Patents Issued in February 22, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070039783
    Abstract: There is disclosed a coupling arrangement for coupling a motor to a hoist machine. The coupling arrangement comprises a first drum flange comprising an outer body having a first end and a second end, and an inner wall surface defining a cavity of substantially circular cross section. The cavity has a given diameter along a first length of the body, and of reducing diameter along a second length of the body. The flange is adapted to receive at the first end a tapered bushing of increasing diameter and dimensioned such that, upon insertion of the bushing within the body a given length, the bushing frictionally engages with the inner wall surface of reducing diameter for retention therein. The bushing has a central cavity for receiving the shaft of the motor and capable of securing onto the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Doran
  • Publication number: 20070039784
    Abstract: In an elevator interlock apparatus, a catch is disposed on a landing entrance, and a latch is disposed on a landing door. The latch engages with the catch and prevents movement of the landing door in a door opening direction when the landing door is in a fully-closed state. A release detector detects whether or not the latch is in a position engaged with the catch by detecting a change in a magnetic field without contacting the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Koizumi, Tatsushi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20070039785
    Abstract: An elevator system comprises at least two independently operable elevator cars in each of a plurality of elevator shafts within a building. The elevator system comprises at least one first elevator shaft having a lower first and a lower second region, where a first elevator car moves within the lower first region of the first elevator shaft and a second elevator car moves within the lower second region. The first and second elevators are moveably controlled independently of each other within the first shaft. The system also includes at least one second elevator shaft having an upper first and an upper second region, where a third elevator car moves within the upper first region of the second elevator shaft and a fourth elevator car moving within the upper second region. The third and fourth elevator cars also are moveably controlled independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Rory Smith, Randolph Huff, Richard Peters, Bruce Powell, Gerhard Thumm
  • Publication number: 20070039786
    Abstract: A carriage incorporating an articulated caster braking system is disclosed. The carriage includes a frame with a base section that pivots relative to the rest of the frame and pivotally attaches to caster wheels. The base section provides a walking-beam suspension for the frame by pivoting at a point between a pair of the caster wheels. The carriage also includes a brake assembly that is attached to the frame and restricts carriage movement by directly engaging the ground. The brake assembly includes a brake arm that engages the ground and redundant actuators for shifting the brake arm between engaged and disengaged positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas Willis
  • Publication number: 20070039787
    Abstract: A pressure-energized seal for a spring-type brake actuator for a vehicle brake, in which the actuator's power spring is located between the service brake actuator and parking brake release actuator. The power spring is captured between the actuator's intermediate flange and a spring retainer. In order to prevent pressure leakage past the spring retainer into a power spring cavity, a pressure-energized seal is located between the plate and the housing. The seal member, which is carried by the spring plate or the housing, has a pressure-receiving section with resilient outer portions, which are deflected by pressure in the service chamber into firm contact with the spring plate and the actuator housing interior wall, increasing the sealing force between the seal and both the plate and the housing. The pressure-energized seal provides improved seal performance with a seal which is easy to inspect and/or replace, highly reliable, and relatively inexpensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Ken Scheckelhoff, Ronald Plantan, Brett Darner
  • Publication number: 20070039788
    Abstract: A braking system for a movable unit which travels along a cable includes a plate of conductive material extending from the cable to define a braking zone having a start and an end along at least a portion of the cable. There is a brake unit movable along the cable and positionable at the start of the braking zone. The brake unit has magnets positionable on opposite sides of the conductive material. The brake unit is engagable by the movable unit when the movable unit reaches the start of the braking zone to couple the two units together. The movable unit acts to push the brake unit through the braking zone such that movement of the magnets of the brake unit relative to the conductive material induces eddy currents in the conductive material to create a braking force between the brake unit and the plate of conductive material to brake the brake unit and the movable unit. In an alternative arrangement, the magnets are installed directly in the movable unit to eliminate the separate brake unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Fulton
  • Publication number: 20070039789
    Abstract: A disk brake pad has a friction member that slidably contacts to a rotating disk to generate braking force, and a backing plate that supports a back of the friction member. The friction member has a contact surface that slidably contacts to the disk. The backing plate has a heat transfer member located within a projected area, which reduces or restrains thermal deformation of a disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Tatsuya Sano
  • Publication number: 20070039790
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension spring system for a vehicle wheel station includes a hydraulic cylinder or strut having a piston which divides the cylinder volume into a main oil volume and an annular oil volume. The main oil volume communicates via a first oil passage with a first accumulator having a main gas volume. The annular oil volume communicates via a second oil passage with a second accumulator having an auxiliary gas volume. The oil in each accumulator is separated from the gas by a separator piston or diaphragm. A third oil passage with an isolating valve interconnects said first and second oil passages. Operation of the isolating valve is regulated by a controller. At least one sensor for sensing a parameter associated with vehicle attitude is connected to the controller. The controller is operable for switching the isolating valve between open and closed positions for altering spring stiffness of the strut in response to said sensed vehicle attitude parameter when the vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Technology Investments Limited
    Inventors: Sean Timoney, John Holland
  • Publication number: 20070039791
    Abstract: A vibration damper providing amplitude-dependent damping for motor vehicles includes a first damping device including a piston rod which is disposed in a damping tube so as to be moveable in an oscillating manner and which supports a damping piston which divides the interior of the damping tube into a piston rod-side working chamber and a working chamber remote from the piston rod. The vibration damper further includes a second damping device which is disposed hydraulically parallel to the damping piston and includes an equalizing chamber which is divided into a first and a second partial chamber by a separating piston disposed so as to be axially displaceable in the equalizing chamber, wherein the first partial chamber is hydraulically connected to the piston rod-side working chamber and the second partial chamber is hydraulically connected to the working chamber remote from the piston rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Andreas Krefeld
  • Publication number: 20070039792
    Abstract: In a damper, in particular for spin-drying washing machines, it is provided, with a view to improved solidity and noise behaviour of the damper, that at least one buffer stop is disposed between at least one piston and at least one stop element, the buffer stop comprising at least one flexibly pliable buffer stop element which is integral with the at least one piston or the at least one stop element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Suspa Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Peuker, Andreas Pelczer
  • Publication number: 20070039793
    Abstract: In a damper having a structure comprising a vibration body, a mass member and an elastic body through which the mass member is joined to the vibration body, the elastic body is formed from a cross-linking product of an EPDM composition, which comprises (a) 100 parts by weight of at least one kind of EPDM, whose propylene content in sum total of ethylene and propylene in the copolymerization rubber is 35-50 wt. %, or a blend rubber of at least one kind of EPDM and EPM, whose propylene content in sum total of ethylene and propylene in the blend rubber is 35-50 wt. %, the EPDM or the blend rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML100) of not less than 40, (b) 5-50 parts by weight of ?-olefin oligomer, which is a polymer of ?-olefin represented by the general formula, CH2?CHR, where R is an alkyl group having 3-12 carbon atoms, with a number average molecular weight Mn of 300-1,400 and (c) 1-10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide cross-linking agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Makoto Sanpei, Motoyuki Sunaoka, Shinji Yamada, Nobuyoshi Takamatsu
  • Publication number: 20070039794
    Abstract: A golf bag includes a base with a U-shaped notch and a wheel set is connected to the base. The wheel set includes a shaft which extends through the notch and two guide members are axially movably connected to two ends of the shaft. Two wheels are connected to two respective outsides of the two guide members. Each guide member has an extension rod which is inserted into the notch and are movably engaged with a V-shaped groove defined in a top surface of a fixed plate in the base. An activation unit has a link and includes a movable member which has a cooperation groove. The two guide extension rods of the guide members are movably engaged with communication portions of the V-shaped groove and the cooperation groove. By pulling the link, the two wheels are pulled toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Jyh-Yeuan Hwang
  • Publication number: 20070039795
    Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a barrel rotatably engaged into a cartridge and having a gear, two pawls slidably received in the cartridge and each having a base plane and a side plane and two or more teeth biased to engage with the gear of the barrel, and a control ferrule may control the engagement of the pawls with the gear of the barrel. The teeth of the pawls each includes two tooth surfaces having different included angles relative to the base plane of the pawl and relative to the side plane of the pawl, and having different included angles relative to each other, for allowing the barrel to be suitably rotated or driven by the cartridge with an increased driving torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Youn Liao
  • Publication number: 20070039796
    Abstract: A clutch device has a housing connected to a drive; a takeoff, which is mounted with freedom of rotation in the circumferential direction relative to the housing; and at least one friction clutch, which is mounted in the housing and which can be shifted between an engaged position and a released position. The clutch has clutch components including at least one pressure-exerting device and at least one clutch element which can be actuated by the pressure-exerting device, both the clutch element and the pressure-exerting device being able to shift position to a limited extent in the axial direction. The clutch element has at least one friction surface and a clutch hub in working connection with the takeoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Arthur Schroder, Rudiger Lotze, Jorg Sudau
  • Publication number: 20070039797
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated torque coupling assembly that has an actuator plate mechanism integrated within the pressure relief valve assembly. The actuator plate includes a valve closure member and two alignment pins. The valve closure member is disposed adjacent to a valve seat on the face of the torque coupling assembly. The actuator plate and an associated electromagnetic solenoid assembly are partially enclosed in a stationary housing that is positioned outside the coupling case. A variable amount of electrical current is applied to the solenoid assembly so that the actuator plate valve closure member engages the associated valve seat. The release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly is selectively based on the magnitude of an electric current supplied to the solenoid assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Jun Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20070039798
    Abstract: A parking brake apparatus for an automatic transmission vehicle in one embodiment includes a parking shaft connected to a shift lever, a cam plate secured to the parking shaft, a parking rod assembly operated when the cam plate secured to the parking shaft rotates through manipulation of the shift lever, and a parking gear meshed with a sprag which is actuated by the parking rod assembly. The apparatus comprises a driving section having a driving motor assembly for driving the parking shaft such that the sprag can be engaged with or disengaged from the parking gear when the shift lever is manipulated between P and R, and operating to ensure that a rotational force of a driving motor is added to a disengaging force of the parking rod assembly for disengaging the sprag engaged with the parking gear when the disengaging force is insufficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Yeon Kim, Kyung-Won Hwang
  • Publication number: 20070039799
    Abstract: A roller track assembly comprises a first roller track, a second roller track, and a linking roller track, which links the first and second roller tracks. Each of the first and second roller tracks comprises two side walls and plural. The linking roller track comprises two side walls and a roller or plural rollers. Each roller has an axis and is supported between the side walls of the roller track having such roller so as to be freely rotatable about the axis of such roller. Each side wall of the linking roller track has a first extension, which is attached to an end portion of a respective one of the side walls of the first roller track, via bolts passing through an elongate slot in the first extension. Each side wall of the linking roller track has a second extension, which is attached to an end portion of an associated one of the side walls of the second roller track, via bolts passing through an elongate slot in the second extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Minchey
  • Publication number: 20070039800
    Abstract: A coin acceptor includes a coin sensing station with two generally circular coils (S1, S2) and an elongate coil (S3) mounted on one side of a coin guiding surface that is curved so that a coin (26) under test is thrown by centripetal force into sliding engagement with the surface (22) to form an inductive coupling with the coils to test coin acceptability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell, Kevin Mulvey
  • Publication number: 20070039801
    Abstract: A protective cover for the inner door mounted bill validator bill container of a vending machine or the like has a body including a back wall and four side walls perpendicular to the back wall and the cover is removably attachable to the inner end of a bill validator. A cable affixed to the cover attaches to a portion of the door so as to dangle the cover when it is removed from the bill validator. The cover is preferably made from heavy gauge formed steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: TriTeq Lock and Security, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Calin Roatis, Richard Paeth, Catalin Captarencu, Gary Myers
  • Publication number: 20070039802
    Abstract: A movable belt conveyor system for a leach pad for use for sulfidic copper ore, where favorable conditions are to be generated for leaching out the copper by a slight compaction of the ore piled up into a dump for the microbiological leaching technology. The movable belt conveyor system of a length of up to several km is composed of a plurality of smaller belt segments, comprising a tail segment (70), standard segments (711-n) and a head segment (72), as well as a traveling tripper (8). To prevent the loading by these individual components from being excessively compacted by the weight of the device during multiple travel over the dump during the moving process, the belt drives with the driving drum are accommodated in the tail element (70), which is supported on the soil next to the leach pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: MAN TAKRAF Fordertechnick GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Kahrger, Dieter Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20070039803
    Abstract: A travelator, moving ramp or escalator comprises a power machine and a conveyor having a driven end driven by the power machine and a non-driven end. The conveyor comprises a first and second drive elements which are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop. A number of transport platforms are arranged one after the other and secured to the first and second drive elements. At the driven end, the first drive element is passed over a first driving pulley which is rotated by the power machine, and at the non-driven end the first drive element is passed over a first diverting pulley. The second drive element is passed over a second driving pulley at the driven end which is rotated by the power machine, and over a second diverting pulley at the non-driven end. A first synchronizing device is placed at the driven end for mutual synchronization of the first and second driving pulleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Marc Ossendorf
  • Publication number: 20070039804
    Abstract: A bolt diversion system for use with a conveyor system having a conveyor chain for towing a movable cart. The bolt diversion system is used to prevent debris from interfering with operation of the conveyor chain. The bolt diversion system includes first and second rails, disposed vertically and spaced from one another so as to define a slot therebetween. Lower faces of the rails are disposed close to and in overlapping relationship to upper lateral edges of the chain so as to define a small gap between the first and second rails and the conveyor chain that is smaller than the debris, so that the debris remains in the slot and on top of the conveyor chain. The debris is conveyed by the conveyor chain to a debris removal zone in which a wiper arm assembly is provided. The wiper arm assembly includes a wiper arm that extends across a top of the conveyor chain. The wiper arm knocks debris off of the conveyor chain and into a debris collection container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Barry St. John
  • Publication number: 20070039805
    Abstract: A low back pressure belt module for forming an endless belt for use with a conveyor. The modular conveyor belt is formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of belt travel and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side-by-side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. The low back pressure belt modules include shafts supported above the top surface of the module. The shafts carry a plurality of rollers to form a low back pressure conveying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Sergio Fandella
  • Publication number: 20070039806
    Abstract: A safety lock as taught herein comprises first and second members and is configured to lockably mount to an interlock switch. In one or more embodiments, the second member slidably couples to the first member and slides between a disengaged position that allows for mounting and an engaged position that engages a corresponding switch actuator opening in the interlock switch. In at least one embodiment, the second member projects through an opening in the first member into engagement. The first and second members may include corresponding lock openings, allowing the second member to be locked into the engaged position. In at least one embodiment, the first member conforms at least partially to the exterior of the interlock switch, e.g., it spans at least one exterior corner of the interlock switch. The first member may include an engagement finger to engage a corresponding switch actuator opening of the interlock switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard Puddicombe, Joseph Borjon
  • Publication number: 20070039807
    Abstract: A switch-mounting assembly includes a switch-mounting frame installed with a switch unit and formed with a first through hole. A panel unit includes a cover for covering the switch-mounting frame and formed with a switch-mounting hole for extension of the switch unit. A screw fastener extends through a second through hole in the cover and the first through hole and is screwed into a coupling member so as to anchor the cover and the switch-mounting frame to the coupling member. The panel unit further includes a decorative piece having a magnetic portion attracting magnetically and contacting a magnetically-attractable screw head portion of the screw fastener, and a decorative portion connected to the magnetic portion, disposed on the outer surface of the cover, and covering the screw head portion of the screw fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Jun-Hao Yang
  • Publication number: 20070039808
    Abstract: Light projected from a light source is reflected to a pointer side by a reflecting portion in such a state that a dial is rotated to a FOOT position position. Due to this, since light projected from the light source can be emitted to the pointer by bypassing an inside air/outside air changing over switch, the pointer can be illuminated sufficiently without disturbance by the inside air/outside air changing over switch. Moreover, since the reflecting portion is formed by bending partially a predetermined conductor plate 58 which constitutes a switch circuit, the necessity of a reflector is obviated which would otherwise be necessary exclusively to reflect light projected from the light source to the pointer side. Due to this, since the number of components is reduced, both the production costs and the number of assembling manhours are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Satoshi Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20070039809
    Abstract: A sheet switch module including a sheet switch (21) having a central contact (32) disposed on a circuit board (33), a circumferential contact (20) disposed circumferentially of the central contact (32), a spring (22) disposed above the central contact (32), and a transparent sheet member (23) configured to cover the spring (22), the sheet switch (21) forming a switching circuit such that the spring (22) provides electrical conduction between the central contact (32) and the circumferential contact (20) when the sheet member is pressed, the sheet member (23) being formed by a light guiding sheet (30) configured to guide light emitted from an LED (34) along an upper surface of the spring (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Citizens Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshi Aihara, Isao Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20070039810
    Abstract: A multi-stage button switch includes a body, an elastic element and a compression element. The compression element has an integrated flexible harness arm. The body has a track zone and a harness portion which is formed with a selected geometric shape to define the moving path of the compression element that includes a start position, a first stage compression position, a compressed position and a second stage compression position in this order. The button switch thus formed consists of fewer elements, is simply structured and can be fabricated and assembled easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Chin-Wen Chou, Hong-Yi Lee
  • Publication number: 20070039811
    Abstract: There is provided a multistage push-on switch used in input operation sections in various electronic apparatuses. In particular, there is provided a push-on switch in which a first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained. The push-on switch is configured such that movable contact (7) having projecting segment (11) permanently connected with outer contact (41) is accommodated in recess (21A) of switch enclosure (21), on which sheet (50) with center through hole (50A) for movable contact (7) is placed. The push-on switch also includes metal cover (13) with a cover terminal. Metal cover (13) is attached to switch enclosure (21) such that pressing segment (13C) faces off against disc segment (8) of movable contact (7) corresponding to the position of the center through hole (50A) with a predetermined vertical gap between pressing segment (13C) and disc segment (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Yasunori Yanai, Hisashi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070039812
    Abstract: A switch element for surface mounting onto a printed circuit board which has a bearer element (2) and a contact element (1). Both the bearer element and the contact element are formed from an electrically conductive material and the contact element being formed from a resilient material. The bearer element and the contact element can be of an integral construction or are separate components assembled together. By this construction the bearer element comprises a peripheral retainer for the contact element. In one arrangement the bearer element has an inwardly facing C-shaped cross sectional shape to provide a recess to act as a peripheral retainer for the contact element by receiving at least a portion of the rim of the contact element in the C-shaped member recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Philip Sjostrom
  • Publication number: 20070039813
    Abstract: A process for recovering crude 1,3-butadiene from a C4 fraction by extractive distillation using a selective solvent in a dividing wall column (TK) in which a dividing wall (T) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column to form a first subregion (A), a second subregion (B) and a lower common column region (C) and which is preceded by an extractive scrubbing column (K), wherein the operation of the dividing wall column (TK) is set by regulation of the energy input into the dividing wall column (TK) via a bottom vaporizer (V) and setting of the number of the theoretical plates in the lower common column region (C) so that a bottom stream (17) consisting of purified solvent is obtained from the dividing wall column (TK), is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Bernd Heida
  • Publication number: 20070039814
    Abstract: A method of carrying out a catalytic reaction with a catalytic reaction system comprising octahedral-based structures, such as a solid-solution or an ordered layered material, with specific early and late transition metals are described. A late transition metal is included in the solids so that a greater amount of solar energy can be absorbed by the catalytic reaction system and the solar efficiency of the method is increased. Catalytic compounds and compositions for carrying out the method are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Maggard
  • Publication number: 20070039815
    Abstract: A hydrogen energy system comprising galvanic hydrogen generators and hydrogen input manifolds for vehicle engines. The galvanic hydrogen generators generate hydrogen gas, magnesium hydroxide, and heat by the galvanic reaction of magnesium anodes with steel cathodes in salt water. Heat exchangers channel excess heat to a heat sink such as a thermocouple, Stirling engine, hot water system, etc. The hydrogen input manifold is bolted between the engine block and the air intake manifold of a gasoline or diesel engine. Hydrogen gas is injected into the hydrogen input manifold to provide supplementary fuel to the engine, lowering the amount of petroleum that is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Bartel
  • Publication number: 20070039816
    Abstract: In order for electrical feeds (2, 3) of an electrical supply unit for material (1) to be treated, in a device for the electrochemical treatment thereof, to be protected against metal deposition, it is proposed that at least one electrically insulating shell (7, 8) should be provided, which encloses the at least one electrical feed (2, 3), over a particular length starting from contact means (12) for making contact with the material to be treated, so that no metal deposit of more than 0.04 mm is formed on the blank parts of the electrical feed when the electrical feed (2, 3) is immersed up to this particular length in a liquid during the electrochemical treatment of the material (1) to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Britta Scheller, Klaus Brehm, Olaf Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20070039817
    Abstract: The invention includes a physical vapor deposition target containing copper and at least two additional elements selected from Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, Ir, Li, Mg, Mn, Nb, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Sb, Sc, Si, Sn, Ta, Te, Ti, V, W, Zn and Zr, a total amount of the at least two additional elements being from 100 ppm to 10 atomic %. The invention additionally includes thin films and interconnects which contain the mixture of copper and at least two added elements. The invention also includes forming a copper-containing target. A mixture of copper and two or more elements is formed. The mixture is cast by melting and is subsequently cooled to form a billet which is worked utilizing one or both of equal channel angular extrusion and thermomechanical processing to form a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Daniels, Michael Thomas, Susand Strothers, Wuwen Yi, Anil Bhanap, Eal Lee, Cara Hutchinson, Christie Hausman
  • Publication number: 20070039818
    Abstract: A sputtering target includes a backing plate and a copper target provided on the backing plate. A protection layer is formed on the surface of the copper target from a corrosion-resistant metal. Accordingly, the oxidation of the copper target can be suppressed. Thus, the formation of a contaminant layer on the shielding plate of the sputtering system can be suppressed, and resultantly the adhesion of particles to a substrate due to the release of a deposited layer on the surface of the shielding plate can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Takashi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20070039819
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensing element comprising: a sensing electrode; a reference electrode; an electrolyte disposed between and in ionic communication with the sensing electrode and the reference electrode; a heater circuit disposed on a support layer adjacent to the reference electrode; and a vent disposed adjacent to and in fluid communication with the heater circuit, and in fluid communication with a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Walter Symons, David Wallace, Kaius Polikarpus, Paul Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20070039820
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensing element with a sensing electrode, a reference electrode; and an electrolyte disposed between and in ionic communication with the sensing electrode and the reference electrode. A protective layer is disposed adjacent to the sensing electrode. A plurality of vias is disposed in the protective layer adjacent to the electrolyte and in fluid communication with the sensing electrode and a gas to be sensed. The vias have a diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 250 micrometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Clyde, Jo-Ann Novak, Mark Jones
  • Publication number: 20070039821
    Abstract: An organic contaminant molecule sensor is described for use in a low oxygen concentration monitored environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Grant
  • Publication number: 20070039822
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microchip for performing electrophoresis with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) for the separation and detection of underivatized carbohydrates, amino acids, sulfur-containing antibiotics, etc. PAD allows for the direct detection of amines, thiols, alcohols and carbohydrates and therefore is a useful technique for the development of electrochemical detection for microchip electrophoresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Charles Henry, Carlos Garcia
  • Publication number: 20070039823
    Abstract: A microfluidic system comprises a first reservoir, an injection channel fluidically coupled to the first reservoir and to an injection point adapted for injecting an amount of fluid, and a side channel fluidically coupled to the injection channel at an intersection point located between the first reservoir and the injection point, the side channel being fluidically coupled with a second reservoir. Both the injection channel and the side channel are at least partly filled with a first substance and the second reservoir is at least partly filled with a second substance. The first substance is a gel and the second substance is a buffer solution. The side channel's cross section is larger than the injection channel's cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Fritz Bek, Marcus Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20070039824
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the prevention of fouling of process streams by the application of electric charge on process components. The electric charge may be attractive or repulsive to the foulants. The electric charge may be constant or variable and may be applied to any section of the process stream where convenient and wherein preventive effects are optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Salbilla
  • Publication number: 20070039825
    Abstract: Described are novel systems for electrodeposition of paint on counter-electrodes, and membrane electrode assemblies for incorporation into such systems. In certain embodiments of the invention, electrode enclosures such as C-shaped or box-shaped enclosures include membranes sealed to secondary structural members by bonding. In other embodiments, membrane electrode cells having bumpers are mounted within paint baths in a manner wherein the bumpers are forcibly biased against the exterior wall of the bath, thereby stabilizing the position of the cells. In still further embodiments, tubular electrode cells are provided with internal valves allowing the release of liquid trapped within the tubular electrodes into the membrane shell. In this manner, removal of the electrodes for maintenance, replacement or other purposes is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: H. Hess, H. Hess, Steven Jovanovic, James Rittel
  • Publication number: 20070039826
    Abstract: A thickening method of an electroforming shim is provided to increase the thickness of a metal shim. In this embodiment, an active solder with a rare earth element is used to increase the moisture on the substrate surface for the solder during the combining process. Afterwards the oxides of the rare earth element are expelled by mechanical stirring to produce a clean contact surface. The melted fillers moisturize on the substrate surface to achieve the combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chang, Cherng-Yuh Su, Jen-Chin Wu, Jun-Lung Hsi
  • Publication number: 20070039827
    Abstract: An apparatus for electropolishing and/or electroplating metal layers on a semiconductor wafer includes a receptacle having a plurality of section walls. The apparatus includes a wafer chuck configured to hold the semiconductor wafer and to position the semiconductor wafer within the receptacle with a surface of the semiconductor wafer adjacent to top portions of the plurality of section walls. The apparatus also includes a first plurality of sensors configured to measure alignment between the center of one of the plurality of section walls to the center of the wafer chuck, and thus the center of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: ACM Reasearch, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Wang, Voha Nuch
  • Publication number: 20070039828
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to formation of mesoscale or microscale devices using electrochemical fabrication techniques where structures are formed from a plurality of layers as opened structures which can be folded over or other otherwise combined to form structures of desired configuration. Each layer is formed from at least one structural material and at least one sacrificial material. The initial formation of open structures may facilitate release of the sacrificial material, ability to form fewer layers to complete a structure, ability to locate additional materials into the structure, ability to perform additional processing operations on regions exposed while the structure is open, and/or the ability to form completely encapsulated and possibly hollow structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Michael Lockhard, Dennis Smalley
  • Publication number: 20070039829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for depositing an adherent zinc coating onto a zinc-containing magnesium alloy substrate in order to render the surface suitable for electroplating. The coatings are applied from a pyrophosphate-based zinc electrolyte solution containing a small quantity of fluoride ions. Depending on the zinc and aluminum content of the magnesium alloy, the zinc electrolyte solution is applied by immersion deposition or electrolytically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Trevor Pearson, Maria Del Mar Cordero-Rando
  • Publication number: 20070039830
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a sulfonium group- and propargyl group-containing cationic electrodeposition coating composition whose curability can be enhanced without using any heavy metal-containing metal catalyst and which is further excellent in storage stability in a stationary state as well as a method of stabilizing cationic electrodeposition coating compositions. A cationic electrodeposition coating composition comprising a sulfonium group- and propargyl group-containing resin composition and a copper catalyst, the copper catalyst being a long-chain alkylsulfonic acid copper salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuo Morichika, Toshitaka Kawanami, Hiroyuki Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20070039831
    Abstract: A robotic device has a base and at least one finger having at least two links that are connected in series on rotary joints with at least two degrees of freedom. A brushless motor and an associated controller are located at each joint to produce a rotational movement of a link. Wires for electrical power and communication serially connect the controllers in a distributed control network. A network operating controller coordinates the operation of the network, including power distribution. At least one, but more typically two to five, wires interconnect all the controllers through one or more joints. Motor sensors and external world sensors monitor operating parameters of the robotic hand. The electrical signal output of the sensors can be input anywhere on the distributed control network. V-grooves on the robotic hand locate objects precisely and assist in gripping. The hand is sealed, immersible and has electrical connections through the rotary joints for anodizing in a single dunk without masking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Barrett Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William Townsend
  • Publication number: 20070039832
    Abstract: The invention relates to textiles, reservoirs, or films which may be switchably rendered hydrophilic or hydrophobic for liquid wicking, repelling, moving, holding, absorbing, drying, wetting, dispensing, and other means of electrically manipulation of liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: University of Cincinnati
    Inventor: Jason Heikenfeld