Patents Issued in December 13, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070284328
    Abstract: A railway vehicle having an impact energy absorbing device capable of avoiding coincidence between starts of deformation of the impact energy absorbing device in the event of collision to reduce the pressure collapse peak load and, hence, loads on the vehicle body, passengers and so on in the case of application to a transportation apparatus such as a train in particular. The impact energy absorbing device has a plurality of energy absorbing members 11 and 12 which pressure-collapse in the event of collision to absorb impact energy, and which are mounted in a predetermined region in the longitudinal direction of the body of a vehicle while being spaced apart in the car body width direction. Front ends of the energy absorbing members 11 and 12 in the collision direction are shifted to a plurality of positions (jutted out by ?L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Toshihiko Mochida, Toshiharu Miyamoto, Takashi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20070284329
    Abstract: Baby-bottle attachment for holding dry formula separated from water in bottle having a bottom portion that has internal bottle-mating threads at a lower open end to mate to a threaded top on baby bottle. A partition having an orifice centrically located therein and a seal adhered to its upper surface is provided. Channels are partially imbedded around a portion of upper inner circumference of such bottom part. An upper chamber has an open end with external threads to mate with a nipple and a flanged partially open bottom end with an off-center aperture. A seal pad is adhered underneath a portion of the partially open bottom end. A top member has a depressible release button attached to the distal end of a strip parallel to its bottom flange and extending from the proximal end attached to outer surface near bottom of the upper cup-like chamber. The final essential element is a bolt and nut assembly having a sealing washer attached to a flat surface of such nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Scott H. Hayes, Scarlet L. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20070284330
    Abstract: A two-piece seal vial assembly. The first piece is a vial defining an aperture adapted to contain a liquid. The vial has a base, a crown disposed opposite the base, and an upright side wall extending from the base to the crown and including a tapered inner diameter and a flange located proximate the crown. The second piece is a seal top defining an opening that runs through the length of the seal top. The seal top has a top portion providing a neck finish and, when the seal top and the vial are assembled, a snap groove releasably receiving the flange of the vial and a tapered portion that frictionally engages the tapered inner diameter of the vial. Although not one of the two main components of the assembly, a cap may be included to releasably engage the neck finish of the seal top to close the seal top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: James G. Finneran
  • Publication number: 20070284331
    Abstract: A positive orientation container and closure combination is provided. The container includes at least one flange segment having a front and a back face. The container further includes a gap defined by the front face of one of the flange segments and the back face of one of the flange segments. The closure includes a plurality of collar segments. The closure includes at least one collar segment having an engagement face to establish a positive orientation of the closure at a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Margaret M. Miota, Alan P. Hickok
  • Publication number: 20070284332
    Abstract: Liquid containers featuring multiple apertures for accessing the contents in one of a number of selected fashions. In one illustrative embodiment, the container is shaped as a bottle, having a body and neck, with a first aperture at the top of the neck. A flat bottom or base opposite the neck features at least one aperture, such as a traditional soda can opening with a scored section and a tab. In some embodiments, the bottom includes multiple apertures of different sizes, allowing for the selection of an aperture of desired size for a particular application. In some embodiments, the entire bottom may function as a removable lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Shane Gowans, Matthew Dufala
  • Publication number: 20070284333
    Abstract: A tag is configured to irreversibly indicate an effective maturity of a wine. For example, a tag may include a substrate, an indicator attached to the substrate, and a decal associated with the indicator to indicate an effective maturity of a wine. The indicator may be configured to irreversibly indicate a temperature history.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Dunnigan
  • Publication number: 20070284334
    Abstract: The present invention, is a beverage container, which can be easily dismantled through a pressure joint, so that a number of containers may be stacked up by stacking the lower base of one container to the lower base of another and by stacking up the upper part of one to another thereby providing consumers with a broader, more effective container. The container can be assembled for drinking purposes in different colors and may be shipped and/or stored by stacking up the separate parts. This will reduce and save space when being packed for sale and distribution purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Armando Alonso
  • Publication number: 20070284335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an etching method for etching a film to form a concave portion therein with the use of a photoresist mask provided with an opening. In this method, there is determined, in advance, a first correlation between a parameter value and an opening dimension of the concave portion, as a process parameter for the etching process, when the etching process is conducted with the use of the mask provided with the opening of a reference opening dimension. In addition, there is determined, in advance, a second correlation between a variation in opening dimension of the mask and a variation in opening dimension of the concave portion. When conducting the etching process, an actual opening dimension of the mask is measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsujimoto
  • Publication number: 20070284336
    Abstract: It is an objective to control the occurrence of the disorder of a far-field pattern and of an optical axial shift. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor laser device has the step for preparing a semiconductor substrate which has growth of a multi-layer including an active layer, the step for forming a mask over the growth of a multi-layer, and a step for forming a stripe-shaped ridge by dry etching and wet etching. A structure stacking a p-type AlGaInP layer, an etch-stop layer, a p-type Alx=0.7GaInP layer, a p-type Alx=0.6GaInP layer, a p-type GaAs layer, in order, over the active layer is taken in order to make the tailing part created in the dry etching process smaller by wet etching. The tailing part is composed of a p-type Alx=0.7GaInP layer including a high mixed crystal ratio of aluminum. Therefore, the p-type Alx=0.7GaInP layer is etched faster than the p-type Alx=0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamada, Kazunori Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20070284337
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of etching a substrate having a layered structure in which a photoresist mask with a pattern, a coating film made of silicon oxide, and an organic film are laminated in that order from the top. Before etching the coating film of silicon oxide, a deposit is deposited on the photoresist mask by using plasma generated from a hydrocarbon gas such as CH4 gas so as to narrow the size of openings in the pattern of the photoresist mask. The pattern of the photoresist mask is well transferred to the organic film through the coating film, and a pattern with openings having a high aspect ratio can be formed in the organic film and toppling of the pattern in the organic film can be prevented. The organic film with the transferred pattern is used as an etch mask for etching the underlying layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Ryou Mochizuki, Jun Yashiro
  • Publication number: 20070284338
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing method includes bringing a body to be polished into contact with a polishing pad mounted on a rotating polishing table while feeding a polishing slurry to the polishing pad. The polishing pad is formed of a laminate comprising a first pad layer in contact with the body, and a second pad layer positioned on a side of the polishing table with a water-proof film being interposed therebetween wherein the first pad layer is provided with a pad-cooling hole reaching the second pad layer and the second pad layer is provided with a cooling trench radially disposed to interconnect with the pad-cooling hole. The polishing slurry is fed to a surface of the first pad layer to polish the body, while permitting part of the polishing slurry to pass through the pad-cooling hole to the cooling trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Yukiteru Matsui, Takatoshi Ono
  • Publication number: 20070284339
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing chamber parts for plasma etching chambers involving electronic discharge machining (EDM) methods that allows silicon and other ceramic materials to be formed and drilled. Key factors disclosed relate to the clamping of such materials for the EDM machining to avoid the electrical current inhibiting influence of oxide coatings that these materials can form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: David O. Moore, William S. Seals, Shannon Spencer, George Diercks, Gary Poovey
  • Publication number: 20070284340
    Abstract: A vortex generator uses a single piece to generate the vortex and hold the electrode. The single piece may be a non-conductive material such as a ceramic. The vortex generator may use threads to hold the electrode. The threads and the means for generating the vortex may be bored into the base material of the vortex generator before the base material is hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Morten Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20070284341
    Abstract: The welding method is for connecting together first and second metal elements (20, 16). The first element (20) forms a support or is for being fitted onto a support (12). During the method, a welding portion (20A) is formed in the first element (20), the welding portion having a connection end (22) connected to a support portion (20B) of the first element (20). A free end face (F) is formed in the welding portion (20A) of the first element (20) remote from the connection end (22). A high-energy beam (24) is directed onto the welding portion (20A) of the first element (20) in such a manner that the axis (X) of the beam (24) passes through the welding portion (20A) from the free end face (F) towards the connection end (22), thereby causing at least a portion of the mass of said first element (20) to melt, the molten mass coming into contact with the second element (16) by said mass collapsing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: VALEO ELECTRONIQUE ET SYSTEMES DE LIAISON
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Gasquet, Jean-Michel Morelle, Alcina Tanghe, Laurent Vivet, Bertrand Torcheux
  • Publication number: 20070284342
    Abstract: A device for plasma treating a surface comprises a movable plasma generator and an actuator for moving the plasma generator. The actuator may be configured to move the plasma generator in a first direction along a path and then in a second direction along substantially the same path (e.g. the same path, an ovular path, etc.). For example, the actuator may be configured to reciprocate the plasma generator back and forth along the path. Movement of the plasma generator may be made along a track. To facilitate movement along the track, the plasma generator may include bearings that cooperate with the track. The plasma generator may be configured to move from a first position to a second position through an intermediate position. The plasma generator may then be configured to move back towards the first position by traveling through the intermediate, or substantially the intermediate, position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Morten Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20070284343
    Abstract: Disclosed is a waste gas treatment apparatus having a waste gas inlet for flowing a waste gas into a main combustion chamber provided in empty space inside a body, and a plasma torch configured to propagate flames against the waste gas flowing through the waste gas inlet. The apparatus comprises a steam injection nozzle configured to eject high temperature steam against the flames emitted through a nozzle of the plasma torch, and a reaction tube, extended longitudinally toward the bottom of the main combustion chamber into a tube shape, configured to perform the chemical reaction between a reaction accelerating compound and the waste gas induced by pressure of the nozzle of the plasma torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Woon Sun Choi
  • Publication number: 20070284344
    Abstract: An RF blocking filter isolates a two-phase AC power supply from at least 2 kV p-p of power of an HF frequency that is reactively coupled to a resistive heating element, while conducting several kW of 60 Hz AC power from the two-phase AC power supply to the resistive heating element without overheating, the two-phase AC power supply having a pair of terminals and the resistive heating element having a pair of terminals. The filter includes a pair of cylindrical non-conductive envelopes each having an interior diameter between about one and two inches and respective pluralities of fused iron powder toroids of magnetic permeability on the order of about 10 stacked coaxially within respective ones of the pair of cylindrical envelopes, the exterior diameter of the toroids being about the same as the interior diameter of each of the envelopes. A pair of wire conductors of diameter between 3 mm and 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Valentin N. Todorov, Michael D. Willwerth, Alexander Paterson, Brian K. Hatcher, James E. Sammons, John P. Holland
  • Publication number: 20070284345
    Abstract: A semiconductor cutting apparatus is disclosed which is capable of reducing an inclination of a cutting section by a laser beam of a semiconductor substrate without extending the distance from the semiconductor substrate to a laser scanning center. The apparatus includes a laser oscillator, a transport mechanism causing a semiconductor substrate and the laser oscillator to relatively move, and a controller controlling the laser oscillator and the transport mechanism. When a plurality of semiconductor device regions each being surrounded by a predetermined cutting line are provided in the semiconductor substrate, the controller controls the transport mechanism such that a scanning center of the laser beam of the laser oscillator is located above a position inner than the predetermined cutting line of each semiconductor device region and causes the laser oscillator to perform the scanning of the laser beam along the predetermined cutting line of the semiconductor device region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Syuji ANDO, Shigeyuki UCHIYAMA, Tatsushi OGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20070284346
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polarizer includes forming a conductive thin film layer on a first surface of a substrate. The conductive thin film layer corresponding to a processing line is partially removed by a treatment laser beam irradiated along the processing line. The removing the conductive thin film layer forms a plurality of groove lines on a portion of the substrate from which the conductive thin film is removed and a plurality of striped lines formed on a portion of the substrate on which the conductive thin film remains between the groove lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.,
    Inventor: Dae-Ho CHOO
  • Publication number: 20070284347
    Abstract: A method of forming a via hole reaching a bonding pad in a wafer having a plurality of devices formed on the front surface of a substrate and bonding pads formed on each of the devices by applying a pulse laser beam to the rear surface of the substrate, the method comprising the steps of: forming a via hole reaching a bonding pad from the rear side of the substrate by applying a pulse laser beam to the rear surface of the substrate; and removing metal contaminants adhering to the inner wall of the via hole in the via hole forming step by applying a pulse laser beam having a spot diameter of 0.2 to 0.3D and an energy density per pulse of 3 to 20 J/cm2 to the inner wall of the via hole formed in the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Hiroshi Morikazu
  • Publication number: 20070284348
    Abstract: A signal processing portion obtains the reciprocal of a composite impedance of gap static capacitance and a plasma impedance, obtains composite static capacitance which is the sum of the gap static capacitance and a static capacitance component included in the plasma impedance from an imaginary part of the reciprocal, and obtains a resistance component included in the plasma impedance from a real part of the reciprocal. A gap detection device obtains the static capacitance component by using a model representing the characteristics of the reciprocal of the plasma impedance and the resistance component and obtains the gap static capacitance by subtracting the static capacitance component from the composite static capacitance. The gap detection device obtains a gap from the obtained gap static capacitance. Thus provided is a technique to detect a gap between a nozzle of a laser beam machine for outputting a laser beam and an object to be machined with high accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaaki IWATA, Hiroyoshi OMURA, Yoshihito IMAI, Teiji TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20070284349
    Abstract: An arc welding apparatus includes a main power supply circuit for outputting an arc current, a control circuit for controlling the main power supply circuit, and a high-frequency voltage generating circuit for generating a high-frequency voltage. When an operation switch is turned on for a first time since the apparatus is powered on, the control circuit activates the main power supply circuit to output a high voltage, and the high-frequency voltage generating circuit to generate a high-frequency voltage. With the high voltage superimposed on the high-frequency voltage, the control circuit passes a welding arc current through a torch and a base material. The switch is then turned off, and the control circuit passes a pilot arc current through the torch and the base material. The switch is turned on again, and the control circuit activates the main power supply circuit to output a high voltage, thereby allowing smooth arc transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hideo Ishii, Tetsuro Ikeda, Kenzo Danjo, Atsushi Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20070284350
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing the accumulation of weld spatter on welded automotive body panels and the adherence of weld spatter thereto including a compressed air supply, a liquid supply, a pump, at least one control valve, at least one regulator, a controller, and a material handling mechanism. The method includes positioning a body panel with respect to one or more spray nozzle assemblies, applying a controlled spray of anti-spatter liquid to the body panel surfaces prior to spot welding of the panel into a panel assembly, and shutting off the system pressure when the process is complete. The method also includes controlling multiple spray nozzle assemblies using a single pump, and rinsing the panels' surfaces after welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott L. Graham, Rudy A. Holzer, John F. Gerbic
  • Publication number: 20070284351
    Abstract: A welding torch includes a nozzle with a first welding wire guide configured to orient a first welding wire in a first welding wire orientation, and a second welding wire guide configured to orient a second welding wire in a second welding wire orientation that is non-coplanar and divergent with respect to the first welding wire orientation. A method of welding includes moving a welding torch with respect to a workpiece joint to be welded. During moving the welding torch, a first welding wire is fed through a first welding wire guide defining a first welding wire orientation and a second welding wire is fed through a second welding wire guide defining a second welding wire orientation that is divergent and non-coplanar with respect to the first welding wire orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Fernando Martinez Diez, Kevin S. Stump, Howard W. Ludewig, Alan L. Kilty, Matthew M. Robinson, Keith M. Egland
  • Publication number: 20070284352
    Abstract: A wire feeder with an integrated adaptor cartridge is provided. The adaptor cartridge comprises a cartridge body interchangeably mounted to the wire feeder for mechanical, welding current, and control signal connections. The adaptor cartridge further comprises an adaptor fitting for establishing the mechanical and welding current connections, and a control signal connector for establishing the control signal connection. The adaptor cartridge is preferably recessed within a housing of the wire feeder to protect the adaptor cartridge. A set of such adaptor cartridges is also provided for providing mechanical, welding current, and control signal connections for a respective one of the welding apparatuses to the wire feeder. Therefore, a single wire feeder can work with a set of welding apparatuses by selecting a suitable adaptor cartridge from the set of adaptor cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Thermal Arc, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Lynaugh, Thomas J. Wermert
  • Publication number: 20070284353
    Abstract: An attachment device for use in connecting a conductor tube to a handle of a welding gun is provided that includes an adapter disposed proximate the handle of the welding gun, wherein the adapter defines a plurality of radially spaced receiving portions. A conductor tube is disposed adjacent the adapter, and the conductor tube defines at least one extension disposed near a proximal end portion of the conductor tube. The plurality of radially spaced receiving portions are adapted for engagement by the extension of the conductor tube such that the conductor tube can be repositioned relative to the handle of the welding gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Tweco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Laymon
  • Publication number: 20070284354
    Abstract: A conductor tube for use in a welding gun, and preferably a MIG welding gun, is provided that includes a plurality of flex joints. The flex joints include a body defining a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a cap secured to the proximal end portion of the body, and an extension mounted within the distal end portion of the body, the extension being repositionable within the body. The body, the extension, and the cap are adapted for attachment to each other and to adjacent components of the welding gun. Additionally, a conductor tube for use in a welding gun includes a plurality of thermally and electrically conductive elements secured to each other and extending along a length of the conductor tube, wherein the elements are independently repositionable relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Tweco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Laymon
  • Publication number: 20070284355
    Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: PROGRESSIVE TOOL & INDUSTRIES, CO.
    Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William J. Maybee, Hans Nikesch
  • Publication number: 20070284356
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical warming blanket. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention include a layer of medically rated fabric, a mixture of materials configured to produce heat upon activation, the mixture of materials contained adjacent the layer of medically rated fabric, and an activation mechanism configured to initiate heat production from the mixture of materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Carol Findlay
  • Publication number: 20070284357
    Abstract: A heater device includes a heating unit which includes a heating element that generates heat using an induction-heating method. A power supply part supplies a driving current to the heating unit. A first high-frequency component cutoff unit is connected to the power supply part. A switching unit controls the supply of the driving current from the power supply part to the heating unit. A second high-frequency component cutoff unit is connected to the switching unit. And a connection unit connects the first high-frequency component cutoff unit and the second high-frequency component cutoff unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Tohru Nagatsuma, Yuji Matsuda, Atsuki Iwata, Eiji Nemoto, Manabu Kodama
  • Publication number: 20070284358
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple-compartment insulated food tray and lid for storage and service. The insulated food trays allow for two or more stacked strays to be mechanically unified using the weight of the top tray on the bottom tray in any orientation where the weight of the second tray remains on the first tray. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a polymer with foam and blowing agents are used during the molding process to create in a first phase a hard shell in contact with the mold. In a second phase, insulation is created in the hard shell by thermal treatment and expansion of the residual polymer inserted in the mold. In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulated food trays, when stacked, can be placed in a nondiscriminatory arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Claffy
  • Publication number: 20070284359
    Abstract: A slow cooker is provided, having an outer shell that is formed from an inner layer and an outer layer bonded together by an adhesive, a heating shell fixed within the outer shell, an inner container for holding food positioned within the outer shell, and an electrical heating element in thermal contact with the inner container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Mao Yufeng
  • Publication number: 20070284360
    Abstract: An integrated heater formed as a field effect transistor in a semiconductor substrate, with the transistor having source and drain regions with a channel region extending therebetween to conduct current. The channel region has a resistance when conducting current to generate heat above a selected threshold. A dielectric layer is disposed on the channel region and a gate electrode is disposed on the dielectric layer to control the current of the channel region. A thermally insulating barrier is formed in the semiconductor material and may extend about the transistor. The object to be heated is positioned to receive the heat generated by the resistance of the channel region; the object may be a fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gaetano Santoruvo, Stefano Lo Priore
  • Publication number: 20070284361
    Abstract: A method for supplying a mask through which air flows with a regulated degree of humidification (m) is provided. The method may include: providing a water reservoir configured such that the air circulates in contact with the surface of water within the reservoir is charged with humidity; providing a heating device for heating the water in the reservoir by circulating an electric current; measuring an average intensity (Iav) of the current passing through the heating device; and controlling the average intensity (Iav) relative to a reference value (Iavc) to obtain a degree of humidification (m) of the air that is independent of the ambient temperature (Ta). An apparatus for regulating the degree of humidification of air flow, as well as a heating humidifier including such a regulation device, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hossein Nadjafizadeh, Yves Gaudard, Benjamin Desfossez, Patrick Michel
  • Publication number: 20070284362
    Abstract: A baking unit, for use in photolithography equipment, has a sensing device for sensing whether components of the baking unit are level and whether particles are present on inner surfaces of the baking. The sensing device has a sensor unit and an optical element. The sensor unit is preferably mounted to the hot plate of the baking unit and includes a light emitter and a light detector. The optical element is preferably mounted to a cover of the baking unit at a position at which the optical element reflects/refracts light emitted from the light emitter to the light detector when the hot plate and the cover are level, and as long as particles are not present on the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Sung-Hwa Park
  • Publication number: 20070284363
    Abstract: A temperature control apparatus of a gas pipe heating jacket prevents a heat transfer through a pipe having unreactive residual gas and maintains the temperature of the gas in the event that a first hot wire in the heating jacket is damaged or otherwise inoperable through the use of a second hot wire. By maintaining the temperature of the gas flowing through the pipe, crystallization due to heat differences is avoided thereby preventing pipe blockage and subsequent process errors. The temperature control apparatus includes a controller, a power supply controller, first and second hot wires, a relay, a temperature sensor and a display. The first and second hot wires heat the gas pipe with AC power supplied from power supply controller. The relay selectively supplies the AC power to the first or second hot wire in response to the relay switching signal from the controller. The temperature sensor senses a heating temperature of the gas pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Yoon-Hae Kim
  • Publication number: 20070284364
    Abstract: Described is a device and system for heating an electronic mobile device. The system comprises a mobile electronic device including a power supply arrangement and a removable heating arrangement detachably coupled to the mobile electronic device. When the heating arrangement is coupled to the mobile electronic device, the arrangement draws power from the power supply arrangement to generate heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Alton Smith, Gregory Carras, Hayden Eastman, Keith Linker, Andrew M. Doorty
  • Publication number: 20070284365
    Abstract: An article comprising a graphite part coated with a pyrolytic graphite (pG) for increased mechanical strength of at least 25% over an uncoated graphite part. In connector applications for use in a semiconductor processing assembly such as a heater, the pG coated component is overcoated with at least a protective layer of an electrically insulating material, and wherein part of the pG coated graphite part is exposed (uncoated with the protective layer) for providing electrical connections to the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas Alan Longworth, Timothy J. Heil
  • Publication number: 20070284366
    Abstract: The thermally conductive body for use by being placed between a heat generating body and a heat radiating body, in which the body is molded from a thermally conductive polymer composition. The thermally conductive polymer composition contains a polymer matrix and a thermally conductive filler. At least part of the thermally conductive filler is formed in the shape of fibers and oriented in a certain direction. In the body, ends of the thermally conductive filler formed in the shape of fibers are exposed on the outer surface intersecting the direction of the orientation. Protrusions extending along the outer surface are formed thereat. In case, the body is placed between the heat generating body and the heat radiating body so that the outer surface contacts at least one of the heat generating body and the heat radiating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Mitsuru Ohta
  • Publication number: 20070284367
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical disc destroying device, which comprises an upper clamp arm and a lower clamp arm. The rear ends of the upper and lower clamp arms are pivotally coupled with a pivotal pin so that the front ends thereof can be vertically opened and closed. The bottom surface of the upper clamp arm has an upper scratching plate, and the top surface of the lower clamp arm has a lower scratching plate. Both the upper and lower scratching plates have scratching teeth at the front ends thereof, which can dual-side clamp an optical disc and scratch the printed surface of the optical disc. Thereby, the optical disc is destroyed, and the data stored in the optical disc can no more be revealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Mao-Sang Lin
  • Publication number: 20070284368
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus used in conjunction with a metallic container adapted for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a microwave oven, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion, metallic reinforcing member, and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Richardson, Jason Kaanta, Vincent Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20070284369
    Abstract: A flexible package for storing and heating a precooked food product in a microwave oven includes an upper portion and a lower portion detachably connected to the upper portion. The lower portion includes a side defining a cavity adapted to hold the food product during heating and to serve the food product after the upper portion is removed. A vent is disposed in an aperture in the upper portion that operatively opens to release steam, and the vent is a valve that is initially closed and opens when a pressure within the package is greater than a predetermined valve opening pressure and stays open during heating in the microwave oven in order to completely exhaust the pressure formed in the package during heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: PPi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: R. C. Murray
  • Publication number: 20070284370
    Abstract: A waterproof hinge-less door assembly is provided for an outdoor electrical enclosure, such as an electrical power pedestal. The electrical power pedestal includes a housing having an exterior and an opening, and an electrical component, such as a power receptacle, housed by the housing and accessible from the exterior of the housing through the opening. The hinge-less door assembly includes a mounting element coupled to the housing at or about the opening of the housing, a door operable among an open position in which access to the at least one electrical component is provided through the opening of the housing, and a closed position in which the door assembly provides a substantially weatherproof cover for the opening of the housing and the electrical component(s) housed by the housing, and a hinge-less coupling mechanism pivotably coupling the door to the mounting element. One or more weather shields provide further weather-resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert C. Dively
  • Publication number: 20070284371
    Abstract: A beer keg for storing a beer under pressure has an outer wall and a pressure relief passageway extending through an outer wall of the beer keg. The beer keg has a bursting disk seated in the passageway normally closing the passageway. The disk is adapted to rupture permitting fluid to escape from the beer keg through the passageway when the pressure in the beer keg exceeds a predetermined pressure value. The keg has a releasable cap mounted thereto that covers the passageway. The releasable cap has vent openings that permit the escape of fluid from the passageway. The cap is releasable to permit access to the passageway for changing the bursting disk. Preferably, a pressure build up in the keg in excess of about 7 bar results in the bursting disk rupturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: INBEV S.A.
    Inventors: Ian Anderson, Andrew Halket
  • Publication number: 20070284372
    Abstract: A child-resistant package includes a first element having a base wall with a rectangular periphery, a continuous peripheral wall extending around such periphery, at least a pair of locking projections internally disposed on opposed sections of the peripheral wall, and a cylindrical wall extending from the base wall within the peripheral wall and having at least one first thread segment. A second element has a base wall with a rectangular periphery and a continuous peripheral wall extending around the periphery, a pair of locking tabs centrally extending from opposed sections of the peripheral wall, and a cylindrical wall extending from the base wall within the peripheral wall and having at least one second thread segment. The second element is threadable onto the first element by means of the cylindrical walls and the first and second thread segments to bring the peripheral walls into aligned abutment and the locking tabs into engagement with the locking projections to resist unthreading of the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Maurice R. Gnepper
  • Publication number: 20070284373
    Abstract: A swing lid structure may include a body having a cavity for holding a predetermined part therein and provided with slots extending in a predetermined direction, a swing lid provided with through holes and capable of covering the cavity of the body, and a support shaft passed through the through holes of the swing lid and slidably fitted in the slots of the body. The swing lid may slide on the body as the support shaft moves in the slots and may turn on the support shaft relative to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Okuchi
  • Publication number: 20070284374
    Abstract: A container can be easily opened, particularly to a container opened under more hygienic and pollution free condition. Easy open end can be improved by forming a tear strip on its surface, the tear strip is circumvent by a score line; the tear strip is riveted with a tab by a rivet; further the tear strip is divided into a front and a rear tear strips, a folded line between the front and rear strips can be applied to bend downward the rear tear strip close to the front tear strip; a folded line between the rear tear strip and the lid can be applied to bend the rear tear strip close to the lid; and the front tear strip is riveted adjacent to a nose of the tab by rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kou-An Chen
  • Publication number: 20070284375
    Abstract: Secure product container 10 has opposed closure shells 10P and 10A forming product chamber 10C. The shells may be separated into an open accessible state (see FIG. 1A), in which the closure shells are uncaptured and product 10G is accessible. The closure shells may be placed together in a closed state along closure interface 12C (see FIG. 1B), in which the closure shells are captured to enclose the product. A closure capture between the closure shells holds the shells in the closed state. Closure capture 26 has a secured condition (see FIG. 2B) in which the closure shells are captured together in the closed state, and a released condition (see FIG. 2A) in which the closure shells may be uncaptured in the accessible state. Capture release device 12 on active shell 10A is pressure responsive for releasing the closure capture from the secured condition into the released condition when pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: William Perell, David Dytchkowsky
  • Publication number: 20070284376
    Abstract: A container with removable dividers. The container includes a bottom wall, four side walls, one pair of opposed side walls comprising pairs of channels formed thereon, and a plurality of removable dividers receivable in pairs of channels. The dividers include a notch formed at a top of a body portion to enable easy placement and removal of the dividers in the container having a handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Dancyger
  • Publication number: 20070284377
    Abstract: Described is a cooler that stores and maintains food and beverages at a desired temperature, but also doubles as a training apparatus for steer roping. The steer roping apparatus may be integrated with a cooler handle configured as steer horns and an optional steer snout. The horns and/or snout may be extended, rotated or otherwise adjusted to generate various horn and snout positions for simulating a complete training regiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Megan Chandler