Patents Issued in February 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6692614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a jointing press for jointing a first and second free end of one or more belts which is adapted to raise directly the temperature of the surface of the belt (or belts) thereby decreasing heat-up times and which exploits the unheated platens to act as a heat sink in the cooling step thereby eliminating the need for external water or forced air cooling sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hab Asit Limited
    Inventor: Marshall Wright
  • Patent number: 6692615
    Abstract: An organic substrate is manufactured from recycled waste paper, cotton fiber and cotton gin waste, and gypsum. The recycled waste products are combined to form a slurry mixture for processing by conventional paper making machinery into a substrate that may be used in sheet form or comminuted pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy D. Cathey
  • Patent number: 6692616
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the purification, by distillation, of trimethylolpropane originating from the hydrogenation of 2,2-dimethylolbutanal, said process including the following steps: (a) reaction of n-butyraldehyde with formaldehyde in the presence of catalytic amounts of a tertiary amine, and hydrogenation of the resulting mixture to give a mixture containing trimethylolpropane; (b) separation of water, methanol, trialkylamine and/or trialkylammonium formate by distillation; (c) heating of the residue obtained in (b) under reduced pressure to a temperature at which TMP is volatile and compounds boiling above TMP are cleaved, in order to separate off, by distillation, TMP and compounds more volatile than TMP; (d) distillation of the distillate obtained in (c) in order to separate off the more volatile compounds and recover pure TMP; and (e) optional distillation of the TMP obtained in (d) in order to recover TMP with a low APHA color index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Dernbach, Detlef Kratz, Achim Stammer, Harald Rust, Gerhard Schulz
  • Patent number: 6692617
    Abstract: A plasma reactor for physical vapor deposition (PVD), also known as sputtering, which is adapted so that the atomic species sputtered from the target can self-sustain the plasma without the need of a working gas such as argon. The self-sustained sputtering (SSS), which is particularly applicable to copper sputtering, is enabled by several means. The density of the plasma in the region of the magnet assembly of the magnetron is intensified for a fixed target power by reducing the size of the magnets. To provide more uniform sputtering, the small magnetron is scanned in one or two dimensions over the back of the target. The density of the plasma next to the target is also intensified by positioning an anode grid between the target and the substrate, which provides a more planar geometry. Additionally, the substrate can then be biased to more effectively control the energy and directionality of the flux of sputtered particles incident on the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianming Fu, Peijun Ding, Zheng Xu
  • Patent number: 6692618
    Abstract: A device and method has a magnetron sputter source with a multipart target (3, 4) and movable magnet system (5). By variation of the power delivery of the power supply (6), specific areas of the multipart target (3, 4) can be preferably affected, which permits setting the stoichiometry of the sputtered-off target materials on the substrate (15) to be covered and positively affecting the homogeneity of the layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Unaxis Balzers Limited
    Inventor: Martin Dubs
  • Patent number: 6692619
    Abstract: A high-saturation magnetization composite soft magnetic film can be deposited by magnetron co-sputtering of two or more kinds of materials using targets which have a lower saturation magnetization than that of a single target, which otherwise will be used to produce the resulting composite soft magnetic film. The composite film has a substantially uniform composition and thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Qixu Chen, Fernando Anaya Chavez, Charles Frederick Brucker, Rajiv Yadav Ranjan
  • Patent number: 6692620
    Abstract: A drained cathode cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises a cell bottom (20) arranged to collect product aluminium and thermic insulating sidewalls (55,55′) lined with a molten electrolyte resistant sidewall lining (50) which is made of material liable to react with molten aluminium, in particular containing silicon carbide, silicon nitride or boron nitride. The thermic insulating sidewalls (55,55′) inhibit formation of an electrolyte crust on the lining (50), whereby the lining (50) is exposed to molten electrolyte. The cell bottom (20) has a peripheral surface from which the insulating sidewalls (55,55′) extend generally vertically to form, with the cell bottom, a trough for containing molten electrolyte and aluminium produced on at least one drained cathode (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Duruz, Vittorio De Nora, Georges Berclaz
  • Patent number: 6692621
    Abstract: An electrolysis system (10) has a head portion (18) to a well casing (30). The head portion (18) has a hydrogen discharge (12), an oxygen discharge (12) and a water feed path (20) which is in fluid communication with an electrolyte reservoir (36) which is defined by the well casing (30). The oxygen discharge (14) is fluidly coupled to the oxygen conduit (38) and the hydrogen discharge (12) is fluidly coupled to the hydrogen conduit (40). An electrolyzer with the oxygen conduit 38) and hydrogen conduit (40). The electrolyzer is electronically coupled to an AC/DC converter (52) and may be fluidly coupled to an atomizer (50) and chemical collector (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nate International
    Inventor: Dennis Chancellor
  • Patent number: 6692622
    Abstract: The plasma processing apparatus comprises a plasma chamber (1) bounded, on at least one side thereof, by an electrically conductive wall (10), said electrically conductive wall comprising one or several apertures (100) for interrupting a current path through said wall, external electromagnetic means (2) for supplying electromagnetic energy into the plasma chamber through the electrically conductive wall, thereby generating a plasma inside said chamber, and sealing means for sealing the apertures. The apparatus is characterised in that the sealing means comprises one or more electrically conductive enclosure elements which are electrically insulated from the electrically conductive wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: European Community
    Inventors: Pascal Colpo, François Rossi
  • Patent number: 6692623
    Abstract: A vacuum arc vapor deposition apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic coils for guiding a plasma produced by a vacuum arc evaporating source to the vicinity of a substrate in a film forming chamber by use of a deflection magnetic field. The vacuum arc vapor deposition apparatus further includes a coil power source for reversing a coil current to be fed to the magnetic coils, and a control unit for controlling the coil power source to reverse the flowing direction of the coil current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nissin Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Miyake
  • Patent number: 6692624
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum coating apparatus to produce high quality coatings with a low degree of roughness and a high degree of thickness uniformity. The vacuum coating apparatus comprises a consumable metal cathode coupled to an arc discharge power supply and accommodated in a housing used as an anode, which is electrically coupled to a vacuum chamber and connected to the arc discharge dc power supply, a solenoid disposed on the anode, and an arc striking system connected to an initiation unit. The present invention is suitable for producing coatings based on metals, such as titanium, aluminum, chromium, zirconium, etc., as well as for depositing wear-resistant coatings based on compounds of the above metals, e.g. titanium nitride, aluminum nitride, chromium nitride, zirconium nitride, etc. The coatings may be used to improve life and operating performance of tools and machine parts, and as decorative coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: International Technology Exchange, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandr Yakovlevich Kolpakov, Vitaly Nikolaevich Inkin, Grigory Grigorievich Kirpilenko
  • Patent number: 6692625
    Abstract: Electrochemical sensor for measuring a gas concentration of a sampled gas with an electrochemical element, including an electrochemical pump cell with a first and a second electrode and with a gas chamber which is connected to the sampled gas via a gas inlet opening and in which one of the two electrodes is located, with the gas inlet opening being covered by a porous covering. Also a method for producing an electrochemical sensor of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Jach, Lothar Diehl
  • Patent number: 6692626
    Abstract: Methods for forming adsorbent laminate structures particularly for use in pressure swing adsorption processes and devices are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises providing a metal or alloy support and depositing adsorbent material onto the support by electrophoretic deposition. Adsorbent material also may be deposited on plural strips, which are then assembled into a laminate structure along the support. Adsorbers also are described comprising first and second wire mesh sheets having adsorbent material deposited on a first major planar surface thereof. The first and second sheets are placed adjacent one another and spaced sufficiently to define a flow channel. Another disclosed embodiment comprises plural wire mesh sheets having adsorbent material deposited on both first and second major opposed planar surfaces thereof, the sheets being spaced from each other to define a gas flow channel. The adsorber may include ventilation gaps to provide ventilation between flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: QuestAir Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bowie G. Keefer, Alain Carel, Brian Sellars, Ian Shaw, Belinda Larisch
  • Patent number: 6692627
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a process for separation and resolution of particles suspended in, or molecules dissolved in, a sample mixture or solution using electrical field flow fractionation (EFFF). Fractionation of individual components in the mixture/solution is obtained by the interaction of particles/molecules with an electric field applied perpendicular to the flow direction, and externally to the fractionation channel. The plate electrodes are electrically isolated from the sample and carrier within a thin, non-permeable, insulating coating on the inside surfaces electrodes. This coating forms a barrier between the solution phase and the electric circuit used to generate the working electric field. The flow channel is formed by sandwiching a shaped insulating gasket between the two parallel plate electrodes. The side walls of the channel are defined then by the inside walls of the shaped, insulating gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Boise State University
    Inventors: Dale R. Russell, Michael W. Hill
  • Patent number: 6692628
    Abstract: A process for the removal of primarily iron impurities from acidic aqueous electrolytic solutions used in the electro-winning of copper is described. Strong base Type 1 ion exchange resin is used to remove acid from the solution resulting in a treated solution that contains only a small amount the original acid but all of the dissolved salts. This low acid treated solution is then processed using standard processes such as adjustment of the pH or oxidation potential to remove the iron impurities and the solution containing valuable process cobalt is returned to the electrolyte solution to continue the extraction of copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SBR Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Charles Milbourne
  • Patent number: 6692629
    Abstract: A flip-chip bumping method is proposed for the fabrication of solder bumps on a semiconductor wafer for flip-chip application. The proposed flip-chip bumping method is intended for use on a semiconductor wafer predefined with a plurality of chip regions which are delimited from each other by a predefined cutting line and each of which is formed with a plurality of aluminum or copper based bond pads, and is characterized in the provision of a plating bus over and along the cutting line and connected to each bond pad. By means of this plating bus, the required UBM (Under Bump Metallization) fabrication and solder-bump fabrication can be both carried out through plating. Since plating process is considerably lower in cost than sputtering process and etching process, the proposed flip-chip bumping method can be more cost-effective to implement than prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Shun Chen, Po-Hao Yuan, Shih-Kuang Chiu, Feng-Lung Chien, Ke-Chuan Yang
  • Patent number: 6692630
    Abstract: The invention provides a pretreatment process for electroplating aluminum parts or strip, in which the zincating solution is modified to improve the adhesion of the subsequent electroplate to the substrate. The aluminum part or strip, such as an aluminum coin blank or strip for coin blanks, is pretreated with an improved zincate solution which provides hydroxide ions in an amount in the range of 75-175 gpl, zinc ions in an amount in the range of 15-40 gpl, nickel ions in an amount in the range of 2-10 gpl and copper ions in an amount in the range of 1.5-5 gpl. The pretreatment process preferably includes a copper strike applied from a copper cyanide strike bath at a pH in the range of 8.5-11.0, using a current density in the range of 0.1-10 A/dm2. The pretreatment and electroplating steps are preferably conducted by barrel plating, in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Westaim Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Charles Morin, Angie Kathleen Molnar
  • Patent number: 6692631
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in a low temperature electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte. The method comprises the steps of providing a molten electrolyte having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell containing the electrolyte. A non-consumable anode and cathode is disposed in the electrolyte, the anode comprised of Cu—Ni—Fe alloys containing 0.1 to 5 wt. % carbon and incidental elements and impurities. Electric current is passed from the anode, through the electrolyte to the cathode thereby depositing aluminum on the cathode, and molten aluminum is collected from the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum
    Inventor: S. Craig Bergsma
  • Patent number: 6692632
    Abstract: A method of reacting chemicals comprising the exposure of the reactants to ultrasound and electrochemical energies in the presence of a metal or metal salt and hydrogen peroxide. HO* radicals are efficiently formed and react with a carbon-based reactant to form a carbon radical which then reacts with other reactants or may dimerize. The invention regenerates the metal ions and may be performed using no special facilities. Increased product yield was achieved for a number of hydroxylation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: University of Abertay Dundee
    Inventors: David Bremner, Arthur Ernest Burgess
  • Patent number: 6692633
    Abstract: Resistance to corrosion of aluminum metallization on semiconductor devices during wafer sawing process is provided by a sacrificial anode containing magnesium in contact with the integrated circuit wafer and the dicing saw. A relatively thin film or disc of magnesium directly in contact with the surface of the dicing blade makes use of cooling water to serve as the electrolyte between the magnesium and aluminum surfaces, and in turn corrosion is transferred to the magnesium anode in preference to the aluminum of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: John P. Tellkamp
  • Patent number: 6692634
    Abstract: The invention relates to chemistry and in particular to technology for processing hydrocarbon fuel, including engine fuel. The invention makes it possible to obtain a fuel with high cetane and octane numbers by means of the following: the initial fuel supply occurs simultaneously with ejection; an ozone containing gas is fed into the ejection area; turbulent flows are created by displacement of such a mixture; the transformed mixture is directed into a volume with a stable pressure level; and thermodynamic equalization of the mixture parameters is achieved. During thermodynamic equalization, sprayed water is injected into said mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Leonid Yakovlevich, Andrei Grigorievich Lyapin
  • Patent number: 6692635
    Abstract: Process for the production of gasoline with a low sulfur content that comprises at least the following two stages: a) a hydrogenation stage of the unsaturated sulfur containing compounds, b) a decomposition stage of saturated sulfur containing compounds, and optionally a preliminary stage for pretreatment of the feedstock such as selective hydrogenation of dienes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Blaise Didillon, Denis Uzio, Nathalie Marchal
  • Patent number: 6692636
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Richard H. Chilibeck
  • Patent number: 6692637
    Abstract: The invention relates to aquarium filters providing improved water filtration without accelerated clogging. The present invention also relates to methods of using such filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Holding (US), Inc.
    Inventors: John Edward Fox, Rodney Allen Parker
  • Patent number: 6692638
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a laundry waste sump, a primary 50 micron static screen filter, a 9,000 gallon equalization tank, at least one secondary media/carbon filter, a sludge holding tank with a pump to return excess water to the equalization tank, a backwash pump, an air blower, and a clear well tank water source for backwash. An exemplary embodiment of the invention also includes a surge tank between the primary and secondary filters and a surge tank between the secondary filter and the clear well tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: James P. Sharkey
  • Patent number: 6692639
    Abstract: A conically shaped filtration and/or separation apparatus is provided which is constructed from a stack of filters at least some of which are different sizes superposed above each, other, of said plurality of said filters in a fluid communicable relationship. A collapsible version of such conically shaped filter and/or separation apparatus is provided whereby a plurality of such filters are connected together using two piece interlocking or connecting end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Porous Media Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick R. Spearman, Michael R. Spearman, Majid Zia
  • Patent number: 6692640
    Abstract: A mordenite (MOR) zeolite membrane is formed on a porous substrate and has crystals that are substantially oriented in a specific crystalline direction. A method for producing the mordenite (MOR) zeolite membrane includes the steps of: immersing a porous substrate in a gel of raw materials which contains zeolite constitution elements in molar ratios of 40-400 of SiO2/Al2O3, 10-120 of H2O/Na2O, and 10-40 of H2O/SiO2; and subjecting the gel in the presence of the porous substrate to hydrothermal synthesis at 150° C. or more to crystallize the MOR zeolite constitution elements and form a MOR zeolite membrane on the porous substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Matsukata
  • Patent number: 6692641
    Abstract: A system to control nutrients, suspended algae, and filamentous algae in lakes, ponds, and estuaries includes a structure for containing macrophytic vegetation. One embodiment segregates a column of water within a body of water desired for remediation and shields the water column from sunlight sufficiently to kill phytoplankton therein, the lysis thereof releasing nutrients. The released nutrients are sequestered, and remediated water is replaced in the water column with water from the body of water. Floating or submerged macrophytes can be introduced in combination with shading and induced water movement to optimize nutrient uptake by the macrophytes. Water column shading may also be achieved by the macrophytes themselves, or by other means. The macrophytes can include floating aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, submerged aquatic plants, and terrestrial or aquatic plants caused to float artificially. The invention also deals with toxic algae in a safe and sequestered way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. DeBusk, David L. Haselow
  • Patent number: 6692642
    Abstract: A process is provided for full treatment of animal manure and other organic slurries containing suspended solids, and dissolved organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, without the need for anaerobic digestion or anaerobic stabilization lagoons. The process includes: centrifugal decanting, flocculation, dissolved air flotation thickening, centrate heating, acidification in fluidized bed reactor, biological removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved organic matter in microfiltration membrane bioreactor and disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. The process separates liquids from solids, converts solids into organo-mineral fertilizer pellets, and treats the liquid to dischargeable standards. Land application for effluent disposal is not required because the treatment removes all nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: International Waste Management Systems
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, John William Sutherlin
  • Patent number: 6692643
    Abstract: A method for capturing PSA and its molecular forms that may be in a fluid biological material including the steps of: preparing a bed of magnetic beads by binding thiophilic ligands to the beds where the thiophilic ligands bind PSA and its complexes, said thiophilic ligands comprising a two part structure wherein one part can be characterized as a hy6drophilic electron acceptor and the other part is sulfur which acts as an electron donor; selecting a sample of a fluid biological material to be tested for PSA and its complexes; introducing the sample into the magnetic beads bound to thiophilic ligands so that PSA and its complexes bind to the thiophilic ligand; and magnetically removing the beads from unbound portions of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Health Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Sulkowski, Kailash C. Chadha, Elzbieta Kawinski
  • Patent number: 6692644
    Abstract: Process for treating filtration panels obtained by the filtration of oils containing sulfonates of earth-alkaline metal, the above filtration being carried out in the presence of filter aids essentially consisting of siliceous material, which comprises: (a) dilution of the filtration panel with a C4-C8 aliphatic hydrocarbon, preferably hexane, and addition of another filter aid, thus obtaining a suspension of the panel and of the filter aid in the aliphatic hydrocarbon; (b) filtration of the suspension of step (a), thus obtaining a solid essentially consisting of filter aid with a minimum content of sulfonate and a turbid C4-C8 hydrocarbon solution (i); (c) centrifugation of the turbid hydrocarbon solution (i), thus obtaining a solid and a purified hydrocarbon solution (ii); (d) treatment of the purified hydrocarbon solution (ii) with means suitable for eliminating the C4-C8 hydrocarbons, thus recovering the sulfonate of earth-alkaline metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Agip Petroli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi D'elia, Orazio Pianta
  • Patent number: 6692645
    Abstract: A water reservoir treatment system for a swimming pool, water tank, spa, or fountain water, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system preferably comprises, in sequence, a water circulation system, a vortex separator for initial separation of particulates, and an absorption or adsorption filter which may be a conventional pool filter using sand, diatomaceous earth, or paper cartridge as filtering medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Gargas
  • Patent number: 6692646
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light modulating capacitor display by successive operations on an assembly comprising forming a layer of a conductive material on a substrate in a pattern is disclosed. The pattern forms a plurality of fixed electrodes. The pattern forms electrical conductors for driving the fixed electrodes and electrical conductors for driving shutter electrodes. A layer of insulative material is laid over portions of the pattern forming the plurality of fixed electrodes. A shutter electrode forming layer is attached to the assembly. The shutter electrode forming layer has a conductive side and a nonconductive side. The conductive side is placed in facing, contacting relationship to the layer of insulative material and the pattern of conductive material. The conductive material is removed from the shutter electrode forming layer to form groups of shutter electrodes. A plurality of shutters are cut from the shutter electrode forming layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Display Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles G Kalt, Mark S. Slater, Elliot Schlam
  • Patent number: 6692647
    Abstract: A beaded light dispersing film has a substrate layer, and an optically transparent layer, having a predetermined thickness, disposed over a side of the substrate layer. Optically transmitting beads are arranged to penetrate at least partially into the transparent layer to define clear apertures at interfaces between the beads and the transparent layer. The bead radius is greater than the predetermined thickness. An absorbing layer is disposed on the transparent layer, in interstices between the beads. A method of manufacturing the film includes disposing optically transparent beads partially in an optically transparent layer disposed over a transparent substrate layer. The optically transparent layer has a thickness less than half a diameter of a transparent bead. An absorbing layer overlies the optically transparent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Ragunath Padiyath, Richard J. Pokorny, Hsin-hsin Chou, Jeffrey C. Chang, Colleen M. Brenner
  • Patent number: 6692648
    Abstract: We have discovered a method of reducing the effect of material sputtered/etched during the preheating of a substrate. One embodiment of the method pertains to the preheating of a substrate which includes a material which is to be pattern etched at a temperature in excess of 150° C. The method comprises exposing the substrate to a preheating plasma generated from a plasma source gas which includes a reactive gas that aids in the production of a sputtered/etched residue during the preheating which is more easily etched during a subsequent pattern etching step than the material which is being pattern etched. In another embodiment of the method, the reactive gas in the preheating plasma source gas is slightly reactive with the material which is to etched during the subsequent pattern etching step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Jeng H. Hwang, Xiaoyi Chen
  • Patent number: 6692649
    Abstract: A plasma processing module for processing a substrate includes a plasma containment chamber having a feed gas inlet port capable of allowing a feed gas to enter the plasma containment chamber of the plasma processing module during the processing of the substrate. An inductively coupled source is used to energize the feed gas and striking a plasma within the plasma containment chamber. The specific configuration of the inductively coupled source causes the plasma to be formed such that the plasma includes a primary dissociation zone within the plasma containment chamber. A secondary chamber is separated from the plasma containment chamber by a plasma containment plate. The secondary chamber includes a chuck and an exhaust port. The chuck is configured to support the substrate during the processing of the substrate and the exhaust port is connected to the secondary chamber such that the exhaust port allows gases to be removed from the secondary chamber during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Wenli Z. Collison, Michael S. Barnes, Tuqiang O. Ni, Butch Berney, Wayne W. Vereb, Brian K. McMillin
  • Patent number: 6692650
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetorheological fluid in which magnetic particles coated with a hydrophilic surfactant are dispersed in a water in oil emulsion, and a process for preparing the same. The magnetorheological fluid of the present invention is prepared by adding water to oil dissolved with emulsifier, stirring it to give a mobile phase of water in oil emulsion, and dispersing magnetic particles coated with a hydrophilic surfactant in the water in oil emulsion. The invented magnetorheological fluid is improved in terms of stability through the interaction between surfactant of the magnetic particle surface and water molecule, which makes possible its practical application in the development of variable devices employing the magnetorheological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: O-Ok Park, Jong-Hyeok Park, Byung-Doo Chin
  • Patent number: 6692651
    Abstract: The invention relates to piezoelectric ceramic materials consisting of lead zirconate titanate and (1) at least one of an alkaline earth pyrochlore and an alkali metal perovskite having the formula AB5+O3, where B is Nb, Ta, or Sb; or (2) an alkaline earth alkali metal perovskite having the formula A(T1+0.25B5+0.75)O3, where A is the alkaline earth metal, T is the alkali metal, and B is Nb, Ta, or Sb. The materials are characterized by excellent heat and time stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Leramtec AG Innovative Ceramic Engineering
    Inventor: Guenter Helke
  • Patent number: 6692652
    Abstract: Grain oriented ceramics constituted of a polycrystalline body having a first perovskite-type alkali-pentavalent metal oxide compound as the main phase, in which a specific crystal plane of each grain constituting the polycrystalline body is oriented. The grain oriented ceramics are obtained by molding a mixture of a first anisotropically-shaped powder A of which developed plane has a lattice matching with a specific crystal plane of the first perovskite-type alkali-pentavalent metal oxide compound and a first reaction material capable of reacting with the first anisotropically-shaped powder A thereby forming at least the first perovskite-type alkali-pentavalent metal oxide compound such that the first anisotropically-shaped powder A is oriented, and by heating them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Hisaaki Takao, Yasuyoshi Saito, Toshihiko Tani
  • Patent number: 6692653
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerant composition of four-constituent system, comprising: (a) a first constituent of difluoromethane, (b) a second constituent of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, (c) a third constituent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 1,1-difluoroethane and (d) a for the constituent selected from the group consisting of isobutane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,-hexafluoropropane and butane, useful as a substitute for chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Byung-Gwon Lee, Jong-Sung Lim, Hong-Gon Kim, Chang-Nyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 6692654
    Abstract: Refrigerating machine oils comprising an ester oil for use with a refrigerant containing carbon dioxide are described. The refrigerating machine oils have excellent lubricity, miscibility with a refrigerant, stability and electric insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Tomomasa Osumi, Hiroyuki Hirano, Yasuyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6692655
    Abstract: In this method for making multi-base propellants, pelletized nitrocellulose is coated with an electrostatically insensitive liquid elastomer precursor or non-plasticizer while wetted in a non-solvent diluent, preferably in the absence of plasticizers. The non-solvent diluent is then substantially, if not completely, removed from the coated nitrocellulose. Then, the coated pelletized nitrocellulose is mixed with a plasticizer and optionally other ingredients and fillers, including energetic fuels such as nitroguanidine. The propellant formulation is then cast, and optionally cured with an acceptable curative, such as a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. The resulting material may be visually (i.e., to the naked eye) homogeneous. Also, the coated nitrocellulose pellets present during processing have reduced sensitivity to electrostatic discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Laura J. Martins, Richard B. Cragun, Gary K. Lund, Michael V. Wells, Vincent E. Mancini
  • Patent number: 6692656
    Abstract: A method of using a mixture as an amphoteric buffer is disclosed comprising mixing sulfuric acid, magnesium oxide and/or magnesium hydroxide, and water to form an amphoteric buffer, and applying the buffer to a spill of an acid or alkali so as to neutralize the spill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Premier Chemicals, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn R. McGillivray, Mark A. Shand, Thomas M. Miller
  • Patent number: 6692657
    Abstract: Liquid crystalline compounds having a large negative &Dgr;∈ low viscosity, a large K33/K11 value, a small &Dgr;∈/&Dgr;⊥ and mutually excellent solubility even at low temperature, compositions containing at least one of the compounds and liquid crystal display devices containing such a liquid crystal compositions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Chisso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kato, Tomoyuki Kondo, Henry Bernhardt, Shuichi Matsui, Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Yasuhiro Kubo, Fusayuki Takeshita, Etsuo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6692658
    Abstract: An electrolyte comprises a liquid-crystal compound, a straight-chain or branched polyether compound and a metal salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Satoshi Igawa
  • Patent number: 6692659
    Abstract: Thermoplastic composition comprising a thermoplastic resin and a phosphorescent pigment with a aluminate matrix expressed by M—Al in which M is at least one metal element selected from calcium, strontium and barium and Al represents an aluminate group, wherein the pigment has been coated with a silicone oil. Objects formed by injection molding of the thermoplastic resin compositions. The compositions of the invention exhibit improved melt flow stability and suffer less from graying upon compounding them in an extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Brown, David Rosendale, Philippe Schottland
  • Patent number: 6692660
    Abstract: Methods for producing metal/metalloid oxide particles comprise rare earth metals herein include reacting a reactant stream in a gas flow. The reactant stream includes a rare earth metal precursor and an oxygen source. A collection of particles comprising metal/metalloid oxide have an average particle size from about 15 nm to about 1 micron. The metal/metalloid oxide comprises a non-rare earth metal oxide wherein less than about 25 percent of a non-rare earth metal is substituted with a rare earth metal. The particles are useful as phosphors, for example for use in displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: NanoGram Corporation
    Inventor: Sujeet Kumar
  • Patent number: 6692661
    Abstract: A process for the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, wherein a hydrocarbon-comprising gas flow and a free oxygen-comprising gas flow are fed into a reaction chamber, comprising the steps of:—mixing and reacting a first portion of the free oxygen-comprising gas flow with a first flow comprising reacted gases circulating within the reaction chamber;—mixing a second portion of the free oxygen-comprising gas flow with the hydrocarbon-comprising gas flow in the reaction chamber obtaining a gas flow comprising both hydrocarbons and free oxygen at least partly mixed together—mixing and reacting the gas flow comprising both hydrocarbons and free oxygen at least partly mixed together with a second flow comprising reacted gases circulating inside the reaction chamber obtaining a gas flow comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Casale Chemicals SA
    Inventor: Gianfranco Bedetti
  • Patent number: 6692662
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions formed by a method for exchanging solvent in a mixture that includes water and an optionally substituted thiophene. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Elecon, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Ross Haghighat, Jae Ryu, Hamid R. Mojazza, Michael A. Vinciguerra, Peter Schuler
  • Patent number: 6692663
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions formed by a method for exchanging the water in an optionally substituted polythiophene dispersion with a specific mixture of organic solvents. The resulting compositions exhibit improved electrical conductivity, optical transparency, environmental stability, excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates and processing characteristics. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Elecon, Inc.
    Inventors: Qingye Zhou, Jae Ryu, Dieter Freitag, Karen Mulford