Patents Issued in May 6, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040084125
    Abstract: To assure a positive camber thrust for a radial-ply tire including a belt of four or more plies on a carcass with rubber pads interposed therebetween, the width of the outermost belt ply is increased over the width of the adjacent belt ply and the ratio of the difference found by subtracting the tread width from the maximum belt ply width to the difference between the maximum tire width and the tread width is not less than 01 and not more than 0.4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakasai, Junichi Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20040084126
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass comprised of at least one carcass ply containing a steel cord(s) arranged at a cord angle of 70-90° with respect to an equatorial plane of the tire and toroidally extending between a pair of bead cores and turned up around the bead core inward or outward in a radial direction to form a turnup portion, wherein a wrap part wrapping on a peripheral face of the bead core therealong is formed in the turnup portion of the carcass ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuhito Tsukagoshi, Takeshi Watanabe, Kuninobu Kadota, Yuichiro Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20040084127
    Abstract: A composite fabric for use in reinforcement of cementitious boards and similar prefabricated building wall panels. The fabric includes an open mesh first component of continuously coated, high modulus of elasticity strands and a nonwoven second component fabricated from alkali resistant thermoplastic material. The high modulus strands of the first component are preferably bundled glass fibers encapsulated by alkali and water resistant thermoplastic material. The composite fabric also has suitable physical characteristics for embedment within the cement matrix of the panels or boards closely adjacent the opposed faces thereof. The reinforcement provides long-lasting, high strength tensile reinforcement and impact resistance for the panels or boards. The reinforcement also enables the boards to have smooth outer faces suitable for painting, papering, tiling or other finishing treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: John Frederick Porter
  • Publication number: 20040084128
    Abstract: A sunshade production method and system for producing a sunshade for use with a sunroof of a vehicle with high efficiency and low cost. The production method includes the steps of: cutting one side of a thermoplastic resin plate to create a base member of the sunshade; heating the base member to a predetermined temperature; overlapping a bottom surface of the heated base member with a surface material in a manner that one end portion of the surface material is extended from an end surface of the base member, pressure-forming the base member and the surface material overlapped with one another at the same time; wrapping the extended end portion of the surface material around the end surface of the base member; and removing unwanted portions of the base member and the surface material to finalize the sunshade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mikimara Matsui
  • Publication number: 20040084129
    Abstract: A composite textile includes a batting layer, a cushion layer, and a face fabric. The batting layer has high melt temperature and low melt temperature fibers. The cushion layer is needled to the batting layer. The face fabric is bonded to the cushion layer by an adhesive. The face material/cushion layer/batting layer is heat set and rolled onto a roll for use in forming composite parts. The composite textile is more readily recyclable when the batting layer, the cushion layer, the adhesive, and the face material are all formed completely from material of the same chemical nature, such as polyolefin, polyester, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: David E. Wenstrup
  • Publication number: 20040084130
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, manufactured by different cigarette manufacturers and therefore having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Cigarette carton opening mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton opening station, a tax stamp applicator is located at the tax stamp application stamper, and cigarette carton closing mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton closing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Michalski, Michael J. Christensen, David A. Lindquist, Kyle R. Gugisberg
  • Publication number: 20040084131
    Abstract: [Object] To produce a laminated electronic part which has a superior surge-proofing property, a sufficient resistance to a flux, and good electrical properties, without occurring of structural effects such as cracking, delamination, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Masahuru Konoue, Kimiharu Anao
  • Publication number: 20040084132
    Abstract: A laminated type semiconductor ceramic element is provided with good PTC characteristics, low room temperature resistance value and improved withstand voltage of 15V or higher. Semiconductor ceramic layers made from a semiconductor ceramic containing barium titanate as the main component and the element nickel at about 0.2 mol % or less (excluding 0 mol %), and internal electrode layers are superimposed alternately, and an external electrode is formed so as to be connected electrically with the internal electrode layers. The production method comprises the steps of obtaining a laminated product of semiconductor material layers containing a barium titanate as the main component and about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Niimi
  • Publication number: 20040084133
    Abstract: The splicing device comprises two heads (41A, 43A; 41B, 43B), each of which has: a roller (33A; 33B) associated with a clamping bar (93A; 93B) to hold between said roller and said clamping bar an initial edge (L) of the second web material; a counter-pressure member (53A; 53B) cooperating with said roller to press said first and second web materials against each other; and a cutting member (67A; 67B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Fosber S.P.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Adami
  • Publication number: 20040084134
    Abstract: A process for producing a non-woven composite fabric by water-jet entangling. First, at least two webs are formed. These at least two webs include at least one spunbonded web or meltblown web. Then, the at least two webs are consolidated by water-jet entangling into a non-woven composite fabric. Compared to a conventional process using thermal bonding to consolidate webs, since the present invention uses water-jet entangling to consolidate webs, the non-woven composite fabric produced from the present invention has superior softness. In addition, the non-woven composite fabric produced from the present invention can be further processed to produce various non-woven composite fabric products such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, and artificial leather, all with superior softness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jung Chi Tai
  • Publication number: 20040084135
    Abstract: Tubular-shaped flexible members for air springs are made of rubber or rubber-like elastomers and are reinforced by reinforcement layers. In order that the air spring flexible member can roll telescopically off a roll-off piston, the tubular-shaped flexible member sections must be brought into a slightly conical or bottle-like configuration and then vulcanized in this form. A method forms and vulcanizes an air spring flexible member blank and utilizes an apparatus which includes a mold defining a bellied inner wall defining a common hollow space for receiving the air spring flexible member blank therein. A pressure bellows unit includes a pressure bellows extending axially in the common hollow space as well as first and second end pieces joined to the pressure bellows at corresponding longitudinal ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Christoph Bederna, Hubertus Gawinski
  • Publication number: 20040084136
    Abstract: A method of using an overlay (310) to verify or form folding, embossing, or rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer (145); laminating a plastic sheet (260) with the imaged receiver sheet thereby encapsulating the image; removing the support layer forming an overlay with an electrostatic charge; and using the overlay to verify or form a folding, embossing, or rule die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, William L. DeMarco
  • Publication number: 20040084137
    Abstract: A method of forming a member for joining to form a composite wiring board. The member includes a dielectric substrate. Adhesive tape is applied to at least one face of said substrate. At least one opening is formed through the substrate extending from one face to the other and through each adhesive tape. An electrically conductive material is dispensed in each of the openings and partially cured. The adhesive tape is removed to allow a nub of the conductive material to extend above the substrate face to form a wiring structure with other elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian E. Curcio, Donald S. Farquhar, Lisa J. Jimarez, Keith P. Brodock
  • Publication number: 20040084138
    Abstract: A reactive adhesive with a low monomer content and multistage hardening is provided. The adhesive can be solventless or solvent containing, and is a mixture of a polyurethane prepolymer (A) with a low content of monomeric isocyanate and having at least one functional group reactive with a composition containing at least one acidic hydrogen atom and at least one compound (B) containing a functional group polymerizable by irradiation. The adhesive composition can contain photoinitiators, hardeness and additives. The reactive adhesive is cured by UV radiation or electron bean radiation and by reaction of free isocyanate groups with the compositions containing at least one acidic hydrogen atom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Guenter Henke, Kamil Kalus, Annabelle Guilleux
  • Publication number: 20040084139
    Abstract: Disclosed is an applicator for bonding a coating portion of a film to a substrate, the film including one or more heat activated layers, the applicator comprising a pair of opposing rollers configured to form a nip region therebetween for engaging the film and the substrate, and a source of extended radio frequency electromagnetic radiation directed at the film in a vicinity of the nip region of the pair of rollers engaging the firm and configured to heat the one or ore heat activated layers thereat to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Roland Boss
  • Publication number: 20040084140
    Abstract: A process for laser welding objects formed from compositions comprising nucleated poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer and/or copolymers. The nucleating agents used absorb no more than 7% of their weight in water and the compositions have crystallization half times of less than 20 minutes at 105° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Toshikazu Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040084141
    Abstract: A reinforced hydroform member having an outer structural member reinforced by a structural foam supported by the outer structural member. The structural foam extends along at least a portion of the length of the outer structural member. The structural foam is a heat-activated epoxy-based resin. As the foam is heated, it expands and adheres to adjacent surfaces. The preferred structural foam material is commercially available from L&L Products of Romeo, Mich. under the designation L5206, L5207, L5208, or L5209.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: L&L Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Czaplicki
  • Publication number: 20040084142
    Abstract: As an efficient and economical bonding method indispensable for the bonding between dimension-small constituent elements (members, parts) to manufacture a minute (micro) structure, a micromachine, etc. is provided a bonding method using a capillary condensation effect characterized in that in order to bond at least two separated bonding targets (works) at a prescribed joint point, the bonding targets are disposed under an atmosphere comprising a prescribed vapor pressure of adhesive agent, and the adhesive agent is subjected to capillary condensation at the joint point to thereby form uniform meniscus and bond the bonding targets (works) by the adhesive agent constituting the meniscus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoichiro Usui
  • Publication number: 20040084143
    Abstract: A substrate holder has a disk-like body with a central recess having diameter smaller than the diameter of the substrate placed onto the upper surface of the holder. The substrate can be clamped in place by the clamps of the edge-grip mechanism or placed into a seat without the use of clamps. In both cases, the substrate forms a partial wall that confines the heating/cooling recess or chamber. The aforementioned recess is filled with a cooling or heating liquid (depending on the mode of metal deposition) selectively supplied from a liquid heating or cooling system. In order to ensure in the working chamber above the substrate a pressure slightly higher than the pressure in the cooling/heating recess, the working chamber is first filled with the working solution under the atmospheric pressure, and then the recess is filled with a heating or cooling liquid with simultaneous increase of pressure in the working chamber to a level slightly exceeding the pressure in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Igor Ivanov, Jonathan Weiguo Zhang, Arthur Kolics
  • Publication number: 20040084144
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus that removes an unwanted material on a surface of a peripheral portion of a substrate through etching by supplying etching liquid to the surface of the peripheral portion. The apparatus includes an etching liquid supplying mechanism that supplies the etching liquid to the peripheral portion of the substrate, and an annular member that has an inner periphery on or inside an outer periphery of the substrate and thereby defines a processing width to be processed by the etching liquid on the surface of the peripheral portion of the substrate. The annular member may be placed in close proximity to the surface of the peripheral portion of the substrate while securing a certain gap such that allows the annular member to come in contact with a liquid film of the etching liquid formed on the surface of the peripheral portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Yokouchi, Takashi Hara, Hiroyuki Araki, Nobuyasu Hiraoka, Tsuyoshi Okumura
  • Publication number: 20040084145
    Abstract: An integrated oxide removal and processing system (10) includes a process module (30) that may intentionally add at least one film layer to a single semiconductor wafer (32). The integrated oxide removal and processing system (10) also includes a transfer chamber module (20) used to align the semiconductor wafer (32) for the process module (30). The transfer chamber module (20) may expose the semiconductor wafer (32) to a vaporous solution that is inert with respect to the semiconductor wafer (32) and operable to remove an oxide layer (110) therefrom. More specifically, the semiconductor wafer (32) includes silicon. In a further embodiment, the vaporous solution includes HF. In yet a further embodiment, the vaporous solution includes 0.049% to 49% HF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Sylvia H. Pas
  • Publication number: 20040084146
    Abstract: There is provided a plasma treatment apparatus according to which an upper electrode cover window member can easily be replaced, and hence the cost of maintenance of the plasma treatment apparatus can be reduced. A plasma treatment apparatus 1 has a plasma treatment vessel 2 that is made of an electrically conductive material and has an internal chamber 15 in an upper portion thereof, an upper electrode 12 that is disposed in an upper portion of the internal chamber 15, and an internal viewing tube 100 that is provided in the upper electrode 12. The upper electrode 12 is comprised of an upper electrode main body 32, and an upper electrode cover 31 that is for isolating the upper electrode main body 32 from a plasma region 41 formed inside the internal chamber 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Chikako Sekiya
  • Publication number: 20040084147
    Abstract: The invention includes chemical vapor deposition methods, including atomic layer deposition, and valve assemblies for use with a reactive precursor in semiconductor processing. In one implementation, a chemical vapor deposition method includes positioning a semiconductor substrate within a chemical vapor deposition chamber. A first deposition precursor is fed to a remote plasma generation chamber positioned upstream of the deposition chamber, and a plasma is generated therefrom within the remote chamber and effective to form a first active deposition precursor species. The first species is flowed to the deposition chamber. During the flowing, flow of at least some of the first species is diverted from entering the deposition chamber while feeding and maintaining plasma generation of the first deposition precursor within the remote chamber. At some point, diverting is ceased while feeding and maintaining plasma generation of the first deposition precursor within the remote chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ross S. Dando, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Allen P. Mardian
  • Publication number: 20040084148
    Abstract: There are provided a low pressure plasma processing apparatus and method by which a throughput can be improved, film contamination can be effectively prevented, and a film can be readily managed. A film substrate is carried in from the outside of a plasma processing apparatus main body to a substrate carrying position in the plasma processing apparatus main body, the film substrate positioned at the substrate carrying position is carried into a chamber, a reaction gas is introduced while the chamber is being evacuated, high frequency power is applied under low pressure to generate plasma so that plasma processing is performed to remove organic matter from the film substrate, and the film substrate subjected to plasma processing is taken out from the chamber and positioned at a substrate carrying-out position in the plasma processing apparatus main body and carried out of the plasma processing apparatus main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sasaoka, Naoki Suzuki, Ken Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040084149
    Abstract: A vaporization chamber for a substrate processing system comprises a main body, a cover member and a transition member. The main body is made of aluminum and defines a first inner surface, which defines, at least in part, a cavity. The cover member is also made of aluminum. The cover member defines a second inner surface, which also defines, at least in part, the cavity. The cover member comprises a carrier gas cover inlet, a liquid source cover inlet, a source cover outlet which extends from a first outer surface through the cover member to the second inner surface. The transition member is made of stainless steel and has a transition outer surface and a transition inner surface. The transition inner surface is aluminum cladded. The cover member comprising a carrier gas cover inlet, a liquid source cover inlet, a source cover outlet which extend from a first outer surface through the cover member to second inner surface. The transition inner surface and the cover outer surface are welded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michael R. Stamp, Frederick J. AmRhein, Arnold J. Dale, Joseph C. Pottebaum, Brian J. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20040084150
    Abstract: A process material crust, such an ion-implanted photoresist, is removed from a treatment object. A halogen-free plasma is generated using a hydrocarbon gas in combination with oxygen gas to subject the crust to the plasma. Methane may be used as the hydrocarbon gas. This plasma may also be use to remove underlying unaltered photoresist and ion implantation related residues. The plasma may likewise be generated using a hydrogen containing gas, which may be pure hydrogen gas, in combination with oxygen gas. Several techniques are used which employ exposure of the treatment to a hydrogen/oxygen based plasma with subsequent exposure to a hydrocarbon/oxygen based plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Rene George, John Zajac, Daniel J. Devine, Craig Ranft, Andreas Kadavanich
  • Publication number: 20040084151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to plasma etching apparatus adapted to a semiconductor fabrication process, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: ANS INC.
    Inventor: Dong-Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20040084152
    Abstract: An apparatus for the polishing of diamond surfaces, wherein the diamond surface is subjected to plasma-enhanced chemical etching using atomic oxygen polishing plasma source, is presented. In the apparatus, a magnetic filter passes a plume of high-density, low-energy, atomic oxygen plasma. The plasma is capable of uniformly polishing diamond surfaces utilizing low energy atomic oxygen ions to chemically etch a diamond surface at moderate temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gregoire, Ronghua Wei
  • Publication number: 20040084153
    Abstract: A plasma source assembly including an outer shield, a dielectric chamber wall, and a helical coil provided between the outer shield and the dielectric chamber wall. The plasma source assembly also includes a coil support assembly configured to facilitate repeatable performance of the helical coil. Preferably, the assembly includes a plenum cooling plate that is configured to supply cooling fluid to a first cooling rod provided within a resonator cavity defined by the chamber wall and the outer shield, and receive cooling fluid from a second cooling rod provided within the resonator cavity. The assembly preferably also includes a spacer provided between the first cooling rod and the second cooling rod, and coil insulators having holes configured to receive the helical coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Steven T. Fink
  • Publication number: 20040084154
    Abstract: A sell assembly for winding cord strip which is used in manufacturing industrial belts. The shell assembly includes a core body including a reinforcing portion configured in such a manner that each of flanges is attached to either end of a square pipe made of metal by means of welding, corner reinforcing members (la) formed at four corners of the square pipe to which the flanges are attached, and reinforcing fins attached between the corner reinforcing members, wherein each of the outer ends of the reinforcing fins is attached to the inner sides of the flanges by means of welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Yon So Chong
  • Publication number: 20040084155
    Abstract: An apparatus for rewinding paper into rolls discontinuously without stopping unwinding comprising an unwinding device of at least two plies of paper arranged in series with an embossing device of the at least two plies and with a rereeling machine which stops when a log is completed, wherein a gluing device of the at least two plies of paper and an build up device of the at least two glued plies for feeding the rereeling machine are associated with the embossing device, with it being foreseen that the build up device is actuated at each stopping of the rereeling machine for all of the time taken to discharge a finished log and for the insertion of a core so that the devices upstream of the rereeling machine do not stop and thus the flow of paper is not interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Giovanni Gambini
  • Publication number: 20040084156
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved type of distillation of water. Usual distillation is related to a liquid's boiling point. However, it is possible to distill significant quantities of water at temperatures well below the boiling point. During distillation a compound is taken from a liquid-phase to the gas phase and then condensed to the liquid again to get a pure liquid. The present invention uses water sprayed (105) and adsorbed onto a solid surface such as micro-powder (104) made from wood as a starting material. Absorbing water onto such a surface results in rapid evaporation with a relatively low temperature gradient when the water and particles are agitated. The present invention could be characterized as solid-phase distillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Seiji Hata
  • Publication number: 20040084157
    Abstract: An exterior door incorporates at least one moving glass insert or sash slidable in first and second spaced apart tracks. An end of the insert is coupled to an end of a spring biased rolled screen. As the insert moves from the roll, the screen is extracted therefrom providing a continuously variable screened region in the door. The insert can be positioned using a counterbalance or spaced apart latchable locations in the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce E. Thomas, Kelly D. Nordgaard, Bryan P. Zacher, Alan M. Dixon, Allen E. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040084158
    Abstract: A fabric light control window covering in which fabric vanes are adhesively bonded between two sheer fabric sheets such that relative movement between the sheer fabric sheets in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fabric vanes changes the angle of the fabric vanes and, thus, controls the amount of light admitted through the shade. The vanes are bonded to the sheer fabric sheets in a manner which tends to bias the sheer fabric sheets together to the nonlight admitting position. Also, disclosed are methods and apparatus for manufacturing the above window covering. The method features linear application of adhesive to the vane material which provides for a uniform appearance in the finished product. A heat setting process and apparatus is disclosed in which the bonded layers of sheer fabrics and vanes are fed between belts over hot and cool surfaces, under uniform tension and pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Publication number: 20040084159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber having improved absorbency characteristics when compared to conventional cross-linked fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fiber is obtainable by reacting pulp in the sheet or fluff form with one or more reagents selected from organic molecule having acid and aldehyde functional groups “acid aldehydes.” The invention also relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote intrafiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross-linked fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Othman A. Hamed, Harry J. Chmielewski, Dana B. McBee
  • Publication number: 20040084160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the thickening of pulp suspensions. A low consistency pulp suspension is fed to a pre-thickener (10) through an inlet conduit (18). A layer of thickened pulp, formed on a filter surface (22), is pushed along the filter surface by a cleaning member to the discharge end of the pre-thickener and is discharged through the outlet (20). The cleaning member comprises a rotating shaft (30), on which shaft at least one screw thread (32) is fixed so as to leave a free space between the shaft and the screw thread. Essentially non-thickened pulp is allowed to flow through the apparatus via this space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: ANDRITZ OY
    Inventors: Antero Laine, Risto Ljokkoi, Olavi Pikka, Sami Silk, Harri Qvintus
  • Publication number: 20040084161
    Abstract: In a method for the production of fiber pulp for subsequent use in the production of a fiber web, especially a paper or cardboard web, the fiber pulp that was produced in a pulp production process is first loaded with an additive by way of a chemical precipitation reaction. The loaded pulp is then dried and available for subsequent utilization or formulated into a suitable form for shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Helmut Heinzmann
  • Publication number: 20040084162
    Abstract: The present invention is a soft tissue sheet having reduced lint and slough. The tissue sheet comprises papermaking fibers and a synthetic co-copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Kelly Dean Branham, William Clayton Bunyard, Lisa Ann Flugge
  • Publication number: 20040084163
    Abstract: A method for increasing the long term storageability of a cellulosic paper or paperboard product. The method includes providing a paper or paperboard product made from cellulosic fibers having a basis weight ranging from about 80 to about 300 pounds per 3000 square feet. A holdout material is applied to at least one surface of the paper or paperboard product. The web is then coated with an ink receptive material selected from the group consisting of an aqueous acrylic polymer coating material, an aqueous biocidal agent and a combination of aqueous acrylic polymer coating material and aqueous biocidal agent and dried to provide a paper or paperboard product having enhanced long term storageability. Webs made according to the invention are suitable for making file folders which exhibit improve long term storageability by resisting damage from moisture and/or biological activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Sandeep Kulkarni, Yuan Ling, Rick Williams, Victor P. Holbert
  • Publication number: 20040084164
    Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product. The tissue product comprises at least one ply. Each ply comprises a first side and an opposing second side. At least one ply comprises a polysiloxane distributed non-uniformly in the z-direction within the ply such that the ply has a % z-directional polysiloxane gradient between the first side of the ply and the second side of the ply of about 20% or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Lisa Ann Flugge, David Andrew Moline, Troy Michael Runge, Wade Raymond Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040084165
    Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product comprising at least one tissue sheet. Each tissue sheet comprises a first side and an opposing second side. At least one tissue sheet comprises selectively treated pulp fiber treated with at least one hydrophobic chemical additive distributed non-uniformly in the z-direction within the tissue sheet. The tissue sheet has a % z-directional hydrophobic chemical additive gradient between the first side of the tissue sheet and the second side of the tissue sheet of about 20% or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, James Daniel Lorenz, David Andrew Moline, Troy Michael Runge, Thomas Hampshire Schulz
  • Publication number: 20040084166
    Abstract: A method of producing a lipped molded article comprising the steps of forming a molded article having an opening portion by papermaking and outwardly curling the peripheral wall portion which constitutes the opening portion to make a lip. The method is characterized in that the inner surface of the molded article is coated with a resin layer to make a multilayer molded article, the part to be curled of the peripheral wall portion of the molded article is impregnated with a liquid, and the part to be curled is subjected to curling processing while or after being heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Nonomura, Atsushi Sato, Shinji Kodama, Minoru Goto
  • Publication number: 20040084167
    Abstract: A web-making fabric for producing a high caliper fibrous web and the fibrous web produced thereby. The web-making fabric comprises a reinforcing structure and a framework joined to the reinforcing structure. The framework defines a plurality of deflection conduits, at least one deflection conduit is a negatively radiused deflection conduit, and at least one deflection conduit is a positively radiused deflection conduit. The positively radiused deflection conduits are sized, shaped, and arranged to maximize fiber deflection along the periphery of the conduits. The web comprises three regions, a first region a second region and a third region. The first region is immediately adjacent to at least one of the second region and the third region. The second region comprises a plurality of negatively radiused domes. The third region comprises a plurality of positively radiused domes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Douglas Vinson, John Allen Manifold, Jonathan Andrew Ficke, Yanping Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040084168
    Abstract: A method (300) and a system (100) for controlling a casting process are described herein. The system (100) generally includes a die casting device (110) and a measuring device (120). The die casting device (110) includes a mold (130) configured to produce molded parts (140). The measuring device (120) may determine a position of the mold (130) within the die casting device (110) in a casting cycle. The measuring device (120) may determine an incremental increase in weight of molded parts (140) associated with the casting cycle. Based on the incremental increase in weight of molded parts (140), the measuring device (120) may provide a notification in response to a trigger event. The measuring device (120) may also reset the die casting device (110) for another casting cycle based on the incremental increase in weight of molded parts (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Mandel
  • Publication number: 20040084169
    Abstract: One method of the present invention includes introducing a slurry into a mold unit comprised of a mold contained within a casting receptacle and lowering the temperature of the slurry to freeze the slurry and form a freeze-cast substrate while controlling temperature gradients within the mold unit to minimize distortion in the freeze-cast substrate. Another method includes introducing a slurry into a mold unit comprised of a mold contained within a casting receptacle, placing insulation material around at least a portion of the casting receptacle to minimize distortion in the freeze-cast substrate by controlling temperature gradients within the mold unit, and lowering the temperature of the slurry to freeze the slurry to form a freeze-cast substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Allen Dennis Roche, John Michael Nicholson, Richard L. Allor, Samir Samir
  • Publication number: 20040084170
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a cast product shape using a die casting method wherein a molten metallic material is introduced into a shot sleeve having an end that is closed by a movable closure member. The molten metallic material is forced by movement of a plunger in the shot sleeve to the closed end of the shot sleeve where the plunger maintains pressure on the metallic material until it is at least partially solidified in the shot sleeve in the form of a cast product having a outer peripheral shape corresponding to the inner peripheral shape of the shot sleeve. The end of the shot sleeve then is opened by relative movement of the closure member and the shot sleeve, and the plunger is moved further to eject the product shape from the open end of the shot sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Leonard L. Ervin
  • Publication number: 20040084171
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding a metal material. The apparatus includes a vessel with portions defining a passageway through the vessel. An inlet is located toward one end and a member or agitation means is located within the passageway. A plurality of heaters are located a length of the vessel. The first of the heaters is located immediately downstream of the inlet and is a low frequency induction coil heater whereby the temperature gradient through the vessel's sidewall is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Thixomat, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Akers, Ralph E. Vining, D. Matthew Walukas, Raymond F. Decker, Chris Pedder
  • Publication number: 20040084172
    Abstract: A distributor device for use in aluminium casting includes a rigid, substantially bowl-shaped receptacle (2) of a refractory material having a base member (4) and a peripheral wall (6) that extends upwards from the base. The receptacle has an inlet opening (8) towards the upper end thereof and a pair of outlet openings (14) towards the base thereof. The device is constructed and arranged such that, in use, molten aluminium poured into the distributor device through the inlet opening (8) is redirected by the distributor device and flows outwards into the mould through the outlet openings (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Pyrotek Engineering Materials Limited
    Inventors: Mark Vincent, Sylvain Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20040084173
    Abstract: In manufacturing a magnesium alloy, continuous casting is performed using a movable mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Taichiro Nishikawa, Yoshihiro Nakai
  • Publication number: 20040084174
    Abstract: A support surface for patient comfort, maintaining a cool skin temperature, or reducing the incidence and promoting the healing of bedsores, includes:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, Roger B. Lachenbruch