Patents Issued in March 27, 2007
  • Patent number: 7195999
    Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for forming a transistor. According to various method embodiments, a gate dielectric is formed on a substrate, a substitutable structure is formed on the gate dielectric, and source/drain regions for the transistor are formed. A desired gate material is substituted for the substitutable structure to provide the desired gate material on the gate dielectric. Some embodiments use carbon for the substitutable material, and some embodiments use silicon, germanium or silicon-germanium for the substitutable material. Some embodiments form a high-k gate dielectric, such as may be formed by an atomic layer deposition process, an evaporated deposition process, and a metal oxidation process. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Forbes, Paul A. Farrar, Kie Y. Ahn
  • Patent number: 7196000
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer with semiconductor chips having chip pads and a passivation layer is provided. First and second dielectric layers are sequentially formed on the passivation layer. The first and second dielectric layers form a ball pad area that includes an embossed portion, i.e., having a non-planar surface. A metal wiring layer is formed on the resulting structure including the embossed portion. A third dielectric layer is formed on the metal wiring layer. A portion of the third dielectric layer located on the embossed portion is removed to form a ball pad. A solder ball is formed on the embossed ball pad. With the embossed ball pad, the contact area between the solder balls and the metal wiring layer is increased, thereby improving the connection reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Hyuk Lee, Gu-Sung Kim, Dong-Ho Lee, Dong-Hyeon Jang
  • Patent number: 7196001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ball-limiting metallurgy stack for an electrical device that contains at least one copper layer disposed upon a Ti adhesion metal layer. The ball-limiting metallurgy stack resists Sn migration toward the upper metallization of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Madhav Datta, Dave Emory, Subhash M. Joshi, Susanne Menezes, Doowon Suh
  • Patent number: 7196002
    Abstract: A method for fabricating dual damascene structures having improved IC performance and reduced RC delay characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, a substrate with an etch stop layer formed thereon is provided. A dielectric layer is formed on the etch stop layer and an anti-reflective coating layer is formed on the dielectric layer. A first patterned photoresist layer having a via hole pattern is formed on the anti-reflective coating layer. The via hole pattern is thereafter etched through the anti-reflective coating layer, the dielectric layer, and the etch stop layer to form a via hole. A sacrificial via fill layer is filled in the via hole. A second patterned photoresist layer having a trench pattern is formed above the sacrificial via fill layer. The trench pattern is etched into the sacrificial via fill layer, the anti-reflective coating layer, and the dielectric layer to form a trench. The sacrificial via fill layer is removed in the via hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Nien Su, Yi-Chen Huang, Jyu-Horng Shieh
  • Patent number: 7196003
    Abstract: A four-layer structured hard mask composed of a SiC film, a first SiO2 film, a SiC film, and a second SiO2 film is formed on a porous silica film as an interlayer insulating film. Then, the second SiO2 film is etched with a resist mask. Subsequently, the SiC film is etched with the second SiO2 film. Thereafter, the first SiO2 film is etched with the SiC film. Subsequently, the SiC film is etched with the SiC film. Then, by etching the porous silica film with the SiC film, a wiring trench is formed. At this time, a selection ratio between the SiC film and the porous silica film is large, so that deformation of the SiC film rarely occurs, which prevents leakage caused by the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Iba
  • Patent number: 7196004
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is capable of preventing a hard mask layer of a conductive structure from being damaged during a self-aligned contact etching process. The method includes the steps of: forming a plurality of conductive structures including a conductive layer and a hard mask layer on a substrate; sequentially forming a first nitride layer, an oxide layer, a second nitride layer, and an etch stop layer on the plurality of conductive structures; forming an inter-layer insulation layer on the etch stop layer; and performing a self-aligned contact (SAC) etching process selectively etching the inter-layer insulation layer, the etch stop layer, the second nitride layer and the oxide layer until the SAC etching process is stopped at the first nitride layer to thereby form a contact hole exposing the first nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Suk Lee, Sung-Kwon Lee
  • Patent number: 7196005
    Abstract: A method for creating a hole in a semiconductor wafer includes forming a hard mask over a dielectric layer, the hard mask including a solid portion and a first opening. A patterning layer is provided over the hard mask, the patterning layer including second and third openings. The second opening of the patterning layer aligns with the first opening of the hard mask and the third opening of the patterning layer aligns with the solid portion of the hard mask. The hole is created in the dielectric layer using the second opening of the patterning layer and the first opening of the hard mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bang-Ching Ho
  • Patent number: 7196006
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microelectronic device, including performing a first inspection of a device feature during an intermediate stage of manufacture, cleaning the device feature after the first inspection, and performing a second inspection of the device feature after cleaning the device feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pey-Yuan Lee, Feng-Liang Lai, Cheng-Kuo Chu, Chi-Shen Lo
  • Patent number: 7196007
    Abstract: A method of forming (and apparatus for forming) refractory metal nitride layers (including silicon nitride layers), such as a tantalum (silicon) nitride barrier layer, on a substrate by using a vapor deposition process with a refractory metal precursor compound, a disilazane, and an optional silicon precursor compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Vaartstra
  • Patent number: 7196008
    Abstract: For fabricating a memory device, spacers are formed to sides of word-line gates. In addition, aluminum oxide is formed as one of a liner layer or a cover layer to the spacers. The aluminum oxide has a chemical composition of Al2O3 for example. Such aluminum oxide may be used as an etch stop layer in a periphery region, a metal silicide block, and a hydrogen block for enhanced performance of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Hidehiko Shiraiwa, Satoshi Torii, Jaeyong Park, Joong Jeon
  • Patent number: 7196009
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a lapping carrier is provided that includes the steps of defining at least one opening extending through a workpiece that is sized to receive a wafer, and cryogenically tempering the workpiece to produce a lapping carrier. By cryogenically tempering the workpiece, the conversion of the crystalline structure of the workpiece to a martensite crystalline structure is enhanced, thereby improving the hardness of the lapping carrier. A lapping carrier is also provided that has a crystalline structure, of which at least 70% is a martensite crystalline structure. An apparatus for lapping a wafer is further provided that includes a hardened lapping carrier and at least one lapping plate proximate the lapping carrier for lapping wafer(s) disposed within the at least one opening defined by the lapping carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Bex, David K. Chen
  • Patent number: 7196010
    Abstract: A slurry composition useful for chemical mechanical polishing of the surface of a material layer, e.g., a silicon oxide layer, is disclosed. A first material surface which is exposed to the slurry exhibits hydrophilicity, while a second material layer, e.g., a polysilicon layer, the surface of which is also exposed to the slurry, exhibits hydrophobicity, and accordingly acts as a polishing stopping layer. The slurry composition consists essentially of water, abrasive grains, and a polymer additive having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-rae Park, Jung-yup Kim, Bo-un Yoon, Kwang-bok Kim, Jae-phil Boo, Jong-won Lee, Sang-rok Hah, Kyung-hyun Kim, Chang-ki Hong
  • Patent number: 7196011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus for polishing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish, and more particularly to a polishing apparatus having a workpiece transfer robot for transferring a workpiece from one operation to the next. The polishing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a polishing section including a top ring for holding a workpiece to be polished and a turntable having a polishing surface for polishing a surface of the workpiece held by the top ring; a cleaning section including a cleaning device for cleaning the workpiece that has been polished in the polishing section; and a workpiece transfer robot for transferring the workpiece to be polished to the polishing section or for transferring the workpiece that has been polished to the cleaning section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-Woo Cho, Jae-Phil Boo, Myung-Seok Kim, Jong-Muk Kang, Ik-Joo Kim, Jung-Hwan Sung, Ki-Hong Jung, Keon-Sik Seo
  • Patent number: 7196012
    Abstract: A method and system for improving planarization and uniformity of dielectric layers for providing improved optical efficiency in CCD and CMOS image sensor devices. In various embodiments, a dielectric planarization method for achieving better optical efficiency includes first depositing a first dielectric having an optically transparent property on and around a metal pattern. Optical sensors are formed in or on the substrate in areas between metal features. The metal pattern protects a sensor situated therebetween and thereunder from electromagnetic radiation. After the first dielectric layer is polished using CMP, a slanted or inclined surface is produced but this non-uniformity is eliminated using further planarization processes that produce a uniform total dielectric thickness for the proper functioning of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeou-Lang Hsieh, Chin-Min Lin, Jiann-Jong Wang
  • Patent number: 7196013
    Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a method and apparatus for a capping layer are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a capping layer for a semiconductor device comprises forming one or more layers on at least a portion of the top surface of a semiconductor device, substantially planarizing at least one of the one or more layers, annealing at least a portion of the semiconductor device, and removing a substantial portion of the one or more layers, using one or more etching processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Y. Liu
  • Patent number: 7196014
    Abstract: Novel interconnect structures possessing a OSG or polymeric-based (90 nm and beyond BEOL technologies) in which advanced plasma processing is utilized to reduce post lithographic CD non-uniformity (“line edge roughness”) in semiconductor devices. The novel interconnect structure has enhanced liner and seed conformality and is therefore capable of delivering improved device performance, functionality and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dalton, Ronald A. Della Guardia, Nicholas C. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7196015
    Abstract: A pattern forming method includes: forming an etching-subject layer on a substrate; forming a Ti layer on the etching-subject layer; forming a TiOx layer by irradiating light on a portion of the Ti layer using a mask; etching the Ti layer to form a TiOx pattern; etching the etching-subject layer using the TiOx pattern as a mask; and removing the TiOx pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gee-Sung Chae, Gyoo-Chul Jo, Yong-Sup Hwang
  • Patent number: 7196016
    Abstract: A method for fabricating recording head sliders made from silicon substrates, is described. A Silicon wafer with a SiO2 overcoat is provided, and a layer of material which is resistant to Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) is deposited on the SiO2 overcoat. A patterned layer of material which is resistant to Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) is deposited on the layer of DRIE-resistant material to form a primary mask. RIE is used through the primary mask to pattern the SiO2 overcoat layer and the layer of DRIE-resistant material. The primary mask is then removing to expose the layer of DRIE-resistant material which has now been patterned to form a secondary mask. DRIE is then used through the secondary mask to cut the Si wafer into pieces. Finally, the secondary mask is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Nicholas I. Buchan, Timothy C. Reiley
  • Patent number: 7196017
    Abstract: III-V based compounds are etched to produce smooth sidewalls for electro-optical applications using BCl3 together with chemistries of CH4 and H2 in RIE and/or ICP systems. HI or IBr or some combination of group VII gaseous species (Br, F, I) may be added in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Laura Wills Mirkarimi, Kai Cheung Chow
  • Patent number: 7196018
    Abstract: A method of etching a semiconductor substrate is described, the method comprising the steps of applying a paste containing an etchant to the substrate, and carrying out a thermal processing step to etch a part or a layer of the substrate where the paste has been applied. The etchant paste is preferably a caustic etching paste. The etchant paste may be applied selectively to a major surface of the substrate to form a pattern of applied paste. For example, the paste may be applied by a printing method, such as screen-printing. The method may be used to produce solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw
    Inventors: Jozef Szlufcik, Emmanuel Van Kerschaver, Christophe Allebé
  • Patent number: 7196019
    Abstract: A method of removing spacers after forming a MOS transistor on a wafer. The MOS transistor comprises a gate disposed on the substrate, spacers disposed on the sidewalls of the gate and a source and a drain region in the substrate beside the spacers. The spacers are removed by performing a wet etching process in the dark such that during the spacer removal process, the source and the drain region in a MOS transistor can be prevented from damages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-Ning Wu, Charlie C J Lee, Kuan-Yang Liao
  • Patent number: 7196020
    Abstract: A process for PECVD of selected material films on a substrate comprising the steps of placing a substrate in a PECVD chamber and maintaining the chamber under vacuum pressure while introducing a precursor gas, a reactant gas, and an ionization enhancer agent into the chamber. A plasma is generated from the gases within the chamber. The energy generating the plasma causes the formation of charged species. The resulting charged species of the ionization enhancer agent assists in the formation of chemically reactive species of at least the precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sujit Sharan, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7196021
    Abstract: A method for forming a silicon oxide layer over a substrate disposed in a high density plasma substrate processing chamber. The method includes flowing a process gas that includes a silicon-containing source, an oxygen-containing source and a fluorine-containing source into the substrate processing chamber and forming a plasma from said process gas. The substrate is heated to a temperature above 450° C. during deposition of said silicon oxide layer and the deposited layer has a fluorine content of less than 1.0 atomic percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhengquan Tan, Dongqing Li, Walter Zygmunt
  • Patent number: 7196022
    Abstract: Absorbent products and wet wipes are disclosed that are useful in reducing the amount of ammonia produced by bacteria on or near the skin or in bodily fluids such as urine. The products described herein contain an osmoregulation protector which when introduced into a bacteria-containing environment interacts with the bacteria and reduces the amount of ammonia produced by the bacteria without significantly affecting the growth rate of the bacteria. The osmoregulation protectors described herein are particularly useful in combination with adult incontinence garments where the control of odors from bacterial by-products such as ammonia is highly desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Koenig, Franklin M. C. Chen, Melanie A. Keomany, Jason Robert Borski
  • Patent number: 7196023
    Abstract: A unique and novel multi-functional composite fabric and fabrication process for use during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear countermeasure (CBRNC) events is disclosed. The composite fabric combines the performance characteristics of chemically resistant films and radiation attenuating polymer matrices. The composite fabric offers universal protection against a wide range of military chemical agents, toxic industrial chemicals and materials (TICS and TIMS), biological agents, as well as certain ionizing and non-ionizing forms of radiation. The composite fabric is heat sealable and can be fabricated utilizing hermetically seal seams, and has application in protective clothing and equipment, indoor and outdoor covers, containment systems, bags, drapes, gowns, remains pouches, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kappler, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Langley, Todd R. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7196024
    Abstract: A protective drainage wrap comprises a first portion, a second portion and a solid sheet portion. The first portion comprises cross-woven or cross-laminate material in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. The material in the machine direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a first thickness. The material in the transverse direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a second thickness. The second thickness is at least about 2 times greater than the first thickness so as to assist in providing drainage for moisture build-up. The second portion is a coating comprising a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof. The first and second portions are located adjacent to each other. The solid sheet portion comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof. The solid sheet portion is attached to at least one of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Lubker, II
  • Patent number: 7196025
    Abstract: A method for forming a material having an individually stabilized ply includes providing a ply having a non-orthogonal orientation. A stabilizing agent is then applied to maintain the orientation of the ply. The stabilizing agent could alternately be applied before forming the ply. The ply may be woven in a non-orthogonal orientation, or may have its orientation changed to the final non-orthogonal orientation. Changing may occur over multiple steps and may include using an accumulator and/or payout station to change the orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Katherine M. Sahlin, Michael P. Cushman
  • Patent number: 7196026
    Abstract: An agend fiber composed of an active agent/positive dispensing carrier combination and a fiber forming component. As a fiber or nonwoven or textile fabric containing the fiber, the agend delivers the active agent at a desired rate under conditions of use. Product applications include personal care products such as diapers, training pants, swimwear, refastenable pants, absorbent underwear, feminine hygiene products, incontinent wear, wound dressings and cleansing wipes. The fibers may be formed as monocomponent fibers or multicomponent fibers of varying configurations. Active agents that can be dispensed include skin wellness agents, therapeutic agents, and cleaning agents, for example. In accordance with the invention, agend fibers provide desirable uniformity of dispensing and control of dispensing rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Cosmo Di Luccio, Frank Jerrel Akin
  • Patent number: 7196027
    Abstract: An optical glass wherein an amount of change in refractive index (?n: difference in refractive index between a state before radiation and a state after radiation) caused by radiation of laser beam at wavelength of 351 nm having average output power of 0.43 W, pulse repetition rate of 5 kHz and pulse width of 400 ns for one hour is 5 ppm or below is provided. The optical glass comprises a fluorine ingredient and/or a titanium oxide ingredient and/or an arsenic oxide ingredient. The optical glass suffers little change in refractive index by radiation of strong light having wavelengths of 300 nm to 400 nm such as ultraviolet laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ohara
    Inventors: Akira Masumura, Muneo Nakahara, Satoru Matsumoto, Tatsuya Senoo
  • Patent number: 7196028
    Abstract: The present invention provides sliding members respectively having sliding surfaces opposed to each other for creating dynamic pressure in a fluid, in which the sliding surfaces are formed of ceramics containing crystal grains of Al2O3, crystal grains of TiC contained in the crystal grains of Al2O3, and crystal grains of TiC existing independently of the crystal grains of Al2O3, and having a TiC content of 5 to 20 mass % in the total amount of Al2O3 and TiC, and the respective volume resistivity values R1 and R2 of the ceramics forming the sliding surfaces are within a range simultaneously satisfying equations (1) to (3) to prevent spark discharges from being induced between the sliding surfaces, and a fluid dynamic pressure bearing and a motor to which the configuration is applied: 106 ?·cm<R1?1012 ?·cm??(1) 106 ?·cm<R2?1012 ?·cm??(2) |R1?R2|?105 ?·cm??(3)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Ujita, Kazuhide Kusano, Shunji Mikaki
  • Patent number: 7196029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a catalytic system comprising a metal of group VIII, a metal of group VI, a metal oxide as carrier and suitable quantities of a component selected from a zeolite of the FER type, phosphorous, and a mixture thereof, in upgrading of hydrocarbons boiling in the naphtha range containing sulfur impurities, namely in hydrodesulfurization with contemporaneous skeleton isomerization of olefins contained in said hydrocarbons and/or with reduction of olefins hydrogenation, carried out in a single step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignees: Enitechnologie S.p.A., Repsol Petroleo S.A., Elf Antar France S.A., AGIP Petroli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Laura Zanibelli, Virginio Arrigoni, Fernando Albertos, Evangelina Atanes, Thierry Cholley, Febronio Panarello
  • Patent number: 7196030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of at least one alkoxylate comprising the bringing into contact of an alkylene oxide mixture at least comprising ethylene oxide with at least one starter compound in the presence of at least one double-metal cyanide compound, where, during the induction phase, the sum of inert gas partial pressure and ethylene oxide partial pressure is 1.5 bar to 6.0 bar, to the alkoxylates obtainable by such a process, and to the use of such alkoxylates as emulsifier, foam regulator or as wetting agent for hard surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Wulff, Michael Stösser, Georg Heinrich Grosch, Kai-Uwe Baldenius, Edward Bohres
  • Patent number: 7196031
    Abstract: A catalyst composition for polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the following components: (A) a metallocene-type complex of a rare earth metal compound (samarium complex etc.), and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation (triphenylcarbonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate etc.) and/or an aluminoxane. The catalyst composition is useful for producing a polymer having a high cis-1,4-configuration content in the microstructure and a narrow molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Riken
    Inventors: Shojiro Kaita, Zhaomin Hou, Yasuo Wakatsuki
  • Patent number: 7196032
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and method for olefin polymerization are provided. In one aspect, the catalyst composition is represented by the formula ?a?b?gMXn wherein M is a metal; X is a halogenated aryloxy group; ? and ? are groups that each comprise at least one Group 14 to Group 16 atom; ? is a linking moiety that forms a chemical bond to each of ? and ?; and a, b, g, and n are each integers from 1 to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy T. Wenzel, Zondra Dee Dixon
  • Patent number: 7196033
    Abstract: Provided herein are catalysts useful in reductive amination, which include nickel, copper, zirconium and/or chromium, oxygen, and tin. The presence of the tin increases the selectivity of the catalyst in reductive aminations over the catalysts of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: Terry L. Renken, Matthew W. Forkner
  • Patent number: 7196034
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a catalyst suitable for the hydrogenation of hydrocarbon resins, comprising a supported nickel on silica and alumina catalyst, said catalyst having a nickel content of 45 to 85 wt. %, a silicon content, calculated as SiO2, of 14 to 45 wt. %, an aluminium content, calculated as Al2O3, of 1 to 15 wt. % an iron content, calculated as Fe, 0.25 to 4 wt. %, all percentages having been calculated on the basis of the reduced catalyst, and which catalyst has a volume of pores between 2 and 60 nm, as defined herein, of at least 0.35 ml/g of catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventor: Lucas Laurentius Kramer
  • Patent number: 7196035
    Abstract: Improved Ni catalysts for hydrogenation reactions are disclosed. The catalysts are useful for hydrogenation such as selective hydrogenation of acetylenic impurities in crude olefin and diolefin streams. The catalysts are prepared by depositing nickel on a porous support which has the following specific physical properties; BET surface area of from 30 to about 100 m2/g, total nitrogen pore volume of from 0.4 to about 0.9 cc/g, and an average pore diameter of from about 110 to 450 ? with or without modifiers of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Cu, Re, Pd, Zn, Mg, Mo, Ca and Bi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Catalytic Distillation Technologies
    Inventors: J. Yong Ryu, Hugh M. Putman
  • Patent number: 7196036
    Abstract: A catalyst for decomposition of hydrocarbons, comprises porous oxide particles containing magnesium and aluminum, and fine metallic nickel particles which are present in the vicinity of surface of the respective porous oxide particles, and have an average particle diameter of 1 to 10 nm, said catalyst having a nickel content of 0.15 to 12% by weight based on the weight of the catalyst and a molar ratio of nickel to a sum of magnesium, nickel and aluminum of 0.001 to 0.12 in which a molar ratio of magnesium to aluminum (Mg:Al) is 4:1 to 1.5:1. The catalyst for decomposition of hydrocarbons, is capable of maintaining as small a particle size of metallic nickel particles as not more than 10 nm at a considerably reduced nickel content, and exhibits an excellent anti-coking property even under a low steam atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Toda Kogyo Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Kobayashi, Shinji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7196037
    Abstract: A method of producing a catalyst carrier. The method comprises contacting a silicon-containing ceramic material with a solution of an aluminum containing metal compound, firing the resulting material, immersing the material in hot water and, again firing the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Ohno, Teruo Komori, Akira Hasegawa, Noriyoshi Kakuta
  • Patent number: 7196038
    Abstract: A herbicidal composition that, in addition to comprising customary inert formulation adjuvants, comprises either: a) a compound of formula (I), wherein R is C1–C2alkyl or chlorine, R1 is hydrogen or C1–C4alkyl and R2 is C1–C4alkyl, or an agronomically acceptable salt of such a compound, and b) a synergistically effective amount of one or more compounds of formulae 2.1 to 2.51 and also an amount, effective for herbicide antagonism, of a safener, or: a) a compound of formula (I) and b) an amount, effective for herbicide antagonism, of a safener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Willy T. Rüegg
  • Patent number: 7196039
    Abstract: Methods of reducing the fluid loss from a wellbore servicing fluid include combining a terpolymer with the wellbore servicing fluid to reduce the fluid loss from the fluid, followed by displacing the fluid into a wellbore. In an embodiment, the following monomers are used to make the terpolymer: from about 75 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or an alkali salt thereof; from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of acrylamide; and from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, all weight percentages being based on a total weight of the monomers. The wellbore servicing fluid may comprise water or an aqueous salt solution such as a formate solution. The wellbore servicing fluid may also comprise clay such as montmorillonite and attapulgite clay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron Philips Chemical Company LP
    Inventor: Bharat B. Patel
  • Patent number: 7196040
    Abstract: A material and a device for releasing chemicals in a fluid environment is disclosed, and a method for releasing substances into downhole fluid environments. The invention also relates to materials for sand control and hydraulic fracturing. The substance release device typically comprises a polymeric material for releasing a substance into a downhole fluid environment in a well, and in preferred embodiments the material comprises a spherical, plastic chemical release capsule which is hard, permeable and may encapsulate a range of solids and/or liquids for subsequent release. These solids or liquids can include inhibitors such as scale inhibitors and other oilfield production chemicals for release into the wellbore of an oil or gas producing well or a water injection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: T R Oil Services Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Mark Heath, Hugh Malcolm Bourne
  • Patent number: 7196041
    Abstract: A surfactant has the formula (R1—X)nZ, where R1 is an aliphatic group comprising a C10–C25 principal straight chain bonded at a terminal carbon atom thereof to X, and comprising at least one C1–C6 side chain. X is a charged head group, Z is a counterion, and n is an integer which ensures that the surfactant is charge neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Gareth John Jones, Gary John Tustin
  • Patent number: 7196042
    Abstract: A grease composition is produced by mixing a thickener comprising a fluoro resin and a second thickener component (a metallic soap, a complex metallic soap, an N-substituted terephthalamic acid metal salt, organic bentonite or a calcium sulfonate complex) into a base oil. This grease composition is excellent in heat resistance, load carring capacity, water resistance, rust protection, lubricating life and the like. A rolling apparatus filled with the above grease composition has excellent lubricating ability and is long-lived under high-temperature conditions. Moreover, a grease composition is produced by mixing a thickener comprising a fluoro resin and carbon black as a second thickener component into a base oil. This grease composition is excellent in heat resistance, water resistance, rust protection, lubricating life, electric conductivity and the like. A rolling apparatus filled with the above grease composition has excellent electric conductivity and is long-lived under high-temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Nakatani, Yasunobu Fujita, Michita Hokao, Hirotoshi Miyajima
  • Patent number: 7196043
    Abstract: A process and a composition are disclosed for producing surfaces that are self-cleaning by water, and in particular, there is disclosed an aqueous system for forming transparent self-cleaning surfaces. In the process, an aqueous mixture comprising (i) nanoparticles having a particle size of less than 300 nanometers and (ii) a surface modifier selected from the group consisting of water-soluble hydrophobic surface modifiers and water-dispersable hydrophobic surface modifiers capable of forming a continuous film from an aqueous solution is provided. The aqueous mixture is applied to a surface, and a self-cleaning transparent coating is formed on the surface upon water evaporation. In one embodiment, the aqueous mixture is essentially free of organic solvents other than coalescing solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Valpey, III, Matthew A. Jones
  • Patent number: 7196044
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. The relative amounts of the source of zinc ion and the source of aluminum ion can be controlled to reduce visible filming when the warewashing detergent composition is used in the presence of hard water. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Howie Kestell, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • Patent number: 7196045
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use solution having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Michael J. Bartelme, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • Patent number: 7196046
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pourable acidic hard surface cleaning and/or disinfecting composition which contains suspended inclusions which appear as visibly discernible, discrete particulate materials, preferably where said discrete particulate materials are based on alginates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Inc.
    Inventors: Tak Wai Cheung, Edward Fu, Pamela A. Boone, Steven Wu, Benjamin Costa
  • Patent number: 7196047
    Abstract: Liquid concentrate components of a fountain solution are provided, including a liquid film-forming fountain solution concentrate and a liquid surface-tension reducing fountain solution concentrate. The concentrates and water can be combined together to form a fountain solution composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: RBP Chemical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Hanneman, Jr., Jeffrey G. Behrens, Salvatore R. Viverito
  • Patent number: 7196048
    Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-wrinkle fabric treatment compositions comprising: a) from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, of a cationic silicone polymer or copolymer having the formula: [CAP]-Zm-[CAP] ?wherein each Z unit comprises at least one secondary, tertiary, or quaternary amino moiety, or mixtures thereof; [CAP] is a backbone termination or truncation unit; m is from 1 to 50. b) from about 1% to about 30% by weight, of a scavenger effective in scavenging compounds comprising an anionic unit; and c) the balance a carrier system. In addition, the present invention relates to fabric rinse additive compositions comprising: a) from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, of a cationic silicone polymer or copolymer having the formula: [CAP]-Zm-[CAP] ?wherein each Z unit comprises at least one secondary, tertiary, or quaternary amino moiety, or mixtures thereof; [CAP] is a backbone termination or truncation unit; m is from 1 to 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Shulin Larry Zhang, Janet Sue Littig, Arturo Luis Casado-Dominguez