Patents Issued in April 8, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040065515
    Abstract: A multi-disc brake system for automotive vehicles includes a plurality of discs slideably supported on a hub and a plurality of brake pads slideably supported on a bridge projecting from a stationary knuckle body. The pads are moved by a piston into selective braking engagement with the discs. An outer pad retainer is bolted to the bridge. A supplemental mechanical interlock feature couples the retainer releasably but securely to the bridge independently of the bolts. The pad retainer may alternatively be formed as one piece with the bridge and the bridge formed with a slideway having an access opening for installing and removing the pads for slideable movement therealong. The discs may further be supported on the hub by means of a supplemental support which enables sliding movement of the discs along the hub but limits the travel beyond at least one end of the hub so that discs remain on the hub independently of any support provided by the interleaved brake pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon J. Seeley, Denise M. Strong
  • Publication number: 20040065516
    Abstract: An electrically operated brake assembly includes a drum and brake shoes. A stepper motor drives the brake shoes into engagement with the drum. Upon engagement of the brake shoes with the drum, the stepper motor slips. Slipping of a stepper motor indicates that a home position has been reached. Upon release of the brake, the brake shoe is moved away from the drum a fixed distance. The fixed distance is an optimal distance between the friction member and the rotating member such that regardless of wear, the distance relationship between the brake shoe and drum is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Kramer
  • Publication number: 20040065517
    Abstract: A vibration isolator (200) for isolating a first assembly (202) from vibration from a second assembly (204) includes a housing (206) that is secured to the second assembly (204) and a pendulum assembly (208). The pendulum assembly (208) includes one or more pistons (226) and a connector assembly (224). The piston (226) is coupled to the first assembly (202). The connector assembly (224) couples the piston (226) to the housing (206) and allows the piston (226) to swing laterally relative to the housing (206). The vibration isolator (200) can also include a pendulum support (264) and/or a mover (580) that moves the piston (226) and assists in supporting the load of the first assembly (202).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas C. Watson, Alton H. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20040065518
    Abstract: An article of luggage, such as a rolling duffel, includes a base, opposing ends connected to the base and opposing sides connected to the base and the opposing ends. A top including a lid is connectable to the opposing sides and the opposing ends. The sides and top are formed of a deformable material. A reinforcing member extends substantially along the length of the top, so that the article of luggage may be stood on one of the opposing ends such that the other end is at least partially supported by the reinforced top. The top may be formed completely by the lid, and the reinforcing member may be a frame extending around the periphery of the lid. The reinforcing member may be formed of a rigid plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Barry Hoberman
  • Publication number: 20040065519
    Abstract: With a baggage item from plastic shell elements (2,4) linked with each other via a hinge (5) along an edge of the free margins (9) facing each other and comprising a closing device for holding the shell elements (2,4) in the closed position, it is provided that the shell elements (2,4) are formed of a thin, flexible plastic material, and that at least one shell element (2,4) has an outward protruding peripheral margin (28) that circumscribes an area, said margin being linked with a lid (8) by means of a zipper (16) while forming an outer pocket (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dieter Morszeck
  • Publication number: 20040065520
    Abstract: In a multi-regime continuously variable ratio transmission system, the clutch (H) of a new regime is applied substantially instantaneously in a synchronous mode of the transmission to allow the clutch engagement to be based on the actual, rather than the predicted, ratio of the transmission. The transmission system is under the control of a control system applying clutch apply pressure and controlling the setting of the variator forming part of the transmission system, the control of the clutch apply pressure being carried out independently of the control of the variator such that the settings of the variator are unaffected by the variations in the clutch apply pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen William Murray
  • Publication number: 20040065521
    Abstract: A multiplate clutch is provided with two types of frictionally engaging elements and a piston with plural pressing raised portions formed thereon. The frictionally engaging elements of at least one type are each provided with small waves. The two types of frictionally engaging elements are alternately arranged on two members such that in a state of relative rotation between the two members, rotation is transmitted via the frictionally engaging elements as needed. The waves on each of the frictionally engaging elements of the at least one type are arranged such that positions of swell portions or recess portions of the waves are shifted in phase from positions of the pressing raised portions of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Takayuki Watanabe, Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Hirotsugu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040065522
    Abstract: A force-limiting rotary lock (20) for a shaft (21) mounted on a housing (22) for rotational and axial movement relative thereto, broadly includes a lug member (28) provided on the shaft, and a pawl (51) mounted on the housing. The pawl is movable relative to the housing between first and second positions. The pawl is operatively arranged to engage the lug when the pawl is in its first position (shown in FIG. 3) to prevent further rotation of the shaft in one angular direction, and to be disengaged from the lug when the pawl is in its second position (shown in FIG. 2) to permit rotation of the shaft in either angular direction. A cam (25) is mounted on the shaft, and a follower (49) is mounted on the housing for selectively moving the pawl between the first and second positions when the shaft is axially displaced from its predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Seth E. Gitnes, William H. House, Kenneth K. Nakashima, Eric A. Polcuch
  • Publication number: 20040065523
    Abstract: The invention relates in general to a moving crank mechanism that is particularly adapted for use in a conveyor system. A moving crank remains in a substantially parallel position with respect to a fixed reference plane as the crank member is driven by its offset opposed ends along an endless loop. In particular, the invention relates to a closed loop vertical lift unit adapted for use in an automated high-speed storage system. The vertical lift unit is adapted to be used as a primary storage location or as a lift for carrying objects in transit between levels in a storage system. The vertical lift unit includes a plurality of crank members with generally rigidly mounted shelves that are adapted to carry objects continuously and indefinitely as the shelves travel through a vertically oriented closed path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert D. Lichti, Wayne Lichti
  • Publication number: 20040065524
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a parcel sortation system and is specifically disclosed in connection with a customizable scalable sorting system and method for sorting parcels. The sortation system and method for sorting parcels are include an induction station wherein data particular to the parcel regarding its desired parcel destination is received by a controller and communicated by the controller to the sortation system, as the parcel continues to a sorting station, where the parcel is sorted as instructed by the controller, and if not sorted then is collected at the end station, terminating the sorting of the parcel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Scott D. Flood, Fred R. Rombold
  • Publication number: 20040065525
    Abstract: Containers are transferred from a first conveyor operating at a first height to a second conveyor operating at a second height by a rotary unit equipped with a plurality of grippers designed to take up and support each successive container by the neck. The grippers are carried by respective slides mounted to corresponding vertical guide elements making up the main frame of the unit, on which they are made to move up and down cyclically by a first roller following a first track that extends around a fixed C-shaped tubular element, and by a second roller running on a second track presented by the top surface of a sector rail placed with the concave side directed toward the lateral opening in the C-shaped tubular element. The tubular element is easily replaced in the event of a size changeover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Davide Bonatti, Enrico Galimberti, Stefano Cavallari
  • Publication number: 20040065526
    Abstract: A conveyor induct system includes a control point subsystem for measuring the point at which control of an article transitions from one conveyor to another. The induct system also includes a subsystem for accurately creating or controlling the gaps between articles on the conveyor system. The control point subsystem monitors the location, and changes in the speed, of an article as it passes between two conveyors operating at different speeds. The gap control subsystem provides real time monitoring and measuring of the package gaps. The measured package gaps are fed into a feedback control system which alters the speed of a conveyor in order to change the gapping as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp.
    Inventor: David W. Zeitler
  • Publication number: 20040065527
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus has a first lane that includes a drive mechanism that employs at least one movable vertical finger or tab. The apparatus also includes a second lane which includes a second drive mechanism that employs at least one movable vertical finger or tab. The first and second lanes are connected by a shuttle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Lunaire Limited (PA Corp)
    Inventor: Barry J. Opdahl
  • Publication number: 20040065528
    Abstract: In a wet paper web transfer belt comprising a base body, a wet paper web side layer, and a machine side layer, the wet paper web side layer is formed of a high molecular weight elastic section having fibers protruding from its surface. The protruding fibers hold water from a wet paper web and therefore, the transfer of a wet paper web by attachment to the transfer belt, and the smoothness of removal of the wet paper web from the transfer belt when the web is transferred to the next stage of the papermaking process, are both improved without decreasing the durability of the transfer belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kenji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040065529
    Abstract: A conveyor belt according to the invention comprises a traction layer (3) in the form of a woven textile that is provided with a polymer surface coating. The surface coating comprises a base layer (2) and a functional surface layer (1). The functional surface layer (1) comprises an antimicrobial additive and is substantially thinner than the base layer (2). The division of the surface coating into a base layer (2) and a functional surface layer (1) allows to achieve in the area of the conveying zone, with a lower amount of of antimicrobial additive and thus in a less expensive way, a just as high concentration, or with the same amount of additive a substantially higher concentration and thus a higher effectiveness against microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Luis E Cediel, Claudia Honold, Kurt Brodmann
  • Publication number: 20040065530
    Abstract: To provide an improved conveyor chain, which can convey even a conveying object having high center of gravity at high speed without felling it down in a curved conveying section. A conveyor chain according to the present invention has a plurality of links (10) arranged in rows. Each of the links includes a top plate (11) having a flat top surface (12) and a hinge portion (13) provided on the top plate pin-connected to a hinge portion of a link positioned on the front side and to a hinge portion positioned on the rear side. Edges (19, 24) adjacent to links positioned on the front and rear sides in the top plate and the hinge portions are composed of curved surfaces. An angle of inclination formed by a flat surface (31) including a tangential line with respect to the edge and the top surface (12) of the top plate (11) is formed to be smaller as it goes from the central axis of said link in its arrangement direction toward a link side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Shibayama, Yoshihiro Murakami, Hajime Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20040065531
    Abstract: A system for providing circuit protection, wherein the system comprises a blade suspension assembly. The assembly comprises a molded blade crossbar including integral skirts positioned to separate poles attached to the blade crossbar. Integral blade rest and blade carrier mounts further reduce complexity. Simplicity and cost advantages are obtained using poles having substantially identical blade carriers. Complexity and mechanism size is further reduced by using a combination blade stop and pivot pin hold down bracket. A base is provided with a web to further separate poles. An opening in the web is adapted to receive the suspension assembly. A separate jacket may be removably attached to the base in cooperating relation with an integral skirt to form a phase barrier between adjacent poles. The jacket may be adapted to interface with the opening in the web and overlap the skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: David N. Richter
  • Publication number: 20040065532
    Abstract: A suspension control device includes a mechanical switch connected to an electric appliance, a control cord having an end connected to the mechanical switch, and an electronic sensor having a first side connected to the control cord and a second side connected to the electric appliance. Thus, the suspension control device can be used to control operation of the electric appliance in a mechanical manner or an electronic manner, thereby facilitating the user operating the suspension control device to control operation of the electric appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jung-Tsung Wei
  • Publication number: 20040065533
    Abstract: A device and method is described for safely recognizing a switch position angle of a rotary switch. Two redundantly configured computer units are provided to determine discrete switch positions of the rotary switch by evaluating two actual analog switch position signal values corresponding to the switch position angle, with each computer unit separately checking the actual analog switch position signal values for plausibility. Faulty switch position angles are identified by comparing the switch position angles determined by the first and the second computer unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Gunter Schwesig, Guido Seeger
  • Publication number: 20040065534
    Abstract: A wallbox dimmer switch includes an actuator mounting frame having a platform portion that is receivable in a rectangular wallplate opening having standard toggle-type dimensions. The dimmer switch includes a pushbutton actuator for a switch and an adjacently located dimmer actuator that extend substantially parallel to a first side of the platform portion. The pushbutton actuator includes a user-engageable portion having an outer surface of which at least the end portions are defined by a portion of a substantially prolate spheroid for minimization of undesirable coupling between the adjacent actuators during actuation by a user. The switch may also include an actuator for an airgap switch extending through the platform portion and an array of indicator lights that are displayed through openings extending to an actuator-presentation surface of the platform portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Noel Mayo, Carl W. Gomes, Elliot G. Jacoby, Roland L. Ledyard, Michael W. Pessina, Michael A. Ryan, Joel S. Spira
  • Publication number: 20040065535
    Abstract: There are provided, together with two microswitches 20 accommodated in a cylindrical compartment 13, a manipulation member 2 which can freely swing about a pivot portion 2a in the directions of arrows A and B, a transmission member 3 which can freely move in reciprocating motion within a specific range between a transmitting position and a non-transmitting position located along a radial direction of an arc which is the trajectory of the swing motion of the manipulation member 2 in the directions of the arrows A and B, a contact member 4 which can freely move in reciprocating motion within a specific range between an exposed position and a retracted position in the directions of arrows E and F, a driven member 5 which can freely move in reciprocating motion in the directions of arrows G and H, and a restricting part 6 fixed at a position opposing the contact member 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Takao Fukui, Masaki Nobuhiro, Kenji Miyauchi
  • Publication number: 20040065536
    Abstract: A battery device has a plurality of batteries connected in series. Each of the batteries includes a thermally responsive switch, a first conductive plate connected to a first terminal of the thermally responsive switch, a second conductive plate connected to a common terminal of the thermally responsive switch, and a third conductive plate which functions as a bypass when it is connected to a second terminal of the thermally responsive switch. In normal operation, the thermally responsive switch is in contact with the first fixed contact of the movable contact such that the first and second conductive plates are electrically connected. When the battery heats up abnormally, exceeding a maximum permissible temperature, the bimetal strip is inverted such that the movable contact comes into contact with the second fixed contact and thus the second and third conductive plates become electrically connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Makito Takiagwa
  • Publication number: 20040065537
    Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system comprising (a) at least one coke drum having an orifice therein; (b) a de-header valve removably coupled to the coke drum designed to de-head the coke drum; and (c) an exchange system, including an upper and lower bonnet and other elements and members adapted to integrate the de-heading system, and particularly the de-header valve, into the manufacturing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Publication number: 20040065538
    Abstract: A process for recovering crude 1,3-butadiene from a C4 fraction by extractive distillation using a selective solvent in a dividing wall column (TK) in which a dividing wall (T) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column to form a first subregion (A), a second subregion (B) and a lower common column region (C) and which is preceded by an extractive scrubbing column (K) is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gerd Bohner, Klaus Kindler, Melanie Pahl, Gerd Kaibel
  • Publication number: 20040065539
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a plasma in a plasma region, by supplying RF power at a fundamental frequency to the plasma region together with a gas in order to create an RF electromagnetic field which interacts with the gas to create a plasma that contains electromagnetic energy components at frequencies that are harmonics of the fundamental frequency. The energy components at frequencies that are harmonics of the fundamental frequency are monitored and controlled by placing a harmonic multiplexer containing a matching network and RF filter elements in energy receiving communication with the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Janusz Sosnowski
  • Publication number: 20040065540
    Abstract: A treating head having a treating surface and a substrate treatment surface define a thin fluid gap that is filled with reactant liquid to form a thin liquid layer on the substrate for conducting a liquid chemical reaction treatment or other liquid treatment of the substrate. The thin liquid layer has a volume in a range of about from 50 ml to 500 ml. Preferably, the chemical composition, temperature, and other properties of liquid in the thin liquid layer are dynamically variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Mayer, Jonathan D. Reid, Timothy Patrick Cleary, Edmund B. Minshall, R. Marshall Stowell, Heung Lak Park
  • Publication number: 20040065541
    Abstract: A power supply (S) for a gas generating system (G) of the type including a barrier system (10) permeable to selected charged particles (12) flowing from a first side (14) to a second side (16) includes a direct current (DC) power source (18) in an electrical power circuit (20) connected across the first and second sides of the permeable barrier system (10). A plurality of resistive elements (22) are parallel connectable in the electrical circuit (20). Switches (24) selectively connect a desired resistive element (22) between the power source (18) and barrier system (10). A controller (26) activates certain switches (24) to connect a corresponding resistor (22) in the circuit (10) to controllably vary the flow of charged particles across the permeable barrier (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Sehlin
  • Publication number: 20040065542
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful hydrogen generator for supplying hydrogen and/or oxygen to an internal combustion engine, the generator comprising a housing, a base unit secured within the housing, the base unit having integral therewith first mounting means for an electrolytic cell, second mounting means for a replaceable liquid reservoir, and a conduit between the first and second mounting means, an electrolytic cell mounted in the first mounting means, the cell having a liquid inlet and a gas outlet, and having connectors for electrical connection to an external source of energy, and a controller unit connected to the cell and comprising a central processing unit and a series of sensors for sensing pressure, temperature and liquid level in the cell, the controller controlling operation of the cell responsive to sensor output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Fairfull, Thomas Fairfull
  • Publication number: 20040065543
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for plating a metal onto a substrate. The apparatus generally includes an anode electrode disposed in the electrochemical cell and a cathode electrode disposed opposite the anode electrode in the electrochemical cell. The apparatus further includes an electrode lid having more than one aperture disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, the apertures configured to electrically connect the cathode electrode and the anode electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicolay Kovarsky
  • Publication number: 20040065544
    Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device comprising: a pair of electrodes; and at lest one organic layer provided between the pair of electrodes, at least one of the at lest one organic layer being a light emitting layer, wherein the light-emitting layer comprises a compound represented by the formula (I) as defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Igarashi, Kohsuke Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040065545
    Abstract: Provided is a sputtering target, backing plate or apparatus inside a sputtering device in which an electrical discharge machining mark is formed on the face to which unwanted films during sputtering are deposited, and the electrical discharge machining mark is formed from numerous inclined protrusions having a depression angle of less than 90°. When necessary, chemical etching is further performed to the portions subject to such electrical discharge machining. Thereby, the separation and flying of deposits arising from the face to which unwanted films of the target, backing plate and apparatus inside the sputtering device are deposited can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hideyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040065546
    Abstract: A method to recover components of a sputter target assembly having a target bonded onto a backing plate is described. The method includes hydriding the tantalum or niobium target to a tantalum hydride or niobium hydride, respectively and then separating the tantalum hydride or niobium hydride from the backing plate. Sputter targets are further described as well as subsequent process steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher A. Michaluk, Robert B. Ford
  • Publication number: 20040065547
    Abstract: A multicomponent fluid composition monitoring and compositional control system, in which a component analysis is effected by titration or other analytical procedure, for one or more components of interest, and a computational means then is employed to determine and responsively adjust the relative amount or proportion of the one or more components in the multicomponent fluid composition, to maintain a predetermined compositional character of the multicomponent fluid composition. The system is usefully employed in semiconductor manufacturing photoresist and post-etch residue removal, in which the cleaning medium is a semi-aqueous solvent composition, and water is the monitored and responsively adjusted component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Russell Stevens, Thomas Kloffenstein, Todd Aycock, Joseph W. Evans, Richard Bhella
  • Publication number: 20040065548
    Abstract: An electroforming manufacturing method of a ferrule is provided, in which a position of the ferrule is accurately fixed while machining and fitting. In this method, even when the ferrule is a multiple-core type ferrule, a center portion thereof has sufficient strength. In the manufacturing method of a ferrule using electroforming, at least one dummy line is disposed in the vicinity of an electrode line. A positioning line used for accurately connecting the ferrules to each other, and another positioning line used as a reference position in machining the outside shape of the ferrule are also disposed in the vicinity of the electrode line and the dummy line, if necessary. Electroforming is carried out in this condition, and then the dummy line and positioning lines are taken out from an electroformed element to form a through hole to serve as positioning holes or to insert an optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: SMK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kaku, Mitsuhiro Yoshida, Koji Hisada
  • Publication number: 20040065549
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for an ECMD anode pad including a vacuum head which applies vacuum pressure to the surface of the anode pad between ECMD operations in order to remove particles precipitated onto the surface of the anode pad and prevent or minimize inadvertent scratching or peeling of a wafer supported by the pad during the process. The particles are dislodged from the anode pad and removed from the ECMD system by flow of electrolyte solution into the vacuum head. The electrolyte solution is typically filtered before returning to the electrolyte tank for ultimate redistribution to the ECMD system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Chou, Minghsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20040065550
    Abstract: An electrochemical fabrication process for producing three-dimensional structures from a plurality of adhered layers is provided where each layer comprises at least one structural material (e.g. nickel) and at least one sacrificial material (e.g. copper) that will be etched away from the structural material after the formation of all layers have been completed. A copper etchant containing chlorite (e.g. Enthone C-38) is combined with a corrosion inhibitor (e.g. sodium nitrate) to prevent pitting of the structural material during removal of the sacrificial material. A simple process for drying the etched structure without the drying process causing surfaces to stick together includes immersion of the structure in water after etching and then immersion in alcohol and then placing the structure in an oven for drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Gang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040065551
    Abstract: An electrochemical fabrication process for producing multi-layer three-dimensional structures includes selectively electrodepositing one or more building materials using contact masks. In some embodiments, a copper pyrophosphate plating solution is used and is formulated to allow simultaneous deposition to a large area (>=about 1.44 mm2) and to a small area (<=about 0.05 mm2) wherein the thickness of deposition to the smaller area is no less than ½ that to the large area when the deposition to the large area <=about 10 &mgr;m in thickness and where the solution contains >=about 30 g/L of copper. In other embodiments contact masks include a support structure that is treated with a corrosion inhibitor (e.g. BTA) prior to attaching or forming a patterned material on it and/or plating baths are operated at low temperature either of which may be useful in extending the life of the masks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Gang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040065552
    Abstract: An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate with a first article, which includes a substrate and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the substrate; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Adam L. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040065553
    Abstract: An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate with a first article, which includes a substrate and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the substrate; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Adam L. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040065554
    Abstract: Enhanced Electrochemical fabrication processes are provided that can form three-dimensional multi-layer structures using semiconductor based circuitry as a substrate. Electrically functional portions of the structure are formed from structural material (e.g. nickel) that adheres to contact pads of the circuit. Aluminum contact pads and silicon structures are protected from copper diffusion damage by application of appropriate barrier layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Adam L. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040065555
    Abstract: Electroplating processes (e.g. conformable contact mask plating and electrochemical fabrication processes) that include in situ activation of a surface onto which a deposit will be made are described. At least one material to be deposited has an effective deposition voltage that is higher than an open circuit voltage, and wherein a deposition control parameter is capable of being set to such a value that a voltage can be controlled to a value between the effective deposition voltage and the open circuit voltage such that no significant deposition occurs but such that surface activation of at least a portion of the substrate can occur. After making electrical contact between an anode, that comprises the at least one material, and the substrate via a plating solution, applying a voltage or current to activate the surface without any significant deposition occurring, and thereafter without breaking the electrical contact, causing deposition to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Gang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040065556
    Abstract: A method is described for electroplating a cylindrical inside surface (4) of a work-piece (3) extending substantially over a semi-circle, with an electrolyte being conveyed from a bath (8) in a circulation through a gap (9) between the inside surface (4) and a revolving guide means (6). In order to ensure advantageous coating conditions it is proposed that the electrolyte is conveyed with the help of the guide means (6) immersed only partly in the bath (8) in the circumferential direction through the gap (9) between the guide means (6) and the work-piece (3) guided outside of the bath (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Miba Gleitlager GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Rumpf
  • Publication number: 20040065557
    Abstract: A processing rack, such as for electroplating, which minimizes shelf areas of an article during processing of the article and during removal of the article from a processing bath and which allows easy mounting of articles on the rack and demounting of articles from the rack includes a frame and a plurality of article mounting fixtures that are each pivotally mounted on the frame and independently pivotable from a first orientation that facilitates mounting and/or demounting of articles, to a second orientation that is most conducive to producing high quality, substantially defect-free plating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Donovan, David P. Hartrick, John A. Piselli, Brian L. Ellison
  • Publication number: 20040065558
    Abstract: An electroplating bath medium for electroplating articles with a tin-cobalt, tin-nickel, or tin-cobalt-nickel alloy comprises: at least one tin salt; an alloying metal salt comprising a cobalt salt and/or a nickel salt; a complexant comprising a hydroxycarbox acid or alkali metal salt thereof such as a sodium or potassium gluconate or heptonate complexant; boric acid; and a bath soluble substituted phenolic compound. The current regime applied to the plating bath can include time intervals of direct current and of pulsed current in order to selectively control the deposition of tin by activation or diffusion control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Roderick D. Herdman, Trevor Pearson
  • Publication number: 20040065559
    Abstract: The invention of present application relates to a method for enabling a hybrid carbon nanotube having an arbitrary composition ratio to be readily manufactured, and the hybrid carbon nanotube. A method for manufacturing a hybrid carbon nanotube, which comprises immersing a carbon nanotube having open pores in a solution having a dopant substance dissolved therein to effect a doping reaction, thereby preparing a hybrid carbon nanotube comprising a carbon nanotube and a dopant substance introduced therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Sumio Iijima, Shunji Bandow, Kazutomo Suenaga, Kaori Hirahara
  • Publication number: 20040065560
    Abstract: This invention relates to the electroforming device for manufacturing fine metal tubular material in an effort to obtain a uniform thickness of metal deposit on the wire core, to promote high accuracy in the outer diameter and even roundness, and to produce high precision coaxial cylindrical very fine metal tubular material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: O'Link Technology L.L.C.
    Inventor: Akira Kenjo
  • Publication number: 20040065561
    Abstract: Relative concentrations of active suppressor additive species and suppressor breakdown contaminants in an acid copper electroplating bath are determined by cyclic voltammetric stripping (CVS) dilution titration analysis using two negative electrode potential limits. The analysis results for the more negative potential limit provide a measure of the suppressor additive concentration alone since the suppressor breakdown contaminants are not effective at suppressing the copper deposition rate at the more negative potentials. The analysis results for the less negative potential limit provide a measure of the combined concentrations of the suppressor additive and the suppressor breakdown contaminants. Comparison of the results for the two analyses yields a measure of the concentration of the suppressor breakdown contaminants relative to the suppressor additive concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: ECI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Gene Chalyt, Peter Bratin, Michael Pavlov, Alex Kogan, Michael James Perpich
  • Publication number: 20040065562
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells including a first working electrode 32, a first counter electrode 34, a second working electrode 36, and a second counter electrode 38, wherein the electrodes are spaced such that reaction products from the first counter electrode 34 arrive at the first working electrode 32, and reaction products from the first and second counter electrodes 34, 38 do not reach the second working electrode 36. Also provided is a method of using such electrochemical cells for determining the concentration of a reduced or oxidized form of a redox species with greater accuracy than can be obtained using an electrochemical cell having a single working and counter electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Alastair Hodges
  • Publication number: 20040065563
    Abstract: A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, William Happer, Geri T.K. Zollinger
  • Publication number: 20040065564
    Abstract: A technique for reminding individuals about the consequences of driving while intoxicated is provided. A container includes a material stored within the container, which has something written on it encouraging an individual not to drink and drive. The material may have a story written on it by or about someone who has experienced an accident while drinking and driving. A key ring may be connected to the container. A key for an automobile may be connected to the key ring. The container may be comprised of a first container portion and a second container portion. The first container portion may be detachable from the second container portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Brendan Casey