Patents Issued in April 17, 2003
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Publication number: 20030070900Abstract: A self-propelled aircraft cargo belt loader is both propelled and operated hydrostatically. An engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid combination of both provides a power source to operate first and second hydraulic pumps. The first, or primary pump, provides variable fluid pressure used to propel the vehicle., while the second, or secondary pump, provides constant fluid pressure used to drive the conveyor belt, operate the hydraulic cylinders used to raise and lower the conveyor belt, and operate the vehicle's steering. The use of a hydrostatic drive system facilitates off-center placement of both the powerplant and the conveyor belt system, with the powerplant and conveyor belt system being positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. As the powerplant is not covered by the conveyor belt system, engine access for maintenance and replacement is greatly enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Jack Elwell
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Publication number: 20030070901Abstract: A conveying system including multiple conveying tracks where each track acts as the output track from one operation and the input track to a subsequent operation. When the manufacturing process at a first operational area is completed, the completed product is placed on the area's output track and conveyed to a subsequent operational area. When the processing at the subsequent area is completed, the unit is placed on the subsequent area's output track, which is a physically distinct track from the area's input track. The input and output tracks within an operational area may occupy different levels of a multi-level system in which the various levels share a common floor space footprint to conserve floor space requirements. The tracks may be configured as a pair of tracks to facilitate simultaneous processing of two products or jobs. In addition, one or more of the tracks may have a support surface that is not parallel to the manufacturing floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Christopher Joseph Tulley
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Publication number: 20030070902Abstract: A transport system for the shell assembly of vehicle bodies comprises a rail system (2, 3) which connects at least two processing stations and on which at least one carriage (4), which carries the workpiece, is capable of travelling. The guidance of the carriage (4) on the rail system (2, 3) and/or the design of the said carriage permits a certain displacement of the carriage (4) transversely to the direction of movement and in the vertical direction. Disposed in the processing stations are spatially fixed positioning means (13a, 13b, 17a, 17b, 31) which cooperate with corresponding positioning means (10a, 10b, 15a, 15b, 16, 28) on the carriage and shift the carriage (4), without having recourse to any other driving source than the movement of the carriage (4) itself in the processing station, into the exact position which is necessary for processing the workpiece in the said processing station.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Hans-Joachim Weinand, Franz Ehrenleitner
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Publication number: 20030070903Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, thermal cycle molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via novel transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Harry S. Sowden, William Stuhl
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Publication number: 20030070904Abstract: A torque transfer assembly (30a, 30b, 30c) is assembled with reinforced fasteners (44) so that it may withstand the shear forces created by torque loads. The reinforcement is provided by surrounding the portion of a fastener subjected to shear stress with a sleeve-like tube key (40).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Kevin R Klubertanz
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Publication number: 20030070905Abstract: The invention relates to a contact element for an electrical switching apparatus. The problem to be resolved comprises to minimize the expenditure related to construction parts. For this purpose a contact element is disclosed having an actuating tappet, wherein the actuating tappet is constructed such that a contact bridge is disposable in two different positions having an axial distance from each other at the actuating tappet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: MOELLER GMBHInventor: Joerg Schaefer
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Publication number: 20030070906Abstract: Position switch whose box houses a switch assembly that can be manoeuvred by an activation head using a push button.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELEC. IND. SASInventors: Kok Kong Liow, Michel Rochard, Didier Severac
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Publication number: 20030070907Abstract: Switch, more specifically a position switch, whose box is roughly prismatic. The box 10 has wings 15a,16a,13a at the back that define the external template of the box and the wings of a housing A in which a connector 30 fits. The connector is fitted so that it is detachable from the housing and has a built-in body between the wings 15a,16a,13a and has at least one surface 35,36 defining the external template of the box. A quarter-turn fixing device 40 is associated with the connector 30, and has latching tongues 43,44 that fit into the slots 15b,16b provided in the opposite fitting wings 15a,16a of box 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELEC. INDUSTRIES SASInventors: Michel Rochard, Didier Severac
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Publication number: 20030070908Abstract: An electric transfer switch unit for selective connection to different power supplies is provided with moveable contacts, associated stationary contacts connected to said power supplies, a turnable drive handle and a toggle mechanism for connecting the drive handle to the moveable contacts. The toggle mechanism includes a spring system adapted for storing and releasing mechanical energy upon turning of the drive handle. Use of the spring system assures swift and stable turning of the drive handle for shifting between the different power supplies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Katsuhiro Yoshida, Hisayuki Nagase
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Publication number: 20030070909Abstract: A tactile keyboard having a plurality of raised separate domed keys capability of being distinguished from each other by touch with the keys being mounted on the upper surface of a polycarbonate layer. The domed keys are formed from a compressible plastic, such as urethane, and form clear lenses to view indicia associated with each of the domed keys. The shape of the domed keys on the polycarbonate surface at their base are defined by ink barriers printed on the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20030070910Abstract: Disclosed is an organic electrolysis reactor for performing an electrolytic oxidation reaction of a system comprising a substrate and a reductant, comprising: a casing; an anode which comprises an anode active material and which is ion-conductive or active species-conductive; a cathode which comprises a cathode active material and which is ion-conductive or active species-conductive; and means for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode, wherein the means for applying a voltage is disposed in the outside of the casing and connected to the anode and the cathode, wherein the anode and the cathode are disposed in spaced relationship in the casing to partition the inside of the casing into an intermediate compartment between the anode and the cathode, and an anode compartment on the outside of the anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Ichiro Yamanaka, Ken Suzuki
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Publication number: 20030070911Abstract: 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 airconditioning such as in constructing heat exchanges, by using a DC discharge plasma, compriding 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 flourine-containing monomer and silicon containing monomer gas at a predetermined pressure and a non-polymerixable 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-plymerizable gas, and then forming a polymeType: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Seok-Keun Koh, Hyung Jin Jung, Won Kook Choi, Byung Ha Kang, Ki Hwan Kim, Sam Chul Ha, Cheol Hwan Kim, Sung-Chang Choi
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Publication number: 20030070912Abstract: In order to improve a pyrolysis apparatus, comprising a microwave generator, a waveguide which is coupled to the microwave generator and in which a standing wave can be generated and a fluid pipe, through which a fluid can be guided in a fluid guidance direction transverse to the direction of propagation of the standing wave, wherein a pyrolysis cell, in which the fluid is acted upon by the standing electromagnetic wave, is formed in the fluid pipe, with which a high rate of degradation of molecules to be pyrolysed can be achieved it is suggested that the pyrolysis cell be limited in the direction of an outlet by a metal grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.Inventors: Frank Holzschuh, Reinhold Prothmann, Guenther Renz
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Publication number: 20030070913Abstract: In a system for chemical analysis, an RF-driven plasma ionization device including a pair of spaced-apart and plasma-isolated electrodes, the electrodes are connected to a power source wherein the electrodes act as plates of a capacitor of a resonant circuit, the gas electrically discharges and creates a plasma of both positive and negative ions, and the voltage is applied as a continuous alternating waveform or as a series of pulses, such as a packet waveform.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Sionex CorporationInventors: Raanan A. Miller, Erkinjon G. Nazarov, Evgeny Krylov, Gary A. Eiceman, Lawrence A. Kaufman
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Publication number: 20030070914Abstract: Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a half-metallic magnetic oxide and a plasma sputtering apparatus used in the method. A conductor provided with at least one hole is disposed between a metal target and a substrate holder in the plasma sputtering apparatus, thereby improving the bonding of metal ions discharged from the metal target to oxygen ions, and a magnetic field with a coercive force larger than that of a thin film to be formed on the substrate, thereby obtaining a magnetic oxide film with excellent properties. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a conductor-side power supply unit is connected to the conductor, thereby additionally supplying power to the conductor and generating second plasma. The plasma sputtering apparatus supplies high power so as to decompose oxygen, and discharges metal ions with different electrovalences at a precise ratio by the additional power supply, thereby being effectively used in manufacturing a half-metallic oxide at low temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Jin Pyo Hong, Chang Hyo Lee, Chae Ok Kim, Kap Soo Yoon, Sung Bok Lee
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Publication number: 20030070915Abstract: An wafer lifter for self-centering a wafer onto a wafer pedestal situated in a physical vapor deposition chamber and a method for self-centering a wafer onto the wafer pedestal are described. The wafer lifter is constructed by a lifter body of annular shape, at least four support fingers emanating upwardly from the wafer lifter body and are spaced-apart from each other, and a platform on a tip portion of each of the at least four support fingers defined by a slanted surface from a vertical plane of an outside surface of the support finger. The platform, when supporting a wafer thereon, leaves substantially no gap between the slanted surface and an outer periphery of the wafer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chung-En Kao
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Publication number: 20030070916Abstract: An electrochemical device comprising an electrolyte and at least one electrode plate, the electrochemical device having a metal part constituting the electrode plate or being connected to the electrode plate; the electrolyte comprising a solute and a solvent dissolving the solute; the metal part having an insulating oxide layer for preventing the electrolyte from creeping on at least part of the surface of the metal part.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuo Nanno, Yukihiro Okada, Yoichi Izumi
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Publication number: 20030070917Abstract: An apparatus including a basis that has a plurality of wells associated therewith for defining a plurality of electrochemical cells; at least two electrodes sealingly disposed in each electrochemical cell; and circuitry for providing an electrical connection between an electrical source and each said cell. A particularly preferred apparatus employs at least one printed circuit board secured to the base. In a preferred method, candidate materials are introduced into the apparatus and their respective performances are analyzed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel M. Giaquinta, Alexander Gorer, Martin Devenney, Sum Nguyen, Leonid Matsiev
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Publication number: 20030070918Abstract: A processing chamber comprising a reaction vessel having an electro-reaction cell including a virtual electrode unit, an electrode assembly disposed relative to the electro-reaction cell to be in fluid communication with the virtual electrode unit, and an electrode in the electrode assembly. The virtual electrode unit has at least one opening defining at least one virtual electrode in the electro-reaction cell. The electrode assembly can include an electrode compartment and an interface element in the electrode compartment. The interface element can be a filter, a membrane, a basket, and/or another device configured to hold the electrode. The interface element, for example, can be a filter that surrounds a basket in which the electrode is positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Kyle M. Hanson
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Publication number: 20030070919Abstract: Dielectric rails (112) support an electrode stack (109) that is compressed between end pressure plates (118). The stack is composed of a dielectric spacer (46, 103) forming a central spacer opening, separating a pair of electrode plates (101,102) that each have a different configuration of openings. A first electrode plate (101) of the pair has a central aperture, while the second electrode plate (102) of the pair has peripheral apertures. A compression device such as a hydraulic cylinder (124) compresses the stack, sliding the plates and spacers together to form a pressure-tight reaction chamber (108). When the cylinder is released, any plate or spacer is readily removed from the stack for replacement or maintenance merely by lifting it off the rails. An electric potential can be applied to each electrode plate at a connecting ear (116), which may be a one of the rail guides (116).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: F. William Gilmore
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Publication number: 20030070920Abstract: A deposition process for coating a substrate with a ruthenium-containing oxide material, or a precursor thereof, is described. Preferably, the reagent solution is substantially devoid of a halide, such as chlorine. The coated substrate is useful as an electrode in a capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Ashish Shah, Barry C. Muffoletto
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Publication number: 20030070921Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrodes, sensors, and methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises: a co-fired sensing electrode comprising the reaction product of about 50 wt % to about 95 wt % noble metal, about 0.5 wt % to about 15.0 wt % yttria-stabilized zirconia, and about 1 wt % to about 6 wt % yttria, based upon a total combined weight of the noble metal, yttria-stabilized zirconia, and yttria, a reference electrode, and a co-fired electrolyte disposed between and in ionic communication with the co-fired sensing electrode and the reference electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Eric P. Clyde, Kailash C. Jain, Paul C. Kikuchi
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Publication number: 20030070922Abstract: A magnetron comprising an anode portion having an anode cylinder and vanes, a cathode portion having a coil-shaped filament, magnetic poles disposed at the upper and lower ends of the filament, ring-shaped permanent magnets made of a Sr ferrite magnet containing La-Co, an input portion and an output portion. The diameter &phgr;a of the inscribed circle at the ends of the vanes constituting the anode portion is in the range of 7.5 to 8.5 mm, and the outside diameter &phgr;c of the coil-shaped filament 1 constituting the cathode portion is in the range of 3.4 to 3.6 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ishii, Takanori Handa, Masayuki Aiga, Nagisa Kuwahara
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Publication number: 20030070923Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing electrophysiological measurements on membranous samples, including living cells, isolated cell fragments (such as organelles), and/or artificial membranes (such as vesicles). The apparatus may include a high-throughput electrophysiological measurement system, and components thereof. This measurement system may include, among others, (1) a fluidics head for transferring samples and/or other compounds to a perforated measurement substrate, (2) a pressure-regulated plenum system for positioning samples on the substrate and subsequently forming a high-resistance electrical seal, (3) an activation system (such as a computer-controlled pulsed UV illumination module) for activating caged compounds, (4) an electronics head for applying and/or measuring voltage and/or current, and/or (5) a computer-controlled analysis system for collecting and/or analyzing data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Kirk S. Schroeder, Bradley D. Neagle
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Publication number: 20030070924Abstract: A gas sensor having a laminate structure composed of thin sheets of solid electrolyte and including a cavity portion 21 and an oxygen concentration cell 5. The oxygen concentration in the cavity portion 21 is held constant. The oxygen concentration cell 5 includes an active electrode 12 having a relatively high catalytic capability with respect to NOx or combustible gas and an inner common electrode 13/15 (serving as an inactive electrode and an oxygen-concentration-sensing electrode) having a relatively low catalytic capability with respect to NOx or combustible gas. The oxygen concentration cell 5 is disposed in the gas sensor so as to be exposed to the interior of the cavity portion 21. The concentration of NOx or combustible gas is determined based on an electromotive force (of the order of mV) generated between the active electrode 12 and the inner common electrode 13/15 by a concentration cell effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 1999Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: SATOSHI SUGAYA, NORIHIKO NADANAMI, NOBORU ISHIDA, TAKAFUMI OSHIMA
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Publication number: 20030070925Abstract: Methods and devices are described for concentration and cleanup of samples containing bio-molecule analytes (e.g., polynucleotides, such as DNA, RNA, PNA). Various embodiments provide for pH-mediated sample concentration and cleanup of nucleic acid samples with channel devices (e.g., cross-T format, microchannel devices).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: APPLERA CORPORATIONInventor: Karl O. Voss
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Publication number: 20030070926Abstract: Marker compounds suitable for gel electrophoresis are disclosed. The compounds are natural, non-natural compounds or a mixture thereof, but not a protein. The compounds comprise at least one monomer unit, at least one functional group unit and optionally at least one core unit. Also contemplated is a method for positioning the marker compounds or a set of the compounds according to the invention and a method for the detection and/or quantification of s sample molecule in a two-dimensional gel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Ola Forsstrom-Olsson, Anders Johan Malmstrom, Lars Gustay Malmstrom, Per Magnus Berglund, Ulf Christian Ellervik
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Publication number: 20030070927Abstract: Methods and reagents for fluorescent analysis of serum proteins separated by electrophoresis. This assay allows for the immediate quantitation of resolved proteins in biological materials. The electrophoresed sample is treated with a fixative composition and stained using an ANS-based stain solution. No pre-stain washing or post-stain washing and drying is required. The fluorescent serum protein assay allows for automation of serum protein analyses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Mark E. Merchant, Philip A. Guadagno, Debra Linn Hicks, Suzan Sha Robinson
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Publication number: 20030070928Abstract: A process for preparing salts of methallylsulfonic acid in which the reaction mixture produced from the sulfonation is diluted with water and neutralized with a base.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Claus York Werninger, Lothar Kerker, Hartmut Steinbeisser, Wilfried Bueschken, Franz-Felix Kuppinger, Peter Ernst Esser
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Publication number: 20030070929Abstract: A color display device based on dielectrophoresis is described. The device includes a dielectrophoretic mixture comprising semi-insulating particles of each of the subtractive primary colors cyan (32), magenta (34) and yellow (36) in a semi-insulating liquid (24). The dielectrophoretic frequency characteristics of the particles are the same or similar for particles of the same color but different between the three colors. In particular, the transition frequency (f0) is different for each color, or two colors may have the same transition frequency (f0) if one has a reversed sense dielectrophoretic frequency characteristic. Also the speeds of the particles are the same for particles of the same color but different between the three colors. The pixels are driven with alternating voltages of different frequencies (f1, f2, f3, f4) and duration determined such that different proportions of the different colors of particles are moved, dependent upon their transition frequencies and speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: John M. Shannon, Ian D. French, Jeremy N. Sandoe
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Publication number: 20030070930Abstract: Substantially uniform deposition of conductive material on a surface of a substrate, which substrate includes a semiconductor wafer, from an electrolyte containing the conductive material can be provided by way of a particular device which includes first and second conductive elements. The first conductive element can have multiple electrical contacts, of identical or different configurations, or may be in the form of a conductive pad, and can contact or otherwise electrically interconnect with the substrate surface over substantially all of the substrate surface. Upon application of a potential between the first and second conductive elements while the electrolyte makes physical contact with the substrate surface and the second conductive element, the conductive material is deposited on the substrate surface. It is possible to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode so that electro-etching of deposited conductive material can be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Homayoun Talieh, Cyprian Uzoh, Bulent M. Basol
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Publication number: 20030070931Abstract: An improved plating method in which non-plated vias or through holes are temporarily metalized for use as busses during selective noble metal plating and subsequently de-metalized to prevent shorting together of the nobly plated features.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Honeywell Advanced Circuits, Inc.Inventor: Keith G. Kitchens
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Publication number: 20030070932Abstract: In the invention, there is provided a plating treatment technique which permits uniform plating treatment and easy replacement of articles to be plated without the effect of bubbles in a plating solution by improving wet plating apparatuses of the contact type to thereby solve problems such as the removal of bubbles in a plating solution and the removal of an adhering plating solution. Provided is a plating apparatus having a plating tank, which comprises: an opening which has a solution seal to prevent a plating solution from leaking when an article to be plated is placed on the opening; a solution-supply portion which supplies the plating solution; a solution-discharge portion which discharges the plating solution; and an anode which is opposed to the article to be plated that is placed, wherein the plating tank has rotational means for rotating the plating tank itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Yasuhiko Sakaki
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Publication number: 20030070933Abstract: A composition and process for electroplating tin or tin alloys onto a substrate at relatively high current densities. The electrolyte comprises toluene sulfonic acid and a source of ammonium ions and/or magnesium ions. The process is particularly suited to high speed reel to reel or strip steel plating.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: David Crotty
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Publication number: 20030070934Abstract: A metal plating bath and method of plating a metal on a substrate where the metal plating bath contains heteroatom compounds that prevent or inhibit the consumption of metal plating bath additives. The metal plating bath additives improve the brightness of plated metal as well as the ductility, micro-throwing power and macro-throwing power of the plating bath. The addition of the additive consumption inhibiting heteroatom organic compounds improves the physical properties of the plated metal as well as the efficiency of the plating process. The heteroatom organic compounds may contain sulfur, oxygen or nitrogen heteroatoms.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Andrew J. Cobley, Mark J. Kapeckas, Erik Reddington, Wade Sonnenberg, Leon R. Barstad, Thomas Buckley
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Publication number: 20030070935Abstract: Using pulsed current and relatively low peak ceiling voltage, articles containing light metals such as magnesium may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. The anodizing solutions employed may contain phosphate, permanganate, silicate, zirconate, titanate and/or complex fluoride, optionally with other components present.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Shawn E. Dolan
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Publication number: 20030070936Abstract: Using pulsed current and relatively low average voltages, articles containing light metals such as magnesium may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. The anodizing solutions employed may contain phosphate, permanganate, silicate, zirconate, vanadate, titanate, hydroxide, alkali metal fluoride and/or complex fluoride, optionally with other components present.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Shawn E. Dolan
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Publication number: 20030070937Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprising one or more anodes (10), each having a metal-based anode substrate, for instance comprising a metal core (11) covered with an metal layer 12, an oxygen barrier layer (13), one or more intermediate layers (14; 14A, 14B) and an iron layer (15). The anode substrate is covered with an electrochemically active transition metal oxide layer, in particular an iron oxide-based outside layer (16) such as a hematite-based layer, which remains dimensionally stable during operation in a cell by maintaining in the electrolyte a sufficient concentration of iron species and dissolved alumina. The cell operating temperature is sufficiently low so that the required concentration of iron species in the electrolyte (5) is limited by the reduced solubility of iron species in the electrolyte at the operating temperature, which consequently limits the contamination of the product aluminium by iron to an acceptable level.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Jean-Jacques Duruz, Vittorio De Nora, Olivier Crottaz
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Publication number: 20030070938Abstract: This invention provides a system and apparatus with fine control over quantity and volume of water used, and current and charge used, to provide hydrogen and oxygen gas fr other purposes. The system provides for control of temperature and pressure of the produced gas to provide separation of the two gases post-electrolysis, based upon the physical characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen at same pressure and temperature, where one is in a different phase from the other (that is, gas/liquid/solid phase or state), using simple mechanical means. The system also uses small piezo-electric crystals configured to perform a pumping function to deliver the water to the electrolytic means' electrodes, and optionally to collect the produced hydrogen and oxygen as a part of the separation means by providing partial vacuum.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Mohammed Mali
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Publication number: 20030070939Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for treating membrane-containing material with electrical fields, in vitro, and with an added treating substance. With the method, a plurality of electrodes are arrayed around the material to be treated and are connected to outputs of an electrode selection apparatus. Inputs of the electrode selection apparatus are connected to outputs of a pulse sequence generator. A treating substance is added to the membrane-containing material. Electrical pulses are applied to the electrode selection apparatus and are routed through the electrode selection apparatus in a predetermined, computer-controlled sequence to selected electrodes in the array of electrodes, whereby the membrane-containing material is treated with the added treating substance and with electrical fields. The routing of applied pulses through the electrode selection apparatus to selected electrodes can be done in an enormous number of ways.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Richard E. Walters, Alan D. King, Derin C. Walters
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Publication number: 20030070940Abstract: A method for purifying water characterized in that a chamber is separated by a diaphragm into an anode section and a cathode section, a voltage is applied between the anode and the cathode while an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the cathode section so as to generate a hypohaloric acid and hydrogen peroxide in the anode and cathode sections, respectively, and the water to be treated is first supplied to the anode section to be contacted with the hypohaloric acid and is then introduced to the cathode section to be contacted with the hydrogen peroxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: NIPPON OIL CORPORATIONInventors: Takayuki Hirayama, Keisuke Nakayama, Yoshiyuki Shimo, Haruyoshi Mizuta
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Publication number: 20030070941Abstract: A value of a current flowing through a plating solution to a first working electrode whose base is exposed in a first opening is measured, and a value of a current flowing through the plating solution to a second working electrode whose base is exposed in a second opening having an opening area larger than that of the first opening is measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: MATSUHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Shuji Hirao
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Publication number: 20030070942Abstract: A device for determining the characteristics of a biomass, includes: a probe (S,S′) including electrodes, two or four in number, for injecting a current into a medium containing biological cells and for reading the voltage applied to the medium, and a resistance for measuring the injected current; a conditioning unit (10) including an alternating voltage generator (112) and a circuit (200) processing current and voltage measuring signals, so as to deliver signals (C,G) respectively of measurement of the capacity and conductance of the medium. The conditioning unit (10) includes a zero method measuring bridge (150) automatically controlled to deliver the signals (C,G) of measurement of the medium capacity and conductance. The invention is useful for characterizing media containing biological cells, in particular for controlling biological fermentation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Frederic Ossart
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Publication number: 20030070943Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the deposit forming propensity of a continuously flowing fluid having a bulk pH of about 1 to about 12 comprising measuring the rate at which deposit forms on a quartz crystal microbalance having a top side comprising a working electrode in contact with the fluid and a bottom side isolated from the fluid, wherein the pH of the fluid proximate to the microbalance is controlled electrochemically at about 1 to about 14 by applying to the working electrode a cathodic current of about −0.001 to about −100 mA/cm2 or an anodic current of from about 0.001 to about 100 mA/cm2 and wherein the working electrode is coated with or made of a conductive material on which the rate of hydrogen gas evolution is at least 10 times lower than on a gold cathode in acidic solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Sergey M. Shevchenko, Dmitri L. Kouznetsov, Prasad Y. Duggirala
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Publication number: 20030070944Abstract: A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using said system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Alok Nigam
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Publication number: 20030070945Abstract: A device for storing and holding compact discs with a holder member which carries a disc, and optionally, a jacket or other information identifying the disc, a tray in which one or more holder members are releaseably mounted for storing compact discs, the holder member having a body portion on which the disc is held and a flexible membrane connecting the body portion to a retaining member, the retaining member being secured in the tray, thereby permitting flipping of the holder member to facilitate identification and selection of a compact disc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Robert P. Wray
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Publication number: 20030070946Abstract: A CD holder structure having a flexible, circular, convex pad integral with a plate mounted inside a CD case, convex pad having a keeper with a top button, a plurality of main cuts respectively extended from respective splits in the keeper, and a plurality of working areas respectively defined between each two adjacent main cuts, the working areas each having a substantially U-shaped cut and a springy strip surrounded by the U-shaped cut, the spring strip having an upright top bearing flange adapted to support the storage CD, and a downward bottom supporting flange stopped at the plate and adapted to give an upward reactive force to the storage CD through the upright top flange upon pressing of the button by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Liang-Jung Liu
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Publication number: 20030070947Abstract: A case for holding a portable electronic device is disclosed which includes a body portion having a front panel, a rear panel, and two side panels. The body portion has a cavity formed by the front, rear, and side panels. The cavity has an open top end and an open bottom end. A top flap is releasably secured to the body portion within the cavity. A bottom flap is attached to and extends downwardly from the body portion. To cover the open bottom end of the cavity, the bottom flap is folded over the open end and releasably secured to the rear panel. When it is desired to cover the top open end of the cavity, the top flap is folded over the cavity and secured to the front panel of the body portion. The top flap may be adjusted so as to accommodate various types of portable devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: W. David Motson
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Publication number: 20030070948Abstract: A storage and security case for a personal computer comprises a housing with fold over side platforms, which operate a mechanism to raise and lower a support platform within the case to cover a personal computer stored within the case or expose the personal computer. The side platforms provide additional functions such as a storage tray for various materials and a mouse platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: CompX International Inc.Inventors: Peter M. Barber, Vernon W. Tarbutt
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Publication number: 20030070949Abstract: A display container is disclosed having a pair of end caps coupleable to a central portion and a merchandising card extending between and secured in position by the end caps. The merchandising card capable of supporting an item to be sold. The central portion may be transparent to allow a consumer to see the item for sale.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Brookstone Company Inc.Inventors: David K. Harris, Rudy Woodard