Patents Issued in January 15, 2002
  • Patent number: 6338752
    Abstract: A biphasic cement of &agr;-TCP/HAP is primarily composed of 30-60 wt % &agr;-tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2, &agr;-TCP) and 40-70 wt % of hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HAP). The biphasic cement of &agr;-TCP/HAP of the present invention is superior since it can set rapidly while soaking in a water solution. The present invention also provides a process for preparing the biphasic cement of &agr;-TCP/HAP, in which the composition of the biphasic cement of &agr;-TCP/HAP can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Purzer Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng-Huei Lin, Chun-Jen Liao
  • Patent number: 6338753
    Abstract: Powder product for the protection of molds for centrifugal casting of cast iron tubes, and a method for its production. The powder contains a mixture of a silicon-based inoculating agent and a mineral powder, the silicon-based inoculating product comprising waste masses from synthesis of alkyl- or aryl- halosilanes, from which tin and optionally copper has been removed. The mineral powder may contain at least one material selected from the group consisting of carbon and a fluoride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Pechiney Electrometallurgie
    Inventors: Thomas Margaria, Roland Siclari
  • Patent number: 6338754
    Abstract: A synthetic gasket material and the method for make such is described. This invention is specifically adapted for use in high-pressure, high-temperature presses. This material is made from a compacted, granulated and dried mixture of talc, garnet, and sodium silicate. This composition provides an alternative to the use of natural pyrophyllite as the material for gasket components, thereby reducing the cost of the materials. This composition can be pressed to net or near net geometry, thereby generating less waste. Moreover, this composition provides more consistency for the gasket components. Furthermore, this material has improved thermal insulator properties, thereby leading to lower power consumption used in the high-pressure, high-temperature presses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Randy S. Cannon, Kevin G. Graham
  • Patent number: 6338755
    Abstract: An amorphous film 2 is formed on a single crystalline substrate 1. Then, the amorphous film is selectively removed by photolithography to form windows 3. Subsequently, the windows 3 are contacted with a supersaturated solution 5 dissolving a given element in supersaturation and thereby, single crystals containing the given element as a constituting element are epitaxially grown in a perpendicular direction to a surface of the single crystalline substrate from the windows. Then, after a given time elapsed, the epitaxial growth is stopped by finishing the contact of the windows with the supersaturated solution 5 and single crystalline members 6 having given sizes and shapes are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventor: Tatau Nishinaga
  • Patent number: 6338756
    Abstract: A process for forming an epitaxial layer on a semiconductor wafer substrate is provided. The process comprises providing a semiconductor wafer substrate and an area for forming an epitaxial layer on said semiconductor wafer substrate. The formation area consists essentially of an epitaxial layer process chamber. The semiconductor wafer substrate is introduced into the epitaxial layer process chamber and an epitaxial layer is formed on at least one surface of the semiconductor wafer substrate. At least one epitaxial layer surface is substantially hydrophobic. Then, a chemical reagent is introduced into said epitaxial layer process chamber. The chemical reagent reacts with the epitaxial layer surface in situ to form an outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Dietze
  • Patent number: 6338757
    Abstract: The present invention was achieved in order to provide an apparatus for pulling a single crystal with which a single crystal having a low density of grown-in defects called infrared scatterers, dislocation clusters or the like can be grown. In the apparatus for pulling a single crystal having a crucible to be charged with a melt, a heater arranged around the crucible, a straightening vane in the shape of a side surface of an inverted truncated cone or a cylinder surrounding a pulled single crystal and a heat shield plate for inhibiting the radiant heat from diverging upward in the chamber from the side surface of the pulled single crystal located in the vicinity of the melt surface are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Nishimoto, Masahiko Okui, Takayuki Kubo, Shingo Kizaki, Junji Horii
  • Patent number: 6338758
    Abstract: A paint rack system for consolidating doors and shutters for spray painting and storing in an organized assembly. The system generally comprises an elongate base having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the base is extended between the ends of the base, such that the ends of the base define a base length therebetween. A plurality of ground engaging members are coupled to the base. An elongate main beam has opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the main beam is extended between the ends of the main beam, and the ends of the main beam define a main beam length therebetween. The main beam is slidably mounted to the base, with the main beam being rotatably mounted to the base such that the main beam is rotatable about an axis of rotation being upwardly extended from the base. The axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: William F. Curran
  • Patent number: 6338759
    Abstract: A metal organic chemical vapor deposition apparatus comprising a source ampule, a liquid micro-pump, a vaporizer equipped with a solvent supply means, and a reactor. A reactant dissolved in a solvent in the source ampule is transferred to the vaporizer by the liquid micro-pump. A sufficient amount of the solvent is additionally fed to the vaporizer by the solvent supply means, concurrently with the transfer, and vaporized along with the reactants. After being vaporized in the vaporizer, the reactant is injected to the reactor by carrier gas and deposited on a semiconductor substrate to form a high dielectric thin film. By virtue of the additional supplied solvent, the recondensation of the reactant in the vaporizer, which is attributed to the separation of the solvent from the reactant, can be prevented in the vaporizer and in the transfer line between the vaporizer and the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Sik Yu, Yong Ku Baek, Young Jin Park, Jong Choul Kim
  • Patent number: 6338760
    Abstract: A method is provided for final rinsing in a dish washing machine with clean hot water from a water heater having an elongated standing flow tank which has a cold water inlet with a shut-off valve at the bottom and a hot water outlet at the top and a heating element in the lower part. The temperature of the water is sensed at a location above the lower end of the tank. The shut-off valve is opened for supply of cold water under pressure to the lower end of the tank. Hot water is delivered from the upper end of the tank. The period from opening of the shut-off valve to the time of sensing a temperature decrease in a boundary layer between hot and cold water at the above-mentioned location is measured and on the basis thereof the flow and the period for movement of the boundary layer from this location to a desired position in the tank is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: G S Development AB
    Inventors: Kjell Landaeus, Max Landaeus
  • Patent number: 6338761
    Abstract: With the intention of establishing fabrication methods for cheaply produced (Fe,Co)—Cr—B—R-type bonded magnets or (Fe,Co)—Cr—B—R—M-type bonded magnets containing few rare earth elements and having a coercive force iHc above 5 kOe and a residual magnetic flux density Br above 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Special Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kanekiyo, Satoshi Hirosawa
  • Patent number: 6338762
    Abstract: An austenitic stainless steel for use in engine gaskets having a high fatigue strength and resistance to settlement and method of manufacture thereof. The austenitic stainless steel is prepared by cold rolling at least 40%, annealing at a temperature of 700° C. to 900° C. followed by temper rolling with a reduction of at least 40%. The metal structure obtained by annealing is a recovered unrecrystallized structure or a mixed structure of a recovered unrecrystallized structure and a recrystallized structure. The austenitic stainless steel includes at most 0.03% C, at most 1.0% Si, at most 2.0% Mn, 16.0% to 18.0% Cr, 6.0% to 8.0% Ni and up to 0.20% N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Sato, Kazuhiko Adachi, Kenichi Goshokubo, Takashi Katsurai, Shigeki Muroga
  • Patent number: 6338763
    Abstract: This invention provides an oil-tempered wire having high strength (tensile strength of not less than 1960 MPa) and excellent workability and specifically provides a steel wire for high-strength springs comprising as steel components, in weight percent, C   0.4-0.7% Si   1.2-2.5% Mn   0.1-0.5% Cr   0.4-2.0% Al 0.0001-0.005%, and being limited to P not more than 0.015% and S not more than 0.015%, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, the steel wire having no nonmetallic inclusions of a size greater than 15 &mgr;m, a tensile strength of not less than 1960 MPa, and a yield ratio (&sgr;0.2/&sgr;B) of not less than 0.8 and not greater than 0.9 or a yield ratio (&sgr;0.2/&sgr;B) of not less than 0.8 and an amount of residual austenite of not greater than 6%. This invention also provides a method of producing the steel wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Suzuki Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hashimura, Hiroshi Hagiwara, Takanari Miyaki, Hiroaki Hayashi, Shoichi Suzuki, Ikuo Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6338764
    Abstract: To provide a hydrogen absorbing alloy having a BCC (body-centered cubic structure) as a crystal structure, and particularly a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for a nickel-hydride cell having excellent discharge capacity and durability (cycle characteristics), said hydrogen-absorbing alloy having a composition expressed by the general formula Ti(100−a−b−c−d)CraVbNicXd, where X is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Y (yttrium), lanthanoids, Pd and Pt, and each of a, b, c and d is represented, in terms of at %, by the relations 8≦a≦50, 30<b≦60, 5≦c≦15, 2≦d≦10 and 40≦a+b+c+d≦90, wherein the crystal structure of a principal phase is a body-centered cubic structure, and further, the alloy contains at least one of Mo and W in place of V and at least one member selected from the group consisting of Y (yttrium), lanthanoids, Pd and Pt, and its crystal structure is converted to the body-centered cubic structure by heat-treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mori, Hideki Iba
  • Patent number: 6338765
    Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment for work products of materials such as steel, bronze, plastic, etc. and particularly welded steel bodies by pulse impact energy, preferably ultrasonic, to relax fatigue and aging and extend expectant life. The treatment may occur (a) at original production, (b) during the active life period for maintenance or (c) after failure in a repair stage. The ultrasonic treatment improves the work product strength. In welded products residual stress patterns near the weld sites are relaxed and micro-stress defects such as voids and unusual grain boundaries are reduced. The basic method steps are non-destructive in nature, inducing interior pulse compression waves with ultrasonic transducers and accessory tools impacting an external product surface with enough impulse energy to heat and temporarily plasticize the metal interior and relax stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: UIT, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Efim S. Statnikov
  • Patent number: 6338766
    Abstract: To make it possible to precisely bond a tube blank having thickened portions projecting from an outer wall surface of a retention mold. A tube blank is formed of natural rubber and is provided with an air chamber peripheral wall, a sealant chamber peripheral wall and a partition. The tube blank has ends held by the retention mold which are bonded in an annular shape. The retention molds include an upper mold and a lower mold having respective retaining surfaces. Indents are provided in the retaining surface of the lower mold for engaging with the thickened portions projecting from the air chamber peripheral wall of the tube blank. By forming the indents in the retention surfaces of the lower molds, it is possible to hold the two ends of the tube blank without warping the tube blank and to precisely bond the two ends of the tube blank together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 6338767
    Abstract: A circuit component built-in module of the present invention includes an insulating substrate formed of a mixture comprising 70 wt % to 95 wt % of an inorganic filler and a thermosetting resin, a plurality of wiring patterns formed on at least a principal plane of the insulating substrate, a circuit component arranged in an internal portion of the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the wiring patterns, and an inner via formed in the insulating substrate for electrically connecting the plurality of wiring patterns. Thus, a highly reliable circuit component built-in module having high-density circuit components can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Nakatani, Kouichi Hirano
  • Patent number: 6338768
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a shoe insole. First, high density thermoplastic material and low density thermoplastic material are conveyed through two feed pipes respectively into a heated pressing machine. When the high and low density thermoplastic materials are conveyed through a mold head of the pressing machine, they are heated and pressed to bond with each other to form an elongated flat dual density plastic plate structure which is then rolled by rollers of a rolling machine so as to fit the thickness of a shoe insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng-Te Chi
  • Patent number: 6338769
    Abstract: A method to obtaining a product formed by a discontinuous/interrupted material and backing, using a continuous gluing/heating machine. A base material is provided with a thermo adhesive resin or an elastomer. A discontinuous/interrupted material is placed over the base material and pressed or joined to form a product comprising the base material and the discontinuous/interrupted material. The combined produce undergoes a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jorge Salles Rabasa
  • Patent number: 6338770
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a business form having pressure activated adhesive utilizes a minimum amount of equipment in a simple arrangement that has optimum versatility. Sealing is accomplished utilizing a first set of rolls which has a first substantially continuous roll and a second roll having a non-round shape with at least one projection (and typically having a configuration that in end view substantially simulates an airplane propeller including first and second projections angularly spaced about 180°). The first and second rolls are mounted in position for rotation about parallel axes so that the projections come into operative association with the first roll to perform the sealing action in a first position, and at a second position the entire second roll is not in operative association with the first roll. A stepper motor controls the rotation of the second roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee T. Spranger
  • Patent number: 6338771
    Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for detaching a lining of thin composite material from a central region, the detachment operation is effected in a continuous procedure with the composite material in the form of an endless web. The composite material passes as a treatment region successively through an initial dissolution region and a deactivation region, in each of which inter alia moisture is fed to the composite material. The residence times in those regions are controllable independently of each other and at least at the end of those regions a respective operation for the preliminary removal of moisture from the composite material is effected. After the last region the composite material is subjected to a drying operation and the lining is detached from the central material by their being moved away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Becker Preservotec GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Becker, Wolfgang Wächter, Hans-Peter Gaibler, Hans-Peter Schommer
  • Patent number: 6338772
    Abstract: A polyolefin synthetic pulp comprising a polyolefin resin graft-modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, and/or a polyolefin resin composition which comprises an ethylene/&agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and a polyethylene resin. Further, there is provided a heat sealing paper comprising a base fiber layer whose at least one surface is laminated and integrated with a layer of the polyolefin synthetic pulp. This polyolefin synthetic pulp has a large breaking length and an excellent internal bond strength, and exhibits stable heat sealing and hot tack properties over a wide temperature range from low to high temperature. The polyolefin synthetic pulp is suitable to use in battery separators, molding fiberboards, heat sealing papers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals INC
    Inventors: Norihiko Nakagawa, Masaki Shoji, Toshikazu Senoo, Makoto Nakamaru, Yukio Kouno
  • Patent number: 6338773
    Abstract: A device for dewatering solid/liquid suspensions, especially pulp suspensions, where the suspension is dewatered between two belts, with one dewatering zone being a wedge zone. A pair of rolls downstream of the wedge zone impart both area pressure and line pressure on the pulp web formed by the pulp suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Johann Sbaschnigg, Franz Petschauer, Georg Reck
  • Patent number: 6338774
    Abstract: A liquid distributor includes a principal container with a perforated bottom, as well as transport members to transmit, by gravity, the liquid from at least one opening in the perforated bottom, to a supply point not in vertical alignment with this opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Lehman
  • Patent number: 6338775
    Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus and method are disclosed in this invention. The method includes a step of providing a vacuum chamber for containing a thin-film particle source for generating thin-film particles to deposit a thin-film on the substrates. The method further includes a step of containing a substrate holder in the vacuum chamber for holding a plurality of substrates having a thin-film deposition surface facing the thin-film particle source. The method further includes a step of providing a rotational means for rotating the substrate holder to rotate each of the substrates exposed to the thin-film particles for depositing a thin film thereon. And, the method further includes a step of providing a lateral moving means for laterally moving and controlling a duration of exposure time across a radial direction for each of the substrates for controlling thickness uniformity of the thin-film deposited on each of the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Ion Beam Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jiong Chen
  • Patent number: 6338776
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to allowing a work piece to stabilize in regard to temperature and humidity/water content prior to precision operations so as to minimize any problems resulting from dimensional changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Pommer
  • Patent number: 6338777
    Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for depositing thin films are described. A sputtering system according to the invention enhances the effects normally achieved with negative voltage bias by having two electrodes driven alternately as anode and cathode by a midfrequency power supply in combination with pulsing a negative bias voltage source for the substrate where the film is being deposited. The invention may be embodied in a multiple disk in-line sputtering system or a single disk sputtering system. Although the invention is potentially useful with any thin film which benefits from being deposited using bias, the described embodiment using the sputtering system according to the invention is for depositing an overcoat on a magnetic disk which is carbon based and includes hydrogen and/or nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Longstreth White
  • Patent number: 6338778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device, in particular for a laser-induced vacuum are discharge evaporator for depositing of multiple layers with a high level of purity and high deposition rates on large-area components. According to the invention, the material source for the coating material is in a source chamber which can be evacuated and can be separated in a vacuum-tight manner from the actual coating chamber in which the substrate to be coated is located. The evaporator can, in particular, be used for deposition of amorphous carbon layers which are hydrogen-free and superhard and/or which contain hydrogen, in conjunction with high-purity metal layers or for the reactive plasma-enhanced deposition of, for example, oxidic, carbide, nitride hard material layers of ceramic layers or a combination thereof. The corresponding plasma sources can be flange-mounted on any suitable coating chambers and, consequently, also combined with conventional coating processes, for example magnetron sputtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Daniela Giersch, Robert Schalausky, Goetz Mielsch, Hans-Joachim Scheibe
  • Patent number: 6338779
    Abstract: A cathode arc source apparatus for depositing a coating on a substrate is provided with a monitor for monitoring the cathode arc source. The monitor is useful for monitoring position of an arc spot on the target, plasma emission by the source, or current through or potential difference at a secondary anode. A controller can take actions such as shutting down the source, varying the power or restriking the arc in response to output from the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Filplas Vacuum Technology PTE Ltd
    Inventors: Xu Shi, Xiao Zhe Jin, Hong Siang Tan
  • Patent number: 6338780
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic fiber in which from a convergent extended wire, which is formed by a metallic fiber and a matrix member which is formed of a metallic material and whose dissolvability is higher than the dissolvability of the metallic fiber, the matrix member is continuously dissolved and removed by an electrolytic processing in a plurality of electrolytic tanks which are arranged in the conveying direction of the convergent extended wire, wherein: the convergent extended wire is passed through electrolytes in the plurality of electrolytic tanks, which are arranged in the shape of a gentle convex arch at the vertical direction upper side which includes the conveying passage of the convergent extended wire, the convergent extended wire is passed above a plurality of feeding devices which are provided at the outer sides of the electrolytes and which are disposed in the same arch-shape so as to correspond to the electrolytic tanks, in each of the plurality of electrolytic tanks, the metallic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Metalpha Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Takahashi, Yukio Aoike, Tatsuo Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6338781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cathode sputtering for producing coatings on a substrate by means of a sputtering cathode, which can be arranged in a vacuum chamber and comprises pole shoes, a target and at least one magnet or ring magnet 9 arranged concentrically with respect to the center axis of the sputtering cathode, wherein a divided yoke is arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the center axis of the sputtering cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Singulus Technologies AG
    Inventors: Eggo Sichmann, Michaell Muecke
  • Patent number: 6338782
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a body having a measurement-gas chamber and a reference-gas chamber. The measurement-gas chamber is supplied with a measurement gas. The reference-gas chamber is supplied with a reference gas. A detecting cell provided in the body includes (1) a solid electrolyte member, (2) a measuring electrode provided on the solid electrolyte member and facing the measurement-gas chamber, and (3) a reference electrode provided on the solid electrolyte member and facing the reference-gas chamber. A heater portion operates for heating the detecting cell. The heater portion includes (1) a first substrate, (2) a heating member provided on the first substrate, (3) a high-voltage-side lead portion provided on the first substrate and electrically connected to the heating member, (4) a low-voltage-side lead portion provided on the first substrate and electrically connected to the heating member, and (5) a second substrate covering the heating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Imamura, Tomio Sugiyama, Akio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6338783
    Abstract: A gas sensor which can detect the concentration of a combustible gas component in a measurement gas with high accuracy even when the oxygen concentration of the measurement gas or the element temperature changes and which has an excellent response in detecting the combustible gas component is disclosed. In a gas sensor 1, the oxygen concentration of a measurement gas is adjusted to a predetermined level within a first processing space 9 through operation of a first oxygen pump element 3. The measurement gas having an adjusted oxygen concentration is then introduced into a second processing space 10, where a combustible gas component is burned through the assistance of electrodes 16 and 17 functioning as oxidation catalyst sections. Constant voltage is applied to a combustible gas component concentration detection element 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuji Inoue, Shoji Kitanoya, Tomohiro Fuma, Kenji Kato, Takafumi Oshima
  • Patent number: 6338784
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing deionized water, comprising an electrodialyzer having cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes alternately arranged to form demineralizing compartments and concentrating compartments and having ion exchangers accommodated in the demineralizing compartments, and designed to conduct an electric current while supplying water to be treated to the demineralizing compartments, wherein a spacer is arranged in each concentrating compartment to maintain the thickness of the concentrating compartment, and the cation exchange membranes or the anion exchange membranes are incorporated in their dry state in the electrodialyzer, whereby water is supplied to the electrodialyzer, while each ion exchange membrane is brought in contact with the spacer by a pressure from the demineralizing compartment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Asahi Glass Company Ltd., Glegg Water Conditioning, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ichiro Terada, Hiroshi Toda, Kazuo Umemura, Mark Philip Huehnergard, David Florian Tessier, Ian Glenn Towe
  • Patent number: 6338785
    Abstract: A method of protecting a cathode during the start-up procedure of an aluminum electrowinning cell where the cathode is optionally coated with an aluminium-wettable refractory material and when in use, aluminium is produced thereon. The start-up procedure comprises applying, before preheating the cell, one or more start-up layers in intimate contact on the aluminium-wettable refractory coating which form(s) a temporary protection against damage of chemical and/or mechanical origin to the aluminium-wettable coating; this temporary protection being eliminated before or during the initial normal cell operation. The temporary protection layers may be obtained from at least one pliable aluminium foil having a thickness of less than 0.1 mm and/or an applied aluminium-containing metallization, optionally in combination with inter alia a boron-containing solution, a polymer, a phosphates of aluminium-containing solution, or a colloid that gels while preheating the cell, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jainagesh Akkaraju Sekhar, Jean-Jacques Duruz, James Jeng Liu
  • Patent number: 6338786
    Abstract: An improved method of separating hydrogen gas entrained with a first aqueous electrolytic solution of a water electrolyser for producing said hydrogen and said oxygen gas entrained with a second aqueous electrolyte solution, said method comprising producing a first two-phase flow discharge of said hydrogen gas in said first solution; producing a second two-phase flow discharge of said oxygen gas in said second solution; feeding said first discharge to a first separation chamber having a portion defining a hydrogen chamber to effect separation of said hydrogen gas from said first discharge; feeding said second discharge to a second separation chamber having a portion defining an oxygen chamber to effect separation of said oxygen gas from said second discharge; collecting said hydrogen gas from said hydrogen chamber; collecting said oxygen gas from said oxygen chamber; collecting said first discharge; collecting said second discharge; the improvement wherein at least one of said first discharge is discharged in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Thorpe, Raynald G. Lachance, Daniel Tapin
  • Patent number: 6338787
    Abstract: To provide a plating method, which enables wide industrial use of the redox system electroless plating method having excellent characteristics, and a plating bath precursor which is preferable for the plating method. The plating method comprises a process oxidizing first metal ions of a redox system of a plating bath from a lower oxidation state to a high oxidation state, and second metal ions of said redox system are reduced and deposited onto the surface of an object to be plated, wherein a process is provided in which by supplying the electrical current to the plating bath, the first metal ions are reduced from said lower oxidation state to thereby activate the plating bath. The plating bath precursor is formed stabilizing the plating bath so that reduction and deposition of the second metal ions substantially do not occur in order to improve its storing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Daiwa Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keigo Obata, Dong-Hyun Kim, Takao Takeuchi, Seiichiro Nakao, Shinji Inazawa, Ayao Kariya, Masatoshi Majima, Shigeyoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6338788
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to an electrochemical process for removing polymerizable sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon feed by (a) combining a solvent and electrolyte with a feed comprising hydrocarbon and polymerizable sulfur compounds to form a first mixture; (b) passing said first mixture into an electrochemical reactor to electrochemically oxidize said polymerizable sulfur compounds in said mixture under conditions capable of producing sulfur oligomers from said polymerizable sulfur compounds; (c) separating said oxidized first mixture to obtain a desulfurized hydrocarbon feed, and a second mixture comprising sulfur oligomers, solvent and electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert Charles Schucker
  • Patent number: 6338789
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating water by means of an electric field. An anode and a cathode are arranged in a treatment chamber. Seed crystals are deposited on the anode and are stripped therefrom to be carried along with the water, which cause crystallization thereon of carbonates contained in the water. Thereby formation of boiler scale, when the water is heated, is reduced. The water from the treatment chamber is exposed to another electric field in an aftertreatment chamber for a dwell time longer than the dwell time in the treatment chamber. Thereby, the growth of the seed crystals is enhanced. The efficiency of a treatment chamber with aftertreatment is higher than the efficiency of the treatment chamber alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hans Sasserath & Co., KG
    Inventor: Willi Hecking
  • Patent number: 6338790
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffrey V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 6338791
    Abstract: The invention provides a high octane number gasoline pool comprises at least 2% of di-branched paraffins containing 7 carbon atoms, and a process for producing this gasoline pool by hydro-isomerizing a feed constituted by a C5 to C8 cut which comprises at least one hydro-isomerization section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerization section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerization section comprises at least one reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Karine Ragil, Sophie Jullian, Jean-Pierre Durand, Gérard Hotier, Olivier Clause
  • Patent number: 6338792
    Abstract: A novel liquid collector assembly has been developed for a reactor used in the sweetening of sour hydrocarbons (e.g. sour gasoline). This refinery process normally involves contacting a reaction liquid, comprising both aqueous (caustic solution) and organic (hydrocarbon) phases, with a fixed bed of oxidation catalyst. The collector assembly design, comprising a piping manifold and a plurality of dependent, vertically aligned, and perforated conduits, allows for improved separation of the reaction products into essentially pure treated hydrocarbon and spent alkaline reagent streams. If sodium hydroxide is used as caustic solution, for example, the treated hydrocarbon product will normally contain less than 1 ppm by weight of sodium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Luigi Laricchia
  • Patent number: 6338793
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization of a diesel boiling range petroleum fraction wherein the hydrodesulfurization is carried out concurrently with a fractional distillation in a distillation column reactor containing a catalyst bed. The diesel is fed above the catalyst bed and hydrogen is fed below the bed. The heat for the distillation is provided by the heat of reaction of the hydrodesulfurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Catalytic Distillation Technologies
    Inventor: Hugh M. Putman
  • Patent number: 6338794
    Abstract: Particulate sorbent compositions comprising zinc titanate support having thereon a substantially reduced valence promotor metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, silver, tin and vanadium or mixtures thereof provide a system for the desulfurization of a feed stream of cracked-gasolines or diesel fuels in a desulfurization zone by a process which comprises contacting such feed streams in a desulfurization zone with a particulate sorbent composition followed by separation of the resulting low sulfur-containing steam and sulfurized sorbent and thereafter regenerating and activating the separated sorbent before recycle of same to the desulfurization zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Gyanesh P. Khare
  • Patent number: 6338795
    Abstract: A second purifying apparatus 2 for furthermore purifying working solution purified by a first purifying apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of the first purifying apparatus 1. A working-solution introducing pipe 42 which is capable of diffusing and discharging the working solution from the lower end thereof is disposed in substantially the central portion of the working-solution accumulating tank 40 in which the working solution is accumulated. A filter 44 for vertically sectioning the working-solution accumulating tank 40 at an intermediate position is provided. A weir 45 is formed at an upper end of the working-solution accumulating tank 40. Moreover, a separating wall is formed along the inner wall of the weir 45. A solution gathering groove 47 is provided for the outer surface of the weir 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Okajima, Kazuyoshi Takei
  • Patent number: 6338796
    Abstract: A filter for use in a fuel injection device, the filter having a bore extending along at least a part of its length and comprising a plurality of channels formed in its outer surface, the channels defining, with a housing part for the filter, passages for fuel flowing from an inlet end of the filter to an outlet end of the filter. Each of the channels is in fluid communication with an adjacent one of the channels by means of a clearance passage. The filter also comprises a plurality of radially extending recesses formed at the inlet and outlet ends of the filter, each of the radially extending recesses being in fluid communication with a channel and defining, at least in part, a plurality of inlet and outlet passages for fuel flowing into and out of the channels respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Francis Bradford
  • Patent number: 6338797
    Abstract: A two-piece filtering device for wastewater filtering systems is disclosed wherein the two-piece system is inserted into a tubular casing. The two-piece filtering system is comprised of an outer sleeve filter and an inner primary filter, the primary filter extending downwardly through an opening in the bottom portion of the sleeve filter and also having an opening formed in its end. After insertion into the tubular casing, the two-piece filtering system of the present invention forces effluent or other fluid to be treated upward through the interior of the primary filter, through slots formed in and subsequently through the sidewall of the sleeve filter. Thus, only treated effluent flows outward through the tubular casing outlet opening. The slots may be formed in both the sidewall of the primary filter and the sleeve filter. A seal may be provided between sidewall lower portion of the primary filter and may extend to the internal sidewall of the tubular casing to prevent untreated effluent therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse, Jr., Theophilis B. Terry, III
  • Patent number: 6338798
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter package includes disposing a filter and a liquid in a container with the filter immersed in the liquid and sanitizing the liquid and the filter while in the container. After sanitizing, the container may be hermetically sealed to enclose the sanitized liquid and filter. The container may be vented during sanitizing to allow vapor of the liquid to exit from the container and prevent pressure from building up in the container. The container may be either rigid or flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Hopkins, Daniel W. Spencer, Joseph A. Peri
  • Patent number: 6338799
    Abstract: A method for recovering phosphate from sludge includes the processes of treating sludge drawn from a water treatment system at a sewage treatment plant in an anaerobic condition to release polyphosphate accumulated in the sludge into solution, and recovering phosphate in the solution using a seed crystal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Fukushima, Tadashi Matsumoto, Kouichi Kawabata, Katsumi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6338800
    Abstract: A partially soluble lanthanide compound and methods for use in removing phosphate from water. Preferably the compound is used in removing phosphate from water in swimming pools, spas, and similar structures. Alternatively, a combination of compounds having varying solubilities may be used to remove phosphate from water. Several water treatment techniques are disclosed, as well as a variety of different methods for delivery of the active ingredients. These delivery methods include use of a slurry of the active reagent in solution as well as a tablet, powder, or granulated structure. Additionally, the water treatment techniques may incorporate the use of a combination including both enzymatic compositions and compounds for phosphate removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Natural Chemistry, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kulperger, Richard Okun, Glenn Munford
  • Patent number: 6338801
    Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Strom, Daniel J. Murray