Patents Issued in March 11, 2004
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Publication number: 20040045771Abstract: An emergency escape system includes an escape apparatus and a door. The escape apparatus is connected to the door. The escape apparatus includes a cord and a release mechanism. The release mechanism is configured to provide a controlled lowering of a person being lowered on the cord.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Reshafim (metal doors) Ltd (50%) and Yoav Barzilai (50%)Inventors: Yoav Barzilai, Rafi Salhov
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Publication number: 20040045772Abstract: An elevator having a car and a suspension member or respectively hoisting member for carrying an operating weight. Furthermore, a power transmission is intended for moving the suspension member and the hoisting member over at least one moving surface of the power transmission. The power transmission and the suspension member or respectively hoisting member are rope-shaped and/or belt-shaped. Also, the power transmission and the suspension member or respectively hoisting member are physically separated from each other. The power transmission and the suspension member or respectively hoisting member are stretched against at least one supporting body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Inventio AGInventors: Peter Spiess, Gert Silberhorn, Andreas Gaussmann, Peter Hitz, Dieter Mehr, Johannes Kocher
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Publication number: 20040045773Abstract: A control system for a tractor of a transport truck system has a gear shift handle for a transmission, and an engine retard braking unit including a unit for generating an exhaust back pressure to slow the tractor, a switch for activating and deactivating the exhaust back pressure generating unit, and a sleeve fitted on the gear shift handle for the transmission, wherein the switch is located on the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Everett Crough
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Publication number: 20040045774Abstract: A wheel locking system is provided which, in a first embodiment, generally includes first and second chocks, each chock having a pin passage extending therethrough. First and second pins are slidably disposed respectively in the pin passages of the chocks which are fixed to first and second bars that are disposed on opposing sides of the chocks. In this manner, the chocks and the bars collectively define a well in which the wheel or wheels of an aircraft may be accommodated. Because of the bars extending between the chocks, the wheel locking system cannot be readily removed from the accommodated wheel or wheels. In addition, the ability of an aircraft to roll out of the locking system is highly hindered. Locks, such as padlocks, may be provided to further enhance the security aspect of the subject invention requiring removal of the locks prior to removal of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Nicholas D. D'Alessio
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Publication number: 20040045775Abstract: A master cylinder which has an unusual ability to limit space requirements, to be fitted in vehicles controllable by handlebars, comprises a cylinder body provided with a seat for housing a portion of the handlebar. A chamber for slidably housing a piston extends along an axis inside the cylinder body. A manual control lever which acts on the piston is mounted on the cylinder body for pivoting about its fulcrum in a plane. The axis along which the chamber for slidably housing the piston extends intersects the plane of pivoting of the control lever at a point.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Roberto Lavezzi
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Publication number: 20040045776Abstract: The invention relates to a disk brake, in particular for utility vehicles, comprising a brake caliper, which extends over a brake disk, an application device located in the brake caliper for applying brake pads on both sides of the brake disk in the direction of the latter, in addition to at least one adjusting system located in the brake caliper for compensating wear and tear on the brake pad and/or disk. Said disk brake is characterized in that the adjusting system is configured on one or both sides of the brake disk as a preassembled adjuster module, which has at least the following components: an electromotor, which acts as the drive, or a drive connection to an electromotor and a reduction gear connected downstream of the electromotor, the rotative drive being fitted onto the mounting plate(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Johann Baumgartner, Dieter Bieker, Wolfgang Pahle
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Publication number: 20040045777Abstract: An actuating device for a brake unit of a vehicle EBS includes a tappet positioned in a housing of the brake unit for actuating a piston to operate a brake valve. A displacement sensor slide measures axial movement of the tappet. So that moving parts of the actuating device are guided with minimal friction and that torque acting on the tappet is compensated for, the tappet includes a cylindrical attachment having a bottom with holes and a shell, a groove on the outer surface of the shell having openings, a spacer ring in the cylindrical attachment between the tappet and the piston having projections which extend into the holes, a guide ring in the groove having raised portions on its inner surface which extend into the openings and a window on its outer surface protruding through an opening into a slit on the housing to receive the displacement sensor slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Olaf Leske, Bernd Christoffers
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Publication number: 20040045778Abstract: A manufacturing method for an outer shell unit (10) provided with a cylindrical outer shell (3) housing a damping force generating mechanism and a knuckle bracket (7) mounted on the outer shell (3) to connect a knuckle. The knuckle bracket (7) is fixed by welding to the outer shell (3) after closing the bottom (31) of the outer shell (3) with a closing process. Consequently productivity is increased due to the fact that the number of processing operations for cutting an inlay and the number of operations for assembling the lower cap are reduced because the bottom is formed using a closing process. Furthermore productivity is increased since it is not necessary to seal the bottom by welding since the sealing characteristics of the bottom of the outer shell are ensured by the closing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Toshihiko Hatakeyama, Yoshio Ariura, Shinji Owaki, Yasuhide Kawabe
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Publication number: 20040045779Abstract: A protection seam member for suitcase includes a longitudinal body having a braid of reinforcement member and a soft outer layer encloses the reinforcement member. Two extension lips extend from the longitudinal body and a rounded groove is defined in a conjunction portion of each lip and the longitudinal body so that the edges of outer sinks of the suitcase are matched with the grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Wei-Chih Chen
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Publication number: 20040045780Abstract: A soft-sided carrying case having pivotable upper compartments is disclosed. The soft-sided carrying case includes a lower compartment, with the lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall. A first upper compartment is provided, with the first upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and with the first upper compartment pivotally meeting the lower compartment along a first line of intersection. A second upper compartment is disclosed, with the second upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and with the second upper compartment pivotally meeting the first upper compartment along a second line of intersection. The first and second upper compartments are both pivotable about their respective lines of intersection between folded positions in which the first and second upper compartments overlie the lower compartment and unfolded positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: HIGH SIERRA SPORT COMPANYInventors: L. Harrison Bernbaum, Scott A. Vermillion
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Publication number: 20040045781Abstract: A bag, of tote or briefcase size, includes an identification holder which is easily accessible. The identification holder, which may be integrated with a small, convenience storage pouch, is secured to the interior of a pocket of the bag by means of an expandable-contractible member which permits the identification holder/pouch to be readily presented for inspection without being disconnected from the bag. The pocket is releasably enclosed along the top and/or side edges thereof by a zipper, and stores the identification holder/pouch when not in use. The pouch serves as a convenient storage space for accessory items.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Paul Scicluna, Robert Philip Davis
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Publication number: 20040045782Abstract: A dual clutch transmission unit for a motor vehicle is adapted to transmit the movement to an automatic gear change provided with two ranks of gears; the transmission unit has a rotary movement input member adapted to be driven in rotation by the engine of the motor vehicle and two output shafts which are adapted to be rigidly connected to respective input shafts of the gear change and bear respective clutch devices which are adapted to receive the movement from the rotary member and are each associated with a relative rank of gears of the gear change; one of the clutch devices is disengaged and the other is engaged in sequence by an actuator device provided with a single actuator and a movement sleeve coaxial with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Giovanni Tornatore, Cesare Sola, Fabrizio Girola
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Publication number: 20040045783Abstract: A wheel hub with clutch where power is transferred through a drive, such as a chain that is linked between a peddle arrangement and a gear or gears splined onto the hub. The hub provides free-wheeling when torque is not applied thereto and will instantly engage, transferring an applied torque therethrough and into a wheel connected to the hub when torque is applied as through a peddle arrangement. For locking, the hub includes, as a radial load bearing component, a sleeve whereon a gear or gears are splined, with the splined gear sleeve mounting a thick ring for fitting into an end of a wheel sleeve. The thick ring contains spaced sloping pockets, each containing a ball bearing. The wheel sleeve includes an annular ring that receives the thick ring fitted there and has spaced steps, or the like, formed therein to engage the ball bearing surfaces, transferring torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Paul Lew, Jason Shiers
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Publication number: 20040045784Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch system, comprising a clutch device, in particular for positioning in a drive train between a drive unit and a transmission and comprising an actuating unit (200) for hydraulically actuating the clutch device by means of at least one hydraulic slave-cylinder (202). Said actuating unit has a hydraulic-medium delivery device (210, 212) for delivering a pressurised hydraulic medium and a valve assembly (208, 216), whose mediation allows the hydraulic medium to be supplied to and discharged from the slave-cylinder. According to the invention, the valve assembly comprises at least one supply valve (208), located in a hydraulic connection, between the hydraulic-medium delivery device (210) and the slave-cylinder (202) and at least one discharge valve (216), which is separate from the supply valve and located in a hydraulic connection, between the slave-cylinder (202) and a hydraulic-medium reservoir (218).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Angelika Ebert, Jochen Kuhstrebe, Thomas Busold
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Publication number: 20040045785Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of hydraulic motors and a clutch is capable of reliably implementing a sequence for engaging and disengaging the clutch and for fixing and clearing a zero tilt rotation amounts of the hydraulic motors, thereby preventing a speed change shock or load slip in the hydraulic motors. The apparatus includes zero tilt rotation fixing means (10A), a clutch (5), hydraulic vehicle speed detecting means (32A), and control valve means (30A) that releases an output command pressure to a return pressure connected to a tank (19) until a vehicle speed signal pressure to be received reaches a start pressure of a predetermined value, and begins to output the command pressure to the zero tilt rotation fixing means and the clutch when the vehicle speed signal pressure exceeds a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Masanori Ikari, Nobuo Matsuyama
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Publication number: 20040045786Abstract: A banknote receiving system used in a ticket vender or the like to verify and collect inserted banknote, in which a press device is provided at one side of the banknote passage, having a springy suspension arm and a nylon impression block at the free end of the springy suspension arm for pressing inserted banknote on a magnetic induction head for positive verification.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Cheng-Kang Yu
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Publication number: 20040045787Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin tray (1) having a multitude of coin slots (2) in which coin stacks (4) of individual coins (3) can be stacked up, the cross-sectional geometry of every coin slot (2) being adjusted to a certain coin denomination, wherein every coin slot (2) is provided with means (5) for detecting the number of stacked coins (3), wherein the means (5) for detecting are connected to an evaluation device (6), in which the total value of all stacked coins (3) is determined from the numbers of stacked coins (3) of all coin denominations, and as an option displayed on a display (7) and/or added up in the evaluation device (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Thomas Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20040045788Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing an improved coin acceptor are described. In one aspect, an electronic coin acceptor exaggerates relatively small differences in coin diameters. A coin deposited into the coin acceptor passes along a coin path through two sensing beams, with at least one of the beams positioned at a nonperpendicular angle to the coin path. Timing information relating to the coin's passage through the beams is recorded and utilized to identify the coin. In another aspect, the thickness of the coin is determined as the coin passes through the sensing beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Ellenby Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bob M. Dobbins, Christian F. Dungan, Aaron H. Dobbins
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Publication number: 20040045789Abstract: A continuously moving sidewalk pedestrian transport system includes a railway loop having a pair of continuous parallel rails connected by a plurality of elongated tie rods disposed upon a ground surface. An area defined between the pair of rails and ground surface is hydraulically sealed to prevent fluid placed between the rails from escaping. A pedestrian pathway is mounted on top of the rails to contain the fluid under pressure. The pedestrian pathway is mounted such that it can move along the railway loop. A pedestrian walking upright can step onto the moving pathway and be transported along the railway loop. When the pedestrian reaches a desired location along the loop she may step off of the moving pathway to continue walking to her desired location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Eric R. Weaver
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Publication number: 20040045790Abstract: Personnel conveyor (2) featuring endless personnel conveyor belt (6) formed of numerous step elements (4), in which step elements (4) are attached to conveyor chains (8) along both of their sides that are driven around a first and a second reversal element, and in which conveyor chains (8) are constructed of a multitude of chain links (10) that are connected to each other at pivots (12), and where the segmentation ratio of conveyor chain (8) to personnel conveyor belt (6) is 1:1, characterized in that two chain links (10), which are equally positioned in relation to a step element (4), are connected to each other by means of a through-going connecting axle (32) attached to chain links (16) between each two pivoting points of chain links (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Uwe Hauer, Andreas Stuffel, Joerg Ostermeier, Dietmar Thaler, Andreas Vogt
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Publication number: 20040045791Abstract: A transfer device has an undercarriage with two or more carriage portions which are movable along a travel path between a first location and a second location. The carriage portions carrying at least one work piece support. A linkage extending between the carriage portions, where the linkage is operable to change the position of the work piece support when one carriage portion moves relative to another along the travel path.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Honda of Canada Mfg., a Division of Honda Canada I.Inventors: Tom Gattrell, Steven Eric Taylor
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Publication number: 20040045792Abstract: According to the invention, a device (2), which comprises a multitude of assembly carriages (4) and a drive device (12) and which serves to convey these assembly carriages (4), is provided in a process chain used in a production process. Each assembly carriage (4) comprises a drawbar (10) via which the assembly carriages (4) are joined to one another. The assembly carriages (4) are guided on a guide rail (6). At one sole location of the process chain, a drive device (12), alone, drives one of the assembly carriages (4) that are joined to one another by the drawbars (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Ralf Schurmann
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Publication number: 20040045793Abstract: The invention relates to a suspended conveyer device for conveying supports (7) for goods to be conveyed along conveyer paths (54, 58), comprising a running rail arrangement with running rails (52, 56) which are associated with the conveyer paths and on which the supports (7) for goods to be conveyed can be guided. According to the invention, a rerouting station (50) is provided which is constructed to selectively reroute supports (7) for goods to be conveyed from a first conveyer path (54) to a second conveyer path (58) or to leave them on the first conveyer path (54), and to selectively reroute supports (7) for goods to be conveyed from the second conveyer path (58) to the first conveyer path (54) or to leave them on the second conveyer path (58) The invention also relates to a rerouting station of this type.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Rolf Schonenberger
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Publication number: 20040045794Abstract: The conveyor assembly of the present invention is for affixing booklets and the like to a moving web. The conveyor assembly includes a pair of endless chain each having a plurality of lugs attached thereto, a pair of lug supports and a pair of booklet supports. The plurality of lugs are pivotally attached to the each endless chain. Each lug has an elongate pushing arm and a support arm. Each lug is movable from a pushing position to a retracted position. The pair of lug support are spaced apart and generally parallel and are for supporting the support arm of the lugs. The pair of booklet support are spaced apart and generally parallel and are spaced above a respective lug support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Paul J. Connelly, Steve C. Painter
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Publication number: 20040045795Abstract: A modular conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curved conveyor path. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. To permit the belt to flex sidewise, the openings in the first link ends are slotted longitudinally in the direction of belt travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Dieter Guldenfels
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Publication number: 20040045796Abstract: A device for interlocking at least two single- or multipole circuit breakers, of which:—a first circuit breaker, suitable to be fixed to a mounting plate of the first and second circuit breakers;—a second circuit breaker, suitable to be fixed by virtue of fixing means to the first bracket and to be supported thereby;—an interlocking element, provided with a contoured body that is operatively coupled to the second bracket so that it can move with respect to it, the interlocking element being suitable to be rigidly connected to the second bracket, by virtue of locking means, in a chosen position in which it interacts operatively with at least the first opening/closure lever in a condition that corresponds to the opening of the first circuit breaker, preventing its movement and preventing the circuit breakers from being closed simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Osvaldo Carrara
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Publication number: 20040045797Abstract: A steering wheel for motor vehicle that includes at least one switching device for actuating an electric functional group such as, for example, a vehicle horn. The switching device includes two electric contact elements that can be moved in relation to one another and can be brought into contact with one another for actuating the functional group. According to the invention, one of the contact elements is mounted in a springy manner and so that one of the contact elements glides along the other element after the two contact elements have been brought into contact with one another for actuating the electric functional group.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: TAKATA-PETRI AGInventors: Helmut Bonn, Harald Burdack
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Publication number: 20040045798Abstract: A high security switch employs cooperative magnets which define the mode characteristics of the switch. The polarities and/or pole orientations between various magnets of the assembly are selected so that momentary or maintain switch positions can be obtained. The switch positions are activated by a key operated plug which causes rotation of an operator arm to a selected position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Harrow Products, Inc.Inventors: George Frolov, Victor Bogdanov, Alfred S. Levesque
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Publication number: 20040045799Abstract: An electrical contact includes a hollow tube having first and second end portions and a center portion; and a spring portion formed in a wall of the hollow tube. The spring portion may be located in the center portion of said hollow tube or in one of the first and second end portions of the hollow tube. The spring portion may be a helical spring portion and may include two helical portions wound in opposite directions. At least one of the first and second end portions may have a diameter that is less than a diameter of said center portion. At least one of the first and second end portions may have a hemispherical shape or closed end. The hollow tube may be of a metal such as stainless steel or may be a hollow tube coated with an electrically conductive material such as one of copper, silver, or gold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Robert Windebank
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Publication number: 20040045800Abstract: An electrical limit switch (10) is provided and comprises a number of contact elements (30) each having a slot (32) with inner cutting edges (34) for penetrating the insulation of and containing a conducting element (48). The contact elements (30) are provided on a body which engages a base (56) wherein the base (56) receives a plurality of conducting elements (48). Upon engagement of tje body and base (56), the conducting elements (48) are foced into respective slots (32) in the contact elements (30), thus providing a rapid electrical connection. The switching means of the limit switch (1) is provided by an actuating arrangement (14) including a plunger portion (16) and a roller (18), wherein the plunger(16) includes electrical contacts (36a, 36b) which are moveable with the plunger. Each contact (36a, 36b) provides an electrical connection between two of the contact elements (30) when the plunger (16) is in the appropriate position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Paul Trickett, James Boyd
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Publication number: 20040045801Abstract: A switch device for rotating and stopping a DC motor includes a first switch element having two moving contacts, two normally open NO contacts and two normally closed NC contacts, a second switch element having one or two normally closed NC contacts, and an operating element. The operating element serves to connect the two moving contacts individually to input terminals of the DC motor, the two NO contacts to a voltage source line at a higher voltage, and each of the two NC contacts of the first switch element to another voltage source line at a lower voltage such as the ground potential, each through the NC contact, or one of the two NC contacts, of the second switch element. The NC contact of the second switch element is maintained in an open condition during a period from when either one of the NO contacts begins to change from a closed condition to an open condition until the corresponding NC contact of the first switch element finishes changing from an open condition to a closed condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: OMRON CorporationInventors: Keiichi Shimizu, Yasuhide Tanaka
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Publication number: 20040045802Abstract: A process and system for conditioning a bulk container for ultra-high purity liquefied gas. Vapor is generated in the container from a conditioning quantity of the ultra-high purity liquefied gas by imposing a temperature difference on the container so that the vapor condenses when a temperature difference is achieved. The resulting liquid reflux, e.g., the condensed liquid drips or flows back to the conditioning quantity of the liquified gas, washes or removes contaminants, e.g., particles, metal and moisture, from the interior surface of the container. A portion of the vapor is vented from the container for reclamation. The used conditioning liquid may also be reclaimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Anthony J. Lachawiec, Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Ronald Martin Pearlstein, Robert William Ford
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Publication number: 20040045803Abstract: A coke drum bottom de-heading system having an internal shroud enclosure and a shroud end cap opened by a flange to a coke bottom de-heading valve capable of accepting the end of a gate valve upon actuation. Acting in coordination with the shroud enclosure to prevent the escape of steam is a gate seal assembly having a gate seal slidably engaged against the sliding gate to prevent the passage of steam thereby.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
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Publication number: 20040045804Abstract: A process for obtaining pure 1,3-butadiene from crude 1,3-butadiene by distillation is carried out in a dividing wall column in which a dividing wall is located in the longitudinal direction of the column to form an upper common column region, a lower common column region, a feed section and an offtake section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Gerd Bohner, Klaus Kindler, Melanie Pahl, Gerd Kaibel
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Publication number: 20040045805Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing and harvesting crystalline particles, particularly particles of therapeutically useful or carrier substances of a size suitable for inhalation therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Robert William Lancaster, Hardev Singh, Andrew Lewis Theophilus
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Publication number: 20040045806Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for treating the surface of objects, in particular strip material or deep-drawn material, in which the to-be-treated surface (2) of the object (1) is subjected to a barrier discharge which is generated between a first planar electrode (4) and a second planar electrode (5) in a discharge region (3) which is filled with a first gas or gas mixture, with a plasma-excited second gas or gas mixture which emits UV radiation being utilized as the second electrode (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Willi Neff, Franz-Josef Trompeter, Oliver Franken, Klaus Pochner
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Publication number: 20040045807Abstract: A process to prepare stoichiometric-nanostructured materials comprising generating a plasma, forming an “active volume” through introduction of an oxidizing gas into the plasma, before the plasma is expanded into a field-free zone, either (1) in a region in close proximity to a zone of charge carrier generation, or (2) in a region of current conduction between field generating elements, including the surface of the field generation elements, and transferring energy from the plasma to a precursor material to form in the “active volume” at least one stoichiometric-nanostructured material and a vapor that may be condensed to form a stoichiometric-nanostructured material. The surface chemistry of the resulting nanostructured materials is substantially enhanced to yield dispersion stable materials with large zeta-potentials.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Harry W. Sarkas, Jonathan Piepenbrink
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Publication number: 20040045808Abstract: Apparatus and process for producing carbon black or carbon containing compounds by converting a carbon containing feedstock, comprising the following steps: generating a plasma gas with electrical energy, guiding the plasma gas through a venturi, whose diameter is narrowing in the direction of the plasma gas flow, guiding the plasma gas into a reaction area, in which under the prevailing flow conditions generated by aerodynamic and electromagnetic forces, no significant recirculation of feedstock into the plasma gas in the reaction area recovering the reaction products from the reaction area and separating carbon black or carbon containing compounds from the other reaction products.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Frederic Fabry, Eusebiu Grivei, Nicolas Probst, Richard Smet, Jean-Yves Peroy, Gilles Flamant, Lauent Fulcheri, Patrick Leroux, Francis Fischer
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Publication number: 20040045809Abstract: High-saturation magnetization composite soft magnetic films can be deposited with sintered targets made of preferably at least two kinds of powders/elements with much lower saturation magnetization than that of the deposited soft magnetic films. Such a high-saturation magnetization composite soft magnetic film can be deposited by sputtering a plurality of species from a sintered target that forms a film of a material of higher saturation magnetization than that of the species.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Shanghsien Rou, Qixu Chen
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Publication number: 20040045810Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method of forming a thin film from negatively charged sputtered ions. More specifically, a sputter deposition apparatus for forming a thin film on a substrate includes at least one sputter target comprised of a material for the thin film, an ion gun emitting a neutralized ion beam towards the sputter target, a sputter gas source supplying a sputter gas into the ion gun, and a cesium vapor emitter inducing a plurality of negatively ionized sputtered particles from the sputter target and located in close proximity to the sputter target to introduce cesium vapor onto a reaction surface, wherein the cesium vapor emitter includes a feeding manifold having a plurality of apertures therein, a reservoir coupled to the feeding manifold and filled with a cesium slurry, and an on/off valve controlling an amount of the cesium vapor from the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Plasmion CorporationInventor: Steven Kim
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Magnetically confined metal plasma sputter source with magnetic control of ion and neutral densities
Publication number: 20040045811Abstract: A metal vapor deposition reactor includes a primary reactor chamber having a primary chamber enclosure comprising a ceiling and side wall. A wafer support pedestal within the primary chamber has a planar processing surface for supporting a planar semiconductor wafer. The reactor further includes a secondary reactor chamber having a secondary chamber enclosure and a metal source target within the secondary chamber formed of a metal species to be deposited on said semiconductor wafer. Process gas inlets furnish process gases into a region of the secondary chamber near a working surface of said metal source target. A D.C. power source connected across said metal source target and a conductive portion of said secondary chamber enclosure has sufficient power to support ionization of the process gas near the working surface of the metal source target whereby to form a plasma that sputters metal ions and neutrals from the working surface of the metal source target.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Wei D. Wang, Praburam Gopalraja, Jianming Fu -
Publication number: 20040045812Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Koji Miyake
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Publication number: 20040045813Abstract: A heater function and an electrostatic chuck function are incorporated in a ceramic plate for placing a wafer, and the ceramic plate is fixed to a cooling jacket with ceramic bolts having a low coefficient of thermal conductivity with an intervening heat insulating member. In order to transmit heat input in the wafer to the water-cooling jacket with high repeatability, a heat-conducting member having elasticity in the vertical direction is sandwiched between the ceramic plate and the cooling jacket. The degradation of temperature distribution of wafers due to the radiant heat radiation from the sidewall of the ceramic plate to the chamber can be minimized by covering the circumference of the ceramic plate with a radiation insulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Seiichiro Kanno, Ken Yoshioka, Ryoji Nishio, Saburou Kanai, Hideki Kihara, Koji Okuda, Manabu Edamura
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Publication number: 20040045814Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Bamdad Bahar, Greg Rusch, Jeffrey Kolde, Hiroshi Kato
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Publication number: 20040045815Abstract: This invention relates to modifying a process cell that needs periodic replacement such as the electrolysis cell shown to enable quick connect/disconnect with minimal process downtime. The claimed invention not only modifies the design of the cell but also proposes a housing with a separate compartment for the cell to isolate this from the other components of the system making it easier to replace the cell without the need to disturb the other components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Skydon Corp.Inventors: Anthony Tseng, Waydon Tseng
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Publication number: 20040045816Abstract: A solution useful for forming a solid that supports mass transfer includes carbon nanotubes and a solvent. Solids formed using the solution thereby have carbon nanotubes dispersed therein that are useful for communicating gas and/or electric charges within the solid. Catalyst layers of the invention that include carbon nanotubes can provide high levels of efficiency while requiring low catalyst concentrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: Richard I. Masel, Cynthia A. Rice
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Publication number: 20040045817Abstract: A field emission array adopting carbon nanotubes as an electron emitter source, wherein the array includes a rear substrate assembly including cathodes formed as stripes over a rear substrate and carbon nanotubes; a front substrate assembly including anodes formed as stripes over a front substrate with phosphors being deposited on the anodes, a plurality of openings separated by a distance corresponding to the distance between the anodes in a nonconductive plate, and gates formed as stripes perpendicular to the stripes of anodes on the nonconductive plate with a plurality of emitter openings corresponding to the plurality of openings. The nonconductive plate is supported and separated from the front substrate using spacers. The rear substrate assembly is combined with the front substrate assembly such that the carbon nanotubes on the cathodes project through the emitter openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Won-Bong Choi, Min-Jae Yun, Yong-Wan Jin
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Publication number: 20040045818Abstract: An electrochemical device for providing an electric energy by converting an electron transfer involved in an oxidation-reduction reaction into an electric energy comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the positive and negative electrodes comprises a compound having a structure represented by the general formula (1): 1Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuu Inatomi, Mikinari Shimada, Nobuhiko Hojo
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Publication number: 20040045819Abstract: An anode structure comprising a ruthenium catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst consists essentially of ruthenium deposited on a conducting support wherein the ruthenium is in metallic form or in a form that is readily reducible to the metallic form at temperatures of 25° C. to 150° C. The anode structure is particularly of use in proton exchange membrane fuel cell to prevent poisoning of the electrocatalyst by impurities in the fuel stream to the anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Sarah Ball, David Thompsett
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Publication number: 20040045820Abstract: Liquid mercury and liquid diluted mercury amalgams have been the major electrode systems employed in voltammetry and related methods. This is mainly due to their high overvoltage to hydrogen, which enables the determination of heavy metals (zinc, nickel and cobalt etc.) and other species with high negative half wave potentials. The toxicity of mercury and liquid diluted mercury leads to ever increasing restrictions in the their use. The use of such system may even be forbidden in the future at least in online systems for work in the field. Recent work, carried out in our laboratory, has demonstrated that a non-toxic solid dental amalgam may be used as the electrode material, conveniently replacing mercury. An extension of this work has shown that electrode materials comprising a metal or a compound with low hydrogen overvoltage change their hydrogen overvoltage properties substantially when contaminated with even small amounts of metals or compounds which show high hydrogen overvoltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Knut H. Schroder, Oyvind Mikkelsen