Patents Issued in February 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6692563
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cement, which consists in its main phase of microcrystalline magnesium ammonium phosphate and nanoapatite after hardening and thus at the same time has considerable strength. The material is biologically degradable and is suitable for application in tooth cements, as bone replacement, as bone filler, as bone cement or as bone adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kyphon, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6692564
    Abstract: An alkali-free accelerator for sprayed concrete is prepared by dissolving aluminium sulphate and amorphous aluminium hydroxide in water which optionally contains one amine, and optionally adding at least one stabiliser, selected from hydroxycarboxylic acid and phosphoric acids and non-alkaline salts thereof, and at least one defoaming agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: MBT (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Thomas Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6692565
    Abstract: A composition and method for preparing colored cement for use as mortars, grouts, stuccos or pool plasters that employs a pigmented inert filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: C-Cure Corp.
    Inventors: Charles J. Johansen, Jr., Ernest D. Hollas
  • Patent number: 6692566
    Abstract: A surface finish for application to a substrate comprises a matrix formed from a combination of at least a cementitious material, water and glass beads of either the same size or a blend of at least two different sizes and an adhesive. The adhesive includes a concrete fortifier and a silicone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Beadcrete Pty, Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke Gregory Kelly
  • Patent number: 6692567
    Abstract: A seismic weigh-in-motion system (12) which utilizes a seismic sensor (32) mounted, off-pavement of the highway prior to the point at which the truck (10) enters the deceleration lane at the truck weighing station. The sensor (32) senses seismic vibrations which are transferred into the ground by the moving truck (10). Signals indicative of these vibrations are transmitted through a fiber optic cable (44) connected to a main processor (42) mounted in the weigh-in station. These vibration signals along with signals proportional to the speed of the truck (determined by speed detecting devices/processes (34, 36)) as the truck moves down the highway is processed in the processor (42) to provide an output which is indicative of the weight of the truck. Additional components such as soil temperature (28) and soil moisture content (30) measuring devices provide additional inputs to the processor (42) to increase accuracy of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: VorTek LLC
    Inventors: Frank B. Tatom, George W. Herndon
  • Patent number: 6692568
    Abstract: A method utilizes sputter transport techniques to produce arrays or layers of self-forming, self-oriented columnar structures characterized as discrete, single-crystal Group III nitride posts or columns on various substrates. The columnar structure is formed in a single growth step, and therefore does not require processing steps for depositing, patterning, and etching growth masks. A Group III metal source vapor is produced by sputtering a target, for combination with nitrogen supplied from a nitrogen-containing source gas. The III/V ratio is adjusted or controlled to create a Group III metal-rich environment within the reaction chamber conducive to preferential column growth. The reactant vapor species are deposited on the growth surface to produce single-crystal MIIIN columns thereon. The columns can be employed as a strain-relieving platform for the growth of continuous, low defect-density, bulk materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kyma Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Cuomo, N. Mark Williams, Andrew David Hanser, Eric Porter Carlson, Darin Taze Thomas
  • Patent number: 6692569
    Abstract: A modified PbZrTiO3 perovskite crystal material thin film, wherein the PbZrTiO3 perovskite crystal material includes crystal lattice A-sites and B-sites at least one of which is modified by the presence of a substituent selected from the group consisting of (i) A-site substituents consisting of Sr, Ca, Ba and Mg, and (ii) B-site substituents selected from the group consisting of Nb and Ta. The perovskite crystal thin film material may be formed by liquid delivery MOCVD from metalorganic precursors of the metal components of the thin film, to form PZT and PSZT, and other piezoelectric and ferroelectric thin film materials. The thin films of the invention have utility in non-volatile ferroelectric memory devices (NV-FeRAMs), and in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) as sensor and/or actuator elements, e.g., high speed digital system actuators requiring low input power levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Roeder, Ing-Shin Chen, Steven Bilodeau, Thomas H. Baum
  • Patent number: 6692570
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying a slurry to a substrate (2). The apparatus includes a delivery drum (4) incorporating a delivery surface (5) disposed to support a layer of slurry. A spattering roller (8) is positioned closely adjacent the delivery drum and is rotatable so as to spatter the slurry from the delivery surface onto the substrate. Regulation means selectively vary or interrupt the flow of slurry from the delivery surface onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: James Hardie Research Pty Limited
    Inventors: John Sydney Cottier, Chris Curran, Geoffry Dow
  • Patent number: 6692571
    Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus for applying a coating liquid onto the surface of particles includes a vertically disposed cylindrical product container having a peripheral wall, at least one cylindrical partition defining a centrally located up bed region and a peripherally located down bed region. The product container further includes an upper end connected to an expansion chamber and a lower end including an orifice plate having a plurality of openings for passage of fluidized air or gas. The fluidized apparatus further includes a central first plenum located below the orifice plate and being aligned with the up-bed and the partition, the first plenum being sized and shaped to direct gas upwardly through the orifice plate and into the up-bed; and a second plenum located below the orifice plate positioned around the first plenum for directing gas upwardly through the orifice plate and into contact with particles located on the orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Glatt Air Techniques Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Jones, Richard Andrew Smith, John Patrick Kennedy, Frank Maurer, Matthias Georg Tondar, Bernhard Luy, Markus J. Baettig
  • Patent number: 6692572
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems for depositing a material onto a surface, and more particularly, to control systems for metering the amount of material being dispensed. The present invention provides an active compensation metering system that automatically compensates for material changes due to changes in material pressure, material temperature, and material viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Precision Valve & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Everett Allen
  • Patent number: 6692573
    Abstract: The present invention provides a work station and method for applying a blocking material such as pitch or the like to a selected location on a workpiece or workpieces, wherein the work station includes an automated blocking material dispenser, an X-Y stage for positioning the workpiece(s) and a microprocessor, and wherein the method includes the synchronized operation of the X-Y stage and the dispenser under control of the microprocessor to deposit a selected amount and shape of the blocking material in a selected location or locations on a workpiece or workpieces with a high degree of repeatability in a short cycle time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Des Jardin
  • Patent number: 6692574
    Abstract: A carbon deposition chamber is provided with several advantages. The gas mixture used within the deposition process is expressed from tubing through three zones, which are each individually determined with needle valves. The substrate is permitted to rotate back-and-forth to permit more even deposition of carbon films onto the substrate. The heating filaments are permitted to expand and contract without breakage by permitting the electrode attached to one end of the filaments to move freely as the filaments change in length. The substrate and the heating filaments are cooled to a temperature to prevent carbonization by permitting a cooling fluid to be passed through tubing connected to these elements in a heat sink like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SI Diamond Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhidan Li Tolt
  • Patent number: 6692575
    Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a device on a substrate with a process gas, such as with chemical vapor deposition. A reaction chamber and support chuck cooperate to form a low conductance configuration for axisymetric process gas flow over the substrate and to form a high conductance configuration for enhanced evacuation of residual process gas from the reaction chamber upon completion of the process. A dual conductance chuck has an indented region that aligns with the exhaust port of the reaction chamber to restrict process gas flow in the low conductance configuration, and that moves distal a showerhead and the exhaust port to provide reduced restriction of process gas flow for reaction chamber evacuation. The chuck includes thermal control for enhancing film deposition on the substrate and for reducing residual film deposition on the chuck. An evacuation opening in the housing provides independent evacuation of residual gas from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: CVC Products Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Omstead, Panya Wongsenakhum, William J. Messner, Edward J. Nagy, William Starks, Mehrdad M. Moslehi
  • Patent number: 6692576
    Abstract: A wafer support system comprising a segmented susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. A plurality of spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the segmented susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the segmented susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Halpin, Mark R. Hawkins, Derrick W. Foster, Robert M. Vyne, John F. Wengert, Cornelius A. van der Jeugd, Loren R. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6692577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifying a maltose-containing liquor from a undesired impurities, such as maltotriose. The process of the invention is characterized by nanofiltering said liquor and recovering a purified maltose solution as the permeate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Danisko Sweeteners Oy
    Inventors: Heikki Heikkilä, Mika Mänttäri, Mirja Lindroos, Marianne Nyström
  • Patent number: 6692578
    Abstract: A method for selective hydrolysis of the hemicellulose component of a biomass material. The selective hydrolysis produces water-soluble small molecules, particularly monosaccharides. One embodiment includes solubilizing at least a portion of the hemicellulose and subsequently hydrolyzing the solubilized hemicellulose to produce at least one monosaccharide. A second embodiment includes solubilizing at least a portion of the hemicellulose and subsequently enzymatically hydrolyzing the solubilized hemicellulose to produce at least one monosaccharide. A third embodiment includes solubilizing at least a portion of the hemicellulose by heating the biomass material to greater than 110° C. resulting in an aqueous portion that includes the solubilized hemicellulose and a water insoluble solids portion and subsequently separating the aqueous portion from the water insoluble solids portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Andrew J. Schmidt, Rick J. Orth, James A. Franz, Mikhail Alnajjar
  • Patent number: 6692579
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor structure using vapor phase condensation with a thermally vaporized cleaning agent, a hydrocarbon vaporized by pressure variation, or a combination of the two. In the thermally vaporized cleaning agent process, a semiconductor structure is lowered into a vapor blanket in a thermal gradient cleaning chamber at atmospheric pressure formed by heating a liquid cleaning agent below the vapor blanket and cooling the liquid cleaning agent above the vapor blanket causing it to condense and return to the bottom of the thermal gradient cleaning chamber. The semiconductor structure is then raised above the vapor blanket and the cleaning agent condenses on all of the surfaces of the semiconductor structure removing contaminants and is returned to the bottom of the chamber by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Sudipto Ranendra Roy, Yi Xu, Simon Chooi, Yakub Aliyu, Mei Sheng Zhou, John Leonard Sudijono, Paul Kwok Keung Ho, Subhash Gupta
  • Patent number: 6692580
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a dual damascene structure. A first metal layer, a cap layer, and a dielectric layer are formed on a substrate in sequence. Then a dual damascene opening is formed in the dielectric layer and the cap layer, exposing the first metal layer. Then, a post-etching cleaning step is carried out to clean the dual damascene opening, and there are two types of cleaning methods. The first method uses a fluorine-based solvent to clean the dual damascene opening. An alternative cleaning method uses a hydrogen peroxide based solvent at a high temperature, followed by a hydrofluoric acid solvent cleaning step. Then, an argon gas plasma is sputtered to clean the dual damascene opening before a second metal layer fills in the dual damascene opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-Ning Wu, Sun-Chieh Chien
  • Patent number: 6692581
    Abstract: A solder paste for fabricating bumps includes a flux and metallic alloy powder. The metallic alloy powder includes a plurality of low eutectic metallic alloy granules, and the size of these metallic alloy granules is 20-60 &mgr;m and the average size of the metallic granules is 35 &mgr;m to 45 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Ming Tong, Chun-Chi Lee, Jen-Kuang Fang, Ching-Fu Horng, Shih-Kuang Chen, Shyh-Ing Wu, Chun-Hung Lin, Yung-Chi Lee, Yu-Chen Chou, Tsung-Hua Wu, Su Tao
  • Patent number: 6692582
    Abstract: A hard magnetic alloy in accordance with the present invention is composed of at least element T selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni, at least one rare earth element R, and boron (B). The hard magnetic alloy has an absolute value of the temperature coefficient of magnetization of 0.15%/° C. or less and a coercive force of 1 kOe, when being used in a shape causing a permeance factor of 2 or more. A hard magnetic alloy compact in accordance with the present invention has a texture, in which at least a part or all of the texture comprises an amorphous phase or fine crystalline phase having an average crystal grain size of 100 nm or less, is subjected to crystallization or grain growth under stress, such that a mixed phase composed of a soft magnetic or semi-hard magnetic phase and a hard magnetic phase is formed in the texture, and anisotropy is imparted to the crystal axis of the hard magnetic phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Kojima, Akihiro Makino, Takashi Hatanai, Yutaka Yamamoto, Akihisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 6692583
    Abstract: A conversion coating composition and a method of applying the conversion coating composition to magnesium and magnesium alloy articles prior to painting to prevent corrosion. The conversion coating composition comprises a source of vanadate ions, a material comprising phosphorus, and nitric acid or a source of nitrate ions. In addition, the composition may also contain boric acid or a source of borate ions and a source of fluoride ions or a source of fluoroborate ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Jon Bengston, Mark Wojtaszek, Gerald Wojcik, Massimo Dimarco
  • Patent number: 6692584
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high tensile cold-rolled steel sheet having superior ductility, strain age-hardening characteristics, and crash resistance properties, and also provides a manufacturing method therefor. As a particular means, a thin cold-rolled steel sheet containing 0.05% to 0.30% of C, 0.4% to 2.0% of Si, 0.7% to 3.0% of Mn, 0.08% or less of P, 0.02% or less of Al, and 0.0050% to 0.0250% of N on a mass % basis is manufactured in which N/Al is 0.3 or more. This thin cold-rolled steel sheet is heated to a temperature between (an Ac1 transformation point) and (an Ac3 transformation point+50° C.), is cooled at a cooling rate of 5 to 150° C./second in the range of at least 600 to 500° C., and is held in the temperature range of 350 to 500° C. This steel sheet has superior ductility, strain age-hardening characteristics having a &Dgr;TS of 50 MPa or more, and crash resistance properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Sakata, Akio Tosaka, Osamu Furukimi
  • Patent number: 6692585
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ferritic Fe—Cr—Ni—Al alloy having excellent oxidation resistance and high strength, which consists essentially of, by mass, 0.003 to 0.08% C, 0.03 to 2.0% Si, not more than 2.0% Mn, from more than 1.0% to not more than 8.0% Ni, from not less than 10.0% to less than 19.0% Cr, 1.5 to 8.0% Al, 0.05 to 1.0% Zr, and the balance of Fe and incidental impurities, wherein an F value is not less than 12% and an S value is not more than 25%, where the F value is defined by the following equation (1) and the S value is defined by the following equation (2): (1) F=−34.3C+0.48Si−0.012Mn−1.4Ni+Cr+2.48Al, and (2) S=Ni+Cr+Al. The Fe—Cr—Ni—Al alloy, after an annealing heat treatment at 600 to 1050° C., has 0.2% yield strength of 550 to 1,000 MPa by a tensile test at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Uehara, Yoshihiro Minagi, Kenichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6692586
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high temperature melting composition and a method of using the composition for brazing high temperature niobium-based substrates, such as niobium-based refractory metal-intermetallic compositions (RMIC), including but not restricted to niobium-silicide composite alloys. The high temperature melting composition can include one or more alloys. The alloys include a base element selected from titanium, tantalum, niobium, hafnium, silicon, and germanium. The alloys also include at least one secondary element that is different from the base element. The secondary element can be selected from chromium, aluminum, niobium, boron, silicon, germanium and mixtures thereof. When two or more alloys are included in the composition, it is preferable, but not required, to select at least one lower melting alloy and at least one higher melting alloy. The composition is preferably a homogeneous mixture of the two or more alloys combined in powder form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond R. Xu, Amit Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 6692587
    Abstract: There is provided a Cr-base heat resisting alloy, which contains Cr as a main component element and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Re and W in amount of from 1 atomic % to 40 atomic %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Ro, Hiroshi Harada, Yutaka Koizumi, Toshiharu Kobayashi, Eisuke Bannai
  • Patent number: 6692588
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and annealing a plated semiconductor workpiece. A chamber for simultaneously cleaning and annealing a semiconductor workpiece is provided herein. The method according to the present invention includes the steps rinsing the workpiece with mineral acids and DI water, then simultaneously cleaning/annealing the workpiece with heated deoxygenated DI water. By this present method, tool cross contamination by way of plated metal is greatly reduced, and also grain recovery and grain growth at room temperature is greatly accelerated. Thus, the annealing time of grain growth is dramatically reduced using the present method and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nutool, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, Homayoun Talieh
  • Patent number: 6692589
    Abstract: A process for forming a structure element, particularly an lower wing element of an aircraft, manufactured from a rolled, extruded or forged product made of an alloy of composition (% by weight) Cu=4.6-5.3, Mg=0.10-0.50, Mn=0.15-0.45, Si<0.10, Fe<0.15, Zn<0.20, Cr<0.10, other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total, remainder Al. The product is treated by solution heat treating, quenching, controlled tension to more than 1.5% permanent deformation and aging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventors: Timothy Warner, Philippe Lassince, Philippe Lequeu
  • Patent number: 6692590
    Abstract: An alloy is described that is capable of forming a metallic glass at moderate cooling rates and exhibits large plastic flow at ambient temperature. Preferably, the alloy has a composition of (Zr, Hf)a TabTicCudNieAlf, where the composition ranges (in atomic percent) are 45≦a≦70, 3≦b≦7.5, 0≦c≦4, 3≦b+c≦10, 10≦d≦30, 0≦e≦20, 10≦d+e≦35, and 5≦f≦15. The alloy may be cast into a bulk solid with disordered atomic-scale structure, i.e., a metallic glass, by a variety of techniques including copper mold die casting and planar flow casting. The as-cast amorphous solid has good ductility while retaining all of the characteristic features of known metallic glasses, including a distinct glass transition, a supercooled liquid region, and an absence of long-range atomic order. The alloy may be used to form a composite structure including quasi-crystals embedded in an amorphous matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Li-Qian Xing, Todd C. Hufnagel, Kaliat T. Ramesh
  • Patent number: 6692592
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high Cr system seamless steel pipe having a high inside surface quality with a high efficiency and at a reduced production cost is provided. An initial material including Cr at a content of 10 to 20%, and impurities S and P at respective contents of not more than 0.050% is used to form a finished pipe, and when using parameters, the total soaking period &Sgr;t1 (hours) for soaking the initial material to form a primary pipe material as a billet or bloom and the total soaking period &Sgr;t2 (hours) for soaking the primary pipe material, a finished pipe is formed at a heating temperature of 1,200° C. under the condition that the following equation (b) is satisfied: F = f + 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kidani, Koichi Ikeda, Toshiharu Abe
  • Patent number: 6692593
    Abstract: A method for quenching metallic workpieces in a furnace space, includes subjecting a metallic workpiece to a heat treatment process in an evacuated furnace space. Before a quenching gas or mixture is passed into the furnace space, hydrogen is supplied to the still evacuated furnace space. The amount of hydrogen supplied to the furnace space is limited so that, depending on (1) the quenching pressure, (2) the gas temperature at the end of the quenching process, and (3) the composition of the quenching gas or mixture, a hydrogen concentration below the explosive limit is reached in the quenching gas or mixture. The quenching gas or mixture contains an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases, such as nitrogen, argon and/or helium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Uwe Neubauer
  • Patent number: 6692594
    Abstract: An array of strips is affixed to a transfer sheet, with the strips uniformly spaced apart. Each strip has a transparent plastic film with an adhesive coating on both sides of the strip. A release layer is affixed each film. A strip is peeled from the transfer sheet so that the adhesive coating is exposed. The user then presses a strip against an item of furniture in a typical area where a cat may tend to “sharpen” its claws. Finally, the release layer is peeled from the strip, thereby exposing the other adhesive coating. When a cat attempts to scratch the furniture, its paw contacts and receives an unpleasant sticking sensation from the exposed adhesive coating, deterring the cat from future contact with that item of furniture. Another embodiment has a rigid substrate with an adhesive side and a release layer. After the release layer is peeled from the strip, the adhesive is exposed and the strip is placed on the soil of a potted houseplant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Bonnie M. Pemberton, Frank A. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6692595
    Abstract: An article and method for reinforcing structural members is provided. The article includes a carbon fiber material, preferably a carbon fiber mesh with a roughened surface defined by an epoxy resin. The article has lateral fibers woven into longitudinal carbon fibers that are in tension, creating a mesh. An epoxy resin is applied to the fiber mesh to form a rigidified fiber mesh tape once the resin is cured. To obtain a roughened surface a plastic sheet is removably attached to the surface of the fiber mesh. The plastic sheet is removed thereby exposing a roughened carbon fiber surface defined by the epoxy. An alternative tensile tape is also provided for reinforcing a wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Donald G. Wheatley, Donald E. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6692596
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a micro-titer test plate, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first and second part, said first part comprising a plurality of wells connected to each other and said second part comprising a plurality of spouts connected to each other, said spouts conforming in arrangement and number to said wells of said first part; (b) placing a filter sheet that extents across each of said wells of said first or placing a filter sheet that extends across each of said sprouts of said second part; (c) separating from said filter sheet filter means that conform in shape, size, arrangement and number to either the bottom opening of the wells of said first part or, to said upper openings provided at the first end of the spouts; (d) placing said filter means in each of the bottom openings of the wells or in each of said upper openings provided at the first end of the spouts; (e) removing the remainder of said filter sheet from which the filter means have b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Karl-Andreas Moll, Roland Beck
  • Patent number: 6692597
    Abstract: A method for the production of joints between ceramic bodies such as silicon carbide bodies in which a preceramic polymer mixed with a powder, such as bimodal silicon carbide, is applied in slurry form. The mechanical and hermetic properties may be enhanced by the inclusion of additional bodies constraining the polymer slurry in the joint region, such as a collar. The thermal processing of the joint is described which provides a useful joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick M. Mako, Robert L. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6692598
    Abstract: A ceramic green sheet having good surface roughness and few pinhole defects even when producing a thin ceramic green sheet is stably produced, to permit efficiently and securely manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic part in which deterioration of its life due to unevenness of interfaces between internal electrodes and ceramic layers and the occurrence of structural defects, such as delamination, bending of an electrode portion, etc., in a multilayer thin film to be suppressed. A dry sheet obtained by forming ceramic slurry to a sheet on a carrier film is smoothed by pressing using a plate press, a hydrostatic press or a calender roll under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions to improve the surface smoothness of the ceramic green sheet independently of the particle diameter of the ceramic and its dispersibility. An electrode paste is coated in a predetermine pattern on the thus-produced ceramic green sheet to form a sheet provided with an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamana, Takaharu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6692599
    Abstract: A method of repairing or refurbishing a filter screen is described. The type of screen is defined in the specification. The repair or refurbishment is effected by stripping worn or damaged wirecloth from the surface of the frame and placing fresh cloth over the frame and tensioning it as appropriate. Heat is then applied so as to soften surfaces of the frame over which wirecloth is stretched, so that the latter can penetrate softened plastics material in the surfaces and become embedded therein. The frame and its associated fresh cloth is allowed to cool, after which the applied tensioning is removed. Exposed edges of the wirecloth can be trimmed back to the surrounding flange. Plastics material may be applied to the surface of the frame which is to receive the new wirecloth, before the latter is fitted, to provide additional plastics material for bonding the wirecloth to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: United Wire Limited
    Inventors: Gordon James Cook, Andrew Hughes, Arthur Robert Bailey, George Charles Hartnup, Dugald Stewart
  • Patent number: 6692600
    Abstract: A thermally insulating panel (e.g., vacuum IG window unit) includes first and second opposing substrates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. A low pressure space is defined between the substrates, and is hermetically sealed off by at least one edge seal. During evacuation of the space, a plasma is ignited within the space in order to reduce the time needed to evacuate the space down to the desired low pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Vijayen S. Veerasamy, Anthony V. Longobardo, John P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6692601
    Abstract: A unique isotropic sub-denier spunbond nonwoven product created by an apparatus and method comprising a unique multi-head resin metering system, a spinneret head with spinning sections, separated by a quench fluid extraction zone, a two sided, multilevel quench system, a fluid volume control infuser system which automatically guides the filaments into the filament drawing system while conserving energy by using a portion of the quench fluid as part of the drawing fluid and also minimizing turbulence at the entrance to the draw slot. The filament drawing system comprises a draw jet assembly with adjustable primary and secondary jet-nozzles and a variable width draw jet-slot. The entire draw jet assembly is moveable vertically for filament optimization. The offset, constant flow secondary jet-nozzle system provides an unexpectedly high velocity increment to the filaments by oscillating the filaments and increasing their drag resulting in remarkably low fiber denier on the order of 0.5 to 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald C. Najour, Gregory F. Ward
  • Patent number: 6692602
    Abstract: A machine for producing corrugated cardboard incorporates a corrugating roll and a glue roll extending parallel to the former in such a way that a glue gap is formed between the two. To adjust the glue gap, the bearing of the glue roll is pushed against the bearing of the corrugating roll with a contact-pressure force A. By means of an adjusting unit the distance of the two bearings is reduced until the force of the bearing contact pressure, which is measured by a force measuring unit, decreases due to a contact occuring between the glue roll and the corrugating roll. The glue roll may have stop rings at its ends to prevent a direct contact between the glue roll and the corrugating roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: BHS Corrugated Maschinen-und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann-Josef Mensing, Reinhard Sternitzke, Josef Puff
  • Patent number: 6692603
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing absorbent articles comprising molded airlaid webs and other molded fibrous webs. The molded webs can offer improved body fit and/or improved fluid handling. Molded airlaid webs, for example, can be formed having a central longitudinal hump and flexure zones longitudinally removed from the central hump to provide good contact with the body and improved fit when the article is squeezed from the sides. Molding can be achieved when a binder material is activated by an energy source and the web is held against a molding substrate. Energy sources can include microwaves, heated air, heated metal surfaces, ultraviolet radiation, ultrasonic energy, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Fung-jou Chen, Robert Eugene Vogt, Julie Marie Bednarz, Tong Sun, Kambiz Bayat Makoui
  • Patent number: 6692604
    Abstract: A method for verifying an image (210) on a printing plate comprising the steps of: an overlay (310) forming the method consisting of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer; laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170), which is preferably clear with the imaged receiver sheet (140), thereby encapsulating the image (210) between the first thermal print layer (224) and the second thermal print layer (228); removing the first support layer (150); removing the second support layer (170); adhering an overlay (310) to a printing plate having an image (210), using an electrostatic charge; and viewing the overlay (310) against the image (210) on the printing plate for image quality and content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Roger S. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6692605
    Abstract: A method for forming an overlay (310); to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320) comprising the steps of; creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer, laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170), which is preferably clear with the imaged receiver sheet (140), thereby encapsulating the image (210) between the first thermal print layer (224) and the second thermal print layer (228); removing the first support layer (150); removing the second support layer (170); forming an overlay (310) having an electrostatic charge; to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, William L. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6692606
    Abstract: Extruded net with at least some strands which melt away upon the application of heat while other strands maintain elastic, or other desirable, properties. This netting is advantageously combined with a fabric in which the low melting strands function as an adhesive, while the high melting strands maintain their designed properties in the final laminate product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Leucadia, INC
    Inventors: Hans O. Cederblad, Mark W. Lorenson
  • Patent number: 6692607
    Abstract: Molten polymers are forced into T dies combined to form a multiple T die, the molten polymers are extruded through the T dies as monolayers. The monolayers extruded through the T dies are superposed and laminated outside the multiple T die while the polymers are in a molten or semi-molten state to form a intermediate molten multilayer. The multiple T die is advanced into a space between an open top half mold and a bottom half mold of a compression mold to deliver the intermediate multilayer onto the bottom half mold. The intermediate multilayer is cut to a predetermined length on the bottom half mold, and is processed for compression molding in the compression mold to form a multilayer article. A molding cycle for molding the multilayer article is carried out automatically at a remarkably improved manufacturing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinori Ide, Takehiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6692608
    Abstract: A method of making shingles includes coating a shingle mat with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt-coated sheet, and covering the asphalt-coated sheet with granules to form a granule-covered sheet along a longitudinal axis, the granule-covered sheet having a shadow patch thereon, the shadow patch having a first width along the longitudinal axis. The granule-covered sheet is divided into an overlay sheet and an underlay sheet, the shadow patch being on the underlay sheet. A pattern of tabs and cutouts is cut in the overlay sheet, one of the tabs of the pattern being a select tab having a second width along the longitudinal axis, the second width of the select tab being less than the first width of the shadow patches. The relative longitudinal positions of the shadow patch and the select tab are synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6692609
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated electronic component, in which magnetic layers and conductive patterns for coil are sequentially provided, a coil pattern is enclosed between the magnetic layers inside a laminated body, and a nonmagnetic section is provided between adjacent conductive patterns for coil, the coil pattern being provided by repeatedly performing: a first step of providing a second magnetic layer over the entire top face of a first magnetic layer, which a first conductive pattern for coil is provided on; a second step of providing a loop-shaped groove in the second magnetic layer by using laser processing; a third step of providing a nonmagnetic section in one portion of the loop-shaped groove; and a fourth step of printing a second conductive pattern for coil so that one end section thereof overlaps the end section of the first conductive pattern for coil and the other end section extends to the surface of the nonmagnetic section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Toko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichi Kobayashi, Tadayoshi Nagasawa, Yutaka Noguchi, Hiroyasu Mori, Mitsuo Sakakura
  • Patent number: 6692610
    Abstract: An improved method of fabricating a device such as OLED is disclosed. The method includes applying an adhesive on a cap or substrate. The adhesive is partially cured to initiate the cross-linking process while remaining in the liquid phase. The cap is then mounted onto the substrate and the adhesive is cured to encapsulate the device. By partially curing the adhesive prior to mounting the cap, the curing of the adhesive can be achieved without prolonged exposure to UV radiation or high temperatures which can adversely impact the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Hong Yee Low, Soo Jin Chua, Ewald Karl Michael Guenther
  • Patent number: 6692611
    Abstract: A method of laminating a structure comprises at least two layers and a photopolymerizable adhesive composition between the layers, at least one of the layers being opaque, colored, or reflective. One or both of the layers is transmissive to actinic radiation in wavelengths in the range of greater than 400 nm and up to 1200 nm. The photopolymerizable adhesive composition absorbs radiation in the identified spectral region of the radiation transmissive layer. Curing is effected by directing radiation in the identified spectral region through the radiation transmissive layer and produces a laminated structure. An underfilled flip chip assembly on an integrated circuit board substrate can be prepared by the method described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joel D. Oxman, Michael A. Kropp, Peter B. Hogerton
  • Patent number: 6692612
    Abstract: Novel compositions and methods of using the same which are highly effective at removing adhesive materials. The compositions are useful for removing adhesives, such as those used to secure floor coverings, to thereby aid in the removal of the floor covering. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of removing adhesives and floor coverings using the compositions of the present invention. The present invention uses compositions comprising an alkaline amine reagent, preferably an alkaline aliphatic amine reagent, either alone or coupled with a non-ionic wetting agent. These compositions may be applied to an adhesive. The compositions break down the adhesive, thereby allowing it to be easily removed. Alternatively, to remove a floor covering such as carpet or tile, the composition may be applied directly to the floor covering such that it penetrates the floor covering and contacts the adhesive to break-down the adhesive and permit the easy removal of the floor covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Spratling
  • Patent number: 6692613
    Abstract: A method for processing a semiconductor wafer or similar article includes the step of spinning the wafer and applying a fluid to a first side of the wafer, while it is spinning. The fluid flows radially outwardly in all directions, over the first side of the wafer, via centrifugal force. As the fluid flows off of the circumferential edge of the wafer, it is contained in an annular reservoir, so that the fluid also flows onto an outer annular area of the second side of the wafer. An opening allows fluid to flow out of the reservoir. The opening defines the location of a parting line beyond which the fluid will not travel on the second side of the wafer. An apparatus for processing a semiconductor wafer or similar article includes a reactor having a processing chamber formed by upper and lower rotors. The wafer is supported between the rotors. The rotors are rotated by a spin motor. A processing fluid is introduced onto the top or bottom surface of the wafer, or onto both surfaces, at a central location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Peace, Gary L. Curtis, Raymon F. Thompson, Brian Aegerter, Curt T. Dundas