Patents Issued in January 30, 2007
  • Patent number: 7169240
    Abstract: A magnesium based alloy containing at least 86 wt % Mg; 4.8 to 9.2 wt % aluminum, 0.08 to 0.38 wt % manganese, 0.00 to 0.9 wt % zinc, 0.2 to 1.2 wt % calcium, 0.05 to 1.4 wt % strontium, and 0.00 to 0.8 wt % rare earth elements. The alloy may also comprise up to 0.02 wt % zirconium and up to 0.001 wt % beryllium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignees: Dead Sea Magnesium Ltd., Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Boris Bronfin, Eliyahu Aghion, Frank Von Buch, Soenke Schumann
  • Patent number: 7169241
    Abstract: A Ni-based alloy hardened with the ?? phase, which is able to exhibit not only superior strength at high temperatures, but also excellent hot corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance at high temperatures in spite of containing no Re or reducing the amount of Re. The Ni-based superalloy contains, by weight, C: 0.01 to 0.5%, B: 0.01 to 0.04%, Hf: 0.1 to 2.5%, Co: 0.8 to 15%, Ta: more than 0% but less than 8.5%, Cr: 1.5 to 16%, Mo: more than 0% but less than 1.0%, W: 5 to 14%, Ti: 0.1 to 4.75%, Al: 2.5 to 7%, Nb: more than 0% but less than 4%, V: 0 to less than 1.0%, Zr: 0 to less than 0.1%, Re: 0 to less than 9%, at least one of platinum group elements: 0 to less than 0.5% in total, at least one of rare earth elements: 0 to less than 0.1% in total, and the rest being Ni except for unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Tamaki, Akira Yoshinari, Akira Okayama, Tsuyoshi Takano, Hiroyuki Doi
  • Patent number: 7169242
    Abstract: A method for removing casting defects (5) from an article (1) with an oriented microstructure can include locating at least one casting defect (5) and melting the casting defect (5) locally by a heat source (7) to a depth at least as great as the casting defect (5) itself. The molten material can then be solidified epitaxially with respect to the surrounding oriented microstructure of the article (1) in a way that the resulting solidified area is substantially free of any defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: John Fernihough, Matthias Hoebel, Maxim Konter
  • Patent number: 7169243
    Abstract: A process is provided for preparation of an aluminum-killed medium-carbon steel sheet containing by weight from 0.040 to 0.080% of carbon, from 0.35 to 0.50% of manganese, from 0.040 to 0.070% of aluminum, from 0.004 to 0.006% of nitrogen, the remainder being iron and the inevitable trace impurities, wherein the steel contains carbon in free state, a grain count per mm2 greater than 20000 and, in the aged condition, has a percentage elongation A % satisfying the relationship: (640-Rm)/10?A %?(700-Rm)/l1 where Rm is the maximum rupture strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sollac
    Inventor: Mohamed Bouzekri
  • Patent number: 7169244
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a steel strip with low aluminum content, which includes: hot-rolling a steel strip which includes between 0.050 and 0.080% by weight of carbon, between 0.25 and 0.40% by weight of manganese, less than 0.020% by weight of aluminum, and between 0.010 and 0.014% by weight of nitrogen, the remainder being iron and inevitable trace impurities, to form a strip; subjecting the strip to a first cold-rolling, to form a cold-rolled strip; annealing the cold-rolled strip, to form an annealed cold-rolled strip; optionally, subjecting the annealed cold-rolled strip to a secondary cold-rolling; wherein the annealing is a continuous annealing which includes: raising the temperature of the strip to a temperature higher than the temperature of onset of pearlitic transformation Ac1, holding the strip above this temperature for a duration of longer than 10 seconds, and rapidly cooling the strip to a temperature below 350° C. at a cooling rate in excess of 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sollac
    Inventor: Mohamed Bouzekri
  • Patent number: 7169245
    Abstract: Methods of using subsonic and/or sonic forces to couple a heat sink to a heat-generating component are described. Heat sinks coupled to heat-generating components via thermal interface materials are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cameron T. Murray, Jeffrey W. McCutcheon
  • Patent number: 7169246
    Abstract: A process and a device are suggested for the placement and fixing of a sheet, which is at least partially implemented as a closed flat structure, of filaments, lying essentially in a plane, for the production of scrims having the filament sheet, wherein the filament sheet is placed, as part of the filament sheet sections forming the closed surface and as separate filament sheet sections, between two conveyor units (13) supplying a connecting station (6), with the filament sheet sections (1) being fixed onto the conveyor unit at each of both end regions with a fixing element (2, 3) and the interval of the fixing elements (2, 3) of a filament sheet section (1) relative to the conveyor units (13) being selected in such a way that the filament sheet sections (1) are, in their fixed state, positioned essentially flat between the conveyor units (13), at least immediately before entering the connecting station (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Liba Maschinefabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Wienands, Michael Unglaub
  • Patent number: 7169247
    Abstract: A substrate of label stock or the like has pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, covered by release material. The release material is folded back or removed along one edge of the substrate, exposing the pressure sensitive adhesive along that edge. A transparent laminate is secured to the substrate by the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive. A photograph of other document can be secured inside the device by lifting the unadhered portion of the laminate, placing the photograph between the laminate and the substrate, removing the release layer to expose the remainder of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and pressing the photograph and laminate against the lower substrate. The photograph is preferably smaller than the laminate product, so that the laminate is secured to the substrate around all edges of the photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Ian Greenhill
  • Patent number: 7169248
    Abstract: Methods for releasably attaching support members to microfeature workpieces and microfeature assemblies formed using such methods. A method for processing a microfeature workpiece in accordance with one embodiment includes applying adhesive material to a non-active portion on a first side of a workpiece. The workpiece can include a first active portion and a second active portion separated from each other at least in part by the non-active portion. The method continues by adhesively attaching the first side of the workpiece to a first support member, and releasably attaching the second side of the workpiece to a second support member. The method further includes separating the first active portion from the second active portion while the workpiece is attached to the second support member by cutting through the first support member and the non-active portion of the workpiece. The separation process removes at least approximately all the adhesive material from the non-active portion of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle K. Kirby, Steven D. Oliver
  • Patent number: 7169249
    Abstract: A method of joining a first textile element and a second textile element is disclosed. The method includes four general steps: First, the first textile element, the second textile element, and an adhesive element are formed. Second, a bond is formed between the first textile element and the adhesive element to define a bonded area and an unbonded area. Third, an aperture is formed in the first textile element and the adhesive element by removing at least a portion of the bonded area. Fourth, a bond is formed between the second textile element and the bonded area, thereby joining the first textile element and the second textile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Matt Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 7169250
    Abstract: Nanofibrous articles can be manufactured by a process that includes preparation of a surface of a substrate to provide an adhesion mechanism for securing the nanofibers to the surface. The nanofibers can be dispersed in an area near the substrate for the purpose of being adhered to the surface. If an ordered arrangement of nanofibers is required, an electric field can be provided in the area where the nanofibers are dispersed to selectively control an ordering of the nanofibers as they are adhered to the surface by the adhesion mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Kim, Bonnie J. Bachman, Stephen O. Bozzone
  • Patent number: 7169251
    Abstract: A method of forming nanofluidic enclosed channels includes providing a first substrate having a layer of a first material disposed thereon. A plurality of nanoscale slots is formed along a second substrate using nanolithography, etching, or other disclosed techniques. The first substrate is then bonded to the second substrate such that the layer of the first material on the first substrate is adjacent the plurality of slots on the second substrate to define a plurality of enclosed nanofluidic channels therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Lingjie J Guo, Xing Cheng
  • Patent number: 7169252
    Abstract: A method of assembling a light handling device that includes a plurality of separate walls for reflecting and that is tolerant of elevated heat and heating cycles. The method provides a fast-set adhesive to portions of the walls that are to be secured together. The method also secures the walls in a temporary fixation device for a time period needed for the fast-set adhesive to set, and removes the walls from the temporary fixation device subsequent to the setting of the fast-set adhesive such that the walls are secured together by the fast-set adhesive. The method also provides another means of securing the walls together that is resistant to degradation caused by elevated heat and heating cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: OC Oerlikon Balzers AG
    Inventors: Bertram Frei, Norman Korner, Ralph Scholl
  • Patent number: 7169253
    Abstract: A method and system for cleaning and/or stripping photoresist from photomasks used in integrated circuit manufacturing comprising a process and means of introducing a mixture of sulfuric acid and ozone (or a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide) to the surface of a photomask while applying megasonic energy. The invention also comprises method and system comprising a process and means of introducing ozonated deionized water and/or a low temperature dilute aqueous solution (dAPM) to the surface of photomasks while applying megasonic energy. The process and apparatus also remove post plasma ashed residues and other contaminants from photomask surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Akrion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gim-Syang Chen, Ismail Kashkoush, Richard Novak
  • Patent number: 7169254
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus having a sample stage disposed inside a vacuum chamber and a plate member disposed opposing to a sample which is placed on the sample stage and supplied with electric power. The sample is processed using a plasma generated between the sample stage and the plate member and a measuring port is disposed at a back side of the plate member. The measuring port includes an optical transmitter which receives light from a surface of the sample, and a seal which vacuum-seals between an atmospheric side and vacuum side of the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Masuda, Tatehito Usui, Mitsuru Suehiro, Hiroshi Kanekiyo, Hideyuki Yamamoto, Kazue Takahashi, Hiromichi Enami
  • Patent number: 7169255
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus for providing plasma processing to an object placed inside a processing chamber includes a vacuum chamber, a process gas feeder feeding gas into the vacuum chamber, a wafer electrode disposed within the vacuum chamber for mounting the object, a wafer bias power generator supplying bias voltage to the wafer electrode, and a plasma generator for generating plasma within the vacuum chamber. The wafer bias power generator includes a clip circuit for clipping either a positive-side voltage or a negative-side voltage to a predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Yasui, Masahiro Sumiya, Hitoshi Tamura, Seiichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7169256
    Abstract: A plasma processor processing a workpiece includes sources having frequencies 2 MHz, 27 MHz, and 60 MHz, applied by three matching networks to an electrode in a vacuum chamber including the workpiece. Alternatively 60 MHz is applied to a second electrode by a fourth matching network. The matching networks, substantially tuned to the frequencies of the sources driving them, include series inductances so the 2 MHz inductance exceeds the 27 MHz network inductance, and the 27 MHz network inductance exceeds the inductances of the 60 MHz networks. The matching networks attenuate by at least 26 DB the frequencies of the sources that do not drive them. Shunt inductors between the 27 and 60 MHz sources decouple 2 MHz from the 27 and 60 MHz sources. A series resonant circuit (resonant to about 5 MHz) shunts the 2 MHz network and the electrode to help match the 2 MHz source to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: LAM Research Corporation
    Inventors: Raj Dhindsa, Felix Kozakevich, David Douglas Trussell
  • Patent number: 7169257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for deinking waste paper, optionally in non-alkaline or low-alkaline systems. Deinking compositions are provided that include a blend of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and a fatty acid. The compositions may further include a second alkoxylated fatty alcohol. The deinking compositions also may include a first non-alkoxylated fatty acid and optionally a second alkoxylated fatty acid. Cationic derivatives such as cationic polymers also may be added to the deinking blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kemira Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott William Rosencrance, Charles Mesumbe Ngome
  • Patent number: 7169258
    Abstract: A device treats a fiber stock suspension with at least one additive, the fiber stock suspension being used for production of at least one of paper and cardboard. The fiber stock suspension includes a suspension medium and a fiber material. The fiber material has fiber surfaces, the fiber surfaces being moistened by the suspension medium. The device includes a fluffer having an inlet for receiving at least one of the fiber stock suspension and the at least one additive. The fluffer is coupled to the inlet, the fluffer being configured for separating the fiber material and enlarging a specific surface of the fiber surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Rheims, Klaus Doelle, Oliver Heise, Werner Witek, Shawn Flanigan, Robert J. Matz
  • Patent number: 7169259
    Abstract: A dry end of a tissue machine is made shorter by close-coupling a reel-up to the drying section and supporting the web from the drying section to the reel-up by a foil or a belt such that web stability is maintained, thus allowing high-speed operation. The foil's downstream edge can form a nip with the paper roll and nip load can be controlled by controlling pivotal movement of the foil. The reel-up can include a calendering belt for calendering the web as it passes through a nip between the belt and a reel drum supported on the belt, and a rotatable reel spool on which a paper roll is wound in nipping engagement with the reel drum. Alternatively, the reel drum can be eliminated and the paper roll can be supported on the belt. A composite shaftless core for winding is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Anders Tommy Lindén
  • Patent number: 7169260
    Abstract: A paper or paperboard web (W) is precalendered. A web that has undergone earlier dewatering stages is calendered to attain a suitable surface for the coating process. The web is calendered (C) one-sidedly in such a manner that the absorption level of the second side (W2) of the web entering the calendering, which is higher than the absorption level of the first side (W1), is reduced in the calendering nearly to the same level or at least to the same level with the first side (W1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan Grön, Kari Sipi
  • Patent number: 7169261
    Abstract: An aqueous sol containing silica-based particles which has an S-value within the range of from 10 to 45%, a viscosity within the range of from 5 to 40 cP, and a molar ratio of SiO2 to M2O, where M is alkali metal or ammonium, within the range of from 10:1 to 40:1, or a silica content of at least 10% by weight. The invention further relates to a process for the production of silica-based particles comprising the steps of: (a) acidifying an aqueous silicate solution to a pH of from 1 to 4 to form an acid sol; (b) alkalising the acid sol at an SiO2 content within the range of from 4.5 to 8% by weight to; (c) allowing particle growth of the alkalised sol for at least 10 minutes, or heat-treating the alkalised sol at a temperature of a least 30° C.; and then (d) alkalising the obtained sol to a pH of at least 10.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Persson, Marek Tokarz, Maj-Lis Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 7169262
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring vibrational forces to a wire of a papermaking machine for forming a web on the wire and for dampening vibrations imparted to the papermaking machine. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a vibrational device including a vibrational device frame, a vibration isolator coupled to the vibrational device frame to dampen vibration transmission to the papermaking machine, a vibration-inducing mechanism coupled to the vibrational device frame and operable to generate a vibration having a frequency and positioned laterally with respect to the vibration isolator in the cross-machine direction, and a vibrational head coupled to the vibration-inducing mechanism and directly contacting the wire to impart vibration to the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Vibre-Tech LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Bricco, Dale J. Reynebeau
  • Patent number: 7169263
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coarse dirt collector (7) for removing coarse material from a pulper (1). The coarse dirt collector (7) comprises a support arm (8) with a collecting basket (9). The collecting basket (9) consists of a frame (11) on which tines (Z) are fixed by means of a grid. The coarse dirt collector can be pivoted into and out of the pulper, to which end it moves about an axis of rotation (A) positioned at an angle to the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (P) of the pulper. Said angle is between 20° and 40°. The advantage of said device is that the coarse dirt collector (7) has to carry out only one movement between its collecting and unloading position and unloading can take place automatically without need for a special scraping device. Because of the position of the tines (Z) there is no risk of undesirable loss of coarse material prior to unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fea Gesellschaft F. Recycling V.E.U.A.M.
    Inventors: Harry Wiljan, Roland Carra
  • Patent number: 7169264
    Abstract: A wire foil for a paper production installation has a supporting strip and plates fixed to the latter. The plates are mutually adjoining ceramic plates. The supporting strip and the plates of ceramic material are formed, on the mutually contacting surfaces, with mutually facing recesses, in which connecting elements are anchored. The connecting elements are fixed in the recesses in the plates of ceramic material by a form fit, and plates located beside one another are fixed to the supporting strip by at least one common connecting element extending over the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Klaus Bartelmuss
  • Patent number: 7169265
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing resin-impregnated endless belt structures and belt structures designed for use on a long nip press on a papermaking machine and for other papermaking and paper processing applications, requires the application of a sacrificial material onto a base substrate in a predetermined pattern in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) or more. Polymeric resin material is then deposited on the base substrate to cover all areas except those on which the sacrificial material has been previously applied. The polymeric resin material is then set by means appropriate to its composition, and the sacrificial material removed. Optionally, the polymeric resin material may then be abraded to provide the belt with a uniform thickness, and a smooth, macroscopically monoplanar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventors: Charles E. Kramer, Joseph G. O'Connor, Maurice Paquin
  • Patent number: 7169266
    Abstract: A coke drum head is hinged to a coke drum body using a compound joint such as a trammel pivot, and the head is moved between open and closed positions using an actuator. In moving between open and closed positions, the head traces out a non-circular path which reduces the required headroom relative to a head using a standard pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie P. Antalffy, Glenda T. Ruiz, legal representative, Gerald Bryant, Michael B. Knowles, David W. Malek, Samuel A. Martin, Robert Benoit, deceased
  • Patent number: 7169267
    Abstract: A process is proposed for the separation of C5+ cuts by distillation into a low-boiler (A), a medium-boiler (B) and a high-boiler fraction (C) in one or more dividing-wall columns (TK), in which a dividing wall (T) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column with formation of an upper, common column region (1), a lower, common column region (6), a feed part (2, 4) with rectifying section (2) and stripping section (4), and a withdrawal part (3, 5) with rectifying section (5) and stripping section (3), with feed of the C5+ cut (A, B, C) into the central region of the feed part (2, 4), discharge of the high-boiler fraction (C) from the bottom of the column, discharge of the low-boiler fraction (A) via the top of the column, and discharge of the medium-boiler fraction (B) from the central region of the withdrawal part (3, 5), wherein the dividing ratio of the liquid reflux at the upper end of the dividing wall (T) is set in such a way that the proportion of high-boiling key components in the liquid re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Kaibel, Carsten Oost, Manfred Stroezel, Gerald Meyer, Peter Trübenbach, Karl-Heinz Sartor, Jürgen Heners
  • Patent number: 7169268
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for providing tertiary amine products which are color-stable, and have a greatly reduced tendency to take on color during their storage. According to the invention, an ethyleneamine derivative is added to the distillation pot prior to or during the distillation of the tertiary amine product. Preferably, the ethyleneamine derivative has a higher boiling point than the desired tertiary amine product so as to preclude the ethyleneamine from distilling over with the tertiary amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Yang Su, Mark L. Posey, Maarten P. ter Weeme
  • Patent number: 7169269
    Abstract: A plating apparatus (10) provided with: a plating vessel (61a to 61d) having a cylindrical side wall (361) for containing a plating liquid; a substrate holding mechanism (74a to 74d) for generally horizontally holding a generally round substrate (W) to be treated; a cathode ring (80) provided in the substrate holding mechanism and having substantially the same inner diameter as the plating vessel for sealing a peripheral edge portion of a lower surface of the substrate, the cathode ring having a cathode (83) to be brought into contact with the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism; and a rotative driving mechanism (45) for rotating the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism together with the cathode ring; wherein the plating vessel has an upper edge portion complementary in configuration to a portion of the cathode ring opposed to the plating vessel so that the lower surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism can approach the plating vessel so as to be substantiall
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Mizohata, Hideaki Matsubara, Masahiro Miyagi, Ryuichi Hayama
  • Patent number: 7169270
    Abstract: An improved electrical connection between an inert anode and a conductor rod is disclosed. The conductor rod has a smaller diameter than a hole in the anode such that a gap is provided between the conductor rod and the anode. The gap is filled with an electrically conductive particulate material, such as Cu, Ni and/or Ag. The particulate conductor material is at least partially sintered before or during operation of the anode. To ensure a good connection between the conductor rod and the anode, the particle size distribution of the particulate connector material may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: LeRoy E. D'Astolfo, Jr., R. Lee Troup
  • Patent number: 7169271
    Abstract: A small magnet assembly is scanned in a retrograde planetary or epicyclic path about the back of a target being plasma sputtered including an orbital rotation about the center axis of the target and a planetary rotation about another axis rotating about the target center axis. The magnet assembly passes through the target center, thus allowing full target coverage. A properly chosen ratio of the two rotations about respective axes produces a much slower magnet velocity near the target periphery than at the target center. A geared planetary mechanism includes a rotating drive plate, a fixed center gear, and an idler and a follower gear rotatably supported in the drive plane supporting a cantilevered magnet assembly on the side of the drive plate facing the target. A belted planetary mechanism includes a fixed center capstan, a follower pulley supporting the magnet assembly, and a belt wrapped around them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilyoung Richard Hong, James Tsung, Daniel Clarence Lubben, Peijun Ding, Nirmalya Maity
  • Patent number: 7169272
    Abstract: Construction and characterization of microfabricated recessed disk microelectrodes (RDMs) of 14 and 55 ?m diameter are reported. The work reported here makes several new contributions to the current literature on microfabricated RDMs. Hybrid blamers were constructed by fusion of vesicles of dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline (DMPC), which forms the top layer, with ethanol-rinsed SAMs of hexadecanethiol on gold, which form the bottom layer. Gramicidin A was included in the modifying solutions to incorporate it into hybrid blamers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventors: Ingrid Fritsch, Charles Sherman Henry, Benjamin P. Bowen, Walter Vandaveer, Nicole Bratcher
  • Patent number: 7169273
    Abstract: Disclosed is an enzyme electrode comprising an electrode system comprising an insulating substrate having formed thereon a working electrode, a counter electrode and optionally a reference electrode, and a reaction layer formed on the electrode system, wherein the reaction layer comprises diaphorase (DI), 12?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (12?-HSD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase (NADS), at least a portion of the reaction layer being superposed on the working electrode, wherein the DI, 12?-HSD and NADS contained in the reaction layer are immobilized on the surface of the working electrode, so that a compound generated in the reaction layer can reach the surface of the working electrode. Also disclosed are a method for and a system for determining the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in a sample by using the above-mentioned enzyme electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ikura, Masayuki Nomura
  • Patent number: 7169274
    Abstract: A measurement device is provided for determining the oxygen activity in molten metal or slag with a measurement head, which is arranged on one end of a carrier tube and on which an electrochemical measurement cell is arranged. The electrochemical measurement cell has a solid electrolyte tubule, which is closed on one side and which contains on its closed end a reference material and an electrode, which projects from the opposite end of the solid electrolyte tubule. The solid electrolyte tubule has on its outer surface a coating made from a mixture of zirconium silicate with a fluoride. The measurement head may also have a thermo-element, and the device may be used to determine the concentration of silicon and/or carbon in the melt, based on the oxygen activity measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Danny Habets
  • Patent number: 7169275
    Abstract: A method for separating particles in free-flow electrophoresis FFE includes conveying a separation medium using a dosage pump into a separation chamber; releasing the separation medium via outlets; applying an electrical field in the separation medium; coupling a particle to be separated with selectively defined charge labels for generating charge-modified particles which due to their selectively modified net surface charge display a different migratory behavior in FFE than non-charge-modified particles; adding a mixture of particles to be separated to the separation medium in the separation chamber by way of sample injection points; removing the particles separated using the separation medium by way of fractionation points; and collecting the fractions with the separated particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Christoph Eckerskorn, Hans-Jörg Grill, Gerhard Weber, Peter Weber, David Yost
  • Patent number: 7169276
    Abstract: Methods for reducing peak broadening associated with the establishment of a run field in a capillary electrophoresis process, and apparatus useful for carrying out such methods, are described. Such methods include defining a maximum ramp rate to be used during an initial electric field ramp, defining a minimum period over which the run field is established, and/or maintaining a temperature of a separation medium to within certain ranges during the initial electric field ramp. In addition, methods for determining a ramp rate effective for reducing peak broadening are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Ben F. Johnson, Eric S. Nordman
  • Patent number: 7169277
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for use in separating sample materials into different fractions that employ bulk fluid flow for loading of samples followed by electrophoretic separation of the sample material. Devices employ configurations that optionally allow bulk sample loading with some or no displacement of a separation matrix within a separation conduit. Methods of using these devices, and systems that incorporate these devices are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Ausserer, Luc J. Bousse, Robert S. Dubrow, Steven A. Sundberg, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang
  • Patent number: 7169278
    Abstract: A free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) apparatus and separation medium for separating particles therefore, includes a separation chamber with a dosage pump for conveying medium, electrodes for applying an electric field in the medium and sample injection points for adding a mixture of particles to be separated and fractionation points for removing the particles. Definable charge labels couple with the particles to form charge-modified particles which display with a different migratory behavior in FFE The apparatus includes focusing buffers between the separation medium and at least one electrode which has much higher electrical conductivity than the separation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Christoph Eckerskorn, Hans-Jörg Grill, Gerhard Weber, Peter Weber, David Yost
  • Patent number: 7169279
    Abstract: A sample handling system in a multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The sample handling system includes a work surface for supporting a plurality of samples located at a plurality of work surface coordinates and a sample loading assembly comprising a plurality of loading wells. At least one of the loading wells includes a capillary fixedly positioned therein. The system further includes a programmable sample transfer device for automatically transferring a sample from a work surface coordinate to a loading well. The invention further includes methods for using the sample handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Gregg King, John Shigeura, Eric S. Nordman, Sean Matthew Desmond
  • Patent number: 7169280
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system that enables the use of electrophoretic resists in the microfabrication industry for the production of microelectronic devices and is of sufficiently high quality to be used as a replacement for, or supplement to, current photoresist deposition technology. This system enables the application of electrophoretic resists in automated equipment that meets the standards for cleanliness and production throughput desired by the microelectronic fabrication industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Klocke, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7169281
    Abstract: An generator of pure pressurized high pressure hydrogen comprising a molten hydroxide or eutectic mixture electrolyte pressurizing chamber bounded by a hydrogen-selective anode and a hydrogen-selective otherwise gas impermeable cathode respectively connected to a D.C. power supply, with the pressurizing chamber maintained at a temperature between the melting point of the electrolyte and about 600° C., wherein, upon passing D.C. current between the anode and cathode, pure hydrogen arriving on the electrolyte bounding with the anode substantially instantaneously reacts with hydroxyl ions from the electrolyte to form water and electrons and evolves pressurized pure hydrogen gas on the cathode, and with such substantially instantaneous reaction at the anode creating a suction effect which effectively pumps pure hydrogen permeating through said anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hy9Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Juda, R. Todd Bombard, Charles W. Krueger
  • Patent number: 7169282
    Abstract: Devices for filtering fluids using dielectrophoresis are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Aura BioSystems Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Stuart Talary, Ronald Pethig, Richard Stanley Lee
  • Patent number: 7169283
    Abstract: In an anodization apparatus and an anodization method for electrochemically treating a target substrate by irradiating the target substrate with light, treatment of a large target substrate can be made possible with smaller constituent elements. The electrical contact with the target substrate by a contact member is realized by a plurality of contact members or by the movement of a contact member to change the electrical contact position. The target substrate is manufactured in advance so as to have such a structure that portions thereof to be in contact with the plural contact members are connected to portions of a conductive layer on a treatment part thereof respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasushi Yagi, Kazutsugu Aoki, Mitsuru Ushijima
  • Patent number: 7169284
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conductive polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) polymer coated electrode adapted for use as a cathode electrode of an electrolytic capacitor and a method of manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, a metal foil substrate is placed in an aqueous solution of a doped 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer and a co-solvent, to dissolve the EDOT monomer, and a current is applied until the desired thickness of the polymer coating is electrochemically deposited. Additionally, an organic acid is added to the aqueous solution to act as an oxidizer. In order to improve the uniformity and adherence of the coating a surfactant may also be added. In a preferred embodiment, the EDOT monomer and cosolvent are first mixed, and then added to a water solution of oxidizer and dopant. The polymer film is deposited electrochemically onto the substrate by applying a DC current between 0.05 mA/cm2 and 5.0 mA/cm2 for 1 to 60 minutes, more preferably between about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Naixiong Jiang, Timothy Marshall, Melissa Moore, Christopher R. Feger, Thomas F. Strange
  • Patent number: 7169285
    Abstract: A low temperature method for reducing and purifying refractory metals, metal compounds, and semi-metals using a catalyst. Using this invention, TiO2 can be reduced directly to Ti metal at room temperature. The catalyst is an ion in an electrolyte that catalyzes the rate of the reduction of a compound MX to M, wherein M is a metal or a semi-metal; MX is a metal compound, a semi-metal compound, or a metal or semi-metal dissolved as an impurity in M; and X is an element chemically combined with or dissolved in M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William E. O'Grady, Graham T. Cheek
  • Patent number: 7169286
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reel-to-reel substrate tape polishing and cleaning system including precleaning, electropolishing section and post cleaning sections and which is suitable for polishing and cleaning long lengths of metal substrate tape used in the manufacture of HTS-coated tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Superpower, Inc.
    Inventor: Yunfei Qiao
  • Patent number: 7169287
    Abstract: A decomposition apparatus that decomposes a decomposition target is provided. The decomposition apparatus includes a decomposition chamber having a decomposition section that continuously decomposes the decomposition target, an introducing device that continuously introduces the decomposition target into the decomposition chamber, a discharging device that discharges decomposition products produced in the decomposition chamber, and a selection section that selects a set of drive conditions from a plurality of sets of conditions for the decomposition section such that the concentration of the decomposition target within the decomposition chamber during decomposition of the decomposition target is at the predetermined concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Miura, Hiroshi Kubo, Kinya Kato, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Akira Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 7169288
    Abstract: Systems and methods of cathodic protection. The system includes a metallic housing, a backplane situated within the metallic housing, a cathodic protection card coupled to the backplane and a permanent anode, external to the metallic housing, coupled to the cathodic protection card through an isolated port. The cathodic protection system is powered using span power. The permanent anode and metallic housing are adapted to form a closed circuit when both come in contact with an electrolyte. The permanent anode is maintained at a higher potential than the metallic housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Drapeau
  • Patent number: 7169289
    Abstract: A device for the electrochemical detection of at least one biochemical molecule contained in a liquid from a group of predetermined biochemical molecules includes a holder (1) for taking up the liquid, with at least one reference electrode (RE) and at least one counterelectrode (GE) and a multiplicity of working electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3). At least one working electrode is provided for the detection of each biochemical molecule, and is coated with a molecule that is complementary to the respective biochemical molecule, so that the biochemical molecules can be detected simultaneously. The device includes a potentiostat (P) for generating a predetermined voltage profile between the working electrodes and the reference electrode, a current/voltage converter (S1, S2, S3) connected downstream of each of the working electrodes for holding all of the working electrodes at the same potential, and a measurement device (Ad) for measuring the currents flowing through the working electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: November Aktiengesellschaft Gesellschaft für Molekulare Medizin
    Inventors: Jürgen Schülein, Björn Grassl, Jörg Hassmann