Patents Issued in March 18, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040050875
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a cap which is fitted to a mouth of a container holding a liquid therein includes a liquid-lifting device supported on an upper wall of the cap as pierced therethrough and including a helical screw and a cylindrical tube encompassing the helical screw, both having upper terminal parts thrust upward individually from the upper wall and lower terminal parts inserted into the container when the cap is fitted to the mouth of the container; and a housing adapted to accommodate therein a helical screw-driving device for rotating the helical screw in the liquid-lifting device and furnished with a delivery nozzle for allowing a liquid lifted by the liquid-lifting device to flow out of the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Yasushi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040050876
    Abstract: An automatic fluid soap dispensing apparatus and method comprising a dispensing spout, housing operatively connected to the dispensing spout and the housing adapted to removably receive and hold a fluid soap containing reservoir module in communication with the dispensing spout. The reservoir module has a central axis, and includes a pump mechanism and delivery tube mounted on the reservoir module in alignment with the central axis. The dispensing tube is adapted to move in the dispensing spout when the pump mechanism is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Technical Concepts, L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Muderlak, Rocky Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040050877
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting a target space by spraying a chemical including alcohol includes a spray gun 4 to which a chemical container 7 containing a sterilizing and disinfecting chemical including alcohol is attachable, a gas cylinder 1 filled with a compressed carrier gas that does not react with alcohol, and a pressure reducing valve 2 for decompressing the carrier gas discharged in a vaporized state from the gas cylinder 1 to a predetermined pressure, and is constructed so that the pressure reducing valve 2 and the spray gun 4 are directly connected with a gas hose 3 and mounted on a common truck 5. The sterilizing and disinfecting apparatus can operate with a simple structure requiring no power supply, and is much lighter in weight compared to conventional apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Mototsugu Ono
  • Publication number: 20040050878
    Abstract: A dry wall tool includes a tubular, L-shaped device having a tapered end. A sleeve is disposed around the tapered end. The other end of the tubular device is adapted to receive an existing filler nozzle or it may be fitted with its own filler nozzle. The tapered end is adapted for removable insertion into an open end of the gooseneck of a dry wall mud pump. A finger ring is disposed on the outer surface of the device so that the device may be easily manipulated. The device eliminates the requirement for the box filler adapter and for wrenches needed when switching from bazooka tools to box tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: John P. Carleton
  • Publication number: 20040050879
    Abstract: Beverage container provided with a dispensing valve (7) and a dispensing channel (31, 33) connected to said dispensing valve, wherein an operating arm (41) is provided which, in a position of rest, includes an angle with a plane at right angles to a longitudinal axis (L) of the dispensing valve, wherein a pressure body (19) is provided between the pivoting arm and said valve, such that upon a pivotal movement of the arm from said position of rest the pressure body is moved and the valve is opened by the pressure body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Johannes Jacobus T. Vlooswijk, Andrew John Reynolds, Darren Seymour
  • Publication number: 20040050880
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for regulating pressure in a pressurised dispensing vessel, the device comprising a cartridge for storing pressurized fluid; the cartridge being sealed by a cap assembly having an expandable chamber and a flow passage for communicating fluid from the cartridge to the interior of the dispensing vessel; a closure member in the cap assembly to open and close the flow passage and an actuation means in the cap assembly to actuate the closure member, wherein the actuation means operates in response to expansion of the expandable chamber; and a one-way valve communicating the expandable chamber with the interior of the dispensing vessel via an aperture in the cap assembly, the valve having a resilient chamber seal in the expandable chamber extending across the aperture and restrained by chamber wall so to allow fluid to enter through the aperture and past the seal to charge the chamber to a predetermined pressure difference below the pressure in the dispensing vessel, and wherein expansi
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gilbert Fraser-Easton
  • Publication number: 20040050881
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drop cap for dosing the amount of liquid in the form of drops in a container, whereby the contents thereof which are to be dosed can be put under pressure. A throttling device is arranged in the direction of flow upstream from the input opening of the output channel arranged in the body of the cap in order to ensure that a predetermined drop volume is maintained in a reliable manner particularly when large drops are present, whereby said volume should be independent from the pressure applied from the liquid. Said throttling device can be embodied as a permeable opening in an additional separating wall. The invention also relates to a container comprising a drop cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Heino Deussen
  • Publication number: 20040050882
    Abstract: A two-piece dispensing cap for a container has a body and an insert mounted for rotation within the body. The body has a sidewall defining a cylindrical chamber with an open first end and an end wall forming a partially closed second end. The body sidewall has an inlet while the body end wall has an axial opening, a non-axial outlet, and a protruding flange for attachment to a container mouth. The insert is received into open first end of the cylindrical chamber. The insert has a peripheral wall dimensioned to conform to the cylindrical housing interior surface and a first insert end wall including a protruding handle extending through the axial opening in the body end wall. The insert includes openings to permit filling of the insert from the container and dispensing of the contents of the insert. An insert second end wall is integrally formed with a hinge to the insert peripheral wall while an over-cap is integrally formed with a hinge to the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, John J. Miller, Ronald R. White
  • Publication number: 20040050883
    Abstract: An improved aerated dispensing cap provides an airway tube that does not become plugged when the bottle is turned abruptly for quick dispensing of liquid. This dispensing cap provides for smooth, controlled flow at all flow rates. It includes a dispensing tube and an airway tube having a small diameter lower portion and a large diameter upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: George J. Wagner III
    Inventors: George J. Wagner, Troy Cleaver
  • Publication number: 20040050884
    Abstract: The bottle closure comprises a generally cylindrical inner member adapted to be threadedly engaged on the outside of the neck of a bottle. The inner member has a central passage communicating with the neck of the bottle. An outer member is rotatably mounted on and around the inner member. The inner member includes a valve seat defining a fluid passage between the bottle and the outer member and being located within the neck of the bottle. The outer member includes a valve closure element adapted to close the fluid passage in a first annular position of the outer member on the inner member thereby to form a seal with the valve seat. The outer member, when moved to a second annular position relative to the inner member, opens the fluid passage, thereby to allow fluid in a bottle to flow through the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Boggs, Stacey Chang, John Brassil, Ben Tarbell, Andrzej Skoskiewicz, Kenneth R. Waeber, Eric M. Luther, Reggie D. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20040050885
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a substance in fluid or powder form, the device comprising a dispensing outlet (10), an air blaster (20) for generating a blast of air when the device is actuated, and at least one reservoir (30) containing a single dose of substance, said reservoir (30) having an air inlet (31) connected to said air blaster (20), and a substance outlet (32) connected to said dispensing orifice (10), said air inlet (31) being provided with a substance retaining member (40) for retaining the substance in the reservoir (30) until it is dispensed, and said substance outlet (32) being closed off by a closure element (50), said dispenser device being characterized in that the closure element (50) is a spherical element, such as a ball, force fitted into the substance outlet (32) of the reservoir (30), said device further comprising a mechanical opening system (60, 70, 80) co-operating with said closure element (50) for ejecting it mechanically from its closure position when the device is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Giuseppe Stradella
  • Publication number: 20040050886
    Abstract: A bumper mounted spare tire carrier, suitable for very heavy tires, such as those used by off road vehicles and military vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: IBIS Tek, LLC.
    Inventor: Paul Slovick
  • Publication number: 20040050887
    Abstract: A holster assembly for a handgun having various mechanisms for preventing unauthorized access to a handgun therein and wherein the handgun holster is constructed with injection molded, reinforced plastic inserts that are injection over-molded with a chemically compatible material which provides the desired surface characteristics of the holster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Spielberger
  • Publication number: 20040050888
    Abstract: A universal tool attachment is provided for quick and easy attachment and detachment for almost any work tool. The apparatus includes a support member for supporting a work tool securely on separate pieces or surfaces when the tool is not in use. The universal tool support apparatus is adapted for supporting a work tool on various separate support pieces. A belt member has a securing element for releasably securing the belt member to the tool. An attachment member has a first element connected to the belt and a second element adapted to be supported by the separate support piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Philip Warner
  • Publication number: 20040050889
    Abstract: The cargo management device (24) includes a frame having a pair of parallel support beams extending between a first and second end. The frame may be made of multiple frame portions that are attached to each other using hinges or other like mechanisms. The frame also has a plurality of cross beams extending between the pair of parallel support beams. A plurality of securing devices allows articles to be attached or secured to the frame between the frame and the vehicle floor (18). The cargo management device (24) also includes an attachment mechanism attaching the frame to the two opposing sidewalls (12,14) of the motor vehicle spaced apart from the vehicle floor (18) so that the articles being stored may he suspended from the frame or organized using netting and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Russell P. Shafer, Jr., Martin Burke, Robin Hoot, Richard N. Svenson, Christopher Gattis
  • Publication number: 20040050890
    Abstract: A storage caddy has a slidable drawer on which items are stored. Items are presented for removal when the drawer is slid from the shell of the caddy. Items stored in a caddy with a hinged drawer, can be removed by breaking the drawer at the hinge to drop the item toward the ground for convenient and safe removal. A set of golf clubs stored in the caddy in the bed of a pickup truck are slid from the shell on the drawer. The horizontal plane of the drawer is then broken at the hinge and the bottom of the golf bag moves toward the ground. The golf bag can then be easily lifted onto the shoulder or rolled away. The caddy positions heavy items for easy removal preventing undue stress or injury on those retrieving items from the caddy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Randall W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040050891
    Abstract: An automotive tool tray and support assembly that can be removably engaged with and affixed to the hood-latch mechanisms of automobiles having rear-raising engine hoods. The support assembly comprises two hollow support members, with an extendable insert movably disposed within the support member. Both support members are substantially rigidly and removably affixed to their respective hood latch mechanisms by inserting the inserts in the hood latch mechanisms. The hood latch mechanisms engage with and retain the inserts, and the support members rest on the hood latch mechanism housings. An automotive tool tray is positioned over the exposed engine compartment by affixing the tray to the top ends of the support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Kiyoshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040050892
    Abstract: An apparatus for the carrying of a recorder includes a ring sized to fit around the shaft of the recorder in a position that consistently permits playability of the recorder and a strap attached to the ring having sufficient length so as to fit around the neck of the person playing the recorder and allowing the recorder to hang in a position of easy access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew M. Oregon
  • Publication number: 20040050893
    Abstract: A backpack (10) has at least one angled interior panel (36), to a location close to, and supported by, the users's hips without the need for adjusting “V”-shaped pad (20) on the exterior of the backpack, disposed near the bottom thereof, contacts the user's back, and rests automatically on the user's hips, thereby distributing the load of the backpack more evenly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Ravinett
  • Publication number: 20040050894
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for separating a pane (11) of a brittle material from a moving ribbon (13) of the material without contact between the newly-formed leading edge of the ribbon and the newly-formed trailing edge of the pane. The apparatus includes a pane engaging assembly (15), a transporter (29), and a connector assembly (31) which together ensure that the pane (11) and the sheet (13) do not contact each other once separation occurs. In this way, edge chipping and the resulting occurrence of surface defects on the separated pane are decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward F. Andrewlavage
  • Publication number: 20040050895
    Abstract: A draw roller for pulling web-shaped material with at least one pull ring arranged on at least one part of the circumference of the roller. The at least one pull ring can be displaced on the draw roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Hans Zweifel, Thomas Treuthard
  • Publication number: 20040050896
    Abstract: An automatic nail fastening device which is capable of adjusting the spacing and patterning of the nails is presented which is especially useful for nailing decking to a roof. The device is also capable of identifying metal having a predetermined thickness in the underlying substrate so that nailing into such metal contained in the underlying substrate can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: John Ballent
  • Publication number: 20040050897
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool comprises a tool body, a muzzle extending forwardly from the tool body and being displaceable into a ready-to-fire position, a magazine for holding fasteners coupled to the muzzle, and a follower within the magazine that biases the fasteners. The follower has a blocking surface that blocks the muzzle during fastener-empty condition and prevents the muzzle from displacing into ready-to-fire position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Michael S. Popovich, Anthony R. Caringella
  • Publication number: 20040050898
    Abstract: A magazine for use with a fastener driving tool comprises a slider and a housing defining a chamber, a follower positioned in the chamber to bias fasteners arranged in a strip, and a longitudinal guide member within the magazine chamber to guide fasteners. The longitudinal guide member comprises two fingers that extend inwardly from the slider and prevent the fastener strip from skewing when inside the magazine chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Michael S. Popovich, Anthony R. Caringella
  • Publication number: 20040050899
    Abstract: A fastener driving device including a positioning mechanism for positioning a nail into an opening in a workpiece. The positioning mechanism includes an opening locating structure movably connected to the movable assembly of the contact trip assembly and adapted to extend into the opening so as to align the nosepiece with respect to the opening. The opening locating structure is movable relative the movable assembly of the contact trip assembly between an extended position and a retracted position and biased toward the extended position by a first biasing spring to facilitate locating of the opening, and movable to the retracted position when the opening locating structure is pressed against a workpiece. The positioning mechanism further includes a guiding structure movably connected to the nosepiece structure, the guiding structure being biased by a spring to extend forwardly to guide the fastener in a driving track inside the nosepiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: STANLEY FASTENING SYSTEMS, LP
    Inventors: Prudencio S. Canlas, David J. Simonelli, David M. McGee
  • Publication number: 20040050900
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool has a tool body with an axis, a piston, a muzzle extending from tool body, and a magazine coupled to the muzzle. The fastener driving tool has an axial locking mechanism associated with a rotatable muzzle to releasably lock the muzzle and coupled magazine in at least one position. The axial locking mechanism comprises male members and female members with the male members biased axially into the female members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony R. Caringella, Michael S. Popovich
  • Publication number: 20040050901
    Abstract: A motor mount for suspending a fan motor in a combustion-powered tool includes an inner ring for securing to the motor, an outer ring that is secured to a portion of the tool, and a web portion disposed between and connecting the inner ring and outer ring. The inner ring, outer ring, and web portion are formed as a unitary piece. Preferably, the mount is formed of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Turk
  • Publication number: 20040050902
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: David T. Green, Keith Ratcliff, Keith Milliman, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Mitchell J. Palmer, Graham W. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20040050903
    Abstract: A solder ball is formed from an Sn—Pb alloy which consists essentially of about 2-65 mass % of Sn, 0-5 mass % of Ag, about 0.1-1 mass % of Sb, and 0.01-0.1 mass % of Cu, and 0.01-0.1 mass % of Bi, and a balance of Pb and incidental impurities. The solder ball has improved thermal fatigue resistance, good solderability, and good surface brightness after soldering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Isamu Satou, Shinichi Nomoto, Hiroshi Okada
  • Publication number: 20040050904
    Abstract: A lead free solder hierarchy for use in the second level solder connection of electronic components such as joining an electronic module to a circuit board. An off-eutectic solder concentration of SnCu or SnAg is used for the module side connection. This off-eutectic solder contains sufficient intermetallics to provide the module side connection with a robust second level assembly and rework process. The off-eutectic composition provides an inter-metallic phase structure in the module side fillet during assembly. The inter-metallic phase structure eliminates problems of tilt and collapse during second level assembly and aids in rework by providing a more cohesive joint allowing removal of the columns from the board without simultaneous removal from the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mario Interrante, Mukta G. Farooq, William Sablinski
  • Publication number: 20040050905
    Abstract: A machining apparatus includes a light source (1) for generating light energy, an optical system (2, 3) for guiding the generated light energy to a joint position of a workpiece, a table (5a) on which the workpiece is mounted, and a heating device (5b) provided at the table for heating the workpiece. The machining apparatus, a machining method and production equipment using the machining apparatus allow the workpiece to be locally heated fast, which is applicable to soldering or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Tadashi Endo, Masahiro Sato, Koji Fujii, Dokei Nagayasu, Mamoru Watanabe, Yasuhiro Goto, Hisahide Ishino, Kenshi Kotani, Hiroyuki Kuriaki, Takashi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20040050906
    Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and method for friction welding structural members. The apparatus includes a connected shank and probe. The probe defines an absorption surface and a cavity extending thereto. The absorption surface is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source such as a light source or RF generator. The radiation heats the probe, supplementing the heat generated by friction between the probe and the structural members, and thereby increasing the speed at which the probe can be used to frictionally weld the structural materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Rice, Jan Vetrovec
  • Publication number: 20040050907
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for joining aluminum allow panels (eg. 2090-T83 aluminum lithium alloy). The method preliminarily positions two panels and skin panels next to each other so that a stringer panel overlaps a skin panel. A friction stir weld pin tool penetrates through one panel and at least partially into another panel. The panel material around the pin tool is frictionally heated, plasticized and joined until the faying surface is substantially consumed. In another embodiment, a tee-shaped structure is formed using friction stir welding to join three panels together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Brian J. Dracup, William J. Arbegast
  • Publication number: 20040050908
    Abstract: There is provided a mandrel for spin forming that has a backing plate with removably attached mandrel portions and mandrel spacers, such that the mandrel is adaptable to numerous configurations. The various configurations of the mandrel are used to provide different spin forming contour surfaces upon which metal sheets or other spin formable materials can be spin formed. The adaptable mandrel also provides the ability to create a desired spin formed product from either a single metal sheet or multiple metal sheets joined by friction stir welding or other suitable processes. A spin formed welded metal sheet may also undergo a trimming process to remove the portions of the welded metal sheet having sufficiently different material properties resulting from the weld process, including the weld joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ronnie G. Kendall, Dwight A. Burford
  • Publication number: 20040050909
    Abstract: A diffusion bond mixture paint and method for repairing a single-crystal superalloy article that minimizes the amount of braze alloy applied to the article. The amount of boron and eutectic brittle borides of the wide gap brazing processes is minimized, resulting in a more robust repair. The braze paint includes an alloy powder mixture, a binder, and a carrier to thin the paint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Federico Renteria, William F. Hehmann
  • Publication number: 20040050910
    Abstract: A system and method for reworking, repairing and upgrading flatwire is disclosed. A repair tool for reworking and/or repairing the flatwire is disclosed for creating subsequent electrical and mechanical joints of equal or greater quality as compared to the original system. The repair tool includes a heating blade, a power controller, a tool assembly, an inerting system, a cooling system, a flatwire cassette, a tool material, a flatwire material, an upgrade/repair procedure and various other aspects for rapidly heating flatwire two join two separate portions of the flatwire. The system and method of the present invention addresses the challenges of working with substrate materials which typically degrade at temperatures commonly used to form solder joints. Further, the soldering tool of the present invention may be a portable, lightweight unit that can be used in the field, for automotive and aerospace applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne Marie Sullivan, Lakhi N. Goenka, Xu Song, Yutaka Kawase, Cuong-Van Pham, Bhavani Shankar Tata, Peter Joseph Sinkunas
  • Publication number: 20040050911
    Abstract: A solder-fill used for mounting a semiconductor chip consists of under-fill material to fill the gap between the semiconductor chip and the PCB, and the solder bump material formed by a plurality of dot or disc shapes and disposed interior of the under-fill material with same thickness to match with the connection pattern of semiconductor chip pad and the PCB. A process of manufacturing the solder-fill is that of: arranging a plurality of wire or rod shaped solder bump material to match with the connection pattern of semiconductor chip and PCB in a container, filling a liquid state of under-fill material into the container, solidifying the under-fill material in the container, and slicing the solidified under-fill material and solder bump material with a uniform thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ho-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20040050912
    Abstract: A method for producing diffusion bonds between components formed of tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) uses aid material to accelerate diffusion across the joint surfaces. The aid material consists of an alloy of palladium (Pd) with one or more of the secondary elements of nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), or cobalt (Co). The secondary elements are selected to correspond to the secondary elements present in the components. The diffusion bonding is carried out by placing diffusion aid material between the joint surfaces of adjacent components, applying a pressure across the joint surfaces, and processing the assembly through a thermal profile. Structures of WHA with complex shapes, interior volumes and/or large sizes can be formed. The joint properties are equal to or superior to those of the parent material of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: William R. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20040050913
    Abstract: A braze material (10) including nano-sized filler material particles (14). The nano-sized particles will melt at a temperature significantly lower than the micron-sized particles used in prior art braze materials, thereby eliminating or reducing the need for the addition of temperature depressant materials such as boron or silicon. The resulting braze joint is substantially free of detrimental boride and suicides phases, thereby improving the material properties of the joint, eliminating the need for a separate post-braze diffusion heat treatment, and permitting a subsequent welding operation with reduced risk of cracking. The braze heat treatment may also function as a solution heat treatment, a pre-weld heat treatment or a post-weld heat treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Vinod Philip
  • Publication number: 20040050914
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of welding together for example two pie pieces (1,3) having an advance opening. First of all, the first pipe (1) piece is magnetised by contacting the first pipe piece with a magnetic (1,2) element. Then a second pipe (B) piece is positioned with respect to the first pipe piece, such that the surfaces of the pipe pieces to be welded are facing each other. Said surfaces of the pipe pieces are then welded at least partially, whereafter the magnetic element is removed. According to the invention, the magnetic element is positioned between said surfaces of the first (A) and second pipe pieces which are interconnected by welding. The magnetic element covers only a part of said surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Teunis Monster
  • Publication number: 20040050915
    Abstract: A system and method for reflowing solder to interconnect a plurality of electronic components (24) to a substrate (12) is disclosed. The system includes an oven for preheating the substrate (12) and the plurality of electronic components (24) disposed thereon, a supplemental heat source disposed in the oven for providing additional heat energy to reflow the solder (72), a pallet (14) for supporting the substrate (12), wherein the pallet (14) has at least one internal cavity (40), and a phase-transition material (42) disposed within the cavity (40) for absorbing heat from the pallet (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka, Lawrence Lernel Bullock, Jason Bullock, Shona Bullock, Peter Joseph Sinkunas, Charles Frederick Schweitzer, Mark D. Miller, Raymond Eric Foster, Stephen Edward Fuks, Thomas B. Krautheim
  • Publication number: 20040050916
    Abstract: A single blank is provided with four removable sections which are sub-divided by lines of weakening and fold lines. The blank is foldable along a longitudinal line and transverse line to form the four sections into a four layer product. Upon removable from the blank, the four layer product may be manipulated to expose different sub-sections and, thus, provide different pictorial representations depending upon the imaging of the sub-sections. The sub-sections are imaged in a coordinated manner to produce different scenes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Irving R. Michlin, Stephen A. Singer
  • Publication number: 20040050917
    Abstract: There is provided a paperboard carton having a base, side panels, end panels and first and second top panels. The first top panel defines a strap handle and underlies the second top panel which provides access means for the strap handle. The strap handle extends into first end panels and second end panels having reinforcing portions secured to those parts of the strap handle in the first end panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Leslie Smalley
  • Publication number: 20040050918
    Abstract: The present invention provides reusable envelope structures, kits for forming reusable envelope structures, and methods of using envelopes formed from such structures and kits. Reusable envelope structures can be formed and kits can be formed for converting existing envelopes to reusable envelopes in accordance with the present invention. As such, envelopes may advantageously be provided that can be reused one or more times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Carol A. DeLaVergne
  • Publication number: 20040050919
    Abstract: A mailing and response envelope for conveying an item from a sender to a recipient and back is disclosed. The envelope comprises a base panel, a sender address panel, and a recipient address panel. The sender address panel is affixed to the base panel by an adhesive region. The sender address panel and adhesive region define a pocket sized to accept an item. The adhesive region extends laterally on the base panel in an amount selected to ensure that a postal cancellation is not applied to an area overlying the item. The recipient address panel is joined to the base panel by a detachable joint. In this configuration, a fragile item may be conveyed from the sender to the recipient and from the recipient back to the sender without damage to the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Ligia S. Calonje, Roy Carrillo, Thomas R. Dillon, W. Reed Hastings, Gregory K. Stahl, W. Douglas Strabel, Gordon P. Rosete
  • Publication number: 20040050920
    Abstract: A collapsible ballot box for collecting ballots from an electronic ballot tabulating machine includes a base assembly, and front and rear support assemblies pivotally attached to the front and rear ends of the base assembly. The three assemblies are foldable into compact and generally parallel-spaced portions for transport and storage. In its storage state, the ballot box is a compact unit with wheels and a handle that can be comfortably transported and/or stored. The ballot box is easily transformed from the storage state to an upright voting state wherein the ballot tabulating machine is positioned at a convenient height for the voter by unfolding the assemblies. In its set-up or voting state, the ballot box receives ballots from the tabulating machine and stores them in one or more secure ballot compartments. An auxiliary ballot compartment can be provided in the front support assembly for receiving unmarked ballots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Richard F. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20040050921
    Abstract: A processed photosensitive media having an image there on which is designed to have the image digitally scanned and manipulated in accordance with a specific algorithm prior to being printed and/or displayed and a system for automatically determining if the media is scan-only media prior to printing and/or displaying an image thereon. The media may have associated therewith an indicia that the media is designed to be scanned and digitally manipulated in accordance with a predetermined algorithm for printing and/or displaying the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Ronald M. Wexler, Jeffrey L. Hall
  • Publication number: 20040050922
    Abstract: A method for providing messaging between a portable device and base device is provided. The method included communicating one or more message codes maintained in the portable device to the base device. The base device then composes a message for a user of the portable device using a dictionary of message codes. The message codes have corresponding message values, which are used to generate the message for the one or more message codes. The generated message is then provided to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Visa U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Gauthier, Ayman Hammad, Roger Merckling
  • Publication number: 20040050923
    Abstract: A card-reading device, including at least one card-reading unit, and at least one display unit for displaying information, the at least one display unit being operatively connected to the card-reading unit so as to display advertising information or the like when a card is inserted into or read by the card-reading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Reisser
  • Publication number: 20040050924
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enabling interconnectable terminals used in data processing and/or communication technology. According to the invention, an enabling action is carried out on a terminal, then an enabling message is transmitted to at least one other terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Falk Mletzko, Susanne Pudlitz, Manfred Schacht