Patents Issued in August 7, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030146368
    Abstract: A distance measurement object is imaged by a pair of line sensors of an AF sensor, and sensor data showing the sensor images is generated. A CPU generates AF data showing the contrast of sensor images with the sensor data being sequentially acquired by the CPU for each cell. Then, the AF data is used to carry out calculation of correlation values or the like, thereby calculating the distance from the distance measurement object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshida, Yoshikazu Mihara
  • Publication number: 20030146369
    Abstract: A correlated double sampling circuit that reduces a shift in the potential of a node on the reference voltage side produced by reset operation. A reset signal RST is turned to “H” and then is turned to “L.” By doing so, a photodiode begins integration according to the intensity of light. This detected signal is sent to a CDS circuit. An SW1 and a connection switch for sampling in the CDS circuit are turned to ON to accumulate the detected signal according to integration time in C1 and C2 as electric charges. After a certain period of time elapsed, the SW1 and connection switch for sampling are turned to OFF to hold the detected signal sampled. Next, the RST is turned again to “H” and the SW1 is turned to ON. Then the RST is turned to “L” and the SW1 is turned to OFF. By doing so, reset noise is sampled and held in the C1. As a result, only a signal component can be extracted from the detected signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Masatoshi Kokubun
  • Publication number: 20030146370
    Abstract: Systems for detection and compensation of modal dispersion in an optical fiber system including a multisegment photodetector coupled to an end of an optical fiber for detecting optical signals exiting the optical fiber and for converting the optical signals to an electrical output are provided. A representative multisegment photodetector includes a plurality of photodetector regions configured such that each of the plurality of photodetectors detects a portion of the plurality of optical signals exiting the end of the optical fiber and modifies the signal to reduce the affects of modal dispersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen E. Ralph, Ketan Patel
  • Publication number: 20030146371
    Abstract: In a matrix-addressable optoelectronic apparatus comprising a functional medium in the form of an optoelectronically active material (3) provided in a global layer in sandwich between a first and second electrode means (EM1,EM2) with parallel strip-like electrodes (1;2) wherein the electrodes (2) of the second electrode means (EM2) are oriented at an angle to the electrodes (1) of the first electrode means (EM2), functional elements (5) are formed in the active material where respective electrodes (1,2) overlap and correspond to optically active pixels (5) in a display device or pixels (5) in an optical detector, depending upon the active material (3) used. In each of the electrode means (EM1;EM2) the electrodes (1;2) are provided in a dense parallel configuration and mutually insulated by a thin film (6) with a thickness that is only a fraction of the width of the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Hans Gude Gudesen, Geirr I. Leistad, Per-Erik Nordal
  • Publication number: 20030146372
    Abstract: A novel MOS or CMOS based active sensor array for producing electronic images from electron-hole producing light. Each pixel of the array includes a layered photodiode for converting the electron-hole producing light into electrical charges and MOS and/or CMOS pixel circuits located under the layered photodiodes for collecting the charges. The present invention also provides additional MOS or CMOS circuits in and/or on the same crystalline substrate for converting the collected charges into images and manipulating image data. The layered photodiode of each pixel is fabricated as continuous layers of charge generating material on top of the MOS and/or CMOS pixel circuits so that extremely small pixels are possible with almost 100 percent packing factors. In a preferred embodiment the sensor is a 0.3 mega pixel (3.2 mm×2.4 mm, 640×480) array of 5 micron square pixels which is compatible with a lens of {fraction (1/4.5)} inch optical format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Tzu-Chiang Hsish, Calvin Chao
  • Publication number: 20030146373
    Abstract: A multi-optical-path photoelectric safety apparatus is provided that has a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit and a control unit for controlling each optical path. A light block substance sensing function for a multi-optical-path light curtain is also provided to sense an object between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. A muting area setting unit is also provided that can be taught how to set an area for exerting a muting function. The muting function can be provided only in a partial area of the light curtain by using the muting area setting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Motohiro Kudo, Tetsu Inoue
  • Publication number: 20030146374
    Abstract: This optical polarimetric detector comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Philippe Bois, Eric Costard, Marcel Francis Audier, Eric Herniou
  • Publication number: 20030146375
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes light sources, an aperture having, and coupling lenses. Numbers of the light sources and the coupling lenses are equal to each other and the apparatus satisfies an inequality 12.7 <(Dx&bgr;oxmoxdpi)/(2xNA) <38.1 and an equation &bgr;o=(&bgr;+−&bgr;)/(n-1), wherein D represents a width of the slit of the aperture, &bgr;orepresents a beam open angle, mo represents a total lateral magnification ratio, dpi represents a number of dots per inch, NA represents a numerical aperture, &bgr;+represents a positive open angle, &bgr; represents a negative open angle, and n represents the number. Further, an image forming apparatus using this optical scanning apparatus and an image forming method are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Nobuaki Ono, Tomohiro Nakajima, Akihisa Itabashi, Kenichi Takanashi, Tomoya Ohsugi
  • Publication number: 20030146376
    Abstract: A scanning optical system includes first and a second lens elements, at least one of which is a plastic lens element. Each surface of the plastic lens element is an aspherical surface that is configured such that a shape in a main scanning plane is defined as a function of a distance, in the main scanning direction, from a surface reference axis thereof, and that a curvature in an auxiliary scanning plane which is perpendicular to the main scanning plane is defined as another function of a distance, in the main scanning direction, from the surface reference axis. At least one of the two surfaces of the plastic lens element are arranged such that the surface reference axis thereof is decentered from an axis of the beam in the auxiliary scanning direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Koreeda
  • Publication number: 20030146377
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the analysis of compounds using electrospray in high field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Sionex Corporation
    Inventors: Raanan A. Miller, Erkinjon G. Nazarov, Gary A. Eiceman, Evgeny Krylov
  • Publication number: 20030146378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a mass spectrometer. The skimmer of the present invention has a surface to reduce the overall interaction and deposition of unwanted compounds. The surface of the skimmer may be formed from an inorganic conductive nitride or may be applied to a substrate as a coating. The invention also includes a method for reducing the interaction or deposition of compounds on a mass spectrometer skimmer by application or coating the skimmer with an inert conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Alex Mordehai
  • Publication number: 20030146379
    Abstract: Apparatus for analysis of a thin film formed over an underlying layer on a surface of a sample, the thin film including first elements, while the underlying layer includes second elements. The apparatus includes an electron gun, which directs a beam of electrons to impinge on a point on the surface of the sample at which the thin film is formed. An electron detector receives Auger electrons emitted by the first and second elements responsive to the impinging beam of electrons, and to output a signal indicative of a distribution of energies of the emitted electrons. A controller receives the signal and analyzes the distribution of the energies so as to determine a composition of the first elements in the thin film and a thickness of the thin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials Israel, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kadyshevitch, Avi Simon
  • Publication number: 20030146380
    Abstract: An atomic force microscope utilizes a pulse release system and improved method of operation to minimize contact forces between a probe tip affixed to a flexible cantilever and a specimen being measured. The pulse release system includes a magnetic particle affixed proximate the probe tip and an electromagnetic coil. When energized, the electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field which applies a driving force on the magnetic particle sufficient to overcome adhesive forces exhibited between the probe tip and specimen. The atomic force microscope includes two independently displaceable piezo elements operable along a Z-axis. A controller drives the first Z-axis piezo element to provide a controlled approach between the probe tip and specimen up to a point of contact between the probe tip and specimen. The controller then drives the first Z-axis piezo element to withdraw the cantilever from the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Paul V.C. Hough, Chengpu Wang
  • Publication number: 20030146381
    Abstract: A method for production testing includes receiving a wafer including a semiconductor substrate and a non-conducting layer formed over the substrate, following etching of contact openings through the non-conducting layer to the substrate, the contact openings including an array of the contact openings arranged in a predefined test pattern in a test area on the wafer. An electron beam is directed to irradiate the test area, a specimen current flowing through the substrate responsive to the electron beam is measured. The specimen current is analyzed so as to assess a dimension of the contact openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials Israel, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Simon, Alexander Kadyshevitch
  • Publication number: 20030146382
    Abstract: Heights of a sample are calibrated by setting a calibrating substrate on a stage and then irradiating a charged particle beam onto standard marks provided on at least two kinds of surfaces having different substrate heights. Secondary charged particles produced from said irradiated standard marks on the substrate are and detected and a surface height of the irradiated portion of the substrate measured. The difference in height between the standard marks is set to be in a range containing an extent, over the entire sample, to which the height of the sample varies due to warping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Hiroyuki Shinada, Atsuko Takafuji, Yasutsugu Usami, Shuji Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20030146383
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for correction of temperature-induced variations in the analog output characteristics of a microbolometer detector in an infrared detecting focal plane array utilizing electronic means to correct for the temperature variation of the individual microbolometer detector. The electronic circuitry and associated software necessary for implementation is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Knauth, Steven M. Balick
  • Publication number: 20030146384
    Abstract: An optical sensor package capable of being surface mounted, and in a form that enables multiple packages to be fabricated simultaneously and then array tested in a wafer stack prior to singulation. The package comprises a chip carrier, a device chip electrically and mechanically connected to a first surface of the chip carrier with solder connections, and a capping chip secured to the chip carrier to hermetically enclose the device chip. The device chip has an optical sensing element on a surface thereof, while the capping chip has means for enabling radiation to pass therethrough to the device chip. The chip carrier includes conductive vias that are electrically connected to the solder connections of the device chip and extend through the chip carrier to bond pads on a second surface of the chip carrier, enabling the package to be surface mounted with solder connections to a suitable substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Logsdon, Abhijeet V. Chavan, Hamid R. Borzabadi
  • Publication number: 20030146385
    Abstract: An analyte detection system non-invasively determines the concentration of an analyte in a sample generating a sample infrared signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte in the sample. The detection system includes a window assembly for receiving the sample infrared signal. The window assembly is adapted to allow the sample infrared signal to transmit therethrough, and generates a window infrared signal. The detection system further includes at least one detector configured to receive both the window infrared signal and the sample infrared signal transmitted through the window assembly. The detector is further adapted to generate a detector signal in response thereto. The detection system further includes a correction module configured to generate a corrected detector signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Peng Zheng, Jennifer H. Gable, W. Dale Hall, Kenneth G. Witte, James R. Braig
  • Publication number: 20030146386
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method capable of acquiring data at a high speed while holding proper precision in measurement in an infrared imaging apparatus comprising an FTIR device of a continuous scan type for detecting a signal by a multi-element detector. A method of acquiring data from a multi-element detector in an infrared imaging apparatus comprising the steps of starting to scan a element of the said multi-element detector synchronously with a sampling signal (12) based on a reference signal (10) of an interferometer, scanning the element at a higher frequency than a sampling frequency of the sampling signal (12), completing the scanning of all the elements before a next sampling signal to the sampling signal starting the element scanning is generated, and repeating a series of operations every time the sampling signal is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: JASCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nagoshi, Seiichi Kashiwabara, Jun Koshoubu
  • Publication number: 20030146387
    Abstract: Regarding to the radiation detector 10, which has the scintillator 16 placed on the light incidence plane plate member of the photomultiplier tube by use of the optical binder 14 interposed therebetween, and which includes a coated film FLM formed so as to cover the scintillator and at least part of the side tube portion 12b of the photomultiplier tube, since the scintillator and the photomultiplier tube are strongly fixed to each other by use of the coating film FLM, so that the size increase of the radiation detector can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Shirou Sakai
  • Publication number: 20030146388
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging system comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Naor Wainer
  • Publication number: 20030146389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and a method of operating a sensor with includes a plurality of sensor elements (10), each of which includes a radiation-sensitive conversion element (1) which generates an electric signal in dependence on the incident radiation, and also with means (21 to 26) for amplifying the electric signal in each sensor element (10) and a read-out switching element (30) in each sensor element (10) which is connected to a read-out line (8) in order to read-out the electric signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Falko Busse, Michael Overdick, Walter Rutten, Gerard Harkin
  • Publication number: 20030146390
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system that utilizes the leakage, or dark current, of a detector panel's photodiodes to provide more accurate data about the temperature and spatial distribution of temperature of the X-ray detector panel. Offset images are taken at known temperatures and recorded for each photodiode at two or more known temperatures. A temperature versus offset image value curve is the created for each photodiode. A second offset image value is determined immediately prior to or immediately after X-ray acquisition to determine the temperature of the detector panel at the time of X-ray acquisition. A coupled closed-loop cooling system utilizes the determined temperature to maintain the detector panel within a preferred temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Habib Vafi, Richard Gordon Cronce, Scott William Petrick, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer, David Conrad Neumann
  • Publication number: 20030146391
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for monitoring the energy radiated by an EUV radiation source with respect to energy variations acting in an illumination beam path, particularly for controlling the dose stability in EUV lithography for chip fabrication in semiconductor technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: XTREME technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Kleinschmidt, Uwe Stamm
  • Publication number: 20030146392
    Abstract: Bradbury-Nielson gates for the modulation of beams of charged particles, particularly ion beams in mass spectrometry, have been produced with an adjustable wire spacing down to 0.075 mm or a smaller spacing. The gates are robust, they can be fabricated in less than 3 hours, and the method of production is reproducible. In time-off-light mass spectrometers, fine wire spacing leads to improvements in mass resolution and modulation rates. Gates that were produced using this new method have been installed in a Hadamard transform time-of-flight mass spectrometer in order to demonstrate their utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Joel R. Kimmel, Friedrich Engelke, Richard N. Zare
  • Publication number: 20030146393
    Abstract: A pressure sensor using an optically powered resonant integrated microstructure (O-RIMS). The pressure sensor comprises a planar substrate having a photodiode, a polysilicon shell, a microbeam having a resonant frequency and fastened to the shell, and one or more optical fibers. A fluorescent material, such as erbium, is placed on the surface of the substrate in proximity to the microbeam. A Fabry-Perot cavity is formed comprising the substrate, the microbeam, and the shell. Changes in the vibratory frequency of the microbeam caused by pressure on the shell causes light delivered by a optical fiber to be modulated as the microbeam vibrates. The modulated light is conveyed to a sensor electronics arrangement via the optical fiber. The sensor electronics arrangement determines the pressure surrounding the O-RIMS from the modulated light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Youngner
  • Publication number: 20030146394
    Abstract: A method of monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter comprises exposing the matter to a light source to cause chlorophyll to fluoresce and emit a fluorescence signal. Any changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescence signal are detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. A change which exceeds the predetermined threshold is interpreted as a transition of the level of stress in the chlorophyll containing matter. An apparatus for monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter is also provided and comprises a light source for causing chlorophyll in the matter to fluoresce, a detector for detecting the intensity the fluorescent signal, means for measuring changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescent signal and a detector to detect an increase in the change of the parameter above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Prange, John Delong, Peter Harrison, Jerry Leyte, Scott Donald McLean, Jeffrey Garrett Edmund Scrutton, John Joseph Cullen
  • Publication number: 20030146395
    Abstract: A radiation image storage panel comprises a stimulable phosphor layer, which contains a stimulable phosphor, and a transparent protective layer overlaid on the stimulable phosphor layer. The transparent protective layer has a layer thickness of at most 50 &mgr;m and comprises at least four layers formed on a transparent protective layer support for supporting the transparent protective layer, the at least four layers comprising transparent inorganic layers and organic layers, which are located alternately. Each of the transparent inorganic layers contains a compound selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a metal nitride, and a metal oxynitride, and is formed with a vacuum deposition technique. Each of the organic layers is formed with a coating technique or a vacuum deposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Fukui
  • Publication number: 20030146396
    Abstract: In a lithographic apparatus using exposure radiation of a relatively short wavelength, e.g. 157 or 126 nm, a laminar flow of N2 is provided across parts of the beam path in or adjacent to moving components of the apparatus. The laminar flow is faster than the maximum speed of the moving components and the diffusion rate of air thereby minimizing the contamination of the N2 by mixing with air. Laminar flow may be ensured by providing partitions to divide the beam path into separate spaces, by covering rough or non-planar surfaces in components on or adjacent to the laminar flow and by providing aerodynamic members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Erik R. Loopstra
  • Publication number: 20030146397
    Abstract: A charged particle beam drawing apparatus and a pattern forming method capable of drawing fine patterns while minimizing the proximity effect, thus overcoming the drawbacks of the conventional exposure area density correcting method and supplementary exposure method. The inventive method comprises the steps of performing supplementary exposure by irradiating a drawing area on a specimen with a charged particle beam, and performing main exposure by irradiating with the charged particle beam a region made up of the drawing pattern inside the drawing area on the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Yoda, Hajime Kawano
  • Publication number: 20030146398
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation based on a radiation-emitting plasma, particularly for generating EUV radiation with a wavelength around 13 nm. The object of the invention, to find a novel possibility for generating extreme ultraviolet radiation based on a radiation-emitting plasma in which the emission output of the EUV source is increased to the wavelength range above the L-absorption edge of silicon without substantially increasing the technical and monetary expenditure for plasma generation, is met in a method for generating extreme ultraviolet radiation through emission of broadband radiation from a plasma under vacuum conditions in that the plasma is generated using at least one element from V to VII in the p-block of the fifth period of the periodic table of elements. Iodine, tellurium, antimony or materials containing these elements or chemical compounds formed with these elements are preferably used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: XTREME technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Guido Schriever
  • Publication number: 20030146399
    Abstract: A radiopharmaceutical pig device that includes two pig sections and two complementary engaging elements that engage each other. One of the two complementary engaging elements in integral with one of the two pig sections. By holding the other of the two complementary engaging elements stationary while the two complementary engaging elements are engaged, the other section of the pig may be removed from the pig without having to grasp the sidewall of the one of the two pig sections. This other of the complementary engaging elements may be part of a pig retainer brace, a shipping container, and L-Block shield or a counter top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew R. Martin, Kenneth Paladino
  • Publication number: 20030146400
    Abstract: A fuel injector (1), especially a fuel injector for fuel injection systems in internal combustion engines, has a valve needle (3) whose valve-closure member (4) cooperates with a valve seat surface (6) to form a sealing seat, and has an armature (20) engaging with the valve needle (3), the armature (20) being arranged on the valve needle (2) in an axially movable manner and being damped by a damping element (32) including an elastomer. A ring space (37) is formed between damping element (32) and valve needle (3) which is filled with fuel, ring space (37) being in contact with a throttle gap (39).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Mueller
  • Publication number: 20030146401
    Abstract: A two-stage valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid supply with an upper main body including a cavity with a contoured inner surface; a lower main body with at least one flow exhaust passage forming a primary flow path through the two-stage valve; a pre-stressed diaphragm sandwiched between the upper and lower main bodies, and pressure control capability for controlling the pressure in the cavity. A first valve opens and closes the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply to the cavity. A second valve allows the pressure in the cavity to exhaust to the environment. Raising and lowering of the pressure in the cavity causes the pre-stressed diaphragm to open and close the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply through the primary flow path of the two-stage valve. The design is suitable as a microvalve using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Garrett Wetzel, Mathew Christian Nielsen, Stanton Earl Weaver, Renato Guida, James Wilson Rose, Laura Jean Meyer
  • Publication number: 20030146402
    Abstract: To provide a small-sized and low-cost proportional solenoid valve which is capable of controlling a bidirectional fluid flow. A core is fixed in a pipe, and a hollow shaft having an extreme end thereof closed by a valve seat and a portion adjacent thereto formed with valve holes is fixed in the core. Within the pipe, there are arranged a hollow cylindrical valve element axially movable using the shaft as a guide and urged in a direction away from the core by a spring, for opening and closing the valve holes, and a plunger, while outside the pipe, there is arranged a solenoid coil. The proportional solenoid valve has a body formed by the pipe, and the component parts for opening and closing the valve are arranged within the pipe, so that it is possible to reduce the size of the proportional solenoid valve, the number of component parts, and machining costs and material costs, which contributes to reduction of costs of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisatoshi Hirota, Tokumi Tsugawa, Katsumi Koyama, Toshiyuki Shiota, Yuusuke Inoue
  • Publication number: 20030146403
    Abstract: In a flap valve for controlling a gas flow, with a valve tube (11) that carries the gas flow and with a valve flap (14) that is pivotable in the valve tube (11) and that in its closing position rests sealingly with its outer contour on the inner wall of a flexible thin-walled tube (20) disposed coaxially in the valve tube (11), and with a valve shaft (15) connected to the valve flap (14) in a manner fixed against relative rotation, it is provided, in order to attain a sensitive adjustment of the valve flap (14) and for the sake of technologically simple, inexpensive production of the flap valve (14), that the valve shaft (15) is positioned at an acute angle (&ggr;) relative to the valve plane, and the thin-walled tube (20) is formed directly and integrally onto the valve tube (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Ralph Krause, Peter Baur, Christian Lorenz, Klaus Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20030146404
    Abstract: Use in etching or polishing of integrated circuits of fluorinated additives of formula (I):
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Solvay Solexis S.pA.
    Inventors: Mario Visca, Alba Chittofrati, Fiorenza D'Aprile
  • Publication number: 20030146405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to selecting dispensers having optimal spray patterns for use together with aqueous wrinkle removal and/or reduction compositions to minimize the potential to stain fabrics and significantly reduce drying time associated with aqueous-based wrinkle control compositions. The present invention also relates to wrinkle control compositions suitable for use in dispensers with optimal spray patterns and articles of use including instructions for use. The present invention also relates to methods of use for wrinkle control compositions in dispensers with optimal spray patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gayle Marie Frankenbach, Anne Marie Candido, John Henry Shaw, Gabrielle Holly Spangler Detzel, Stephan Gary Bush, Todd Stephen Alwart, Dimitris Ioannis Collias
  • Publication number: 20030146406
    Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive material is made of a BaTiO3-based porcelain composed mainly of BaTiO3, and a strain (S4000) of transversal direction is 650×10−6 or more in an electric field of 4,000 V/mm. This porcelain has a Curie temperature of 110 to 130° C., and its crystal phase at ambient temperature consists essentially of tetragonal and cubic phases. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive material being composed of this porcelain is superior in strain to conventional products, and can be suitably used in an actuator or a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Yamaguchi, Takaaki Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20030146407
    Abstract: The refrigerating machine oil composition of the present invention is a refrigerating machine oil composition comprising an alicyclic dicarboxylic acid ester compound containing an alicyclic ring and two ester groups represented by the following general formula (1):
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Yuji Shimomura, Katsuya Takigawa
  • Publication number: 20030146408
    Abstract: An aqueous liquid aircraft runway deicer composition having minimal catalytic oxidation effect upon carbon-carbon composites which contains between about 20 and about 25 weight % of an alkaline earth metal carboxylate, between about 1 and about 15 weight % of an alkaline earth metal carboxylate, between about 1 and 35 weight % of an aliphatic alcohol, between about 0.01 and about 1 weight % of an alkali metal phosphate, between about 0.01 and about 1 weight % of an alkali metal silicate, and up to about 1% by weight of a triazole. A process for producing such a liquid aircraft runway deicer blends an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal phosphate and an alkali metal silicate in aqueous solution and reacts a carboxylic acid with the hydroxide in the solution to create an alkali metal carboxylate solution at a pH of about 14.2. A minor amount of a triazole is added when the pH is below 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: John O. Moles, John L. Maier, Keith L. Johnson, Susan D. Royer
  • Publication number: 20030146409
    Abstract: Snow and ice-melting granules prepared from compacted blends of salts of alkali and/or alkaline earth metals and a method for preparing such granules, are provided. The inventive granules have improved mechanical properties and, as such, are not readily reduced to a powder when subjected to mechanical loadings during transit and storage. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive granules employ one or more corrosion inhibitors homogeneously distributed throughout the granules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Davis R. Vickers, Thomas P. McGonigle
  • Publication number: 20030146410
    Abstract: Foamed material composed of water and limestone or other mineral dust suspended in a pregenerated foam is applied to the surface of a mine. Dry limestone dust or mineral dust is blended with pregenerated foam or foam generated in situ to produce a mass of foamed material that is highly vesicular but that is cohesive enough to be sprayed as a foamed mass against mine wall surfaces and ceilings. The foamed material is applied with a spray device that allows it to adhere to the surfaces of the mine. In another embodiment a dry powder formulation containing limestone dust, dry powder foaming agent and an additive that promotes the production of gas which effervesces upon contact with water can be used. The dry powder formulation can be applied by mixing it with water during application or by applying it to a wet surface. The foamed material can be built to a thickness suitable for the prevention and suppression of fires caused by the ignition of coal dust and methane gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Frank T. Gay, Dontave D. Cowsette, Jeffrey T. Champa, Bradley S. Hulvey
  • Publication number: 20030146411
    Abstract: Halophosphate luminescent materials co-activated with europium and manganese ions and having the general formula of (Ca,Sr,Ba,Mg)5(PO4)3:Eu2+, Mn2+ are disclosed. The inclusion of manganese shifts the peak emission to longer wavelengths and, thus, is beneficial in generating a bright yellow-to-orange light. White-light sources are produced by disposing a halophosphate luminescent material, optionally with a blue light-emitting phosphor, in the vicinity of a near UV/blue LED. Blue light-emitting phosphors that may be used in embodiments of the present inventions are Sr4Al14O25:Eu2+, Sr6P6BO20:Eu2+, BaAl8O13:Eu2+, (Sr,Mg,Ca,Ba)5(PO4)3Cl:Eu2+, and Sr2Si3O6.2SrCl2:Eu2+.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Alok Mani Srivastava, Holly Ann Comanzo, Anant Achyut Setlur
  • Publication number: 20030146412
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to phenyl ether substituted triazines compounds and compositions containing same and their use to protect against degradation by environmental forces. A method for stabilizing a material by incorporating such triazines is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Ram Baboo Gupta, Hargurpreet Singh, Russell C. Cappadona
  • Publication number: 20030146413
    Abstract: The invention provides certain novel metal oxide materials which exhibit superconductivity at elevated temperatures and/or which are useful in electrode, electrolyte, cell and sensor applications, or as electrochemical catalysts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Tallon, Robert G. Buckley, Murray R. Presland
  • Publication number: 20030146414
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing cathodes loaded with manganese oxide that are suitable for use in metal-air cells. The manganese oxide is prepared from the reduction of potassium permanganate by sodium formate at a substantially neutral pH level to produce manganese oxide sols. The sols are then mixed with a carbon slurry to produce a colloidal suspension. The suspension is subsequently waterproofed before being filtered, washed, dried, and rolled to produce the active catalyst layer for the cathode during discharge of the cell. The catalyst layer is then laminated with a current collector and air diffusion layer. A separator is then added to provide a carbon-based air cathode loaded with manganese oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Ernest Ndzebet
  • Publication number: 20030146415
    Abstract: An article having a predetermined surface configuration comprising a substrate and a gelled film having a high refractive index, excellent heat resistance, high film hardness and excellent transferability formed on the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Tsutomu Minami, Masahiro Tatsumisago, Kiyoharu Tadanaga, Atsunori Matsuda, Masahiro Hori, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Koichiro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030146416
    Abstract: A composition for forming a gap-filling material for lithography which, as a gap-filling material for lithography superior in planarization ability on a substrate having irregularities such as holes or trenches, causing no intermixing with a resist layer, and having a high dry etching rate as compared with the resist, is used in producing semiconductor devices by a method using the gap-filling material to cover the resist on the substrate having holes having an aspect ratio, defined as height/diameter, of 1 or more to transfer images onto the substrate by utilization of lithographic process, the composition being used to coat the substrate prior to the coating of the resist so as to planarize the substrate surface, and the composition being characterized by containing a polymer solution consisting of a polymer and a solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Satoshi Takei, Ken-ichi Mizusawa, Yasuhisa Sone
  • Publication number: 20030146417
    Abstract: The invention is intended to establish means for manufacturing MB2 single crystals and to provide a useful superconductive material (wire rod and so forth) taking advantage of anisotropic superconductive properties thereof. A mixed raw material of Mg and B or a precursor containing MgB2 crystallites, obtained by causing reaction of the mixed raw material of Mg and B, kept in contact with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), is held at a high temperature in the range of 1300 to 1700° C. and under a high pressure in the range of 3 to 6 GPa to cause reaction for forming an intermediate product, thereby growing the MB2 single crystals having anisotropic superconductive properties via the intermediate product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Lee Sergey Romonovich, Ayako Yamamoto, Setsuko Tajima