Patents Issued in January 2, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030000801
    Abstract: Process and device for controlling the drive means of a conveyor system 10, specifically in the form of an escalator or passenger conveyor, which can be switched from load to no-load operation, comprising a drive motor 26 and a variable frequency converter 42, which at is least controllable with respect to the frequency of its output voltage, wherein, under load, the drive motor 26 is supplied with a line voltage with an essentially constant line frequency and, at no-load, is supplied the output voltage of the variable frequency converter's 42, wherein, prior to a changeover from no-load to load operation, the output frequency of the variable frequency converter 42 is essentially brought with phase accuracy to the line frequency by means of a PLL device 30, and wherein this changeover is brought about as soon as this phase conformance has been realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Stefan Spannhake, Herbert Horbrugger, Reinhard Henkel
  • Publication number: 20030000802
    Abstract: A lowerator for an assembly system of the type including at least one rail defining a path of travel with respect to at least one workstation, and a conveyor for transporting a workpiece along the rail. The conveyor includes a trolley moveable along the rail and a carrier moveable with respect to the trolley. The carrier supports a workpiece during movement with respect to the workstation. The carrier is vertically positionable between a raised position and lowered position with respect to the trolley. The lowerator moves the carrier between the raised and lowered positions and cycles a latch for securing the carrier to the trolley when in the raised position. The lowerator includes at least one lifter or actuator defining a path of travel in at least a first direction, where the lifter actuates the latch to uncouple the trolley and carrier before moving the carrier into the lowered position at the workstation so that one or more processing operations can be performed on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Keith A. Oldford, Michael R. Dugas, Velibor Kilibarda, Alan S. Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20030000803
    Abstract: A mobile unloading apparatus for unloading items from a variety of heights is disclosed wherein the apparatus has a frame supporting a ramp for movement between a first position spaced above a conveyor for permitting items to be placed directly on the conveyor and a second, downwardly sloping ramp position for moving items down the ramp to the conveyor. The apparatus includes a first walkway section supported by the frame on a first conveyor side above a supporting surface, a second walkway section supported by the frame on a second conveyor side above the supporting surface and a third walkway section. The third walkway section can be moved from a first, use position bridging the first and second walkway sections to a second, storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Ruben Luevano
  • Publication number: 20030000804
    Abstract: A “soft touch” lifter for an automotive “Body in White” geometry station like a framing system is disclosed having a unique lifting assembly for elevating both the automotive body and the underbody tooling to a geometry position. The system includes a lift assembly which is vertically slidably mounted to a stationary base and movable between a first position in which the lift frame is positioned beneath a skid positioned at the geometry station and upon which the automotive body is supported, and a second position elevated from the first position. An underbody tooling assembly is mounted to the lift frame, and this tooling assembly includes a plurality of locators which register with position receptors on the automotive underbody when the skid is positioned at the geometry station. A pair of T-shaped lift arms are slidably mounted to the stationary base at opposite ends of the skid, and these lift arms are movable between a lower and an upper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Publication number: 20030000805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transferring film bags which are supplied in a plurality of parallel rows to a transfer station, to a conveying means which further transports the film bags in a continuous row substantially in a direction transverse to the direction of supply, the film bags to be handed over being preaccelerated in the direction of movement of the conveying means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Indag Gesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft
  • Publication number: 20030000806
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for transporting objects, in particular items of clothing hanging on clothes hangers, on conveying paths by means of a transporting roller, in particular a roller with two parallel spaced-apart flanges on the end sides and a central part located therebetween, as well as a through-passage opening leading through the center between the flanges and the central part, the central part having at least one peripheral, annular circumferential part which can rotate separately from the two flanges, and, in the case of the circumferential part rotating as a result of bearing on the conveying path, the two flanges being in a rest state irrespective of the rotation, a hook-like carrier element for an object which is to be transported passing through the through-passage opening and projecting from the latter by way of its free end, wherein the conveying path comprises a fixed rolling ridge with a transporting-roller running track on its top side, the transporting roller riding on sa
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Franz Gartner
  • Publication number: 20030000807
    Abstract: Feeder systems are mechanical systems that feed individual sheets of paper to other mechanical devices. Feeder systems need to be able to handle a variety of types of paper with different weights and finishes. Glossy paper has proven difficult to feed because of anti-offset agents used in the printing process. The agents contaminate the rollers in the feeder system causing misfeeds and jams. The present invention is a cleaning apparatus that can be used in conjunction with the feeder system to keep the feeder system free from malfunctions during the processing of glossy paper. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head mounted on a supporting arm. Various types of abrasive cleaning heads can be employed in the cleaning apparatus such as metal blades, meshes and brushes. The cleaning heads keep the rollers operational while minimizing deterioration of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Salomon, Michael M. Farrell, Jason Gerard
  • Publication number: 20030000808
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for monitoring a conveyor facility having a top strand and a bottom strand. Said conveyor facility comprises a conveyor belt (1) made of elastomer material having a carrying side for the material to be conveyed and a backing side (3), whereby the conveyor belt has at the most one strengthening support. The conveyor facility also comprises other parts such as driving drum, tail pulley, deflection drum, carrying rollers (5), supporting structure, feed chute and optionally other components. The device according to the invention is characterized in that it includes an optoelectronic system (4) in area (X) where there are no carrying rollers (5). Said system optically detects and reports any damage to the conveyor belt (1) by monitoring the backing side (3), optionally in connection with automatic switch-off of the conveyor facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Bernd Kusel
  • Publication number: 20030000809
    Abstract: A gravity feed system comprised of rails with a specially designed “multi-spoke wheel” for use in the automatic spacing of cylindrical (and other shaped) parts to be conveyed. The rails are an item that can be purchased commercially or manufactured for various needs. The “multi-spoke wheel” is an item that is specifically designed for a part or family of parts with similar geometry. The size of the star, along with the centerline to centerline spacing and vertical placement of the rotating axis below the part is the critical feature. A part is loaded onto the rails and feeds by gravity through the “multi-spoke wheels” ending at a hard stop. When other parts are loaded they also feed by gravity to the stop end and are spaced out by the “multi-spoke wheels”. When the last part is unloaded from the rails by pulling it out, the remaining parts still on the rails feed the distance of one part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Stanley Sieczka, Scott Paul Bethke
  • Publication number: 20030000810
    Abstract: A modular belt link which includes a link base having at least one hinge barrel for connecting the link to adjacent links. A side guard is fixed to the link base, and defines a non-planar wall having a bottom and top joined by sides. The wall is twisted relative to an axis of rotation extending through said top and bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin S. Hansen, Paul M. Koeferl
  • Publication number: 20030000811
    Abstract: Packets (2) transferred from a packing machine to an overwrapping machine pass through an in-line storage unit (1) of variable capacity internally of which they are directed along a path (P) bet ween a loading station (3) and an unloading station (4); the unit (1) consists in a succession of conveying members (19) each set in motion by a corresponding motor (30), and chutes (44) by which the conveying members (19) are linked in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Publication number: 20030000812
    Abstract: A modular roller conveyor system is disclosed having a first and second pair of elongated vertical supports. The first pair of vertical supports are adjustably secured together so that the first pair of supports are spaced apart and parallel to each other at a user selected spacing between the first pair of vertical supports. Similarly, the second pair of vertical supports are also adjustably secured together so that the second pair of vertical supports are spaced apart and parallel to each other at the same user selected spacing. A first elongated rail is then secured to the upper end of one of the first pair of vertical supports and to the upper end of one of the second pair of vertical supports. A second rail is then secured to the upper end of the other of both the first and second pair of vertical supports so that the rails are spaced apart and parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Douglas McTaggart, Andrew Noestheden
  • Publication number: 20030000813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching device for optional connection of a number of incoming electrical lines with a number of outgoing electrical lines, where the incoming and outgoing lines each are connected to individual contact surfaces (34, 36, 38) respectively, that the contact surfaces are arranged in concentric ring-shaped areas, a manoeuvring unit arranged in the centre of said ring-shaped areas, drive means (14) capable of rotating said manoeuvring unit, a number of contact elements (44) arranged to said manoeuvring unit, whereby the manoeuvring unit is capable of positioning said contact elements for obtaining electrical contact between specific, chosen, contact surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Sture Roos
  • Publication number: 20030000814
    Abstract: A method for restricting travel of a moving contact in a lighting contactor is provided. The lighting contactor includes the moving contact and a contact carrier. The method includes the steps of providing a spacer, and a biasing member and positioning the biasing member though the spacer. The method also includes installing the biasing member and the spacer in the contact carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick McGill, Dennis Zuffelato, Thuong Phung, Javier Larranaga, Mani Natarajan, Agali Ramadevi, AnilKumar D. Pandit
  • Publication number: 20030000815
    Abstract: A seamless elongate pressure actuated switch includes a seamless tubular sheath fabricated from a resiliently flexible polymeric resin, and two separate and spaced apart conductive coatings disposed lengthwise along the inside surface of the tubular sheath. The sheath is deformable in response to pressure applied thereto to move the conductive coatings into contact with each other. The conductive coatings are the only means of conducting electricity lengthwise along the inside of the sheath. The thickness of the coatings ranges from about 0.00001 inches to about 0.01 inches. The elongated pressure actuated switch can be made by coating the inside wall of the tubular sheath with a conductive coating and then dividing the conductive coating into two spaced apart portions, or by coextrusion of the spaced apart conductive coatings with the sheath material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lester E. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20030000816
    Abstract: A deceleration impact detector for detecting a vehicle collision or the like is composed of a rotor having an eccentric gravity center, a spring biasing the rotor to its initial position, a cam connected to rotor, and a pair of contacts consisting of a movable contact and a stationary contact. The rotor rotates together with the cam when a deceleration exceeding a predetermined level is imposed on the rotor. The pair of contacts are closed by the cam thereby to generate an electrical signal to inflate an air-bag. The movable contact is made of a resilient leaf spring, while the stationary contact is made of a plate having a high rigidity, so that resonant vibrations of the stationary contact otherwise caused by a high deceleration impact are avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiko Imoto
  • Publication number: 20030000817
    Abstract: An illuminable keyboard includes a plurality of lights, such as electroluminescent lights, sized and positioned to illuminate one or more of the individual keys on a keyboard. More than one electroluminescent light may be included on an individual key to thereby allow different portions of the key to be illuminated. Each of the electroluminescent lights may be controlled independently of the other lights. A controller for controlling each of the electroluminescent lights allows a computer to activate selected ones of the lights, control the brightness of the selected lights, and also the color of the individually illuminated lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Paul G. Farage, Matt Simms
  • Publication number: 20030000818
    Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Roberts
  • Publication number: 20030000819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective-door handle for a protective door which is fitted with at least one safety tumbler and is intended for a protective region of a machine, mechanical installation or the like, having a central leg and two side legs which are connected thereto and can be fastened to the protective door, the central leg having a hole which opens into a wiring opening opened to the outer circumference of the central leg, there being inserted into the hole a release element which is intended for unlocking the safety tumbler and whose electric connections are connected in the wiring opening to corresponding supply lines, the wiring opening being plugged with a casting compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Ralf Hilmert
  • Publication number: 20030000820
    Abstract: A membrane switch circuit layout and method for producing a membrane switch circuit layout are disclosed. The membrane switch circuit layout may have two or more membrane layers. Each membrane has a top surface and a bottom surface. A conductive circuit trace is printed on the top surface of each membrane. The membrane layers are placed in a stack with each top membrane having thru-holes selectively cut there through. Thus, for example, in a layout having two membrane layers, the first membrane is positioned beneath the second membrane and the second membrane has thru-holes cut there through. Conductive ink may be pressed through the thru-holes to provide electrical connection between the circuit traces printed on the membrane layers. An adhesive may be placed between the membrane layers as either adhesive printed on one of the membrane layers or as an additional layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne Nelson, Joel Theisen, John Pesonen
  • Publication number: 20030000821
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive sensor is composed of a pair of upper and lower electrodes sheets 1 and 2 disposed oppositely, a spacer 3 interposed between both of the sheets 1 and 2, and adhesives 4 and 5 between these electrode sheets 1 and 2 and spacer 3. In the spacer 3, a hole 31 is formed in a position of a contact portion 6. A diameter of this hole 31, convex portions 13 and a pressure sensitive electrode 22 are set in such a positional relationship that a peripheral portion of the hole 31 is overlapped between the convex portions 13 and the pressure sensitive electrode 22. Then, the adhesives 4 and 5 open more largely than the diameter of the hole 31 of the spacer 3 so as to be removed from the peripheral portion of the hole 31 on both surfaces of the spacer 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Takahashi, Takayuki Imai, Toshio Ochiai, Toshifumi Nakajima, Koji Ito, Kazuya Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030000822
    Abstract: In the method for thermal biomass processing, comprising charging the material in a converter, pyrolyzing said material at a temperature ranging between 650 and 950° C. in the medium of a reducing gas, feeding of steam after the pyrolysis reaction has been completed, and isolating the resultant solid residue, reducing gas is prepared by combusting a hydrocarbon fuel at an air consumption factor &agr; ranging from 0.85 to 1.1, and by mixing the resultant combustion products together with the biomass pyrolysis gases, the ratio between said gases and said combustion products being (1-3):1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Vladimir Fedorich Antonenko, Sergei Alexandrovich Anischenko
  • Publication number: 20030000823
    Abstract: The surface cleaning of various components of high-tech devices, including computers and/or semiconductors, is performed during manufacturing. This surface cleaning is performed within a reduced pressure chamber by making use of perifluorocompound industrial gases, which eventually contaminate the atmosphere. These contaminant gases are emitted with nitrogen gas, which is used in operation of a dry pump. Under certain conditions, microwave radiation generates an atmospheric plasma torch. This plasma-torch device is attached to the vacuum pump, which emits the nitrogen gas with contaminants. The oxidation mechanism in the torch flames eliminates these contaminants. Additional reaction gases are mixed with the waste gas to improve efficiency of the contaminant elimination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Han Sup Uhm, Yong C. Hong, Ho-Jun Kang
  • Publication number: 20030000824
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an emission cleaning installation which is easy to connect continuously even to existing large-scale incineration furnaces and which is able to oxidatively break down and eliminate environmental pollutants contained in the emissions, for example dioxins, dibenzofurans, coplanar PCBs, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the like without temperature control of the emission temperature, by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst, and to a method for emission cleaning and elimination which uses the abovementioned emission cleaning installation. The emission cleaning installation of a preferred exemplary embodiment is provided with a cylinder body, which is ultraviolet light permeable and through which the emissions pass, with photocatalyst pellets, which are accommodated in the interior of the abovementioned cylinder body and come into contact with the abovementioned emissions, and with a light source, which photoexcites the above-mentioned photocatalyst pellets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshi Taoda, Yukio Yamada, Kazuu Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20030000825
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a plasma polymerization surface modification of a metal for enhancing its applicability for use in refrigerating and air conditioning such as in constructing heat exchanges, by using a DC discharge plasma, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning an anode electrode which is substantially of metal to be surface-modified and a cathode electrode in a chamber, (b) maintaining a pressure in the chamber at a predetermined vacuum level, (c) blowing a reaction gas composed of an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas or fluorine-containing monomer and silicon containing monomer gas at a predetermined pressure and a non-polymerizable gas at a predetermined pressure into the chamber, and (d) applying a voltage to the electrodes in order to obtain a DC discharge, whereby to obtain a plasma consisting of positive and negative ions and radicals generated from the unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas and the non-polymerizable gas, and then forming a poly
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Seok-Keun Koh, Hyung Jin Jung, Won Kook Choi, Byung Ha Kang, Ki Hwan Kim, Sam Chul Ha, Cheol Hwan Kim, Sung-Chang Choi
  • Publication number: 20030000826
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production on a substrate of gas- and liquid-impermeable layers, which have a relatively high elasticity. This elasticity is attained through the inclusion of carbon in a layer comprised of a metal or semiconductor oxide. In order to attain such an inclusion, a metal or semiconductor is ionized by means of an arc discharge. Subsequently, a reactive gas, for example O2, is introduced, with which the ionized metal or the ionized semiconductor forms an oxide. In addition, a carbon-containing gas is added, which releases its carbon such that on the substrate an oxide layer is formed, in which carbon is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Jorg Krempel-Hesse, Michael Liehr, Volker Hacker, Elisabeth Budke, Helmut Grimm
  • Publication number: 20030000827
    Abstract: A system for chemical vapor deposition at ambient temperature using electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) comprising: an ECR system; a sputtering system for providing the ECR system with metal ion; an organic material supply system for providing organic material of gas or liquid phase; and a DC bias system for inducing the metal ion and the radical ion on a substrate is provided, and a method for fabricating metal composite film comprising: a step of providing a process chamber with the gas as plasma form using the ECR; a step of providing the chamber with the metal ion and the organic material; a step of generating organic material ion and radical ion by reacting the metal ion and the organic material with the plasma; and a step of chemically compounding the organic material ion and the radical ion after inducing them on a surface of a specimen is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Joong-Kee Lee, Dal-Keun Park, Byung-Won Cho, Joo-Man Woo, Bup-Ju Jeon
  • Publication number: 20030000828
    Abstract: A sputtering target comprising a substrate and a target material formed on the substrate, wherein the target material comprises a metal oxide of the chemical formula MOx as the main component, wherein MOx is a metal oxide which is deficient in oxygen as compared with the stoichiometric composition, and M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Zr and Hf, a process for its production, and a method for forming a film having a high refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Otojiro Kida, Akira Mitsui, Eri Suzuki, Hisashi Osaki, Atsushi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20030000829
    Abstract: A method of deposition of a phosphor in a single-source sputtering process, in which the phosphor is selected from the group consisting of ternary, quaternary or higher thioaluminate, thiogallate and thioindate phosphors, and composites thereof, synthesized with cations selected from Groups IIA and IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements. The phosphor is of a pre-determined composition of elements. The method comprising sputtering in a hydrogen sulphide atmosphere from a single source composition so as to deposit a composition on a substrate. The composition of the targets of the single source has a relative increase in concentration of elements of the phosphor that have a lower atomic weight compared to other elements in said phosphor. The relative increase is controlled such that deposition of the pre-determined composition is effected on the substrate. Preferred phosphors are barium thioaluminate (BaAl2S4:Eu), and barium magnesium thioaluminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: iFire Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Kosyachkov
  • Publication number: 20030000830
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a panel stack having one or more panels are provided. The panel stack is provided with at least one through hole. Fluid or gas may be passed through the through hole. By inhibiting the contact of the fluid or gas from the flat surfaces of the panels, processing of the through holes can be accomplished with reduced resources and more quickly. Panel stacks can include one to at least hundreds of panels. Various applications include electroless copper deposition, electroplating of copper for a printed circuit board, chemical etchback or desmear, honing of the through hole wall using a slurry of pumice as a replacement for chemical etchback or desmear, chemical microetching of a through hole wall, and through hole blasting with pressurized water or air to clean away any debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: TechQuip International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Spain, Steven P. Glassman
  • Publication number: 20030000831
    Abstract: A conducting roller is used in an electroplating apparatus, and includes a conductive roller body, which has two diameter-reduced end portions that are journalled within two stationary conductive sleeve units. A conductive liquid is filled within two sealed gaps between the end portions of the roller body and the sleeve units, thereby transmitting cathode current from the conductive sleeve units to the end portions of the roller body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Ko
  • Publication number: 20030000832
    Abstract: A roller assembly for an electroplating apparatus includes a plurality of feeding rollers adapted to advance a sheet-shaped workpiece, and a threaded rod disposed parallel to the feeding rollers and having a left-hand thread portion and a right-hand thread portion. Two guiding members are respectively formed with two threaded holes, which engage the left-hand and right-hand thread portions of the rod. A sensing unit detects the width of the workpiece to activate a controller and a driving unit, which rotates the rod so as to move the guiding members in opposite directions such that the guiding members abut against two opposite sides of the workpiece, thereby guiding the workpiece to move therebetween. Two conducting units are attached respectively to the guiding members for supplying cathode current to the sides of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Ko
  • Publication number: 20030000833
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Sohrab Mansouri, Vasile Cosofret, Clarke Xu
  • Publication number: 20030000834
    Abstract: A biosensor enabling accurate measurement of the concentration of a substrate contained in a trace amount of a sample solution is disclosed. The electrochemical analysis element in accordance with the present invention which should be included in the biosensor comprises a sensor body having a hollow space which space is open at its both ends, an electrode system having a working electrode and a counter electrode, a reagent segment containing an enzyme, wherein the electrode system and the reagent segment are disposed on an inner wall of the hollow space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Yoshioka, Shin Ikeda, Motokazu Watanabe, Shiro Nankai
  • Publication number: 20030000835
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system (110), particularly a microfluidic chip, with at least one operational channel (170), in which a fluid and/or the constituents contained therein are moveable in the direction of the operational channel (170) by a driving force, particularly by using pressure, acoustic energy, or an electrical and/or a magnetic field. At least one measurement sensor (185) used to measure a measurable value assigned to the fluid and derivable in the region of the fluid and at least one regulator (192) is provided to regulate the driving force and/or a parameter that may be influenced by it, wherein the regulator (192) is coupled with a measurement sensor (185) and a device used to alter the driving force (189) and/or the parameter that may be influenced by it. The invention further relates to a procedure to transport and guide a fluid and/or the constituents contained therein within a microfluidic system of the type described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Monika Dittmann, Friedrich Bek
  • Publication number: 20030000836
    Abstract: The claims provide for detecting prions in a sample by (a) subjecting a sample to membrane-based electrophoresis to separate and/or concentrate at least some prions present in the sample; and (b) detecting and or identifying the presence of the separated and/or concentrated prions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Gradipore Limited
    Inventors: Kailing Wang, Chenicheri Hariharan Nair
  • Publication number: 20030000837
    Abstract: Provided is a biodegradation resistant cationic electrodeposition composition of a resinous phase dispersed in an aqueous medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Alan J. Kaylo, Gregory J. McCollum, Steven R. Zawacky
  • Publication number: 20030000838
    Abstract: A sieving medium for use in the separation of analytes in a sample containing at least one such analyte comprises a monomeric non-ionic surfactant of the of the general formula, B-A, wherein A is a hydrophilic moiety and B is a hydrophobic moiety, present in a solvent at a concentration forming a self-assembled micelle configuration under selected conditions and having an aggregation number providing an equivalent weight capable of effecting the size separation of the sample solution so as to resolve a target analyte(s) in a solution containing the same, the size separation taking place in a chromatography or electrophoresis separation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Edward S. Yeung, Wei Wei
  • Publication number: 20030000839
    Abstract: An improved cassette for use in the formation of an electrophoretic gel comprises two plates with substantially planar walls having two sides and two ends so arranged in a side by side spaced apart array to form a gel receiving space between them. A plurality of dividing ribs on one or each of the walls extend from a first end of the wall or walls substantially parallel to at least one of the sides thereof to a rib base end. The ribs extend into the space so as to subdivide at least one end of the space into a plurality of substantially parallel wells. A plurality of holes extend through at least one of the walls of the cassette located at or adjacent the base of the dividing rib and aligned with the rib. The arrangement of holes allow sufficient current flow to replace that lost due to the dividing ribs. The structure retains the advantage of having solid dividing walls which are considerably more resilient than dividing walls made from fingers of gel even when reinforced with pegs or projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Howard Pericles Manusu, Shaun Atchison
  • Publication number: 20030000840
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus and method that can detect the film thickness of a plated film, which is being deposited on the surface, to be plated, of a substrate, consecutively in real time, thereby enabling the detection of the end point of plating. The electroplating apparatus for plating a substrate by filling a plating solution between the substrate held by a substrate holding portion and an anode, and applying a voltage between the substrate and the anode, includes at least one of a voltage monitor for monitoring the voltage applied between the substrate and the anode, thereby detecting the end point of the electroplating, and a current monitor for monitoring an electric current that flows through a detection circuit, which is formed by connecting at least two cathode electrodes and to which a constant voltage is applied, thereby detecting the end point of the electroplating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Norio Kimura, Hiroaki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20030000841
    Abstract: A system is provided in which a smaller flow of deposition solution is diverted from a larger flow of deposition solution flowing on an electrochemical deposition tool platform. The smaller flow is diverted to a dosing unit which may be on a separate platform. The dosing unit in one embodiment comprises a pressurized flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Stevens, Yevgeniy Rabinovich, Sandy S. Chao, Mark R. Denome, Allen L. D'Ambra, Donald J. Olgado
  • Publication number: 20030000842
    Abstract: In order to regulate the metal ion concentration in an electrolyte fluid serving to electrolytically deposit metal and additionally containing substances of an electrochemically reversible redox system, it has been known in the art to conduct at least one portion of the electrolyte fluid through one auxiliary cell provided with one insoluble auxiliary anode and at least one auxiliary cathode, a current being conducted between them by applying a voltage. Accordingly, excess quantities of the oxidized substances of the redox system are reduced at the auxiliary cathode, the formation of ions of the metal to be deposited being reduced as a result thereof. Starting from this prior art, the present invention relates to using pieces of the metal to be deposited as an auxiliary cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Kai-Jens Matejat, Sven Lamprecht
  • Publication number: 20030000843
    Abstract: A method for producing a catalytic converter includes depositing a layer of catalytically active metallic material by electrochemical deposition on a planar substrate by immersing the substrate in an electrolyte that contains the catalytically active metallic material. A high overvoltage at which a large number of seeds of the metallic material are formed on the substrate is set for a predetermined first time period between the substrate and the opposing electrode. The overvoltage is reduced for a predetermined second time period to a value at which the seeds which are deposited in the first time period grow on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Hubertus Biegert, Gabriele Stab, Gabor Toth, Peter Urban
  • Publication number: 20030000844
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a consistent metal electroplating technique to form void-less metal interconnects in sub-micron high aspect ratio features on semiconductor substrates. One embodiment of the invention provides a method for filling sub-micron features on a substrate, comprising reactive precleaning the substrate, depositing a barrier layer on the substrate using high density plasma physical vapor deposition; depositing a seed layer over the barrier layer using high density plasma physical vapor deposition; and electro-chemically depositing a metal using a highly resistive electrolyte and applying a first current density during a first deposition period followed by a second current density during a second period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Carl, Barry Chin, Liang Chen, Robin Cheung, Peijun Ding, Yezdi Dordi, Imran Hashim, Peter Hey, Ashok K. Sinha
  • Publication number: 20030000845
    Abstract: A method for creating a material library of surface areas having different properties in which a substrate is coated. The substrate is subjected to a combined pretreatment procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Brinz, Ilona Ullmann
  • Publication number: 20030000846
    Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions for increasing the adhesion of a layer of silver deposited from an immersion plating bath as well as methods of increasing the adhesion of silver layers obtained using these compositions. Such compositions and methods are particularly useful in the manufacture of electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Maria Anna Rzeznik, David L. Jacques
  • Publication number: 20030000847
    Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for anodizing metal surfaces, especially magnesium surfaces is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including hydroxylamine, phosphate anions and nonionic surfactants. A complementary method, composition and method for making the composition for rendering an anodized metal surface, especially a magnesium surface, conductive is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including bivalent nickel, pyrophosphate anions, sodium hypophosphite and either ammonium thiocyanate or lead nitrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: ALGAT SHERUTEY GIMUT TEUFATI - KIBBUTZ ALONIM
    Inventor: Ilya Ostrovsky
  • Publication number: 20030000848
    Abstract: Chlorine dioxide is produced at high conversion rates from aqueous sodium chlorite solution by electrochemical oxidation in an undivided electrochemical cell. The cell utilizes an anode of high surface area through which the aqueous sodium chlorite solution flows into an interelectrode gap between the anode and a cathode. Water or acidified water is fed into the interelectrode gap to function as catholyte and also to dilute the electrolyzed sodium chlorite solution to provide an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide exiting from the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Marek Lipsztajn, Ronald K. Schaible, Yuri Alexeevich Omelchenko, George Joseph Ranger
  • Publication number: 20030000849
    Abstract: For dosing lithium in cooling water containing cationic impurities or for reducing cationic impurities, the invention guides cooling water cycle through a first side of an electrodialysis unit and guides a concentration cycle through a second side of the electrodialysis unit. Cationic impurities are filtered out of the medium of the concentration cycle with a selective ion exchanger that is disposed in the concentration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Meintker, Michael Bolz, Gunther Enkler, Wilfried Ruhle
  • Publication number: 20030000850
    Abstract: Organic addition agents in copper plating baths are monitored by diluting a sample of the bath with sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid and optionally a cupric salt. The diluting provides a bath having conventional concentrations of cupric ion, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid; and adjusted concentrations of the organic addition agents of 1/X of their original values in the sample; where X is the dilution factor. CVS techniques are used to determine concentrations of organic addition agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Wilma Jean Horkans, Keith T. Kwietniak, Peter S. Locke