Patents Issued in January 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6673196
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma processing apparatus, comprising a chamber for applying a film depositing treatment or an etching treatment to a target object by utilizing plasma, and a gate liner covering the surface of the open portion of a chamber gate for transferring the target object into and out of the chamber so as to prevent the chamber gate from being affected by the plasma. A gate aspect ratio, which is a ratio of the depth of the open portion of the chamber gate to the length in the short-side direction, is determined in accordance with the anode/cathode ratio, which is a ratio in area of the anode region to the cathode region within the chamber, so as to prevent an abnormal discharge within the gate space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Jun Oyabu
  • Patent number: 6673197
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a plasma in a gas using a thermal source and a heat source in a common reaction zone. A process gas is flowed to a reaction zone and heated with a thermal energy source. Within the same reaction zone, a current is passed in the gas to generate a plasma within the gas. The plasma is directed to a substrate for treatment. The substrate may be a silicon wafer as part of an etching, ashing, wafer cleaning, and chemical vapor deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Penelon, Ivan Berry
  • Patent number: 6673198
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber including a slip cast part having a surface thereof exposed to the interior space of the chamber. The slip cast part includes free silicon contained therein and a protective layer on the surface which protects the silicon from being attacked by plasma in the interior space of the chamber. The slip cast part can be made of slip cast silicon carbide coated with CVD silicon carbide. The slip cast part can comprise one or more parts of the chamber such as a wafer passage insert, a monolithic or tiled liner, a plasma screen, a showerhead, dielectric member, or the like. The slip cast part reduces particle contamination and reduces process drift in plasma processes such as plasma etching of dielectric materials such as silicon oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Wicker
  • Patent number: 6673199
    Abstract: A substrate etching chamber has a substrate support, a gas supply to introduce a process gas into the chamber; an inductor antenna to sustain a plasma of the process gas in a process zone of the chamber, and an exhaust to exhaust the process gas. A magnetic field generator disposed about the chamber has first and second solenoids. A controller is adapted to control a power supply to provide a first current to the first solenoid and a second current to the second solenoid, thereby generating a magnetic field in the process zone of the chamber to controllably shape the plasma in the process zone to reduce etch rate variations across the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Yamartino, Peter K. Loewenhardt, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Saravjeet Singh
  • Patent number: 6673200
    Abstract: Optical emission spectra from a test wafer during a plasma process are measured using a spectrometer. The plasma charging voltage retained by (detected by) the test wafer is measured after the process step is completed. The emission spectra are correlated with the plasma charging voltage to identify the species contributing to the plasma charging voltage. The optical emission spectra are monitored in real time to optimize the plasma process to prevent plasma charging damage. The optical emission spectra are also monitored to control the plasma process drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Shiqun Gu, Peter Gerard McGrath, Ryan Tadashi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6673201
    Abstract: A top separator assembly for a digester is disclosed comprising: a rotatable shaft for the top separator; a packing for the shaft; and a sealing ring operatively mounted to the shaft and having a nominal clearance with the pack box, said sealing ring mounted so that up lifting of said shaft provides a substantially fluid tight seal between said pack box and a side of said ring (in the digester) opposite the pack box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Andritz, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Vogel, John F. Bolles, C. Bertil Stromberg
  • Patent number: 6673202
    Abstract: Highly textured tissue sheets, particularly suitable for use as bath tissue, are produced by throughdrying and have a low number and/or low amount of pinholes. The low number or amount of pinholes is provided by using a throughdrying fabric having parallel wide ridges with a height suited to the particular tissue sheet being produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Burazin, Cristina Asensio Mullalhy, Andrew Peter Bakken, Christopher Scott Kowalski, Bernhardt Edward Kressner, Michael Stephen Vance, Kevin Joseph Vogt
  • Patent number: 6673203
    Abstract: A multi-ply tissue product is described in which the two outer plies are layered such that the inwardly-facing layer of each outer ply contains a chemical debonder to impart softness while confining lint and slough from that layer to the inside of the tissue product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Garrett Neal, Jr., Charles Herbert Goerg
  • Patent number: 6673204
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a non-woven fabric, in which a predetermined pattern of a forming body is transferred to a non-woven fabric immediately after or simultaneously with its formation by urging the non-woven fabric onto the forming body with water jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Takai, Kazuya Okada, Takayoshi Konishi
  • Patent number: 6673205
    Abstract: The present invention uses hydrophobically modified polyaminamide with standard wet strength agent to produce a softer and more absorbent paper material. The hydrophobically modified polyaminamide is substantive to cellulosic fibers, thus is able to carry polyethylene glycol esters or ethers, a non-substantive material to cellulosic fiber as stable complexes, into the paper product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce Jerome Kokko
  • Patent number: 6673206
    Abstract: Paper, board and cardboard are produced by a process in which a paper stock is drained in the presence of condensates of basic amino acids with sheet formation. In particular, homo- and cocondensates of lysine and the crosslinked condensates obtainable therefrom by reaction with crosslinking agents are used in amounts of from 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on dry paper stock, as a means of increasing the dry and wet strength and the absorptivity of paper, for fixing anionic dyes and interfering substances in the paper, for increasing the drainage rate and the retention as well as the efficiency of synthetic anionic and cationic retention aids in the production of paper, board and cardboard by draining a paper stock with sheet formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Linhart, Bernd Dirks, Rainer Tresch, Bernhard Mohr, Dietrich Fehringer
  • Patent number: 6673207
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laminated photocatalytic pulp paper having a variety of uses such as a filter material, a packaging material, a construction material and the like, which has the antibacterial property, the bad smell degrading property and harmful substance oxidatively degrading property, is useful for use in air treatment, water treatment and soil treatment and, at the same time, can improve the photocatalytic activity effect itself of titanium oxide. According to the present invention, there is provided a laminated photocatalytic pulp paper characterized in that a wastepaper pulp is laminated on a photocatalytic pulp composition in which 40-95 wt % of a pulp and/or a paper having the water content of 3 wt % or less, an average fiber diameter of 5-300 &mgr;m and an average fiber length of 0.1-70 mm are blended with 5-60 wt % of titanium oxide, and a paper string comprising this pulp paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ein Kohsan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadao Nishibori
  • Patent number: 6673208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polysilicate microgels, their preparation and use in paper making and water purification, the polysilicate microgels being obtainable by a process which comprises bringing into contact (i) particles of a salt AB with an aqueous silicate or polysilicate solution, (ii) an ion A with an ion B in the presence of an aqueous silicate or polysilicate solution, whereby the salt AB is precipitating in the aqueous phase, or (iii) an ion A with an ion B in the presence of an aqueous silicate or polysilicate solution, whereby the ions A and B represent ions of a precipitable salt AB having a pKS value of at least 4, measured at 20° C. in water. The invention further relates to aqueous silicate or polysilicate solutions, their preparation and use as precursors for polysilicate microgels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Persson, Marek Tadeusz Tokarz, Rein Sikkar
  • Patent number: 6673209
    Abstract: A method for storing and handling a roll of a paper machine, board machine, or finishing machine includes using a special base arranged for the roll on which the roll is moveable from its operating location to a roll store and/or to a transport, or for storing the roll in the store. The base is made into a roll box inside of which suitable heat and humidity conditions are arranged for the roll. The conditions are maintained when using such a base or area as the roll store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Esa Vilmusenaho
  • Patent number: 6673210
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a semipermeable membrane, the semipermeable membrane being configured for carrying a fiber web, includes the steps of providing a cleaning fluid and applying the cleaning fluid on the semipermeable membrane. Further, an air press configured for carrying the semipermeable membrane therethrough is provided, and the air press has pressurized air therein. The semipermeable membrane is conveyed through the air press and is subjected to the pressurized air within the air press. The pressurized air thereby flushes the cleaning fluid through the semipermeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: David A. Beck
  • Patent number: 6673211
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate has a housing with an inlet and an accept outlet. A rotatable distribution member is positioned within the housing. A rotor and stator assembly is positioned within the housing radially outside of the distribution member. A toothed ring is interposed between the distribution rotor and the rotor and stator assembly. The toothed ring and the rotor and stator assembly define a gas ring therebetween. A reactant gas supply is fluidly coupled with the gas ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Doelle
  • Patent number: 6673212
    Abstract: Identified herein are inhibitors which may be added to the boiling pot portion of a distillation apparatus prior to or during the distillation of an alkylene carbonate. The inhibitors retard the occurrence of undesirable reactions of the alkylene carbonate with itself and impurities present in the pot, and hence greatly reduce or minimize the formation of undesirable by-products which otherwise tend to reduce overall yields of alkylene carbonate recovered by the distillation process. Higher distillation temperatures at higher pressures over the prior art are possible without attendant losses of significant amounts of recovered alkylene carbonate, which confers heretofore unseen flexibility in alkylene carbonate distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Machac, Jr., Edward T. Marquis, Susan A. Woodrum, Ralph M. DiGuilio, Mike W. McKinney
  • Patent number: 6673213
    Abstract: The invention refers to a simultaneous system for the distillation and elevation of water on top of the water table itself, which driven by thermo solar energy allows in an autonomous operation the generation of electrical power through transportation and free fall of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Victor Miguel Hernandez Burgos
  • Patent number: 6673214
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method/device for enhancing a chemical reaction including PCR and ELISA by utilizing electromagnetic or mechanical energy. Such method/device can also be used for increasing the rate at which a group of molecules reaches a different molecular configuration from initial configuration, thereby increasing binding and reacting of the molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Marchitto, Stephen T. Flock
  • Patent number: 6673215
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate component for protecting hangers associated with electrostatic coating processes. The component is an electrically conductive, pliable, tubular member, and inexpensive relative to the hanger which it serves to protect. The component lessens the cost associated with traditional hanger cleaning and preserves hanger life and integrity. The tubular member may have a longitudinal slit for installing the member over a cross bar of a hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Action Caps LLC
    Inventor: Charles R. DeWent
  • Patent number: 6673216
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting electrical signals and fluids to and/or from a microelectronic workpiece. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and having a first end with a first electrical contact portion toward the first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an internal channel along the shaft axis between the first and second ends. The shaft can further have at least one first hole toward the first end with the first hole extending radially from the channel to an external surface of the shaft. The shaft can still further have at least one second hole toward the second end with the second hole extending from the channel to the external surface. A housing rotatably receives the shaft and has an aperture coupleable to a fluid source and/or fluid sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Pedersen, James J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6673217
    Abstract: The Present invention relates generally to the small cluster water field. The present invention relates to water and a processing method thereof to produce water having small clusters, and superior quality to other small cluster waters. This invention relates to a new and novel way of producing high quality physiologically active small cluster water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Bohdan Danylyk
  • Patent number: 6673218
    Abstract: A cathode cartridge (N) for an electroplating tester includes a cathode conductor (10) that conducts electricity to a surface (Wa) to be plated of a silicon wafer (W) as an object to be plated, a first insulator (20) that covers a front side of the silicon wafer (W) and holds the cathode conductor (10), and a second insulator (30) that covers a back side of the silicon wafer (W) and holds the silicon wafer (W). Negative portions other than the surface (Wa) to be plated of the silicon wafer (W) are insulated from plating solution with a first O-ring (22) fitted in the first insulator (20) and a second O-ring (32) fitted in the second insulator (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yamamoto-MS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6673219
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transverse conveyor for electrodes used in the production of metals. This transverse conveyor consists of a transfer device, located below the electrodes to be transferred and which device moves back and forth on a horizontal plane, as well as of lifters used for lifting the electrodes. The transfer device consists of a frame, on which there is a moving transfer bar, which is designed to cover the frame at all stages of its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventor: Tom Marttila
  • Patent number: 6673220
    Abstract: A method for fabricating silicon tiles and silicon tile targets has been provided, such as may be used in the sputter deposition of thin film transistor (TFT) silicon films. The method describes processes of cutting the tiles, beveling the tiles edges, etching the tiles to minimize residual damage caused by cutting the tiles, polishing the tiles to a specified flatness, and attaching the tiles to a backing plate. All these processes are performed with the aim of minimizing contamination and particle formations when the target is used for sputter deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Apostolos Voutsas, John Hartzell
  • Patent number: 6673221
    Abstract: An improved interconnection system for attaching an improved cylindrical magnetron target to a rotatable flanged spindle incorporates an annular extension on the target, which fits over the edge of the spindle flange, facilitates centering the target on the spindle, and helps shield target sealing surfaces. The annular extension terminates in an inwardly-angled circumferential step. The target-spindle interconnection system includes a split clamping collar and a generally annular retainer ring that slidable over the spindle shaft and rotatable against the spindle flange, the retainer ring having external circumferential threads that are angled away from the flange. The split clamping collar has, at one end, an inwardly-angled lip that engages the overhanging step and, at the other end, inwardly-angled, internal, circumferential threads that engage the threads of the retainer ring to draw the target and spindle together as a unified assembly as the retainer ring is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: David Mark Lynn, Melvin Marion Clarkson
  • Patent number: 6673222
    Abstract: A biological activity probe for the detection on-line of the presence of sulphide including an enzyme electrode; a counter electrode; a reference electrode; and if desired a corrosion electrode. The enzyme electrode includes an immobilised source of sulfide oxidase enzyme, together with a cofactor such as 1,1′-dimethylferrocene, immobilised in a water permeable non-conducting binder on a biologically inert electrically conducting substrate. The immobilised source of sulfide oxidase enzyme is either a chemoautotropic microorganism such as a Thiobacillus thioparus, or enzyme material recovered from a culture of a Thiobacillus thioparus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Sadaksharasundaram S. Papavinasam, William D. Gould, Robert W. Revie, Fraser A. MacLeod, Michael Attard
  • Patent number: 6673223
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas sensing device, an oxygen pumping cell, and a gas detection apparatus using the same for detecting lower ranges of gas concentration with high accuracy and stability. An under layer made of oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte was formed between an electrolyte substrate and a sensing electrode, a conversion electrode or a gas treatment electrode. This allows the physical and chemical adhesion between these electrodes and the electrolyte substrate, thereby improving the sensing properties and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Riken
    Inventors: Akira Kunimoto, Yongtie Yan, Takashi Ono
  • Patent number: 6673224
    Abstract: An improved structure of a mechanical seal for keeping a gas chamber and a reference gas chamber airtight in a sensor body. A sensor element is disposed within an insulator. A gap between the sensor element and the insulator is sealed hermetically by a glass sealing member. The glass sealing member has a coefficient of thermal expansion whose differences between itself and the sensor element and the insulator is within a range of ±3×10−6/° C. This provides a mechanical seal required to keep the reference gas chamber and the gas chamber in the gas sensor airtight in an environment such as an automotive exhaust system subjected to a great temperature change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 6673225
    Abstract: A method for concentrating and/or positioning and/or separating particles or cells comprises placing a liquid medium containing the particles and/or cells over a surface having an electrode array associated with the surface, applying an alternating voltage to the electrode array to create an electric field above the surface within the medium to repel the particles or cells from the electrode array and thereby levitate the particles or cells above the surface, within the medium, by negative dielectrophoresis, and heating the liquid medium so as to cause convection currents to circulate within the medium which concentrate or relocate the levitated cells within the medium. Apparatus for concentrating and/or positioning and/or separating particles or cells are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Research Limited
    Inventor: William Michael Arnold
  • Patent number: 6673226
    Abstract: The concentration of chloride ion in an acid copper electroplating bath is determined from the effect that chloride exerts on the copper electrodeposition rate in the presence of organic additives. A cyclic voltammetric stripping (CVS) rate parameter is measured, before and after standard addition of a plating bath sample, in an acid copper electrodeposition solution containing little or no chloride and at least one organic additive. Cross contamination and waste disposal issues associated with the reagents and reaction products involved in chloride titration analyses are avoided. The method may also be applied to analysis of other halides (bromide and iodide) and other solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: ECI Technology
    Inventors: Alex Kogan, Eugene Shalyt, Peter Bratin, Michael Pavlov, Michael James Perpich
  • Patent number: 6673227
    Abstract: The parts are produced by two-component injection molding. Those regions that are to be metallized consist of a first plastic and those regions that are not to be metallized consist of a second plastic. After the entire surface of the parts has been seeded, the seeding is selectively removed with the aid of a solvent in the regions which are not to be metallized. The first plastic is insoluble and the second plastic soluble in the solvent. The selective metallization then takes place by electroless metal deposition and, if appropriate, electrodeposition of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Production & Logistics Systems AG
    Inventor: Luc Boone
  • Patent number: 6673228
    Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning the bottom of an electrolytic tank of solids settled on the bottom of the tank, said arrangement comprising elements to be moved along the bottom or at least in the vicinity thereof in order to detach solids from the bottom. The arrangement comprises at least one moveable suction element, whereby at least part of the solids accumulated on the bottom is conducted out of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Tuomo Kivistö, Jari Stenroos
  • Patent number: 6673229
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7), said cathode (3) comprising a metal complex, ML, where M represents a metal and L represents an organic or inorganic ligand, said complex being capable of forming the hydroxyl radical by a reaction wherein the metal in the complex is oxidised and acquires an additional positive charge, said anode (5) creating positive ions and electrons, said electrolyte (7) allowing the transfer of a positive charges, said cathode being arranged such that the fluid to be purified can come into contact with the metal complex on the cathode. The invention also provides a related electrode and a related electrochemical cell as well as a corresponding method for purifying fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sony International (Europe) GmbH
    Inventors: William Ford, Jurina Wessels, Tobias Vossmeyer
  • Patent number: 6673230
    Abstract: Economical processes are disclosed for production of components for refinery blending of transportation fuels which are liquid at ambient conditions by selective oxygenation of refinery feedstocks comprising a mixture of organic compounds. The organic compounds are oxygenated in a liquid reaction medium with an oxidizing agent and heterogeneous oxygenation catalyst system which exhibits a capability to enhance the incorporation of oxygen into a mixture of liquid organic compounds to form a mixture comprising hydrocarbons, oxygenated organic compounds, water of reaction, and acidic co-products. The mixture is separated to recover at least a first organic liquid of low density and at least a portions of the catalyst metal, water of reaction and acidic co-products. Advantageously, the organic liquid is washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate solution, or other soluble chemical base capable to neutralize and/or remove acidic co-products of oxidation, and recover oxygenated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Hagen, George A. Huff, Jr., William H. Gong, Monica Cristina Regalbuto
  • Patent number: 6673231
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing sludge in a crude oil storage tank by use of thermal oil discharged from a distillation tower of an oil refinery, such as atmospheric residue, vacuum residue, or vacuum gas oil, and recovering oil having various applications by separating inorganics therefrom. The method is advantageous in terms of minimizing air pollution because of utilizing a closed system, drastically reduced washing time of crude oil storage tank, and continuous removal of the sludge. Additionally, the recovered oil can be provided as fuel oil, marine oil or a feed for secondary treatment processes, such as up-grading processes of heavy oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: SK Corporation
    Inventors: Myung-Jun Kim, Dae-Seog Yoon, Chang-Hyo Choi, June-Tae Choi, Jong-Won Kwak, Sung-Kil Park
  • Patent number: 6673232
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of compounds and a process using such combination useful for reducing or preventing coke formation in thermal cracking furnaces such as ethylene steam crackers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Atofina Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 6673233
    Abstract: A process for isomerizing a light hydrocarbon oil which comprises: subjecting the light hydrocarbon oil to a hydrogenation treatment for converting an organosulfur component in the light hydrocarbon oil into hydrogen sulfide to give an organosulfur content of from 0 to 30 mass ppm as a pretreatment step; and isomerizing the light hydrocarbon oil still containing the converted hydrogen sulfide in the presence of a solid super strong acid catalyst under conditions at a temperature of from 190 to 300° C., a pressure of from 1 to 50 kg/cm2g, an H2/oil ratio of from 180 to 1800 liter/liter, and an LHSV of from 2 to 10 hr−1 as an isomerization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Cosmo Research Institute, Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Mizuno, Takao Kimura, Takahiro Kawamura, Masahiko Douta, Nobuyasu Ohshio
  • Patent number: 6673234
    Abstract: A combined process of low degree solvent deasphalting and delayed coking, which comprises feeding a deasphalting stock and a solvent into an extractor and making the yield of the deasphalted oil 70 wt %-95 wt %, and introducing a part or all of the deasphalted oil and optionally a conventional coking stock into a delayed coker. This process increases the yield of liquid products, removes the heavy asphaltene which is prone to coke, extends the run length of the delayed coker, and at the same time, lowers the content of impurities in coke, enlarges the sources of the stocks for producing the needle coke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Sinopec
    Inventors: Rui Li, Zijun Wang, Jun Long
  • Patent number: 6673235
    Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking catalyst made from microspheres that initially contain kaolin, a dispersible boehmite alumina and a sodium silicate or silica sol binder. The kaolin portion contains hydrous kaolin and a particular kaolin which has been calcined through its characteristic exotherm and which produces a catalyst having a novel morphology comprising a macroporous matrix and crystallized zeolite freely coating the walls of the pores of the matrix. Calcination of the hydrous kaolin to metakaolin and formation of in-situ zeolite by treatment with sodium silicate yields a catalyst containing Y-faujasite and transforms the dispersible boehmite into a transitional alumina. The catalyst can be used to crack resid or resid-containing feeds as the alumina phase formed from the dispersible boehmite passivates nickel and vanadium contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Harris, Mingting Xu, David Stockwell, Rostam J. Madon
  • Patent number: 6673236
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing hydrocarbon fuels with ultra-low levels of sulfur. The method involves catalytic oxidation of the sulfurous compounds within the hydrocarbon fuel, followed by extraction of the oxidized (and polarized) sulfurous compounds using a polar solvent. The present invention teaches the involvement of ethanol during catalytic oxidation. In this way, the oxidation catalyst has a dual-role in the oxidation process: firstly the catalyst directly oxidizes the sulfurous compounds, and secondly the oxidation catalyst converts of a small portion of the alcohol to the corresponding peroxy acid, which also helps to drive the oxidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Maria Stanciulescu, Michio Ikura
  • Patent number: 6673237
    Abstract: A method of increasing the selective desulfurization of naphtha feed streams that includes: combining a naphtha feed stream with a hydrogen containing gas to form a combined feed stream and reacting the combined feed stream over a monolithic honeycomb catalyst bed containing hydrodesulfurization catalyst components to give a desulfurized naphtha. In conducting such an illustrative embodiment, the percent desulfurization of the naphtha is preferably greater than about 50% and the percent olefin hydrogenation of the naphtha is preferably less than about 50%. The monolithic honeycomb catalyst bed of one alternative and illustrative embodiment preferably has a channel density of about 25 to 1600 cells per square inch; a channel size from about 0.1 to 10 mm; and a channel wall thickness of about 0.01 to about 2.0 mm. The illustrative method should be carried out such that the octane number (R+M/2) of the naphtha feed stream is reduced by no more than 3.0 at 95% desulfurization and preferably no more than 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei Liu, Tinghong Tao
  • Patent number: 6673238
    Abstract: A process for hydrotreating acidic compounds of an acidic petroleum oil is disclosed. The process includes contacting the acidic petroleum oil with a hydrogen donor solvent to thereby produce a treated petroleum oil. The process can further include contacting a fraction or a full-boiling range portion of the treated petroleum oil with a hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of hydrogen and under process conditions sufficient to hydrogenate at least a portion of the hydrocarbons of the fraction or full-boiling range portion; and utilizing at least a portion of the hydrogenated fraction or full-boiling range portion as the hydrogen donor solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Bruce W. Gerhold, Joseph E. Bares, Scott D. Love, Jerry G. Feierabend
  • Patent number: 6673239
    Abstract: A system and process for removing water and heteroatom-containing compounds from hydrocarbons and for regenerating the adsorbent used in the system and process is disclosed and includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a water adsorbent and a heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent. The regeneration includes passing an isoparaffin over the water-adsorbent, then passing the isoparaffin over the heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent; and, optionally; cooling the effluent; separating such into a hydrocarbon phase and a water phase in a settler; removing a portion of the hydrocarbon phase for mixing with water; returning the hydrocarbon/water mixture to the settler; removing some of the hydrocarbon phase from the settler to form a recycle isoparaffin stream for use as a portion of the stripping stream; and removal of a portion of the water phase from the settler to form a waste water stream containing water and heteroatom-containing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Bruce B. Randolph
  • Patent number: 6673240
    Abstract: A control system for an upflow clarification tank comprises a regulator for controlling one or more characteristics of the flow within the tank (such as the power, pressure, velocity, momentum, or velocity head of the flow), a sensor for measuring one or more of the characteristics of the flow, and a linkage that automatically adjusts the regulator to a desired setting based on the sensor measurement. A processor may be used to determine the desired setting for the regulator. The control system may also include structure enabling the operator to manually select between multiple methods for determining the desired setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Fassbender, Donald Neil Ruehrwein
  • Patent number: 6673241
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a foldable, self-floating cover system for a body of water. This invention is also directed to a method of using this cover on a body of water, and particularly on a sewage lagoon to reduce the emission of offensive odors and/or gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Albert E. Tung, Brent A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6673242
    Abstract: There is disclosed a spiral-wound membrane module design for various membrane filtration techniques having significantly reduced fluid flow resistance in the feed stream path. Specifically, the inventive spiral-wound membrane module is designed having a corrugated entrance and exit spacers together over less than 10% of the length of the spiral wound module and a stiffener sheet wound to provide for uniform feed channel gap width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Osmotek, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Herron
  • Patent number: 6673243
    Abstract: A simple, reliable, inexpensive, and efficient anaerobic digester for treating organic wastes at a shortened residence time is described. The anaerobic digester is a multi-chambered digester that can handle wastewater and sludge in a large volume at a high flow rate. The digester also allows collection of methane gas for use as an energy source. The reactor is based on a sequential series of reaction chambers in a design that does not require internal moving parts. The volume of the chambers is adjusted to control the relative residence time of the waste to select an anaerobic microorganism group or groups that can efficiently digest the waste presented to that chamber. Under most conditions, no addition of bacteria is necessary. The digester works efficiently using microbes native to the waste material. After the reaction chambers and just prior to leaving as effluent, a settling chamber is located to reclaim the microbes and remove additional solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventors: Vadake R. Srinivasan, John J. Sansalone
  • Patent number: 6673244
    Abstract: A magnetic sludge which is suitable for use in waste water treatment, is easy to prepare, contains microbes and interacts with a magnetic field; and a method for treating waste water with improved efficiency comprising employing a biological membrane which uses the magnetic sludge and hence is easy to control its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Maekawa, Mitsuaki Kuroshima
  • Patent number: 6673245
    Abstract: This invention refers to the use of surface-active agents as a treatment of effluents containing acetic derivatives by tangential filtration characterized from aqueous solutions containing between 20 and 35% in weight of acetic derivatives having been optionally decanted and filtered in a conventional manner in order to remove suspended impurities, which undergo the addition of one or more surface-active agents, while submitted to the tangential filtration process via polymer membranes, the cutting range of which may vary between 0.001 and 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rhodia Acetow Brasil LTDA
    Inventors: Roberto Nasser, Jr., Aires Iacovone