Patents Issued in October 30, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030201139
    Abstract: An attachment for a straight ladder that can stabilize the ladder when placed against vertical surfaces that include a flat wall, an inside corner and an outside corner. Adjustments permit use around a window or other such structure within the wall. A tubular framework accepts two support arms. The support arms may be arranged in several different orientations within the framework. Pivotable sleeves attached to the underside of the framework accept the support arms to stabilize the ladder when placed against a tree or column. A tension spring between the sleeves assist the support arms in holding the ladder against the tree. A plate affixed to the top of the framework supports a tray with depressions and cutouts so that tools and supplies may be kept close at hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Voy Haig
  • Publication number: 20030201140
    Abstract: A steering angle of an elevator sheave on a shaft is adjusted at installation and subsequently during maintenance by one of several embodiments. In one embodiment, a bolt with a jam nut is adjusted to position the shaft precisely. In another embodiment, a tee bracket is anchored to a hoistway wall, and a jack bolt with shims is used to adjust the vertical placement of the long beams that support the elevator car frame and therefore the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Bruce St. Pierre, Bruce P. Swaybill, Boris G. Traktovenko, Mark F. Orelup
  • Publication number: 20030201141
    Abstract: An actuator/coupler device attached to a towed vehicle for releasably coupling the towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, and for actuating brakes on the towed vehicle, wherein the point of coupling is a coupler ball attached to the towing vehicle. In particular, the device comprises a generally rectangular shaped housing for attachment to the towed vehicle, and a generally hollow coupler correspondingly shaped for telescopic attachment to the housing. A roller shaft extends through a hole in the housing and extends through an elongated slot in the coupler thereby providing a point of attachment for the coupler and the housing that allows for limited movement of the coupler relative to the housing. A pair of opposing rollers secure to the roller shaft and are located inside the generally hollow interior of the coupler whereby the rollers roll on a surface within the generally hollow interior of the coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: D. E. Frye
  • Publication number: 20030201142
    Abstract: A cord retention device for a personally carried appliance such as a cell phone is disclosed. The cell phone has a cord which is attached to a microphone and ear piece for hands free operation of the phone. One example of the invention includes a base member having a back surface with adhesive for attachment to the appliance. The opposite surface of the base member has a pair of prongs. The cord may be wrapped around the prongs when not in use. Another example of the invention includes the installation of retractable prongs on the side of the cell phone. The prongs may be extended and locked in place thus allowing the cord to be wrapped when not in use. The prongs may be retracted to be flush with a surface of the appliance when a cord is not used with the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Gavin Reardon, Carrie Lyons
  • Publication number: 20030201143
    Abstract: A transmission housing having a modulatable power transmission therein which includes a clutch having interleaved clutch plates and having a central power transmitting shaft extending axially through the clutch. The clutch includes a fluid operated movable piston for effecting clutch operation by compression of the plates. The piston has a smaller piston area and a larger piston area, the smaller piston area has fluid flow directed to it a variable fluid pressure whereby the clutch is modulatable. The larger piston area is adapted to have fluid flow directed thereto to effect maximum and unmodulatable engagement of the clutch. A spring loaded normally closed trigger valve controls fluid flow to the larger piston area in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined amount at the smaller piston area. The trigger valve is mounted on the outside of the transmission housing and is readily accessible for adjustment, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Twin Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald Matranga, Andrew Clark
  • Publication number: 20030201144
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a diaphragm spring to bias a retainer assembly toward an engaged position. The retainer assembly actuates a lever to force a pressure plate into torque transmitting contact with a friction disc and a flywheel. Clutch straps bias the pressure plates toward a disengaged position. An adjusting ring shifts toward the flywheel to accommodate for wear of the friction disc. A resilient plate is attached to the adjusting ring and exerts a biasing force against the diaphragm spring. As the adjuster ring shifts toward the flywheel, the biasing force of the clutch straps increases and the biasing force of the resilient plate decreases to provide a substantially uniform clamp load throughout the life of the friction disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Andrzej Szadkowski, Robert L. Page, Muneer Abusamra, Ronald B. Morford
  • Publication number: 20030201145
    Abstract: A power transfer system is provided and equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translate an apply plate via a closed hydraulic system to operatively engage the clutch and vary the frictional engagement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, Joseph G. Mueller, James Brissenden, John D. Zalewski, Sankar K. Mohan, Richard Mizon, Aaron Ronk, Khazaee Mozaffar
  • Publication number: 20030201146
    Abstract: A receiving and dispensing device for coins comprises a coin receiving device to receive the entry of coins of various denominations. The coins are segregated and verified as to authenticity. The coins are then transported along an upper and lower selecting section which are connected by appropriate guiding passageways to sets of upper and lower coin hoppers aligned in both a horizontal and vertical configuration to form a compact configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Masayoshi Umeda
  • Publication number: 20030201147
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier and conveyor system that permits the carrier to be driven by at least two different types of conveyors or drive assemblies, including a power and free conveyor. The system includes a plurality of carriers, first and second areas, a power and free conveyor assembly, and a friction drive assembly. The power and free conveyor drivably engages the first and second carriers when the carriers are in the first area and is out of driving engagement with the carriers in the second area. The friction drive assembly is engageable with each carrier when the carriers are in the second area and out of driving engagement with each carrier when the carriers are in the first area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Melvin A. Edwards, Christopher L. Audia, Kelsey R. Schell, David M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20030201148
    Abstract: A carrier 3 that is moveably supported on the side of a conveyor 2 is provided with a rotational shaft 4 projecting laterally therefrom. A workpiece 1 is mounted on the rotational shaft 4 in an upright condition, wherein the workpiece 1 is arranged to vertically rotate 360° in the same plane by rotating the rotational shaft 4 360° around its axis. With this construction, the workpiece position can be continuously changed to a floor conveyor position, an overhead conveyor position and to the floor conveyor position without transfer of the workpiece 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Chitoshi Sagane, Hidenobu Nishida, Yuji Masaki, Makoto Sakai, Shunichi Furusawa
  • Publication number: 20030201149
    Abstract: A method for feeding automatically metal profiles in bar form entails gripping a group of the metal profiles from a magazine for collecting the profiles and transferring the group of metal profiles or their end to a raised position. The raised metal profiles are arranged on a movable transfer device provided with means for separating the metal profiles, at which the initial portion of a preset number of metal profiles to be fed to the machine at each work cycle is conveyed transversely and counted. The metal profiles are transferred, in the counted number, at receiving elements of the machine, while the excess metal profiles are unloaded inside the collection magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: SCHNELL S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aronne Miglioranza
  • Publication number: 20030201150
    Abstract: A material conveying system capable of traversing a floor along a curvilinear path, the system comprising a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface along a portion of the path to form an elongated longitudinally extending conveyor train; and connector means on each framework member cooperate with connector means on each adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members, the connector means permitting movement between adjacent framework members. The conveying system also includes a plurality of the framework members including a crawler chain assembly comprising a plurality of crawler chain pads interconnected by chain links to form an endless loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry M. Thomas, Gregory M. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20030201151
    Abstract: A conveying system for receiving and conveying material from a mobile material transporter adapted for travel on a floor, the conveying system comprising a main conveyor on the floor, and a main conveyor extension on the floor and having an upper surface. The main conveyor extension comprises a plurality of interconnected frame units, and means for supporting an endless conveyor belt on the interconnected frame units. The conveying system further includes an auxiliary conveyor in contact with and moveable over at least a part of the main conveyor extension upper surface. The auxiliary conveyor comprises a plurality of interconnected frame units identical to the frame units used in the main conveyor extension, means for supporting an endless conveyor belt on the auxiliary conveyor interconnected frame units, and means for driving the endless conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry M. Thomas, Thomas A. Schwabenbauer, Lynn N. Wheatcraft
  • Publication number: 20030201152
    Abstract: A container for use with an overhead track chain is disclosed. The container generally comprises a base and a housing. The base includes a tapered spool that extends upwardly from a top surface of the base. The housing surrounds at least a portion of the tapered spool. Therefore, when the base and the housing are secured together the base, the tapered spool, and the housing form an overhead track chain storage area. The chain is stowed in the container when the chain is received in a winding fashion around the spool and within the overhead track chain storage area. When this occurs, the typically heavy and bulky overhead track chain, which includes links permitting the chain to swivel, can be easily packaged, stored, and subsequently transported within the container. A method of stowing the overhead track chain in the container is also disclose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Oconomowoc Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Breyer, Kyle C. Stoehr
  • Publication number: 20030201153
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Publication number: 20030201154
    Abstract: The sealless slat-type reciprocating conveyor of this invention includes on one side edge of each slat an upwardly extending inverted U-shape portion and on the opposite side edge an upwardly extending substantially straight flange portion configured for reception within the inverted U-shape portion of the adjacent slat to provide a passageway that extends upwardly from adjacent the load-supporting surface of the adjacent slat, thence around the upper end of the flange and downward to the space between adjacent slats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Olof A. Hallstrom
  • Publication number: 20030201155
    Abstract: A touch panel comprises a pair of glass substrates 11, 12 each having a transparent conducting film 13, 14 formed on its one side surface. The glass substrates disposed with their respective transparent conducting films 13, 14 is faced each other and bonded together around their peripheries by a seal 19 having spacers 23′ of insulating material incorporated therein, in which lead-out patterns 17e-17d intersect the seal 19 prior to extending out of the touch panel. The sphere diameter of the spacers 23′ is selected to be approximately equal to the particle size of silver particles 21 contained in the conducting paste, whereby the spacers may dig in between the conducting material particles to thereby reduce the difference in height between the bumps and dips on those portions of the seal intersecting the lead-out patterns and the remaining portions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Seiki Katakami
  • Publication number: 20030201156
    Abstract: At a position which is overlapped to a space defined between a plane of projection of a first manipulating member with respect to a PCB and a plane of projection of a second manipulating member with respect to the PCB, first and second switches are arranged. First and second portions to be manipulated of the first switch are projected from a switch casing such that the first and second portions to be manipulated of the first switch are pushed and manipulated by projections at back sides of pushing surfaces of the first and second manipulating members, and first and second portions to be manipulated of the second switch are projected from the switch casing such that the first and second portions to be manipulated of the second switch are pushed and manipulated by other projections at back sides of other pushing surfaces of the first and second manipulating members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20030201157
    Abstract: A transfer switch system includes a normal power supply and an emergency power supply. A set of linked switches select between these power supplies. A breaker seperates the power supplies from loading circuit. The switches and the breaker are mounted within an enclosure having an exterior handle. The exterior handle controls the selection between the normal and emergency power supplies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ruben Hernandez-Perez
  • Publication number: 20030201158
    Abstract: An elongated sensor is provided for detecting the presence of a liquid in an electronics system. The sensor includes an elongated sensor element having a pair of adjacent electrical conductors, and a liquid permeable material that when dry electrically insulates the conductors, and when wet with a liquid at any point along the length of the conductors allows electric coupling of the conductors. The sensor also includes a detector operable to detect the presence of the liquid by sensing the electrical coupling of the conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: John William Andberg, Stephen Jerry Chaikin
  • Publication number: 20030201159
    Abstract: A process for treating colored liquid comprises a step of contacting a colored liquid and functional water generated by electrolysis of a water solution of an electrolyte under light irradiation, to decolorize efficiently and stably to a low chromaticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Kuriyama, Yasutsugu Yamada, Etsuko Sugawa, Kinya Kato, Masanori Sakuranaga, Takeshi Imamura, Yuji Kawabata
  • Publication number: 20030201160
    Abstract: The methods of this invention involve preventing the formation of a complex between adenine and riboflavin by reducing the amount of adenine in a solution containing blood or blood components to be pathogen reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond P. Goodrich, Suzann K. Doane
  • Publication number: 20030201161
    Abstract: Embodiments for the invention include a process for the production of hydrogen comprising a protic solution, a photocatalyst capable of a two electron reduction of hydrogen ions; and a coproduct trap. The embodiment includes exposing the reaction medium to radiation capable of photoexciting the photocatalyst to produce hydrogen. The protic solution may comprise at least one of hydrohalic acid, a silane, and water and the hydrohalic acid may be hydrochloric acid, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen fluoride or hydrogen iodide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel G. Nocera, Alan F. Heyduk
  • Publication number: 20030201162
    Abstract: A method of adjusting plasma processing of a substrate in a plasma reactor having an electrode assembly. The method includes the steps of positioning the substrate in the plasma reactor, creating a plasma in the plasma reactor, monitoring optical emissions emanating from a plurality of different regions of the plasma in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate during plasma processing of the substrate, and determining an integrated power spectrum for each of the different plasma regions and comparing each of the integrated power spectra to a predetermined value. One aspect of the method includes utilizing an electrode assembly having a plurality of electrode segments and adjusting RF power delivered to the one or more electrode segments based on differences in the integrated power spectra from the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Lianjun Liu, Wayne L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030201163
    Abstract: An antistatic/antireflective coating is applied by sputtering to the outer surface of a video display screen such as in a cathode ray tube (CRT) and is comprised of an inner antistatic layer and an outer antireflective layer. The inner antistatic layer is conductive, while the outer antireflective layer is insulative. The inner antistatic layer is deposited on the entire outer surface of the display screen, while a portion of the antistatic layer is masked during deposition of the outer antireflective layer leaving a portion, or portions, of the inner antistatic layer exposed. The exposed portion, or portions, of the antistatic layer is then electrically coupled to the CRT's grounded implosion protection, or tension, band for safely directing electrostatic charge on the display screen to neutral ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: CHUNGHWA PICTURE TUBES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yueh-Ming Teng
  • Publication number: 20030201164
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a process for fabrication of IR-transparent electrically conductive metal oxide, such as copper aluminum oxide (CuAlxOy), by reactive magnetron co-sputtering from high purity metal targets, such as Cu and Al targets, in an argon/oxygen g as mixture. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a process for making a metal oxide film having electrical conductivity and infrared transparency. Preferably, the substrate is placed in an environment having argon and oxygen. The process comprises applying between about 0.15 to 10.0% oxygen partial pressure to a substrate and DC-sputter depositing a first layer of conductive metal ions onto the substrate. The first layer has a physical thickness of from about 13 to 20 angstroms. Next, Co-sputter depositing a second layer of infrared transparent delafossite metal oxide onto the first layer with the second layer having a physical thickness of from about 1500 to 5000 angstroms, thereby forming a layer pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Linda F. Johnson, Mark B. Moran
  • Publication number: 20030201165
    Abstract: A method of film deposition is disclosed, which eliminates the conventional problem that a coating film having a component concentration gradient in the thickness direction and thus having a boundary with a compositional gradient or a coating film in which two or more components coexist as a mixture thereof cannot be stably obtained by sputtering. In the method, two planar cathodes are closely arranged as a pair, and a voltage is applied thereto while alternately inverting the polarities thereof so that when a target A bonded to one of the cathodes is used as a negative electrode, then a target B bonded to the other cathode and differing to the target A in component is used as a positive electrode. The targets A and B are simultaneously bombarded with positive ions while passing a substrate in front of the targets so as to cross the cathodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Anzaki, Etsuo Ogino, Takayuki Toyoshima
  • Publication number: 20030201166
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a uniform current density across an immersed surface of a substrate during an immersion process. The method includes the steps of determining a time varying area of an immersed portion of the substrate during the immersion process, and supplying a time varying current to the substrate during the immersion process, wherein the time varying current is proportional to the time varying area and is configured to provide a constant current density to the immersed portion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Zheng, Rajeev Bajaj, Zhonghui Alex Wang
  • Publication number: 20030201167
    Abstract: A pressurized electrochemical bulk-process method & apparatus, adapted to real-time tracking and adjustment of electro-hydraulic parameters, comprising a high-pressure reaction chamber of the type of a horizontal cylindrical electrolytic cell, whose zirconium walls constitute one electrode in contact with an electrolytic solvent containing the target material to be processed. The other electrode is a thin vertical zirconium disk partially submerged in the electrolyte, which fills less than half of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: William Stanley Gleeson, Donald E. Holloman
  • Publication number: 20030201168
    Abstract: The apparatus for decomposing PFCs includes an external electrode unit which is coupled to a reference voltage and which defines a flow space for the flow of the PFCs, and an internal electrode unit which is located within the flow space of the external electrode unit so as to define a reaction space between the internal electrode unit and the external electrode unit. The apparatus is also equipped with a voltage supply unit which applies an alternating voltage to the internal electrode unit which is of sufficient voltage and frequency to generate an electron beam within the reaction space which is capable of decomposing the PFCs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Seung-ki Chae, Sang-gon Lee, In-ju Lee, Kyoung-hye Lee, Yong-hee Lee, Jin-ok Jung, Young-jo Shin
  • Publication number: 20030201169
    Abstract: A drained cathode cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises a cell bottom (20) arranged to collect product aluminium and thermic insulating sidewalls (55,55′) lined with a molten electrolyte resistant sidewall lining (50) which is made of material liable to react with molten aluminium, in particular containing silicon carbide, silicon nitride or boron nitride. The thermic insulating sidewalls (55,55′) inhibit formation of an electrolyte crust on the lining (50), whereby the lining (50) is exposed to molten electrolyte. The cell bottom (20) has a peripheral surface from which the insulating sidewalls (55,55′) extend generally vertically to form, with the cell bottom, a trough for containing molten electrolyte and aluminium produced on at least one drained cathode (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Duruz, Vittorio De Nora, Georges Berclaz
  • Publication number: 20030201170
    Abstract: An electrolyte cell receives a substrate for processing, a first electrode disposed in the electrolyte cell, the first electrode comprising at least a contact ring, a second electrode disposed within the electrolyte cell and spaced from the first electrode, and a porous membrane that is connected to the electrolyte cell and extends across at least a portion of the electrolyte cell, the membrane is positioned between a location for positioning a substrate when processing and surrounding electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivas Gandikota, Muhammad Atif Malik, Michael Wood
  • Publication number: 20030201171
    Abstract: A detecting electrode comprises a first cermet electrode layer formed directly on a solid electrolyte layer and a second cermet electrode layer formed on the first cermet electrode layer. A ratio between an alloy of Pt—Rh and ZrO2 in the first cermet electrode layer ranges from 20:80 to 50:50 by volume ratio. On the other hand, a ratio between an alloy of Pt—Rh and ZrO2 in the second cermet electrode layer ranges from 60:40 to 50:50 by volume ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Nakagaki, Hideyuki Suzuki, Sang Jae Lee, Osamu Nakasone
  • Publication number: 20030201172
    Abstract: A detecting electrode comprises a first cermet electrode layer formed directly on a solid electrolyte layer and a second cermet electrode layer formed on the first cermet electrode layer. The ratio between Pt and Rh in the first cermet electrode layer ranges from 100:0 to 25:75 by weight. The ratio between Pt and Rh in the second cermet electrode layer ranges from 25:75 to 0:100 by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Nakagaki, Hideyuki Suzuki, Sang Jae Lee, Osamu Nakasone
  • Publication number: 20030201173
    Abstract: A coating apparatus has two Mg-targets mutually defining a slit and with a target Mg material purity of at least 99%. An anode arrangement and a gas inlet arrangement are adjacent a first end area of the slit, the gas inlet arrangement being connected to a gas tank arrangement with a working gas. The apparatus has a substrate carrier and conveying arrangement with which a planar substrate is movable across and distant from a second slit end area opposite the first end area and a further gas inlet arrangement is situated between the second slit end area and the substrate carrier and conveying arrangement and is connected to a gas tank arrangement containing oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Balzers Hochvakuum AG
    Inventors: Johannes Stollenwerk, Christoph Daube, Achim Gurke
  • Publication number: 20030201174
    Abstract: An apparatus with a magnetron sputtering-coating chamber, source, target and substrate holder, includes a magnet arrangement for generating on a surface of the target, at least two tunnel-shaped magnetron magnetic fields in the form of closed loops that are substantially concentrically to, and spaced from each other. The surface consisting of a material with at least two elements of different weight. The distance between the substrate and target surface, the substrate radius, loci of erosion patterns in the surface and the radius and placement of the loops are all related to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Unaxis Deutschland GmbH.
    Inventors: Bernhard Cord, Gerd Deppich, Karl-Heinz Schuller, Oliver Keitel
  • Publication number: 20030201175
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided comprised of a thin sheet or film having at least one through-hole provided therein. The thin sheet or film has first and second opposing surfaces, at least a portion of the opposing surfaces being coated with a conductive coating which extends into the at least one through-hole, each conductive coating extending partially into the at least one through-hole from each opposing surface whereby each conductive coating terminates within the at least one through-hole at a point spaced from the terminus of the opposing conductive coating which extends into the at least one through-hole, whereby the conductive coatings in the at least one through-hole are separated by a nonconductive interior surface of the at least one through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Conductive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew K. Musho, Ronald E. Reed, Donald L. Bohn
  • Publication number: 20030201176
    Abstract: A sensor is provided for the determination of various concentrations of one or more components within a fluid sample. The sensor includes an injection molded body, at least two electrodes, an enzyme, and if desired, an electron transfer mediator. The body includes a reaction zone for receiving a fluid sample. The electrodes are at least partially embedded within the plastic body and extend into the reaction zone. Also contained within the reaction zone is an enzyme capable of catalyzing a reaction involving a compound within the fluid sample. Additionally, the sensor incorporates fill detection which activates a meter, attached to the sensor, for measuring the electrochemical changes occurring in the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Kelly Mills, Craig Rappin, Kiamars Hajizadeh
  • Publication number: 20030201177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring hemoglobin in a fluid sample. The device comprises a disposable electrochemical cell, such as a thin layer electrochemical cell, containing a reagent capable of being reduced by hemoglobin. A suitable fluid sample that may be analyzed according the present invention is whole blood. If the hemoglobin to be analyzed is present in red blood cells, a lysing agent may be added to the sample to release the hemoglobin prior to analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Alastair Hodges, Ron Chatelier, Thomas Beck
  • Publication number: 20030201178
    Abstract: A sensor is provided for the determination of various concentrations of one or more components within a fluid sample. The sensor includes an injection molded body, at least two electrodes, an enzyme, and if desired, an electron transfer mediator. The body includes a reaction zone for receiving a fluid sample. The electrodes are at least partially embedded within the plastic body and extend into the reaction zone. Also contained within the reaction zone is an enzyme capable of catalyzing a reaction involving a compound within the fluid sample. Additionally, the sensor incorporates fill detection which activates a meter, attached to the sensor, for measuring the electrochemical changes occurring in the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Craig Rappin, Kiamars Hajizadeh, Kelly Mills
  • Publication number: 20030201179
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for injection and stacking of analytes in high salt samples. This stacking method works with both pressure injection or electrokinetic injection. The ability to stack analytes with electrokinetic injection allows the translation of high-salt stacking from the capillary to the microchip format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: James Palmer, James P. Landers
  • Publication number: 20030201180
    Abstract: A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Takayasu Furukawa, Nobuhiko Sato, Syozo Kasai, Seiichi Ugai, Motohiro Yamazaki, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Yuki Nonaka, Yoshio Onodera, Noriyuki Shimoda
  • Publication number: 20030201181
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic injector for substantially concurrently loading fluid samples to be analyzed into multiple capillary tubes of a capillary electrophoresis system. The injector includes an enclosure defining a pressure chamber for holding multiple receptacles, each containing a fluid sample, and apertures in the enclosure for passing capillary tubes into a position inside the pressure chamber and in fluid communication with the samples in respective receptacles. Electrodes on the enclosure extend into the pressure chamber for reception in the receptacles. The pressure chamber is pressurized with gas to substantially concurrently force the fluid samples from respective receptacles into the capillary tubes in preparation for a capillary electrophoresis operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peijun Cong, Robert D. Doolen, Tony N. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20030201182
    Abstract: An automobile body-coating method which comprises optionally subjecting an aluminum material in the automobile body to a surface treatment, followed by subjecting to an oxidizing film treatment, essentially or optionally, respectively and successively forming a curable electrodeposition coating film, a water based chipping primer coating film, an intercoat coating film, and a curable topcoat coating film, or comprises applying a film racing material onto an aluminum material or coating film-coated aluminum material, and comprises forming respective multi-layer coating films onto the steel material in the automobile body respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeru Nakamura, Hideo Sugai
  • Publication number: 20030201183
    Abstract: One or more fractal antennas are produced in an electroforming circuit. A stainless steel on glass mandrel is covered with a dielectric in an inverse image of a fractal antenna to be formed. The portion of the stainless steel uncovered by the dielectric is chemically washed so that a fractal antenna formed thereon can be more efficiently removed. The mandrel is made a cathode in an electroforming circuit, which results in a fractal antenna being formed on the mandrel. The fractal antenna is separated from the mandrel and mounted on a rigid or semi-rigid substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jamie Moore
  • Publication number: 20030201184
    Abstract: An electro-chemical plating system is described. A method is performed by the electro-chemical plating system in which a seed layer formed on a substrate is immersed into an electrolyte solution. In one aspect, a substrate is immersed in the electrochemical plating system by tilting the substrate as it enters the electrolyte solution to limit the trapping or formation of air bubbles in the electrolyte solution between the substrate and the substrate holder. In another aspect, an apparatus is provided for electroplating that comprises a cell, a substrate holder, and an actuator. The actuator can displace the substrate holder assembly in the x and z directions and also tilt the substrate. In another aspect, a method is provided of driving a meniscus formed by electrolyte solution across a surface of a substrate. The method comprises enhancing the interaction between the electrolyte solution meniscus and the surface as the substrate is immersed into the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yezdi N. Dordi, Joseph J. Stevens, Michael N. Sugarman
  • Publication number: 20030201185
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a waveform to be applied to a seed layer prior to initiating plating operations, wherein the waveform is configured to remove organic contaminants from the seed layer. The application of the waveform generally includes applying a plurality of anodic pulses to the seed layer prior to an electrochemical deposition process and subsequent to the seed layer contacting a plating solution, and applying a cathodic pulse to the seed layer immediately following each of the plurality of anodic pulses. The waveform is generally provided by a power supply in electrical communication with a system controller configured to supply controlling signals to the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Bajaj, Ramin Emami
  • Publication number: 20030201186
    Abstract: The quality of painted surfaces of polymer composites is improved by first forming an electroless metal coating on the molded surface of the composite and then electroplating a coating of zinc or zinc alloy on the metallized composite surface. The “galvanized” composite surface provides a good base for electrostatic deposition of either liquid or powder paint and the zinc surface prevents the formation of defects in the painted surface during heating of the composite to dry or cure the paint film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Hsai-Yin Lee, Yar-Ming Wang, Tao Xie
  • Publication number: 20030201187
    Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a system pressure and a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: A. John Speranza, Andrzej E. Stanek, Angelo A. Morson, Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Publication number: 20030201188
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing tin whisker formation in tin deposits by plating on an underlying metal tin deposits which are predominantly in a predetermined crystal orientation that essentially matches that of the underlying metal in order to inhibit tin whisker growth. The most preferred crystal orientation is one that is the same as that of the underlying metal. The deposit preferably contains at least 95% tin and optionally at least one alloying element of silver, bismuth, copper or zinc in an amount of 5% or less. Advantageously, the tin deposits are provided during electroplating from a specially formulated plating solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. Schetty, Winnie Ruth Vickers