Patents Issued in January 15, 2004
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Publication number: 20040007454Abstract: A method for fabricating a transducer with landing pads without edge fences is described. The pad shape and location are defined by voids in a photoresist formed using prior art methods. Preferably an adhesion layer and then the pad layer are deposited in the voids. A masking layer is preferably vertically deposited on the pad layer to be thinner on the pad material on the sidewall to provide anisotropic protection during the subsequent ashing step. A vertical deposition process minimizes the buildup of the masking layer material on the sidewall of the void in the resist which already contains the fence structures on the sidewall from the previous deposition. The thickness of the masking layer on the surface of the pad layer should be sufficient to protect pad layer during the subsequent ashing step, but the thickness of the masking material at the sidewalls on the pad layer fences should be thin enough so that the fences are not protected during ashing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Detlef Gador, Cherngye Hwang, Eun Kyoung Row, Ning Shi
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Publication number: 20040007455Abstract: A PVD method is proposed for coating substrates (10) in a vacuum chamber (20) with at least one anode (30), a cathode (40) and a magnetic field source (42). The cathode (40) can be controlled by the magnetic field source (42) in relation to the direction of the separated material. The method is based on the additional step of effectively turning the magnetic field source before the coating process so that the particles separated from the cathode (40) by the arc can impact on a chamber wall and thus cleaning processes can be carried out in the chamber and at the cathode. It is further proposed that the coating should be carried out successively in relation to the height by moving the magnetic field source (42) upwards and downwards, wherein the magnetic field source (42) is turned relative to the cathode (40) during the upward and downward movement and thus the deposition rate is varied in relation to the height.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: PIVOT a.s.Inventors: Marcus Morstein, Tibor Cselle, Pavel Holubar, Mojmir Jilek, Peter Blosch
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Publication number: 20040007456Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the electrolysis of fluids in a lab-on-a-chip environment for generating gases. Various lab-on-a-chip embodiments are described along with a method of generating gas in a lab-on-a-chip environment. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a substrate having active circuitry thereon, at least a portion of said active circuitry being readable by a computer; (b) providing an electrolytic cell configured for communication with the active circuitry, said electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode in an electrolytic fluid bath; and (c) generating a gas in the electrolytic fluid bath by creating an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode through the electrolytic fluid bath.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Clayton L. Holstun, David Tyvoll
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Publication number: 20040007457Abstract: A fluorine gas generator for generating highly pure fluorine gas in a stable and safe manner by electrolyzing an electrolytic bath 2 comprising hydrogen fluoride in the form of a molten mixed gas is provided which comprises an electrolytic cell 1 divided, by a partition wall 16, into an anode chamber 3 in which an anode is disposed and a cathode chamber 4 in which a cathode is disposed, pressure maintenance means for maintaining the anode chamber 3 and cathode chamber 4 at atmospheric pressure, and liquid level sensing means 5, 6 capable of sensing the levels of the electrolytic bath 2 in the anode chamber 3 and in the cathode chamber 4, respectively, at three or more level stages.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuro Tojo, Jiro Hiraiwa, Osamu Yoshimoto, Hitoshi Takebayashi, Yoshitomi Tada, Udai Tanaka
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Publication number: 20040007458Abstract: The invention has an object of facilitating the detection of defective welds and improving the efficiency of manufacturing electrolyzer units.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Koji Fujita
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Publication number: 20040007459Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having a cell body configured to contain a plating solution therein. An anode assembly is immersed in a fluid solution contained in the cell body, the anode being positioned in an anode compartment of the cell body. A cathode assembly is positioned in a cathode compartment of the cell body, and a multilevel diffusion differentiated permeable membrane is positioned between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment. The multilevel diffusion differentiated permeable membrane is generally configured to separate the anode compartment from the cathode compartment, while allowing a fluid solution to flow therethrough in a direction from the anode compartment towards the cathode compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Harald Herchen
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Publication number: 20040007460Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided in which a clamping device for holding a work-piece comprises at least two clamping arms and at least one of the arms has a pin including a conical or pointed tip that at least partially penetrates a surface of the work-piece while in a clamped configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Karl Sagedahl
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Publication number: 20040007461Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical sensor for the determination of analytes in body fluids, e.g. glucose in blood. The sensor involves a non-conductive base which provides a flow path for the body fluid with the base having a working and counter electrode on its surface which are in electrical communication with a detector of current. The base and a cover therefore provide a capillary space containing the electrodes into which the body fluid is drawn by capillary action. The counter electrode has a sub-element which contains an electroactive material and is configured in the system (sensor and meter) to provide an error signal when insufficient body fluid is drawn into the capillary.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Bayer Healthcare, LLCInventors: Andrew J. Edelbrock, Matthew K. Musho, Mark S. Vreeke
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Publication number: 20040007462Abstract: The present invention provides a gas sensor element and its production method, in which poisons are trapped in a porous protective layer to prevent them from reaching a measured gas side electrode, thereby making it possible to maintain a stable sensor output over a long period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Yasumichi Hotta, Namitsugu Fujii, Gang E, Xin Fu
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Publication number: 20040007463Abstract: A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The invention is implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The invention has application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: J. Michael Ramsey, Stephen C. Jacobson
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Publication number: 20040007464Abstract: A microchip apparatus and method provide fluidic manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip liquid chromatography. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolithographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis is performed in channels formed in the substrate. Injections are made by electro-osmotically pumping sample through the injection channel that crosses the separation channel, followed by a switching of the potentials to force a plug into the separation channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: J. Michael Ramsey
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Publication number: 20040007465Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis apparatus comprising an electrophoretic chamber containing at least on two-plate housing for a sieving matrix, each said at least one two-plate housing consisting of a cover plate and a plate for housing said sieving matrix, wherein said plate includes an optical waveguide array which is characterized by being aligned with respect to a reference direction such as to enable one or more light beams incident on the sieving matrix along said reference direction to be maintained well-confined along said reference direction within any desired length of interaction along the width of said sieving matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Doron Goldberg, Zeev Weissman, Menachem Shapiro, Shlomo Ruschin
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Publication number: 20040007466Abstract: Disclosed are a method of reducing spent oxides nuclear fuel to nuclear-fuel metal, in which metal oxides are reduced to metals using an electrochemical reduction device with LiCl—Li2O salt as an electrolyte, a cathode electrode assembly used in the method, and a reduction device including the cathode electrode assembly. The method is advantageous in that the process of reducing the spent oxide nuclear fuel to the nuclear-fuel metal and another process of recovering Li are united to simplify the whole processes, direct use of high oxidative Li metals is excluded to secure safety, and conversion efficiency of the spent oxide nuclear fuel is 99% or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Chung Seok Seo, Jin Mok Hur, In Kyu Choi, Seong Won Park, Hyun Soo Park
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Publication number: 20040007467Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a microfeature workpiece. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member configured to carry a microfeature workpiece at a workpiece plane, and a vessel positioned at least proximate to the support member. The vessel has a vessel surface facing toward the support member and positioned to carry a processing liquid. The vessel surface is shaped to provide an at least approximately uniform current density at the workpiece plane. At least one electrode, such as a thieving electrode, is disposed within the vessel. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the thieving electrode can be easily removable along with conductive material it attracts from the processing liquid. The shape of the vessel surface, the current supplied to the thieving electrode and/or the diameter of an aperture upstream of the workpiece are changed dynamically in other embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Kyle M. Hanson
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Publication number: 20040007468Abstract: Multilayer structures are electrochemically fabricated from at least one structural material (e.g. nickel), that is configured to define a desired structure and which may be attached to a substrate, and from at least one sacrificial material (e.g. copper) that surrounds the desired structure. After structure formation, the sacrificial material is removed by a multi-stage etching Operation. In some embodiments sacrificial material to be removed may be located within passages or the like on a substrate or within an add-on component. The multi-stage etching Operations may be separated by intermediate post processing activities, they may be separated by cleaning Operations, or barrier material removal Operations, or the like. Barriers may be fixed in position by contact with structural material or with a substrate or they may be solely fixed in position by sacrificial material and are thus free to be removed after all retaining sacrificial material is etched.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: MEMGen CorporationInventors: Adam L. Cohen, Michael S. Lockard, Dale S. McPherson
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Publication number: 20040007469Abstract: An electrochemical fabrication process and apparatus are provided that can form three-dimensional multi-layer structures using pyrophosphate copper plating solutions that contain citrate salts, selenium oxide, and/or excess ammonium salts. In some embodiments the citrate salts are provided in concentrations that yield improved anode dissolution, reduced formation of pinholes on the surface of deposits, reduced likelihood of shorting between anode and cathode during deposition processes, and reduced plating voltage throughout the period of deposition. A preferred citrate salt is ammonium citrate in concentrations ranging from somewhat more that about 10 g/L for 10 mA/cm2 current density to as high as 200 g/L or more for a current density as high as 40 mA/cm. In some embodiments deposits having enhanced ductility and/or reduced tendency to crack are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: MEMGen CorporationInventors: Gang Zhang, Qui T. Le
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Publication number: 20040007470Abstract: Multi-layer structures are electrochemically fabricated by depositing a first material, selectively etching the first material (e.g. via a mask), depositing a second material to fill in the voids created by the etching, and then planarizing the depositions so as to bound the layer being created and thereafter adding additional layers to previously formed layers. The first and second depositions may be of the blanket or selective type. The repetition of the formation process for forming successive layers may be repeated with or without variations (e.g. variations in: patterns; numbers or existence of or parameters associated with depositions, etchings, and or planarization operations; the order of operations, or the materials deposited). Other embodiments form multi-layer structures using operations that interlace material deposited in association with some layers with material deposited in association with other layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: MEMGen CorporationInventor: Dennis R. Smalley
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Publication number: 20040007471Abstract: A method of locally plating an injection molded part includes delimiting two or more portions of the part by electrical insulation between the portions and successively plating each portion of the part by successively placing one or more electrodes on the surface of each portion. The insulation between the portions is obtained by dual injection molding of the part whereby a material that can be plated is injected to constitute the portions and a material that cannot be plated is injected to constitute a delimitation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: ALCATELInventor: Marc Phu
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Publication number: 20040007472Abstract: To simplify polishing of an Ni—P film by using an electroless nickel plating bath added with a water-soluble lead compd. and water-soluble antimony or bismuth compd. as the electroless nickel plating bath.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Alfons Hollander, Heinz-Peter Becker
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Publication number: 20040007473Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating metals, such as copper, on a substrate. The apparatus generally includes a plating cell having an anolyte compartment containing an anolyte and a catolyte compartment containing a catolyte, an anode disposed in the anolyte compartment, and a dialysis membrane disposed between the anolyte compartment and the catolyte compartment, wherein the membrane screens molecules by molecular weight. The method generally includes supplying an electrolyte solution to a copper plating cell, plating copper onto a substrate in the plating cell from the electrolyte solution, and preventing the passage of additives from a catolyte compartment to an anolyte compartment with an anode disposed therein by providing a dialysis membrane between the anolyte compartment and catolyte compartment that is selective to molecule size.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Michael X. Yang
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Publication number: 20040007474Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electrolytic copper plating method characterized in employing phosphorous copper as the anode upon performing electrolytic copper plating, and performing electrolytic copper plating upon making the crystal grain size of said phosphorous copper anode 10 to 1500 &mgr;m when the anode current density during electrolysis is 3 A/dm2 or more, and making the grain size of said phosphorous copper anode 5 to 1500 &mgr;m when the anode current density during electrolysis is less than 3 A/dm2. Provided are an electrolytic copper plating method and a phosphorous copper anode used in such electrolytic copper plating method capable of suppressing the generation of particles such as sludge produced on the anode side within the plating bath, and capable of preventing the adhesion of particles to a semiconductor wafer, as well as a semiconductor wafer plated with the foregoing method and anode having low particle adhesion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Takeo Okabe, Akihiro Aiba, Junnosuke Sekiguchi, Hirohito Miyashita, Ichiroh Sawamura
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Publication number: 20040007475Abstract: There is a control system for a catalytic process. The control system has the following: a) an electroconductive support having a layer of a catalyst thereon; b) a means for applying DC current of one polarity to the catalyst layer and the opposite polarity to the electroconductive support; c) a means for controlling and varying the application of DC current; d) a means for measuring the polarization impedance across the catalyst layer and the electroconductive support; e) a means for comparing the measured polarization impedance with a reference value; and f) a means for varying the application of DC current to the catalyst layer and the electroconductive support when the measured polarization impedance differs from the reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Catelectric, Inc.Inventors: Victor Stancovski, Sridhar Seetharaman
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Publication number: 20040007476Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation and collection of an aqueous peracid solution at the cathode of a PEM electrolyzer. The electrochemical process introduces carboxylic acid (such as distilled table vinegar, lactic acid, citric acid or combinations) to the anode and a source of oxygen to the cathode. The PEM electrolyzer has a gas diffusion cathode having a cathodic electrocatalyst that is capable of hydrogen peroxide generation. The peracid solution is generated at the gas diffusion cathode and the solution is very pure and may be used for disinfecting or sterilizing various items or solutions. In a second embodiment, the carboxylic acid may be provided directly to the cathode, such as in the form of an acid vapor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Charles L. K. Tennakoon, K. Scott McKenzie, Michelle Will, Elizabeth I.H. McGrew
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Publication number: 20040007477Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering a metal from a feedstock containing a compound of the metal. The process includes an electrowinning step in which a leachate comprising a salt of the metal, dissolved in an aqueous acid solution, is subjected to electrowinning in an electrolytic cell, wherein elemental metal is deposited on the cathodes of the cell and oxygen is generated at the anodes. The oxygen generated at the anodes is collected and is then at least partially consumed in an oxygen-consuming step of the process. Preferably, the oxygen-consuming step comprises an atmospheric or pressure leaching step in which the metal compounds in the feedstock become dissolved in a leachate in the form of metal salts, preferably sulfates. The recovery and use of anode oxygen in a leaching process encourages the use of mist-reducing technology in existing and new electrowinning facilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Mark Bellino, Garfield Bryn Harris
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Publication number: 20040007478Abstract: The present invention provides a process for electropolishing a conductive surface of a semiconductor wafer. During the process, a contact electrode in a contact solution contacts a contact region on surface of the conductive layer with the contact solution. Further, during the process a process electrode in a process solution contacts a process region on the conductive surface with the process solution while applying an electrical potential between the contact electrode and the process electrode to electropolish the surface of the conductive layer of the process region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Bulent M. Basol, Homayoun Talieh
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Publication number: 20040007479Abstract: A bottle handling device for assisting in inserting a number of similar sized bottles into a secondary container, such as a partitionless beer carton. The device comprises a frame which, when inserted into the empty carton, provides a number of similar sized cells or compartments equal to the number of bottles which would completely fill the carton. The frame is maintained by support means above the shoulders of the bottles when located in the carton. Each bottle is inserted into, and its main body passes through, the frame until the bottle sits on the carton floor, the walls of each cell preventing a bottle in that cell from toppling over and hindering the insertion of further bottles and completion of filling of the carton. Upon completion and filling of the carton, the device is readily removed for reuse and the bottles are maintained in their upright condition by contacting adjacent bottles and the carton walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Labatt Brewing Company LimitedInventors: Bradley John Mahood, Edward Stanley James Miziolek, Robert G. Dickie, Bernard Beasley
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Publication number: 20040007480Abstract: A flexible carrier device for use in supporting, in portable and carryable fashion, a plurality of beverage containers such as returnable bottles, each of which further includes a narrowed and annular shaped neck proximate an end location of the container. The carrier device includes a substantially thin cross sectional, elongated and planar shape body exhibiting a first elongated aperture proximate an upper end and defining a carrying handle. A plurality of inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions are defined through the sheet at further selected and spaced apart locations and define a second plurality of apertures. The narrowed and annular shaped neck of each beverage container is resistively engaged against a selected and inwardly facing rim portion in order to secure the container in fixed and extending fashion relative to the carrier device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Daniel P. Pattee, Cheryl Lynn Pattee
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Publication number: 20040007481Abstract: A container closure to be attached to a liquid container around a container opening of a liquid container. The container closure includes a storage compartment which includes a mix, such as powder or concentrated liquid. The storage compartment includes a seal or a rotating member to seal the mix within the storage compartment. A plunger unseals the seal or the rotating member is rotated to allow the mix to be mixed with the liquid in a liquid container to flavor the liquid when the container closure is attached to the liquid container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Harvey Daniel Kiser
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Publication number: 20040007482Abstract: A central retaining structure for a CD box includes a base located at the center of the CD box, and having a hexagonal bearing platform protruding from the center of the base; two spaced squeezing blocks integrally formed with the hexagonal bearing platform, wherein the two spaced squeezing blocks are separated by a slit, whereby a distance thereacross is drawn closer to each other; a lip formed on an outer periphery near an upper edge of the squeezing blocks; and resilient supporting pieces extending upwardly from bottom of the squeezing blocks and formed in a resilient shape for dispersing counterforce created by the lips, wherein the each of the resilient supporting pieces comprises contact protrusions arranged a distance from the lips.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Hu Wen-Long
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Publication number: 20040007483Abstract: A portable housing case particularly for use in receipt of a prescribed musical instrument is basically constituted by a pair of a base board and a top board, which are assembled together using hinges to form a shell, which can be freely closed or opened. The base board has a band-shaped hollow elongated in a longitudinal direction, and the top board has a band-shaped projection elongated in a longitudinal direction, wherein they are formed in prescribed dimensions to be engaged with each other when the case is stacked with the other case. Thus, it is possible to establish a stable stacking relationship between portable housing cases, regardless of sizes and shapes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Mamoru Hasebe
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Publication number: 20040007484Abstract: Referring first to FIG. 2, the present invention provides a plaque like display device 10 for holding and displaying a hockey puck 13 on a vertical surface such as that the rear face of the plaque like display device is substantially parallel, with the vertical surface, which as shown, will be pushed into the hockey puck holder device 10. It may be desirable to display hockey pucks as a display for many reasons. For example, a hockey puck could be autographed by a famous athlete or athletes, or a person who collects such memorabilia.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Nick Donofrio
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Publication number: 20040007485Abstract: A golf accessory caddy that includes a pouch that is configured to receive therein a divot tool so that prongs of the divot tool extend outward from the bottom of the pouch, thereby enabling use of the divot tool without removing the divot tool from the pouch. The divot tool can be removably or non-removably secured in the pouch. An inner compartment of the pouch is configured to receive and store therein a golf ball marker, which can be accessed by manipulating a closure provided in the pouch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Denton C. Pursely
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Publication number: 20040007486Abstract: A container that may be compartmentalized with the use of easily removable and adjustable partitions, where some of the partitions may be containers in and of themselves. The container may be constructed from a rigid or compliant material. A plurality of slots located on opposite inner sides of a main compartment within the primary container are adapted to receive tabs that are attached to a partition in such a way that when installed the slots secure the tabs, thus securing the partition within the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: James A. Bergh, Eric S. Hassett
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Publication number: 20040007487Abstract: A low-cost totally recyclable container made of corrugated cardboard for packaging a large mass of coiled welding wire is disclosed. The improved container minimizes the costs of packaging and avoids the need of large volumes for transportation and storage of empty containers to and from the welding wire manufacturing plant and at the welding plant. The container in kit form or assembled with or without the wire coil includes a wire retaining device of simple and inexpensive design to press down on the top of the coil of wire when in the container without binding against the inner walls of the container while preventing the wire which is arranged in a multitude of layers of wire loops from tangling during transportation, storage, and unwinding while providing effective means for smooth and uninterrupted payout of welding wire to automatic welding machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: PLASTICOS Y ALAMBRES, S.A.Inventor: Ricardo Cantu-Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20040007488Abstract: A container for storing a fluid incorporates an overflow region. The overflow region is located above the desired fill line of the container and preferably terminates in the same plane as the opening of the fill spout. In this manner, the amount of fluid filled in the container can be maximized while still providing the desired air space for shipping purposes. Incorporating structural features into the body of the blow-molded container eliminate the use of external cases.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen
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Publication number: 20040007489Abstract: Methods and apparatus for handling material for the insulating glass industry are disclosed. One method of handling material for the insulating glass industry in accordance with the present invention includes the step of arranging a plurality of bars into a plurality of stacks with adjacent stacks defining spaces dimensioned to receive a bar engaging member. The stacks of bars may then be transported to a desired destination. A bar engaging member may be inserted into a space defined by the stacks, and one or more bars may be grasped using the bar engaging member. A container for handling material for the insulating glass industry is also disclosed. The container may advantageously include a plurality of prearranged bar locating members configured to hold a predetermined type of bar stock.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Cardinal Glass Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
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Publication number: 20040007490Abstract: The invention is directed to a food package with an easily removable top and controllably pouring spout. The food package can also have shape relating to the contents of the package and a handle shaped like a naturally occurring feature of the package's analog to provide users with a visual guide directing the users to the handles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Brett S. Bowman, David A. Levine, Alex Q. Tilson
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Publication number: 20040007491Abstract: In order to provide a container and display system incorporating the container for a retail environment, the combination includes a product container and a display container. The product container comprises a base portion and a lid portion and, likewise, the display container comprises a base portion and a lid portion with the base portion being sized to hold a plurality of the product containers. Further, the display container also visibly displays at least one physical characteristic of the product container to a consumer who may wish to purchase the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Robert D. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20040007492Abstract: A tray for use in an order-picking system comprises a base part on which order-picking articles as for example retail articles can be stored, a frame which is attached to said base part and a sliding means (4) for displacing the order-picking articles in the direction of a removal position of said order-picking articles. It is thus possible to always perform the picking operation of one of the articles in an economical favourable posture irrespective of how full or empty the trays.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Walter Winkler
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Publication number: 20040007493Abstract: A packing structure supports an article in a carton, especially a generally trapezoidal vehicle windshield, to be shipped in a corrugated craft carton. The article (possibly a windshield) is suspended by spacers, preferably made of integral die cut and folded blanks, that form resilient cradles along the elongated edge of the article. The carton can be rectilinear, having at each end two spaced side walls coupled by an end wall, generally forming an internal channel portion of the carton, with corners at junctions of the end wall and the side walls. A spacer is arranged to fit into this channel, so as to bear against the sidewalls and the end wall. The spacer defines an elongated substantially V-shaped fold between two V-wall panels. The edge of the article rests in a bottom of the V-shaped fold. The spacer also has two bearing legs that can be coextensive with the V-wall panels. These legs stand in the corners of the internal channel of the carton.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Ramon B. Morell, Brian Steiner
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Publication number: 20040007494Abstract: Raised irregular surfaces on the walls of packaging, with specific application to the interiors of evacuated flexible wall packaging which contains food or other articles. Such raised irregular surfaces may facilitate package evacuation and, when contrasted against regular pattern raised surfaces, may eliminate undesirable, unnatural, regular patterns from being imprinted on package contents caused by: cooking, freezing, storage, chemical reaction, microbes, evacuative pressure or other reasons.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan L. Backus
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Publication number: 20040007495Abstract: A shipping case and display apparatus for transporting articles to a display and vending location, comprising a blank having bottom, rear, side and front panels therein, and further having a hook for releasably attaching said apparatus to a pegboard. Upon articulating the blank into a tray, the hook may be positioned in an undeployed orientation in a rear panel region, and the tray may be stocked with articles and sleeved for shipping. Upon arrival at the vending location, the hook may be positioned in a deployed orientation, the shelf may then be hung on a pegboard and the sleeve may then be removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Robert George Dye
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Publication number: 20040007496Abstract: An insert (1) for integral heat spreader (IHS) packaging includes a handle (2), and a locking portion (3) extending from the handle. The locking portion includes a pair of resilient arms (31). The resilient arms include a pair of guides (313), and teeth (312) formed along outer edges thereof. In use, IHS blocks (5) are stacked inside a receiving box (4). A pair of inserts is inserted into a pair of locking slots (41) defined in ends of the receiving box. A plurality of locking edges (410) of the receiving box at the locking slots is received between corresponding teeth of the inserts. Several such duly assembled receiving boxes is retained in several parallel channels (62) defined in a container (6), with exposed portions of the inserts being received in locking recesses (64) defined in the container. Thus the IHS blocks are protected from unwanted movement and damage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Jinghui Shen
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Publication number: 20040007497Abstract: A carrier tape for handling electrical components includes a reinforced component restraining member. Each pocket of the carrier tape includes at least one component restraining member that resists lateral movement of a component within the pocket. The component restraining member includes a first portion having a first height or spacing from a bottom surface in the pocket. A second portion of the restraining member has a second, taller height or spacing from the bottom surface. The first, lower portion reinforces the component restraining member and strengthens it to avoid lateral deformation during shipment or handling of the carrier tape when an electrical component is placed within the pocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Mao Shi Khoo, Ru Zheng Liu, GuangLiang Xu, Yong Fan, SongPing Chen
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Publication number: 20040007498Abstract: A composition comprising an iron oxide and a promoter, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Jason J. Gislason, Robert W. Morton, Roland Schmidt, M. Bruce Welch
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Publication number: 20040007499Abstract: A process to re-refine used petroleum oils by extraction with aliphatic solvents, wherein after eliminating the extract solvent, the process consists of the following treatments, (a) flash, continuous vaporization, at atmospheric pressure or near atmospheric pressure, to separate the light fractions, in the presence of small amounts of a basic compound or a reducing agent or a combination of both and (b) continuous distillation, in a fractionating column, of the bottom liquid obtained in stage (a), under vacuum and moderate temperatures, in the presence of a basic compound or a reducing compound or a combination of both, with recirculation from the bottom of the column to its feed; separating, as lateral extractions, the vacuum gas-oil or spindle oil and the lubricant bases and, as bottom product, a fuel-oil or asphaltic component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Jeronimo Angulo Aramburu
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Publication number: 20040007500Abstract: A method for contaminant and water removal from crude oil. The method involves recirculating at least a portion of the dewatered crude into a dehydrator. The dehydrator contains a heated dehydrated crude oil and the surface or adjacent thereto is maintained at a temperature sufficient to vaporize any water contacting the surface from crude oil to be treated in the dehydrator. It has been found important to maintain a substantially uniform temperature at or below the vaporizing surface in order to effectively treat crude oil for dewatering purposes. Significant temperature fluctuations are typically realized by dehydrators since heat enthalpy is removed in order to vaporize the water in the crude oil. Such fluctuations lead to process complications and upset and are therefore undesirable. The instant invention recognizes this limitation and substantially reduces foaming and provides for a smoothly running and efficient dehydration process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Steven Kresnyak
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Publication number: 20040007501Abstract: A system for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream wherein desulfurization is enhanced by oxidizing certain organosulfur compounds of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream prior to desulfurization.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Edward L. Sughrue, Marvin M. Johnson, Bruce B. Randolph, Steven A. Owen, Peter N. Slater, Byron G. Johnson
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Publication number: 20040007502Abstract: The desulfurization of petroleum distillates can be carried out by cyclic low-temperature adsorption of oxidized sulfur compounds with activated carbon followed by regeneration of the activated carbon using an organic solvent. The activated carbon used in the process is commercially available and its surface area that ranges from approximately 500 to 2000 m2/g having a substantial portion of its pores in the range between 10 to 100 Angstroms.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: William Wismann, Santosh K. Gangwal
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Publication number: 20040007503Abstract: A process for hydrodesulphurizing gasoline cuts is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one group VIII element, at least one group VIB element, and a support with a specific surface area of less than about 200 m2/g, wherein the density of the group VIB elements per unit surface area of the support is in the range 4×10−4 to 36×10−4 g of group VIB element oxides per m2 of the support.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Denis Uzio, Stephane Cremer, Carine Petit-Clair, Nathalie Marchal-George, Christophe Bouchy, Florent Picard