Patents Issued in May 6, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040086675
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple layered non-PVC containing tubing structure. The tubing structure has a first and a second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michael T.K. Ling, Ketan Shah, Bill Hurst, Samuel Ding
  • Publication number: 20040086676
    Abstract: Protected prefinished fiber cement products are manufactured by applying a protective layer on the finished surface of a fiber cement product. The protective layer protects the finish layer of the prefinished fiber cement product during handling, storage, and transport. Removing the protective layer leaves no adhesive residue on the finish layer, does not damage the finish layer, and does not substantially tear the protective layer. Protected prefinished fiber cement products are typically stacked on pallets for storage and transport. Optionally, spacers may be placed between the stacked protected prefinished fiber cement products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Weiling Peng
  • Publication number: 20040086677
    Abstract: A multilayer structure with improved permeation for atmospheric diffusion of aromatic products wherein the structure comprises: a permeable membrane wherein said permeable membrane comprises at least two polymeric layers wherein the polymer of each layer is independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, very low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene methylacrylate copolymer; a release layer wherein said release layer comprises a nylon polymer or a ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer wherein the release layer is adhered to most inner polymeric layer of the permeable member which comprises the permeable membrane and wherein the adhesion between release layer and the adjacent layer of the polymeric permeable membrane is a relatively weak bond compared to the bond between the layers of the polymeric permeable membrane; and an impermeable membrane wherein said impermeable membrane comprises one or more layers wherein the materials which comprise the individual layers of the imper
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: William E. Bowen, Lee J. Murray, Patricia M. McCarry
  • Publication number: 20040086678
    Abstract: A surface covering is described wherein the surface covering includes at least one support surface, such as a core, with at least one base coating located on the support surface. The support surface preferably has a textured top surface. A printed pattern is located on the base coating and preferably the printed pattern is in register with the textured surface. At least one protective layer is located on the printed pattern. Methods of making the surface covering are further described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Hao A. Chen, Nathan W. Easterday
  • Publication number: 20040086679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mask (100) for protecting a convex and/or window portion of a vehicle, the mask being made of a sheet material, and having an outline (101) that is curvilinear, at least in part, and the invention also providing a device for masking convex and/or window portions of motor vehicles, the device comprising a plurality of masks of the invention together with means for uniting them to form a packet of masks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Eric Ganci
  • Publication number: 20040086680
    Abstract: In the method of manufacturing a circular optical storage disc (10), an extension body (21) is present around the substrate (11) of the optical disc (10) during the spin coating of cover or spacer layers (15). The extension body (21) may consist of one or several pieces. The outer periphery (23) has a circular or polygonal shape. The inner periphery of the extension body is in close circumferential contact with the periphery (13) of the optical disc substrate (11). The surface (22) of the extension body is substantially flush with the surface (12) of the substrate (11) of the optical disc in order not to impede the flow of spin coating liquid during spin coating. The raised edge (16), which usually forms at the periphery (13) of the substrate (11) is now transferred to the outer periphery (23) of the extension body (21). After the coating operation the extension body (21) is removed. By choosing a surface (22) to which the coating (15) adheres poorly, reuse of the extension body (21) is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Marcel Jose Decre
  • Publication number: 20040086681
    Abstract: A cushioning means, which contains a substrate sheet, bouncing cells made of elastic material convexly formed on one side of the substrate sheet, supporting cells made of elastic material convexly formed on the other side of the substrate sheet, each the supporting cell having a passage connected to the corresponding bouncing cell, and a liquid article such as water take part of the space between the surfaces of the bouncing cells and supporting cells. Since the space is not full of the liquid, an air chamber is formed in the bouncing cells. The cushioning means utilizes the low density and high compressible nature of air collaborating with the flowing nature of liquid for the comfortable and effective cushioning purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Swei Mu Wang
  • Publication number: 20040086682
    Abstract: A recyclable, thermoplastic backing material having the feel and weight of a rubber backing for use on a throw in mat. As compared with conventional rubber backed throw-in mats, the new thermoplastic material does not require a latex backing to adhere the rubber backing material to the primary backing layer. This may lead to decreased manufacturing costs associated with purchasing and applying the latex backing material. Further, because the material is recyclable, decreased costs associated with waste may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Rice, Steve P. Hammond, Randy Heckendorn, Randy Boyd, Dennis Young
  • Publication number: 20040086683
    Abstract: Cushion backed carpet tiles and carpet tile installations which can be installed without adhesives are described. The carpet tiles are manufactured according to rigid specifications in order that no corner of any of the individual tiles is {fraction (1/16)}″ or greater off the floor due to curl, and no corner on the tile has cup of greater than {fraction (3/16)}″. In this way, a substantially to entirely adhesive-free carpet tile installation can be achieved, with the installation being capable of withstanding the rigors of a variety of typical types of wear, such as rolling traffic, etc., without shifting or snowplowing over adjacent tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: MILLIKEN & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Higgins, Murray L. Schine
  • Publication number: 20040086684
    Abstract: A laminated sheet made by bonding a nonwoven fabric to a non-porous waterproof, windproof and moisture permeable film. The bonding may be carried out by hot pressing in combination with a hot-melt adhesive and the laminated sheet may have a water vapor transmission rate of 1,000 to 10,000 g/m2·h. The laminated sheet may be further bonded to a face fabric, making the resulting structure particularly suitable for use in the construction of garments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroko Suzuki, Takahiro Tanino
  • Publication number: 20040086685
    Abstract: A sheet of unidirectionally-oriented fiber strands includes unidirectional fibers, bonding fibers interwoven with the unidirectional fibers to form a fiber panel, and thermoplastic film laminating the fiber panel there between. In one embodiment, a second sheet of laminated unidirectional fibers is joined to the first sheet of laminated unidirectional fibers with the unidirectional fibers running in a second direction as compared to the first fibers. In yet another embodiment, individual laminated sheets of unidirectional fibers are stitched together to form packets of sheets which may be used singularly or multiple packets may be bundled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Lee Walker Brillhart, Ricky William Stewart, Ronald G. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20040086686
    Abstract: A hollow core composite assembly 10 is provided, including a hollow core base 12 having an open core surface 14, a polyetherketoneketone film 22 applied to the hollow core base 12, and an adhesive layer 24 positioned between the polyetherketoneketone film 22 and the open core surface 14. The resultant hollow core composite assembly 10 can be cured to provide a structure suitable for use within a liquid molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Holemans
  • Publication number: 20040086687
    Abstract: A thin film keypad includes a retainer sheet and a plurality of keycaps molded onto keycap attachment regions on the retainer sheet such that the keys are mechanically secured to the retainer sheet. The retainer sheet is made of a thin film material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, and each keycap attachment region includes at least a hole and/or at least one retainer anchor portion. The keycaps are molded from a plastic material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend. The thin film material is placed in a molding tool and the plastic material is injected into a keycap mold cavity such that the plastic material flows through the holes and/or around the retainer anchor portions, thereby anchoring the keycaps to the retainer sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher M. Wolfe, Steven M. Dunham
  • Publication number: 20040086688
    Abstract: A glass substrate excellent in strength properties and a glass cutting method are provided. When a glass substrate having predetermined size is to be formed by cutting a glass plate, any crack or chip is not generated on a cut face. Therefore, a pulverized powder is prevented from being generated from this portion. A glass substrate is obtained by cutting at least with laser light radiation so that a surface roughness of cut side faces and of the glass substrate are 50 nm or less and a depth of laser marks and on the cut side faces are 0.06 mm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomio Hirano, Nobuyuki Oikawa, Makio Onodera, Masao Ono, Hideki Sato, Yukihiro Onodera
  • Publication number: 20040086689
    Abstract: In film-forming devices and plasma-processing devices, filmy matter adheres to the surfaces of the inner parts and it peels to cause dust and particles in the devices. In the devices, the dust and particles contaminate the objects for film formation thereon or the objects to be processed with plasma. For preventing the objects from being contaminated with them, the inner parts of the devices must be frequently exchanged every time when they have received any minor filmy matter thereon, and this lowers the productivity in the devices. When a modified glass part of which the surface is modified with spherical or bell-like island projections having a width and a height of from a few &mgr;m to a few hundreds &mgr;m is used in a film-forming device and in a plasma-processing device, then its ability to hold the filmy substance having adhered thereto is good and its resistance to plasma is also good.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: TOSOH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koyata Takahashi, Masanori Kohgo, Osamu Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20040086690
    Abstract: A multilayered polymer film includes a first set of optical layers and a second set of optical layers. The first set of optical layers is made from a polyester which is often birefringent. The polyesters of the first set of optical layers typically have a composition in which 70-100 mol % of the carboxylate subunits are first carboxylate subunits and 0-30 mol % are comonomer carboxylate subunits and 70 to 100 mol % of the glycol subunits are first glycol subunits and 0 to 30 mol % of the glycol subunits are comonomer glycol subunits, where at least 0.5 mol % of the combined carboxylate and glycol subunits are comonomer carboxylate or comonomer glycol subunits. The multilayered polymer film may be used to form, for example, a reflective polarizer or a mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, William W. Merrill, Carl A. Stover
  • Publication number: 20040086691
    Abstract: A diamond is provided which is subjected to an improved rectangular brilliant-cut producing a facet configuration having an optimal shape for the purpose of increasing the visual-perceptible reflection ray amount. In the rectangular brilliant-cut diamond, the bezel facets at the four crown vertexes each is bent along the diagonal line parallel to the girdle, to yield the facet configuration in which the bezel facet is divided into the lower bezel facet and the upper bezel facet. The upper crown angle of an upper bezel facet can be made smaller than the crown angle of a lower bezel facet, and hence even without altering the crown height, by making the table facet slightly smaller, the tilt angles from the horizontal of the star facets and the second bezel facets, both provided with intense reflection, can be made small and the areas thereof can be made large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Tamotsu Matsumura, Akira Itoh, Yoshinori Kawabuchi
  • Publication number: 20040086692
    Abstract: A packaging article constructed in accordance with the invention is provided which is formed and shipped in a flat shape, and which may be converted into a rigid L-shaped, U-shaped, triangular or square/rectangular shipping or storage container for the protection of articles during shipping and storage. The packaging article is constructed using a rigid but pliable member to allow for ease in formation and handling, but after formation into an L-shaped, U-shaped or other shaped shipping or storage container, to produce a rigid storage structure or tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20040086693
    Abstract: A non-slip platform for location adjacent to a body of water providing a person with traction despite the presence of water on the platform, wherein the platform includes an upper portion; a fluid-draining topography at the upper portion that channels the water to minimize water contact with the person on the platform; and a non-slip surface coating on the fluid-draining topography for traction, said non-slip surface coating including an abrasive layer. The present invention is also directed to a method of making the non-slip platform for location adjacent to a body of water, the method including the steps of forming a fluid-draining topography at the upper portion of the non-slip platform, preparing the fluid-draining topography to support an abrasive layer, depositing the abrasive layer on the prepared fluid-draining topography, and providing a topcoat to the fluid-draining topography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Saldarelli, Jerry R. Amato, Matthew D. Cathone
  • Publication number: 20040086694
    Abstract: An image structure formed on a medium. The image structure is so formed that an angular distribution of surface reflection light beams under the condition that a surface of an image G formed on a medium is irradiated with a slit-transmitted light beam satisfies the following three characteristics: (1) an angle A corresponding to a half value of a reflected light peak is not smaller than unity but not larger than twice as large as a reference angle A0; (2) the ratio &Dgr;XGWS/&Dgr;XGWS0 of the value of WS of center-of-gravity fluctuation to the value of reference WS0 of center-of-gravity fluctuation is not larger than 10; and (3) an angle B at which the quantity of reflected light becomes {fraction (1/10)} as large as the peak value is in a range of from 3×A0 to 6×A0, both inclusively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Ide
  • Publication number: 20040086695
    Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article made by forming at least one sheet of flexible, substantially non-shape sustaining material having a holographic image or design on at least a portion thereof into the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article such that the holographic image or design constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the article. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article is provided with a base having a closed lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The base of the article has a plurality of overlapping folds of which at least a portion are permanently connected so that the article may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20040086696
    Abstract: A method of forming an overlay (310) having a surface energy charge for verifying an image (210) on printing plates (300) formed by creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image, a first thermal print layer (224), and a first support layer (150). An imageless receiver sheet (160) is laminated having a second thermal print layer (228) and a clear second support layer (170) with the imaged receiver sheet thereby encapsulating the image. The first support layer is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Roger S. Kerr
  • Publication number: 20040086697
    Abstract: The present invention provides inter alia electroplating compositions, methods for use of the compositions and products formed by the compositions. Electroplating compositions of the invention are characterized in significant part by a grain refiner/stabilizer additive comprising one or more non-aromatic compounds having &pgr; electrons that can be delocalized, e.g., an &agr;, &pgr; unsaturated system or other conjugated system that contains a proximate electron-withdrawing group. Compositions of the invention provide enhanced grain refinement and increased stability in metal plating solutions, particularly in tin and tin alloy plating formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andre Egli, Anja Vinckier, Jochen Heber, Wan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040086698
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a tail of a log of web material is provided. A linear tail seal system includes a track and electromagnets that cooperate to move a linear motor. The tail of the log is detected by an electronic eye as the log moves near the linear tail seal system, which signals an adhesive applicator to apply an adhesive to the log. An ironing roll forms a tail seal by adhesively ironing the tail seal on the log. A process for making a roll having a well defined handle formed by the linear tail seal system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Robert H. Collins, Robert M. Heil
  • Publication number: 20040086699
    Abstract: A polymer composite structure having resin matrix interlayers reinforced with shape memory alloy (SMA) particles. In one preferred form Nitinol® alloy particles are used for the SMA particles. The Nitinol® alloy particles may comprise cylindrical, oval or spherical shaped particles and are intermixed in the resin of the resin matrix interlayer(s) of the composite structure. The SMA particles provide superelastic, reversible strain properties that significantly improve the damage resistance, damage tolerance (e.g. compression-after-impact (CAI) strength) and elevated temperature performance of the composite structure without negatively affecting the hot-wet compression strength of the composite structure. The polymer composite structure is ideally suited for aerospace and aircraft applications where lightweight and structurally strong materials are essential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Terry L. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040086700
    Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Kauschke, Mordechai Turi, Horst Ring, Sabine Borst
  • Publication number: 20040086701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforced structural element comprising a metallic matrix and a reinforcement comprising inorganic fibers, the reinforcement at least partially penetrating through the structural element. The reinforcement is designed in the form of a fabric in at least two dimensions. The structural element with a wall thickness of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm takes the form of a metal sheet or semifinished product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Brinkschroeder, Wolfgang Fussnegger, Karl-Heinz Fueller, Tilman Haug, Michael Scheydecker, Tanja Tschirge, Karl-Ludwig Weisskopf
  • Publication number: 20040086702
    Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040086703
    Abstract: A container, comprises a first layer of plastic and a second layer of plastic contacting said first layer, the second layer of plastic being formed as a foam wherein the foam cells contain carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Plastic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Semersky
  • Publication number: 20040086704
    Abstract: A moldable resin for producing a molded part. The resin is reinforced with shape memory alloy (SMA) particles. In one preferred form NITINOL® alloy particles are used for the SMA particles. The NITINOL® alloy particles may comprise cylindrical, oval or spherical shaped particles. The SMA particles provide superelastic, reversible strain properties that significantly improve the damage resistance, damage tolerance (e.g. compression-after-impact (CAI) strength) and elevated temperature performance of the part without negatively affecting the hot-wet compression strength of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Terry L. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040086705
    Abstract: A protective coating reinforced with shape memory alloy (SMA) particles. In one preferred form the coating comprises a paint that is reinforced with SMA particles. The SMA particles, in one preferred form, are NITINOL® alloy particles. The NITINOL® alloy particles may comprise cylindrical, oval or spherical shaped particles and are intermixed in a base material of the coating or paint. The SMA particles provide superelastic, reversible strain properties that significantly improve the damage resistance, damage tolerance and elevated temperature performance of the coating or paint after after it is applied to an external component, without negatively affecting the hot-wet strength of the coating or paint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Terry L. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040086706
    Abstract: An adhesive film or paste reinforced with shape memory alloy (SMA) particles. In one preferred form the film or paste is reinforced with NITINOL® alloy particles. The NITINOL® alloy particles may comprise cylindrical, oval or spherical shaped particles and are intermixed in a base material of the film or paste. The SMA particles provide superelastic, reversible strain properties that significantly improve the damage resistance, damage tolerance, elevated temperature performance, and overall toughness and durability of the adhesive film or paste after it is applied to an external component, without negatively affecting the hot-wet compression strength of the film or paste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Terry L. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040086707
    Abstract: In consideration of that burning a PVC-based tape causes occurrence of dioxine, a nonhalogenated tape having physical properties and electric properties, which are comparable to a PVC-based tacking tape, and replaceable to the PVC-based tacking tape is desired. Simple replacement of PVC to a polyethylene-based synthetic resin causes a bad hand cutting performance. Hence, the composition of the synthetic resin composition is improved to have 100 weight parts of a polypropylene based resin, 1 to 70 weight parts of a polyethylene-based resin, 1 to 200 weight parts of an inorganic filler with a range from 0.5 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m of an average grain size, and 0.1 to 50 weight parts of an compatibilizer to form a film. In addition, the film is drawn 1.05 to 3 times in an MD and thickness of the film is kept to 0.03 to 0.5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Seiji Saita, Kazuo Suzuki, Shigeo Kawasaki, Takeshi Saito
  • Publication number: 20040086708
    Abstract: Soft magnetic composites having a high compressibility and a high permeability are described. These two characteristics are obtained by combining high compressibility iron powder to high permeability powders. The iron powder is of a high compressibility and in a size range and proportion that results in a powder mass amenable to compaction by industrially viable and cost-effective compaction process such as uniaxial cold compaction. The high compressibility iron powder helps achieve high relative density and also allows easy path for the passage of magnetic flux.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Amitabh Verma, Luana Emiliana Iorio, K. Anand, Srinidhi Sampath, Robert John Zabala, Kanchan Kumari, Geetha Karavoor
  • Publication number: 20040086709
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for transferring a patterned polyelectrolyte multilayer from a first surface, e.g., a PDMS stamp, to a second surface, e.g. fabric or a non-woven material. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a stamp comprising a surface coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer suitable for transfer to a substrate using the aforementioned method of transferring patterned multilayers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Paula T. Hammond Cunningham, Juhyun Park
  • Publication number: 20040086710
    Abstract: A stretch releasable adhesive tape article includes an extensible adhesive strip having a non-adhesive pull tab and a shape retaining member arranged within or adjacent to the adhesive strip. The shape retaining member is repeatably manually movable between a first position allowing a user to manually grasp the non-adhesive pull tab to stretch release the adhesive strip from a substrate, and a displaced position for maintaining the non-adhesive pull tab at a position offset from the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James F. Pitzen, Ronald C. Johansson
  • Publication number: 20040086711
    Abstract: A package closure tape assembly includes a laminate layer having a pressure sensitive adhesive and a reinforcing strip for reinforcing the laminate layer, for increasing a resistance to tearing during package handling by a user, and for providing a tear strip to separate the laminate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth Backman, Robert Collins, George John LeMoine, Philip L. White
  • Publication number: 20040086712
    Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040086713
    Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040086714
    Abstract: Particle fiber agglomerates comprise fibers having the structure of individual fibers, fiber bundles, fiber tufts or mixtures thereof with firmly adhering particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Markus Holzle, Michael Hesse, Klaus Harth, Norbert Neth
  • Publication number: 20040086715
    Abstract: This invention provide a synthetic resin film for color copying or printing, the front surface of which is coated with anti-static agents so that the value of insulation electrical resistance of the front surface may be in the range of 9.99×107 ohms to 1.00×106 ohms, when measured in copying or printing circumference having the temperature of 20° C. and the humidity of 65%, and which can copy or print distinct color images without shading of images and disorder of the images on the front surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Shin Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20040086716
    Abstract: The invention relates to a glass pane that is particularly suitable for solar applications such as photovoltaic and thermal cells. The glass pane disclosed in the invention has a microstructure on both sides that can be produced, for instance, by embossing with roll embossing. Microsuructures with a maximum peak-to-valley ratio of not more than 50 mm and preferably not more than 30 have visible light transmittance values close to those of non-structured glass. An additional improvement in transmittance properties can be achieved by placing an anti-glare layer on the glass pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Josef Weikinger
  • Publication number: 20040086717
    Abstract: Transparent conductive films for flat panel displays and methods for producing them are disclosed. In general, a method according to the present invention comprises: (1) providing a flexible plastic substrate; (2) depositing a multi-layered conductive metallic film on the flexible plastic substrate by a thin-film deposition technique to form a composite film, the multi-layered conductive metallic film comprising two layers of an alloy selected from the group consisting of indium cerium oxide (InCeO) and indium tin oxide (ITO) surrounding a layer of an alloy of silver, palladium, and copper (Ag/Pd/Cu); and (3) collecting the composite film in continuous rolls. Typically, the thin-film deposition technique is DC magnetron sputtering. Another aspect of the invention is a composite film produced by a method according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiko Sasaki, Xiao-Ming He
  • Publication number: 20040086718
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant, alkali resistant coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a binder comprising a reaction product of an epoxy-containing material and a phosphorus-containing material together with a curing agent. Aminoplasts, especially melamine-based aminoplasts, are particularly suitable curing agents. A source of silicon can optionally be included. The compositions also provide excellent adhesion and can be used with or without a weldable primer. The compositions are applied to and cured on a metal substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Pawlik, Dennis W. Jones, Ralph C. Gray, Richard M. Nugent, Yves Le Disert, Laurent Deronne
  • Publication number: 20040086719
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that the addition of organic acids provides improved performance properties to curable compositions, e.g., improved flux compatibility, improved flow properties, improved voiding properties, and the like. Accordingly, there are provided curable compositions having improved performance properties, methods for the preparation thereof, and methods employing same. Also provided are novel articles prepared using invention compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Henkel Loctite Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce C. B. Chan, Michael G. Todd
  • Publication number: 20040086720
    Abstract: The invention relates to epoxy resin compositions. More specifically, the invention is a composition suitable to cure an epoxy resin, preferably in a solvent, incorporating a cross-linking compound of a polycarboxylic acid anhydride or a copolymer of styrene and hydroxystyrene. Also, the invention relates to an epoxy resin composition comprising an inhibitor effective to extend the gel time of the composition at curing temperatures from 150° C. to 170° C., and a cross-linking compound as described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Gan, John P. Everett
  • Publication number: 20040086721
    Abstract: A composition coextrudable with PVDF comprises in parts by weight: 20 to 40 parts of PVDF; 40 to 60 parts of PMMA; 5 to 18 parts of an acrylic elastomer; 1 to 4 parts of a UV absorber; the total making 100 parts. Coextruded films comprise a layer of the above coextrudable composition directly attached to the latter; and a PVDF-based layer comprising, as main constituents, 50 to 100 parts of PVDF per 50 to 0 parts of PMMA respectively. The PVDF layer may be in the form of two layers: one placed against the coextrudable layer and comprising, as main constituents, 50 to 90 parts of PVDF per 50 to 10 parts of PMMA respectively; and the other (also called the outer layer) comprising, as main constituents, 75 to 100 parts of PVDF per 25 to 0 parts of PMMA respectively. The resultant products are generally applied to substrates, e.g. as protective films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: ATOFINA
    Inventors: Anthony Bonnet, Francois Beaume, Karine Loyen, Karine Triballier, David Silagy
  • Publication number: 20040086722
    Abstract: A hydrophilic coating having a covalently cross-linked hydrophilic polymer suitable for coating medical devices or instruments for introduction into human cavities, the coating further having a water soluble compound, the water soluble compound being glucose, sorbitol a halide, nitrate, acetate, citrate or benzoate of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or silver; acetic acid, glycine or urea. A medical device or instrument for introduction into human cavities having a hydrophilic coating and a method of producing such a medical device or instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Niels Joergen Madsen
  • Publication number: 20040086723
    Abstract: A low-E coated article is provided, in certain example embodiments, with a layer including silicon oxynitride adjacent the glass substrate in order to improve chemical and/or mechanical durability of the coated article. In certain example embodiments, the coated article may be formed so as to have a fairly high visible transmission (TY or Tvis) to sheet resistance (Rs) ratio (i.e., a ratio Tvis/Rs). The higher this ratio, the better the coated article's combined functionality of providing for both good solar performance (e.g., ability to reflect and/or absorb IR radiation) and high visible transmission. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, architectural or residential monolithic window units, vehicle window units, and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Anton Dietrich, Jose Nunez Regueiro
  • Publication number: 20040086724
    Abstract: A stable modified metal oxide sol which contains from 2 to 50 wt %, as calculated as metal oxides, of particles (c) comprising colloidal particles (a) of a metal oxide having primary particle diameters of from 2 to 60 nm, as nuclei, and a coating material (b) consisting of colloidal particles of an acidic oxide coated on the surface of the particles (a), and which has primary particle diameters of from 2 to 100 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Nissan Chemical Industries Limited
    Inventors: Keitaro Suzuki, Yoshinari Koyama, Motoko Iijima