the housing (10) forming at least one flow channel (K1, K2) for the flow medium to be filtered or separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 6197192
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes an array of filters arranged in parallel about a rotatable assembly 24 for successively backwashing each of the filter elements 19 within the array. The rotatable assembly includes a connector bachwash shoe 26 and a cage having an annular circlip 33 supporting a valve element 31 therein. During normal filtration, water flows up the inlet tube 11, through a respective opening 17 into filtration chamber 13, and then through a respective filter element. The filtrate flows upwardly into plenum 16 and out through outlet 14. In a backwashing mode, the assembly 24 is rotated by a moving means that includes shaft 22 driven by a stepper motor 34 such that the valve element is radially unseated out of the backwash outlet 30. Each filter element is then backwashed in turn as an L-shaped passage 27 of the bachwash shoe is aligned with a respective opening 17 allowing backwash fluid to flow out opening 28a to the backwash outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cross Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William Frederick Smith-Haddon, Thomas Damian Cross, Robert Francis Campbell
  • Patent number: 6197193
    Abstract: A water filter used for treating tap water. The water filter provides a consumer with protection against major water contaminants found in municipal water supplies. The filter includes a cylindrical filter cartridge with a number of filter layers therein. The filter cartridge includes an upper filter cap and a lower filter cap received in opposite ends of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of filter pads which may or may not be used as dividers between the various layers of filter material. The filter pads are designed to remove large and small sediments in the water. In an upstream upper portion of the cartridge is layer of a granulated zinc and copper alloy. The zinc and copper alloy is used for removing chlorine and some heavy metals in the water and acting as a bacteriostat for keeping bacteria from growing inside said cartridge. In a center portion of the filter cartridge is a layer of granulated activated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Virgil L. Archer
  • Patent number: 6197194
    Abstract: A system for preparing autologous plasma comprises a single use filter unit having two inlets in fluid communication with each other, an outlet, and a filtration membrane selectively permeable to blood plasma separating the inlets from the outlet. Manually operable, single use pumps, preferably syringes, connect to the inlets. A flow path is defined along the membrane between the pumps, whereby, whole blood can be repeatedly exchanged between the two pumps, past the membrane, to cause plasma to flow across the membrane and out of the outlet. A syringe can collect plasma from the outlet. Plasma thus collected can be simultaneously applied with a thrombin solution to a site on the body, thereby forming a fibrin gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Elaine Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6197195
    Abstract: A flow control assembly is provided with a cartridge which includes a body sized and shaped so as to be received in a housing of fluid handling apparatus, such as duplex strainers and diverter valves. The body has a first chamber and a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber. The first chamber includes a first fluid inlet and first and second fluid outlets, while the second chamber includes second and third fluid inlets and a third fluid outlet. A first valve is movably positioned in the first chamber. The first valve is movable between a first position, in which fluid passes from the first fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet, and a second position, in which fluid passes from the first fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet. A second valve is also movably positioned in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Booth, Leonard Falcone, Florito C. Montano
  • Patent number: 6197196
    Abstract: A process for treating sulphate- and metal-containing waste water comprises adding a sulphide compound to the waste water. The sulphide compound reacts with a metal in the waste water to form a corresponding metal sulphide, which precipitates from the waste water. The precipitated metal sulphide is separated from the waste water, to obtain sulphate-containing waste water, which is subjected to biological sulphate reduction in which sulphates in the waste water are converted to sulphides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Water Research Commission
    Inventors: Peter Dale Rose, Oliver O'Connor Hart
  • Patent number: 6197197
    Abstract: A modular fluid transport system is provided for transporting fluids in a dialysis clinic from a fluid source to the dialysis machines. The system includes modular ductwork and modular fluid conduits. The connecting stations may include quick detachable interface manifolds which allow dialysis machines to be easily changed out. The components of the fluid transport system may be heat sterilized. The components of the system may be prefabricated off site and then quickly assembled in the dialysis clinic. Flexibility in the arrangement of equipment within the clinic is provided for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell