Patents Issued in April 10, 2007
  • Patent number: 7201792
    Abstract: Provided is a water-based ink composition for a writing instrument comprising at least a colorant and water, wherein a nonionic high molecular surfactant having an alkylene oxide chain as a hydrophilic group and having an average molecular weight of 3000 to 200,000 is added to the ink composition in a range of 0.1 to 30% by weight. The above nonionic high molecular surfactant has preferably an HLB of 8 or more or a cloud point of 50° C. or higher and includes N-polyoxyalkylene-polyalkylenepolyamine and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ikoma, Satoshi Sakuma, Junichi Shinozawa
  • Patent number: 7201793
    Abstract: An ink for ink-jet recording containing: a colorant; and a set of solvent A and solvent B, provided that solvent B has a larger vapor pressure than solvent A, wherein the set of solvent A and solvent B has a maximum in viscosity by changing a mixing ratio of solvent A to solvent B; and a content of solvent A in weight (A(wt)) and a content of solvent B in weight (B(wt)) in the ink satisfy the following relationship: 50?[A(wt)/(A(wt)+B(wt))]×100?95.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Iijima, Yasuhiko Kawashima, Kenichi Ohkubo, Teruyuki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7201794
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ink compositions which, when used with an ink jet recording apparatus, can realize excellent ink ejection stability while maintaining safety and satisfactory penetration of ink. The ink composition according to the present invention comprises at least a colorant, a humectant, a glycol monoether as a penetrating agent, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water, the weight ratio of the glycol monoether to the 1,2-alkanediol being in the range of 1:5 to 5:1. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink composition comprising at least a pigment, a dispersant for dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water as a main solvent, the content of the 1,2-alkanediol being 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the total amount of the ink composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ito, Kazuaki Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Sano, Bunji Ishimoto, Kiyohiko Takemoto
  • Patent number: 7201795
    Abstract: An ink composition is provided which can realize good images on plain paper, and, especially when used in an ink jet recording method, can have excellent ejection stability, storage stability, color development, and fixation and is much less likely to cause color bleeding and uneven printing and thus can realize good image quality. The ink composition comprises at least a pigment, a compound represented by formula (I), water, and a water-soluble organic solvent wherein R1 to R7 each independently represent an alkyl group; j and k are an integer of 1 or more; EO represents an ethyleneoxy group; PO represents a propyleneoxy group; and m+n is an integer of 1 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyohiko Takemoto, Masaaki Itano, Hiroaki Segawa
  • Patent number: 7201796
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coating material, paint or finish which contains as anti-skinning agents a combination of at least two organic and/or inorganic oxygen scavengers and also relates to compositions containing the combination, especially oxidatively drying paints or coating compositions and articles coated with such oxidatively drying paints or coating compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Arkema Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Michael Martyak, Daniel Alford
  • Patent number: 7201797
    Abstract: A fast-setting, bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement is prepared by a process which can be carried out with a heat treatment up to 1000° C. on a mixture of a wetting solution and a calcium phosphate powder having a Ca to P molar ratio of 0.5–2.5. The wetting solution suitable for use in the process of the present invention includes water, an organic solvent, an acidic and basic solution. A setting solution for mixing with the heated powder to form the fast-setting, bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement may be water, an acidic or basic solution according to the process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Calcitec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiin-Huey Chern Lin, Chien-Ping Ju, Kuan-Liang Lin, I-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 7201798
    Abstract: Cement compositions for use in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a cement composition is a cement composition comprising: water, a cementitious component consisting essentially of: hydrated lime, and silica; and a dispersant. Another example of a cement composition is a cement composition comprising: water, a cementitious component consisting essentially of: hydrated lime, and silica; and a set retarder. Another example of a cement composition is a cement composition comprising: water, a cementitious component consisting essentially of: hydrated lime, and silica; and a fluid loss control additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance E. Brothers, Anthony V. Palmer, Robert J. Sepulvado
  • Patent number: 7201799
    Abstract: An automated, non-invasive method for classifying, detecting, and counting micropipes contained within silicon wafers, and generally any assortment of transparent wafers. Classifying, detecting, and counting micropipes takes place through the use of a data processing algorithm that incorporates information regarding: defect size; pit signature; area of pit signature when comparing a topography, specular, or scatter images; and detecting a tail within the standard pit signature. The method of the present invention teaches the development of a topography defect map, specular defect map, and scatter defect map for a complete analysis of the surface of a particular transparent wafer. Conventional detection, classification, and counting of micropipes involve characterization of micropipes in a manual fashion and rely upon an extremely invasive form of sample preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Vamsi Velidandla
  • Patent number: 7201800
    Abstract: A process for imparting controlled oxygen precipitation behavior to a single crystal silicon wafer. Specifically, prior to formation of the oxygen precipitates, the wafer bulk comprises dopant stabilized oxygen precipitate nucleation centers. The dopant is selected from a group consisting of nitrogen and carbon, and the concentration of the dopant is sufficient to allow the oxygen precipitate nucleation centers to withstand thermal processing, such as an epitaxial deposition process, while maintaining the ability to dissolve any grown-in nucleation centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano Mule'Stagno, Jeffrey L. Libbert, Richard J. Phillips, Milind Kulkarni, Mohsen Banan, Stephen J. Brunkhorst
  • Patent number: 7201801
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heater for manufacturing a crystal by the Czochralski method comprising at least terminal portions supplied with current and a heat generating portion by resistance heating, and being arranged so as to surround a crucible containing a raw material melt, wherein the heater has a uniform heat generation distribution to the raw material melt after deformation while in use during crystal manufacture. It is thus possible to prevent hindrance of monocrystallization and unstable crystal quality caused by ununiform temperature in the raw material melt due to deformation of the shape of the heater's heat generating portion while in use during crystal manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Sonokawa, Ryoji Hoshi, Wataru Sato, Tomohiko Ohta
  • Patent number: 7201802
    Abstract: Solder paste application, inspection and correction. Following or during application of solder paste on a substrate, the result thereof is inspected and any detected errors are registered. Following an evaluation as to whether correction of these errors is required and if it would be worthwhile, the errors are corrected. The correction involves removing solder paste from locations where so required, and jetting of additional solder paste to locations where so required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventors: William Holm, Nils Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 7201803
    Abstract: A valve control system for a semiconductor processing chamber includes a system control computer and a plurality of electrically controlled valves associated with the processing chamber. The system further includes a programmable logic controller in communication with the system control computer and operatively coupled to the electrically controlled valves. The refresh time for control of the valves may be less than 10 milliseconds. Consequently, valve control operations do not significantly extend the period of time required for highly repetitive cycling in atomic layer deposition processes. A hardware interlock may be implemented through the output power supply of the programmable logic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Siqing Lu, Yu Chang, Dongxi Sun, Vinh Dang, Michael X. Yang, Anzhong (Andrew) Chang, Anh N. Nguyen, Ming Xi
  • Patent number: 7201804
    Abstract: A method for cleaning materials containing solids and/or liquids is disclosed which involves contacting the materials with an extracting fluid including Xe, NH3, lower aromatics, nitrous oxide, water, CO, CO2, H2O, lower alcohols, lower alkanes, lower alkenes, or mixtures or combinations thereof under conditions of temperature and pressure sufficient to maintain the fluid at, near or above its critical point and to products derived therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Labo Liquids, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Tunnicliffe, Ray Mt. Joy
  • Patent number: 7201805
    Abstract: This invention relates to a degreasing process and device. It is particularly useful for degreasing surfaces coated with lanoline. The process according to this invention comprises a step to clean the surface to be degreased with a cleaning solvent and a step to rinse the cleaned surface with a rinsing solvent, said cleaning solvent including a solvent A comprising dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether with a boiling point of more than 100° and without a flash point or with a flash point of more than 70°, and said rinsing solvent comprising a solvent B comprising 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane with a boiling point less than 70° and a surface tension less than 30 mN/m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pascal Thouvenot, Pierre Plume
  • Patent number: 7201806
    Abstract: The present invention includes disinfection washing of an object, with a washing solution 1 containing a chlorine-based disinfection detergent, and subsequent acid-washing of the object of washing, with a washing solution 2 adjusted to pH 4 or less by adding a reducing agent to the washing solution 1. This method is applicable as a method of washing artificial hemodialysis instruments used in hospitals etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Asamori
  • Patent number: 7201807
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for cleaning a deposition chamber by removing attached metal oxides, and a deposition apparatus for performing in situ cleaning. A first gas and a second gas are provided into the deposition chamber. The first gas is reacted with metal included in the metal oxide to generate reacting residues. The second gas then decomposes the reacting residues, and the decomposed residues are exhausted out of the chamber. Thus, this cleaning process can be rapidly accomplished while the deposition chamber is not opened or separated from a deposition apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun-Taek Yim, Young-Wook Park, In-Sung Park, Han-Mei Choi, Kyoung-Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 7201808
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a rotatable single wafer holding bracket with one or more wafer supports disposed on the single wafer holding bracket, wherein the one or more wafer supports position a center of a wafer to be off-center from an axis of rotation of the single wafer holding bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-man Rodney Chiu, Steven Verhaverbeke, John S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7201809
    Abstract: A radially anisotropic ring magnet endowed with good magnetic characteristics and having throughout the magnet an angle of 80 to 100° between a center axis thereof and a radial anisotropy imparting direction is manufactured by a pressing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Mitsuo Kawabata, Takehisa Minowa
  • Patent number: 7201810
    Abstract: A rare earth alloy sintered compact includes a main phase represented by (LR1-xHRx)2T14A, where T is Fe with or without non-Fe transition metal element(s); A is boron with or without carbon; LR is a light rare earth element; HR is a heavy rare earth element; and 0<x<1. The sintered compact is produced by preparing multiple types of rare earth alloy materials including respective main phases having different HR mole fractions, mixing the alloy materials so that the sintered compact will include sintering a main phase having an average composition represented by (LR1-xHRx)2T14A, thereby obtaining a mixed powder, and the mixed powder. The alloy materials include first and second rare earth alloy materials represented by (LR1-uHRu)2T14A (where 0??&<x) and (LR1-vHRV)2T14A (where x<v?1) and including a rare earth element R(=LR+HR) at R1 and R2 (at%), respectively. ?=|R1?R2| is about 20% or less of (R1+R2)/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Neomax Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Morimoto, Yuji Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7201811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making large spin blanks out of pieces of aluminum sheet or plate joined by friction stir welding to provide plate blank sizes greater than 156 inch (396 cm) in diameter. Blank sizes greater than 209 inch diameter enable manufacturing possibilities for large one-piece spun parts instead of constructing large structures from pieces. This also applies to sheet, except that the maximum width obtainable is 139 inches (353 cm). The availability of large blank sizes, particularly for sheet, permits the use of traditional spinning where bending is the predominant method of metal movement rather than stretching and spinning. As the present invention is a very cost effective approach, it provides a method for producing significantly more economical spin blanks between 156 and 209 inches in diameter than are obtainable for a single piece blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Henry W. Babel, Douglas J. Waldron, Ronaldo Reyes de Jesus, William F. Bozich
  • Patent number: 7201812
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seamless steel tube, wherein a tubing material for the seamless steel tube is produced by a hot working process from a material having less workability, such as a high Cr—high Ni—high C alloy steel including Cr at a content not less than 15 weight % and Ni at a content not less than 20 weight % or a ferritic stainless steel including Cr at a content not less than 16 weight %, and then cold drawn at a reduction rate of not less than 15% and further cold rolled after applying an appropriate heat treatment, so that a round or an inner grooved steel tube is obtained. It is preferable that the hot extrusion process is employed for the hot working process and a cold Pilger mill is employed for the cold rolling process. In the cold rolling process, the crackings or damage resulting from the reduced toughness of the tubing material as well as the breakage of a mandrel in producing the round or the inner grooved tube can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidenori Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7201813
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a film-shaped electronic device on a surface of the tire or inside the tire. The film-shaped electronic device is slidable between sheet-shaped members disposed on both surfaces of the film-shaped electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: The Yokoham Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Shimura
  • Patent number: 7201814
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the fabrication of features on a display panel utilizing fibers or ribbons comprising organic polymer and inorganic material, the inorganic material containing phosphoe, conductrice metals or dielectric particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Che-Hsiung Hsu, Christopher J. Roach
  • Patent number: 7201815
    Abstract: Foamed, aqueous adhesive compositions are used to manufacture tissue laminate products including or especially as bathroom tissue, facial tissue, paper towels, and the like. Foaming typically occurs by introducing pressurized gas and adhesive flows in a nozzle chamber on demand, wherein the kinetic energy of the flows is used to provide mixing energy. The adhesive preferably is dispensed as a plurality of discrete, foamed adhesive particles. The foamed adhesive can be used for intralamina bonds, interlaminate bonds, bonding loose sheet extremities, bonding roll to roll, and the like. The invention provides a reliable, straightforward way to accomplish in-nozzle foaming of an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: H.B. Fuller Licensing & Financing Inc.
    Inventor: Mutombo J. Muvundamina
  • Patent number: 7201816
    Abstract: A multi-layer composite sheet comprising a shrinkable layer intermittently bonded a to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and wherein the shrinkable layer can shrink and at the same time gather the gatherable layer between the bonds. A process for preparing multi-layer composite sheets by intermittently bonding a shrinkable layer to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and causing the shrinkable layer to shrink while at the same time gathering the gatherable layer between the bonds. Preferably, the shrinkable layer comprises an array of fibers or nonwoven web comprising fibers having latent spiral crimp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Invista North America S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Dimitri P. Zafiroglu, Jeffrey Allen Chambers, Geoffrey David Hietpas
  • Patent number: 7201817
    Abstract: Magnetoelectric multilayer composites comprising alternate layers of a bimetal ferrite wherein one of the metals is zinc and a piezoelectric material for facilitating conversion of an electric field into a magnetic field or vice versa. The preferred composites include cobalt, nickel, or lithium zinc ferrite and PZT films which are arranged in a bilayer or in alternating layers, laminated, and sintered at high temperature. The composites are useful in sensors for detection of magnetic fields (10); sensors for measuring rotation speed, linear speed, or acceleration; read-heads in storage devices by converting bits in magnetic storage devices to electrical signals; magnetoelectric media for storing information; and high frequency devices for electric field control of magnetic devices or magnetic field control of electric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Oakland University
    Inventor: Gopalan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 7201818
    Abstract: In a method of making an arrow shaft, a fabric section is placed around a hollow tubular core, and is affixed thereto. The core may include carbon therein. An adhesive or protective composition, associated with the fabric, is cured to adhere the fabric to the core. The adhesive may be impregnated into the fabric prior to its placement on the core, or may be applied to the fabric by methods such as spraying, dipping, brushing, or powder coating. The shaft may be treated to make the exterior surface smooth after curing. A reinforced archery arrow shaft made by the method includes a tubular core and an attached fabric sleeve covering the core. The fabric is wrapped around and affixed to the core. The sleeve fabric may have a decorative design or pattern on the exterior surface thereof. Optionally, accessories may be attached to the arrow shaft to form an arrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert Eastman, II
  • Patent number: 7201819
    Abstract: Process for producing a sealed water-soluble package of improved aesthetic appearance by treating at least part of the outer surfaces of the sealed package with a plasticizer composition and applying heat thereto, a package obtainable thereby and a specified use of such package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Wiedemann, Marcus Guzmann
  • Patent number: 7201820
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel method for flashing a door, window, ductwork or other rough opening in a building surface. The method involves the use of a tape strip having a continuous, non-perforated, machine-direction-splittable plastic release sheet liner which is selectively removed in controlled portions without the need for cutting strings. Anisotropic tear-resistance properties of the release liner facilitate a careful, controlled, and progressive installation of the tape strip while avoiding unwanted transverse tearing that could block or foul the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Robert A. Wiercinski
  • Patent number: 7201821
    Abstract: The present invention provides a discrimination medium A for discriminating the authenticity of an article by providing an optically discriminating mark on the article. A film 20 having a light reflecting layer of a polymer cholesteric liquid crystal having a circular polarization light selectivity for reflecting a specific circular polarization light is fixed to a part of the surface of a support 10. A printed portion is made by printing on the portions other than the film 20 of the support 10 in substantially the same color as that shown when the film 20 is viewed from the front. The discrimination medium A appears to be red at the support 10 and the film 20 when viewed from the front (although the film has a metallic luster), but at a larger viewing angle, the film 20 changes to blue by the blue-shift of the polymer cholesteric liquid crystal so as to exhibit a color different from that of the support 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Hoshino, Itsuo Takeuchi, Mutsumi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7201822
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method by which a material may be placed onto a moving web in a transverse orientation. At least two assemblies, which carry either a first and a second web or a single web, periodically overlap each other in an alternating fashion such that a material may be placed upon their respective carried webs in a transverse manner. The first and second assemblies translate in a direction of web movement in order to modify the velocity of the web carried upon the assembly. Thus, with the velocities of the assemblies capable of being varied, the material may be placed in a transverse manner upon the moving web along with various other orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Christoph Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7201823
    Abstract: A method for the plasma treatment of parts. The method includes sending loading signals from an electronic control to a transfer mechanism and loading the parts from a position outside of the treatment chamber to a plurality of treatment positions within the treatment chamber based on the loading signals. A plasma is generated within the treatment chamber to treat the parts. After treatment, unloading signals are sent from the electronic control to the transfer mechanism and the parts are unloaded from the treatment chamber based on the unloading signals. Each of the parts may be guided to a corresponding one of the treatment positions during loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Louis A. Rigali, David E. Hoffman, Keda Wang, William F. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7201824
    Abstract: An apparatus for precisely steering a beam of light by making use of a hybrid inter optical alignment that occurs when a beam steering mechanism is micro-machined with respect to a crystallographic orientation of a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald S. Maynard
  • Patent number: 7201825
    Abstract: Discrete particles of cellulosic material are flowable and meterable. They are easily dispersible in an aqueous or a dry medium. The particles comprise singulated cellulose fibers that have been densified. The particles have a density of at least 0.3 g/cc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Ramon C. Dezutter, Michael R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7201826
    Abstract: A microparticle retention aid for use in papermaking containing a high performance purified natural zeolite pigment is disclosed. Use of the pigment facilitates manufacture of papers with improved quality and economics. When used as filler, the novel zeolite pigment is readily retained and eliminates print-through in uncoated papers. The novel zeolite pigment is low in abrasion and provides improved coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ZO Mineral Partners Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles P. Klass, Martin D. Sikora
  • Patent number: 7201827
    Abstract: A method for forming a bottom spin-valve GMR sensor having ultra-thin layers of high density and smoothness and possessing oxygen surfactant layers as a result of the layers being sputtered in a mixture of Ar and O2. A particularly novel feature of the method is the use of a sputtering chamber with an ultra-low base pressure and correspondingly ultra-low pressure mixtures of Ar and O2 sputtering gas (<0.5 millitorr) in which the admixed oxygen has a partial pressure of less than 5×10?9 torr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng T. Horng, Ru-Ying Tong
  • Patent number: 7201828
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing an electrochemical process on a surface of a workpiece comprises a platen assembly comprising a support platen, an electrolyte distribution plate, and a first conductive layer intermediate the support platen and distribution plate and configured to be coupled to at least a first potential. A carrier is configured to carry the workpiece and position the workpiece proximate the electrolyte distribution plate. A reservoir delivers an electrolyte to the electrolyte distribution plate. At least one contact separate from the platen assembly engages a peripheral region of the workpiece for coupling the workpiece to a second potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ismail Emesh
  • Patent number: 7201829
    Abstract: The present invention includes a mask plate design that includes at least one or a plurality of channels portions on a surface of the mask plate, into which electrolyte solution will accumulate when the mask plate surface is disposed on a surface of wafer, and out of which the electrolyte solution will freely flow. There are also at least one or a plurality of polish portions on the mask plate surface that allow for polishing of the wafer when the mask plate surface is disposed on a surface of wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bulent M. Basol, Cyprian Uzoh, Jeff A. Bogart
  • Patent number: 7201830
    Abstract: The invention concerns an anode for gas evolution in electrochemical applications comprising a titanium or other valve metal substrate characterized by a surface with a low average roughness, having a profile typical of a localized attack on the crystal grain boundary. The invention further describes a method for preparing the anodic substrate of the invention comprising a controlled etching in a sulfuric acid solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: De Nora Elletrodi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Corrado Mojana, Ulderico Nevosi
  • Patent number: 7201831
    Abstract: There is provided a sample preparation device and method for preparing a sample of liquid for detection of impurities. First (40) and second (38) electrodes are provided, located for immersion in a liquid under test. A semipermeable membrane (42) is positioned to protect the first electrode (40) from a body of liquid under test (32). The semipermeable membrane allows the liquid under test to pass therethrough to reach the first electrode, while preventing solids carried in the liquid from reaching the first electrode, the first electrode being positioned to affect the liquid under test in the vicinity of a sensor (36). Particular embodiments feature a hydrophilic membrane to protect the electrodes from suspended solids in the sample, a thin electrode assembly to achieve a faster response and the addition of a heater for temperature control to achieve consistent detection conditions and improved anti-fouling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Water Security and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Robert Vincent
  • Patent number: 7201832
    Abstract: In the electrodeionization deionized water producing apparatus, water is passed through a deionizing chamber(s) packed with an organic porous ion exchange material having a three-dimensional network structure to remove ionic impurities in the water, thereby producing deionized water. At the same time, a DC electric field is applied to the deionizing chamber(s) to discharge ionic impurities adsorbed on the organic porous ion exchange material outside the system, wherein the DC electric field is applied so that the ions to be discharged may electrophoretically move in the direction reverse to the flow of water through the organic porous ion exchange material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamanaka, Hiroshi Inoue, Naoyuki Tajima
  • Patent number: 7201833
    Abstract: The invention is directed to analytical devices and micro-arrays with integral fluidic inputs and outputs. The devices are constructed from planar solid-phase hydrophilic matrix circuits containing dry chemical reagents overlaying integral electro-kinetic pumping electrodes. The hydrophilic matrix circuits are enclosed within a gas permeable electrical insulator. The devices are for use in micro-scale bio-analysis, mixture separation and reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Epocal Inc.
    Inventors: Imants Lauks, Raymond J. Pierce, James Wojtyk, Benoit R. Bergevin
  • Patent number: 7201834
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate are provided. In the subject methods, at least a portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate is contacted with a biofouling resistant surfactant composition. At least a portion of the surfactant molecules of the composition are end modified with a non-reactive, charged end group that is charge stable over a pH range of about 2 to 12. The subject methods and compositions find particular use with electrophoretic devices, such as capillary electrophoretic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sally A. Swedberg, Karla M. Robotti, Karin Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7201835
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of orthoesters of the general formula I, where the radicals have the following meaning R1: hydrogen, C1- to C20-alkyl, C2- to C20-alkenyl, C2- to C20-alkynyl, C3- to C12-cycloalkyl, C4- to C20-cycloalkylalkyl or C4- to C10-aryl R2, R3: C1- to C20-alkyl, C3- to C12-cycloalkyl, and C4- to C20-cycloalkylalkyl or R2 and R3 together form C2- to C10-alkylene R4: C1- to C4-alkyl, by electrochemically oxidizing a compound of the general formula II in which the radicals R1 to R3 have the same meaning as in the general formula I and R5 is a saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl radical or heterocycloaryl radical having up to 2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O and S, where this radical is bonded to the remaining part of the molecule via a carbon atom which is situated in the adjacent position to a heteroatom, in the presence of C1- to C4-alcohols (alcohols A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Puetter, Andreas Fischer
  • Patent number: 7201836
    Abstract: Systems for positioning and/or analyzing samples such as cells, vesicles, cellular organelles, and fragments, derivatives, and mixtures thereof, for electrical and/or optical analysis, especially relating to the presence and/or activity of ion channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Molecular Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Horst Vogel, Christian Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7201837
    Abstract: An alternative fuel source, preferably for use in a boiler, is provided. The fuel source is comprised of a partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and diesel fuel. Preferably, the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil has a Iodine Value (IV) ranging from approximately 50 to approximately 120.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Bunge North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilbur J. Stewart, Jr., Billy R. Cole, Sarah Michalek, Susan Gleissner
  • Patent number: 7201838
    Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis using a cobalt catalyst is used to produce waxy fuel and lubricant oil hydrocarbons from synthesis gas derived from natural gas. The waxy hydrocarbons are hydrodewaxed, with reduced conversion to lower boiling hydrocarbons, by contacting the waxy hydrocarbons, in the presence of hydrogen, with an unsulfided 10-ring, 1-dimensional zeolite catalyst that has been reduced and then treated by contacting it with the synthesized hydrocarbons containing one or more oxygenates, including indigenous oxygenate. Tail gas from the hydrodewaxing reactor can be used for the hydrocarbon synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Adeana Richelle Bishop, William Berlin Genetti, Jack Wayne Johnson, Loren Leon Ansell, Nancy Marie Page
  • Patent number: 7201839
    Abstract: A composition comprising a metal oxide, a silica-containing material, a gallium-containing material, an aluminum-containing material, and a promoter, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced-valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Uday T. Turaga, Jason J. Gislason
  • Patent number: 7201840
    Abstract: This invention relates to a color coded counter mechanism for a fluid treatment filter device which indicates to the consumer when to replace the filter. It also includes a selective pawl follower in the counter mechanism for permitting the filter device to be used in countries having different standards of filtration without requiring a new counter mechanism for each country.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie J. Tsataros, Michael Kirchenstiner
  • Patent number: 7201841
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to composite materials and to devices which may alter fluid parameters. Devices incorporating the composite materials of the invention are used to deliver, remove, and generate, fluid treatment agents, and combinations thereof. These materials and devices are applicable to many different fluid processing situations including drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, emission treatment, pollution cleanup, and sensing fluid composition. In its more particular aspects, the invention relates to the field of composites that may be widely tailored for many different treatment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Water Visions International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes