Patents Issued in April 22, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040074485
    Abstract: A pulley arrangement for a compound archery bow (100) that combines the forgiveness and symmetry of a “dual cam” system with the positive draw stop (hard wall), enforced synchronization (or built-in timing) between opposite pulley assemblies, and high let-off associated with “single cam” systems. The pulley rigging (112) includes only a single cable reference anchor to a limb (104, 106). Certain pulleys (108, 110) include rotating module portions (183, 214) effective to change the wrapped lengths of power and control cables (270, 272) to change draw length (LD) while the bow (100) is strung, and at a brace condition with the drawstring (116) under full tension, and without changing the timing of the pulley members (108, 110), or changing the lengths of rigging members (112). Certain embodiments include a resilient element (196) in a positive draw stop (194) to reduce noise as the draw stop (194) engages a rigging element (270).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Darin B. Cooper, Jason L. Fogg
  • Publication number: 20040074486
    Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun having a valve assembly (40) for regulating the pressure from shot to shot, a trigger assembly (36) which alters the mode of operation of the gun and a bolt (38) for providing a recoil action and for releasing the gas from the valve assembly (40). The valve assembly (40) provides sufficient pressure to expel a projectile and to re-set the bolt (38) into its firing position. The trigger assembly is formed from a trigger (26), a four-position selector switch (46), and a sear (74). The gun uses an operation rod (118), which is integrally connected to the bolt (38) to advance the gun's magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Schavone
  • Publication number: 20040074487
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the impeller. The feeder is coupled to the drive member through a spring. The spring is configured to store potential energy which is used to rotate the feeder and, thus, drive the balls toward the feed neck. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member to wind the spring. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the spring tension based on the relative motion of the feeder and drive member, and actuates a motor when necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: James T. Christopher, Chris T. Goddard, David Michael Banks
  • Publication number: 20040074488
    Abstract: A paint ball gun magazine or a combined hopper/feeder apparatus is disclosed, where the magazine includes a closing assembly designed to allow the magazine to transition between a closed state and an open state and to a paint ball including a closable magazine. A paintball adapter is also disclosed, where the adapter includes a closing assembly designed to allow the adapter to transition between a closed state and an open state and to a paint ball gun including a closable magazine and/or a closable adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: AVALON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Ho, Kheng Phang
  • Publication number: 20040074489
    Abstract: An impeller for an active-feed paintball loader has resilient arms that engage paintballs in the lower portion (well) of the loader and advance them to and through the outfeed tube. The resilient arms are sufficiently stiff to move unobstructed paintballs located between the arms, and sufficiently flexible to yield when forced against stationary paintballs so as not to rupture the paintball shells, the arms substantially returning to their original shape when the obstruction is removed. Accordingly, when the motor is shut off, the arms will simply flex backward as they encounter stationary paintballs. Should a paintball jam occur in the vicinity of the impeller, the arm(s) can flex around the jammed ball without breaking it, and help to dislodge it so as to clear the jam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: BRASS EAGLE, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Neumaster, Bruce Crites, Michael Jezdimir
  • Publication number: 20040074490
    Abstract: A heliostat which comprises a reflector element and a carrier that is arranged to support the reflector element above a ground plane. A drive means is arranged to impart pivotal drive to the carrier about a fixed, first axis that is, in use of the heliostat, disposed substantially parallel to the ground plane. The heliostat further comprises a means mounting the reflector element to the carrier in a manner which permits pivotal movement of the reflector element with respect to the carrier and about a second axis that is not parallel to the first axis. A drive means arranged to impart pivotal movement to the reflector element about the second axis. The reflector element, which may be flat or curved, may be constituted by a plurality of sub-reflector elements. Also, a plurality of the reflector elements may be supported by a single carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: David Mills, Philipp Schramek
  • Publication number: 20040074491
    Abstract: Disclosed are various devices and methods for delivering bronchial isolation devices into the lung of a patient. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for deploying a bronchial device in a bronchial passageway in a lung of a patient. The apparatus comprises a flexible shaft having an inner lumen and a distal end adapted to engage the bronchial isolation device. The apparatus further comprises a wire slidably disposed in the inner lumen and a housing movably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and configured to receive the bronchial device. The wire is connected to the housing to produce relative movement between the housing and the shaft to deploy the bronchial device from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Hendricksen, Ronald R. Hundertmark, David R. Tholfsen, Peter M. Wilson, Antony J. Fields
  • Publication number: 20040074492
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining leak and respiratory airflow are disclosed. A pressure sensor (34) and a differential pressure sensor (32) have connection with a pneumotach (24) to derive instantaneous mask pressure and airflow respectively. A microcontroller (38) estimates a non-linear conductance of any leak path occurring at a mask (12) as being the low pass filtered instantaneous airflow divided by the low pass filtered square root of the instantaneous pressure. The instantaneous leak flow is then the conductance multiplied by the square root of the instantaneous pressure, and the respiratory airflow is calculated as being the instantaneous airflow minus the instantaneous leak flow. The time constants for the low pass filtering performed by the microcontroller (38) can be dynamically adjusted dependent upon sudden changes in the instantaneous leak flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Berthon-Jones
  • Publication number: 20040074493
    Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Paul John Seakins, Malcolm David Smith, Mohammad Thudor
  • Publication number: 20040074494
    Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus for a patient features a breathable gas supply system and a respiratory mask assembly in communication with the breathable gas supply system. The breathable gas supply system provides a supply of breathable gas to the respiratory mask assembly and removes a supply of exhaled gas from the respiratory mask assembly. The breathable gas supply system includes a housing having an inspiration chamber and an exhalation chamber and a movable structure in communication with the inspiration and exhalation chambers. The movable structure moves in phase with a respiratory cycle of a patient. In one preferred embodiment, the breathable gas supply system includes a second movable structure, which moves in response to a phase of the respiratory cycle of the patient. In another one preferred embodiment, the breathable gas supply system is powered to assist the patient's respiratory effort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert H. Frater
  • Publication number: 20040074495
    Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus (10) for characterizing a plurality of different mask systems (14), e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The CPAP apparatus (10) can be calibrated for different mask systems (14) and hoses (16) by including sensors (13,15) configured to measure flow and pressure at a flow generator (12) of the CPAP apparatus (10). When the flow generator (12) is fitted to a new mask system (14), or any changes are made to an existing mask system (14), mask or patient interface (34) and/or hose (16), a method of calibrating the flow generator (12) for the new mask system (14), mask (34) and/or hose (16) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Peter John Deacon Wickham, Nicola Frances Wickham
  • Publication number: 20040074496
    Abstract: An oxygen enrichment apparatus includes an oxygen enriching unit for generating oxygen-enriched air and a discharge unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air transferred from the suction unit. The oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen enriching unit has an oxygen concentration ranging from about 25% to 35%. The apparatus also includes a suction unit for suctioning the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit and a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction unit. The main body is provided with a display unit for indicating a state that the oxygen-enriched air is being discharged out by the discharge unit. The oxygen enriching unit has at least one oxygen enriching membrane for generating the oxygen-enriched air and a condensed water treating unit is installed at an air passage for guiding the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit to the discharge unit via the suction unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Hayashi, Toshiyuki Yoshida, Yasuo Oshima, Yoshitaka Murata, Teruyuki Yasuda, Hiroyuki Senoo
  • Publication number: 20040074497
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during sleep. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during an awake learning period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during a treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Berthon-Jones, Peter Bateman, David Bassin, Gordon Malouf
  • Publication number: 20040074498
    Abstract: An aromatic travel mask that fits over the nose and mouth area of a wearer's face for filtration of air, particularly recycled air in the travel compartment of a common carrier, the travel mask having a face shield with an aroma patch that emits a pleasant aroma and a retainer such as a head band for retaining the face shield against a user's head, the retainer having slidable ear plugs for blocking noise. The face shield also has foldable eye flaps for blocking light when the flaps are extended, the flaps preferably having thermal gel packs for cooling or warming the eye lid area during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Paul G. Begum
  • Publication number: 20040074499
    Abstract: A tracheostomy tube includes a tubular element that has a first straight section (62) which forms the patient-proximal end of the tube, a second straight section (61) which forms a machine-proximal end of said tube, and an intermediate curved section (63), wherein the two straight tube sections (61, 62) lie in a common plane. At least that part of the tube which passes through the opening made in the frontal wall of the trachea has a generally oval cross-sectional shape as viewed perpendicular to the long axis of the tube, wherein the minor axis of the oval cross-section is orientated generally in the curvature plane of the tube, and wherein the external ovality of the oval cross-section lies in the range of 1:12-1:1.40. The invention also relates to the use of a coniostomy tube of such design as a tracheostomy tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Carl-Eric Lindholm
  • Publication number: 20040074500
    Abstract: In the past with a person who wore eyeglasses and had to be on oxygen at the same time, usually that person would have to wear the arms from the eyeglasses and the airtube that carries the oxygen to their nose on their ears simultaneously. What I'm proposing is, combine eyeglass frames and the tube that carries the oxygen together. How that would be done is, making the eyeglass frames hollow, starting from the arms of the glasses, around the eye pieces, down below to the nipples that would connect to the nose piece, and finally in the nostrils. With this combination a person could wear glasses and breath with the oxygen at the same time with more ease. That makes for less adjustment, and it's much less frustrating than the old way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Kacey Gene DePuy
  • Publication number: 20040074501
    Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting implanted and/or transdermal medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield comprises an a protective layer including an outer pocket formed from moisture resistant adhesive material located on one side along the peripheral edge of the protective layer. In one embodiment, the protective layer includes a line of perforations. In another embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner pocket to contain and provide added protection for an implanted and/or transdermal device. In yet another alternate embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner bag having an opening therethrough, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device is inserted into the bag through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Sanford D. Altman
  • Publication number: 20040074502
    Abstract: An eye shield (1) for retaining an eye (2) of an anaesthetised subject dosed during a surgical procedure for protecting the eye from injury comprises a patch (3) of substantially oval shape having a rear major surface (7). An upper adhesive portion (14) and a lower adhesive portion (15) of the rear major surface (7) are coated with a self-adhesive coatings (11, 12) for securing the patch (3) to an upper eyelid (9) and a lower eyelid (10), respectively. An adhesive tab (16) extends downwardly from the lower adhesive portion (15) for securing the patch (3) to a portion (17) of the face of the subject below the eye (2). A non-adhesive portion (18) extends along a major axis (5) between borders (37, 38) of the upper and lower adhesive portions (14, 15), respectively, for preventing adhesion of the patch (3) to eyelashes of the upper and lower eyelids (9, 10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Qamar Abbasi
  • Publication number: 20040074503
    Abstract: A device for temporarily preventing flow of urine out of the urethra in a person suffering from urine incontinence comprises a first composition (11) enclosed in a first container (10) capable of being fed into the urethra (17) which is thereby blocked. The first container (10) comprises a mouthpiece (12) for insertion into the urethra (17) and for transport of the first composition (11) from the container (10) into the urethra (17). The first composition (11) comprises or is capable of forming a gel for blocking of the urethra by a gelatinous plug. The plug may be mechanically removed if the person wishes to urinate; alternatively the device may comprise a second composition in a second container for removal of the gel plug. In the latter alternative injection of the second composition in the urethra (17) adjacent to the gel plug causes the breakdown of the plug. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and the use of the first and second compositions in urine incontinence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jan Claren, Anders Mattiasson
  • Publication number: 20040074504
    Abstract: Cardiovascular cell proliferation in a blood vessel subjected to trauma, such as angioplasty, vascular graft, anastomosis, or organ transplant, can be inhibited by contacting the vessel with a polymer consisting of from 6 to about 30 amino acid subunits, where at least 50% of the subunits are arginine, and the polymer contains at least six contiguous arginine subunits. Exemplary polymers for this purpose include arginine homopolymers 7 to 15 subunits in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: John P. Cooke, Garrison C. Fathman, Jonathan B. Rothbard, Shiro Uemura, Robert C. Robbins, Murray H. Kown
  • Publication number: 20040074505
    Abstract: Process and device for connecting smoking article components. The process includes feeding a glued connecting sheet on a roller, feeding a cigarette/tip group on a grooved drum, transferring the connecting sheet to the cigarette/tip group such that the connecting sheet is arranged on the cigarette/tip group with two free ends, and rolling the cigarette/tip group to wrap the connecting sheet around the cigarette/tip group. Device is structured and arranged to perform the features of the process. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: HAUNI Maschinenbau AG
    Inventor: Siegfried Schlisio
  • Publication number: 20040074506
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the improvement of the filling capacity of tobacco such as shredded tobacco leaves or ribs by treatment of the tobacco material having up to approx. 30 wt.-% initial moisture with a treatment gas composed of nitrogen and/or argon at pressures of 50 to 1,000 bar under continuous or stepped compression, followed by a continuous or stepped decompression, the compression and decompression steps taking place in either one autoclave or in cascade-like sequence in several autoclaves, and by subsequent thermal aftertreatment of the discharged tobacco material, which is characterized in that the thermal aftertreatment is carried out with a flowing heat-transferring medium of a mixture of permanent gases and superheated water vapour, wherein the proportion of permanent gas is kept constant at a value in the range from 10 to 60 vol.-%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Holger Fleischhauer, Jurgen Klischat, Bernd Mulke, Thomas Pienemann
  • Publication number: 20040074507
    Abstract: This invention relates to the provision in a cigarette filter element of a capsule containing a deodoriser. The capsule is resistant to the handling endured before and during smoking, yet ruptures to release or expose the deodoriser upon extinguishing of the smoked cigarette. The deodoriser may comprise neutralising or masking agents, or mixtures of both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Gerard MacAdam, Rosemary Elizabeth O'Reilly, Nigel David Warren
  • Publication number: 20040074508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a smokable filler material comprising a fruit material as a major organic combustible fuel material, a non-combustible inorganic filler and a binder. The smokable filler material may be used with or without additional tobacco material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Gerard McAdam, Marta Zamarro Gomez, Richard Thomas Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20040074509
    Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic hair comprising fiber of 30 to 100 decitex, comprising an acrylic copolymer obtained by copolymerizing acrylonitrile, vinylidene chloride and a vinyl monomer containing a sulfonic acid group and a process for preparing the synthetic hair. The synthetic hair of the present invention has favorable surface gloss and excellent knot strength and hair breaking in the sewing machine steps when preparing the weft and in implanting hair to skin when preparing wigs and toupees is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Shoichi Murata, Nobuyuki Nishi, Kenichiro Cho, Masaaki Yokoe, Akio Konishi
  • Publication number: 20040074510
    Abstract: A simple, practical, and versatile sideburn haircutting guide arrangement has a base for establishing a frame of reference at the side of the head and a cartridge connected to the base. The cartridge has a distal edge area for establishing a guide for cutting the sideburn hair. The cartridge is easily attached to the stem of glasses that can form the base, via a hook. The cartridge, which has an identifying marker, comes in various configurations. Custom accessories can attach to the cartridge. The custom accessories come in various configurations and allow a professional hair stylist and/or the person who wishes to cut their own sideburns, the opportunity to cut the sideburns to the desired size, shape and configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20040074511
    Abstract: A guide to trim and shave facial hair that is held in place by a chin plate and releasable neck strap holding the plate tight on the chin. The guide has a pair of clamps rotatably connected to the chin plate, each clamp having an aperture slidably receiving a calibrated guide rod, the clamp being capable of securing the rod at a variable distance from the chin plate. A second embodiment has an additional pair of guide rods slidably and rotatably attached to the first pair of guide rods by a second pair of clamps. The second pair of guide rods extends from the first pair of rods at a variable distance from the chin plate and can be rotated in parallel planes with the first pair of rods about the axis of the second clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Sussan
  • Publication number: 20040074512
    Abstract: A multiple clip fastener and method for securing sections of hair of a human being in rows and for aligning hair clips. The apparatus is a semi-circle headband, retaining comb, or barrette that has a plurality of hair clips integrally attached and aligned longitudinally along its top. In use, the headband, retaining comb, or barrette is attached to the hair. Hair sections are then neatly aligned and secured in rows to the multiple clip fastener by placing each corresponding hair section into corresponding hair clip. Each clip always remains aligned with each other and the multiple clip hair fastener is easily removable and reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: David Alan Silva
  • Publication number: 20040074513
    Abstract: A container for health and beauty aids having a novel cap and a cap therefor are disclosed. The cap has a recess in which an entertainment device is disposed, including at least one die or pair of dice for entertaining a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Isaac Glndi
  • Publication number: 20040074514
    Abstract: According to the invention, conventional ultrasonic treatment apparatus employing relatively large tanks with bottom-mounted ultrasonic transducers for simultaneously processing a large plurality of disc-shaped workpieces are replaced with at least one ultrasonic treating apparatus adapted for treating a single workpiece and comprised of a relatively small tank with a sidewall-mounted ultrasonic transducer. The tank may be provided with a movable partition for adjustably partitioning the tank or vessel into two sub-chambers, the partition being comprised of a material which is partially reflective and partially transmissive of ultrasonic (i.e., acoustic) energy supplied to a liquid within the tank via the ultrasonic transducer. A reflector is provided within the tank for reflecting the acoustic energy either back to the movable partition or to a material which acts as an absorber of acoustic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Amber Sharma, John Edgar Sheffield
  • Publication number: 20040074515
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a processing chamber and manufacturing a semiconductor device by removing impurities from a substrate in the processing chamber with a plasma of a first gas including hydrogen gas. After the substrate is removed from the processing chamber, the processing chamber is etched with the plasma of a non-hydrogenous second gas. Thus, the etching selectivity can be improved and the particles are prevented from depositing and/or forming on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jung-Wook Kim, Hyeon-Deok Lee, Jin-Gi Hong, Ji-Soon Park, Eung-Joon Lee
  • Publication number: 20040074516
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and system for the versatile operation of process equipment, and especially semiconductor process chamber clean equipment, from any pressure level ranging from a vacuum to just less than one atmosphere absolute. The system of the present invention provides a storage vessel capable of storing gas at sub-atmospheric pressure and a vacuum pump. By using a vacuum pump, the vessel stores a reasonable quantity of gas without being pressurized above atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the entire capacity of the vessel can be supplied to the process because the vacuum pump pulls the contents from the vessel down to about 1 torr. In addition, the gas can be provided at a constant supply pressure, while providing a safe gas storage vessel, since the supply gas is never stored at a pressure above one atmosphere absolute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Richard A. Hogle, Graham A. McFarlane, Graham Hodgson, Peter Harold Buckley
  • Publication number: 20040074517
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of semiconductor substrates, post-CMP storage of semiconductor substrates and post-CMP cleaning of semiconductor substrates. The methods and compositions feature the use of surfactants and, in some cases, passivation agents. The methods and compositions are particularly suited to polishing, storing and cleaning semiconductor substrates comprising hydrophobic surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Vincent C. Korthuis, Mona M. Eissa, Gregory B. Shinn
  • Publication number: 20040074518
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of semiconductor substrates, post-CMP storage of semiconductor substrates and post-CMP cleaning of semiconductor substrates. The methods and compositions feature the use of surfactants and, in some cases, passivation agents. The methods and compositions are particularly suited to polishing, storing and cleaning semiconductor substrates comprising hydrophobic surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Vincent C. Korthuis, Mona M. Eissa, Gregory B. Shinn
  • Publication number: 20040074519
    Abstract: A stabilized stripping composition is provided for removing fully cured polymeric organic substances from an inorganic substrate, including polyimide and liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The stripping composition comprises about 3 to about 15 percent of benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (BTMAH), about 50 to about 87.5 weight percent of n-methylpyrrolidone as a solvent with ethylene glycol ranging from 15 to about 45 weight percent and a stabilizer. The stripping composition preferable also contains a suitable corrosion inhibitor and a non-ionic surfactant. Also provided is a method for stripping thick negative-tone photoresists, e.g. acrylic, styrenic, maleic anhydride, and similar, from inorganic substrates by contacting the polymeric organic substance with the organic stripping BTMAH composition for a period of time sufficient to dissolve and remove said polymeric substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: John C. Moore
  • Publication number: 20040074520
    Abstract: A cleaning implement (100) comprising a cleaning support member (10), the cleaning support member (10) having a substantially flat bottom surface (13) and comprising fastening hooks (14) on the bottom surface (13); and a reversible cleaning pad (20) releasably attached to the bottom surface (13) of cleaning support member (10). The reversible cleaning pad (20) includes first and second sides, the first side of the cleaning pad (20) comprises a first cleaning web material (21) and the second side of the cleaning pad (20) comprises a second cleaning web material (22), both web materials (21, 22) being directly attachable to fastening hooks (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jack G. Truong, Julien M. Wajs, Jacques C. Duplessis
  • Publication number: 20040074521
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning substrates, comprising a circulation conduit through which is circulated a cleaning liquid or gas. The circulation conduit is disposed in fluid communication with an upstream flow chamber and a downstream cleaning chamber, the cross-sectional area of which cleaning chamber is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. In use, the cleaning chamber receives a wafer substrate for cleaning of particles or removal of polymer films from the substrate. The smaller cross-sectional area of the cleaning chamber accelerates the flow of a cleaning fluid flowing through the cleaning chamber from the flow chamber. The rapidly-flowing cleaning fluid removes the particles and/or films from the substrate while preventing dropping of the removed particles or re-deposition of the film back onto the substrate. A particle filter may be provided in the circulation conduit downstream of the cleaning chamber for removing the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ching Shih, C.L. Chou, Ming-Hong Hsieh, Hun-Jan Tao
  • Publication number: 20040074522
    Abstract: A method for removing silicone sealant from glass-ceramic surfaces is provided. The method includes heating the sealant to a temperature greater than 325 degrees Celsius so that it thermally degrades and then, mechanically removing the sealant from the glass-ceramic surface. A method of salvaging a glass-ceramic cooking surface from a cooktop including silicone sealant between a cooktop frame and the glass-ceramic cooking surface is also provided. If a defect is detected in the cooktop during manufacturing or distribution, the entire cooktop is heated to a predetermined temperature to allow the silicone sealant to be easily removed without using a knife or other potentially damaging devices. Once the silicone sealant is removed, the glass-ceramic cooking surface may be reused to produce another cooktop assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Schott Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Cary, Michael Schulz, Tom Dooley
  • Publication number: 20040074523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for chemo-mechanical cleaning of the barrel of a gun, in which method the barrel is closed tightly from both ends and at least one cleaning chemical is introduced into the closed barrel, the chemical is allowed to react with the impurities on the interior surface of the barrel, the chemically treated residue is loosened mechanically, the residue is removed from the barrel and, if necessary, the barrel is rinsed and dried. According to the invention, at least one of the cleaning chemicals used is a gaseous cleaning chemical. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning the barrel of a gun, comprising end blocks (1,8) sealably fittable to each end of the barrel and a reciprocable mechanical cleaning element to be placed in the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Markku Paananen, Marja Koivuluoma
  • Publication number: 20040074524
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Tibor Horvath, Giora Erlich
  • Publication number: 20040074525
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a wet object, such as a contact lens comprising a probe having a passage for at least one vacuum source, and a tip at one end of the probe for receiving the wet object, the tip comprising at least one aperature, the aperature being in communication with the passage; and the passage having at least one relief hole to provide for gas flow into the passage when the wet object is present over the aperature on said tip. A cleaning apparatus and method for a transfer apparatus for a wet object, comprising means for directing at least one source of fluid at said transfer apparatus at a location on said transfer apparatus above the expected location of a wet object on the transfer apparatus. A transfer apparatus for a wet object comprising a probe, means for receiving on said probe said wet object from a first station, and means for aligning said transfer apparatus with said first station to prevent damage to said wet object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Michael F. Widman, Mark E. Schlagel, David Dolan, Richard W. Abrams
  • Publication number: 20040074526
    Abstract: The stripping agent is sprayed from the tip of the nozzle 33 onto the wafer surface, while the first supply nozzle 33 is actuated to scan from the central portion of the wafer to the outer portion thereof. This operation provides the situation, in which the interface of the residual droplet 38 is pulled back from the center of the wafer to the outer portion of the wafer by the surface tension of the stripping agent supplied from the nozzle. Meanwhile, the second supply nozzle 36 also scans at a same scanning speed as the first supply nozzle 33 scans. Vapor IPA is sprayed from the orifice of the second supply nozzle 36. This provides that vapor IPA is sprayed onto the wafer surface immediately after the stripping agent is sprayed thereon from the first supply nozzle 33, and the residual stripping agent on the wafer surface is efficiently replaced with IPA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Hidemitsu Aoki, Yoshiko Kasama, Tatsuya Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040074527
    Abstract: A cleaning water jetting device 40 formed so as to rotate a nozzle by a fluid pressure and capable of reducing the size of the drive part of a pump for feeding fluid to a chamber and an operation cost, comprising an upper side through-hole 6A recessedly formed in edge shape provided in the ceiling of the chamber 2 and a bottomed concave part 43 formed in round hole shape provided in the bottom surface thereof, wherein the nozzle 4 is installed by inserting a reduced diameter part 7 on a nozzle tip side at the nozzle tip side into the upper side through-hole 6A and the bottom portion 44 into the concave part 43, and kept in such a state in the upper side through-hole 6A as to face a cleaning fluid jetting port 5 toward the outside of the through-hole, to be rotated, and to allow the position thereof to be changed in a nozzle axis O direction, and can be revolved around the center axis thereof in the tilted attitude relative to the center axis P of the upper side through-hole 6A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Minoru Sato, Makoto Hatakeyama, Yasuo Hamada, Yoshiyuki Kioi
  • Publication number: 20040074528
    Abstract: Device for fixing a screen, for example a sun screen, a rain screen or the like, to a support (2), whereby this screen (1) is provided with a bush (4) in which a bar (5) can be shifted, and whereby this bush (4) is connected to bones (9) of the screen (1) by means of spokes (10) or the like, characterized in that said bush (4) is fixed directly or indirectly to the aforesaid support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Sofie Brutsaert
  • Publication number: 20040074529
    Abstract: A self-contained and ventilated temporary shelter includes a first module, a second module and an air purification system. The first module defines a first temporary living space. The second module defines a second temporary living space. The air purification system is in fluid communication with the first temporary living space and provides a source of filtered air to the first temporary living space. The second module is in fluid communication with the first module such that the source of filtered air passes from the first temporary living space to the second temporary living space. The air purification system generates a positive airflow through the first and second temporary living spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Levy, Manny Peraza
  • Publication number: 20040074530
    Abstract: A fan assembly (14) for ventilating an essentially closed chamber such as an inflatable storage chamber for a motor vehicle comprises a base plate (17) for mounting over an opening through a wall (13) of the chamber, the base plate defining an aperture (21) therethrough and an electrically-driven fan (28) being arranged to draw air from a first plenum (31) upstream of the fan and drive the drawn air into the chamber. An air treatment unit (25) is disposed over an opening through the base plate between the chamber and the first plenum (31). A first filter (22) is disposed in an opening between the first plenum (31) and the external atmosphere (35). In this way, air driven into the chamber by the fan (28) will be a mixture of air drawn from the external atmosphere through the first filter (22) and air drawn from the chamber through the air treatment unit (25) into the first plenum (31), to be recirculated into the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: George Page
  • Publication number: 20040074531
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a solar cell which has an improved processibility suitable for industrial-scale and which is easily prepared at a lower cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Fumio Matsui, Toshiki Koyama, Yoshio Taniguchi, Hirofumi Mitekura, Kentaro Yano, Hideo Ohtaka
  • Publication number: 20040074532
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising an organic dye-sensitizing semiconductor fine particle thin film is prepared by using a dye having a barbituric acid structure as a partial structure and by adsorbing the dye on a semiconductor thin film electrode, and thereby a low-cost photoelectric conversion device having high conversion efficiency, and a solar cell using the device are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Masaaki Ikeda, Koichiro Shigaki, Teruhisa Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040074533
    Abstract: A new type of solar cells and light detectors are proposed by depositing high Tc black, ceramic type superconductor on a clean surface of a p-type or n-type semiconductor. A Schottky barrier is formed at the interface of the two materials. In a preferred embodiment, the superconductor is YBa2Cu3O7-L and the semiconductor is any one of the p-type Si, n-type Si, p-type GaAs and n-type GaAs. This type of solar cells will potentially have much higher solar energy conversion efficiency than conventional solar cells due to the strong and very wide absorption range of light frequencies. This type of light detectors will have much higher detection sensitivity than conventional light detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Hongjun Pan
  • Publication number: 20040074534
    Abstract: A system and method for conveying flowable material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of the material surrounded by a boundary layer flow of the same or a different flowable material, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Some embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Ecotechnology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin L. Lane, Walter D. Prince, Alan Miller