Patents Issued in November 6, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030205442
    Abstract: A no-back device for an actuator having a screw shaft extending along an axis and a brake element fixed for rotation with the shaft and extending laterally of the axis, the no-back device comprising a rotary ratchet member and a rotary friction member mounted for limited axial movement within a recess defined by a housing, and defining at least one path for passing fluid through the recess, the no-back device further comprising peripherally extending diversion means disposed between an outer periphery of the friction member and an inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing whereby, in use, fluid passing through the recess is diverted away from the inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing and across a laterally extending surface of the friction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Terence John Capewell
  • Publication number: 20030205443
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a passenger conveyor (2) with a running belt (4) which contains a frame (6), a main running belt drive (12) that is mounted on the frame (6) and that contains a drive shaft (10) and at least one running belt driving wheel that is connected to the drive shaft, and a drive unit for driving the main running belt drive (12), with the drive unit containing a driving motor (16) and a step-down gear (18), and with the output of the step-down gear (18) being connected to the input of the main running belt drive (12). The invention is characterized by the fact that the driving motor (16) is mounted on the housing (22) of the step-down gear (18), with the driving motor (16) and the step-down gear (18) forming a drive unit (8), and by the fact that the drive unit (8) is supported by the main running belt drive (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Thorsten Ackmann, Dietmar Thaler
  • Publication number: 20030205444
    Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20030205445
    Abstract: A linear motion guide unit is disclosed in which a lower seal can be fastened easily, securely to a slider that travels relatively along a track rail. The slider is provided on a bottom surface thereof with a lug terminating in a hook that juts widthwise and extends lengthwise of the slider. The lower seal is made therein with a first hole allowing the lug to fit in there, and a second hole made connected to the first hole in longitudinal direction of the lower seal and made on at least any one lengthwise edge thereof with a tooth that will come into hooked engagement with the hook on the lug. The lug jutting out of the slider to fasten the lower seal is made at a flat bottom area near the track rail, which is over a space left open underneath the end cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20030205446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport mechanism for piece goods, such as bottles, cans, cardboards, trays or the like, which consists of at least two transporter sections that each have at least one drive unit of its own, which is adjustable in rotary speed, with a coordinated control module, whereby the at least one control module is connected with a central control/regulating unit for the transmission of signals. This control-/regulating unit has at least one transmitter, and the control module has at least one receiver for wireless signal transmission, particularly by radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Manfred Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20030205447
    Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Publication number: 20030205448
    Abstract: A pressure sensor integrated onto an electronic circuit substrate. The pressure sensor measures the effect of the ambient air pressure on a characteristic of the pressure sensor that can be translated into a variable pressure measurement. Another embodiment of the pressure sensor is a pressure switch having a set point that can be configured at, or after, the time of installation of the associated circuit substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Xilor, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Miller, Dorothy H. J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030205449
    Abstract: A dust and moisture free switch includes a hollow casing, a contact pole device, a control plate and an isolation part. The contact pole device is inserted to the bottom of the casing with a stationary pole and a support pole being inserted into and locating at a respective pole hole and an arc pole being attached to the top of the support pole such that the arc pole can swing leftward and rightward. The control plate is joined to the upper portion of the casing and has the bottom thereof being arranged with a central hollow post to fit with an extensible stir lever, which has a bottom thereof contacting with the arc pole. The isolation part is made of soft high molecular plastic material and passed through by and fitting with the stir lever so as to be located at and closely joined to the inner wall of the casing to perform a function of blocking dust or moisture to enter the bottom of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Solteam Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih Song Liu, Jui Jung Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030205450
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switchable pressure activated electronic device. The switchable electronic device includes a composite material disposed between two conductors. The composite material electrically connects the two conductors when pressure is applied between them, and electrically isolates the two conductors when pressure is not applied between them. The composite includes conductive particles at least partially embedded in an insulating material. The conductive particles are disposed so that substantially all electrical connections made between the first and second conductors are through single particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjith Divigalpitiya, David E. Livingstone, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20030205451
    Abstract: A process is provided herein for the high yield production of high purity glacial methacrylic acid (“HPMAA”) that is substantially pure, specifically 99% pure or greater with a water content of 0.05% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Keith Frederick Briegel, James Clarence Day, Michael Stanley DeCourcy, Donald Alan Ebert, Jamie Jerrick John Juliette
  • Publication number: 20030205452
    Abstract: Disclosed is the observation that 7-aryl-quinone methides and 4-tert-butylcatechol, when used in combination in a vinyl aromatic monomer to inhibit polymerization, do not inhibit polymerization to the same extent as each would if used separately. Stated another way, a phenomenon has been observed that when these two compounds are used together, they can, to a large extent, render each other unable to inhibit polymerization in a vinyl aromatic monomer. Also disclosed are methods of preventing adverse results of this interaction when undesired and a method of using this interaction to prepare a reactive vinyl aromatic monomer having a concentration of 4-tert-butylcatechol that would otherwise inhibit polymerization. The invention is disclosed to be useful with the production and storage of any vinyl aromatic monomer and is disclosed to be particularly useful with the production and storage of styrene monomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Merrill
  • Publication number: 20030205453
    Abstract: Ascorbic acid and/or ascorbic acid salt is made to act together with oxygen on an organic compound. Alternatively, light radiation is applied during chemical action with oxygen so as to improve a composition efficiency of an organic compound and obtain a preferable decomposition amount. This reduces the load caused by an organic compound decomposition on the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Yasuhito Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20030205454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and/or apparatus suitable for use in reduction of any pathogens in a fluid such as a biological fluid, or a fraction or component thereof, which may contain pathogens. The device may include a vessel having an inlet and an outlet and a passage which extends therebetween. The passage may have a wall which is substantially transparent to a pathogen reduction radiation. The passage contains a static mixer system which is formed and arranged for thoroughly mixing the fluid in use of the device so as to bring substantially the whole of the fluid into an irradiation zone extending along and in substantially direct proximity to the passage walls during passage between the inlet and the outlet to be expose the fluid to a similar substantial level of irradiation. The static mixer may include light transmissive blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Hlavinka, Michael A. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20030205455
    Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprising introducing a sample into a flow-through device containing a porous solid media therein, and thereafter subjecting the device to microwave energy. Also disclosed is a flow through device including solid porous media therein and attached active components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Shahnaz Ghassemi Jamalabadi, Peter C. Rahn, Kelvin Hammond, Omar Mneimne, Jeffrey A. Horsman
  • Publication number: 20030205456
    Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprising introducing a sample into a flow-through device containing a porous solid media therein, and thereafter subjecting the device to microwave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Shahnaz Ghassemi Jamalabadi, Peter C. Rahn, Kelvin J. Hammond, Omar Mneimne, Jeffrey A. Horsman
  • Publication number: 20030205457
    Abstract: Semiconductor carbon nanotubes functionalized by hydrogen and a method for fabricating the same, wherein the functional hydrogenated semiconductor carbon nanotubes have chemical bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms. The semiconductor carbon nanotube fabricating method includes heating carbon nanotubes in a vacuum, dissociating hydrogen molecules in hydrogen gas into hydrogen atoms, and exposing the carbon nanotubes to the hydrogen gas to form chemical bonds between carbon atoms of the carbon nanotubes and the hydrogen atoms. The conversion of metallic carbon nanotubes into semiconductor nanotubes and of semiconductor nanotubes having a relatively narrow energy bandgap into semiconductor nanotubes having a relative wide energy bandgap can be achieved using the method. The functional hydrogenated semiconductor carbon nanotubes may be applied and used in, for example, electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and energy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Won-Bong Choi, Young-Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20030205458
    Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen from anaerobically decomposed organic materials by applying an electric potential to the anaerobically decomposed organic materials, including landfill materials and sewage, to form hydrogen, and for decreasing the time required to treat these anaerobically decomposed organic materials. The organic materials decompose to volatile acids such as acetic acid, which may be hydrolyzed by electric current to form hydrogen. The process may be continuously run in sewage digestion tanks with the continuous feed of sewage, at landfill sites, or at any site having a supply of anaerobically decomposed or decomposable organic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Sukomal Roychowdhury
  • Publication number: 20030205459
    Abstract: A method is described comprising forming an insulating polycrystalline seed layer in a first chamber by reactively pulsed DC magnetron sputtering, then forming an insulating amorphous-like seed layer in a second chamber by reactively pulsed DC magnetron sputtering, then forming a conducting seed layer and a ferromagnetic free layer in a third chamber by ion beam sputtering, and then forming the remainder of a spin valve sensor through the antiferromagnetic layer in a fourth chamber by DC magnetron sputtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Tsann Lin, Daniele Mauri
  • Publication number: 20030205460
    Abstract: An apparatus and technique are provided for generating a plasma using a power supply circuit and arc detection arrangement. The power supply circuit has a cathode enclosed in a chamber, and is adapted to generate a power-related parameter. The arc detection arrangement is communicatively coupled to the power supply circuit and adapted to assess the severity of arcing in the chamber by comparing the power-related parameter to at least one threshold. According to various implementations, arc occurrences, arcing duration, intensity and/or energy are measured responsive to comparing the power-related parameter to the at least one threshold. According to further implementations, the above-mentioned measured quantities are accumulated and/or further processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Paul R. Buda
  • Publication number: 20030205461
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for depositing metal on a substrate. More particularly, one embodiment of the metal deposition cell comprising a cell base, an anode, and a cell top. The cell base at least partially defines an interior recess. The anode mounted within the interior recess to the cell base. The cell top is removably mounted to the cell base. In one embodiment, a method of removing a modular metal deposition cell from a deposition cell mount is provided. The modular metal deposition cell comprises a cell top and a cell bottom. The method comprises unfastening a fastener that secures the cell top to the cell bottom, and also fastens the cell top and the cell bottom to the deposition cell mount. The cell top or the cell bottom is then removed from the deposition cell mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Donald J. K. Olgado
  • Publication number: 20030205462
    Abstract: The invention is relative to an electrode for gas evolution in electrolytic and electrometallurgical industrial applications, made of a metal substrate having a surface morphology characterised by a combination of micro-roughness and macro-roughness which favours high adherence of a superficial catalytic layer in order to prevent detachment of the same and passivation of the substrate even under critical operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: DE NORA ELETTRODI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ruben Ornelas Jacobo, Giuseppe Faita, Lawrence Gestaut, Corrado Mojana
  • Publication number: 20030205463
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy sputter target having a sputter target face for sputtering the sputter target. The sputter target face has a textured-metastable grain structure. The textured-metastable grain structure has a grain orientation ratio of at least 35 percent (200) orientation. The textured-metastable grain structure is stable during sputtering of the sputter target. The textured-metastable grain structure has a grain size of less than 5 &mgr;m. The method forms aluminum alloy sputter targets by first cooling an aluminum alloy target blank to a temperature of less than −50° C. Then deforming the cooled aluminum alloy target blank introduces plastic strain into the target blank and reduces the grain size of the grains to form a textured-metastable grain structure. Finally, finishing the aluminum alloy target blank forms a finished sputter target that maintains the textured-metastable grain structure of the finished sputter target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew C. Perry, Paul S. Gilman, Jaak Van den Sype
  • Publication number: 20030205464
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor having a favorable response characteristic up to a high concentration range, a low blank response and a high storage stability. This sensor comprises an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode, for forming an electrochemical measurement system by coming in contact with a supplied solution; an electrically insulating supporting member for supporting the electrode system; a first reagent layer formed on the working electrode; and a second reagent layer formed on the counter electrode, wherein the first reagent layer comprises an enzyme as the main component, and the second reagent layer comprises an electron mediator as the main component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO. , LTD.
    Inventors: Yuko Taniike, Shin Ikeda, Shiro Nankai
  • Publication number: 20030205465
    Abstract: A chloramine amperometric sensor includes a sensor body with an electrolyte disposed inside the sensor body. A membrane is coupled to the sensor body and adapted to pass chloramine therethrough. A reference electrode is disposed in the electrolyte and coupled to a first conductor. A second conductor is coupled to a working electrode that is disposed proximate the membrane. The working electrode is constructed from a noble metal in non-compact form. The non-compact form can be a Gas Diffusion Electrode, which can include metal mesh, carbon paper, carbon cloth, metal/carbon powder loaded on a porous membrane or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Chang-Dong Feng
  • Publication number: 20030205466
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor is disposed downstream from a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and which can suppress an influence of unburnt hydrocarbon on an output voltage. After forming a platinum thin film on the outer periphery of a zirconia ceramic body, only a detection electrode of the ceramic body is dipped in a silver nitrate aqueous solution of 0.1 mol/l, and the silver nitrate is pyrolyzed through a heat treatment. Subsequently, a platinum reference electrode is formed on the inner periphery of the ceramic body. To protect the silver-doped detection electrode, a protective layer is formed on the surface of the detection electrode. By the exposure to combustion gas and through aging, a detection element is formed, and set into a metal case together with a cylindrical heater, to complete an oxygen sensor to be disposed downstream from a CNG engine catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicants: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsuzaki, Keiji Suzuki, Teppei Ookawa, Hiroshi Kubota, Seiichi Hosogai, Hiroyuki Fujita, Katsunori Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030205467
    Abstract: There are provided glass-ceramics having a high lithium ion conductivity which include in mol %: 1 P2O5 38-40% TiO2 25-45% M2O3 (where M is Al or Ga)  5-15% Li2O 10-20%
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jie Fu
  • Publication number: 20030205468
    Abstract: A sensor and a method for making a sensor is disclosed. The method for making the sensor comprises: mixing a first metal oxide stabilized alumina with alpha alumina in a liquid to create a base slurry, mixing into said base slurry a second metal oxide stabilized alumina and a fugitive material to create a composition; applying said composition to at least a portion of a sensing element comprising two electrodes with an electrolyte disposed therebetween; and calcining said sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ming-Cheng Wu, Eric P Clyde
  • Publication number: 20030205469
    Abstract: A microchip laboratory system and method provide fluid manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip chemical separations. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolithographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis and electrochromatography are performed in channels formed in the substrate. Analytes are loaded into a four-way intersection of channels by electrokinetically pumping the analyte through the intersection, followed by switching of the potentials to force an analyte plug into the separation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: J. Michael Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20030205470
    Abstract: A microchip laboratory system and method provide fluid manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip chemical separations. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolithographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis and electrochromatography are performed in channels formed in the substrate. Analytes are loaded into a four-way intersection of channels by electrokinetically pumping the analyte through the intersection, followed by switching of the potentials to force an analyte plug into the separation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: J. Michael Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20030205471
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel solution isoelectric focusing device and method that can reproducibly fractionate charged molecules into well-defined pools. This approach can be applied to mixtures of charged molecules, such as eukaryotic proteome samples where reproducible resolution and quantitation of greater than 10,000 protein components is feasible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: The Wistar Institute
    Inventors: David W. Speicher, Xun Zuo
  • Publication number: 20030205472
    Abstract: A method for determining a DNA sequence includes providing a sample which contains first DNA fragments having adenines at an end and labeled by first fluorophores, second DNA fragments having thymines at an end and labeled by second fluorophores, third DNA fragments having cytosines at an end and labeled by third fluorophores, and fourth DNA fragments having guanines at an end and labeled by fourth fluorophores, wherein each of the first to fourth fluorophores is different. The sample is supplied into a capillary and the sample is made to migrate in the capillary. A sheath flow is formed around an end of the capillary where the sample migrates, a light is irradiated into the sheath flow to excite the fluorophores. Fluorescence emitted from the fluorophores is detected and the fluorophores are identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Satoshi Takahashi, Hideki Kambara
  • Publication number: 20030205473
    Abstract: pK-matched buffers, each containing two effective buffering components: one weak base and one weak acid which have similar pKa at 25° C. (within 0.3 pK units). On agarose gels, the buffers in various concentrations were tested for separation of double-stranded DNA fragments with various DNA markers, agarose gel concentrations, and field strengths. Mobility was inversely proportional to the logarithm of molecular weight. The buffers provided high resolution without smearing at more dilute concentration than is possible with standard TAE (Tris/Acetate, pH 8.0) or TBE (Tris/Borate, pH 8.3) buffers. The buffers were also tested in 7M urea denaturing LongRanger™ sequencing gels and in non-denaturing polyacrylamide SSCP gels. The pK-matched buffers provide good separation and high resolution, at a broad range of potential pH values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Qiang Liu, Steve S. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20030205474
    Abstract: The present invention provides plating solutions, particularly metal plating solutions, designed to provide uniform coatings on substrates and to provide substantially defect free filling of small features, e.g., micron scale features and smaller, formed on substrates with none or low supporting electrolyte, i.e., which include no acid, low acid, no base, or no conducting salts, and/or high metal ion, e.g., copper, concentration. Additionally, the plating solutions may contain small amounts of additives which enhance the plated film quality and performance by serving as brighteners, levelers, surfactants, grain refiners, stress reducers, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Uziel Landau, John J. D'Urso, David B. Rear
  • Publication number: 20030205475
    Abstract: A simple, cost-effective stamping or molding in the nanometer range is enabled using a stamping surface or molding face with a surface layer having hollow chambers that have been formed by anodic oxidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: AlCove Surfaces Gmbh
    Inventor: Thomas Sawitowski
  • Publication number: 20030205476
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analyzing organic components in an electroplating bath. Also disclosed is a method of controlling electroplating baths by monitoring the components of the plating bath in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Calvert, Robert A. Binstead
  • Publication number: 20030205477
    Abstract: An electrode assembly arrangement for improving an electrodeposition process and method for using the same the electrode assembly arrangement including a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly positioned to carry a metal containing electrolyte from the first electrode assembly to the second electrode assembly for deposition of the metal upon applying an electrical potential therebetween; at least one additional electrode assembly including a means for selectively applying an electrical potential thereto the at least one additional electrode assembly positioned to attract an electrolyte flow upon applying an electrical potential between the at least one additional electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Chou, Ming-Hsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030205478
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for plating objects. At least one aspect associated with the object plating is monitored to determine the amount of at least one byproduct created during the plating and/or the reduction in the amount of at least one plating component. Based on this monitored aspect, an adjustment is made to the flow rate of substances added to a plating cell and/or the flow rate of used plating substances drained from the plating cell. The used plating substances are purified to remove at least some of the byproduct and then the purified plating substances are combined with at least one component before passing back into the plating cell to reuse at least some of the plating substances. The method and system could be used during the plating of semiconductor wafers with copper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier J. Blachier, Frank Jansen, Colin John Dickinson, Peter M. Pozniak
  • Publication number: 20030205479
    Abstract: We have discovered that the formation of particulate inclusions at the surface of an aluminum alloy article, which inclusions interfere with a smooth transition from the alloy surface to an overlying aluminum oxide protective film, can be controlled by maintaining the content of mobile and nonmobile impurities within a specific range and controlling the particulate size and distribution of the mobile and nonmobile impurities and compounds thereof; by heat-treating the aluminum alloy at a temperature less than about 330° C.; and by creating the aluminum oxide protective film by employing a particular electrolytic process. When these factors are taken into consideration, an improved aluminum oxide protective film is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Yixing Lin, Brian T. West, Shun Jackson Wu, Clifford C. Stow, Senh Thach, Hong Wang, Jennifer Y. Sun
  • Publication number: 20030205480
    Abstract: A porous layer having a multilayered structure is formed. An Si substrate (102) to be processed is anodized in a first electrolytic solution (141, 151) while being held between an anode (106) and a cathode (104) in an anodizing bath (101). The first electrolytic solution (141, 151) is exchanged with a second electrolytic solution (142, 152). The Si substrate (102) is anodized again, thereby forming a porous layer having a multilayered structure on the Si substrate (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Nobuhiko Sato
  • Publication number: 20030205481
    Abstract: A process for preparing a chrome substrate for application of a polymer coating, wherein the substrate preparation enhances adhesion and durability of the adhesion between the chrome substrate and the polymer coating, involves contacting the chrome substrate with an acid solution for a period of time sufficient to modify the surface of the chrome substrate. In certain embodiments, the acid treatment is an anodic treatment. In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the acid treated chrome surface is further treated with a silane compound to enhance adhesion with a subsequently applied polymer coating composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Qihua Xu, Ling Hao, Lawrence P. Donovan, Roger J. Timmer, Lee A. Chase, Trevor R. Nicholas, David P. Hartrick
  • Publication number: 20030205482
    Abstract: A hydrogen and oxygen gas generator (100) is provided that uses electrodes (160) made of carbon graphite and disposed in a vessel (110) containing a conductive solution of water and salt (165). The carbon graphite electrodes may be made of graphite baked with a binder to form rods, and may include a conductive cladding over a portion of the rods. An electric potential is applied between the electrodes, causing a current through the saline solution that results in dissociation of water into hydrogen and oxygen, which is expelled through a gas discharge port (156) in the vessel. The generator may be used as a stand-alone combustible gas generator, or in a vehicle (90), powered by an alternator (96) driven by the vehicle engine (98), and providing hydrogen and oxygen to the engine to improve the efficiency of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Larry D. Allen
  • Publication number: 20030205483
    Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical method for producing trenches for trench capacitors in p-doped silicon with a very high diameter/depth aspect ratio for large scale integrated semiconductor memories. Trenches (macropores) having a diameter of less than about 100 nm and a depth of more than 10 &mgr;m can be produced on p-doped silicon having a very low resistivity at a high etching rate, and thus, trench capacitors can be fabricated in a cost-effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Albert Birner, Dirk Schumann, Matthias Goldbach
  • Publication number: 20030205484
    Abstract: An electrochemical/mechanical polishing apparatus and method to planarize surfaces of a semiconductor device without damaging relatively soft dielectric materials. The electrochemical/mechanical polishing apparatus comprises a substrate chuck, nozzle assembly, power supply, and sweep mechanism. The substrate chuck receives a substrate to be processed. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles to dispense an electrolyte solution. A pad is secured to the nozzle plate. The power supply provides a positive electric potential to an electrically conductive layer of the substrate and a negative electric potential to the nozzle plate. The sweep mechanism scans the nozzle assembly along the surface of the substrate, and the pad is positioned sufficiently close to the surface of the substrate to disturb an electrolyte/wafer boundary layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Madhav Datta
  • Publication number: 20030205485
    Abstract: A dissolved oxygen sensor having a cathode and anode immersed in an electrolyte is designed to provide a low background current in the sensor when a potential is applied to the cathode. The background current is maintained at a desired level by selecting the area and length of a channel or path of diffusion of residual oxygen in the electrolyte to the cathode. The area (A) of the diffusion channel in relation to its length (L) is selected to be at or below a selected ratio, A/L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Rosemount Analytical Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Dong Feng
  • Publication number: 20030205486
    Abstract: A container for artist's pastels which is comprised of a rectangular pad onto which is attached an elastic loop system. Pastels are inserted into the loops of the elastic. To close, the pad is rolled up from the bottom and placed into aperture of the pouch that is attached to the top of the pad. The pouch is closed with a zipper and carried by an adjustable shoulder strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Dagmar C. Kammerer
  • Publication number: 20030205487
    Abstract: A cigarette package includes a cigarette box with an outer wall surface, and a matchbook attached to the outer wall surface of the cigarette box. The matchbook includes a matchbook cover having an inner cover part with an inner cover surface, and an outer cover part connected to the inner cover part and having an inner cover surface. At least one match is disposed between the inner and outer cover parts, is connected to and is capable of being torn apart from the matchbook cover, and has a head end coated with an ignitable material. A first abrasive strip is provided on the inner cover surface of the inner cover part. A second abrasive strip is provided on the inner cover surface of the outer cover part. The head end of the match can be ignited when rubbed against the first and second abrasive strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Shen-Keng Lin
  • Publication number: 20030205488
    Abstract: A carton and blank for forming a carton for holding one or more articles, for example, flexible pouches, which carton comprises an article-retaining structure for preventing the dislodgment of the packaged articles through the open ends of the carton. The article-retaining structure comprises a retention panel extends between the carton side walls intermediate the top and base walls of the carton to form a tubular structure in cooperation with the top wall. The retention panel is formed with at least one article receiving aperture, wherein tubular structure is provided with a brace for retaining the tubular structure in an erected form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Publication number: 20030205489
    Abstract: A carrier for a portable display device that facilitates transportation thereof. The carrier includes a plurality of connected panels configured to permit the carrier to wrap around the portable display device and releasably latch to support the portable display device for carrying via an integral handle member of the carrier. The carrier may subsequently be unlatched to permit removal of the portable display device for use for display purposes, and relatched for subsequent transportation. The carrier may include integrally attached accessories die cut along with the carrier from a unitary sheet of corrugated paperboard for tear away removal therefrom. Such accessories may include a header, stencil cards, or alignment tools, such as a protractor, T-square or triangle. Removable adhesive labels may be provided on the carrier. The carrier may be scored for folding for compact storage, etc. A display kit including a portable display device and carrier is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Patsy Viars Shumake, Thomas Edmond Wiberg
  • Publication number: 20030205490
    Abstract: A hand-held organizer for holding at least one of a card, a writing instrument, and a notepad includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion. The first panel portion is secured to the second panel portion along three of its perimeter edges to form a first pocket between one side of the first panel portion and one side of the second panel portion. The first side of the first panel portion is also adapted to hold both ends of a card and/or a notepad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: William B. Brock
  • Publication number: 20030205491
    Abstract: The invention is a slim, rigid, transparent, one-piece compact disc storage case with two holes for mounting it in a three-ring type binder and two slots for mounting it onto a card index rail, such as those found on a desk-top holder manufactured by the Rolodex Corporation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Huang