Patents Issued in November 1, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010035089
    Abstract: Dampers are spaced from and brought into contact with associated sets of strings for defining piano tones, and the vibration absorbing capability is to be equalized among the dampers by regulating the weight, wherein at least one of the damper head and the damper lever is formed of powder-containing synthetic resin so that the damper is economical, durable and free from the environmental pollution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Fumiyoshi Furuki
  • Publication number: 20010035090
    Abstract: In a linear actuator in which a slide table on a pedestal is caused to reciprocate linearly by two air cylinder mechanisms mounted in the pedestal, exhaust holes are provided to positions adjacent to ports, flow rate restricting mechanisms for restricting a flow rate of exhaust are provided between the exhaust holes and the ports, and pieces of cushion packing for being positioned over one of through holes of the ports on an exhaust side immediately before the piston reaches a stroke end is provided to an outer peripheral face of the piston to cause compressed air in pressure chambers to be discharged from the exhaust hole through the flow rate restricting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshio Sato, Yoshiteru Ueno
  • Publication number: 20010035091
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve having a main body in which is formed a pressurized-fluid inlet opening; a first conduit communicating hydraulically with a user device; a second conduit communicating hydraulically with the user device; and at least one spool for regulating pressurized fluid flow to and from the user device; the spool having a longitudinal axis, and the position of the spool being regulated by an actuating device; the hydraulic valve being characterized in that the actuating device has a guide member for preventing the spool from rotating about the axis; the actuating device also having a cable, e.g. a Bowden-type cable, for moving the spool in two opposite directions defined by the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Enrico Sedoni, Gabriele Balboni
  • Publication number: 20010035092
    Abstract: In the event of an abnormal situation wherein a large volume of dehumidified air leaks to the housing chamber (10), aid is emitted at a pressure above that prescribed towards the air tank of the rear stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Takeshi Hachimaki, Tadashi Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20010035093
    Abstract: A gas permeable membrane apparatus comprises a chamber having an inlet-end connector portion and an outlet-end connector portion; a tube bundle housed within said chamber and composed of a plurality of gas-permeable tubes; a cylindrical coupling insertable into each of the connector portions of said chamber, having at a first end thereof a line connector portion for connecting a liquid inlet line or outlet line and having at a second end thereof a tube bundle connector portion for connecting said tube bundle; a fastener member for threadably fastening each of said cylindrical couplings; and a ferrule arranged about the outer peripheral surface of each said cylindrical coupling interposed between said coupling and said connector when fastening said coupling with said fastener member so as to maintain a gas-tight seal of said cylindrical coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Takushi Yokota
  • Publication number: 20010035094
    Abstract: A filter medium has a function member accommodated between two fiber layers. A production method for manufacturing a filter medium includes the steps of: preparing a first fiber layer having a shape identical to that of a side surface of the filter medium; disposing a function member on a surface of the first fiber layer; and forming a second fiber layer by spinning partially melted fibers onto the function member disposed on the surface of the first fiber layer. Therefore, it is unnecessary to carry out press-forming in a state in which the function member is sandwiched between nonwoven fabrics, and a countermeasure to prevent the function member from falling out and a countermeasure to prevent the nonwoven fabric from being torn by the function member are unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: TOYODA BOSHOKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takanari Takagaki, Kouichi Oda, Minoru Honda
  • Publication number: 20010035095
    Abstract: A container for holding a fragrant medium is disclosed. Perforations or holes in the container and the fragrant medium allow the fragrance contained inside to be released over time. The fragrant medium may be inserted into a bottom portion of the container. A top portion may then be joined to the bottom portion to form a container for the fragrant medium. The top and bottom portions are joined by a plurality of connection members attached to or molded into each portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the container is attached to a furnace filter so that the fragrant medium may be dispersed throughout an entire house or building. In another embodiment of the present invention, the container is attached to a computer fan so that the fragrant medium may be dispersed throughout a room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: David Canfield
  • Publication number: 20010035096
    Abstract: An air cleaner includes a slide retention structure which engages a sliding resonator volume. The volume slides along the slide retention structure into an assembled position. Once assembled, a tuning tube engages an aperture in the volume, the volume and the resonator assembly reducing noise produced by the engine. A flexible seal is positioned around the aperture to acoustically seal the resonator volume to the tuning tube. An air cleaner cover is secured to the box by a lock plate. To lock the cover to the box, the lock plate is slid so that a plurality of wedges on the plate are forced under hooks on the box, securing the cover to the box. A side opening located proximate to the wedges allow the lock plate to slide so that the hooks do not hinder the movement of the lock plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Philip Edward Arthur Stuart
  • Publication number: 20010035097
    Abstract: A distributor for a coffee machine and a method for making coffee with options for selected quantity and types of coffee to be served are disclosed. The distributor has three fluid passages and operable between first and second positions. In the first position a first passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from a first hopper to be delivered to a first brewer or a second passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from a second hopper to be delivered to a second brewer. In the second position a third passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from either selected one of the first and second hoppers to be distributed substantial-equally to the first and second brewers. The invention provides a simple distribution system for the coffee machine with options for selected quantities and types of coffee. The invention also advantageously makes it possible to quickly serve a freshly brewed coffee with a selected quantity and type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Gad Shaanan, Walter Francovich
  • Publication number: 20010035098
    Abstract: A non-soot Chinese pan for stir-frying, the characteristic is in that the pan body is made of metal and with double-deck structure, between two decks of pan body heat-conducting medium the melting point of which is lower than the material of pan body is filled; also under double-deck pan body an oil tank is installed, one end of a balancing leading oil pipe is getting through into the top part of inner deck, the other end is inserted into the bottom of the oil tank and drowned in the oil layer. The advantages of the invention are: even heating of pan body, without oil-soot producing and no over heating partially; and also it could not be happened that the pressure in double-deck pan body raises due to the expansion of raised temperature of oil medium and even scalds operator due to great amount leakage of oil gas caused by too high temperature of the oil. The invention can raise the quality of dishes, insure the healthy and safety of operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Genfa Peng
  • Publication number: 20010035099
    Abstract: A portable griddle stove has two non-stick cooking surfaces, either of which can withstand being on the underside of the cooking surface in use and the heat applied to the underside surface. A heat shield and heat diffuser control the temperature applied to the underside of the cooking surface by providing radiant heat to the center portion of the cooking surface and cooling the combustion gas diffused to the perimeter of the cooking surface. Secondary air provided through openings in case the and heat shield assist in cooling the combustion gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Robert F. Mosher, Norman D. Neugebauer, Randall L. May, Robert L. Lawhon
  • Publication number: 20010035100
    Abstract: A flavor plate is used in a gas barbecue to replace the ceramic briquettes or lava rock used previously. The grid that is located above the burner to support ceramic briquettes is also replaced by the flavor plate. The flavor plate has several vertical passages there through but is closed off immediately above a burner of the barbecue to prevent the juices from the food being cooked from contacting the burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Theodore A. Witzel
  • Publication number: 20010035101
    Abstract: An electric salad spinner device which is designed for ease of use and allows for efficient drying of salad greens, leafy vegetables and the like. The device comprises a base component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a sealable lid having a handle, an on/off switch and a drive motor. Optionally, the device also comprises a liquid dispenser assembly which may also be motorized to provide agitation and may also comprise a sheer assembly to allow for slicing in of hard vegetables such as, for example, cucumbers, carrots, celery and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Bruce Ancona, Robert A. Varakian
  • Publication number: 20010035102
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scrapping system of used-automobiles, comprising a reusable parts collecting station A, a liquid collecting station A for collecting liquids including fuel, oil and coolant, a prearrangement station B for collecting Freon, batteries, seats, tires and the like, a functional parts collecting station D for collecting suspension device and the like, a non-ferrous metal parts and resin parts collecting station E for collecting motors, harnesses, instrument panels, bumpers and the like, and a pressing station F for pressing a body of the used-automobile which has been processed in the above stations, wherein said steps are sequentially carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Toshio Mori, Seietsu Morimoto, Katsumi Eguchi, Tomio Kawasaki, Hirohumi Kamiota
  • Publication number: 20010035103
    Abstract: Pressing arrangement of a machine and process for producing a web. The pressing arrangement includes a shoe press unit and an opposing roll arranged to form at least one press nip. The shoe press unit includes at least one press shoe arranged opposite the opposing roll and a flexible, liquid-impermeable press belt arranged to be guided over the press shoe. The opposing roll includes a smooth surface. At least one press felt is arranged to be guided through the press nip along with the press belt and the web. The at least one felt is deflected away from the web, which is picked up by the smooth surface of the opposing roll, such that the at least one felt is guided out of the press nip at an angle greater than or equal to about 10° to a tangent to the opposing roll at an end of the press nip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Thoroe Scherb, Harald Schmidt-Hebbel
  • Publication number: 20010035104
    Abstract: Rotary printing machine with forme and impression cylinders for variable-format or variable-circumference printing and with service apparatus which are capable of being moved radially in relation to the printing-unit cylinders for throw-on or throw-off movements and in the axial direction of the cylinders or in the side-wall plane. The service apparatus and the printing-unit cylinders are arranged on cross slides which can each be moved in two directions relative to the printing-unit side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Josef Gottling, Thomas Hartmann, Godber Petersen
  • Publication number: 20010035105
    Abstract: There is provided a lithographic plate material which can be desensitized by distilled water or a fountain solution used for other lithographic plates without desensitizing process using an etching solution and lowers generation of scumming in non-image portion of printed matters. The lithographic plate material has an image-receptive layer formed on a support consisting of at least polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked by tetra alkoxy silane hydrolysate, titanium oxide micropatricles, silica having an average particle size of not less than 1 nm and less than 100 nm. The image-receptive layer has a surface having an arithmetic mean roughness of not less than 0.40 &mgr;m and less than 1.20 &mgr;m and a contact angle of less than 50 degree to distilled water at room temperature, and is ink-receptive for hot-melt and lipophilic ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: KIMOTO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshimichi Katsuoka, Junichi Nouda, Hironori Sato
  • Publication number: 20010035106
    Abstract: A powered pushing unit transfers loads no greater than a predetermined magnitude in one direction along the length of a load transfer system. The pushing unit includes a frame and a source of power for moving the pushing unit back and forth along the length of the load transfer system. A dog for engaging a load is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame. A restricting mechanism applies a load engaging force to hold the dog at a load transfer range of positions until the load is greater than the predetermined magnitude. A toggle joint is mounted between the dog and the frame. The togglejoint forms an angle in a first angular direction to lock the dog in a load engaging position during engagement of a load under the predetermined magnitude. The toggle joint further shifts to form an angle in a second angular direction upon engagement of a load in excess of the predetermined magnitude, thereby allowing the dog to pivot away from the load which is in excess of the predetermined magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Gunter
  • Publication number: 20010035107
    Abstract: A transport system has a pair of levitating rails, each of the levitating rails has a core with a plurality of coils extending circumferentially around each of the cores. The coils are perpendicular to the lengths of the levitating rails. Each of the levitating rails has an upper surface directly above the core. A vehicle has wheels that roll on the upper surfaces of the levitating rails in a nonlevitating position. The vehicle has a plurality of magnets that create magnetic fields that pass through the coils while the vehicle is moving along the levitating rails. The magnetic fields induce current, which in turn causes an opposing magnetic field that levitates the vehicle. A steering rail having a plurality of coils is mounted to at least one of the guideways. Permanent steering magnets are located on each side of the steering rail to magnetically steer the vehicle along the guideways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: J. Kirston Henderson
  • Publication number: 20010035108
    Abstract: A novel sidewall structure for a motor-vehicle carrying railway car wherein at least one upper deck is supported principally by longitudinal beams that are themselves supported by end structures, without the need for large, heavy vertical posts to support the decks between the end structures. To provide a lightweight car body with sufficient strength and durability for commercial rail service, the car body may be of monocoque construction. Each sidewall preferably has a plate girder structure that employs the horizontal beams as its principal supports, with the beams tied together by sidewall panels or plates. A plurality of light stiffeners may be employed to limit flexure of the sidewalls. Each of the end structures preferably comprises an offset H frame that includes a draft sill joined to a body bolster, and inner and outer cross bearers joined to the draft sill. In the offset H frame, the draft sill slopes downward and inward, with the inner cross bearer being at a lower elevation than the outer one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Thrall Car Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James P. Klag
  • Publication number: 20010035109
    Abstract: A railway car for transportation of motor vehicles. The railway car may be articulated, comprising two or more units. The railway car may have end doors which are pivotally attached to the roof of the railway car. Flexible seals may be provided along the inner and outer edges of the end doors. Ventilation in the side walls of the railway car may be provided by small diameter perforations grouped at elevations near the top and bottom of each level. The side walls may be constructed by a combination of load bearing side wall panels which function as shear plates, and vertical posts. Protection for the door edges of motor vehicles being carried in the railway car may be provided by providing a plurality of parallel horizontal strips of a relatively soft material along the inside of each side wall on each level. A flexible enclosure may be provided between adjacent car units. A heat-reflecting corrosion-resistant coating may be provided on the galvanized steel corrugated roof to extend the life of the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Thrall Car Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James E. Black, Andrew B. Eaker, Mark L. Litherland, Michael J. Rench, James C. Robertson, Ralph H. Schorr
  • Publication number: 20010035110
    Abstract: An ink composition is provided which, when printed on recording media, can exhibit excellent color development and fixation, can be stably ejected, and can realize good images. This ink composition comprises a first colorant, a second colorant, a penetrating agent, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent. The first colorant is a pigment which is dispersible and/or dissolvable in water without any dispersant, and the second colorant is a pigment dispersion comprising a pigment and a dispersant for dispersing the pigment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20010035111
    Abstract: A curable, two-component mortar composition is described, which is based on a curable epoxide resin, at least one reactive diluent for the epoxide resin, an amine curing agent and one or more inorganic fillers, as well as, optionally, curing catalysts, rheological aids, thixotropizing agents, stabilizers, dispersants, agents to control the reaction rate and wetting agents, the amine curing agent of the curable epoxide resin and the reactive diluent being kept separate from one another to inhibit any reaction, wherein the mortar composition contains a cross-linking reactive diluent, which has functional epoxy groups with an epoxy functionality of at least 2. The mortar composition is used to fasten anchoring means in boreholes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Roland Gienau, Sascha Dierker, Mechthild Krauter
  • Publication number: 20010035112
    Abstract: A tray assembly for an infant highchair, the tray assembly including a frame having front, rear, and side peripheral edge portions defining a space therebetween having a predetermined shape and size; a tray insert having front, rear, and side peripheral lip portions supporting and connected to a bottom portion located in an area defined thereby, the tray insert having a predetermined shape and extent such that the peripheral lip portions can rest on the peripheral edge portions of the frame for supporting the bottom of the tray insert in at least substantially covering relation to the space defined by the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Tony Michael Guard, Joseph Robert Stephens, James Louis Tobergta
  • Publication number: 20010035113
    Abstract: A stackable pallet can include a rectangular planar base member having a first end, a second end, and two opposing sides. A slider pad can extend downwardly from the base member adjacent the first end. A handle member can be pivotally secured to the base member adjacent the first end by a hinge member. The hinge member preferably has a partial U-shaped hinge housing, an L-shaped hinge plate, a pivot pin, a locking pin bore and a locking pin. The handle member can be adapted to be pivoted from an inoperative position, wherein the handle member is folded on top of the base member, to a first operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the base member, and to a second operative position, wherein the handle member extends in a direction opposed from the inoperative position such that the handle member and the base member are substantially planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Hyundai Translead, Inc
    Inventor: In Kyu Bae
  • Publication number: 20010035114
    Abstract: A stowable shelf assembly for use in a vehicle. The shelf assembly has a shelf and a bracket. The shelf has a first flange and a brace member each extending outwardly from the shelf. The shelf is also movable between use and stowed positions. The bracket has a second flange and a support, each extending outwardly from the bracket. The first flange of the shelf is located between the second flange and the support. The first flange abuts the second flange, the shelf is carried by the support and the brace member is adjacent the bracket while the shelf is in the use position. Conversely, the first flange is spaced apart from the second flange, the shelf is spaced apart from the support and the brace member is spaced apart from the bracket while the shelf is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: David L. Ash, John E. Knudtson, DeRay G. Steffensen, Gene A. Dylewski
  • Publication number: 20010035115
    Abstract: An extended life traveling grate side plate having a heat transfer opening formed in a front portion of the side plate. The side plates are attached to the lateral side surfaces of each chain in a traveling grate conveyor. The front portion of each side plate overlaps the back portion of the preceding side plate such that the back portion of each side plate is covered and prevented from radiating heat away from the side plate. The heat transfer opening formed in the front portion of each side plate facilitates greater heat transfer from the overlapped area of the side plate. The front portion of the side plate is generally planar and does not include any gussets, thereby eliminating the heat transfer properties of the gussets and creating a more uniform thermal expansion of the side plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: James D. Foresman
  • Publication number: 20010035116
    Abstract: Method and Apparatus for high intensity infrared burn-off of contaminants on articles moving continuously through an in-line production process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: James Thomas Shiveley
  • Publication number: 20010035117
    Abstract: An improved marine vehicle that offers very high efficiencies made possible by pressurized gas cushion(s) disposed between its hull(s) and a water surface is presented. The gas cushion(s), in the ideal arrangement, is supplied with pressurized gas by a powered blower that obtains at least part of its inlet gas flow from an opening(s) in upper surfaces of a wing shaped cabin structure referred to as the main wing. In an optional arrangement, gas supply to a propulsion system engine, normally a gas turbine, can be obtained from similar opening(s) in an upper surface of the main wing and, further, gas discharge from a propulsion system engine can be used to aid in pressurizing the hull's pressurized gas cushion or, in another arrangement, can be directed out openings in an upper surface of the main wing. The main wing is aerodynamically shaped on its upper surface which increases vehicle efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg
  • Publication number: 20010035118
    Abstract: A skin/bulkhead structure comprising a barrel-shaped skin and a pressure bulkhead composed of a stiffening member and a bulkhead skin, wherein an end of the stiffening member is mechanically connected to an opening of the barrel-shaped skin through a first connecting member and marginal portion of the bulkhead skin is adhesive-connected to the opening through a second connecting member, the barrel-shaped skin, the stiffening member, the bulkhead skin, the first connecting member and the second connecting member being each made of a fiber-reinforced composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Nobuo Matsui, Daiya Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20010035119
    Abstract: A holding and guiding device for a mooring chain, mounted pivotally about a vertical axis (5) and having an integrated chain stopper (2) mounted above the glide track (4) on top of the fairlead. The glide track (4) has a longitudinal slot (11) providing room for the standing links (9) of the chain and has flat parts (3) supporting the lying links (8) of the chain in order to avoid that these become subjected to bending moments when the chain is loaded. In the middle of the flat parts (3) the glide track has deviations (12) providing room for the welds of the chain. Between the flat parts (3) the glide track (4) is evenly rounded in the longitudinal direction. The slot (11) of the glide track has one or more shallower parts which, when the chain is pulled in, force the standing links (9) outwards so that they in turn lift the ends of the lying links (8) of the chain away from the glide track (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Maritime Pusnes AS
    Inventor: Knut T. Siring
  • Publication number: 20010035120
    Abstract: A self-propelled underwater transport vehicle provides propulsion for one or more divers to allow submerged travel over extended distances. The vehicle has a cylindrical open hull supporting a deck upon which a diver is supported in a prone position. A blunt bow extends upwardly from the front of the hull, and develops a flow shadow in which the diver is positioned. A control yoke, operable by the diver, is connected to steering elements, which may include bow planes and a pivoting thruster. The cylindrical hull allows the vehicle to closely approach objects without contact therewith, while the flow shadow developed by the bow minimizes drag, despite the open structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: David Wyman
  • Publication number: 20010035121
    Abstract: Plush stuffed toy novelty attachment for a remote control unit. The novelty provides a simple solution for keeping track of the remote control unit in a home and business environment. The novelty can be made from the same material and manner used for producing children's stuffed plush toys. The lightweight novelty enhances the visual obviousness of the location of the remote control unit while allowing unhindered use and operation. The novelty also hinders the remote control unit from sliding into furniture crevices and into the interior of the furniture. The shape, color pattern, and colors of the novelty may be customized to advertise schools, sports teams, businesses, and business products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Edward Eleazer Huling
  • Publication number: 20010035122
    Abstract: A tension overload indicator includes a housing having a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis between oppositely disposed co-axial first and second apertures for journalling therethrough of a portion of a flexible load-bearing member. The housing has a third aperture having a bore axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A rigid elongate member is slidably journalled in the third aperture between a recessed position wherein a visual warning signal on a distal end of the elongate member is recessed within the housing and a translated position wherein the warning signal is exposed from the housing. The elongate member extends into the cavity in the recessed position and is releasably locked in the recessed position by a shear member. The flexible load-bearing member is deflected out of co-axial alignment with the longitudinal axis by bending around the inner end of the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Wayne Margetts
  • Publication number: 20010035123
    Abstract: A ferroelectric single crystal having the composition of formula (I) has a high piezoelectric constant together with good electromechanical and electrooptical properties and it can be prepared in a size of 5 cm in diameter or greater, useful for preparing various devices:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Sang-Goo Lee, Sung-Min Rhim, Min-Chan Kim
  • Publication number: 20010035124
    Abstract: Throughput is increased, the footprint is reduced, heating may be carried out in a short time, and variations in the temperature of the substrate surface may be reduced. A heating chamber 47 for heating the substrate is formed as an upper level of a load/lock chamber 13, and a cooling chamber 48 for cooling the substrate is formed as a lower level of the load/lock chamber 13. An upper heater 51 and a lower heater 56 are formed above and below the heating chamber 47. A shower plate 52 is located between the upper heater 51 and the lower heater 56. A gas heating space 50 is located between the upper heater 51 and the shower plate 52. An N2 gas introducer 42 is connected to the gas heating space 50, such that N2 gas is introduced into the gas heating space 50. The N2 gas introduced from the N2 gas introducer 42 is heated in the gas heating space 50 and is then supplied to the substrate W in the form of a shower via the shower plate 52.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Satohiro Okayama, Kazunori Suzuki, Satoru Ichimura, Teruo Yoshino, Tokunobu Akao, Yasunobu Nakayama, Kazunori Tsutsuguchi
  • Publication number: 20010035125
    Abstract: A coater having a controllable pressurized process chamber for applying photoresist to a wafer is provided. The controllable pressurized process chamber reduces the evaporation of solvent in the photoresist during a spin-on process step. Reducing premature curing of the photoresist results in improved uniform planarization of the photoresist layer. Contaminants in the photoresist are also reduced by having an environmentally controllable process chamber. A housing having a upper and lower section forms a process chamber surrounding a wafer chuck. The upper housing section includes a solvent vapor opening for introducing pressurized solvent vapor into the process chamber and the lower housing section includes an exhaust opening. The upper housing section also includes an opening for introducing photoresist onto a wafer. A control device is coupled to the exhaust opening and a vacuum device for controlling the pressure in the process chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Homayoun Talieh, Alex Lurye
  • Publication number: 20010035126
    Abstract: There is provided an electrodeposition coating apparatus for dipping a body into an electrodeposition coating liquid filled in an electrodeposition tank, which includes a first circulation system for causing a flow direction of the coating liquid in a surface area and an intermediate area through which the body passes in the electrodeposition tank to be opposite to a moving direction of the body, and a second circulation system for causing a flow direction of the coating liquid in a bottom area in the electrodeposition tank to be equal to the moving direction of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Hiromi Nonomura, Youji Honda, Genji Nakayama, Yasuo Takamizu, Hirokazu Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20010035127
    Abstract: An integrated deposition system is provided which is capable of vaporizing low vapor pressure liquid precursors and delivering this vapor into a processing region for use in the fabrication of advanced integrated circuits. The integrated deposition system is made up of a heated exhaust system, a remote plasma generator, a processing chamber and a liquid delivery system which together provide a commercially viable and production worthy system for depositing high capacity dielectric materials from low vapor pressure precursors, anneal those films while also providing commercially viable in-situ cleaning capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: CRAIG R. METZNER, TURGUT SAHIN, GREGORY F. REDINBO, PRAVIN K. NARWANKAR, PATRICIA M. LIU
  • Publication number: 20010035128
    Abstract: There is provided a deposition system (1) for yielding substantially uniform deposition of an evaporant material onto a substrate. The deposition system (1) comprises: a source (10) for generating a coherent energy beam; a substantially planar target (60) containing the evaporant material and disposed in spaced relation to the substrate; a focusing element (30) optically coupled to the source for focusing the coherent energy beam onto the target (60); and, an actuator (40) coupled to the focusing element (30) for reversibly translating the focusing element (30) along a scanning path directed substantially parallel to a target plane defined by the target (60). The focused coherent energy beam defines an impingement spot (14) on the target (60). The impingement spot (14) is displaced responsive to the translation of the focusing element (30) along the scanning path. The focus of the coherent energy beam on the target (60) thus remains substantially preserved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: HANS M. CHRISTEN
  • Publication number: 20010035129
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of solar cells by directly spraying metal powder for both lines and layers on the front and back sides of a silicon wafer using focused plasma spray technique for making contacts on solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Mohan Chandra, Yuepeng Wan, Alleppey V. Hariharan, Jonathan A. Talbott
  • Publication number: 20010035130
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing container 53 whose interior has a mount table 10, a glass plate 8 for covering an upper opening of the processing container 53, a microwave supplier 50, a coaxial waveguide 52 having its end connected with the microwave supplier 50 to have an inner conductor 52B and an outer conductor 52A, a radial waveguide box 54 connected to the other end of the outer conductor 52A of the coaxial waveguide 52 and formed to expand from the other end of the outer conductor 52A outward in the radial direction and subsequently extend downward, a disc-shaped antenna member 60 for covering a lower opening of the radial waveguide box 54, the antenna member 60 having its central part connected with the other end of the inner conductor 52B, and a metallic reflector 64 arranged on the opposite side of the antenna member's part connected with the inner conductor 52B, for reflecting an electric field reflected by an inner wall of the processing container 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Nobuo Ishii, Yasuyoshi Yasaka
  • Publication number: 20010035131
    Abstract: A higher-temperature heating zone and lower-temperature heating zone are set in a process chamber for a single-substrate-heat-processing apparatus in order to subject a wafer to two processes with different process temperatures. In the higher-temperature heating zone, the wafer is heated as it is placed on a worktable. In the lower-temperature heating zone, the wafer is heated with a smaller heat quantity as it floats above the worktable. In the lower-temperature heating zone, a heat ray reflector for compensating for heat dissipated from the peripheral portion of the wafer is disposed to surround the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakuma, Kenji Homma, Takahiro Horiguchi
  • Publication number: 20010035132
    Abstract: An electrical coupling is provided between chamber parts of electronic device processing equipment (e.g., equipment used for processing semiconductor wafers) to reduce differences in the electrical potential between such parts. The coupling prevents or at least reduces the presence of plasma or excited gases in undesired regions of the process chamber. In illustrated embodiments, the coupling extends from a cover of a vertically movable electrode assembly to the liner of the chamber wall. Although these parts are each respectively coupled to ground, it is believed that differences in the ground path impedances result in these parts having different electrical potentials, and the potential differences can cause plasma or excited gases to be present in undesirable regions of the chamber. These electrical potential differences are suppressed by electrically coupling the parts to thereby prevent or reduce the presence of plasma or excited gases in undesired regions of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Martin A. Kent, Abron Toure, Stephen N. Golovato
  • Publication number: 20010035133
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for sea urchins picking or the like from a water-filed area and collecting the urchins into a collecting member without damaging the same. The device includes an operable picking member for intaking and conveying an urchin-water mixture via a piping system into the collecting member, a draining system for draining water of the mixture from the collecting member and a pumping member for ensuring flow of the mixture within the picking member, piping system and collecting member, and of the water through the draining system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Marc Riverin
  • Publication number: 20010035134
    Abstract: An improved animal control system for controlling the movement of an animal includes a transmitter/control unit for generating a frequency modulated transmit signal, an antenna defining an area and for radiating the transmit signal, and a battery-powered receiver/stimulus unit for receiving and discriminating the transmit signal and for applying a stimulus to the animal upon qualification of the received transmit signal. The system may be used to contain an animal within, or restrict an animal from, the defined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Norval Stapelfeld, Frederic T. Peterson, Thomas Mariner
  • Publication number: 20010035135
    Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank, a combustion chamber below the tank and communicating with the flue tube, and a flue system. The flue system includes a flue tube, and V-shaped fins that are metallurgically bonded to the flue tube wall to divide the flue tube into four flue chambers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flue tube. The V-shaped fins include radially extending apertures that reduce the thermal expansion of the V-shaped fins with respect to the flue tube to reduce stress at the joint between the fins and the flue tube. The flue system also includes a removable baffle hanging in each flue chamber. The baffles include adjustable turbulation surfaces to control the quality of combustion in the water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: AOS Holding Company
    Inventors: Dennis R. Hughes, Marc W. Akkala, Kevin M. Field, Robert F. Poehlman
  • Publication number: 20010035136
    Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery boiler in which an exhaust gas discharged from a gas turbine into a boiler duct to recover a heat of the exhaust gas and ammonia is injected to and mixed with the exhaust gas to reduce nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas, the exhaust heat recovery boiler comprising: a boiler duct of a horizontal installation type having an inner hollow portion along which an exhaust gas flows from an upstream side to a downstream side; a superheater; an evaporator; a denitration reactor; and an economizer, which are disposed inside the boiler duct in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the exhaust gas flow therein. A drum is disposed outside the boiler duct and connected to the evaporator and a downcomer pipe extending from the drum into the boiler duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hideaki Shimada, Norihide Egami, Takayuki Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20010035137
    Abstract: A pressurization system for controlling actuation of flow control valves in a temperature control system is disclosed. The pressurization system includes a housing mounted to an internal combustion engine. A three-way solenoid valve is mounted to the housing and is adapted to control flow of pressurized fluid into and out of an electronic engine temperature control valve for controlling flow of temperature control fluid. The fluid flow out of the solenoid valve is channeled either along an external line to the electronic engine temperature valve or through internal channels in the engine to an oil reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollis
  • Publication number: 20010035138
    Abstract: To improve the performance of a cooling system for an engine which includes a cylinder bore and a water jacket formed in an engine body, and in which a thermostat is attached to the engine body so that it projects from the engine body as little as possible, and is protected against hunting regardless of abrupt variations in cooling water temperature. A cylindrical thermostat has a sliding space therein, and includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet facing each other. A wax case is slidably fitted in the sliding space in order to enable or disable communication between the inlet and the outlet in response to the expansion or contraction of the wax. The housing in which an axis of the sliding space is parallel to an axis of a cylinder bore is directly attached to an engine body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Masatoshi Fukamachi