Patents Issued in August 7, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030146068
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for feeding cigarette packets (3) out of a packing machine, where the packets (3), being substantially in the shape of parallelepipeds, are moved forward with their large lateral faces (4) in contact with each other along a first path (P1) by a conveyor (2) that stabilises them in a defined direction (D) transversal to the large lateral faces (4). Downstream of the stabilising conveyor (2), there is a unit (33) for printing on the packets (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Roberto Polloni, Chiara Colo, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Publication number: 20030146069
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric overhead conveyer comprising a large number of carriages (8), which circulate on a running rail system (1). Each carriage (8) has an autonomous carriage control (11), whose memory stores (13) all the data for the rail network. The overhead conveyer can either be operated in individual circulation mode, in which each carriage (8) attempts to travel individually at the greatest permissible speed, or in group mode. In group mode, the carriages (8), which are to traverse a common section of the rail network (1) are combined into groups and exchange data concerning the locally permissible speeds that are respectively valid. All the carriages (8) in the group then travel at a speed that corresponds to the lowest permissible speed for all carriages (8) in the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Eugen Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20030146070
    Abstract: A component discharge portion is provided on the upper end of a non-end delivery belt having an upward inclined delivery surface and driven and rotated, and a component delivery path is connected to a component discharge portion and delivers a component in a predetermined attitude to the lower end side of the delivery belt. A component transfer portion for receiving the component delivered along the delivery path and for transferring the component to a next step with a constant directivity is provided on the downstream end side of the component delivery path. Furthermore, there is formed a component return path for coupling the downstream end of the component delivery path and the lower end delivery surface of the delivery belt. The component delivered in an abnormal attitude other than the component transferred to the next step is automatically returned to the delivery belt through the component return path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Matsuda, Hiroki Shibata, Koji Takashima
  • Publication number: 20030146071
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor and a transfer mechanism interposed between the first and second conveyors. The first conveyor has an input end, an output end, and a pair of laterally spaced belts rotating between its input and output ends. The belts define an upper drive run which travels in a direction from the input end towards the output end. The second conveyor has an input end adjacent the output end of the first conveyor and a distally spaced output end. The second conveyor includes a pair of laterally spaced belts rotating between its input and output ends. The belts define an upper drive run which travels in a direction from the input end towards the output end. The transfer mechanism includes first transfer pulley positioned inwardly of the output end of the first conveyor and a second transfer pulley positioned inwardly of the output end of the second conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald J. Wiese, Craig A. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20030146072
    Abstract: A joint for toothed belt aimed at conveying articles, with the belt including an inner central layer, which defines the belt body, an upper layer, which defines a surface for receiving articles to be conveyed, and a lower layer featuring teeth, includes: first connecting means, attached in an irremovable way to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt first edge to be joined; second connecting means, attached irremovably to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt second edge to be joined. After the first edge had been moved close to the second edge to complete a closed loop formed by the belt, the first connecting means and second connecting means engage with each other and are reciprocally locked in a removable way by locking means, acting crosswise to the belt in the area of the central layer, to join the first edge and second edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Carmen Rubino, Attilio Rubino, Michele Barone, Damiano Dondarini, Marco Verri
  • Publication number: 20030146073
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described relating to a crossbar which is operable to route data from any of a first number of input channels to any of a second number of output channels according to routing control information. Each combination of an input channel and an output channel corresponds to one of a plurality of links. The crossbar circuitry is operable to route the data in a deterministic manner on each of the links thereby preserving a partial ordering represented by the routing control information. Events on different links are uncorrelated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Fulcrum Microcystems Inc. A California Corporation
    Inventors: Uri Cummings, Andrew Lines
  • Publication number: 20030146074
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described relating to a crossbar which is operable to route data from any of a first number of input channels to any of a second number of output channels according to routing control information. Each combination of an input channel and an output channel corresponds to one of a plurality of links. The crossbar circuitry is operable to route the data in a deterministic manner on each of the links thereby preserving a partial ordering represented by the routing control information. Events on different links are uncorrelated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Fulcrum Microsystems Inc. A California corporation
    Inventors: Uri Cummings, Andrew Lines
  • Publication number: 20030146075
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described relating to a crossbar which is operable to route data from any of a first number of input channels to any of a second number of output channels according to routing control information. Each combination of an input channel and an output channel corresponds to one of a plurality of links. The crossbar circuitry is operable to route the data in a deterministic manner on each of the links thereby preserving a partial ordering represented by the routing control information. Events on different links are uncorrelated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Fulcrum Microsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Cummings, Andrew Lines
  • Publication number: 20030146076
    Abstract: The present invention is relative to a water-immersed switch which does not conduct electricity in the absence of a dielectric liquid, such as water, and which conducts electricity in the presence of the dielectric liquid. The water-immersed switch includes a modified copolymer containing acrylonitrile and at least one of styrene and/or a conjugated diene, as constituent units, and acidic groups introduced into said modified copolymer, and a plurality of electrically conductive electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohki, Haruo Watanabe, Yasuhito Inagaki, Tsutomu Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20030146077
    Abstract: A shunt resistor of the present invention has a configuration including a substantially planar resistor (10) having a predetermined resistance value; a first fixed terminal plate (20) that has one end portion (21) connected to an edge of the resistor (10); and a second fixed terminal plate (30) that has one end portion (31) connected to the other edge of the resistor (10), that has a portion in the vicinity of the end portion (31) which is bent substantially in the shape of the letter “U”, and that opposes at least a portion of the first fixed terminal plate (20), wherein a plurality of terminal tabs (12) for taking a voltage drop in the resistor (10) as a voltage signal is provided protrusive from a side edge of the resistor (10), and lead wires (40) are connected to the terminal tabs (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Hideki Enomoto, Riichi Uotome, Narutoshi Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20030146078
    Abstract: A collision detecting apparatus is provided which consists of a rotor and a first and a second contact spring. Upon collision, the rotor pushes the first contact spring to establish an electrical contact with the second contact spring. At least one of the first and second contact member is decreased in width from a base portion secured on a mount base to a contact portion, thereby decreasing the weight of the contact portion to avoid the contact chatter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Masatada Yoshida, Kyojiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030146079
    Abstract: A proximity micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) utilizing a gaseous capacitive gap between two conductive members. The gaseous gap is maintained by insulating structures that prevent the two conductive members from shorting. Once actuated, the gaseous gap allows high-frequency signals to be transmitted between the two conductive members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Charles L. Goldsmith
  • Publication number: 20030146080
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of propylene oxide in the presence of methanol, in which propylene oxide is separated from a mixture comprising propylene oxide and methanol, and the resultant mixture comprising methanol is worked up, which comprises separating methanol from a mixture comprising methanol and methyl formate during the work-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Joaquim Henrique Teles, Alwin Rehfinger, Peter Bassler, Anne Wenzel, Norbert Rieber, Peter Rudolf
  • Publication number: 20030146081
    Abstract: A method of recovering acrylic acid from a mixture comprising acrylic acid, water and acetic acid is disclosed, which includes: (a) extracting acrylic acid from the mixture with a solvent mixture comprising ethyl acrylate as the preponderant component thereof and an organic co-solvent selected from the group consisting of toluene, heptane, 1-heptene, methylcyclohexane, cycloheptane, cycloheptadiene, cycloheptatriene, 2,4-dimethyl-1,3 pentadiene, methylcyclohexene and methylenecyclohexene to form an extracted composition; and (b) azeotropically distilling the extracted composition to recover acrylic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Salvador Aldrett, Diane Elizabeth Allen, Nathan K. Powell, Christopher Lawrence Wilkins, Edmund Jungpiao Yang
  • Publication number: 20030146082
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating an amount of ozone incident to an air stream of an air purifier. The air purifier has a number of ultra violet light lamps, a catalyst, a first sensor, a second sensor, a ventilating duct, an array of baffles and a fan. The first sensor and second sensor detect a first and a second level of contamination of the air stream and, in response thereto, the array of baffles increase or decrease the travel path of the air stream for exposure by the UV lamps. The UV lamps and catalyst also move with respect to each other for varying the amount of exposure of the UV lamps to the contaminated air stream to regulate the ozone incident on the air stream. The improved apparatus improves the efficiency by regulating the amount of ozone incident to an air stream for varying cooking loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: VENTMASTER (EUROPE) LTD.
    Inventors: Philip George Gibson, Jeremy David Hobbs
  • Publication number: 20030146083
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling arcs in a DC sputtering system with a passive circuit is presented. The arc control system includes a sputtering chamber that houses an anode and a sputtering target formed from a target material and serving as a cathode. A DC power supply provides a DC voltage between the cathode and anode such that a cathode current flows from the anode to the cathode. A resonant network is coupled between the DC power supply and the chamber. The resonant network has sufficient Q so that in reaction to an arc, the cathode current resonates through zero, causing a positive voltage to be applied between the cathode and anode. A reverse voltage clamp is coupled across the resonant network to clamp the cathode voltage to a predetermined reverse voltage. The reverse cathode voltage inhibits subsequent arcing by positively charging insulated deposits on the sputtering target. The arc control system limits the quantity of energy that is dissipated by the arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Jeff C. Sellers
  • Publication number: 20030146084
    Abstract: A magnetic dipole ring assembly positioned inside a vacuum chamber and around a wafer being sputter deposited with a ferromagnetic material such as NiFe or other magnetic materials so that the material is deposited with a predetermined magnetization direction in the plane of the wafer. The magnetic dipole ring may include 8 or more arc-shaped magnet segments arranged in a circle with the respective magnetization directions precessing by 720° around the ring. The dipole ring is preferably encapsulated in a vacuum-tight stainless steel carrier and placed inside the vacuum chamber. The carrier may be detachably mounted on a cover ring, on the shield, or on the interior of the chamber sidewall. In another embodiment, the magnet is a magnetic disk placed under the wafer. Such auxiliary magnets allow the magnetron sputter deposition of aligned magnetic layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Jianming Fu
  • Publication number: 20030146085
    Abstract: A replacement chamber shield is provided for a wafer processing machine that replaces many prior art shield components with a single piece shield. The shield is particularly suitable for use in a processing chamber of a vacuum processing machine of a type for processing a wafer in a vertically-oriented split-plenum, such as machines of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,909,695 and 4,915,564 and the machine marketed under the trademark Eclipse Mark II by Tokyo Electron Limited. The shield is formed of sheet material formed into an axially-extending cylindrical sidewall that turns radially inwardly into an annular shoulder that oppositely turns into an at least partially axially-extending section that further turns oppositely back radially inwardly into an annular disc having a central circular opening that is larger in diameter than the given wafer diameter. Advantageous dimensions and geometric relationships to components of the machine are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: John Lawson, Dale Irwin, Steve Chervenak
  • Publication number: 20030146086
    Abstract: In the present invention, some layers, the last of which is the Cu film serving as the nonmagnetic layer, are formed on the substrate by means of sputtering performed at a reduced pressure in a film-forming sputtering chamber. The substrate is then exposed in a gas atmosphere in a gas-exposure chamber filled with gas that activates a surface of the Cu film. The remaining layers of the spin valve film are formed on the substrate, in the film-forming sputtering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Eiji Makino
  • Publication number: 20030146087
    Abstract: A method for improving a performance of a sputtering target in a magnetron sputtering system having at least one magnet repetitively and retracingly scanning between two sides thereof and receiving a power input changing with a scanning position of the magnet is provided. The method includes the steps of stepwise reducing the power input while the magnet approaches a specific distance range near a retracing point, so as to reduce an erosion rate of the sputtering target by the magnetron sputtering system, and increasing the power input to a specific value while the magnet leaves the specific distance range, wherein the power input changes with the scanning position of the magnet, so as to improve the performance of the sputtering target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Hannstar Display Corp.
    Inventors: Tun-Ho Teng, Yung-Fu Chen
  • Publication number: 20030146088
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an optical coating using negatively charged ions, which form a high quality thin film of high density, are disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus includes a gas flow controller controlling an amount of an externally introduced inert gas, a pre-heater pre-heating the inert gas introduced from the gas flow controller through a first gas flow tube, a cesium vaporizer discharging a cesium gas through a third gas flow tube carried by the inert gas introduced from the pre-heater through a second gas flow tube and a bubbler, a pressure detector detecting a vapor pressure of the cesium vaporizer, a pressure control valve controlling the vapor pressure of the cesium vaporizer, a gas introduction tube introducing the cesium gas to a vacuum chamber, a plurality of targets in the vacuum chamber, and a plurality of cesium discharge units selectively discharging the cesium gas to each surface of the targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Filteray Fiber Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daesig Kim
  • Publication number: 20030146089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for plating a conductive material on a substrate surface in a highly desirable manner. The invention removes at least one additive adsorbed on the top portion of the workpiece more than at least one additive disposed on a cavity portion, thereby allowing plating of the conductive material take place before the additive fully re-adsorbs onto the top portion and causing greater plating of the cavity portion relative to the top portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Bulent Basol
  • Publication number: 20030146090
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for introducing ion exchange or other particulates into compartments of an already-assembled electrodeionization or comparable stack by modulating a flow of slurry into the compartments with slugs of gas such as air. The air propels liquid through the cells, scavenging ponded liquid so that the particulates (which are retained, e.g., by a strainer or obstruction, in compartment of the apparatus) are deposited as well-packed beds to fill the compartments. Pressurized air filling protocols may deliver discrete slugs of slurry between bursts of air, and the direction of filling may be periodically reversed to diminish particle bed non-homogeneities or settling gradients that arise during transport. The slugs of air may be applied in the direction of slurry flow, in the reverse direction, or both. Different slurries may be transported in a sequence to form layered and packed beds of enhanced utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Bernard R. Mack, Keith J. Sims, William W. Carson, Richard I. Parent
  • Publication number: 20030146091
    Abstract: Systems for positioning and/or analyzing samples such as cells, vesicles, cellular organelles, and fragments, derivatives, and mixtures thereof, for electrical and/or optical analysis, especially relating to the presence and/or activity of ion channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Horst Vogel, Christian Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20030146092
    Abstract: A sensor element for an electrochemical sensor for determining a physical variable of a gas mixture, for example, for a lambda probe for determining the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, having a composite of sheets, which lie on top of each other, made from a solid electrolyte. The composite may have at least one electrochemical cell, including two electrodes, which may be applied to a solid electrolyte, as well as an integrated heater element. In order to achieve an additional electric insulation of the heater element, the electrochemical cell and the heater element may be connected to one another via an insulating, non-ion conductive sheet binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Detlef Heimann, Thomas Wahl, Torsten Handler
  • Publication number: 20030146093
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor forming a sensing element which comprises a solid electrolytic substrate of ziconia of the shape of an elongated flat plate, a measuring electrode and a reference electrode which are formed of platinum, said measuring electrode and said reference electrode being formed on both opposing surfaces at an end of said solid electrolytic substrate so as to be opposed to each other, wherein said measuring electrode has an electrode area of from 8 to 18 mm2, and said sensing element has a width w of from 2.0 to 3.5 mm at the end of the solid electrolytic substrate. The oxygen sensor exhibits excellent gas response performance, can be quickly heated and is small in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahide Akiyama, Kouji Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20030146094
    Abstract: In a fuel cell, particularly a direct methanol fuel cell, in which a waste gas develops at the anode and at the cathode, a carbon dioxide concentration is measured in the waste gas. The carbon dioxide concentration is used to determine the loss of fuel through the membrane of the fuel cell. To this end, the corresponding device is provided with a carbon dioxide sensor that is arranged inside the gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Walter Preidel
  • Publication number: 20030146095
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the fabrication of microscale, including micron and sub-micron scale, including nanoscale, devices. Electronic transport of movable component devices is utilized through a fluidic medium to effect transport to a desired target location on a substrate or motherboard. Forces include electrophoretic force, electroosmotic force, electrostatic force and/or dielectrophoretic force. In the preferred embodiment, free field electroosmotic forces are utilized either alone, or in conjunction with, other forces. These forces may be used singly or in combination, as well as in conjunction with yet other forces, such as fluidic forces, mechanical forces or thermal convective forces. Transport may be effected through the use of driving electrodes so as to transport the component device to yet other connection electrodes. In certain embodiments, the component devices may be attached to the target device using a solder reflow step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Nanogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Edman, Michael J. Heller, Rachel Formosa, Christian Gurtner
  • Publication number: 20030146096
    Abstract: A multiplexed capillary electrophoresis system with cooling sufficient to prevent overheating during chiral separation. The system includes a thermally insulated enclosure enclosing a bundle of capillary tubes, a light source and photodetector. A heat transfer system is provided for cooling closely spaced portions and spread apart portions of the capillary tubes to an extent sufficient to prevent overheating of the tubes and contents thereof due to the heat generated during chiral separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peijun Cong, Robert D. Doolen
  • Publication number: 20030146097
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide, for example, buffer compositions and/or sieving formulations useful in connection with electrophoresis instruments, such as capillary electrophoresis (CE) devices. In various embodiments, a buffer composition can include Bis-Tris, TAPS and/or TAPSO, and, optionally, a chelating agent, such as EDTA. Methods of separating samples containing bio-molecules, such as DNA or RNA, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: APPLERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin J. Hacker, Karl O. Voss
  • Publication number: 20030146098
    Abstract: The present invention provides an antibacterial lead-free cationic electrodeposition coating composition comprising an aqueous medium, a binder resin including a cationic epoxy resin and a blocked isocyanate curing agent which is dispersed or dissolved in the aqueous medium, a neutralizing acid for neutralizing the cationic epoxy resin, an organic solvent and an antibacterial agent, wherein a volatile organic content is not more than 2% by weight, and the antibacterial agent is an isothiazolone compound. The antibacterial lead-free cationic electrodeposition coating composition of the present invention has reduced VOC and lead ion content in order to exert small influence on the environment, whereas having antibacterial ability comparable to that before reducing VOC and lead ion content, and having excellent electrodeposition performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Masahiro Takegawa, Mitsuo Yamada, Kosuke Muramatsu, Ryoichi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20030146099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing inorganic compounds from a section of soil. By regulating an electric voltage applied between two or more electrodes (1, 2) disposed in the section of soil (3) to values equal or below the electrokinetic point (61), inorganic compounds are electrochemically modified in situ in such a manner that they are electrokinetically mobilized and can be directly deposited on the electrodes (1, 2). According to the invention, the electrokinetic point (61) is adjusted and reached by applying a voltage to the electrodes (1, 2) and controlling it, once, after passing a first current/voltage zone (62) of a first gradient, a second current/voltage zone (63) of a second gradient that is smaller than the first gradient is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Falk Doring, Niels Doring
  • Publication number: 20030146100
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for performing active, multi-step molecular and biological sample preparation and diagnostic analyses employing immunochemical techniques. It relates generally to bioparticle separation, bioparticle enrichment, and electric field-mediated immunochemical detection on active electronic matrix devices utilizing AC and DC electric fields. More specifically, the invention relates to devices and methods for sample preparation/manipulation, immunoimmobilization, and immunoassays, all of which can be conducted on one or more active electronic chip devices within a single system. These manipulations are useful in a variety of applications, including, for example, detection of pathogenic bacteria and biological warfare agents, point-of-care diagnostics, food or medical product quality control assays, and other biological assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: NANOGEN, INC.
    Inventors: Ying Huang, Karla Ewalt, Robert Haigis, Anita H. Forster, Michael K. Krihak
  • Publication number: 20030146101
    Abstract: The plating method comprises the steps of dividing a region, to be plated, into a group of mesh-like zones, measuring a plating area of each of the zones, comparing the measurement values of the plating areas and judging whether or not the plating area has any variance, and conducting a design change, on patterns contained in this zone, to eliminate the variance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Motoharu Nii
  • Publication number: 20030146102
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of plating a copper film on a substrate in an electrochemical plating apparatus. The method includes positioning a substrate in an electrolyte solution, applying a current between the substrate and an anode to generate a current density of between about 10 mA/cm2 and about 40 mA/cm2 on the substrate surface, rotating the, substrate at a rotational speed of between about 20 rpm and about 50 rpm, and plating a copper film having a sheet resistance of less than about 16.5×10−2 Ohms/cm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sivakami Ramanathan, Srinivas Gandikota, Deenesh Padhi, Chris McGuirk, Girish Dixit, Robin Cheung
  • Publication number: 20030146103
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel processes for preparing a fluorinated acyl fluoride and a fluorinated vinyl ether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi Okazoe, Kunio Watanabe, Masahiro Ito, Daisuke Shirakawa, Shin Tatematsu
  • Publication number: 20030146104
    Abstract: The invention provides electrolytes for the electrochemical generation of nitrogen gas by anodic oxidation of triazole and tetrazole derivatives. Electrolytic cells incorporating these electrolytes are also disclosed. The nitrogen gas so produced may be useful to actuate mechanical transducers in fluid dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Colin Oloman, Diana Lencar
  • Publication number: 20030146105
    Abstract: An electrolytic process of ozone generation using platinum-coated titanium grid as cathode, &bgr;-PbO2 deposited on the grid as anode, and batteries in conjunction with supercapacitors as a DC power source is described. No membrane is required to separate the electrodes, and a neutral salt such as NaCl is used to enhance the generation of ozone gas. The electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell, the electrodes, and a bubbler can also be inserted directly in water that needs ozone treatment. As batteries can power the ozone generation, the apparatus can be disposed at point-of-use and away from the city electricity. The electrolytic apparatus can be used for sterilization of water for pharmaceutical industry, household water supply, for surface cleaning of semiconductors, meats, fish, fruits, as well as for disinfection of SPA water and personal hygiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Lin-Ren Shiue, Chia-Chann Shiue, Hsing-Chen Chung, Fei-Chen Hsieh, Yu-His Hsieh, Jiung-Jau Jou
  • Publication number: 20030146106
    Abstract: Electrochemical systems and methods of operating the systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for operating an electrochemical system, comprises: forming hydrogen gas in an electrolysis cell, maintaining the hydrogen gas at a temperature sufficient to enable the filling of a hydrogen gas vessel at a rate that would fill a 5 kg vessel with the hydrogen gas in a period of time of less than or equal to about 10 minutes, and introducing the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Fred Mitlitsky
  • Publication number: 20030146107
    Abstract: A method for the production of pipe segments from a pipe (10) is described. The pipe (10) is rotated about its longitudinal axis, while an electrode (20) is positioned in the vicinity of the outer surface (11) of the pipe (10) and electrolyte (30) is fed to the space between the pipe (10) and the electrode (20). The electrode (20) and the pipe (10) are connected to a voltage source (40), with the result that an electric current is brought about via the electrolyte (30). Thus, the pipe (10) is divided into pipe segments in an electrochemical way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Cornelus Hendricus Maria Van Oirschot, Roland Theo Anton Kals, Hendrikus Van Den Boomen
  • Publication number: 20030146108
    Abstract: A washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution is produced by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution composed of mixed caustic soda and salt in an electrolyzer. The solution is used as it is or diluted with tap water or non-potable water. The solution is applicable to washing, cleaning and sterilizing metal goods, medical instruments, nursing products, foodstuff, farm products, marine products, dishes, cooking utensils, plastic goods, surrounding, facilities, fiber products, machine parts, machine goods, various containers, electrical communication components, vehicles, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: OMEGA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka
  • Publication number: 20030146109
    Abstract: A method for analyzing gaseous or liquid samples is provided. Samples are interacted with pores of a porous thin film. A time-varying response of reflectivity is obtained from the surface of the porous thin film during the interaction. One or more analytes forming the sample or a part of the sample are identified based upon the time-varying response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael J. Sailor, Sonia Letant
  • Publication number: 20030146110
    Abstract: A biosensor in the form of a strip. In one embodiment, the biosensor strip comprises an electrode support, a first electrode, i.e., a working electrode, a second electrode, i.e., a counter electrode, and a third electrode, i.e., a reference electrode. Each of the electrodes is disposed on and supported by the electrode support. Each of the electrodes is spaced apart from the other two electrodes. The biosensor strip can include a covering layer, which defines an enclosed space over the electrodes. This enclosed space includes a zone where an analyte in the sample reacts with reagent(s) deposited at the working electrode. This zone is referred to as the reaction zone. The covering layer has an aperture for receiving a sample for introduction into the reaction zone. The biosensor strip can also include at least one layer of mesh interposed in the enclosed space between the covering layer and the electrodes in the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Shirdhara Alva Karinka, Geoffery Roger Chambers, Gurdial Sanghera
  • Publication number: 20030146111
    Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatic-electrochemical measuring device, based on a Clark electrode, comprising an Ag/AgCl reference electrode as the anode and an electrochemically active working electrode, said electrodes being configured from a layer of electrolyte, a hydrophobic membrane and an enzyme as a sensor. The invention is characterised in that at least two of the sensors are arranged as dual sensors, the electrodes of both sensors are wetted in a uniform manner and covered by a layer of electrolyte and a membrane with hydrophobic properties, the hydrophobic membrane is a predominantly gas-permeable polymer, on which, in the case of the working electrode, an enzyme is immobilised, whereas the hydrophobic membrane of the other sensor is devoid of enzymes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Abel, Thomas Von Woedtke, Alexander Schwock
  • Publication number: 20030146112
    Abstract: A chemical sensor (1) for selectively detecting an analyte in a solution as described. The sensor comprises a flow-through chamber (2), a selective membrane (3), a transducer means (4), an inlet (5) for a liquid flow containing a recognition element, and an outlet (6). There is also described a method of selectively detecting an analyte in a solution, wherein a recognition element is contacted with the solution containing the analyte via a selective membrane, said contact resulting in a response detectable by transducer means. The recognition element is injected into a flow, the flow is passed into a flow-through chamber comprising a transducer means and the selective membrane, where it is contacted with the analyte passing from the solution outside the selective membrane, whereby the recognition element and the analyte interact to provide a signal which is detected by the transducer means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Dario Kriz
  • Publication number: 20030146113
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochemical sensor based on dry chemistry for determining blood coagulation or individual coagulation factors which has at least two electrodes on an inert support as well as a dry reagent, characterized in that the reagent contains a protease substrate which is composed of a peptide residue that can be cleaved off by a thrombin and is bound to a phenylenediamine residue via an amide bond at its carboxyl end and
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Volker Unkrig, Michael Marquant, Fritz Hindelang, Holger Kotzan, Carina Horn, Christine Nortmeyer
  • Publication number: 20030146114
    Abstract: A coin display case provides for the selective viewing of each face of each coin displayed, independently of other coins displayed therein. The case has a base with a storage drawer, with a sloped display area thereabove for the flat display of coins which do not fit the pivotally mounted holders of the rest of the case. A shelf mounting area at the back of the base provides for a series of coin display shelves to be stacked thereon. Each shelf comprises a rectangular frame with a series of opposed coin holder pivots extending inwardly from each major wall. The pivots enable coins held therebetween to be pivoted about their vertical axes, for viewing both sides of commemorative coins minted with both faces having the same orientation. Alternatively, the shelves may be placed with the pivots aligned horizontally, for viewing both sides of monetary coins having relatively inverted opposite faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Keith A. Hanshaw
  • Publication number: 20030146115
    Abstract: A multiple compartment mixing unit dose is provided. A rupturable smaller unit dose within a flexible larger unit dose allows mixing of desired composition immediately prior to use. The composition is mixed by rupturing the smaller unit dose and massaging the composition in the flexible larger unit dose. The components of the desired composition are different colors and produce a third color when completely mixed. This color can be viewed through a transparent portion of the larger unit dose. The composition is dispensed out of the tip of the elongated portion of the larger unit dose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: David R. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20030146116
    Abstract: A medicament applicator having a stick handle and a connected applicating end portion in the shape of a pleasing and amusing character that is well known to a child. In one form of the invention, the applicating end is formed of a cellular material, e.g. a sponge or foam capable of releasably retaining in the pores or cells thereon a medicament to be administered. In another form, the applicating end may be formed of a confectionary material having mixed therein a medicament which is administered to the child as the child sucks thereon. A package having one or more wells is provided to store and/or ship such applicators and/or medicament until readied for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Leif Klein, Gordon Rowe, William B. Dragan
  • Publication number: 20030146117
    Abstract: A device for storing and applying material, especially dental material, comprises a first zone comprising a first and a second film that define at least one first chamber that receives a first substance, and a pouch separated from the chamber for withdrawing the first substance. The separation between the pouch and the first chamber is provided with a through opening that can be selectively opened. The device further comprises a second zone with a second chamber that is not linked with the first section by way of a through opening that can be selectively opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Gioacchino Raia, Reinhold Nowak, Marc Peuker