Patents Issued in August 14, 2007
  • Patent number: 7255772
    Abstract: A high pressure chamber comprises a chamber housing, a platen, and a mechanical drive mechanism. The chamber housing comprises a first sealing surface. The platen comprises a region for holding the semiconductor substrate and a second sealing surface. The mechanical drive mechanism couples the platen to the chamber housing. In operation, the mechanical drive mechanism separates the platen from the chamber housing for loading of the semiconductor substrate. In further operation, the mechanical drive mechanism causes the second sealing surface of the platen and the first sealing surface of the chamber housing to form a high pressure processing chamber around the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Maximilian A. Biberger, Frederick Paul Layman, Thomas Robert Sutton
  • Patent number: 7255773
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus having an evacuation ring with high plasma resistance and capable of minimizing abnormal discharge is provided. A processing chamber 100 includes a ceiling unit 110 at which an upper electrode 112 is provided and a container unit 120 having a lower electrode 122 provided to face opposite the upper electrode 112, on which a substrate can be placed. An evacuation ring 126 is provided around the lower electrode 122 so as to divide the space in the processing chamber 100 into a plasma processing space 102 and an evacuation space 104. At the evacuation ring 126, through holes 126a and blind holes 126b which are fewer than the through holes 126a and open toward the plasma processing space 102 are formed. An insulation coating constituted of Y2O3 is applied onto the surface of the evacuation ring 126 towards the plasma processing space 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Ogasawara, Kazuya Kato
  • Patent number: 7255774
    Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma comprises a processing chamber defining a processing space for containing a substrate to be processed with a plasma formed within the chamber. A dielectric window interfaces with the processing chamber proximate the processing space. A core element formed of a material having a high magnetic permeability is positioned outside of the chamber proximate the dielectric window, and an electrically conductive element surrounds a portion of the core element of high magnetic permeability. The conductive element, when electrical current is conducted thereby, is operable for coupling a magnetic flux into the chamber through the dielectric window for affecting a plasma in the processing space. The core element is configured for directing a portion of the magnetic flux in a direction toward the dielectric window to efficiently couple the channeled flux into the processing chamber through the dielectric window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Mirko Vukovic, Edward L. Sill
  • Patent number: 7255775
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor wafer treatment member in which the occurrence of slippage thereof is prevented and which has an adequate cohesiveness onto the semiconductor wafer and an excellent durability. The semiconductor wafer treatment member A of the present invention has at least a surface formed with a silicon carbide (SiC) film thereon, comprising a support portion for receiving a semiconductor wafer, said support portion being composed of salients with which said semiconductor wafer substantially comes into contact; and depressions formed with the silicon carbide (SiC) film to provide a coverage area between said salients, said salients being formed with top surfaces having a surface roughness Ra of 0.05 ?m to 1.3 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Ceramics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanari Yokogawa, Hirotaka Hagihara, Shinya Wagatsuma, Koutarou Kitayama, Chieko Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7255776
    Abstract: A method including improving a property of a paper product precursor by adding a molten wax suspension to paper product precursor, the molten wax suspension including a suspension of liquid wax particles in a liquid solvent, the liquid wax particles being at a temperature higher than the melting point of the wax. The molten wax suspension may be added to the paper product precursor in a production line prior to making a finished paper product. A finished paper product may be made from the paper product precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: H A Industrial Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Haggai Shoshany, Amnon Shoshany
  • Patent number: 7255777
    Abstract: Improved HETP is obtained in the operation of a distillation column containing trays with a packing of a porous container containing a particulate material intimately associated with a resilient component having at least 50 volume % open space, preferably at least 70 volume % positioned on the trays compared to the trays without the packing. The packing may contain a catalytic particulate material and the distillation may involve reaction and distillation of the reaction products. The particulate material may also be inert and the distillation of the conventional type to separate components in the distillation mixture without reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Catalytic Distillation Technologies
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Smith, Jr., Gary R. Gildert, James R. Fair, A. Frank Seibert
  • Patent number: 7255778
    Abstract: An electrochemical machining apparatus comprises a machining chamber for holding ultrapure water, a cathode/anode immersed in the ultrapure water held in the machining chamber, and a workpiece holding portion for holding a workpiece at a predetermined distance from the cathode/anode so that a surface, to be machined, of the workpiece is brought into contact with the ultrapure water. The electrochemical machining apparatus further comprises an anode/cathode contact brought into contact with the workpiece held by the workpiece holding portion so that the workpiece serves as an anode/cathode, a catalyst having a strongly basic anion exchange function or a strongly acidic cation exchange function, a power source for applying a voltage between the cathode/anode and the workpiece, and a moving mechanism for relatively moving the workpiece and the catalyst. The catalyst is disposed between the cathode/anode and the workpiece held by the workpiece holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzo Mori, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Yasushi Toma, Itsuki Kobata, Takayuki Saito
  • Patent number: 7255779
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel indole carboxylic ester trimer which is characterized by being represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms; n is an integer of 1-4; Xa? represents at least one anion selected from a group of anions having a valency of 1-3 consisting of chloride ion, bromide ion, iodide ion, fluoride ion, nitrate ion, sulfate ion, hydrogen sulfate ion, phosphate ion, borofluoride ion, perchlorate ion, thiocyanate ion, acetic acid ion, propionic acid ion, methanesulfonic acid ion, p-toluenesulfonic acid ion, trifluoroacetic acid ion and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid ion; a represents the ionic valence number of X and is an integer of 1-3; and m is 0-0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignees: Ihara Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., NEC Tokin Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Ooi, Naoto Yazawa, Masaya Mitani, Tomoki Nobuta, Toshihiko Nishiyama, Tetuya Yoshinari, Naoki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7255780
    Abstract: A series of microactuators for manipulating small quantities of liquids, and methods of using these for manipulating liquids, are disclosed. The microactuators are based on the phenomenon of electrowetting and contain no moving parts. The force acting on the liquid is a potential-dependent gradient of adhesion energy between the liquid and a solid insulating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Nanolytics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander David Shenderov
  • Patent number: 7255781
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for producing microfibers and nanofibers and further fabricating derived solid monolithic materials having aligned uniform micro- or nanofibrils. A method for producing fibers ranging in diameter from micrometer-sized to nanometer-sized comprises the steps of producing an electric field and preparing a solid precipitative reaction media wherein the media comprises at least one chemical reactive precursor and a solvent having low electrical conductivity and wherein a solid precipitation reaction process for nucleation and growth of a solid phase occurs within the media. Then, subjecting the media to the electric field to induce in-situ growth of microfibers or nanofibers during the reaction process within the media causing precipitative growth of solid phase particles wherein the reaction conditions and reaction kinetics control the size, morphology and composition of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Z. Hu, David W. DePaoli, Tanya Kuritz, Ogbemi Omatete
  • Patent number: 7255782
    Abstract: A process of providing a pattern of a metal on a non-conductive substrate to create loop antennae for wireless articles and for creating circuitry for smart cards, such as phone cards is provided. The method comprises the steps of catalyzing the non-conductive substrate by applying a catalytic ink, reducing a source of catalytic metal ions in the catalytic ink to its associated metal, depositing electroless metal on the pattern of catalytic ink on the surface of the substrate; and plating electrolytic metal on the electroless metal layer to produce the desired pattern of metal on the non-conductive substrate. The catalytic ink typically comprises one or more solvents, a source of catalytic metal ions, a crosslinking agent, one or more copolymers, a polyurethane polymer, and, optionally, one or more fillers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Crouse
  • Patent number: 7255783
    Abstract: Operations in an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum are controlled by sensing infrared radiation on an outer surface of a cell chamber to determine an actual temperature. When the actual temperature is greater than a target temperature, a crust hole is repaired or the actual rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to the cell is increased. When the actual temperature is less than a target temperature, the actual rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to the cell is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Jay N. Bruggeman, Michael L. Slaugenhaupt
  • Patent number: 7255784
    Abstract: A polishing method for electropolishing a metal film formed on a wafer surface so as to fill concave portions formed on the wafer surface comprises a step of determining an electropolishing end point of the metal film on the basis of a change of a current waveform resulting from electropolishing the metal film. An electropolishing apparatus comprising a current detector for detecting a current waveform resulting from electropolishing a metal film and an end point determination part for determining an electropolishing end point of the metal film on the basis of the change of a current detected with the current detector is used to realize the polishing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shuzo Sato, Takeshi Nogami, Zenya Yasuda, Masao Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7255785
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process for reclaiming fuel oils from waste oils. The apparatus and process is characterized in that waste oils are thermally cracked by combination of high pressure and vacuum in a sequence at high temperature. However, rapid thermal cracking is performed at even lower temperature of 300˜350° C. than at 400˜450° C. of conventional batch method. The semi-continuous method with bleeding process is employed and accordingly no pause stage becomes necessary to physically collect ash cake from the thermal cracking vessel as experienced from the conventional batch process. The ash cake contents drops from 5% of conventional method to 1.4% since slow reaction is a cause for oxidation problem which is related with formation of tar compounds and production rate of #2 diesel fuel oil increases 3 times more than batch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Henry Kong, Charlie Jeong
  • Patent number: 7255786
    Abstract: A pool/spa skimmer includes a housing, a face plate, and a flexible weir gate. The housing and plate are dimensioned to allow water to flow in a vertical column. The interior of the housing has a curved wall so that when a column of water passes through the open gate and into the housing, a whirlpool effect is realized. A vertical filter cartridge is mounted on a rotational bearing so that it can spin about its axis. The inlet of a pump is coupled to the cartridge via the bearing and is also coupled to a second water inlet via a vacuum operated valve. When the filter is clean, water is drawn through it and the filter spins about its axis due to the whirlpool effect. When the filter reaches a threshold dirt covering, water is no longer drawn through it and the vacuum operated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Thermospas, Inc.
    Inventor: W. John Gardenier
  • Patent number: 7255787
    Abstract: A device for introducing a static magnetic null field is disclosed. The device is comprised of a holder for magnets, wherein the magnets are arranged so that the null field is generated in the area of a sample of cells, tissue or other cellular material. The device is configured to maintain the magnetic null field for long periods of time. The device can function with bar magnets or certain electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Aaron Bush
  • Patent number: 7255788
    Abstract: A catchment header allowing a plurality of membrane modules to be connected thereto, having a tubular catchment part with a Young's modulus of 4.0 GPa or less for collecting and taking out filtrated liquid from the membrane modules, wherein at least a part of the tubular catchment part is covered with a reinforcement member with a Young's modulus of 4.0 to 250 GPa, the tubular catchment part of the catchment header is preferably formed of a synthetic resin, and the cross sectional area thereof perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular catchment part is preferably 4 to 36 cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okazaki, Masumi Kobayashi, Kenji Honjou, Katsuyuki Yanone, Manabu Yanou
  • Patent number: 7255789
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying a liquid including: reaction chambers that utilizes KDF 85 or KDF 55 or other media in turbulence with the liquid, a first fine collective filtration unit, a first laser photolytic light chamber that utilizes a laser producing ultraviolet light in the 100 to 300 nanometer range passing through a quartz tube that is surrounded by the liquid, a second ultra-fine collective filtration unit, a pharmaceutical grade granular activated carbon filter unit, and a second laser photolytic light chamber that utilizes a laser producing ultraviolet light in the 100 to 300 nanometer range passing through a quartz tube that is surrounded by the liquid wherein the laser light generator is the same one utilized in the first photolytic light chamber, whereby microbes are killed and collected, aromatic ring structures are eliminated and any particulate matter 0.5 microns or larger are removed from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Robert D. Fite, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7255790
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone which includes a main body having a chamber therein, the chamber including an inlet section, and a separating section, the separating section having an inner side wall which tapers inwardly away from the inlet section, the hydrocyclone further including a feed inlet feeding a particle bearing slurry mixture into the inlet section of the chamber, an overflow outlet at one end of the chamber adjacent the inlet section thereof, and an underflow outlet at the other end of the chamber remote from the inlet section of the chamber. The hydrocyclone further includes an overflow outlet control chamber adjacent the inlet section of the chamber of the hydrocyclone and in communication therewith via the overflow outlet, the overflow outlet control chamber including a tangentially located discharge outlet and a centrally located air core stabilising orifice which is remote from the overflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Weir Warman Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Leslie Rogers, Kerry John Lawrence, Oscar Miguel Castro, Paul Martin Yexley, Anthony Ronald Przybylek
  • Patent number: 7255791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ purification of aquifers contaminated with ethers and/or alcohols using a bacterial culture, a method of delivering the culture to the subsurface, and an oxygen delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Joseph Patrick Salanitro, Paul Carr Johnson, Stephen Merle Stearns, Paul Michael Maner, James Henry Miller, Gerard Eugene Spinnler
  • Patent number: 7255792
    Abstract: There is provided a process for modifying a first organic composition comprising (i) at least one first solvent, (ii) at least one solute, and (iii) optionally, at least one second solvent to produce a modified organic composition in which the concentration of the at least one first solvent is reduced and the concentration of the at least one second solvent is increased, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a selectively permeable membrane having a first surface and a second surface; (b) transferring a portion of the first solvent and optionally a portion of the solute from the first surface to the second surface across the membrane by contacting the first organic composition with the first surface, wherein the pressure at the first surface is greater than the pressure at the second surface, and wherein the membrane is a selectively permeable membrane such that the membrane rejection (R) of the solute is greater than 0%; (c) adding a portion of the second solvent to the organic composition retained at the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Membrane Extraction Technology Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Guy Livington
  • Patent number: 7255793
    Abstract: A two-step chemical precipitation process involving hydroxide precipitation and sulfide precipitation combined with “field separation ” technology such as magnetic separation, dissolved air flotation, vortex separation, or expanded plastics flotation, effectively removes chelated and non-chelated heavy metal precipitates and other fine particles from water. In the first-step, the non-chelated heavy metals are precipitated as hydroxides and removed from the water by a conventional liquid/solids separator such as an inclined plate clarifier to remove a large percentage of the dissolved heavy metals. The cleaned water is then treated in a second precipitation step to remove the residual heavy metals to meet discharge limits. In the second precipitation step, any metal precipitant more effective than hydroxide for metal precipitation can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Steven L. Cort
  • Patent number: 7255794
    Abstract: Toxic waste waters polluted with high levels of chemical byproducts of various industrial processes (e.g., waste water held in industrial holding ponds) are treated using gas hydrate to extract and remove fresh water from the polluted water, thus reducing the volume of toxic waste water inventories. Extracting fresh water by forming and removing the hydrate raises the concentration of dissolved materials in the residual concentrated brines to levels at which the residual fluid is suitable for use as an industrial feedstock. Furthermore, so raising the concentration of the residual brine will cause certain mineral species to precipitate out of solution, which mineral species are separated from the fluid and may be put to other uses, as appropriate. Food products are also advantageously concentrated by means of gas hydrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Max, John P. Osegovic
  • Patent number: 7255795
    Abstract: Process for selectively removing molybdenum from liquid mixtures containing it, in a quantity greater than (200) mg/l, together with vanadium characterized in that it comprises the following steps: bringing the liquid mixture to a pH of less than (3); adding a solution of an alkaline xanthate to the solution so that the molar ratio molybdenum/alkaline xanthate ranges from (¼) to (?), maintaining the pH constant by means of the addition of an inorganic acid; stirring the mixture causing the precipitation of the molybdenum present in the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Snamprogetti S.p.A., Enitecnologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Emilio Sentimenti, Nicoletta Panariti
  • Patent number: 7255796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast acting chemical treatment for preventing the generation of hydrogen sulfide odor by the microbial metabolic activities of sulfate reducing bacteria. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for preventing hydrogen sulfide odor generation in a sulfur species-containing aqueous medium, which includes adding to the aqueous medium an effective amount for the purpose of a sulfide scavenger treatment selected from the group consisting of glyoxal, triazine, n-chlorosuccinimide, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhuo Chen, Wendy Segal, David B. Ritz, Wilson K. Whitekettle
  • Patent number: 7255797
    Abstract: A product including potassium monopersulfate and a halogen is presented. The product is useful for treatment of aquatic facilities such as swimming pools. While it was known that using a combination of potassium monopersulfate and halogen is effective for sanitizing water, a product that includes both components could not be made because of the incompatibility between the two components. The product overcomes the incompatibility by use of a barrier film between the two components. The barrier film, which includes one or more of inorganic salt, silicate, borosilicate, and organic polymer, is coated onto one of the components prior to being combined with the second component. The product may be extruded and molded into a desired shape and added to the water to be treated, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Truox, Inc.
    Inventor: Perry L. Martin
  • Patent number: 7255798
    Abstract: A method for recovering and recycling catalyst coated fuel cell membranes includes dissolving the used membranes in water and solvent, heating the dissolved membranes under pressure and separating the components. Active membranes are produced from the recycled materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Ion Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Grot, Walther Grot
  • Patent number: 7255799
    Abstract: On a die that has etchings on a surface, firstly a sheet of negative photoresist is laid down which, by means of an exposure and subsequent development, is left only above the etchings; then, upon the negative photoresist, a positive photoresist is applied, which is subjected to exposure and development to produce functional geometries deposited in thin film; subsequently the positive photoresist is removed in a “lift-off” operation, and the negative photoresist is taken off in a plasma operation, thus revealing the etchings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Telecom Italia S.p.A
    Inventors: Renato Conta, Irma Disegna
  • Patent number: 7255800
    Abstract: The present invention illustrates a bulk silicon etching technique that yields straight sidewalls, through wafer structures in very short times using standard silicon wet etching techniques. The method of the present invention employs selective porous silicon formation and dissolution to create high aspect ratio structures with straight sidewalls for through wafer MEMS processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Shekhar Bhansali, Abdu Rub Abdur, Sunny Kedia
  • Patent number: 7255801
    Abstract: A new method is provided for the creation of an inductor. Layers of pad oxide, a thick layer of dielectric and an etch stop layer are successively created over the surface of a substrate. The layers of etch stop material and dielectric are patterned and etched, creating an inductor pattern whereby the inductor pattern created in the layer of dielectric is located close to the surface of the layer of dielectric. Optionally, support pillars for the inductor can be created at this time through the layer of dielectric. The inductor pattern in the layer of dielectric is filled with metal, the etch stop layer and the layer of dielectric is removed from above the metal fill, additionally exposing the layer of dielectric. The additionally exposed layer of dielectric is etched using a slope etcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7255802
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a tape substrate includes forming, on an insulating film, a copper foil pattern having a connecting area; coating a solder resist on the formed copper foil pattern, at a region other than the connecting area; plating a barrier layer on the copper foil pattern at the connecting area after the coating of the solder resist; and plating tin on the plated barrier layer plated, thereby forming a tin layer on the barrier layer. Another method for fabricating a tape substrate includes forming, on an insulating film, a copper foil pattern having a connecting area; plating a barrier layer over the formed copper foil pattern; plating tin over the barrier layer after the plating of the barrier layer, thereby forming a tin layer over the barrier layer; and coating a solder resist on the tin layer at a region other than the connecting area, after the formation of the tin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignees: LG Electronics Inc., LG Micron Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soon Bog Kwon, Sang Hun Lee, Yang Sik Moon, Ki Pyo Hong, Yoon Kuen Cho
  • Patent number: 7255803
    Abstract: The invention includes etching and contact opening forming methods. In one implementation, a plasma etching method includes providing a bottom powered plasma chamber that includes a plasma generating electrode powerable at different first and second frequencies, with the first frequency being lower than the second frequency. A substrate is positioned over the electrode. A plasma is generated over the substrate with the electrode from a first applied power at the first frequency and a second applied power at the second frequency. A ratio of the first applied power to the second applied power is from 0 to 0.25 or at least 6.0. Material is etched from the substrate with the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Howard, Max F. Hineman
  • Patent number: 7255804
    Abstract: A process for making photonic crystal circuit and a photonic crystal circuit consisting of regularly-distributed holes in a high index dielectric material, and controllably-placed defects within this lattice, creating waveguides, cavities, etc. for photonic devices. The process is based upon the discovery that some positive ultraviolet (UV) photoresists are electron beam sensitive and behave like negative electron beam photoresists. This permits creation of photonic crystal circuits using a combination of electron beam and UV exposures. As a result, the process combines the best features of the two exposure methods: the high speed of UV exposure and the high resolution and control of the electron beam exposure. The process also eliminates the need for expensive photomasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Dennis W. Prather, Janusz Murakowski
  • Patent number: 7255805
    Abstract: Photonic crystal structures are made by a method including steps of providing a substrate, depositing at least one planar layer to form a stack, each planar layer of the stack comprising two or more sublayers having different sublayer refractive indices, depositing a hard mask material, depositing an imprintable material over the hard mask material, patterning the imprintable material by imprinting an array of depressions, and directionally etching at the depressions a regular array of openings through the hard mask material and the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: James Stasiak, David Champion, Kevin Peters, Donald J. Coulman, Tony S. Cruz-Uribe
  • Patent number: 7255806
    Abstract: A substrate processing method is provided including: shaping a laser beam emitted from a laser beam source into a beam having a focal depth larger than the maximum value of a variation in thickness of a processing area portion of a processed substrate and the maximum value of a variation in bend thereof by making the laser beam pass through an diffractive optical element; forming plural etching holes by irradiating the shaped beam onto a film formed on the substrate to remove the film; and forming plural recessed portions by etching the substrate through the plural etching holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuto Yoshimura, Jun Amako
  • Patent number: 7255807
    Abstract: A ferrite magnetic powder for bond magnet that experiences only small decrease in coercivity when molded into a bond magnet is provided, which is a ferrite magnetic powder that includes an alkaline-earth metal constituent and exhibits a decrease in coercivity of not greater than 600 Oe when subjected to a prescribed molding test. The magnetic powder can be obtained by mixing a fine ferrite powder of an average particle diameter of greater than 0.50 to 1.0 ?m and a coarse ferrite powder of an average particle diameter of greater than 2.50 to 5.0 ?m at ratio to incorporate the fine powder at a content ratio of 15-40 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Senda, Shinichi Suenaga, Keisuke Ayabe, Toshiyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 7255808
    Abstract: A phosphate ester-based functional fluid composition incorporating at least one erosion inhibitor selected from the erosion inhibitors of the invention. The phosphate ester-based functional fluids are particularly useful as aviation hydraulic fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Solutia, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Silverman, Timothy K. Hirzel
  • Patent number: 7255809
    Abstract: Polishing slurry for texturing the surface of a magnetic hard disk substrate has abrading particles with diameters in the range of 1-10 nm dispersed in a dispersant such as water and a water-based aqueous solution. The abrading particles may be monocrystalline diamond particles, polycrystalline diamond particles or cluster particles with monoerystalline and polycrystalline diamond particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: NIHON Micro Coating Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Horie, Hiromitsu Okuyama
  • Patent number: 7255810
    Abstract: The invention provides a polishing system and method of its use comprising (a) a liquid carrier, (b) a polymer having a degree of branching of about 50% or greater, and (c) a polishing pad, an abrasive, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Cabot Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Moeggenborg, Fred F. Sun
  • Patent number: 7255811
    Abstract: Tolane compounds of the formula I wherein R1, R2, L1, L2 and L3 are as defined herein, are described. Further described are liquid-crystalline media comprising at least one tolane compound of formula I as well as liquid-crystal display elements containing such a liquid-crystalline medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hirschmann, Kevin Adlem, Patricia Saxton, Mark John Goulding, Martin Heeney
  • Patent number: 7255812
    Abstract: A method of making a haloapatite phosphor having a general formula represented by (Ca(1?x?y)MnxSby)5(PO4)3(F(1?z?y)ClzOy), where 0<x<0.05, 0.004<y<0.01, and 0<z<0.1. is provided. The method involves (a) formulating a blend of ingredients to make the haloapatite phosphor, the ingredients including CaHPO4 as a primary source of calcium and phosphorus, (b) partially substituting an amount of an equimolar combination of an ammonium phosphate compound and calcium carbonate for an equal number of moles of CaHPO4 in the formulation, (c) combining the ingredients in their formulated amounts to form the blend, and (d) firing the blend to form the haloapatite phosphor. The partial substitution has been found to increase the 100-hour brightness of the haloapatite phosphors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. McSweeney, Thomas M. Snyder, Eric R. Mercer
  • Patent number: 7255813
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compound containing at least one health promoting isolated antioxidant A having a redox potential of less than 180 mV and at least one stabilising antioxidant B which has a standard redox potential which is less than the standard redox potential of the antioxidant A. The use of the inventive compound and method for the production thereof are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Nutropia Ernahrungsmedizinische Forschungs GmbH
    Inventors: Behzad Sadeghi, Peter Kössler, Norbert Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7255814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel flame retardant and stabilizer combined, for thermoplastics, which comprises as component A, phosphinic or diphosphinic salts and/or polymers thereof, as component B, a nitrogen containing synergist or a phosphorous/nitrogen flame retardant, as component C, a basic or amphoteric oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, borate, stannate, mixed oxide/hydroxide, oxide/hydroxide/carbonate, hydroxide/silicate, hydroxide/borate or mixtures thereof, optionally as component D, a phosphonite or a phosphonite/phosphate mixture, optionally as component E, an ester or salt of montan wax 4, and as component F, an aromatic di- or tricarboxylic ester or aromatic di- or tricarboxamide, the entirety of the components always being 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Hoerold, Ottmar Schacker
  • Patent number: 7255815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a round and spherical titanium dioxide scouring media and a method for producing the media. The scouring media is effective in removing titanium dioxide buildup on the walls of a titanium dioxide reaction vessel. The method consists of forming green titanium dioxide pellets in a high intensity mixer by mixing commercially available titanium dioxide dust and water. The high intensity mixer produces substantially round and spherical green pellets which are subsequently sized and sintered in a kiln to form round and spherical titanium dioxide sintered pellets that are suitable as a scouring media. The high intensity mixer allows the operator to closely control the size and shape of the pellets during the forming process to produce substantially round and spherical green pellets. Because the sintered titanium dioxide pellets are substantially round and spherical in shape, they are much less abrasive to the walls of the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Carbo Ceramics Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Krause, Steve Canova
  • Patent number: 7255816
    Abstract: A method of recycling bonded fibrous materials, the method includes the steps of: providing pieces of bonded fibrous materials, the pieces having sizes that are adapted for suspension in a liquid; suspending the discrete pieces of bonded fibrous materials in a liquid; applying mechanical work to the liquid suspension of discrete pieces to generate hydraulic pressure and mechanical shear stress conditions sufficient to hydraulically fragment the bonded fibrous materials into fibers and fiber-like components; and separating substantially individual fibers and fiber-like components from the liquid. The method is used to produce recycled synthetic fibers and fiber-like materials that have at least one thread element composed of synthetic material having at least one irregular distortion generated by hydraulic fracture of the thread element to separate it from a bonded fibrous material while the bonded fibrous material is suspended in a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Palacio, Maria Clara Garcia, Pablo Ramirez, Bernardo Vanegas
  • Patent number: 7255817
    Abstract: A method for compression molding a cylindrical tablet is presented, the method being capable of preventing the occurrence of cracks and the breakage of core punches. The method for compression molding a cylindrical tablet is achieved by using a rotary powder compression molding machine provided with a die and upper and lower punches fitted to a rotary table and a core punch penetrating the punch end of a lower punch. The compression molding method being characterized by using the core punch in which the difference between the smallest diameter of the core punch at the protion for forming the center opening of the cylindrical tablet and the reference diameter of the portion in design is within 0.04 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuharu Tazawa, Atsuhisa Maeda
  • Patent number: 7255818
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fluid-assisted injection molding process for producing a molded plastic article. The fluid can be gas, water or another fluid. One or more pressure transducers are positioned in the mold cavity and generate signals to control the initiation of the pressurized fluid, the packing of the material in the mold and/or the switchover from the packing phase to the holding phase. The transducers can be positioned at or near the gate or pre-gate, at or near the fluid channel area, and/or at or near the end of the fill area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Homann, James Hendry
  • Patent number: 7255819
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing the baseball or softball for child, for exercise and for toy that has good security characteristics and similar playing characteristics to a conventional game ball. The invention provides the process of manufacturing a game ball wherein products with the same appearance as the conventional baseball can be obtained at a time by injecting, pressing and foaming the material of EVA alone or blend thereof. Thus, the process can decrease a danger of the ball currently used in the Little League greatly and provide a process of producing the game ball for child, exercise and toy that displays the uniform pattern and playing characteristics and has the high productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Sung-Yull Lee
  • Patent number: 7255820
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of an elastic polyurethane fiber, including mixing one component selected from among polystyrene polymers or polystyrene copolymers having a number average molecular weight of 50,000–500,000 with polyurethane having a number average molecular weight of 15,000–100,000, to prepare a polymer mixture, which is then spun. The polyurethane elastic fiber made by the method is also provided, which is greatly increased in heat set properties, with a very low rate of change of fundamental properties as the results compared with conventional elastic polyurethane fibers. Hence, the elastic polyurethane fiber can be directly applied for preparation of end products requiring superior heat set properties with no change of conventional conditions of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hyosung Corporation
    Inventors: Tae-woo Lee, Seung-won Seo, Seung-hyun Jang
  • Patent number: 7255821
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a prototype plastic injection molded part from a mold tool (10) built by fused deposition modeling. The mold tool (10) is built by depositing roads of a molten thermoplastic resin in layers in a predetermined pattern defined by computer file data representing the inverse of the desired prototype molded part, and is used in an injection molding machine without the addition of any reinforcement fill material or layers to create the prototype part. The disclosed method provides prototype plastic injection molded parts within a twenty-four hour time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Priedeman, Jr., Steven Scott Crump