Patents Issued in August 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6777095
    Abstract: A flame retardant, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding gasket construction. The construction includes a resilient core member formed of a foamed elastomeric material, an electrically-conductive fabric member surrounding the outer surface of the core member, and a flame retardant layer coating at least a portion of the interior surface of the fabric member. The flame retardant layer is effective to afford the gasket construction with a flame class rating of V-0 under Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) Standard No. 94.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Bunyan, William I. Flanders
  • Patent number: 6777096
    Abstract: An aqueous dispersion that comprises: (A) a polyolefin terpolymer resin obtained from (a) an unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof, (b) an ethylenic hycrocarbon, and (c) a specific compound, the proportion of (a) being 0.01 to 5 wt %, excluding 5 wt %, and the ratio of (b) to (c) being from 55/45 to 99/1 (wt %); (B) a basic compound; and (C) an aqueous medium, that the polyolefin terpolymer resin (A) dispersed in the aqueous medium has a number-average particle diameter of 1 &mgr;m or smaller, and that the dispersion contains substantially no nonvolatile water-compatibilizing agent. Also provided are a coated film obtained by applying this aqueous dispersion to a thermoplastic resin and a coated metal material obtained by applying this aqueous dispersion to a metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Unitika Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjin Shiba, Shoji Okamoto, Hayami Onishi, Hiroshi Kajimaru
  • Patent number: 6777097
    Abstract: On a surface of a rare earth permanent magnet R—T—M—B wherein R is a rare earth element, T is Fe or Fe and Co, M is Ti, Nb, Al, V, Mn, Sn, Ca, Mg, Pb, Sb, Zn, Si, Zr, Cr, Ni, Cu, Ga, Mo, W or Ta, 5 wt %≦R≦40 wt %, 50 wt %≦90 wt %, 0 wt %≦M≦8 wt %, and 0.2 wt %≦B≦8 wt %, a solution comprising a flake fine powder of Al, Mg, Ca, Zn, Si, Mn or an alloy thereof and a silicone resin is applied and baked to form an adherent composite coating, thereby providing a corrosion resistant rare earth permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuji Hamada, Takehisa Minowa
  • Patent number: 6777098
    Abstract: A marking (3 to 5) is provided in a surface (8) of an element (1) which comprises a substrate (6) of aluminum or an alloy thereof and an anodized outer layer (7) in that a region (10) of the surface (8) is irradiated with a laser beam such that at least one visual property of the surface (8) in said region (10) is changed and a visual marking (3 to 5) is obtained which is observable to the human eye. The laser beam penetrates the anodized outer layer (7) at least to a major degree and induces the change in the at least one visual property substantially locally only in a zone (9) where the anodized outer layer (7) adjoins the substrate (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Keng Kit Yeo
  • Patent number: 6777099
    Abstract: Polyester films which comprise a stabilizer for inhibiting oxidative degradation, at least some of which has been covalently incorporated into the polymer chain of the polyester through polycondensation during formation of the polyester, have not only high resistance to oxidation but also very few surface defects and high stability during processing, and are suitable not only for use as a packaging material but for a wide variety of other technical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Polyester Film GmbH
    Inventors: Kazuo Tano, Ursula Murschall, Holger Kliesch
  • Patent number: 6777100
    Abstract: A surface protective film which can be easily peeled off from an adhesive resin layer it protects, is free of any component which may have an adverse effect on adhesion of the adhesive resin layer to an object to which it is bonded, and has no adverse effect on thickness uniformity or surface flatness of the adhesive resin layer, and a process for producing the same. More specifically, a surface protective film for protecting an adhesive resin layer, comprising a base film (A) coated, at least on one side, with a cellulose-based resin layer (B) having an SP value of 21.0 to 29.0(MPa)1/2, determined by the Fedors method, and process for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sumita, Masaya Omura
  • Patent number: 6777101
    Abstract: An image-receiving sheet for electrophotography is provided which is capable of forming an image having excellent gloss and image quality, wherein a polypropylene resin layer is formed in direct contact with both surfaces of a base paper and a toner image-receiving layer is formed on the surface of the surface-polypropylene layer. The polypropylene resin forming the polyproylene resin layers has a melt flow rate (MFR) of 18 to 50 and a density of at least 0.890. The image has an excellent gloss and a high quality and free from the blister formation and also from the easy peeling of the toner image-receiving layer even at a high fixing temperature. A polypropylene resin layer is formed on both surfaces of a base paper and the surface tension of the polypropylene resin layer on the toner image-receiving layer side is controlled at 48 dyne/cm or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Kegasawa, Shigehisa Tamagawa, Yasuhiro Ogata
  • Patent number: 6777102
    Abstract: A curable composition that is curable by polymerizing both a group capable of ring-opening polymerization and an ethylenically unsaturated group includes a cross-linkable polymer containing a repeating unit represented by the formula below, the group capable of ring-opening polymerization being present in a side chain of the polymer. A hardcoated article is formed by curing the curable composition. Its hardcoat layer has a pencil hardness of 4H to 9H. A hardcoated film is formed by coating on a plastic film the curable composition and curing it. The hardcoated film is used, for example, to laminate the front face of an image display device. In the formula, R1 denotes hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, P1 is a monovalent group containing a group capable of ring-opening polymerization, and L1 is a single bond or a divalent linking group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiya Sakurai, Yuuzou Muramatsu, Akihiro Matsufuji, Kenichirou Hatayama
  • Patent number: 6777103
    Abstract: A fiber cement composite material providing improved rot resistance and durability, the composite material incorporating biocide treated fibrous pulps to resist microorganism attacks. The biocide treated fibers have biocides attached to inner and outer surfaces of individualized fibers to protect the fibers from fungi, bacteria, mold and algae attacks. The biocides selected have strong affinity to cellulose and do not interfere with cement hydration reactions. This invention also discloses the formulation, the method of manufacturing and the final fiber cement products using the biocide treated fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: James Hardie Research Pty Limited
    Inventors: Donald J. Merkley, Caidian Luo
  • Patent number: 6777104
    Abstract: A matrix is formed into a desired shape by pouring transparent liquid material into a mold. The material progresses from the liquid to the gelatinous state. Laser sculpting steps are performed when the material is still in a gelatinous condition to form small spots in the matrix. Because the material is non-solid gel when the laser beam applies its focused energy, there is no cracking or destruction. Intensity and duration of the laser pulse determine the size of the spots as does the timing in relation to the matrix material finally changing from gel to solid. Particular visual effects are produced at different degrees of solidity when sculpting. The liquid in the mold may be pressurized for removal of air bubbles after initial pouring of the matrix material and application of pressure after the laser sculpting controls the size of the spots in the finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Colbar Art, Inc.
    Inventor: Ovidiu Colea
  • Patent number: 6777105
    Abstract: A part has a body unit; and one or more leg formed on the body unit. One or more slit is formed on the body unit adjacent to the leg. The legs are inserted to insert holes of a printed wiring board or the like and soldered thereto. Since the slit is formed adjacent to the leg, the heat applied to the leg for the soldering is not radiated by the body unit by virtue of the slit. Therefore, the part can be reliably attached to the printed wiring board or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuto Kadokawa
  • Patent number: 6777106
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metal block suitable for machining, the metal block comprising at least two superimposed metal plates, each having a thickness of at least 12.5 mm, wherein the yield strength of the block is at least 75% of the yield strength of the initial metal plate(s). The present invention is further directed to methods for manufacturing such blocks from two or more thick metal plates by explosive welding and other methods. Blocks according to the present invention are useful, for example, for manufacturing aircraft structural components or injection molds for plastics or rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventors: Frédéric Catteau, David Godard
  • Patent number: 6777107
    Abstract: A raised portion 32 is provided on an upper face of an end portion of a plate 31 which forms one side of a frame member 30. An end portion of a plate 41 of another frame member 40 is abutted with the plate 31 of the frame member 30. The frame members 30 and 40 are aluminum alloy extruded frame members and the directions of extrusion of the two frame members are orthogonal. A welding padding is carried on an upper face of the plate 41 of the frame member 40. Under this condition, a rotary tool is inserted from above and a friction stir welding is carried out. Accordingly, the padding serves the same function on the plate 41 as the raised portion 32 on the plate 31, so that a good welding can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Satou, Masakuni Ezumi, Kazusige Fukuyori
  • Patent number: 6777108
    Abstract: To control peel strength at an organic release interface between a carrier foil and a copper-microparticle layer which constitute an electrodeposited copper foil with carrier. In the present invention, (1) a barrier copper layer is formed on the release interface layer and copper microparticles are formed on the barrier layer; (2) the anti-corrosion treatment is carried out by use of a plating bath containing a single metallic component or a plurality of metallic components for forming an alloy, the plating bath(s) having a deposition potential less negative than −900 mV (vs. AgCl/Ag reference electrode); and (3) methods (1) and (2) are combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Obata, Makoto Dobashi
  • Patent number: 6777109
    Abstract: A ceramic capacitor for operating at a suppressed self heat-generation and a low loss even in high voltage operating conditions, including a dielectric ceramic element assembly having two surfaces and made of a material selected from the group consisting of a dielectric composition of CaTiO3—La2O3—TiO2 system, a dielectric composition of CaTiO3—La2O3—TiO2—SrTiO3 system, a dielectric composition of SrTiO3—CaTiO3 system, a dielectric composition of SrTiO3—CaTiO3—Bi2O3—TiO2 system, a dielectric composition of SrTiO3—PbTiO3—PbTiO3 system, and a dielectric composition of SrTiO3—PbTiO3—Bi2/3TiO3—CaTiO3 system; and an electrode made mainly of Zn located on each of the two surfaces of the dielectric ceramic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Kimoto, Masanori Fujimura, Tokuji Nishino, Mitsuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6777110
    Abstract: A layered article having a curved surface made of a supporting metal metallurgically bonded to a supported metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Engelhard-CLAL
    Inventors: John James Barnes, Joseph Gerard Biondo, Peter Gideon Gelblum, Richard Delbert Lanam, Charles Joseph Noelke, David Archer Wells
  • Patent number: 6777111
    Abstract: In order to provide an electro luminescent element with high heat endurance and low crystallinity using functional molecules having functions of hole transporting, luminescence, and electron transporting, an electro luminescent element according to the present invention comprises one or more organic compound layers 14 between a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 16, wherein at least one of the organic compound layers 14 is a condensed ring compound derivative represented by the following chemical formula, in which A1 and A2 represent substituents, B1 through B6 represent directly connected or di functional substituents, and R1 and R2 represent functional units having each of the functions of hole transporting, luminescence, and electron transporting, such as triphenylamine, coumarin, and oxadiazole derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Tanaka, Makoto Mouri, Hisato Takeuchi, Shizuo Tokito
  • Patent number: 6777112
    Abstract: A magnetic recording medium having increased thermal stability and signal-to-medium noise ratio (SMNR), comprising a layer stack including, in sequence: (a) a continuous ferromagnetic layer; (b) a non-magnetic spacer layer; and (c) a discontinuous ferromagnetic layer; wherein the continuous ferromagnetic layer (a) and the discontinuous ferromagnetic layer (c) are ferromagnetically or anti-ferromagnetically coupled together across the non-magnetic spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Erol Girt, Hans Jürgen Richter, Samuel D. Harkness
  • Patent number: 6777113
    Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a hard magnetic recording layer and a soft magnetic underlayer adjacent the hard magnetic recording layer. The soft magnetic underlayer includes first and second ferromagnetically coupled multilayer structures and a coupling layer positioned between the first and second multilayer structures for antiferromagnetically coupling the first and second multilayer structures. A magnetic disc drive storage system incorporating such a perpendicular magnetic recording medium and a method of making such a perpendicular magnetic recording medium are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Isabel G. Trindade, Sharat Batra, Dieter K. Weller, Yukiko Kubota, Kurt W. Wierman, James K. Howard, Ganping Ju
  • Patent number: 6777114
    Abstract: It is directed to a silicon carbide-based porous body, wherein said body is a porous one which contains silicon carbide particles as an aggregate and metallic silicon, and has an oxygen-containing phase at the surfaces of silicon carbide particles and/or metallic silicon or in the vicinity of the surfaces thereof. The silicon carbide-based porous body contains refractory particles such as silicon carbide particles or the like and yet can be produced at a relatively low firing temperature at a low cost, has a high thermal conductivity, and is superior in oxidation resistance, acid resistance, chemical resistance to ash and particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Tomita, Shuichi Ichikawa, Shinji Kawasaki, Hiroaki Sakai
  • Patent number: 6777115
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack (7) has an auxiliary load (30) in series with a battery (29) which can selectively (25) be connected across the fuel cell stack in place of a main load (24). A method includes connecting the battery and auxiliary load across the fuel cell stack while providing fuel (13) to the anode flow fields (8, 10); in one embodiment, oxidant (17) is provided to the cathode flow fields (16) initially; in a second embodiment, oxidant is withheld from the cathode flow for a predetermined time or until a threshold voltage is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventor: Carl A. Reiser
  • Patent number: 6777116
    Abstract: Low temperature fuel cells, e.g. solid polymer fuel cells, can operate directly on a fuel comprising dimethyl ether with dimethyl ether being oxidized at the fuel cell anode. Being highly soluble in water, dimethyl ether can be supplied as a liquid aqueous fuel solution. As a fuel, dimethyl ether provides similar power characteristics as methanol but typically with a greater Faradaic efficiency in liquid feed solid polymer fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jens Müller, Peter Urban, Regina Wezel, Kevin M. Colbow, Jiujun Zhang
  • Patent number: 6777117
    Abstract: There is provided a catalyst for a water gas shift reaction in a hydrogen gas which is able to effectively remove CO in the hydrogen gas within a broader temperature range. Such a catalyst for the water gas shift reaction is characterized in that a metal oxide carrier supports at least platinum. The catalyst can be used for removing carbon monoxide in the hydrogen gas. Particularly, such a catalyst can be used in the water gas shift reaction for removing carbon monoxide in a reformed gas in a fuel cell generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Igarashi, Hirokazu Higashi, Manabu Mizobuchi, Noboru Hashimoto, Kensaku Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 6777118
    Abstract: A by-product elimination device used in a power generation system includes a fuel pack provided with a fuel charged portion having a power generation fluid fuel containing hydrogen, and a power generation module which detachably attached to the fuel pack, the module including a reforming portion which transforms the power generation fuel supplied from the charged portion into first gas containing hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide, and a fuel cell which generates an electrical energy by using the hydrogen gas. The device includes an absorbent charged portion which selectively absorbs carbon dioxide contained in the first gas and feeds second gas whose carbon dioxide concentration is lowered by the first gas to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaharu Shioya
  • Patent number: 6777119
    Abstract: A fuel cell power plant with enhanced water recovery includes a fuel cell power plant adapted to receive a reducing fluid and an oxidant and to generate therefrom electricity and an at least partially saturated exhaust stream; a mass and energy transfer device defining a first flow passage for the wet exhaust stream and a second flow passage for an oxidant stream, the first flow passage being in mass transfer relationship with the second flow passage; and an apparatus for cooling at least one of the oxidant stream, the exhaust stream and the mass and energy transfer device, whereby water is transferred from the exhaust stream to the oxidant stream so as to produce an at least partially saturated oxidant stream. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Demissie, Leslie L. Van Dine, Margaret M. Steinbugler
  • Patent number: 6777120
    Abstract: A sensor system for sensing the relative humidity level of gas stream in a fuel cell includes a humidity sensor that senses the relative humidity of a gas stream and generates a relative humidity signal. A pressure sensor senses the pressure of the gas stream and generates a pressure signal. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the gas stream and generates a temperature signal. A compensator is connected to the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor. The compensator generates a compensated relative humidity signal based on the relative humidity signal, the temperature signal and/or the pressure signal. Additional inputs to the compensator can include one or more gas composition sensors that determine the concentration of one or more gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patricia J. Nelson, Jameson R. Forte, Eric L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6777121
    Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a condenser for separating discharged components discharged from a fuel cell into gas components and water and recovering the water, and a flow rate control unit for controlling a flow rate of a cooling medium supplied to the condenser for performing heat exchange with the discharged components, depending on an operation condition of the fuel cell. Accordingly, the flow rate of the cooling medium can be smoothly controlled depending on the operation condition of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimanuki, Toshikatsu Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6777122
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack (8) generates power using hydrogen-rich gas obtained by reforming vaporized methanol in a reformer (6). The vaporized methanol is generated by vaporizing liquid methanol in a vaporizer (5). The vaporizer (5) is heated by combustion gas from a combustor (10). A sensor (31) detects a liquid methanol amount supplied to the vaporizer (5) by a methanol pump (4). A controller (100) calculates a prediction temperature of the vaporizer (5) based on the liquid methanol supply amount, and limits an increase of the liquid methanol supply amount from the methanol pump (4) so that the prediction temperature does not fall below a predetermined temperature (S7A, S7B). In this way, temperature drop of the vaporizer (5) from the predetermined temperature is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6777123
    Abstract: A reformer (6) generates hydrogen rich gas from vaporized methanol and a fuel cell stack (8) generates electric power by a reaction of hydrogen rich gas. A combustor (10) generates heat due to combustion of fuel and supplies it to a vaporizer (5) for vaporizing liquid methanol. A controller (100) increases a fuel supply amount to the combustor (10) when the methanol supply amount to the vaporizer (5) is increased. The controller also calculates a prediction temperatures of the combustor (10) (S5) and suppresses the fuel supply amount when any one of the prediction temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature (S6, S8A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6777124
    Abstract: A back pressure control apparatus used in a fuel cell system, which can normally operate even when the system starts in a low-temperature environment. The valve has a simple structure realized at low cost. The valve comprises a pipe member which functions as a portion of an oxidizing gas passage and is arranged along an approximately horizontal direction, where a predetermined area of the inner surface of the pipe member is subjected to a hydrophilic process in advance; and a valve element which is provided in the pipe member and is rotatable around a shaft, where the shaft is arranged in a cross-sectional direction of the pipe member. The pipe member may be arranged along an approximately vertical direction. In this case, a predetermined area of the inner surface of the pipe member is subjected to a water repellent process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kai, Tomoki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6777125
    Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovhsinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar, Kevin Fok, Thomas Hopper
  • Patent number: 6777126
    Abstract: A fuel cell bipolar separator plate of variable length is formed from a sheet having a fixed width. The sheet is passed through a tool a predetermined distance and a pattern of ribs is formed on a central portion of the sheet with the tool to define a segment along the length of the sheet. The ribs define a fuel flow path on a first side of the sheet and an oxidant flow path on an opposed second side of the sheet. The sheet is passed through a tool a predetermined distance and the steps of forming the pattern on the sheet and passing the sheet through the tool are repeated until the sheet possesses a desired length, at which point the sheet is cut to a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: GenCell Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Allen
  • Patent number: 6777127
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for bonding one element of an electrochemical cell or cell stack to another wherein a sealing grove with a complex cross-sectional shape receives and retains a bead of adhesive prior to being assembled. The complex cross-sectional shape has a raised portion sized to receive and retain the bead of adhesive, and at least one depressed portion to receive adhesive displaced from the raised portion during assembly. Embodiments of the invention incorporate raised portions with straight, beveled, curved, and rough surfaces to increase the strength of the bond between the respective elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Einhart, Stefan Reiff, Rudolf F. Bindel, Hubert Ryssel, Christopher Todd Kirby, Francisco Enrique Rivera Diaz, Michael Medina
  • Patent number: 6777128
    Abstract: A secondary battery and a fabrication method of the secondary battery includes a battery unit having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed there between, a can for accommodating the battery unit, and a cap assembly having a cap cover, a safety vent and a gasket, where the end of the safety vent is bent inwards to be filled with the gasket provided along the outer periphery of the safety vent, so that the safety vent is inserted into the gasket in a secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hyun-Joong Kim
  • Patent number: 6777129
    Abstract: An alkaline storage battery having excellent self-discharge characteristics even after a number of charge-discharge cycles is provided. The alkaline storage battery is provided with a case and an electrode group enclosed in the case, and a separator that is included in the electrode group retains at least 15 mg/cm2 of an electrolyte at least in a period after assembling the battery, from the time the separator is impregnated with the electrolyte to the time the battery is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Tokyo Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsunori Komori, Naoto Sato, Akihiro Taniguchi, Munehisa Ikoma, Yasuhiro Takahashi, Takashi Ito
  • Patent number: 6777130
    Abstract: A battery case (1, 8), substantially square in cross section, has four lateral walls (5, 6) each of which is gradually arc-shaped to expand outwardly with a radius of curvature R1. The cross section is adapted to satisfy equation R1/r=4 to 20, where r is the distance between a midpoint (C2) of each lateral wall (5, 6) and the center point (C1) in the cross section of the battery case (1, 8) and R1 is the radius of curvature. In addition, the battery case (8) is rounded at each corner with a radius of curvature of R2, and has a cross section that satisfies equation R2/r=0.3 to 0.8, where r is the distance between the midpoint (C2) of each lateral wall (6) and the center point (C1) in the cross section of the battery case (8) and R2 is the radius of curvature of each corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kasahara, Masumi Katsumoto, Masaharu Miyahisa, Yoshihiro Boki
  • Patent number: 6777131
    Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a micronized metal inhibiting additive associated with the negative plate that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one cation metal impurity on the negative plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ensci Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Clough
  • Patent number: 6777132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel electrode active materials represented by the general formula AaMb(XY4)cZd, wherein: (a) A is one or more alkali metals, and 0<a≦8; (b) M is at least one metal capable of undergoing oxidation to a higher valence state, and 1≦b≦3; (c) XY4 is selected from the group consisting of X′O4−xY′x, X′O4−yY′2y, X″S4, and a mixture thereof, where X′ is P, As, Sb, Si, Ge, S, and mixtures thereof; X″ is P, As, Sb, Si, Ge, and mixtures thereof, Y′ is halogen, 0≦x<3, 0<y<4, and 0<c≦3; and (d) Z is OH, a halogen, or mixtures thereof, and 0<d≦6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Barker, M. Yazid Saidi, Jeffrey L. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 6777133
    Abstract: A proton conductor mainly contains a carbonaceous material derivative, such as, a fullerene derivative, a carbon cluster derivative, or a tubular carbonaceous material derivative in which groups capable of transferring protons, for example, —OH groups or —OSO3H groups are introduced to carbon atoms of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is produced typically by compacting a powder of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is usable, even in a dry state, in a wide temperature range including ordinary temperature. In particular, the proton conductor mainly containing the carbon cluster derivative is advantageous in increasing the strength and extending the selection range of raw materials. An electrochemical device, such as, a fuel cell, that employs the proton conductor is not limited by atmospheric conditions and can be of a small and simple construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Hinokuma, Björn Pietzak, Constance Gertrud Rost, Masafumi Ata
  • Patent number: 6777134
    Abstract: A negative electrode for a rechargeable battery including: a current collector, a first layer containing a conductive material to occlude and release lithium ion, the first layer formed on the current collector, a second layer containing a metal selected from lithium and lithium alloy, the second layer formed on the first layer, and a third layer containing a lithium ion conductive material, the third layer formed on the second layer. The third layer prevents the lithium and/or the lithium alloy in the second layer from being in contact with the electrolyte and smoothly feeds the lithium to the second layer to improve the efficiency of the negative electrode. The first layer can occlude and release the part of the lithium to be occluded and released, thereby reducing the volume change of the second layer. Such a structure of the negative electrode enables us to enhance cycling efficiency, and to attain long cycle life and good safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Mori, Hironori Yamamoto, Koji Utsugi, Jiro Iriyama, Tamaki Miura, Mariko Miyachi
  • Patent number: 6777135
    Abstract: The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention comprises, e.g., a positive electrode 6, a negative electrode 5, a polymer membrane 1 containing carbon powder or the like, and a separating membrane layer 7 for preventing shortcircuiting. A carbon powder, silicon powder, tin powder or aluminum powder 2 contained in the polymer membrane 1 containing carbon powder or the like absorbs as a lithium-absorbing material metallic lithium powders 3 or metallic lithium dendrite 4 which has been produced from the negative electrode 5 due to charge or discharge and takes no part in charge or discharge. This lithium-absorbing material is less reactive than the metallic lithium powders 3 or metallic lithium dendrite 4 and thus enhances the safety of the battery and controls shortcircuiting between the positive electrode and the negative electrode due to metallic lithium dendrite, making it possible to drastically improve charge and discharge cycle life performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Okada, Hideo Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6777136
    Abstract: In order to improve a storage stability at high temperatures of a lithium polymer battery including: a positive electrode comprising a lithium-containing complex oxide; a negative electrode comprising a material capable of absorbing and desorbing a lithium ion; and a separator comprising a liquid organic electrolyte and a host polymer retaining the liquid organic electrolyte, the separator is rendered homogeneous and excellent in the affinity with the organic electrolyte by using a crosslinked copolymer having a main-chain comprising a vinylidene fluoride unit and a side-chain comprising an alkylene oxide unit and at least one of an acrylate unit and methacrylate unit as the host polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Morigaki, Norishige Nanai, Yasuyuki Shibano
  • Patent number: 6777137
    Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) mask structure and associated method of formation. A first conductive layer is provided between a buffer layer and an absorber layer such that the buffer layer is on a multilayer stack. The multilayer stack is adapted to substantially reflect EUV radiation incident thereon. The absorber layer is adapted to absorb essentially all of EUV radiation incident thereon. A mask pattern is formed in the absorber layer. Formation of the mask pattern in the absorber layer is accompanied by inadvertent formation of a defect in the absorber layer. The defect is subsequently repaired. The mask pattern may be extended into the first conductive layer and into the buffer layer in a substantially defect-free process that exposes a portion of the multilayer stack. A second conductive layer may be provided on the absorber layer, wherein the mask pattern is also formed in the second conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emily E. Fisch, Louis M. Kindt, James P. Levin, Michael R. Schmidt, Carey T. Williams
  • Patent number: 6777138
    Abstract: Techniques provided for fabricating a device include forming a fabrication layout, such as a mask layout, for a physical design layer, such as a design for an integrated circuit, and identifying evaluation points on an edge of a polygon corresponding to the design layer for correcting proximity effects. Included are techniques that correct for proximity effects associated with an edge in a layout corresponding to the design layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Numerical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Pierrat, Youping Zhang
  • Patent number: 6777139
    Abstract: An alignment marker for use in calibration of a lithographic projection apparatus has focus sensitive parts and dose sensitive parts, each of which includes an area having a plurality of dots against a contrasting background forming part of a periodic line structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Matheus Baselmans
  • Patent number: 6777140
    Abstract: A reflector for EUV has additional multi-layers on the front surface of a base multilayer stack provided selectively to compensate for figure errors in the base multilayer stack or the substrate on which the multilayer stack is provided. A reflective mask for EUV uses two multilayer stacks, one introducing a relative phase shift and/or altered reflectivity with respect to the other one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Mandeep Singh, Josephus Johannes Maria Braat
  • Patent number: 6777141
    Abstract: A method extends the use of phase shift techniques to complex layouts, and includes identifying a pattern, and automatically mapping the phase shifting regions for implementation of such features. The pattern includes small features having a dimension smaller than a first particular feature size, and at least one relatively large feature, the at least one relatively large feature and another feature in the pattern having respective sides separated by a narrow space. Phase shift regions are laid out including a first set of phase shift regions to define said small features, and a second set of phase shift regions to assist definition of said side of said relatively large feature. An opaque feature is used to define the relatively large feature, and a phase shift region in the second set is a sub-resolution window inside the perimeter of the opaque feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Numerical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christophe Pierrat
  • Patent number: 6777143
    Abstract: A new optical lithographic exposure apparatus is described. The apparatus may comprise, for example, a lithographic stepper or scanner. A wafer stage comprises a means of supporting a semiconductor wafer. A mask stage comprises a means of holding a first mask and a second mask and maintaining a fixed relative position between the first mask and the second mask. The mask stage may further comprise an independent means of aligning each mask. A light source comprises a means to selectively shine actinic light through one of the first mask and the second mask. An imaging lens is capable of focusing the actinic light onto the semiconductor wafer. A step and scan method using the mask stage is provided. A first mask and a second mask are loaded into a mask stage of an optical lithographic exposure apparatus. The first mask and the second mask are aligned. The first mask is scanned. The wafer is then stepped. The second mask is scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Burn J. Lin
  • Patent number: 6777144
    Abstract: The use of a resist latent image alignment mark in lieu of using dedicated discrete alignment targets defined on a semiconductor wafer and the use of field oxide step heights for alignment during the fabrication of circuit devices are disclosed. A resist latent image alignment mark is formed in a layer of photoresist material and utilized to position a mask for exposing portions of the photoresist to a radiation source to pattern locations for active areas on a semiconductor substrate. A LOCOS isolation structure is then formed around the active areas. The isolation structure is formed such that the depth of the isolation structure is adjusted to a particular radiation source wavelength. The depth of the isolation structure can then be used as a diffraction grating for stepper alignment. Isolation structure height may also be used as a diffraction grating for stepper alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Honeycutt, Steven M. McDonald
  • Patent number: 6777145
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a test structure which is formed on a reticle simultaneously with a pattern that will be used to build an integrated circuit device. The test structure comprises a large rectangular end and several rectangular shapes that extend from one side of the rectangular end in a parallel array. The width of the rectangular shape extensions is equal to the spacing between them and is the same as the width of the minimum feature size in the lithographic process to be monitored. A CD SEM is used to measure the edge width of the convex and concave sections of the structure as printed in photoresist at various focus settings and a plot of edge width vs. focus setting is generated. The intersection of the lines representing the convex section and concave section measurements indicates the best focus setting for the lithographic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Zhan Zhou, Hui-Kow Lim, Teng Hwee Ng, Ron Lopez, Goswami Indranil