Patents Issued in May 13, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040089521
    Abstract: A belt suitable in a brownstock washer machine and a method of producing the same are provide. The belt is produced from a high-density multi-layer woven fabric, which is preferably made using an eight-shed weave pattern. The fabric provides high fiber support via a high warp-density/long-warp-float while achieving high drainage/resistance-to-sealing through increased void volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Zilker, Mark Levine, John VanHandel
  • Publication number: 20040089522
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly is configured to accommodate angular adjustment between adjacent belted conveyor sections. The adjustable assembly functions to position the belted conveyor sections so that one of the rollers of one belted conveyor section is aligned with the rollers of the other belted conveyor section in a direction of conveyance of the conveyor sections. The rollers are aligned such that an article on the belt of the upstream belted conveyor section does not substantially engage the aligned roller of the downstream belted conveyor section as the article is moved from the upstream belt onto the downstream belt. The adjustable assembly may provide a smooth transition between the conveyor sections throughout a range of angular adjustment of the adjustable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Frank-Peter Shaum
  • Publication number: 20040089523
    Abstract: Switch with a fixed set of contacts and a movable set of contacts. The fixed set of contacts comprises at least one pair of fixed contacts arranged a distance apart and each having an auxiliary contact part and a main contact part. The movable set of contacts comprises at least one auxiliary contact element and a main contact element, which, when the switch is closed, are in contact, under mechanical pre-stress, with the surface of the auxiliary contact part and of the main contact part of the pair of fixed contacts and bridge the distance between the free end edges thereof facing one another, the various features being such that when the switch is closed the auxiliary contact element and the main contact element make contact more or less simultaneously with the auxiliary and with the main contact parts of the pair of fixed contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Wouter Franciscus Van Den Akker, Hilbert Gezienus Knol
  • Publication number: 20040089524
    Abstract: A wireless power switch control device, comprising: comprising: a detection and transmission circuit for detecting an obliquity of an object, upon the obliquity of said object reaching to a specified level, said detection and transmission circuit will transmit a wireless signal; and a receiving and control circuit upon receiving the wireless signal from said detection and transmission circuit will turn off a power of a outlet so as to prevent sparking of an electric wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chao Chuan Chien
  • Publication number: 20040089525
    Abstract: A wireless power switch control device, comprising: a detection and transmission circuit for detecting an obliquity of an object, upon the obliquity of said object reaching to a specified level, said detection and transmission circuit will transmit a wireless signal; and a receiving and control circuit upon receiving the wireless signal from said detection and transmission circuit will turn off a power of a outlet so as to prevent sparking of an electric wire. The invention also provides a wire power switch control device if the environment requires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chao Chuan Chien
  • Publication number: 20040089526
    Abstract: A multifunctional pushbutton switch for a vehicle steering wheel has a plurality of pushbutton switching units with pushbutton surfaces that are close to each other in a common operating surface. The switch has a common switch housing in which actuation tappets of the pushbutton switching units are movably guided. A cap is mounted onto the switch housing. The cap is made by means of a two-component injection-molding technique of a relatively rigid plastic frame with a cutout window whose shape and size correspond. to the circumference of a pushbutton surface and of a solicone membrane stretched over the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20040089527
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a first switch (2) and a first actuating element (4) for actuating the first switch, and a second switch (132) and a second actuating element (110) for actuating the second switch. There is further provided a carrier (134) adapted to be displaced by the second actuating element (110) in an actuating direction (B) for actuating the second switch (132) and on which the first switch (2) is mounted. The steering wheel also has a base body (122), relative to which the carrier (134) is mounted so as to be displaceable in said actuating direction (B). The first actuating element (4) is provided with a stop element (9) which abuts against the base body (122) when the first actuating element (110) is displaced up to a complete actuation of the first switch (2). The stop element also prevents a displacement of the carrier (134), leading to the actuation of the second switch (132), by means of the first actuating element (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Rumpf
  • Publication number: 20040089528
    Abstract: An electric rotational tool driving switch system in which a driving control by means of a desired push operating system or lever operating system can be selectively performed in accordance with the content of a work when the electric rotational tool is used, an appropriate tightening work of screws, etc. can be always performed efficiently, and handling can be simplified and safety can be sufficiently improved. The electric rotational tool includes an electric motor, a rotational tool, such as a driver bit, etc., which is connected to the output shaft of this electric motor and which performs work, such as the tightening of screws, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Katsayuki Totsu
  • Publication number: 20040089529
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromotive drive for furniture for adjusting furniture parts in relation to one another. Said drive comprises a hand switch (2) with a housing, on or in which electric switching means are arranged for controlling the drive for furniture. According to the invention, the electric switching means are composed of a first part (8), configured from at least one strip conductor (16), which forms part of a control circuit for controlling the drive for furniture and a second part (10). The first part (8) and the second part (10) are located at a distance from one another and the second part (10) has at least one elastically deformable contact element (38), which consists at least partially of an electrically conductive material and can be displaced between a resting position and an actuating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040089530
    Abstract: A multifunctional pushbutton switch for a vehicle steering wheel has a plurality of pushbutton switching units that have pushbutton surfaces located close to each other in a shared a crating surface. The switch has a shared switch housing in which actuation tappets of the pushbutton switching units are movably guided, and a cap mounted over the actuation tappets and onto the switch housing. The cap is made by means of a two-component injection-molding technique and consists of a relatively rigid plastic frame with recessed windows each of a shape and size that corresponds to the circumference of one of the pushbutton surfaces and of a silicone membrane extending over the recessed windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Schmon, Markus Altmann, Peter Schulte
  • Publication number: 20040089531
    Abstract: The method for preparing 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butanol includes reacting methanol and hexafluoropropene in the presence of a free radical initiator such as di-isopropyl peroxydicarbonate at 25-50° C. and a pressure of 100-300 psi in an autoclave. An inert gas such as nitrogen and argon is added to the autoclave when the pressure is lower than 100 psi in the course of the reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology
    Inventors: Shean-Jeng Jong, Wang-Tsae Guu, Chung-Mou Liang
  • Publication number: 20040089532
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method to affect, control and/or direct a reaction pathway (e.g., organic, inorganic, biologic or other reaction) by, for example, exposing one or more participants in a reaction system to at least one spectral energy pattern (e.g., at least one spectral pattern comprising at least one frequency of electromagnetic radiation) which can be op made to correspond to at least a portion of a spectral catalyst or a spectral energy catalyst. The invention also relates to mimicking various mechanisms of action of various catalysts in reaction systems under various environment reaction conditions. The invention fiber discloses methods for simulating at least partially, one or more environmental reaction conditions by the application of one or more spectral environmental reason conditions. The invention specifically discloses different means for achieving the matching of energy frequencies between, for example, applied energy and matter (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Juliana H J Brooks, Bentley J Blum
  • Publication number: 20040089533
    Abstract: A method to attach hydrophilic and/or ionogenic coatings to metallic surfaces robustly. Important applications for the invention extend to sensor types, various biomedical devices, and additional technologies requiring metal coatings with specified properties, such as sensors that employ the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) principle. This is a method to produce an adherent hydrogel against a metal surface by gelling a liquid mixture of components. The implementation of the invention for QCM ion sensors employs poly(allylamine) (PAH) hydrogels. The reaction of PAH with N-Acetylhomocysteine thiolactone (AHTL) (Fluda) in water under basic conditions produces thiol groups. This reaction removes ion exchange functionality and permits robust attachment of the hydrogel to the QCM's gold electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: David Alan Hoagland, Douglas Warren Howie
  • Publication number: 20040089534
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for sputtering and a device for sputtering which can make distribution of film's thickness and coverage distribution improve, in the device for sputtering constituted of at least a substrate, a substrate holder which holds the substrate, a target for forming a thin film on the substrate, a sputtering cathode in which the target is installed, a means for sputtering which makes materials of the target sputter to the substrate, which are such that sputtering is carried out by making the substrate holder rotate and making a sputter cathode unit comprising at least one sputtering cathode moves along an arc over the rotating substrate held on the substrate holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040089535
    Abstract: A pulsed dc reactive magnetron sputter deposition apparatus and process enables large substrates to be coated with one ore more sputter cathodes having a size smaller than the substrate. The reactive sputtering is provided over a long throw distance between the sputter cathode and the substrate, and approximating a long mean free path. The substrate to be coated due to the low pressures enabled by the use of pulsed DC magnetrons. The low pressures, e.g. less than 1 mTorr, allows for a long throw distance which approximates the long the mean free path. And a pulsed dc power source provides sufficient energies to emit sputtered target particles across the long throw distance to the substrate substantially without collision, to produce optical coating with optics grade qualities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California.
    Inventors: Jesse Dennis Wolfe, Steven Rex Bryan
  • Publication number: 20040089536
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a physical vapor deposition chamber and a method for detecting a position of a shutter disk within a physical vapor deposition chamber. In one embodiment, a physical vapor deposition chamber includes a chamber body having a shutter disk mechanism disposed therein. A housing is sealingly coupled to a sidewall of the chamber body and communicates therewith through a slot formed through the sidewall. At least a first sensor is disposed adjacent to the housing and orientated to detect the presence of a shutter disk mechanism within the housing. In one embodiment, a method for detecting the position of a shutter disk within a physical vapor deposition chamber having a substrate support generally includes moving the shutter disk away from a substrate support, and changing a state of a first sensor in response to a position of an edge the shutter disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Feltsman, Allen Lau, Michael Rosenstein, Marc O. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20040089537
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an optically effective system of layers on a substrate, such as a lens for use in an optical device. A plasma supported sputter deposition process is employed which, for the purpose of reducing damage to the rear side (1b) first applies a protective layer (2) to the rear side and then applies a system of layers (3) on the front side (1a) of the substrate (1). The apparatus includes an evacuable sputter chamber and a substrate holder (5) with receiving elements (6) for the substrates, and the receiving elements are mounted to permit rotation about two mutually perpendicular axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Satis Vacuum Industries Vertriebs AG
    Inventor: Frank Breme
  • Publication number: 20040089538
    Abstract: A counter electrode for use in an electrochemical cell suitable for analysis of an electroplating composition, the counter electrode comprising a conductor; a sheath disposed about the conductor; an electrolyte disposed within the sheath; and an optionally porous element on the sheath, the porous element providing signal communication between the electrolyte and an analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert A. Binstead, Osnat Younes-Metzler, David A. Valeri, Robert D. Mikkola
  • Publication number: 20040089539
    Abstract: A method of protecting during the start-up procedure a cathode (1) of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminium where the cathode (1) is optionally coated with an aluminium-wettable refractory material (2) and on which cathode, in use, aluminium is produced. The start-up procedure comprises applying before preheating the cell one or more start-up layers (3) on the aluminium-wettable refractory coating (2). The start-up layer(s) form(s) a temporary protection (3) against damage of chemical and/or mechanical origin to the aluminium-wettable coating (2), this temporary protection (3) being in intimate contact with the aluminium-wettable coating (2) and being eliminated before or during the initial normal operation of the cell. The layers of the temporary protection (3) may be obtained from at least one pliable foil of aluminium having a thickness of less than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jainagesh Akkaraju Sekhar, Jean-Jacques Duruz, James Jenq Liu
  • Publication number: 20040089540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixed oxide material with a high electron conductivity of empirical formula ABOY, where y≠3 and where A comprises at least one metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Ca, Ba, La, Pr, Sr, Ce, Nb, Pb, Nd, Sm and Gd, and B comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mg, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Nb, Mo, W and Zr, where A and B cannot both be Nb and where the compound SrVO2.5 is excluded. The material may be a perovskite-type material, in which y=3−&dgr; and &dgr;≠0, with values for &dgr; in the range from approximately −0.2 to approximately, −0.05 or in the range from +0.05 to +0.7. The material may also be a Brown-Millerite-type material, for which y=2.5−&xgr; and &xgr; has a value in the range from approximately −0.2 to approximately −0.05 or in the range from +0.05 to approximately 0.3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Frederik Henddrik Van Heuveln, Lambertus Plomp, Gerard Douwe Elzinga
  • Publication number: 20040089541
    Abstract: A sputtering apparatus comprises a chamber in which at least one object to be deposited by a film is movably provided; a plural sets of cathodes are arranged in the chamber, each set consisting of two cathodes positioned side by side and having an opposite polarity; and a plurality of AC cathode power supplies each connected to corresponding one set of cathodes for generating alternating voltages, frequencies and phases thereof are synchronized so that discharges by means of respective sets of cathodes do not interfere to each other when the alternating voltages are supplied to the cathodes to cause discharges at the same time. To the plural sets of cathodes are supplied alternating voltages whose frequencies and phases are synchronized respectively from the plurality of AC cathode power supplies. Therefore, a discharge is not unstably fluctuated when the plural sets of cathodes generate discharges at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Matsumoto, Etsuo Ogino, Norimasa Ishii
  • Publication number: 20040089542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a coating on a sputter chamber workpiece. The apparatus generally includes a sputter chamber having at least one workpiece. The at least one workpiece generally includes one or more trenches formed therein, the trenches being configured to define an arc spray coating region. The method generally includes forming one or more trenches in the workpiece, the trenches defining a coating region and applying a metal coating to the coating region by arc spraying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Materials,Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Barry Liu, Chien-Shiung Tzou, James Tsung
  • Publication number: 20040089543
    Abstract: The invention includes PVD targets having non-sputtered regions (such as, for example, sidewalls), and particle-trapping features formed along the non-sputtered regions. In particular aspects, the particle-trapping features can comprise a pattern of bent projections forming receptacles, and can comprise microstructures on the bent projections. The targets can be part of target/backing plate constructions, or can be monolithic. The invention also includes methods of forming particle-trapping features along sidewalls of a sputtering target or along sidewalls of a target/backing plate construction. The features can be formed by initially forming a pattern of projections along a sidewall. The projections can be bent and subsequently exposed to particles to form microstructures on the bent projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jaeyeon Kim
  • Publication number: 20040089544
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor for controlling a concentration of oxygen and/or measuring NOx by allowing a current to flow through an ion-conductive member for conducting oxygen ion, by the aid of a current supply circuit, wherein the current, which is outputted from the current supply circuit, has a pulse waveform (current signal) having a constant crest value, and the current supply circuit comprises a rectangular wave-generating circuit for controlling a frequency of the current signal on the basis of an electromotive force generated in the ion-conductive member to which the current signal is supplied. Accordingly, it is possible to highly accurately measure the predetermined gas component while scarcely being affected by the electric noise or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Yasuhiko Hamada, Nobuyuki Kokune
  • Publication number: 20040089545
    Abstract: A gas concentration measuring apparatus for use in air-fuel ratio control of motor vehicle engines is provided which includes a laminated sensor element and a sensor circuit. The sensor circuit includes a current-measuring resistor, at least one amplifier, and A/D converters. The current-measuring resistor functions to measure a current signal flowing through the sensor element produced upon application of the voltage to the sensor element. The amplifier works to amplify the current signal to output it to one of the A/D converters to determine the concentration of the air-fuel ratio within one of a plurality of measurement ranges defined within the wide gas concentration measuring range. The amplification of the current signal results in expansion of the level of the input to the A/D converter, thus enhancing the resolution in determining the air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoo Kawase, Eiichi Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20040089546
    Abstract: The present teachings provide a microfluidic apparatus comprising a body defining at least one channel that extends through said body, the channel including an inlet and an outlet; and an electrode positioned in proximity to the body and configured to provide an electrical field near the outlet of the channel to at least partially confine an eluted sample component passing from the channel. The present teachings also provide an electrophoresis system, comprising a microfluidic chip defining a plurality of channels passing therethrough, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a first electrode in electrical communication with the inlet of each of the channels; a second electrode in electrical communication with the outlet of each of the channels; and a third electrode in electrical communication with the outlet of each of the channels, wherein the third electrode is positioned to provide an electrical field to at least partially confine an eluted sample component passing from any of the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Dar Bahatt, Reid Kowallis
  • Publication number: 20040089547
    Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a base member, a separating channel, and a sample quantity control channel branching from the separating channel. The separating channel has one end projecting from the base member, and the one end forms a sample introduction portion. The other end of the separating channel and a forward end of the sample quantity control channel have opening and closing mechanisms, respectively. A capacity of the sample quantity control channel corresponds to a sample quantity to be injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shin Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040089548
    Abstract: Multiphasic microfluidic apparatus for performing product fluid manipulation and separation in a single continuous unit are provided. Related methods, kits, and compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Tammy Burd Mehta, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
  • Publication number: 20040089549
    Abstract: Use of water-insoluble organic nitrites and/or nitrates as additives for electrodeposition coating compositions, and process for the production of an electrodeposition lacquer with improved adhesion for subsequent coats in which one or more water-insoluble organic nitrites and/or nitrates is added to the electrodeposition coating composition and the coating film obtained by electrodeposition is stoved in an indirectly heated circulating air oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Norbert David, Klausjorg Klein, Walter Kuhhibi
  • Publication number: 20040089550
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an alkali silicate aqueous solution having intermediate characteristics between water glass and colloidal silica and having a high molar ratio (SiO2/(A2O+B) )(A: alkali metal, B: NH3), a high silicon content and a high anionic activity. The alkali silicate aqueous solution according to the invention has the properties: (A) the molar ratio of silicon to an alkali (SiO2/ (A2O+B) is in the range of 4 to 30, and (B) the silicon concentration in terms of an oxide (SiO2 concentration) is in the range of 6.8 to 30 % by weight. The process for preparing an alkali silicate aqueous solution according to the invention comprises dealkalizing a starting alkali silicate aqueous solution by means of an electro-dialysis device, and then optionally concentrating the dealkalized solution by a reverse osmosis membrane method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Kouji Miyabara
  • Publication number: 20040089551
    Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method for purifying a fluid. A fluid, such as water, can be purified by removing weakly ionizable species from the fluid. Weakly ionizable species may be dissociated at different pH levels to facilitate removal from the fluid in an electrodeionization device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: UNITED STATES FILTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Li-Shiang Liang, Anil Jha, John Arba, Stephane Dupont
  • Publication number: 20040089552
    Abstract: In an anodization apparatus and an anodization method for electrochemically treating a target substrate by irradiating the target substrate with light, treatment of a large target substrate can be made possible with smaller constituent elements. The electrical contact with the target substrate by a contact member is realized by a plurality of contact members or by the movement of a contact member to change the electrical contact position. The target substrate is manufactured in advance so as to have such a structure that portions thereof to be in contact with the plural contact members are connected to portions of a conductive layer on a treatment part thereof respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Yasushi Yagi, Kazutsugu Aoki, Mitsuru Ushijima
  • Publication number: 20040089553
    Abstract: A method for supplying zinc ions to an alkaline zinc plating bath, wherein a source of zinc ions and a zinc dissolution accelerating metal are put in the same vessel and brought into direct contact with each other or put in different vessels and connected via an electric conductor, and the source of zinc ions and the zinc dissolution accelerating metal are moved in the vessel(s) in a plating solution by shaking, vibrating or rotating the vessel(s) in order to accelerate zinc dissolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Osamu Sekiguchi, Shigetaka Usui
  • Publication number: 20040089554
    Abstract: A tank is utilized for containing a plating solution. A rotatable support assembly rotatably supports a combustion chamber component relative to the tank for providing partial immersion of the combustion chamber component within the plating solution. An anode is positioned within the tank proximate a surface of the combustion chamber component to be electroplated. A current source is connected to the anode and in electrical contact with the combustion chamber component. When the combustion chamber component is rotated, the submerged portions are deposited with metal from the plating solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Chad M. Schepel, Jeffry A. Fint, Steve J. Evans, Cecil E. Flowers
  • Publication number: 20040089555
    Abstract: A plating apparatus continuously plates a surface of a substrate with metal and performs its supplementary process in one housing unit. The plating apparatus comprises a cassette stage for placing a substrate cassette thereon, a pre-treatment unit for pre-treating a surface of a substrate, and a plating unit for plating a surface of the substrate pre-treated in the pre-treatment unit. The plating apparatus further comprises a first substrate stage disposed between the cassette stage and the pre-treatment unit, a cleaning and drying unit disposed between the cassette stage and the first substrate stage, a first transfer device, and a second transfer device. The first transfer device transfers a substrate between the substrate cassette, the cleaning and drying unit, and the first substrate stage. The second transfer device transfers a substrate between the first substrate stage, the pre-treatment unit, and the plating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Satoshi Sendai, Kenya Tomioka, Katsumi Tsuda, Naomitsu Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20040089556
    Abstract: In the low-lead-content plating process of the present invention, tens to hundreds ppms of lead, thallium and iron ions, which are much lower than the international “non-lead” standard, are added into a pure tin plating liquid to change the crystal phase orientation during infrared-ray reflow, thereby reducing the melting point of the plated layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Philip Chung-Hwei Chen
  • Publication number: 20040089557
    Abstract: A process for electrolytic copper plating, that is suitable for the formation of filled vias without compromising the brightness of the deposit is provided. In this process, copper electroplating is carried out in the presence of a transition metal oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Hideki Tsuchida, Masaru Kusaka, Shinjiro Hayashi, Satoru Tsukagoshi
  • Publication number: 20040089558
    Abstract: Ceramic inert anodes useful for the electrolytic production of aluminum are disclosed. The inert anodes comprise oxides of Ni, Fe and Al. The Ni—Fe—Al oxide inert anode materials have sufficient electrical conductivity at operation temperatures of aluminum production cells, and also possess good mechanical stability. The Ni—Fe—Al oxide inert anodes may be used to produce commercial purity aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, Joseph M. Dynys, Robert A. DiMilia, Siba P. Ray, Xinghua Liu, Frankie E. Phelps
  • Publication number: 20040089559
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and coated with a semiconductive coating, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process at least one stored or measured parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: APPLIED SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami
  • Publication number: 20040089560
    Abstract: A container that consists of a looped component for linking up to various types of key holder components, compartments to insert toothbrush and toothpaste bottle, and an enclosing cover to these compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Masakazu Sueda
  • Publication number: 20040089561
    Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Craig Steven Herman
  • Publication number: 20040089562
    Abstract: A compact case for repositionable notes includes a thin, rectangularly-shaped base in which is formed a shallow well for holding a stack of repositionable note sheets, and a similarly shaped lid which is fastened by an integral hinge to a rear edge of the base. The lid has formed in the lower surface thereof a shallow depression which serves as a “parking” area for posting notes containing writing. The lid is releasably securable to the base to enclose the interior space composed of the lid depression and base well by a releasably lockable fastener consisting of a wedge-shaped locking tab which protrudes diagonally outwards from a corner of the front lower edge of the lid, which is snappingly engageable within a diagonally inwardly facing, obliquely disposed slot formed in a flexible button which protrudes diagonally outwards from a front corner of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Steven C. Book
  • Publication number: 20040089563
    Abstract: A container assembly system for storing multiple components of a formulation in separate individually sealed assembly units or containers that can be assembled into a single multi-compartment container. The components of a formulation may be stored in each of the individually sealed assembly units while the assembly units remain sealed and then assembled into a multi-compartment container. The seals sealing each of the assembly units can then be unsealed so that the components can be mixed into a formulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Igal Sharon, Yohanan Maggeni
  • Publication number: 20040089564
    Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a non-magnetic support; at least one lower magnetic layer containing magnetic powder and a binder resin, which is formed on one side of the non-magnetic support with or without a non-magnetic primer layer interposed between the non-magnetic support and the lower magnetic layer; at least one non-magnetic intermediate layer containing non-magnetic powder and a binder resin, which is formed on the lower magnetic layer; at least one upper magnetic layer containing magnetic powder and a binder resin, which is formed on the non-magnetic intermediate layer; and a back layer which is formed on the other side of the non-magnetic support, characterized in that the magnetic powder contained in the uppermost magnetic layer of the upper magnetic layer is iron type magnetic powder which comprises substantially spherical or ellipsoidal particles with a number-average particle diameter of 5 to 50 nm and an average axial ratio of 1 to 2, each of said particles containing iron or containi
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Sadamu Kuse, Tsugihiro Doi, Tetsutaro Inoue, Mikio Kishimoto, Yuji Sasaki, Hideaki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040089565
    Abstract: A media disk storage case comprising a wallet having a base panel and a cover panel hingeably engaged to the base panel to be movable thereto from a closed condition wherein the panels are overlying to an open condition wherein the panels are outward lying of each other. The base panel has a mounting member which includes a rosette. The mounting member is engaged to a first major surfaces of the base panel by at least one mechanical fastening means secured to the mounting member and to the one of the first or second panels, so that when in the overlying condition the media storage disk on the rosette is captured between the base panel and the cover panel and the planes of the first major surfaces of the base panel and the cover panel are substantially parallel to the plane of the media storage disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chung Fai Cheung
  • Publication number: 20040089566
    Abstract: A compact disk holder is disclosed, including lips that releasably engage the center hole of a compact disk. A compact disk is placed on top of the holder. When the lips are pushed through the central hole of a compact disk from behind the holder, the compact disk is positioned to the top of the holder. The holder may be constructed with flexible material such as paper or plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Avetis Iskanian, Aleksan Simonyan
  • Publication number: 20040089567
    Abstract: The invention relates to an enclosure for an optical disc, in particular, a CD enclosure comprising a case (20), which is closed on all sides with the exception of one opening (26) that extends over a narrow side. The inventive enclosure also comprise a drawer (22), which can be slide inside the case (20) and removed therefrom. Said drawer has front (38), which occludes the opening (26) when the drawer (22) is closed. The drawer also has an essentially flat plate (36) which forms a supporting surface for a CD (62), out of which a holding element (72) for the CD (62) projects. Behind the front (38), a longish pocket (50) is formed between the front (38) and the plate (36). Said pocket extends over almost the entire length of the front (38) and can be accessed from the undersurface of the plate (36). The front (38) is made of an optically transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Nacken
  • Publication number: 20040089568
    Abstract: The invention includes a disk holder made of a single piece of foldable material folded to form a disk receiving sleeve. The disk holder also has an integrated disk protection structure included in the disk receiving sleeve, where the integrated disk protecting structure is also formed from the single piece of foldable material. As a result, a disk holder formed without adhesives that also includes an integrated disk protection structure is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Brian S. Bagdonas
  • Publication number: 20040089569
    Abstract: A golf bag including an elongated body for receiving golf clubs and a top end member through which golf clubs are inserted into and removed from said elongated body, the golf bag being characterised by a tilting plane and a tilting direction along which said elongated body is generally tilted when the golf bag is being supported on its supporting stand or when said golf bag is being shoulder-carried in the ordinary course of usage, the top end member includes partitioning means and a collar portion surrounding said partitioning means, the partitioning means include a plurality of catch portions which are formed by a corresponding plurality of bifurcated catch members, said bifurcated catch member includes a first branch member and a second branch member which are convergent towards each other and form the catch portion between the convergent ends of said first branch member and the second branch member, said catch portions of the plurality of catch members being disposed so that, when said golf bag is being t
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: I-Teh Chang
  • Publication number: 20040089570
    Abstract: A housing of a handheld electronic device includes a front and a rear shell, a bottom cover, a cover body, and a battery cover. A bearing portion and a battery receiving room are formed above and below the backside of the rear shell. A waterproof structure comprises a main body gasket, a cover body gasket, and a battery cover gasket. The top and bottom ends of the main body gasket are connected to a top gasket and a bottom cover gasket. The main body gasket and the top gasket are embedded at the adjoining profile and the topside between the front and rear shells. The bottom cover gasket is embedded between the bottom side of the housing and the bottom cover. The cover body gasket is embedded between the cover body and the bearing portion. The battery cover gasket is embedded between the battery receiving room and the battery cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Shen Yuan Chien, Ming Che Chan