Patents Issued in November 14, 2017
  • Patent number: 9816164
    Abstract: An iron-boron alloy powder or an iron-boron alloy powder composition suitable for remediation of halogenated hydrocarbon polluted soil, water or groundwater as well as the use of the powder or powder composition. The boron-iron alloy powder suitable for remediation of polluted soil or waters may have 0.1-40% by weight of boron and inevitable impurities up to a content of 10% by weight. Further, a method for remediation of halogenated hydrocarbon polluted soil, water or groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HÖGANÄS AB (PUBL)
    Inventors: Per-Olof Larsson, Sigurd Berg, Hilmar Vidarsson, Leen Bastiaens, Milica Limirovic
  • Patent number: 9816165
    Abstract: The invention provides a wear-resistant steel plate, which has the following chemical composition (wt. %): C: 0.22-0.35%, Si: 0.10-0.40%, Mn: 0.60-1.35%, P: ?0.015%, S: ?0.010%, Nb: 0.010-0.040%, Al: 0.010-0.080%, B: 0.0006-0.0014%, Ti: 0.005-0.050%, Ca: 0.0010-0.0080%, V?0.080%, Cr?0.60%, W?1.00 wt. %, N?0.0080%, O?0.0060%, H?0.0004%, wherein 0.025%?Nb+Ti?0.080%, 0.030%?Al+Ti?0.12%, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. The method of manufacturing the wear-resistant steel plate comprises the steps of smelting, casting, rolling, post-rolling direct cooling and the like. The wear-resistant steel plate obtained from the above composition and process has high strength, high hardness, good low-temperature toughness, and excellent machinability, and is suitable for quick-wear devices in engineering and mining machinery, such as bucket and scraper transporter, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongbin Li, Liandeng Yao, Yuchuan Miao
  • Patent number: 9816166
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to Ni—P—B alloys bearing Mn and optionally Cr and Mo that are capable of forming a metallic glass, and more particularly metallic glass rods with diameters at least 1 mm and as large as 5 mm or larger. The disclosure is further directed to Ni—Mn—Cr—Mo—P—B alloys capable of demonstrating a good combination of glass forming ability, strength, toughness, bending ductility, and corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Glassimetal Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Hyun Na, Michael Floyd, Marios D. Demetriou, William L. Johnson, Glenn Garrett, Maximilien Launey, Danielle Duggins
  • Patent number: 9816167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of carbon fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composite wires by drawing carbon fibers through molten salt and molten aluminum in such a way that the molten aluminum and the molten salt are spatially separated, and the carbon fibers are drawn through first the molten salt, then the molten aluminum separated from it. The invention further relates to an apparatus for the implementation of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BAY ZOLTÁN ALKALMAZOTT KUTATÁSI KÖZHASZNÚ NONPROFIT KFT., LOGISZTIKAI ÉS GYÁRTÁSTECHNIKAI INTÉZET
    Inventors: György Kaptay, Csaba Mekler, Dávid Stomp, Péter Baumli, István Budai, Koppány Levente Juhász, Dávid Szabó, József Szabó
  • Patent number: 9816168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a sheet. The method includes providing a substrate, depositing a metal coating over at least one surface by dipping the substrate in a bath in order to obtain the sheet, wiping the metal coating by means of at least one nozzle projecting through at least one outlet a wiping gas onto the metal coating, the sheet being run in front of the nozzle, the wiping gas being ejected from the nozzle along a primary direction of ejection (E), a confinement box delimiting a confined zone at least downstream of the zone of impact (I) of the wiping gas on the sheet and solidifying the metal coating. The method satisfying: Z d ? 12 ? ? and ? ? f O 2 ? 10 - 4 W 2 ? ( 0.63 + 0.4 + 94900 * ? W 2 ) ? ? with ? ? W = PdZ V .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Mataigne
  • Patent number: 9816169
    Abstract: A sucker rod for use in oil well production and a method for making the sucker rod are disclosed. The sucker rod comprises two end portions and a rod body between the two end portions. Each end portion comprises an end section, a shoulder section, a tool engagement section and a tapered enlargement section. The shoulder section, the tool engagement section and the tapered enlargement section are coated by an alloy coating (such as a corrosion-resistant Ni-based alloy). The rod body is coated by a non-metal coating (such as a corrosion-resistant polymer coating).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Wei Xie
  • Patent number: 9816170
    Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing an electrode comprising an iron active material. The process comprises first fabricating an electrode comprising an iron active material, and then treating the surface of the electrode with water to thereby create an oxidized surface. The resulting iron electrode is preconditioned prior to any charge-discharge cycle to have the assessable surface of the iron active material in the same oxidation state as in discharged iron negative electrodes active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ENCELL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Randy Gene Ogg, Michael Roders, Michael Meese
  • Patent number: 9816171
    Abstract: Disclosed are new boronizing compositions consisting of boron fluoride and boron oxide, borax, or an iron boride. The compositions reduce the heating temperature and time. Further disclosed are methods of boronizing a metal substrate including these compositions, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gia Khanh Pham, David S. Segletes, Steffan Walter, Niels Van der Laag
  • Patent number: 9816172
    Abstract: A vacuum powered deposition apparatus including a driving unit, a linear motion unit coupled to the driving unit and configured to move linearly according to operation of the driving unit, and an angle restriction unit coupled to the linear motion unit and configured to move in a direction perpendicular to that of the linear motion unit according to movement of the linear motion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Uk Lee, Jeong-Won Han
  • Patent number: 9816173
    Abstract: A material suitable for a semiconductor included in a transistor, a diode, or the like is provided. The material is an oxide material including In, M1, M2 and Zn, in which M1 is an element in the group 13 of the periodic table, a typical example thereof is Ga, and M2 is an element whose content is less than the content of M1. Examples of M2 are Ti, Zr, Hf, Ge, Sn, and the like. To contain M2 leads to suppression of generation of oxygen vacancies in the oxide material. A transistor which includes as few oxygen vacancies as possible can be achieved, whereby reliability of a semiconductor device can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Masahiro Takahashi, Motoki Nakashima, Takashi Shimazu
  • Patent number: 9816174
    Abstract: The present invention is a vacuum evaporation heating assembly for heating a carrier, in which an evaporation material is filled, in a vacuum evaporation process, the vacuum evaporation heating assembly comprising: a carrier container in which the carrier is installed; and an electrode connector which extends in both directions of the carrier container to be connected to an electrode. At least one of the carrier container and the electrode connector is a plate-shaped member. The vacuum evaporation heating assembly can securely hold the carrier, in which the evaporation material is filled, and can vaporize the evaporation material in a specialized direction, thereby uniformly and efficiently evaporating the evaporation material with a small number of carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CEKO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Joong Kim, Hong Chul Kim, Kyung Il Jun, Joung Rae Kim, Young Jun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9816175
    Abstract: In various embodiments, evaporation sources are heated and/or cooled via a fluid-based thermal management system during deposition of thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SIVA POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Markus Eberhard Beck, Ulrich Alexander Bonne, Robert G. Wendt
  • Patent number: 9816176
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a multilayer metal oxide nano-porous thin film gas sensitive material, in which the microsphere aqueous solution is self-assembled on a substrate covered with an insulating layer, to form a compact single-layer array template; the surface of these microspheres are etched by using a plasma etching method to reduce the pitches between the microspheres; the metal oxide thin film is deposited by a physical deposition method; the template is removed by ultrasonic treatment with a solvent to prepare a porous array metal oxide thin film; and annealing is performed in air atmosphere to obtain the metal oxide porous thin film gas sensitive material. The present invention can be used for preparing a regular porous array thin film gas sensitive material; the pore size of the prepared porous thin film material is uniform and controllable; and the combination of these materials is controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xuhui Sun, Pingping Zhang, Shumin Zhang
  • Patent number: 9816178
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing a substrate tube from the deposited layer inside of said substrate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventors: Igor Milicevic, Johannes Antoon Hartsuiker, Mattheus Jacobus Nicolaas van Stralen, Gertjan Krabshuis
  • Patent number: 9816179
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing a precursor for a primary preform for optical fibers via an internal plasma deposition process. An exemplary method includes creating a first plasma reaction zone having first reaction conditions in the interior of a hollow substrate tube to deposit non-vitrified silica layers on the inner surface of the hollow substrate tube, and subsequently creating a second plasma reaction zone having second reaction conditions in the interior of the hollow substrate tube to deposit vitrified silica layers on the deposited, non-vitrified silica layers. Thereafter, the hollow substrate tube is removed from the deposited, vitrified silica layers to yield a deposited tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventors: Igor Milicevic, Johannes Antoon Hartsuiker, Mattheus Jacobus Nicolaas van Stralen, Gertjan Krabshuis
  • Patent number: 9816180
    Abstract: Methods are provided for selectively depositing a surface of a substrate relative to a second, different surface. An exemplary deposition method can include selectively depositing a material, such as a material comprising nickel, nickel nitride, cobalt, iron, and/or titanium oxide on a first surface, such as a SiO2 surface, relative to a second, different surface, such as a H-terminated surface, of the same substrate. Methods can include treating a surface of the substrate to provide H-terminations prior to deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ASM IP HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Suvi P. Haukka, Eva Tois
  • Patent number: 9816181
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including forming a laminated film on a substrate by performing a cycle a first predetermined number of times. The cycle includes forming a first film which contains a predetermined element, boron, and nitrogen, and forming a second film which contains boron and nitrogen. A composition ratio of boron to nitrogen in the second film is different from that in the first film. The first film and the second film are laminated to form the laminated film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Sano, Yoshiro Hirose
  • Patent number: 9816182
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is disclosed. The substrate processing apparatus includes a process chamber configured to accommodate a substrate; a gas supply unit configured to supply a process gas into the process chamber; a lid member configured to block an end portion opening of the process chamber; an end portion heating unit installed around a side wall of an end portion of the process chamber; and a thermal conductor installed on a surface of the lid member in an inner side of the process chamber, and configured to be heated by the end portion heating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Hideto Tateno, Yuichi Wada, Hiroshi Ashihara, Keishin Yamazaki, Takurou Ushida, Iwao Nakamura, Manabu Izumi
  • Patent number: 9816183
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a process container where a substrate is processed; a process gas supply unit configured to supply a process gas into the process container; a substrate placing table installed in the process container; a shaft penetrating a hole at a bottom portion of the process container and coupled to the substrate placing table; a bellows surrounding the shaft and disposed outside of the process container wherein an inner space thereof is in communication with a space of the process container; an inert gas supply system configured to supply an inert gas into the inner space of the bellows disposed outside of the process container; and a component falling prevention unit including at least a first structure disposed along a first portion of the hole at the bottom of the process container and a second structure disposed along a second portion of the hole adjacent to the first structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ashihara, Motoshi Sawada
  • Patent number: 9816184
    Abstract: A structure for a chemical vapor deposition reactor desirably includes a reaction chamber having an interior, a spindle mounted in the reaction chamber, and a wafer carrier releasably mounted onto the spindle for rotation therewith. The spindle desirably has a shaft extending along a vertical rotational axis and a key projecting outwardly from the shaft. The wafer carrier preferably has a body defining oppositely-facing top and bottom surfaces and at least one wafer-holding feature configured so that a wafer can be held therein with a surface of the wafer exposed at the top surface of the body. The wafer carrier desirably further has a recess extending into the body from the bottom surface of the body and a keyway projecting outwardly from a periphery of the recess along a first transverse axis. The shaft preferably is engaged in the recess and the key preferably is engaged into the keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep Krishnan, Keng Moy, Alexander I. Gurary, Matthew King, Vadim Boguslavskiy, Steven Krommenhoek
  • Patent number: 9816185
    Abstract: A vertical chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor and a method for synthesizing metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes. The CVD reactor includes a preheating zone portion and a reaction zone portion, and preferably an additional cooling zone portion and a product collector. The method includes (a) subjecting a liquid reactant solution comprising an organic solvent, a metallocene, and a metal alkoxide to atomization in the presence of a gas flow comprising a carrier gas and a support gas to form an atomized mixture, and (b) heating the atomized mixture to a temperature of 200° C.-1400° C., wherein the heating forms a metal oxide and at least one carbon source compound, wherein the metallocene catalyzes the formation of carbon nanotubes from the at least one carbon source compound and the metal oxide is incorporated into or on a surface of the carbon nanotubes to form the metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Fahad Ali Rabbani, Zuhair Omar Malaibari, Muataz Ali Atieh
  • Patent number: 9816186
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fabricating polymer-based imprint lithography templates having thin metallic or oxide coated patterning surfaces. Such templates show enhanced fluid spreading and filling (even in absence of purging gases), good release properties, and longevity of use. Methods and systems for fabricating oxide coated versions, in particular, can be performed under atmospheric pressure conditions, allowing for lower cost processing and enhanced throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Se Hyun Ahn, Byung-Jin Choi, Frank Y. Xu
  • Patent number: 9816187
    Abstract: A method of processing a substrate according to a PECVD process is described. Temperature profile of the substrate is adjusted to change deposition rate profile across the substrate. Plasma density profile is adjusted to change deposition rate profile across the substrate. Chamber surfaces exposed to the plasma are heated to improve plasma density uniformity and reduce formation of low quality deposits on chamber surfaces. In situ metrology may be used to monitor progress of a deposition process and trigger control actions involving substrate temperature profile, plasma density profile, pressure, temperature, and flow of reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Nagarajan Rajagopalan, Xinhai Han, Michael Wenyoung Tsiang, Masaki Ogata, Zhijun Jiang, Juan Carlos Rocha-Alvarez, Thomas Nowak, Jianhua Zhou, Ramprakash Sankarakrishnan, Amit Kumar Bansal, Jeongmin Lee, Todd Egan, Edward Budiarto, Dmitriy Panasyuk, Terrance Y. Lee, Jian J. Chen, Mohamad A. Ayoub, Heung Lak Park, Patrick Reilly, Shahid Shaikh, Bok Hoen Kim, Sergey Starik, Ganesh Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 9816188
    Abstract: A process for the corrosion protection of metals such as magnesium, aluminium or titanium, where at least two steps are used, including both plasma electrolytic oxidation and chemical passivation. The combination of these two processing steps enhances the corrosion resistance performance of the surface beyond the capability of either of the steps in isolation, providing a more robust protection system. This process may be used as a corrosion protective coating in its own right, or as a protection-enhancing pre-treatment for top-coats such as powder coat or e-coat. When used without an additional top-coat, the treated parts can still retain electrical continuity with and adjoining metal parts. Advantages include reduced cost and higher productivity than traditional plasma-electrolytic oxidation systems, improved corrosion protection, greater coating robustness and electrical continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Keronite International Limited
    Inventors: James Curran, Stephen Hutchins, Suman Shrestha
  • Patent number: 9816189
    Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting composition includes a first plurality of carriers and a second plurality of carriers. The first plurality of carriers has a first carrier body which encapsulates a film-forming compound. The second plurality of carriers has a second carrier body encapsulates a corrosion inhibitor. Each of the first and second carrier bodies is formed of a degradable material. Coatings and methods for inhibiting corrosion on a metal substrate are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Fitz, Mariko Elaine Berg
  • Patent number: 9816190
    Abstract: A system for extracting hydrogen from seawater includes a hollow chamber defined by a cylindrical wall, a cylindrical member within the chamber, a mechanism for recirculating conductive fluid through the chamber, a power supply connected via reactive circuits to the chamber wall to form an anode and to the cylindrical member to form a cathode and providing an input pulse DC voltage during a duty cycle on portion and an off cycle chamber return load circuit connected to the reactive circuits, and an off cycle chamber return load circuit connected to the positive and negative reactive circuits wherein the reactive circuits and the off cycle chamber return load circuit: process voltages returning from the chamber during an off portion of the duty cycle, the returning voltages resulting from an electro-chemical reaction in the chamber without surface reaction on the cylindrical member, and return the processed voltage to the chamber, wherein the chamber releases hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Joi Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Louis Koeneman, Traver Hall Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9816191
    Abstract: Known phosphorus recovery methods from liquid phases proceed from the presence of ammonia or nitrate, and phosphate, in the liquid phase. Wastewater that is supposed to be freed of nitrate and phosphate pollution in sewage treatment facilities can be used as the liquid phase. In electrochemical methods, a magnesium electrode is used as a sacrificial anode, and ammonium and phosphate together are bound to the magnesium to form struvite, which in turn can be used in agriculture as a fertilizer, in useful manner. In an alternative method of procedure, first, only phosphates are removed from a liquid phase that occurs from the filtration of products of hydrothermal carbonization. A magnesium electrode is used as the cathode, so that the resulting magnesium phosphate does not go into solution and first must be precipitated, but rather is removed from the electrolysis cell directly with the cathode, after the reaction occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: AVA-CO2 Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Jan Vyskocil, Stepan Kusche, François Badoux
  • Patent number: 9816192
    Abstract: A method to extract and refine metal products from metal-bearing ores, including a method to extract and refine titanium products. Titanium products can be extracted from titanium-bearing ores with TiO2 and impurity levels unsuitable for conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL RESOURCE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Cox, Chanaka L. DeAlwis, Benjamin A. Kohler, Michael G. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9816193
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for plating a metal onto a work piece with a plating solution having a low oxygen concentration are described. In one aspect, a method includes reducing an oxygen concentration of a plating solution. The plating solution includes about 100 parts per million or less of an accelerator. After reducing the oxygen concentration of the plating solution, a wafer substrate is contacted with the plating solution in a plating cell. The oxygen concentration of the plating solution in the plating cell is about 1 part per million or less. A metal is electroplated with the plating solution onto the wafer substrate in the plating cell. After electroplating the metal onto the wafer substrate, an oxidizing strength of the plating solution is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kousik Ganesan, Tighe Spurlin, Jonathan D. Reid, Shantinath Ghongadi, Andrew McKerrow, James E. Duncan
  • Patent number: 9816194
    Abstract: The uniformity of electroplating a metal (e.g., copper) on a semiconductor wafer is improved by using an electroplating apparatus having a flow-shaping element positioned in the proximity of the semiconductor wafer, wherein the flow-shaping element is made of a resistive material and has two types of non-communicating channels made through the resistive material, such that the electrolyte is transported towards the substrate through both types of channels. The first type of channels is not perpendicular to the plane defined by a plating face of the substrate. The second type of channels is perpendicular to the plane defined by the plating face of the substrate. The channels of the first and second type are substantially spatially segregated. In one embodiment a plurality of channels of the first type are located in the central portion of the flow-shaping element and are surrounded by a plurality of channels of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Zhian He, Jian Zhou, Jingbin Feng, Jonathan D. Reid, Shantinath Ghongadi
  • Patent number: 9816195
    Abstract: A reproduction method of a liquid ejecting head including: a process of filling the flow path with an electrolyte solution containing metal, and filling a space between an electrode capable of applying a voltage to between itself and the upper protective film and the upper protective film with the electrolyte solution; and a process of applying a voltage to between the upper protective film and the electrode to make the metal contained in the electrolyte solution deposit on the surface of the upper protective film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Ichiro Saito, Sadayoshi Sakuma, Yuzuru Ishida, Maki Kato, Norihiro Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 9816196
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electroplating metal onto substrates are disclosed. The electroplating apparatus comprise an electroplating cell and at least one oxidization device. The electroplating cell comprises a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by a porous barrier that allows metal cations to pass through but prevents organic particles from crossing. The oxidation device (ODD) is configured to oxidize cations of the metal to be electroplated onto the substrate, which cations are present in the anolyte during electroplating. In some embodiments, the ODD is implemented as a carbon anode that removes Cu(I) from the anolyte electrochemically. In other embodiments, the ODD is implemented as an oxygenation device (OGD) or an impressed current cathodic protection anode (ICCP anode), both of which increase oxygen concentration in anolyte solutions. Methods for efficient electroplating are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tighe A. Spurlin, Charles L. Merrill, Ludan Huang, Matthew Thorum, Lee Brogan, James E. Duncan, Frederick D. Wilmot, Robert Marshall Stowell, Steven T. Mayer, Haiying Fu, David W. Porter, Shantinath Ghongadi, Jonathan D. Reid, Hyosang S. Lee, Mark J. Willey
  • Patent number: 9816197
    Abstract: An Sn alloy plating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating bath configured to store an Sn alloy plating solution therein with an insoluble anode and a substrate immersed in the Sn alloy plating solution, an Sn dissolving having an anion exchange membrane therein which isolates an anode chamber, in which an Sn anode is disposed, and a cathode chamber, in which a cathode is disposed, from each other, a pure water supply structure configured to supply pure water to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, a methanesulfonic acid solution supply structure configured to supply a methanesulfonic acid solution, containing a methanesulfonic acid, to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, and an Sn replenisher supply structure configured to supply an Sn replenisher, produced in the anode chamber and containing Sn ions and a methanesulfonic acid, to the plating bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Shimoyama, Yuji Araki, Masamichi Tamura, Toshiki Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 9816198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method capable of stably producing a zinc oxide single crystal in which a large amount of dopant forms a solid solution at a high level of productivity and reproducibility without using a harmful substance. The method of the present invention comprises providing a raw material powder that is mainly composed of zinc oxide, comprises at least one dopant element selected from B, Al, Ga, In, C, F, Cl, Br, I, H, Li, Na, K, N, P, As, Cu, and Ag in a total amount of 0.01 to 1 at %, and is substantially free of a crystal phase other than zinc oxide, and injecting the raw material powder to form a film mainly composed of zinc oxide on a seed substrate comprising a zinc oxide single crystal and also to crystallize the formed film in a solid phase state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Yoshikawa, Katsuhiro Imai
  • Patent number: 9816199
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of single crystal is provided with a melting process for dissolving raw material in a crucible and a pulling-up process of a single crystal from a melt by the Czochralski method. The pulling-up process includes detecting an edge line of a fusion ring, determining an approximated curve of the edge line by approximating the edge line of the fusion ring by an even function, eliminating constituent pixels of the fusion ring from the image of the fusion ring as noise, the constituent pixels being positioned on the side of the melt relative to the approximated curve and the constituent pixels of the fusion ring and a deviation between the constituent pixels and the approximated curve being a predetermined number of pixels, and calculating the center position of the single crystal from the edge line of the fusion ring from which the noise has been eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SUMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiichi Takanashi, Ken Hamada
  • Patent number: 9816200
    Abstract: A silicon carbide powder which, when used as a raw material in a sublimation recrystallization method, enables improvement in productivity of a silicon carbide single crystal by exhibiting a high sublimation rate and allowing a small amount of silicon carbide to remain without being sublimated, and enables an increase in size of the silicon carbide single crystal (for example, a single crystal wafer). The silicon carbide powder has a Blaine specific surface area of from 250 cm2/g to 1,000 cm2/g and a ratio of a silicon carbide powder having a particle size of more than 0.70 mm and 3.00 mm or less of 50 vol % or more with respect to a total amount of the silicon carbide powder. When a silicon carbide powder accommodated in a crucible is heated to be sublimated, a silicon carbide single crystal is formed on a seed crystal provided on an undersurface of a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignees: TAIHEIYO CEMENT CORPORATION, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kenta Masuda, Kouki Ichitsubo, Masakazu Suzuki, Kiyoshi Nonaka, Tomohisa Kato, Hideaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9816201
    Abstract: Thin freestanding nitride veneers can be used for the fabrication of semiconductor devices. These veneers are typically less than 100 microns thick. The use of thin veneers also eliminates the need for subsequent wafer thinning for improved thermal performance and 3D packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Goldeneye, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Zimmerman, William R. Livesay, Richard L. Ross
  • Patent number: 9816202
    Abstract: A method of producing a large area plate of single crystal diamond from CVD diamond grown on a substrate substantially free of surface defects by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The homoepitaxial CVD grown diamond and the substrate are severed transverse to the surface of the substrate on which diamond growth took place to produce the large area plate of single crystal CVD diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Element Six Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Alan Scarsbrook, Philip Maurice Martineau, Daniel James Twitchen
  • Patent number: 9816203
    Abstract: Methods of forming a crystalline strontium titanate layer may include providing a substrate with a crystal enhancement surface (e.g., Pt), depositing strontium titanate by atomic layer deposition, and conducting a post-deposition anneal to crystallize the strontium titanate. Large single crystal domains may be formed, laterally extending greater distances than the thickness of the strontium titanate and demonstrating greater ordering than the underlying crystal enhancement surface provided to initiate ALD. Functional oxides, particularly perovskite complex oxides, can be heteroepitaxially deposited over the crystallized STO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ASM INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventor: Tom E. Blomberg
  • Patent number: 9816204
    Abstract: A method for preparing gelatinized pre-oriented filaments and the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments prepared by the method are provided. The method includes feeding a spinning dope into a twin-screw extruder for blending and extruding the spinning dope to obtain a first spinning solution having a non-Newtonian index of 0.1-0.8 and a structural viscosity index of 10-50, feeding the first spinning solution into a spinning box and drawing at a spinneret with a factor of 5-20 to obtain a second spinning solution, and flash cooling and curing the second spinning solution to obtain the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments. Also provided are a method for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers prepared by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BEIJING TONGYIZHONG SPECIALTY FIBRE TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Peng He, Xingliang Huang, Fengqi Lin
  • Patent number: 9816205
    Abstract: A method to manufacture composite fibers of rice husk and charcoal includes the following steps. Heat and grind the rice husk and the charcoal and blend with PET to form first granules and second granules respectively wherein mass fractions of rice husk and charcoal are 15-20 wt %. The mass fraction of rice husk in the first granules and that of the charcoal in the second granules are equal. Blend the first granules and the second granules to form mixed granules. Blend and melt the mixed granules and PET to form a mixture wherein the summation of the mass fractions of rice husk and charcoal in the mixture is 0.2-2 wt %. Form composite fibers from the melted mixture by a procedure of filament making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Han-Che Ke, Yu-Cheng Ke
  • Patent number: 9816206
    Abstract: Provided herein are nanofibers and processes of preparing carbonaceous nanofibers. In some embodiments, the nanofibers are high quality, high performance nanofibers, highly coherent nanofibers, highly continuous nanofibers, or the like. In some embodiments, the nanofibers have increased coherence, increased length, few voids and/or defects, and/or other advantageous characteristics. In some instances, the nanofibers are produced by electrospinning a fluid stock having a high loading of nanofiber precursor in the fluid stock. In some instances, the fluid stock comprises well mixed and/or uniformly distributed precursor in the fluid stock. In some instances, the fluid stock is converted into a nanofiber comprising few voids, few defects, long or tunable length, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yong Lak Joo, Nathaniel S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9816207
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for preparing carbon fibers, comprising: sulfonating a polymer fiber with a sulfonating agent that is fuming sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, or a combination thereof; treating the sulfonated polymer with a heated solvent, wherein the temperature of the heated solvent is at least 95° C.; and carbonizing the resulting product by heating it to a temperature of 501-3000° C. Carbon fibers prepared according to these methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Bryan E. Barton, Jasson T. Patton, Eric J. Hukkanen, Mark T. Bernius
  • Patent number: 9816208
    Abstract: A self-wrapping textile sleeve that is abrasion, arc and water resistant and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes a wall having opposite edges extending in a lengthwise direction along a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve between opposite ends. The opposite edges overlap one another to form an inner tubular cavity. The wall has warp yarns extending in the lengthwise direction generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and weft yarns extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis between the opposite edges. The warp and weft yarns include expanded PTFE yarns, and the weft yarns further include heat-settable thermoplastic yarns. The heat-settable polymeric yarns impart a bias on the wall to bring the opposite edges into their overlapping relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Powertrain LLC
    Inventors: Alexa A. Woodruff, Cassie M. Malloy, Ming-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 9816209
    Abstract: A method for weaving pile fabrics with pile-free zones, in which, on a weaving loom, in successive series of at least two successive weft insertion cycles in each case at least one ground weft thread (1) and at least two effect weft threads (2),(3) having mutually different appearance-determining properties are inserted at well-defined weft-insertion levels, in which the effect weft threads (2),(3) in each series are inserted in successive weft insertion cycles, and in which, in order to create a predetermined effect in at least one pile-free zone, the warp threads (4-7); (12-22); (101-104) are positioned with respect to the weft insertion levels such that at least one effect weft thread (2),(3) runs on the pile side substantially uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: NV MICHEL VAN DE WIELE
    Inventors: Johny Debaes, Gilbert Moulin, Dominique Maes
  • Patent number: 9816210
    Abstract: A braided sleeve with complex geometry, including changes to the geometry along the braided sleeve's longitudinal axis are described. In particular, along a first portion of the braided sleeve's longitudinal axis, multiple tows are intertwined with each other. Along a second portion, one of tows is removed from being intertwined with the other tows and is relocated to an interior or an exterior of the braided sleeve. A third portion includes the removed tow being intertwined with the plurality of tows again. In this manner, the braided sleeve may provide coverage of preforms with varying diameters along the longitudinal axis of the preforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: A&P Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Head
  • Patent number: 9816211
    Abstract: Braided bodies having a reduced braid density while retaining high tensile properties. High tenacity fibers are braided together at a braid density of less than or equal to 20 picks per inch, wherein the tenacity of the braided body does not decrease with increasing braid density from 17 picks per inch to 19 picks per inch in length of the braided body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Lori L. Wagner, Huy Xuan Nguyen, Thomas Tam
  • Patent number: 9816212
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for forming at least one threaded member. The apparatus includes a rotatable member, at least one holding member protruding from the rotating member, the at least one holding member having at least one spool and/or the like of a threaded material located thereon. The at least one holding member is offset to the axis of rotation of the rotating member such that upon rotation of said rotating member, the threaded material is wrapped around an article provided with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Fuse London Limited
    Inventors: Oliver Morris, Roseld V. Laguatan, James Allen
  • Patent number: 9816213
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process for the preparation of a microfibrous non-woven fabric based on polyester or polyamide microfibers immersed in a polyurethane matrix, and having a thickness equal to or less than 0.65 mm, a flat or slightly mottled appearance and a nap length of less than 350 ?m. The non-woven fabric is used for the preparation of coverings for consumer goods, particularly for the preparation of covers and cases for electronic products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ALCANTARA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Belloni, Carmine Carlo Ammirati, Giovanni Addino, Francesco Panetti, Walter Cardinali, Gianni Romani, Carlo Costa, Marcello Concezzi
  • Patent number: 9816214
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming non-woven fiber mats from polymers and monomers that are traditionally difficult to use for fiber formation are shown and described. Applicable techniques include electrospinning and other traditional fiber formation methods. Suitable polymers and monomers include those having low molecular weight, a low melting point, and/or a low glass transition temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Elizabeth L Dirk, Shawn Dirk, Kirsten Cicotte