Patents Issued in March 7, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020026860
    Abstract: In a machine tool of the type comprising a spindle mounting slide which is driven by a linear electric motor and which runs in a vertical direction in a slideway, the slide comprises two runners designed to engage with corresponding fixed sliding guides integral with the slideway, and two roller pads that slide on corresponding longitudinal sliding surfaces which are also integral with the slideway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Maurizio Ferrari, Carlo Massari
  • Publication number: 20020026861
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting sheets from an elongated workpiece is operated by first closing a pair of grippers on a workpiece leading end in an upper station and then cutting off the leading end of the workpiece to leave a sheet held in the grippers. The grippers holding the sheet are then moved downward and in an output direction to align the sheet with an output plane and pass the sheet to an output conveyor. The grippers are at opened to release the cut-off sheet to the output conveyor for displacement of the sheet away in the output direction. Then the upper gripper is moved downstream in the output direction until it is out from underneath the input station and the lower gripper is moved oppositely upstream in the output direction until it is out from underneath the released sheet on the output conveyor. The upper gripper is moved upward to immediately above the upper plane and the lower gripper upward to immediately below the upper plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: SCHMALE-HOLDING GmbH & CO.
    Inventor: Peter Reinders
  • Publication number: 20020026862
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cleaving a crystalline wafer, such as indium phosphide (InP) or gallium arsenide (GaAs) wafers. A wafer can be scribed with a scribing tool using a straight edge that does not contact the wafer. The wafer is held firmly in place using a vacuum chuck. The wafer can rest in a pocket depressed into the surface of a wafer holder at a depth greater than the wafer thickness. The sliding straight edge can be placed with a perpendicular or parallel orientation to the flat alignment region of the wafer. The straight edge sits on legs that hold the sliding straight edge above the wafer and glide through slots or grooves in the wafer holder. The sliding straight edge can be stopped at the desired alignment point using a scale embedded into the wafer holder. The vacuum holding the wafer in place is under a constant leak by way of a groove from the vacuum chuck to outside air. Thus, the wafer does not stick to the vacuum chuck and can be easily removed without breakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: JULIUS R. NAVITSKY, LAWRENCE EDWIN SMITH
  • Publication number: 20020026863
    Abstract: A perforator for making perforations in a continuous film which is thereafter cut into individual filmstrips having variable lengths. A die set unit of the perforator has a plurality of punches and corresponding dies which are respectively arranged along the continuous film. The die set unit performs die-punching N times (N=1, 2, 3 . . . ) in every first section having a variable length Lx, and the measuring feeder transports the continuous film by a first length after each of (N−1) times die-punching and by a second length after the last die-punching for every first section. The first length is given as Lx/N, and the second length corresponds to the first length plus the length L2 of a second section disposed alternately with the first section along the continuous film. In alternative, the die set unit is constituted of first to nth die sets aligned in order from downstream to in the film transporting direction. The ith die set of the die sets has a number Gi (i=1, 2 , . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsuzaki, Takeshi Kanaoka, Junichi Tsuchiya, Susumu Sato
  • Publication number: 20020026864
    Abstract: A ukulele tuning machine to be mounted on a head stock (A) of a ukulele and inserted into an aperture (1) provided therein, comprising: a hollow, cylindrical housing (2) having a top plate which has a shaft hole (4) at an off-centered position; a pinion shaft (3) having a pinion (3b) inside said housing (2) and connecting a tuning knob (10) outside said housing (2), said pinion and said tuning knob being placed interposing said shaft hole (4) of said housing (2) therebetween; a string post (7) having one and the other ends and including an internal gear (5) provided at said one end, which can rotatably engage with said pinion (3b) within said housing (2), and a string-fastening portion (6) formed at the other end; a collar (14) having a flange (3c) contacting the back of said internal gear (5) within said housing (2) and a threaded portion (14b) formed on a cylindrical body receiving said winding shaft (7) therethrough; a stopper means (15) for preventing said collar from slipping out, which is located and se
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Takao Gotoh
  • Publication number: 20020026865
    Abstract: Performance data for a musical instrument having note designating keys are provided representing a sequence of notes which constitute a length of musical performance. The performance data are analyzed, and based on the analyzed performance data, fingering data are then created representing fingers to be used for operating keys among the note designating keys to designate the respective ones of the sequence of notes. Fingering hand image data are then created representing fingering hand images including fingers to be used for operating keys for the sequence of notes. Finally, a display screen exhibits the fingers to be used for the sequence of notes based on the fingering image data. The screen displays a musical score, a range of keyboard and fingering hand profiles. The size of the fingering hand is preferably made different between the indication of key depressions and the indication of key release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeki Akahori
  • Publication number: 20020026866
    Abstract: Operation terminal capable of being carried by a user or human operator is, for example, in the form of a bar or shoe, and detection is made of a movement trajectory of the operation terminal on the basis of movement of the operation terminal. Tone signal is generated with a desired tone factor, such as a tone color, tone volume, tone pitch or effect, set or controlled on the basis of the detected movement trajectory of the operation terminal. Also, detection is made of a mechanical amount of the operation terminal corresponding to a motion of the user carrying the operation terminal, such as an amount of displacement of a predetermined portion (e.g. a shoe's heel portion) of the operation terminal or pressure applied to the predetermined portion, so that a tone signal is generated with a desired tone factor set or controlled on the basis of the detected mechanical amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nishitani, Eiko Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20020026867
    Abstract: Server and user are connected with each other via a communication network for bidirectional communication therebetween. The server supplies non-sample regular contents including at least performance information, such as MIDI data, of a music piece and sound information, such as PCM data, pertaining to the music piece, and also sample contents including a sample of part of the non-sample regular contents. The user receives the sample contents via the communication network and test-listens to the received sample contents. When the user has decided on acquiring the non-sample regular contents and performed a predetermined operation to acquire the contents, the non-sample regular contents are distributed from the server to the user via the communication network, at which time unique additional information, such as client information and serial number, is attached to the individual distributed contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Hasegawa, Satoru Umezawa, Hiroaki Takahashi, Kosei Terada
  • Publication number: 20020026868
    Abstract: A pressurized working environment for a pneumatic device which permits emission-free utilization of the potential mechanical energy of pressure differentials within compressed gas systems is disclosed. The pneumatic device is contained within a pressure vessel and the pneumatic device exhaust is in fluid communication with the interior of the pressure vessel. In use, the interior of the pressure vessel is in fluid communication with an area of lower pressure in the compressed gas system and the pneumatic device intake is in fluid communication with an area of higher pressure in the compressed gas system. In use, the gas from the area of higher pressure drives the pneumatic device and is then exhausted to the area of lower pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Rodney Ralph English, Glendon Elmer English
  • Publication number: 20020026869
    Abstract: In a machine tool by pulse drive of a hydraulic system, a piston of a hydraulic cylinder is connected with a table, and an outflow valve and an inflow valve, which form a pair, are respectively connected with a right and a left hydraulic chamber. When the feed table is moved to the right, for example, control is conducted so that the valve-opening period of one valve can be a portion in the middle of the valve-opening period of the other valve. Since a portion of pressure in the hydraulic chamber is canceled, an effective pressure, the pulse width of which is narrow, remains. Accordingly, even in the case where a common inexpensive electromagnetic valve is used, it is possible to accomplish a smooth feed motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Hiromichi Morita, Goshin Ohashi, Sojiro Tsuchiya, Hisatoshi Kojima, Takayoshi Muto, Hironao Yamada
  • Publication number: 20020026870
    Abstract: Hydraulic device comprising two hydraulic actuators (1, 2), in particular a motor (2) and a double-acting jack (1), each comprising two couplings (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) for the entry and/or the exit of a control fluid, two pipes (6, 7) coupled to the two actuators (1, 2) and devised so that one conveys a pressurized fluid to a coupling of each actuator whilst the other discharges the fluid to the other coupling, and vice versa, in such a way that the jack (1) can be controlled in respect of [lacuna] a movement in one direction and in the reverse direction, and a reversing gate for reversing between the two pipes (6, 7) the supplying of pressurized fluid and the discharging of the fluid, so as to control the direction of the movement of the said jack (1), the device furthermore comprising: a means of detection (8) of a difference in pressure between the pressurized fluid and the discharged fluid, and between the reversing gate and the other actuator (2), an auxiliary reversing means (9), devised so as to r
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Fernando Nesi
  • Publication number: 20020026871
    Abstract: A reciprocating compressor of a type includes a cylinder block having a plurality of bores disposed in parallel with each other, a valve plate having suction ports corresponding to the respective bores, a cylinder head for closing the outer end of the cylinder block through the valve plate which is held between the cylinder head and the cylinder block and on which suction valves and discharge valves are mounted, a suction chamber formed in the cylinder head adjacent to a refrigerant introduction port, and pistons inserted into the respective bores so as to reciprocate in a predetermined phase difference. In the reciprocating compressor, partitions are disposed in the cylinder head around the outer periphery of the suction chamber for introducing suction gas into the respective bores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Kenji Hashimoto, Yoshito Matsumura, Yoshinobu Ichikawa, Taizo Sato
  • Publication number: 20020026872
    Abstract: Desiccant tablets including solid potassium formate are used to dry gas, especially in natural gas transmission lines. The most preferred tablets comprise 5-15% potassium formate, up to 1% of a surfactant as a lubricant, and the balance desiccant salts, preferably calcium chloride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Clearwater, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020026873
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved method and apparatus for collecting a liquid overspray from a gaseous mist and separating the liquid from the gas stream. The invention has utility in a wide variety of chemical application processes such as to reduce the hazards and waste characterized by prior art methods and provide a mechanism for the in-line recycling of the overspray liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a hooded recovery unit which is oriented above and about a conveyor system in which a workpiece travels through a spray zone in which a chemical or other liquid is applied to the workpiece. In such a situation, the present invention provides for the recovery of overspray liquid which would otherwise be wasted as the liquid or chemical is applied to the workpiece during the period in which the workpiece passes through the recovery unit. The system includes a spray application chamber, a conditioning chamber, and an overspray collection chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jackie Hearld
  • Publication number: 20020026874
    Abstract: A canister having a liquefied fuel treating function capable of flexibly coping with layout restrictions without the need to bend the purging path in the middle. The canister having the liquefied fuel treating function includes a liquid storing case having an introducing path communicating with a fuel tank, and a purging path communicating with air inlet pipes of an engine; and a sucking path, provided in the liquid storing case, and sucking the liquefied fuel stored in the liquid storing case; which sucks up the liquefied fuel onto the purging path side by use of the flow of a fluid through the purging path; wherein the sucking direction of the liquefied fuel within the sucking path is caused to substantially agree with the flow direction of the fluid in the purging path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Ikuma, Takashi Sakagami, Takenori Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020026875
    Abstract: The invention provides a valve opening/closing device for a fryer, in which the operation of opening/closing the oil discharge valve is easy, and with which it is possible to recognize with one glance whether it is in an open state or a closed state. In the valve opening/closing device 40, by opening and closing an oil discharge valve 35 placed in an oil discharge pipe 33, which extends from the bottom of an oil vat containing cooking oil, the oil discharge pipe opens and closes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: PALOMA INDUSTRIES, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideo Chikazawa, Tsuneyasu Hayakawa, Hideki Kijimoto
  • Publication number: 20020026876
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for printing of a conductive coating on an electronic unit (22) by means of tampon printing. During the tampon printing phase a tampon pad (1,15) is moving in small movements in one or more directions in relation to the electronic unit. The movements are made at the same time as the tampon pad (1,15) is in contact with the surface to be printed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Per Holmberg, Lars Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20020026877
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for applying information onto an object, the surface to be printed is roughened by means of a laser before the printing of the object with ink by means of a pad printing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Tampoprint GmbH, Lingwiesenstr
    Inventors: Andreas Grabotin, Joachim Greis, Uwe Piekert
  • Publication number: 20020026878
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a lithographic projection apparatus includes identifying a set of two or more reference positions of one a first and a second object table WTa, WTb or MT with a first detection system and simultaneously measuring those reference positions with a first position measuring system, identifying the same set of reference positions of said one object table with a second detection system and simultaneously measuring those reference positions with a second position measuring system, and correlating said first and said second position measuring systems using the measurements of the reference positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Yim Bun Patrick Kwan, Leon Martin Levasier
  • Publication number: 20020026879
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling registration between different printing plates or printing cylinders in a printing press which includes a camera with a lens having at least two zoom settings and a control unit for changing the zoom setting of the camera in accordance with a distance between registration marks printed on a printed substrate found in at least one image acquired by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Michael D. Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20020026880
    Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle transportation system utilizes a guideway with parallel enclosed rails. Each enclosed rail has an electrical bus bar for supplying power to vehicles on the guideway. The guideway will accommodate dual-mode vehicles that are capable of usage on conventional streets as well as on the guideway. The guideway also accommodates conventional vehicles and ferries that operate only on the guideway. The dual-mode vehicle has a body with axles that are extensible. The axles move from a retracted position, with the wheels recessed within the wheel wells, to an extended position. In the extended position, the wheels locate within the enclosed rails. Conventional vehicles and freight are carried on ferries that move along the guideways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: J. Kirston Henderson
  • Publication number: 20020026881
    Abstract: Physiologically acceptable and non-corrosive silicone compositions are used for treating surfaces such as glass, porcelain, ceramic, marble, granite, metal, coated metal, plastic, wood, painted wood, cement, leather, textile, cloth, and other hard or soft composite surfaces, to render them water and soil repellent. Volatile organic compound (VOC) free cream, paste, powder and solid compositions are provided by the inclusion of particulate stabilizers in the silicone compositions. Solventless silicone compositions provide numerous advantages with improved water and soil repellency qualities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Resource Development L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jerome H. Ludwig, Howard G. Ohlhausen
  • Publication number: 20020026882
    Abstract: Aqueous compositions are provided which are useful for forming temporary protective coatings on metallic substrates. The aqueous compositions may contain polyvinyl alcohol, surfactant and corrosion inhibitor. The protective coating may be easily removed once the substrate has been formed or otherwise shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Bhanu D. Patel
  • Publication number: 20020026883
    Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that amine oxides are highly effective as wood preservatives. The present invention provides a wood preservative composition comprising a biocidally effective amount of one or more amine oxides. Preferably, the wood preservative composition is substantially free of halogenated compounds (such as halides and chlorinated compounds) and quaternary ammonium compounds. The wood preservative composition of the present invention exhibits low toxicity, high stability in water, low corrosivity to metal substrates (such as steel substrates), excellent penetration and uniform distribution into wood, low odor, waterproofing properties, and high leaching resistance. The wood preservative composition may be applied to the surface of a wood substrate or be applied by pressure treating the wood substrate with the wood preservative composition. Other cellulosic and fiber materials, such as cotton, burlap, and like materials, may be preserved with the composition of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: LONZA INC.
    Inventor: Leigh E. Walker
  • Publication number: 20020026884
    Abstract: A composition including a vegetable oil and a structural material selected from a group comprising soil, sand, bitumen, asphalt, and concrete. The polymerized vegetable oil being substantially within a range of 2%-20% by weight of the structural material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Lutfi Raad
  • Publication number: 20020026885
    Abstract: A universal paint solvent comprises, on a weight basis, 1-30% of an acidic material selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, phosphonic acids, phosphoric acids, and combinations thereof, together with 10-80% of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and combinations thereof. In particular compositions, the acidic component is comprised of a mixture of two different acids. Alkyl esters, particularly acetate esters, are preferred organic solvents. Butyl acetate is a specifically preferred solvent. The compositions solvate a large variety of different paint formulations, and are effective at room temperature. The compositions have particular utility for cleaning paint delivery systems and equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Xenophon G. Saquet, Jeffrey Maxwell, Stephen Summerfield
  • Publication number: 20020026886
    Abstract: Ready-to-use water dispersible pigment compositions containing water-insoluble, hydrophilic pigments are provided. The compositions comprise a stable dispersion of the pigment such as a porphyrin pigment, carmine, curcumin and a carotenoid in the form of bodies of an average size which is at the most 10 &mgr;m is provided. The pigment bodies are dispersed without the use of a surface active substance in an aqueous phase comprising a hydrocolloid. The natural pigment compositions which are useful for coloring of food products and pharmaceuticals do not migrate in the products and they are acid stable. The compositions are useful in coating compositions for tablets and dragees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Per Pihlmann Isager
    Inventors: PER PIHLMANN ISAGER, MARIANNE WINNING
  • Publication number: 20020026887
    Abstract: A sewing machine and the system thereof is disclosed, wherein a sewing machine is connected to an external environment means having a display such that additional pattern information transmitted to the external environment means may be confirmed at the display irrespectively of internal and external information, the sewing machine having a memory for storing data which may be rewritten therein and an information input/output means for inputting and outputting external information into and from the memory such that the sewing machine may be operated under control of the external information while machine control information is outputted through the information input/output means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Akira Orii, Takeshi Kongo
  • Publication number: 20020026888
    Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises an elongated housing mounted to the watercraft. A carrier is slidably received within the housing with the carrier having a first and second cover channel and a bladder retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is releasably secured within the first cover channel and the second cover channel. A space is defined between the carrier and the cover. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space with the flotation bladder having a bladder edge receivable in the bladder retaining slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Richard S. Coate
  • Publication number: 20020026889
    Abstract: The invention is a rigid supporting member that changes position within a pocket of sheet material to accommodate a deployed position and a stowed position, as may be used, for example, with battens in roller furling sails. The member is placed within the pocket formed within sheets of a pliable material, or attached to the pliable material, and the member is movably secured within the pocket, such as with a pivoting fixture. The member may be rotated into a first position that supports a shape of the pliable material when the pliable material is deployed, and a second position that accommodates stowage of the pliable material through folding, rolling, or the like. A variety of control systems may be used to control rotation or other movement of the member, and to control deployment and stowage of the pliable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Doyle, Tyler N. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20020026890
    Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft such as an inflatable boat, raft, floating air mattress, recreational inner tube, floating lounge chair, and the like. The anchoring apparatus includes a generally hollow anchor portion having a closable opening. The closable opening is configured for the removable introduction of weighing material in the anchor portion. An anchor line is secured to the anchor portion and extends therefrom. The anchor line is removably securable to a pneumatic watercraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Zook, Kristian Zook, Kym Stengel
  • Publication number: 20020026891
    Abstract: A camper back assembly for attachment to a boat includes a plurality of strut members having one end anchored to the boat, with the end opposite ends of the strut members anchored to the awning or boat structure. The length of the strut members is greater than the linear distance between the anchor points on the boat transom and the awning to provide a dome-like support for a cover portion which is releaseably secured to the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Giffin, Allen J. Lysne, Terry Burk, Edward J. Erskine, Michael Mathewson, Kevin Owens, Robert R. Shearer, Kevin Stancil
  • Publication number: 20020026892
    Abstract: In order to make preparation of a semiconductor material having a high conductance possible by increasing a carrier concentration even in a case where a crystal layer is doped with p-type impurity raw materials and n-type impurity raw materials, an impurity doping method for semiconductor wherein a crystal layer made of crystal raw materials is doped with impurities, comprises each of plural types of impurity raw materials being supplied at close timings in a pulsed manner within one cycle wherein all types of the crystal raw materials are supplied in one time each in the case when plural types of the crystal raw materials are alternately supplied in a pulsed manner with maintaining each of predetermined purge times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Aoyagi, Souhachi Iwai, Hideki Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20020026893
    Abstract: A process for heat-treating a single crystal silicon wafer to influence the precipitation behavior of oxygen in the wafer in a subsequent thermal processing step. The wafer has a front surface, a back surface, a central plane between the front and back surfaces, and a sink for crystal lattice vacancies at the front surface. In the process, the wafer is subjected to a heat-treatment to form crystal lattice vacancies, the vacancies being formed in the bulk of the silicon. The wafer is then cooled from the temperature of said heat treatment at a rate which allows some, but not all, of the crystal lattice vacancies to diffuse to the crystal lattice vacancy sink to produce a wafer having a vacancy concentration profile in which the peak density is at or near the central plane with the concentration generally decreasing in the direction of the front surface of the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Falster, Marco Cornara, Daniela Gambaro, Massimiliano Olmo
  • Publication number: 20020026894
    Abstract: A spreading state of an outline of the outer periphery of a coating solution is detected by a detecting sensor, and the rotation speed or the like of a wafer as a substrate is controlled so that a spreading speed of the outline becomes not more than a predetermined speed with no danger of producing a scratchpad. Alternatively, the width in the radius direction of a scratchpad is measured, and the rotation speed or the like of the wafer is controlled so that the width in the radius direction becomes not more than a predetermined value. Thereby, occurrence of the scratchpad is prevented or the degree thereof is decreased, thereby avoiding uncoating of the coating solution on the substrate and reducing the amount of the coating solution used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Hideyuki Takamori
  • Publication number: 20020026895
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for a traveling web comprising two coating heads and a traveling path changing roller is disclosed. A bar coater is arranged close to a pass roller. The bar coater is fixed at such a position as to contact the web when the pass roller is moved down. An extrusion coater is arranged below a backup roller in such a manner as to move up and down. If the pass roller moves up and bends up the traveling path of the web, the web separates from the bar coater. Then, if the extrusion coater moves up, the web is coated with the coating solution by the extrusion coater. If the pass roller and the extrusion coater move down, the web is coated with the coating solution by the bar coater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Naruse, Atsushi Kakumoto
  • Publication number: 20020026896
    Abstract: In a solution treatment apparatus, a nozzle for discharging a treatment solution toward a substrate held by a spin chuck includes a discharge opening for discharging the treatment solution on a surface of the substrate. A collision body against which the treatment solution discharged from the nozzle collides is disposed between the discharge opening of the nozzle and the substrate. Since the collision body is disposed between the discharge opening and the substrate, even when the discharge pressure of the treatment solution is high, the discharged treatment solution once collides against the collision body so that the discharge speed on reaching the substrate is reduced, damage to the substrate is eased, and the amount of air entering into the discharged treatment solution is decreased. Accordingly, no micro-bubble occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Takashi Takekuma
  • Publication number: 20020026897
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying fluid to a substrate which is movable relative to the apparatus. A slotted nozzle assembly of the apparatus communicates with a fluid supply and includes an elongated slot with an outlet aperture. The length of the slot may be varied using a stopper which can move in the slot and seal it off laterally. In another aspect, the entire slot can be shifted and fixed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the slot using a guiding and adjusting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Burmester, Jorg Steffens
  • Publication number: 20020026898
    Abstract: In equipment for powder-coating, workpieces such as escalator steps are subjected to a current treatment in an anodizing unit. A conveying means advancing carriers for the workpieces is lowered over a tank so that the workpieces in transit are immersed in and continue transit within a bath and after a specific dwell time are lifted back out of the bath at the end of the tank. Arranged in the tank region is a current feed, such as a bus bar, which extends parallel to the travel path of the conveying means. Each carrier is provided with a current take-off which connects the carrier with the current feed. The current connection is produced on lowering the carrier into the bath and interrupted on raising the carrier from the bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: HELMUT STEPANCIK
  • Publication number: 20020026899
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating a substrate with a diamond like coating or other vacuum depositable material comprises a chamber 11 having, or acting as, an anode, means for supporting a substrate 15 in the chamber, means for establishing a low pressure atmosphere containing a hydrocarbon-based gas in the chamber, and a radio frequency source 12 for establishing a gas plasma in the chamber, the substrate 15 acting as a cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: James Andrew McLaughlin, John McCune Anderson, Paul Damian Maguire
  • Publication number: 20020026900
    Abstract: A wafer support for supporting and rotating a semiconductor wafer within a rapid thermal process chamber is formed of a single member of unitary construction. The unitary member includes a first, horizontal section for supporting the periphery of the wafer thereon, and a downwardly extending cylindrical section that is mounted for rotation within the chamber. The first and second sections are integrally formed to prevent radiant energy from passing there between and comprise materials that cause the support to act as a black body, yielding more uniform heating of the wafer. A recess formed in the horizontal section receives the outer edge of the wafer and prevents radiant heat from passing between the wafer and the support in those cases where the wafer is warped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Huang, Tsung-Chieh Tsai, Kuo-Hung Liao
  • Publication number: 20020026901
    Abstract: An animal feeder that is suspended alongside a tree trunk or other structure and utilizes the energy produced by live squirrels to dispense granular feed from a storage hopper to deer and other animals on the ground. The feeder assembly consists of a tubular feed container with a horizontal platform mounted on the bottom, a port hole for allowing feed particles to spill out onto the platform, and a simple agitating device that sweeps feed particles off the platform to the ground below. The agitating device is activated by the force generated by the weight and momentum of squirrels leaping back and forth from the tree trunk to the platform. The feeder works only during daytime hours when squirrels are active, and it cannot be accessed by any wildlife except squirrels and birds. If shelled corn is mainly used in the feeder, very little of it will be consumed by the squirrels themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Harold Eugene Burnham
  • Publication number: 20020026902
    Abstract: A safe, non-toxic pet toy is provided which is adapted to be placed within the cage of a small captive animal. The pet toy is formed of materials which may be safely ingested by a small animal so that an animal may safely peck, chew, or gnaw on the toy. The toy is made of paper pulp molded to form a three dimensional representation of an object. A dye may be incorporated into the paper pulp to color the object or a non-toxic ink may be applied to a surface of the object to provide a more enticing and realistic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore J. Lafeber
  • Publication number: 20020026903
    Abstract: An anchor and tether animal restraining device having a line extending between a pair of anchors. At least one of the anchors is an angle-spike anchor having an angled portion for providing control over the line and, further, a smooth walled enclosure partially covering a base portion of the angle portion for preventing entanglement of a leash which attaches an animal, such as a dog, to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Vaughn P. Esham
  • Publication number: 20020026904
    Abstract: A heat supply system is provided which enables use of small pipes with the same diameter for both feed branch pipes and return branch pipes, thus reducing the initial cost and also suppressing heat emission loss. The heat supply system comprises a heat exchanger 1, a feed main pipe 2, a return main pipe 3, a feed branch pipe 4 connected to the feed main pipe 2, a first return branch pipe 5 for directing the flow of a heat medium to an edge section in the downstream side of the feed branch pipe 4, a plurality of load pipes connected in parallel to a section between the feed branch pipe 4 and the first return branch pipe 5 each having a load member 7 provided thereon, and a second return branch pipe 6 connected to a section between an edge section in the downstream side of the first return branch pipe 5 and the return main pipe 3, said heat supply system having a plurality of branch pipe paths 11 including therein the feed branch pipe 4, first return branch pipe 5, load pipe 8, and second branch pipe 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2000
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Noboru Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20020026905
    Abstract: A steam generator has an especially simple structural concept of a combustion chamber for a predetermined output range and for various qualities of different fossil fuels. The steam generator includes a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber which have a respective number of burners for fossil fuel and are constructed for an approximately horizontal main flow direction of heating gas. The first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber open into a common horizontal gas flue connected upstream of a vertical gas flue on the heating-gas side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Joachim Franke, Rudolf Kral
  • Publication number: 20020026906
    Abstract: A steam generator has a combustion chamber which is configured for an approximately horizontal main direction of flow of the fuel gas and which is followed on the fuel-gas side, via a horizontal gas flue, by a vertical gas flue. The containment walls of the combustion chamber are formed from evaporator tubes. Temperature differences between adjacent evaporator tubes of the combustion chamber are to be kept particularly low in all the load states of the steam generator. For this purpose, a first group and a second group of evaporator tubes can be acted upon in each case in parallel by a flow medium. The first group of evaporator tubes is connected in series with the second group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Joachim Franke, Rudolf Kral
  • Publication number: 20020026907
    Abstract: A coolant and/or lubricant transport device supplies lubricant or circulating cooling water in internal combustion engines. The pump can be driven by an electric motor which can be controlled in dependence upon a control quantity of a continuous controller. The pump can be temporarily stopped or operated to work with an appropriately reduced output to achieve a desired control value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Joma-Polytec Kunststofftechnik GmbH,
    Inventor: Alexander Maute
  • Publication number: 20020026908
    Abstract: An engine block having a cooling system includes a body, a plurality of cylinder bores formed on the body, cylinder liners each coaxially fitted in a corresponding cylinder bore, and at least one coolant channel formed between the cylinder bores, wherein each cylinder liner has recesses on an outer surface facing other cylinder bores for securing space for forming the coolant channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Byung-Hak Chang
  • Publication number: 20020026909
    Abstract: In a multi cylinder internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder head internally defining exhaust passages and a converging area into which the exhaust passages converge, an upper water jacket and a lower water jacket are formed above and below the exhaust passages, and the lower water jacket has a greater volume than the upper water jacket. Thus, the cooling efficiency for the converging area can be improved by increasing the volume of the part of the water jacket adjacent to the converging area. Also, because the upper water jacket has a relatively small volume, the load on the core parts supporting the core part for defining the upper water jacket can be reduced, and the overall mechanical strength of the core can be improved. By extending the water jackets to the converging area, the cooling efficiency can be improved even further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Akiwa, Masayuki Takahashi