Patents Issued in June 24, 2004
-
Publication number: 20040118638Abstract: A method of dynamically damping an electric motor (12) that is controlled by an H-bridge driver (16) by interdigitating power pulses with braking pulses by switching from a power switch mode to a shorting circuit mode with switches (22 and 26) closed that brakes the electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Dany Paul Delaporte
-
Publication number: 20040118639Abstract: A method for intelligent control is disclosed including exchange of historical parameters of events for operating a system and operating a hoist where an electric motor, preferably a DC-motor, is used for lifting and lowering a lifting belt. It can take place at different speeds by registering amperage through the motor and to perform a switching between fast and slow speed when a given current level is reached. The change in hoisting/lowering speed is achieved when a control unit changes the voltage supplied by the battery unit to the DC-motor or changes the frequency of power supply to an AC-motor. The method makes it possible to control the system and to optimize the hoisting/lowering speed for the lifting belt depending on the load thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Michael Skovgaard, Frank Rose
-
Publication number: 20040118640Abstract: A wheeled walker convertible to a transport chair. The walker has a strap-type backrest that is pivotally attached to the upper end of the handlebars. The backrest can be placed in a forward position when the apparatus is used as a walker and the user wishes to rest in a rearward facing sitting position and in a rearward position when the apparatus is used as a transport chair and the user sits in a forward facing position and is propelled by a care-giver. A novel braking system locates the brake actuating linkage inside the leg and handlebar members and provides accommodates extension height adjustment of the handlebars. A brake lever system providing a linear pull non-cable brake actuation is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Bjarki Hallgrimsson
-
Publication number: 20040118641Abstract: A brake/clutch master cylinder for a motorcycle/bicycle or the like, with a body which is produced by moulding of plastics material reinforced by glass fibre without the need for machining operations or metal inserts and which forms, together with the cylindrical shell of the master cylinder, a hydraulic-fluid reservoir, a coupling sleeve for a male quick-fit hydraulic connector, and a seat for fixing to a handlebar, the body having a high degree of structural stiffness with respect to working stresses and adequate resilience for impact stresses imparted to the body by means of the hand operating lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Michael Huster, Andrea Stuhler, Roberto Bonfanti
-
Publication number: 20040118642Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a disc brake (1) for land vehicles having a brake disc (2) rotating with a wheel axle (3). A brake caliper (4) is mounted in a movable manner in a nonrotating wheel-axle housing that is arranged about said wheel axle (3). The two brake linings (5), one on each side of the brake disc (2), are configured in such a way that, when acted upon by an activating mechanism (8), they are caused to bear against the sides (9) of the brake disc (2) for transmitting a braking torque to the wheel axle (3). The brake caliper (4) includes two brake-lining holders (10, 11) which are axially displaceable relative to one another and relative to the wheel-axle housing (3). The brake-lining holders (10, 11) each have at least one actuation surface (12, 13, 14, 15)for engagement with the activating mechanism (8), as a result of which the brake-lining holders (10, 11) are displaced toward each other upon activation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2004Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Johan HULTEN, Ingemar DAGH
-
Publication number: 20040118643Abstract: A wheel brake assembly, includes a housing adapted for detachably mounting on an end of an axle of a vehicle, a hub mounted on the housing and adapted for mounting a wheel for rotation, a brake disc having an inner diameter and an outer diameter adapted for mounting at its outer diameter on and rotating with the wheel, and at least a stationary component of the brake assembly mounted on the housing and comprising a caliper unit encompassing the disc at the inner diameter and having an actuator for moving brake pads into engagement with opposing surfaces of the disc.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Benjamin V. Booher
-
Publication number: 20040118644Abstract: A braking band with a remarkable capacity for improved cooling, for use in disk-brake disks, comprises two plates coaxial with an axis, facing one another, and spaced apart to form a space in which an air-flow takes place from the axis towards the outer side of the band, the plates having facing surfaces from which pillar-like elements extend, transversely, to connect the plates, the pillar-like elements being distributed in circular rings or rows concentric with the plates so as to be distributed uniformly in the space, those pillar-like elements which are disposed in inside rows of the braking band having rhombic cross-sections. Radial ends of the cross-sections of adjacent rows are substantially aligned on a common circle, and the pillar-like elements of each row have substantially the same radial extent in the said cross-section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Leone Oberti, Lorenzo Cavagna, Giuseppe Meroni
-
Publication number: 20040118645Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub and an annular spring plate fixed to the hub. A friction disc assembly is mounted concentric with an axis of rotation of the hub and is rotatably relative to the spring plate. A plurality of drive springs are operably disposed between the spring plate and the friction disc assembly. The friction disc assembly further includes a reinforcing plate and a substantially annular disc fixed to the reinforcing plate. A friction material button is fixed to the substantially annular disc. The friction material button has a friction material cookie and a backer plate. The backer plate is fixed to the friction material cookie. The backer plate is substantially the same size and shape as the friction material cookie. A laser weld bead joins the substantially annular disc and the backer plate, in turn fixing the friction material button to the substantially annular disc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Michael L. Killian, Daniel V. Gochenour
-
Publication number: 20040118646Abstract: The invention provides a magnetorheological damper assembly and piston. The assembly includes a housing with a fluid carried therein, a piston slidably carried in the housing, a rod and a valve both operably attached to the piston. The piston includes at least one passageway formed therein. The valve includes at least one bypass opening formed therein and at least one variable opening formed between a piston surface and the valve. The valve provides asymmetric fluid flow through the passageway. During operation, the variable opening selectively restricts fluid flow and the bypass opening maintains fluid flow through the passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INCInventor: Saiman Lun
-
Publication number: 20040118647Abstract: A telescoping column includes a first tube and a second tube arranged in telescoping fashion. A locking structure is disposed between a surface formed on the first tube and a ramp disposed on the second tube. The locking structure contacts the ramp at a first elongated area of contact, and the locking structure contacts the surface at a second elongated area of contact. Relative movement of the first and second tubes in response to an impact force applied to one of the first and second tubes causes the locking structure to become wedged between the ramp and the surface, and at least a portion of the impact force between the first and second tubes is transmitted through the first and second elongated areas of contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Jenne-Tai Wang, Gary Lee Jones
-
Publication number: 20040118648Abstract: in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a high pressure chamber containing a gas cushion acting as a spring, and a working cylinder which is filled with damping medium under pressure of the gas cushion. A working piston carried by a hollow piston rod divides the working cylinder into two working spaces, wherein one of the working spaces is connected to the high pressure chamber to drive the piston under the pressure of the gas cushion, the piston having at least one non-return valve which permits flow from the one working space to the other working space.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: ZF Sachs AGInventor: Hubert Beck
-
Publication number: 20040118649Abstract: A luggage structure is disclosed to include a hard plastic body internally decorated with a curtain, a metal reinforcing inner frame and a metal reinforcing outer frame respectively fastened to inner and outer diameters of the hard plastic body, a flexible supplementary frame attached to the topmost edge of the hard plastic body and riveted to the metal reinforcing inner frame, a fabric cover fastened to the flexible supplementary frame and adapted to close/open the luggage, and a fabric shell riveted to the metal reinforcing outer frame and covered over the flexible supplementary frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Allen Lai
-
Publication number: 20040118650Abstract: A multi-compartment storage device includes a base portion and a lid for storing various items, such as photographs, recorded media, memorabilia and the like. The storage device includes at least three storage sections for holding various items. The first storage section is disposed at a base of the device. A second storage section stores hanging items. The second storage section includes at least one support member for suspending the hanging items. A third storage section is disposed above the second storage section, and is designed to store other types of materials, such as recorded media and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Denise M. Houseberg
-
Publication number: 20040118651Abstract: A coaxial wire storage wheel devise includes a wire storage turning wheel having an uniform diameter, a center hole jointed to a uni-axial portion, and a wheel plane distinguished into left and right wheel planes; a spiral spring having a bottom end thereof connected to the axial portion and an outer end thereof connected to the wheel plane of the wire storage turning wheel; a communication wire fastened at the wheel plane to form upper and lower wires; and a right wall body having an inner wall plane fixed to the axial portion inserted through a left wall body, and a wire storage groove formed at the left and right wheel planes. The wire storage groove is for winding and storing the upper and lower wires, thereby releasing the upper wire at the turning wheel with equal length and distance as those of the lower wire being simultaneously released.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Jose Wei
-
Publication number: 20040118652Abstract: A strategy for overcoming a tooth butt condition includes changing a target closed clutch position over time. When a tooth butt condition exists, a controller selectively closes a clutch to provide limited engagement between the engine and the transmission. A first target closed clutch position is used on the first attempt. If the tooth butt condition is not resolved, the controller then changes the target closed clutch position to provide a different level of engagement between the engine and the transmission. This process is repeated until the tooth butt condition is resolved, a preselected period of time expires, a maximum number of attempts has been completed or the maximum desirable closed clutch position has been used.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Ronald P. Muetzel, Robert A. Sayman, James H. Devore
-
Publication number: 20040118653Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch 1 is disclosed having a magnetic flux loop 31 formed, in magnetic flux loop forming members 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 involving an electromagnet 5 and an armature 13, by the electromagnet 5 to allow the armature 13 to be operatively shifted to couple and uncouple a clutch 11, and a proximate member, close proximate to the members 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, includes magnetic flux leakage minimizing sections 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 that minimize magnetic fluxes leaked from the armature 13 to the proximate member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: TOCHIGI FUJI SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomiaki Ochiai, Takeshi Hoshinoya
-
Publication number: 20040118654Abstract: A positive locking overrunning clutch mechanism comprising an inner clutch member, an outer clutch member, and a locking mechanism. The clutch members are adapted to rotate about a clutch axis. The locking mechanism has a plurality of lock portions adapted to transfer torque load from the inner clutch member to the outer clutch member. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock portions simultaneously engage the inner and outer clutch members in a manner to cause the outer clutch member to rotate with the inner clutch member upon rotation of the inner clutch member about the clutch axis in a first rotational direction. In the unlocked position, the lock portions are positioned relative to the inner and outer clutch members in a manner to permit rotation of the outer clutch member relative to the inner clutch member in the first rotational direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Mark Joseph Robuck
-
Publication number: 20040118655Abstract: A torque transmission arrangement includes a torsional-vibration damper arrangement having a primary side for fixing to a drive member and a secondary side rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) with respect to the primary side counter to the action of a damper element arrangement. A double clutch arrangement is coupled to the secondary side of the torsional-vibration damper arrangement and has a first clutch region for selective torque transmission coupling to a first output member and a second clutch region for selective torque transmission coupling to a second output member. A selectively activatable rotary-state influencing arrangement can limit the rotational movement of the secondary side with respect to the primary side and/or to a subassembly essentially nonrotatable about the axis of rotation (A).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: ZF Sachs AGInventors: Thomas Dogel, Igor Kister, Reinhard Feldhaus
-
Publication number: 20040118656Abstract: The invention provides a magnet type clutch device or a magnet type fan clutch device able to arbitrarily change the rotation speed of a fan by switching and controlling the directions of magnetic fluxes of a permanent magnet and an electromagnetic clutch. The magnet type clutch device or the magnet type fan clutch device constructed by integrating the electromagnetic clutch and a magnet coupling using the permanent magnet is characterized in that a magnetic loop element is assembled into a permanent magnet rotating body and the rotation speed of the fan, etc. can be changed by switching and controlling the magnetic flux direction of the electromagnetic clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha LimitedInventors: Hiroshi Inoue, Ken Shiozaki
-
Publication number: 20040118657Abstract: A variable pressure document infeed transport provides a first driving pressure on a document being transported in a first direction along a document transport path of a self-service terminal, and provides a second driving pressure which is greater than the first transporting on a document being transported in a second direction which is opposite the first direction along the document transport path of the self-service terminal. The first driving pressure means may be provided by a first plurality of idlers centered along the document transport path, and the second driving pressure means may be provided by a second plurality of idlers off-centered along the document transport path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: NCR CorporationInventors: Fredrik L.N. Kallin, Owen H. Wilson
-
Publication number: 20040118658Abstract: A multiple-pass item processing system has an image capture workstation for processing checks during a first pass of checks and an encoding and sorting workstation for processing checks during a second pass of checks. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag data including a unique RFID tag number is extracted from an RFID tag of a check transported along a check transport path of the image capture workstation during the first pass. The unique RFID tag number extracted during the first pass is stored in a memory. RFID tag data including a unique RFID tag number is extracted from an RFID tag of a check transported along a check transport path of the encoding and sorting workstation during the second pass. The unique RFID tag number extracted during the second pass is compared with RFID tag number store in the memory to determine if there is a match.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: NCR CorporationInventors: Susan H. Schott, James W.D. Fare, Kenneth G. De Souza, Sean Woodward
-
Publication number: 20040118659Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for operating a semiconductor factory. The factory comprises equipment (8) for processing semiconductor wafers, and an automated material handling system (12). The invention comprises clamping a wafer carrier (16) while a wafer is processed by a particular tool (10), continuing clamping the wafer carrier (16) after processing, and unclamping the wafer carrier (16) when the automated material handling system (12) is ready for removing the wafer carrier (16) from the tool (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Clinton Haris, Sven Hahn, Karli Hantzschmann, Andreas Wintergerst, Thomas Bauer, Dieter Schneider, Guy Davis, Martin Peiter
-
Publication number: 20040118660Abstract: Rotating conveyor for the evacuation of metallic shavings resulting from mechanical work processes comprising a collection container in which is able to rotate a motorised bucket above whose bottom wall is positioned the lower end of an evacuation conduit connected to an aspiration unit, for instance pneumatic. A stationary conveying member extends between the vertical axis of rotation of the bucket and the lower end of the evacuation conduit to convey the shavings below it.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: GI.PI.SRLInventor: Alfonso Galletti
-
Publication number: 20040118661Abstract: A multipressure plenum system for supporting a conveyor belt of a gas supported belt conveyor and method of operation. The multipressure plenum system includes a multipressure plenum having a support surface including a plurality of apertures and a chamber in fluid communication with the apertures. The chamber of the plenum is in selective fluid communication with a first source of gas at a first pressure, and is in selective fluid communication with a second source of gas at a second pressure. Gas from the first source of gas at the first pressure flows through the apertures in the plenum to form a gas cushion which supports the conveyor belt above the plenum. Gas from the second source of gas at the second pressure selectively flows through the apertures in the plenum to provide additional support to the conveyor belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: R. Todd Swinderman, Gary D. Swearingen, James A. Hicks, Paul Grisley
-
Publication number: 20040118662Abstract: The present invention provides a curved conveyor which can avoid an excessive load intensively effecting the curved belt by applying a driving force from the outer circumferential portion of the curved belt for a conveying drive and thus can be improved in durability, and a conveyor which can be reduced in the number of components and thus can lower manufacturing costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Startechno Co. Ltd.Inventor: Yousuke Shiotani
-
Publication number: 20040118663Abstract: A conveyor side rail consisting of a rack and pinion assembly; a first side rail section having lateral sides, having a longitudinal end, and having a hollow space between the lateral sides, the rack and pinion assembly being housed within the hollow space, the hollow space opening laterally for application of torque for pinion rotation, the hollow space further opening longitudinally for alternate rack extension and retraction; a second side rail section having a longitudinal end; a telescoping slide channel and slide ridge assembly interconnecting the first and second side rail sections, the slide channel and slide ridge assembly aligning the first and second side rail sections so that the hollow space's longitudinal opening faces the second side rail section's longitudinal end; and a releasable lock further interconnecting the first and second side rail sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: BUNTING MAGNETICS CO.Inventors: Thomas J. Gaeddert, Paul Svoboda
-
Publication number: 20040118664Abstract: A multifunction switch is used to scroll through a set of system modes, such as ambient temperature and radio volume. The switch can also be used to choose a particular system mode from the set of system modes. The same switch can then be used to adjust a parameter associated with the system mode, for example, adjusting the volume level (parameter) of the radio volume (system mode). The multifunction switch includes a switch body for actuating the switch. The switch also includes a display portion for displaying system mode information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Todd L. DePue, Christopher D. Spielman
-
Publication number: 20040118665Abstract: In a keyboard including a plurality of keys, each key has a key top, a guiding structure that includes linking units pivotally movable in response to vertical motion of the key top, an elastic member to be pressed down by the vertical motion of the key top, and a contact which is operatively associated with the vertical motion of the key top. The guiding structure includes a common unit which is shared with all the other keys.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Ito
-
Publication number: 20040118666Abstract: The switch of the present invention is designed to detect the position of a latch (e.g., a fork bolt or ratchet) in a vehicle. Specifically, a switch is described and claimed which emits a signal indicative of the position of a latch mechanism. In a further aspect of the invention, the switch is in direct engagement with the associated latch (or portion thereof). In a further feature of the present invention, a switch is described and claimed wherein a switch is adapted to emit a signal that provides diagnostic information of the switch and/or the latch to which the switch is associated. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a switch that in most circumstances will, in the event of a failure of a switch but not of the latching mechanism, emit a signal indicative of this switch failure thus preventing potentially significant repercussions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Chris E. McCaig, Glen N. McNeill
-
Publication number: 20040118667Abstract: A switch interlock apparatus for use with switch panels that have pairs of functionally related switches, in which the handles for the switches are mounted in tandem and aligned with their pivot axes parallel to and spaced apart from one another, in which one of the switches must be flipped, before the other switch can be flipped. The switch interlock apparatus mechanically connects the handles of two functionally related switches so that as one switch moves from an “OFF” to an “ON” position, the interlock constrains the handle of the related paired switch to move from “ON” to “OFF” first. In a preferred embodiment, the switch interlock apparatus incorporates a monolithically formed interlock member that can be directly mounted to a switch panel without intermediate assembly steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Paul Schnackenberg
-
Publication number: 20040118668Abstract: A neutral pole for a multipole circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a housing, a plurality of contact arms for opening and closing an electrical circuit, and an operating mechanism for driving the contact arms. The neutral pole includes a neutral housing, a conduction path within the neutral housing having a neutral arm arranged to open and close the conduction path, a bias spring configured to exert a first bias moment on the neutral arm when the conduction path is closed, a spring support configured to support the bias spring, a rotor pivotally arranged within the neutral housing and configured to displace the neutral arm and to open the conduction path, and a drive pin configured to couple the rotor to the multipole circuit breaker. The spring support is fixedly arranged at the neutral housing. The rotor is responsive to the opening and closing action of the operating mechanism of the multipole circuit breaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Michael Tobin, Girish Hassan, Michael Ronzello, Ramakrishna Kalagotla
-
Publication number: 20040118669Abstract: A gaming machine illuminated push-button switch includes a body for mounting to the gaming machine. A switch is mounted to the body. A push-button is movably supported by the body. An actuator is configured to actuate the switch in response to movement of the push-button. The body is configured to accept a lamp and provide power to inputs of the lamp. The lamp includes a light emitting element and a polarity matching module. When power is applied to the inputs of the lamp, the light emitting element illuminates part of the switch. In one embodiment, the light emitting element is a light emitting diode and the polarity matching module comprises a diode bridge. In one embodiment, diodes of the bridge are associated with a circuit board which is located in a housing of the lamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Oliver C. Mou
-
Publication number: 20040118670Abstract: A rotation key device for a portable terminal which includes a rotation key configured to rotate in forward and reverse directions. The rotation key device comprises a base plate, which is attached, at a lower surface thereof, to an upper surface of a first printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in a body of the portable terminal. A second PCB is attached to the upper surface of the base plate and is provided with a plurality of contact surfaces. A ring-shaped washer is attached to the upper surface of the second PCB, a rotation key is attached to the upper surface of the ring-shaped washer so that it can rotate in forward and reverse directions by a force applied thereto, a contact plate is provided in the rotation key, with a plurality of contact terminals, and a fixed button is coupled with the center of the rotation key so that the rotation key is rotatable.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Sung-Sun Park, Yong-Woo Jeon
-
Publication number: 20040118671Abstract: A simultaneous system for the distillation and elevation of water on top of the water table itself, which drastically reduces the effects of scaling and corrosion, which, driven by thermo solar energy in an autonomous operation allows for the transportation and generation of electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Victor Miguel Hernandez Burgos
-
Publication number: 20040118672Abstract: Toluene diisocyanate is recovered from a crude distillation feed comprising less than 2% by weight of phosgene byType: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Marcus Paul Grun, Bill Brady, Berthold Keggenhoff, Kai Verkerk, Hans-Peter Schal
-
Publication number: 20040118673Abstract: The present invention relates to “a microwave induced process for the preparation of 4-vinylphenols or its derivatives” in which commercially important FEMA GRAS approved perfumery and flavouring vinylphenols (i.e. hydroxystyrenes) namely 4-vinylguaiacol (FEMA GRAS No. 2675) and 4-vinylphenol (FEMA GRAS No. 3739) as well as other useful vinylphenols such as 2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinylphenol, 2-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol, 3-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol etc. by condensation of malonic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylaldehydes or its derivatives.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Council of Scientific & Industrial ResearchInventors: Arun Kumar Sinha, Bhupendra Prasad Joshi, Anuj Sharma
-
Publication number: 20040118674Abstract: There is provided an air cleaner which includes an air inlet, a first electromagnetic wave shield disposed adjacent to the air inlet, an electrical means for air induction, a second electromagnetic wave shield disposed adjacent to the air outlet, and a grounding means. The electrical means for air induction draws in air through the first electromagnetic wave shield and exhausts it towards the air outlet and through the second electromagnetic the wave shield. The grounding means discharges current induced in the first and second electromagnetic wave shields. There is also provided a method describing the operation of an embodiment of the air cleaner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Yong Hak Lee
-
Publication number: 20040118675Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a critical size for a diameter of an Al2O3 inclusion (38) in an Al or Al alloy sputter target (42) to prevent arcing during sputtering thereof. This method includes providing a sputtering apparatus having an argon plasma. The plasma has a plasma sheath of a known thickness during sputtering under a selected sputtering environment of an Al or Al alloy sputter target having an Al2O3 inclusion-free sputtering surface. When the thickness of the sheath is known for a selected sputtering environment, the critical size of an Al2O3 inclusion (38) can be determined based upon the thickness of the sheath. More specifically, the diameter of an Al2O3 inclusion (38) in an Al or Al alloy sputter target (42) must be less than the thickness of the plasma sheath during sputtering under the selected sputtering environment to inhibit arcing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Charles E Wickersham, John E Poole, Alexander Leybovich, Lin Zhu
-
Publication number: 20040118676Abstract: A plating apparatus for plating a substrate. The apparatus is provided with a plating unit, a substrate cleaning unit, a substrate transport mechanism, a post-treatment agent supplying section, a minor constituent managing section for managing minor constituents (an accelerator, a retarder and chlorine) of a plating liquid being used in the plating unit, an enclosure which houses therein a substrate treating section including the plating unit, the cleaning unit and the substrate transport mechanism, and a system controller for controlling the entire apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Mizohata, Takeshi Yane
-
Publication number: 20040118677Abstract: An electrolyzer for generating hydrogen by the electrolytic dissociation of water employs anode and cathode half-cells, separated by a planar polymer-based solid electrolyte, and includes a water reservoir for independently maintaining a desired level of water in the anode and cathode half-cells. A hydrogen exit chimney extends vertically upward from each cathode half-cell and enters a separation chamber; a gas exit passageway therefrom is closed by a separation membrane that allows the passage of H2 but rejects liquid H2O, while a return water passageway enters near the bottom of the cathode half-cell. The half-cells are preferably formed by molded plastic frames that are arranged as a cell stack containing a plurality of electrolytic cells, with flat metal anodes and cathodes being respectively sandwiched about the solid electrolyte membrane in each cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Holger H. Streckert, Linden P. Blue
-
Publication number: 20040118678Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetron sputtering system using a gas distribution system which also serves as a source of anodic charge to generate plasma field. The sputtering system is comprised of a vacuum chamber, a cathode target of sputterable material, a power source which supplies positive and negative charge, and a gas distribution system. The gas distribution system may comprise a simple perforated gas delivery member, or it may comprise a perforated gas delivery member with an attached conductive anodic surface. The gas delivery member may also contain an inner conduit with further perforations which serves to baffle flow of the sputtering gas. Gas flow may be regulated within discrete portions of the gas distribution system. The anodic surfaces of the gas distribution system are cleaned through the action of plasma and gas flow, creating a more stable plasma and reducing the need for maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Klaus Hartig
-
Publication number: 20040118679Abstract: A sputtering target is provided, including a target material and a backing plate that are bonded with a strong adhesion at a reduced cost. The method for bonding the target material and the backing plate does not use a special soldering material, and is therefore cheaper and more reliable. The target includes an inorganic target material and a backing plate that are bonded with a soldering material between them. At least one of the target material and the backing plate is coated with a coupling agent of a semi-metal oxide or a metal oxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Shigeru Taniguchi, Katsunori Iwasaki
-
Publication number: 20040118680Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode assembly that is capable of both solution measurement and in-line self-cleaning. Specifically, such electrode assembly comprises a central electrode and a measurement circuit for solution measurement, and an auxiliary electrode and an auxiliary current source for generating gas during intervals between solution measurement cycles, so as to remove any solid or liquid residues that may passivate the central electrode, thereby cleaning and rejuvenating the central electrode and preparing it for the next solution measurement cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Peter M. Robertson
-
Publication number: 20040118681Abstract: Biosensors are made by attaching covalently or non-covalently at least one reporter group to one or more specific positions of a bacterial periplasmic binding protein (bPBP). Upon binding of ligand to the biosensor, there is a change in the signal transduced by the reporter group.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Homme W. Hellinga, Loren L. Looger
-
Publication number: 20040118682Abstract: Techniques are provided for measuring chloride ion concentration in a medium. The techniques allow measurements to be made in dry or alkaline media, or both. For alkaline conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions under alkaline conditions. The film is deposited to be in contact with at least one electrode and the medium. For dry conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a conductive polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions. The film is in contact with the pair of electrodes, and is positioned for contact with the medium. An electrical conductivity of the film depends on an amount of chloride ions taken up by the film. Some techniques allow chloride ion measurements over years at sensors embedded in concrete. Such measurements allow the determination of the progress of rebar corrosion in concrete infrastructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: George M. Murray, Russell P. Cain, Bliss G. Carkhuff, Francis Weiskopf
-
Publication number: 20040118683Abstract: A gas sensor for SOx measurement including a substrate comprised of a solid electrolyte material, a sub electrode comprised of crystalline sulfate including silver sulfate formed on one surface of the substrate, a first electrode including silver formed on the sub electrode, a second electrode formed on the other surface of the substrate, and a gas pipe for introduction of measurement gas covering one surface of the substrate, a quartz pipe being used as the gas pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Misa Watanabe, Shigeaki Suganuma, Michio Horiuchi
-
Publication number: 20040118684Abstract: A method for performing an electrophoretic separation on a microfluidic device includes applying an electric field to electrokinetically move a sample along a channel towards a location. The sample may be concentrated by application of the electric field. The method further comprises optically monitoring the location for at least a portion of the sample. Once the sample is detected, the electric field is automatically changed to further manipulate the sample. The sample may be spatially separated along a separation channel or channel portion. The closed-loop control of electric fields may be performed using a control unit adapted to apply a voltage potential between electrodes and an optical detector such as an LIF detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Ann Wainright, Torleif Bjornson
-
Publication number: 20040118685Abstract: A method for electrophoretic separation in separation channels in which the temperature of the channel is repeatedly cycled during the course of the separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Lucie Minarikova
-
Publication number: 20040118686Abstract: A method of forming piezoelectric tubes. The method includes forming a suspension of ceramic particles in a fluid medium, positioning a rod in the fluid medium and then depositing particles on the rod using electrophoresis. The deposited layer is then heat treated to form a piezoelectric tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Jan Ma, Yin Chiang Boey
-
Publication number: 20040118687Abstract: The present invention provides an improved two-layer coating system. The present invention relates to a process for forming a cured gradient coating film, comprising the steps of: applying an aqueous electrodeposition coating composition comprising at least two resins and a curing agent, on an electrically conductive substrate, heating a electrodeposition coating film to form a layer separation, and then, curing the electrodeposition coating film to form a cured gradient coating film; wherein the resins include one resin component constituting a resin layer (a) in direct contact with air before applying top coating and other resin component constituting a resin layer (b) in direct contact with the electrically conductive substrate, and, wherein a solubility parameter (&dgr;a) of a resin component A and a solubility parameter (&dgr;b) of a resin component B have a specific relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Hisaichi Muramoto, Koji Izumiya