Patents Issued in September 7, 2004
  • Patent number: 6786971
    Abstract: A printing device for digital printing on a print medium is comprised of a wheel rotatable by a motor, a liquid dispenser for depositing a quantity of liquid on the wheel along the outer edge, and an air jet positioned adjacent the outer edge for removing the liquid from the outer edge and directing the liquid toward the print medium as the wheel rotates through the air jet. The outer edge includes a plurality of teeth transport the paint from the dispenser to the air jet. An electronically controlled motor is used to selectively rotate the wheel through the air jet thereby removing a desired amount of liquid from the wheel. The liquid is transported by the air jet toward the print medium. By employing a plurality of such printing devices, a full color digital image can be reproduced on any print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Dean Robert Gary Anderson
  • Patent number: 6786972
    Abstract: A method and arrangement using the drive device of a rod coating station to carry axial forces, in which the drive device includes at least a telescopic articulated shaft, at the first end of which is a changeable grooved rod and at the opposite end of which is the shaft of the drive motor. The rotation of the rod creates an axial force, which is cancelled by a counterforce from the articulated shaft side, which is brought to the end of the rod. The counterforce is brought to the rod through the articulated shaft from the drive motor side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Pekka Koskela, Olli Koivisto, Ari Rantanen
  • Patent number: 6786973
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for carrying out the method for depositing, in particular, crystalline layers on substrates that are also, in particular, crystalline. According to the invention, at least two process gases are introduced separate from one another into a process chamber of a reactor, whereby the first process gas flows through a central line having a central outlet opening, and the second process gas flows through a line, which is peripheral thereto and which has a peripheral outlet opening. The second process gas flows through one or more supply lines and into a mixing chamber and flows through additional means, which influence the gas stream and which are provided for homogenizing the radial flow profile of the process gas exiting the peripheral outlet opening. The aim of the invention is to obtain a homogeneous radial flow profile by using simple means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aixtron AG
    Inventors: Gerd Strauch, Markus Reinhold
  • Patent number: 6786974
    Abstract: Both of a first insulating film and a second insulating film are formed by a spin coating method. Accordingly, the formation of the first insulating film and the second insulating film can be performed in the same SOD processing system. Moreover, the aforesaid formation of both of the first insulating film and the second insulating film by the spin coating method can provide favorable low dielectric constant properties and good adhesion of the first insulating film and the second insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Komiya, Shinji Nagashima, Shigeyoshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 6786975
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a printhead in an inkjet printer by removing organic debris deposits from the printhead, uses anyone of the liquid mixes of NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) and H2O (water), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and H2O, Na2S2O4 (sodium hydrosulfite) and H2O, CaCl2O2 (calcium hypochlorite) and H2O, or KMnO4 (potassium pernanganate) and H2O on the debris deposits, to serve as a cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael Long, Gregory J. Garbacz, Vincent E. Hamilton-Winbush
  • Patent number: 6786976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for cleaning semiconductor elements accommodated in a tank which uses ozonized, deionized (DI) ultrapure water. According to the invention, ozone is generated in an ozone generator (3) according to the principal of silent electric discharge while admitting highly pure oxygen. Said ozone is fed to a contactor (7) through which DI water flows. The ozone is then dissolved in the DI water. While optionally admitting additional chemicals, the ozonized DI water is conducted through the tank (12) holding the semiconductor elements in order to clean the same, and the used DI water is carried away (15). In order to stabilize the ozone concentration, CO2 is added to the ozone/oxygen mixture generated by the ozone generator (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christiane Gottschalk, Jürgen Schweckendiek, Ulrich Brammer
  • Patent number: 6786977
    Abstract: Gas-expanded liquids, methods of use thereof, and systems of using gas-expanded liquids are provided. One exemplary system, among others, includes: a gas-expanded liquid system comprising a gas and a liquid, wherein the gas-expanded liquid system is adapted to generate a gas-expanded liquid; and a substrate handling system adapted to position a substrate having a photoresist layer so that the gas-expanded liquid can be made to contact the substrate to remove the photoresist layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew T. Spuller, Dennis W. Hess
  • Patent number: 6786978
    Abstract: A method of preparing a TEM sample. A focused ion beam is used to deposit a mask on the material to be sampled. Reactive ion etching removes material not protected by the mask, leaving a wall thin enough to be imaged by TEM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lancy Tsung, Adolfo Anciso
  • Patent number: 6786979
    Abstract: A steel cutting apparatus includes a cutting torch that is moved in an arcuate path for guiding the cutting torch so that a cutting flame of the cutting torch is always aimed at a bottom corner of the steel at the side where the cutting process begins. Molten steel and iron oxide flow through a kerf in the steel toward the bottom corner, and drop away from the billet for collection and disposal. Only a very small amount of slag adheres to the bottom corner of the billet when cutting is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Oxy-Arc International, Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Bissonnette
  • Patent number: 6786980
    Abstract: A method for providing a steel product having a surface hardness of between about 360 Bhn and 420 Bhn is provided. The method includes steps of providing a steel product from a steel product comprising at least about 96 wt. % iron and between about 0.24 wt. % and about 0.30 wt. % carbon, heating the steel product to at least its austentizing temperature, quenching to below its martinsite finish temperature, and tempering the steel product at a temperature of at least about 800° F. Steel products prepared by this method are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: William Joseph Peppler, Brett Michael Jackson
  • Patent number: 6786981
    Abstract: A ferritic stainless steel sheet for fuel tanks and fuel pipes comprises, by mass percent, about 0.1% or less of C; about 1.0% or less of Si; about 1.5% or less of Mn; about 0.06% or less of P; about 0.03% or less of S; about 1.0% or less of Al; about 11% to about 20% Cr; about 2.0% or less of Ni; about 0.5% to about 3.0% Mo; about 0.02% to about 1.0% V; about 0.04% or less of N; at least one of about 0.01% to about 0.8% Nb and about 0.01% to about 1.0% Ti; and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities. The ferritic stainless steel sheet is produced by rough-rolling a slab having the above composition; hot-rolling the rough-rolled sheet under a linear pressure of at least about 3.5 MN/m at a final pass in the finish rolling; cold-rolling the hot-rolled sheet at a gross reduction rate of at least about 75%; and annealing the cold-rolled sheet. The cold-rolling step includes one rolling stage or at least two rolling stages including intermediate annealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yazawa, Mineo Muraki, Yoshihiro Ozaki, Kunio Fukuda, Atushi Miyazaki, Yasushi Katoh
  • Patent number: 6786982
    Abstract: A casting includes a heat transfer surface having a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities include a density of at least about 25 cavities per square centimeter to about 1,100 cavities per square centimeter resulting in increased surface area and therefore enhanced heat transfer capability. Also disclosed is a mold for forming a pattern for molding the casting. The mold includes a surface defining a portion of a chamber to which are attached a plurality of particles having an average particle size in a range of about 300 microns to about 2,000 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ching Pang Lee, Wayne Charles Hasz, Nesim Abuaf, Robert Alan Johnson
  • Patent number: 6786983
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy product is provided that includes an ADC12 aluminum alloy, wherein the ADC12 aluminum alloy is cast into the product utilizing a high pressure, slow velocity casting technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Brian Szymanowski, Rathindra DasGupta
  • Patent number: 6786984
    Abstract: This present invention relates to an alloy comprising Sn, at least one of Ti and Zr and at least one of Nb and Ta as the major elements. The total percentage of the Nb and Ta in the alloy material is preferably from 8 to 20 atom % and the percentage of the Sn in the alloy material is preferably from 2 to 6 atom %. The alloy material is preferably Ni-free and has shape memory characteristics or superelasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tomy Incorporated
    Inventors: Shuji Hanada, Sadao Watanabe, Naoya Masahashi, Hideki Hosoda, Kikuo Nishi
  • Patent number: 6786985
    Abstract: High strength alpha-beta alloy comprising essentially Al: 4.5-5.5%, V: 3.0-5.0%, Mo: 0.3-1.8%, Fe: 0.2-1.2%, oxygen 0.12-0.25% Ti: balance. All other incidental elements should be less than 0.1% for each element and less than 0.5% in total. The alloy possesses improved machinability and ballistic performance compared to Ti-6Al-4V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Titanium Metals Corp.
    Inventors: Yoji Kosaka, Stephen P. Fox, John C. Fanning
  • Patent number: 6786986
    Abstract: This disclosure considers the use of specifically-sized Nitrocellulose particles of 75 ml fineness, free of other chemicals, as a flame enhancer in a Diazodinitrophenol primer mixture that is free of heavy metal constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos
    Inventor: Laudemiro Martini Filho
  • Patent number: 6786987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing packaging material using ultrasonic technology. The method includes the steps of supplying the packaging material to a sealing station that includes an anvil and horn, and sealing the packaging material. The apparatus is a cam-shaped, rotatable anvil where the rate of rotation of the anvil can be changed based upon the speed of an AC Servo driving the anvil and the desired spacing between the seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Keen, Alex Hanna
  • Patent number: 6786988
    Abstract: By utilizing specially processed waste carpeting as a filler in the production of carpet backcoating, roofing materials, or other similar products, the amount of waste carpeting that is landfilled or otherwise disposed of is significantly reduced as is the need for mining the mineral fillers. Waste carpeting (post-consumer and/or waste from new carpet manufacture) containing calcium carbonate and a thermoplastic resin is collected and size-reduced to a size corresponding to the size of calcium carbonate typically used as a filler. The size-reduced waste carpeting is added as filler to at least one other material, such as polymers in standard latex, EVA, or PVC carpet backcoatings, to provide a composite used in the manufacture of a useful product (like carpet backcoating), and then the composite material is used to make the useful product (such as carpet backcoating, which is used as a primary or secondary backcoating in the manufacture of new carpeting).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Mohawk Brands Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Bell
  • Patent number: 6786989
    Abstract: A method for sealing a surface (13) of a body (11), wherein a thin material (21) is applied to the surface (13), and the material is connected to the surface by melting due to mechanical stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Laurent Torriani, Marcel Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 6786990
    Abstract: A green tire (24) prepared by superposing an inner liner (2) onto the inner surface of a tire body (1) is set in an upper die (29) and a lower die (30). In this condition, a pressure bag (31) placed inside the green tire (24) is expanded by air pressure to perform vulcanization and forming. At this time, a mold release sheet (9) such as a fluoro resin sheet having a mold releasing property on one surface only is interposed between a part of the inner liner (2) and the tire body (1) in such a manner that the surface having the mold releasing property is opposed to the inner liner (2). Accordingly, the inner liner (2) is prevented from being bonded by vulcanization to the tire body (1), thereby forming a sealant chamber having a proper shape for charging a sealant thereto. In case the mold release sheet (9) is formed of a material soluble in the sealant, a reduction in sealability of the sealant due to the mold release sheet (9) left in the sealant chamber can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 6786991
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing preforms for polymer optical fibers having an index of refraction that is variable over the radius, in which a core of preform material is coated with coating material for forming the preform until a predefinable diameter is reached, the refractive index of the coating material being varied in conformance with a predefinable profile along the radius of the emerging preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
    Inventor: Walter Heitmann
  • Patent number: 6786992
    Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Airdex International, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence W. Dummett
  • Patent number: 6786993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer cover film characterized in that a specific transparent resin layer (2) is releasably provided on a substrate film (1). This transparent resin layer (2) can be easily laminated on the surface of the resulting image (7Y, 7M and 7C) by heat transfer means, making it possible to provide expeditious provision of image representations which are improved in terms of such properties as durability, gloss and color development and is curl-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Oshima, Jitsuhiko Ando, Masanori Torii
  • Patent number: 6786994
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-setting label sheet that is a polymeric transfer sheet that can be marked and transferred by the consumer. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of transferring the heat-setting label sheets. The heat-setting label sheets of the present invention comprise a support; an optional pressure sensitive adhesive layer; an Adhesion Layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer which melts in the range of 50-250° C., a wax which melts in the range of 50-250° C., or combinations thereof; an optional opaque layer comprising a styrene-butadiene latex, thermoplastic polymer, elastomer, and optional pigment; and a second optional opaque layer comprising vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, thermoplastic elastomer, elastomer and optional pigment. The heat-setting label sheet of the present invention can be imaged by an electrostatic printer or copier, ink jet printer, offset or screen printing, craft-type marking, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Foto-Wear, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Williams, Heather Reid
  • Patent number: 6786995
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that produces shaped and laminate articles and recovers the excess material or flash as a part of the manufacturing process. The apparatus uses a combination of rotary die and anvil roller assemblies in successive multiple stations to cut and separate each raw material into final product portions and recyclable flash portions as each raw material enters the apparatus. The apparatus separately reclaims each raw material flash portion and delivers the flash of each material in a recyclable form to an auxiliary recycling operation. In recovering the flash, the apparatus does not adversely affect the speed or quality of production of the final shaped or laminated product. To ease removal of the flash, the apparatus applies lubricant to the blades of the rotary die. To avoid damage to web material, the apparatus uses vacuum belts to convey the web material and web product through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: DeNovus LLC
    Inventors: Steven Kenneth Frendle, John Robert Manley
  • Patent number: 6786996
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides an improved apparatus and method for removing an edge bead from a substrate. The apparatus includes a processing chamber having an edge bead removal fluid distribution system positioned therein and a substrate support member positioned in the processing chamber proximate the fluid distribution system. The substrate support member generally includes an upper substrate support surface having a plurality of fluid dispensing apertures formed therein, at least three capillary ring support posts radially positioned about a perimeter of the upper substrate support surface, and a annular capillary ring having a planar upper surface rigidly mounted to the capillary ring support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventor: Ramin Emami
  • Patent number: 6786997
    Abstract: A chemical vapor reaction processing apparatus including a reaction chamber; a power source; a source of a reactive film forming gas; a device for inputting the reactive film forming gas into the chamber; a pair of electrodes connected to the power source, at least a portion of the pair of electrodes being provided in the reaction chamber; a power source for supplying a first electric power into the reaction chamber through the pair of electrodes to generate a plasma of the reactive film forming gas in the chamber for providing a plasma CVD deposition of the reactive film forming gas on a surface; a source of a reactive cleaning gas; a device for inputting the reactive cleaning gas into the chamber where the power source supplies a second electric power into the reaction chamber through the pair of electrodes to generate a plasma of the reactive cleaning gas in the chamber so that an inner wall of the chamber is cleaned by the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6786998
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a substrate is provided. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface, opposite the first surface and an outer peripheral portion. The assembly includes a holding body having a support surface for supporting the substrate. The holding body has an aperture for passing therethrough a gas having a thermal conductivity. Additionally, the assembly includes a heat transferring seal having a first surface for frictionally engaging the second surface of the substrate. The heat transferring seal has a second surface, opposite the first surface, for frictionally engaging the support surface of the holding body. The heat transferring seal also has an inner peripheral portion defining an opening for receiving the gas. The heat transferring seal has a thermal conductivity closely matched with the first thermal conductivity of the gas for providing substantially uniform heat transfer across the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: James Montague Cleeves
  • Patent number: 6786999
    Abstract: An apparatus for doctoring a roll surface including a pivot bar adapted to be mounted on a doctor back and which the pivot bar defines an upwardly projecting fulcrum. A first shelf projects forwardly beyond the fulcrum and a top plate pivotally supported on and projecting forwardly beyond the fulcrum overlies the first shelf. The top platen is held downwardly against the fulcrum. Blade support members are carried by and cooperate with the top plate to define forwardly open slots, which slots are configured and dimensioned to receive a rear edge of a forwardly projecting doctor blade. The blade support members have rearwardly projecting second shelves underlying the first shelf and a loading mechanism is interposed between the first and second shelves for pivoting the top plate on the fulcrum in a direction urging the doctor blade against the roll surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kadant Web Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Goodnow, Robert A. Reid, Allen J. Brauns
  • Patent number: 6787000
    Abstract: The present invention is a sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web, having a tissue machine contacting side and a tissue contacting side. The tissue contacting side includes an upper porous member comprising a base with nonwoven elevated regions thereon. The nonwoven elevated regions comprise a first group of nonwoven raised elements and a second group of nonwoven raised elements, both raised relative to the base. The first group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a first direction and the second group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Burazin, Jeffrey D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6787001
    Abstract: A method for distilling a raw material liquid containing (meth)acrylic acid substantially free from azeotropic solvents, collected with a collection agent from a mixed gas obtained by gas phase catalytic oxidation reactions which includes feeding to a distillation column the raw material liquid which temperature is substantially equal to that of the entrance place in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Sei Nakahara, Yukihiro Matsumoto, Kenji Sanada, Masatoshi Ueoka
  • Patent number: 6787002
    Abstract: A device for purifying an exhaust gas contains at least one first and one second component with a respective shell and core through which the exhaust flows, as well as with two front faces each. At least one of the front faces of the first component and at least one front face of the second component has a predetermined profile with elevations and depressions. The elevations of the front face of the first component extend into the depressions of the front face of the second component and vice versa, thereby configuring a penetration section. The first component is disposed electrically insulated from the second component. The components have a potential difference between them and plasma is generated in the penetration section. The compact plasma reactor reduces the pollutant concentration in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine operated in the lean mode, especially when combined with an oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Rolf Brück, Jörg-Roman Konieczny
  • Patent number: 6787003
    Abstract: A sputtering target may include: a) a backing adapted to be operatively connected to a sputter power source; and b) an outer layer of a sputterable material carried by the backing, the sputterable material including a mixture of zinc and a second metal having a melting point less than that of the zinc, the zinc and the second metal being present in the sputterable material in metallic form and arranged as discrete volumes of the second metal in a matrix of zinc so that the zinc and the second metal are present in the sputterable material in a substantially non-alloyed form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: N.V. Bekaert S.A.
    Inventors: Klaus Hartig, Johan Vanderstraeten
  • Patent number: 6787004
    Abstract: A Cu film as the non-magnetic layer of a spin valve film is formed on a substrate in a sputter film forming chamber in which a film is formed by sputtering under a reduced pressure, a substrate is exposed to a gas atmosphere in a gas exposing chamber into which gas activating the surface of the Cu film is introduced, and the substrate is moved again to the sputter film forming chamber to form the remaining portion of the spin valve film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Makino
  • Patent number: 6787005
    Abstract: A sputter coated article is provided with improved mechanical durability (e.g., pre-HT scratch resistance) and/or thermal stability by sputtering at least one Ag inclusive layer in an atmosphere including at least O2 gas. For instance, in certain example embodiments an Ag inclusive target may be sputtered in an atmosphere including a combination of Ar and O2 gas. In certain embodiments, this enables the resulting AgOx infrared (IR) reflecting layer to better adhere to adjacent contact layer(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.)
    Inventors: Ronald E. Laird, George Neuman, Philip J. Lingle, Jean-Marc Lemmer, Keith H. Schillinger
  • Patent number: 6787006
    Abstract: A multi-step sputtering process in plasma sputter reactor having target and magnetron operable in two modes, for example, in a substrate sputter etch and a substrate sputter deposition. The target has an annular vault facing the wafer to be sputter coated. Various types of magnetic means positioned around the vault create a magnetic field supporting a plasma extending over a large volume of the vault. An integrated copper via filling process with the inventive reactor or other reactor includes a first step of highly ionized sputter deposition of copper, which can optionally be used to remove the barrier layer at the bottom of the via, a second step of more neutral, lower-energy sputter deposition of copper to complete the seed layer, and a third step of electroplating copper into the hole to complete the metallization. The first two steps can be also used with barrier metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Praburam Gopalraja, Jianming Fu, Fusen Chen, Girish Dixit, Zheng Xu, Wei Wang, Ashok K. Sinha
  • Patent number: 6787007
    Abstract: An electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier which comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an intermediate electrolyte layer, which is conductive to protons and substantially impermeable to hydrogen. A catalytic metal present in or adjacent to the anode layer catalyzes an electrochemical reaction that converts any hydrogen that diffuses through the electrolyte layer to protons and electrons. The protons and electrons are transported to the cathode layer and reacted to form hydrogen. The hydrogen diffusion barrier is applied to a polymeric substrate used in a storage tank to store hydrogen under high pressure. A storage tank equipped with the electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier, a method of fabricating the storage tank, and a method of preventing hydrogen from diffusing out of a storage tank are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Lessing
  • Patent number: 6787008
    Abstract: A storage stable hydrogen cell comprising an anode cap subassembly, cathode can subassembly, and a grommet is disclosed. For one embodiment the cathode in the cathode can subassembly is configured for contact with the electrolyte. The cathode is hydrogen permeable and substantially impermeable to O2, CO2 and water. In turn, the cathode can preclude the passage of O2, CO2 and water into and out of the cell, and simultaneously can facilitate the permeation of hydrogen through at least one aperture in the cell. In another embodiment, a commercially available Zn-air cell is converted into storage stable H2 cells by sealing a membrane structure around the apertures of the Zn-air cell. Such membrane precludes the passage of O2, CO2 and water into and out of cell but allows the passage of hydrogen generated in the cell through the aperture of the cell and through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Microlin, L.C.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, Strahinja K. Zecevic
  • Patent number: 6787009
    Abstract: Electrolysis cell consisting of 2 monopolar electrodes and one or more intermediate bipolar electrodes, where the one monopolar electrode and the parts of the bipolar electrodes charged in the same sense thereto together form the working electrode and the other monopolar electrode and the parts of the bipolar electrodes charged in the same sense thereto together form the counter electrode the space between counter and working electrode is undivided the surface of the counter electrode consists of electrochemically active and inactive parts the sum of the electrochemically active parts of the surface of the counter electrode is smaller by a large amount than that of the electrochemically active parts of the surface of the working electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claudia Merk, Martin Brudermüller, Hermann Pütter
  • Patent number: 6787010
    Abstract: A sputter transport device comprises a sealed chamber, a negatively-biased target cathode holder disposed in the chamber, and a substrate holder disposed in the chamber and spaced at a distance from the target cathode. A target cathode is bonded to the target cathode holder. A magnetron assembly is disposed in the chamber proximate to the target cathode. A negatively-biased, non-thermionic electron/plasma injector assembly is disposed between the target cathode and the substrate holder. The injector assembly fluidly communicates with a gas source and includes a plurality of hollow cathodes. Each hollow cathode includes an orifice communicating with the chamber. The device can be used to produce thin-films and ultra-thick materials in polycrystalline, single-crystal and epitaxial forms, and thus to produce articles and devices that are useful as metallic or insulating coatings, and as bulk semiconductor and optoelectronic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Jerome J. Cuomo, N. Mark Williams
  • Patent number: 6787011
    Abstract: A cylindrical target having a cylindrical backing tube and hollow cylindrical target material disposed on an outer circumference of the cylindrical backing tube. The backing tube and the target material are joined via an electroconductive felt present beteween the backing tube and the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Toshihisa Kamiyama, Kouichi Kanda
  • Patent number: 6787012
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for synthesis of films, coatings or layers. An apparatus includes a first holder; a second holder coupled to the first holder; a linkage coupled to the first holder and the second holder to move the first holder relative to the second holder; a reusable tool coupled to the first holder, the reusable tool including a raised patterned surface; and a release layer coupled to the raised patterned surface of the reusable tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Billy J. Stanbery
  • Patent number: 6787013
    Abstract: A spacer forming method for a biosensor that has a biosensor possessing a capillary sampling channel and electrical connecting tracks for the use of a specific portable meter. A pair of electrodes is printed on an insulating base plate to be the transducer of the electrochemical biosensor by means of the screen-printing technology. The advanced thick-film printing technology is employed to construct the spacer component of the sampling channel that precisely controls the volume of a sample solution. Therefore, the spacer forming method reduces the usage of adhesive that otherwise causes a serious problem during a continuous punching procedure. Furthermore, the embedded switch pad on the biosensor is introduced to be instead of a micro switch in a connector of the portable meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Eumed Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Yu Chang, Cherng-Jyh Lee, Tzer-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6787014
    Abstract: A gas-detecting element comprising an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte substrate, a sensing electrode fixed onto said solid electrolyte substrate and active with a detection object gas and oxygen, and a reference electrode fixed onto said solid electrolyte substrate and active with at least oxygen, for detecting potential difference between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode to determine the concentration of the detection object gas, the sensing electrode and/or the reference electrode being covered by an electrode-coating layer made of an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte, and the electrode-coating layer having a portion bonded to the solid electrolyte substrate directly or via an electrode underlayer made of an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Riken
    Inventors: Masaharu Hasei, Akira Kunimoto, Yongtie Yan, Takashi Ono
  • Patent number: 6787015
    Abstract: Capillary electrophoresis is performed under conventional conditions in microchannels having a norbornene based polymer surface. The norbornene based polymers can be used as a solid substrate for forming the necessary features for a microfluidic device, where the entire device may be made of norbornene based polymer. Conveniently, a norbornene based polymer layer having a lower glass transition temperature may be used to adhere a cover or enclosing layer to the substrate to enclose the microchannels and provide a bottom for the reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aclara Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Hilary Lackritz, Ingrid Cruzado, Hongdong Tan
  • Patent number: 6787016
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for performing capillary electrophoresis using a composition comprising in combination in an aqueous buffered medium a coating polymer and a sieving polymer, where the sieving polymer is more hydrophilic than the coating polymer and is present in greater amount. Of particular interest are uncrosslinked acrylamide polymer mixtures for coating plastic channels and providing sieving for performing DNA separations in microfluidic devices. Polyacrylamide or N,N-dimethyl acrylamide is used with a N,N-dialkyl acrylamide copolymer, either separately or together for sieving and coating, serving as the medium in capillary electrophoresis DNA separations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aclara Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongdong Roy Tan, Alexander Sassi, Ingrid Cruzado
  • Patent number: 6787017
    Abstract: The capillary electrophoresis system includes a wafer-shaped part having passages filled with a buffer solution for introducing sample solutions; a body having a configuration suitable to removably hold and to move the wafer-shaped part. The body includes first and second electrodes for applying a voltage across both ends of passages of the wafer-shaped part to separate and remove the sample solution. The body also includes first and second buffer reservoirs conductive to passages of the wafer-shaped part at specific positions for filling buffer solution around the first and second electrodes. The system according to the present invention facilitates washing of electrophoresis passages and reduces the time and labor costs required for replacement of the fused-silica wafers and simplifies operation by allowing a plurality of sample solutions to be analyzed more quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsumu Hirabayashi, Yukiko Hirabayashi, Akihiko Okumura, Hideaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6787018
    Abstract: The use of dielectrophoresis to collect particles under the conditions of electrokinetically-driven flow. Dielectrophortic concentration of particles under electrokinetic flow is accomplished by interdigitated electrodes patterned on an inner surface of a microfluid channel, a DC voltage is applied across the ends to the channel, and an AC voltage is applied across the electrodes, and particles swept down the channel electrokinetically are trapped within the field established by the electrodes. The particles can be released when the voltage to the electrodes is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Robin R. Miles, Kerry A. Bettencourt, Christopher K. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6787019
    Abstract: A low temperature electrolysis process that can be used for producing an alkali metal from an alkali metal halide is provided, which comprises electrolyzing an electrolyte composition comprising at least one alkali metal halide and a co-electrolyte comprising (a) a halide or halides of Group IIIA, Group IB, or Group VIII metals and (b) a halide-donating compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Stephen Ernest Jacobson, Dennie Turin Mah
  • Patent number: 6787020
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing water containing ozone by electrolysis includes an anodic electrode, a cathode electrode, and a mechanism for advancing and reversing both or at least one of the electrodes, wherein DC voltage is applied between both electrodes in the state of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane pressed by both electrodes, water flows on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, water containing ozone is produced at the anodic electrode, and an operation for changing a pressing force is carried out, after which, the pressing force returns to an original pressing force, thereby carrying out a recovery of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane while continuing the production of the water containing ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Shinko Plant Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Kanaya, Noriaki Okubo