Patents Issued in November 13, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030209276
    Abstract: A compressed air distributing apparatus for compressed air systems of motor vehicles includes a multi circuit protection valve (9) for supplying a plurality of circuits (I, II, III, IV, V) with compressed air. The multi circuit protection valve (9) includes a first solenoid valve (36) and a second solenoid valve (37). Each of the solenoid valves (36, 37) includes a deaerating connection leading to the atmosphere. A plurality of overflow valves (18) includes a valve body (20), a flow chamber (23), a rear chamber (34), a first effective surface (22), a second effective surface (27) and a spring (31) being located in the rear chamber (34). The valve body (20) separates the flow chamber (23) from the rear chamber (34). Each of the overflow valves (18) is associated with one of the circuits (I, II, III, IV, or V), and its opening pressure is greater than its closing pressure to allow for limited backflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Siegfried Hear
  • Publication number: 20030209277
    Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas Nordstrom, James McCoy
  • Publication number: 20030209278
    Abstract: A flow regulator (1) having a regulator housing (2) in which, in a flow channel, an annular flow restrictor (5) made of elastic material is provided that is pushed onto a fastening post (4) and encircles this post. The post (4) has at least two fastening webs (6), oriented opposite a direction in which the elastic material is pushed on, whose free ends engage the flow restrictor (5) from behind in a securing manner. The flow restrictor (5) limits, between itself and at least one fixed part of the housing, a control gap whose flow cross-section can be modified by the flow restrictor (5), which deforms under the pressure difference that arises during flow. In the flow regulator according to the present invention the fastening webs (6) are fashioned as resilient webs that can be flexibly inwardly deflected. The flow regulator (1) according to the present invention can be manufactured economically and with a low cost, and is distinguished by its high degree of functional reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Dieter Wildfang GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Sochtig
  • Publication number: 20030209279
    Abstract: The insulated pipe arrangement comprises at least two pipe bodies, each of which has a flexible inner fluid-guiding pipe, which is enclosed by an insulating layer made of elastomeric or thermoplastic foam, a protective film made of a thermoplastic, elastomer, or duromer of high-density being arranged around the insulating layer. The pipe bodies are bonded on opposing peripheral parts of their protective film by a layer of an adhesive which allows detachment of the adhesive bond without the protective film being damaged and which produces a renewed adhesive bond after detachment of the adhesive bond when the peripheral parts of the previous adhesive bond are brought into contact again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jurg P. Weibel, Valentin Galliker, Urs Fluck
  • Publication number: 20030209280
    Abstract: A method and system for preventing vehicle misfuelling by utilizing an apparatus that receives a fuel nozzle into the filler neck, and activates a vacuum on the nozzle inserted therein. Using the pump's internal shut-off mechanism, this prevents the fuel pump from dispensing fuel until the sensing unit within the apparatus is able to identify the fuel proposed to be added to the tank. If the fuel is deemed acceptable, the vacuum is released, and the fuel is permitted to enter into the desired fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Russell Shane Zerangue
  • Publication number: 20030209281
    Abstract: A collector module (1) is described with a collector manifold (20) having two chambers. This collector module (1) has at least one collector tube (2), which has an absorber tube (4) and a tubular jacket (3). A connector (40) for each collector tube is provided which embraces the collector manifold (20) and receives the end of its tubular jacket (3). The connector (40) has a cup-shaped receiving part (41) glued on its collector tube and a U-shaped connecting part (45) formed on the cup-shaped receiving part (41), which engages the collector manifold (20). A sealing device (60) is arranged on the U-shaped connecting part (45). A torsion-stiff, self-supporting device is provided accordingly by this structure, in which each collector tube is not loaded with external forces, during to thermal expansion, transport, mounting or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gottfried Haas, Nikolaus Benz, Klaus Quast, Michael Reinhard, Frank Schuenzel
  • Publication number: 20030209282
    Abstract: A fuel filling device is provided with a fuel supply adjusting section which adjusts the amount of fuel supplied, a fuel feed line which feeds fuel from a fuel supply adjusting section to a vehicle W, a nozzle removably coupled to vehicle W that supplies fuel from fuel feed line to vehicle W, and a discharge device that discharges fuel present within fuel feed line to the outside to prevent deterioration of packings used in the device in the case of filling a fuel at high pressure, while also facilitate the operation of a filling nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION and NITTO KOHKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Satou, Naoyuki Takano, Yoshikazu Shirane, Kunihiko Gotou, Koji Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20030209283
    Abstract: A machine consisting of a vertically mobile liquid manifold filling system, and a horizontally mobile carriage for maneuvering pallets under a multi-head filler, for simultaneously filling entire pallet tiers of empty containers, such as 2.5 gallon metal or plastic jugs, bottles, or pails, 5.0 gallon metal or plastic jugs, bottles or pails, or 30-55 gallon metal or plastic drums, requires only the labor to lift and place empty containers onto a pallet, instead of the conventional physical handling and palletizing, of heavy, prefilled containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Carl J. Fabry
  • Publication number: 20030209284
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes left and right ends mounted on a base via left and right pairs of posts. The ends are respectively formed with through holes to permit extension of left and right screw rods. Left and right thread members are respectively inserted in the through holes and engage the screw rods. A fine adjusting unit includes a mounting wall mounted on the left end, and a rod member having a first rod section mounted rotatably on the mounting wall, and a second rod section extending eccentrically from the first rod section and received fittingly in an engaging hole in the left thread member such that rotation of the first rod section results in vertical fine movement of the left thread member relative to the left screw rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Pei-Lieh Chiang
  • Publication number: 20030209285
    Abstract: A stump-grinding apparatus includes a block having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is adjacent to a side -of the wheel between the center of wheel and the peripheral edge. The outer surface defines both a groove and a first aperture in the groove. A tooth is received into the groove. The tooth has a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. The second end defines a second aperture that can align with the first aperture. A fastener extends through the first and second aperture to fasten the tooth to the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robert P. Ziehm
  • Publication number: 20030209286
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing electric machines comprised of geometrically patterned arrays of permanent magnets, soft magnetic materials, and electrical conductors deposited by kinetic spraying methods directly atop a carrier. The magnets and planar coils of the present invention may be integrally formed atop carriers to form electrical machines such as motors, generators, alternators, solenoids, and actuators. The manufacturing techniques used in this invention may produce highly defined articles that do not require additional shaping or attaching steps. Very high-purity permanent and soft magnetic materials, and conductors with low oxidation are produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Franco Leonardi, John Matthew Ginder, Robert Corbly McCune
  • Publication number: 20030209287
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insulating material between adjacent metal layers of a soft magnetic core, and a process for forming this insulating material. The insulating material is composed of the native metal oxides of the metallic core material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Wood, Richard Lathlaen
  • Publication number: 20030209288
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a clad component in which a cladding workpiece having a section comprising a first metal onto which a number of metal beads are rigidly bonded is inserted into a mold. A molten second metal is poured into the mold, where it flows about and covers the beads and is then permitted to cool. This process forms an article made of the second metal, which is mechanically interlocked to the beads, clad by the first metal. Typically the first metal is a high-melting point strong metal, such as steel, and the second metal is a lower-melting point, weaker, but lighter metal, such as aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Xiaodi Huang
  • Publication number: 20030209289
    Abstract: A liquid iron phosphating concentrate is provided which contains dispersed aromatic carboxylic acid. The aromatic carboxylic acid remains dispersed in the concentrate by incorporation of a thickener in the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: William E. Fristad, Karim I. Saad
  • Publication number: 20030209290
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming a deposit on the surface of a metallic or conductive surface. The process employs an electrolytic process to deposit a silicate containing coating or film upon a metallic or conductive surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Heimann, Branko Popov, Bruce flint, Nancy G. Heimann, Ravi Chandran, William M. Dalton
  • Publication number: 20030209291
    Abstract: A method for the immobilisation of a radioactive anion on the surface of a metal substrate, said method comprising treating the substrate with an oxidising agent in the presence of a solution of a radioactive anion which forms an insoluble salt with ions of said metal. Preferably, a binding agent will also be present. Preferably, the metal is silver, the radioactive anion is 125I− and the binding agent comprises bromide ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Snow, Gregory Mclntire, Edward Bacon, Evan Gustow
  • Publication number: 20030209292
    Abstract: A non-chromate conversion coating and method of applying same wherein the coating comprises a titanate, such as potassium titanate or sodium metatitanate, as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromate in an otherwise chromate-containing conversion coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Publication number: 20030209293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal surface treatment agent that characteristically contains (A) at least 1 vanadium compound and (B) at least one metal compound containing at least 1 metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, titanium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, and cerium. The present invention also relates to a metal surface treatment method using the foregoing treatment agent and the corresponding surface-treated metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ryousuke Sako, Keiichi Ueno
  • Publication number: 20030209294
    Abstract: An alloy for bonded magnets of the present invention includes at least a main component of iron (Fe), 12-16 atomic % (at %) of rare-earth elements (R) including yttrium (Y), and 10.8-15 at % of boron (B), and is subjected to a hydrogen treatment method as HDDR process or d-HDDR process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Aichi Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Honkura, Norihiko Hamada, Chisato Mishima
  • Publication number: 20030209295
    Abstract: A cobalt-iron alloy film having saturation magnetization of at least about 2.30 Telsa. The film alloy includes about 55 wt % to about 75 wt. % iron and the remainder cobalt. The film is made by a process in which the film is electrodeposited from an aqueous medium which includes one or more ferrous salts, one or more cobaltous salts, a buffer having a pKa of about 6 to about 8, at least one carboxylic acid having a pKa of between about 3.5 and about 5.5, an aromatic sulfinic acid or its salt and optionally, a halide salt and/or a surfactant. The alloy film is useful as a write head in magnetic recording.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel Israel Cooper, Thomas Edward Dinan, Lubomyr Taras Romankiw, Hong Xu
  • Publication number: 20030209296
    Abstract: A hydrogen containing material comprises a first compound including hydrogen containing material and fluoride, and a second compound including a metal which becomes highly reactive with hydrogen when the metal becomes a compound including fluorine, and a compound including fluorine. The first compound and the second compound are integrally formed into a one-piece layer on the surface of the hydrogen containing material. The metal which becomes highly reactive with hydrogen when the metal becomes a compound including fluorine is at least one metal selected from a rare earth metal, rare earth alloy, Fe, Al, Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, Zr, Li, or alloys comprising these elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicants: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd., Stella Chemifa Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiaki Aono, Toshiharu Tabata, Akiyoshi Kosuge, Hirohisa Kikuyama, Hiroto Izumi
  • Publication number: 20030209297
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer material including a back metal and a metal plate made from a metal differing from the back metal is disclosed. The method includes heating powder of the metal formed into the metal plate in a reducing atmosphere so that an oxide on a surface of the metal powder is deoxidized, and spreading the deoxidized metal powder onto the back metal and irradiating laser beam having an energy density of 10 to 100 kW/cm2 onto the metal powder spread on the back metal so that the metal powder is partially heated to be melted, while the laser beam is moved relative to the spread metal powder, and quenching the melted part of the metal powder at an underside of the back metal so that the melted part is rapidly solidified, whereupon the multilayer material has a dendritic structure in which the metal plate extends substantially vertically from a surface of the back metal, and the dendritic structure has a crystal grain size equal to or smaller than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Daido Metal Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Fujita, Eisaku Inoue, Takayuki Shibayama
  • Publication number: 20030209298
    Abstract: The present invention provides non-axially symmetrical manufactured parts of thickness less than 10 mm, made of &bgr; or quasi-&bgr; titanium alloy, having a core microstructure constituted by whole grains presenting a slenderness ratio greater than 4 and an equivalent diameter lying in the range 10 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;m. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing said parts by forging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURS
    Inventors: Blandine Barbier, Philippe Gallois, Claude Mons, Agathe Venard, Pascal Vignolles
  • Publication number: 20030209299
    Abstract: Disclosed is a copper alloy having high electrical conductivity of at least 70% IACS and a broad solid-liquid two-phase region, capable of being easily subjected to a semi-solid forming process even at various temperatures. The copper alloy is suitable for use in a rotor of small- and medium-sized electric motors. In addition, the prevent invention provides a method of manufacturing the copper alloy for semi-solid forming, including the step of melting a copper-calcium alloy having 0.1-1.5 wt % of calcium and the balance of copper at 1100-1150° C. to form a molten copper-calcium alloy, which is then maintained at 1100-1150° C. for a predetermined time period. Then, the molten copper-calcium alloy is poured into a mold preheated to 100-150° C. and cast to a copper alloy ingot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Sang-Yong Lee, Keun-Yong Sohn, Chang-Joo Kim
  • Publication number: 20030209300
    Abstract: An explosive emulsion composition which includes two oxygen supplying salts and urea as a discontinuous phase, and a continuous water-immiscible organic phase which consists predominantly of iso-paraffinic oils and one or more emulsifying agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Muamer Meduselac, Richard Charles Scales
  • Publication number: 20030209301
    Abstract: A safety support designed to be inserted by a translation operation around a rim bearing in which the radially inner surface of the base of the support contains a plurality of protuberances radially arranged internally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Pompier, Jean-Jacques Drieux, Jean-Charles Lacour
  • Publication number: 20030209302
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire which comprises a tread portion, a pair of bead portions adapted to a wheel rim, a pair of sidewall portions therebetween, at least one of the sidewall portions provided with an axially protruding rim protector, the rim protector extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction so as to form an annular axially outer surface extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction and a radially inner surface extending radially inwardly from said annular axially outer surface towards the adjacent bead portion, wherein the radially inner surface is provided along the tire circumferential direction with at least one recess having a depth of from 0.5 to 7.0 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Masahiro Hanya
  • Publication number: 20030209303
    Abstract: A card package production system (100) for making card packages (115) of carriers (113) with attached cards (128) with a pair of rollers for passing a carrier in an upstream direction to a card attachment station for receipt of a card, a card drop mechanism for dropping a card with adhesive onto a carrier at the card attachment position; and a controller for controlling the operation of the pair of rollers to first reverse the rollers to pass the carrier with the card on the carrier in a downstream direction back past the pair of rollers to press the card with the adhesive against the carrier to adhere the card to the carrier, and to then reverse the at least one roller again to pass the carrier with the adhered card in the upstream direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: James G. Bretl, Robert J. Bretl
  • Publication number: 20030209304
    Abstract: An optical-disk bonding apparatus for bonding two or more disk substrates with an adhesive, has
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Morio Tomiyama
  • Publication number: 20030209305
    Abstract: An underlayment mat for single ply roof membranes which provides the following: insulation, separate the roof membrane from incompatible materials in the substrate, protect the roof membrane from puncture or undue wear from irregular surfaces on the substrate, provide adequate support while being flexible enough to work with the single ply membrane to absorb shock and, or provide a continuous, flat upper surface on which a roof covering is applied. The underlayment member may be woven or unwoven, it may be spun bound or needled punched or constructed by whatever method best achieves the desired physical characteristics herein described at the most economical cost. Further, this mat may be made of the following materials including but not limited to and either individually or combined: Various synthetic fibers, acrylic, rayon, nylon, polyester, foam or foam scraps, and or mineral fibers such as glass, carbon, mineral wool, ceramic, and slag wood fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph Berryman Smith, Donald Otis McCleskey, Norman F. Manning, L. Ralph Smith
  • Publication number: 20030209306
    Abstract: A continuous carpet (10) or other flooring manufacturing process that accommodates use of a variety of materials including recycled PVC from used carpet and carpet manufacturing waste. The continuous process forms backing (12) and is capable of feeding the backing into a lamination stage for bonding with the face cloth (14). By providing a continuous process whereby the backing layer, upon formation, can be immediately laminated to the face cloth, manufacturing time and associated cost are reduced. Moreover, formation of the backing layer as a process separate from the lamination thereby protecting the face cloth from unnecessary heat and pressure and enhancing the many types of material, including recycled and waste materials, especially used carpet and used carpet by products. Use of these cheaper materials reduces both the manufacturing cost by products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Stuart A Jones, James G Garrett, Keith N Gray
  • Publication number: 20030209307
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for welding materials has a flat anvil (12) having a width of at least two inches and a length of at least eighteen inches. A welding apparatus (14) having at least one welding head (22) is mounted on a rail (16) which is parallel to said anvil (12). The apparatus (10) may be mobile. In an illustrated embodiment, welding apparatus (14) is an ultrasonic welding unit, and apparatus (10) is used to weld thermoset materials. As illustrated, the method is used to weld thermoset plastic monofilament fabric (34) to provide a continuous method of treating the monofilament fabric (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Robert John Gartland, Kenneth Michael Kot
  • Publication number: 20030209308
    Abstract: In order to provide a glass panel in which any substance which may be present on the glass surface and may then become detached to invite deterioration in the vacuum degree has been sufficiently reduced and which can maintain highly sealed condition against the surround atmosphere for an extended period of time, in a glass panel comprising a pair of glass sheet disposed in an opposing and spaced relationship with each other with a gap formed therebetween, the gap being air-tightly sealed by joining peripheral edges of the glass sheets with a sealing material, at least one of the glass sheets has a water contact angle of 30 degrees or less on a gap-side glass surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Shinjiro Domi, Koichi Sakaguchi, Masao Misonou
  • Publication number: 20030209309
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing an elastomeric tire utilizing a separate formation of a package having a tire core shape and containing tire belts, plies and beads. The package is formed by a laying up of layers of pre-cure elastomer intradigitated with sections of porous fabric, where the fabric fibers are placed at desired crossing angles to one another, and the pre-cure elastomer layers are positioned therebetween as a sandwich, with the sandwich then cold rolled into the tire core shape. Inelastic hoop shaped beads are fitted to and encapsulated in the tire core side walls ends and, as required, an inelastic belt is fitted around the tire core tread area that is secured thereto as by cold rolling a layer of pre-cure elastomer thereover, completing the tire core package. The tire core package is fitted into a mold, preferably a spin casting mold, and is supported therein equidistant from the mold cavity walls to receive an elastomer sprayed therein as the mold is spun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Richard A. Steinke, James G. Moore, Manual Chacon
  • Publication number: 20030209310
    Abstract: Typically, the frontside of a wafer is protected by a tape during backgrinding. Electrostatic charge may accumulate on the tape during the backgrinding operation. The wafer may warp after the backgrinding operation because the thinned wafer is not sufficiently rigid to counteract the bending forces resulting from the accumulation of electrostatic charge. In order to reduce wafer warpage, ionized air may be directed onto the wafer and tape to reduce the accumulation of electrostatic charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Anastacio C. Fuentes, Reynaldo S. Atienza, Chesalon M. Clavio
  • Publication number: 20030209311
    Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20030209312
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic pipe member is obtained by a novel continuous process in which the reinforcement fibers are wrapped about the outer pipe surface in an unbonded condition while the pipe member continuously moves in a linear direction and which is followed by sufficient heating of the moving fiber wrapped pipe member to cause thermal bonding between the applied fibers and the pipe member. Automated apparatus for carrying out the continuous process is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: David Edgar Hauber
  • Publication number: 20030209313
    Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and apparatus for mechanically embossing a decorative covering. The decorative covering includes a printed film that is laminated and mechanically embossed with a first embossed pattern/texture, and subsequently embossed with a second pattern/texture. The embossed patterns are applied at separate embossing stations, with the first embossed pattern as a field pattern and the latter pattern being embossed in register with a pattern on the embossed substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Brent Stoll
  • Publication number: 20030209314
    Abstract: A method of forming nanofluidic enclosed channels includes providing a first substrate having a layer of a first material disposed thereon. A plurality of nanoscale slots is formed along a second substrate using nanolithography, etching, or other disclosed techniques. The first substrate is then bonded to the second substrate such that the layer of the first material on the first substrate is adjacent the plurality of slots on the second substrate to define a plurality of enclosed nanofluidic channels therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Lingjie J. Guo, Xing Cheng
  • Publication number: 20030209315
    Abstract: While a protective film (4) is being pulled off from an adhesive layer (3) of a component (2), a stream of ionized gas is blown with an ion blower (7) into the gap (6), which opens up between the adhesive layer (3) and the protective layer (4) while the latter is being pulled off. Electrostatic charges, which are developed during the pulling off, are neutralized immediately by these means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: FFT Flexible Fertigungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jochen Schneegans
  • Publication number: 20030209316
    Abstract: A tape applicator. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tape applicator that includes a tape head having a base, a tape roll holder attached to the base and a tape application roller for applying a tape to a surface attached to said base, where the tape applicator includes a tape path from the tape roll holder to the tape application roller, and includes a x-axis actuator operatively connected to the tape head for moving said tape applicator in the x-axis direction and a y-axis actuator operatively connected to the tape head for moving said tape applicator in the y-axis direction. The present invention also relates to methods of applying tape to surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Leif O. Erickson, Michael G. Slagter
  • Publication number: 20030209317
    Abstract: In order to selectively reinforce portions of a material web, a cutting and laminating device efficiently produces the required reinforcing strips and then laminates them to the web. In order to efficiently and accurately produce these reinforcing strips, a cross web shear is utilized which is capable of cutting required reinforcing strips from the fairly large web of reinforcing material in an accurate manner. Once cut, a holding and positioning device is capable of grabbing onto the reinforcing strip and appropriately positioning it next to the primary material web. A separate laminator can then attach this reinforcing strip to the web at a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Philip A. Koehler, Steven F. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20030209318
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing fabricated wooden studs including: providing (a) face-sheets of OSB, the face-sheets having opposite ends, (b) edge-strips of OSB, and (c) end-members; placing a first one of the face-sheets on an assembly base; placing a plurality of edge-strips onto the first face-sheet, the edge-strips being in spaced, parallel relationship to one another; placing a plurality of end-members on the first face-sheet at the opposite ends and between adjacent edge-strips; placing a second of the face-sheets onto all of the placed edge strips and placed end-members to sandwich such edge-strips and end-members between the first and second face-sheets; applying adhesive between the layers at any time during the placing steps, thereby to form a three-layer assembly; pressing the three-layer assembly until the adhesive is set to produce a stud assembly; and cutting the stud assembly along lines which divide the edge-strips to form a plurality of studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Henthorn
  • Publication number: 20030209319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of joining two or more pieces of wood based materials, comprising the steps of providing at least two pieces of wood based material; separately applying an adhesive composition (A), comprising a curable resin, and a composition (B), comprising a gel forming substance, onto at least one of said at least two pieces; joining the two pieces together to form an assembly having the compositions (A) and (B) situated between the pieces; pre-pressing the obtained assembly, with no curing of the resin; and then, hot-pressing the assembly to cure the resin. It also relates to wood based products made by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: David Almqvist
  • Publication number: 20030209320
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical planarization system and method for planarizing wafers is provided. The system generally includes a transfer corridor, at least one corridor robot, one or more polishing modules and at least one loading device. The corridor robot is disposed in the transfer corridor and is positionable between a first end and a second end of the transfer corridor. The loading device is adapted to transfer workpieces between the transfer corridor and the polishing modules. Generally, the loading device includes at least one load cup. The one or more polishing modules each include one or more polishing heads for holding workpieces during processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip R. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20030209321
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controllably etching a semiconductor wafer fabricated by a semiconductor processing system. Generally, an etcher is associated with the semiconductor processing system, such that etcher includes one or more electrodes thereof. An electrode position monitor can then be utilized for monitoring a position of the electrode, thereby permitting an adjustable size control of the etch head, which is controllable according to an associated etching recipe. The etch head is generally moveable according to a step mode. Such an arrangement thus increases wafer uniformity and precision process control during wafer fabrication and etching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-Jan Tao, Mong-Song Liang
  • Publication number: 20030209322
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a system includes (1) a chamber; (2) a variable speed vacuum pump coupled to the chamber; and (3) a pressure controller coupled to the chamber. The pressure controller compares a set point pressure with a pressure measurement for the chamber and adjusts a flow of gas through the pressure controller based on a difference between the pressure measurement and the set point pressure. The system includes a pressure measurement device coupled to the chamber and to the pressure controller, and a main controller coupled to the variable speed vacuum pump, the pressure controller and the pressure measurement device. The pressure measurement device measures a pressure within the chamber and provides a pressure measurement to the pressure controller and the main controller. The main controller (1) adjusts a speed of the variable speed vacuum pump; and (2) provides the set point pressure to the pressure controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth Pfeiffer, Gregory S. Verdict
  • Publication number: 20030209323
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a production apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor device which comprises a vacuum processing chamber where film formation or etching is performed for a semiconductor wafer, a gas introducing part for introducing a process gas into the vacuum processing chamber, and a shower head for uniformly diffusing the introduced process gas, where a plate having a plurality of gas blowing holes for blowing the process gas on the semiconductor wafer are arranged and opened with uniform density is provided on the face of a shower head opposing the semiconductor wafer. Each of the gas blowing holes opened in the plate is a steeped hole having a large diameter hole part and a small diameter hole part, formed by varying the step location in response to the pressure distribution of the process gas within the shower head so as to make the amount of the gas blown from respective gas blowing holes uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Yokogaki
  • Publication number: 20030209324
    Abstract: A plasma reactor apparatus (100) includes plasma generating assembly (150) that is moveable between a first and second position. The plasma generating assembly (150) includes an inductive coil assembly (216) that is coupled to a source of RF energy. In the first position, access is provided for mounting a wafer (101) onto a chuck assembly (250). In the second position, the plasma generating assembly (150) and the substrate chuck assembly (250) form an enclosed area (300) about the wafer (101). Process gas is used to fill the enclosed space (300) while a vacuum is created in the enclosed space (300). RF energy is applied to the inductive coil (218) and plasma is formed in the enclosed space (300) in order to process the wafer (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Steven T. Fink
  • Publication number: 20030209325
    Abstract: A substrate holding mechanism which is particularly adaptable to automatically centering a semiconductor wafer on a platen spider as the wafer is lowered from a wafer loading and unloading position to a wafer processing position in a medium current implanter such as a Varian EHP500. Upon subsequent placement of a mechanical clamp on the wafer to hold the wafer on the platen, the clamp fingers of the clamp engage the edge of the wafer with substantially uniform pressure to prevent micro-cracking or fracturing of the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Fu Yu, Song-Yueha Lin, Hom-Chung Lin, Zuo-Chang Yen