With Means For Moving Work Through, Into Or Out Of Pool Patents (Class 118/423)
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Patent number: 7011038Abstract: A food breading machine includes a lowerable cage carrier grate of two grids between which the cutlet resides. The cage supports a meat, fish or vegetable cutlet thereon, which descends into a first basin having a bath of raw egg fluid. The egg saturated product is then lifted and horizontally rotated in a plane to an adjacent basin having bread crumbs. The device can have a manually rotatable knob at the top to control flipping, or it can be automated. A protective transparent domed hood is also included. The parts are disassembled so that they can be washed.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: Louis Patsalos
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Patent number: 7001465Abstract: A container with a quantity of coating liquid includes a luminescent pigment and a paint base. An impeller is in proximity to the bottom of the container to keep the pigment in suspension in the paint base. The container also has a linear inlet slot and a linear outlet slot. A feeding assembly includes a supply roll, a take up roll and a plurality of idler rolls to move a plurality of nylon straps from the supply roll, across the take up rolls and through the container and liquid therein and to the take up roll. A drying assembly is provided for nylon straps moving between the outlet slot and the take up roll. Also provided is a method and material.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: Michael B. Thomas
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Patent number: 6991827Abstract: An apparatus for dip coating lenses comprises a tank for containing a coating liquid, a coating chamber for receiving one or more ophthalmic lenses. The tank is in fluid communication with the coating chamber for permitting the flow of coating liquid between the tank and the coating chamber. The apparatus has a first position where the coating chamber is located above the tank and second position where the tank is located above the coating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Essilor International Compagnie Generale d'OptiqueInventors: Claudine Biver, Gerald Fournand
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Patent number: 6991717Abstract: The present invention relates to a web handling apparatus and process ideally suited for applications involving wet chemistry. The invention involves the horizontal processing of webs in processing containers. The web is redirected into the processing container by inserting a cassette across the web and into the processing container. The cassette includes at least one functional fluid element that facilitates processing of the web. The web handling practices of the invention improve the quality of the processed web. The invention is preferably used in electrodeposition processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gregory F. King, John S. Huizinga, James N. Dobbs, Luther E. Erickson, Daniel H. Carlson, Dale L. Ehnes, Gary A. Shreve
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Patent number: 6974502Abstract: A method and apparatus to impart a coating layer on the surface of decorative mouldings that are widely used in the externally insulated finishing systems (EIFS) in the construction industry. The method is a sequence of mechanically advancing a core, constructed from pre-formed expanded polystyrene (EPS, in a straight horizontal plane through a coating chamber/hopper with templates conforming to the desired decorative profile. The apparatus is a rectangular box with a funneled opening at the top with adjustable internal plates to direct the material from the sides of the box toward the pre-formed core that is being coated. Two plates on the bottom of the box support the pre-formed core and are adjustable to leave an opening in the center so that excess material can fall through the bottom after coating the last core.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: David Schmidt
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Patent number: 6962626Abstract: Disclosed is a venting assembly for a dip coating system, a dip coating system utilizing such venting assembly, and related method for dip coating. These aspects are particularly directed for the production of organic photoconductor layers in imaging devices, and more particularly to drum photoreceptors. The venting assembly eliminates or significantly reduces coating defects otherwise occurring in the production of drum photoreceptors. Also disclosed are the drum photoreceptors produced by this assembly, apparatus and coating process.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Steven D. Bush, Michael J. Duggan, Mark E. Klino, Peter Schmitt
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Patent number: 6945299Abstract: The invention provides an electrode forming method with steps of arraying chip-style electronic components on an arraying flat bed thereby positioning and aligning the components, lowering a film coated with an adhesive in relative manner together with an adhering top plate parallel to the arraying flat bed thereby adhering ends of the positioned and aligned chip-style electronic components to the adhesive, then lowering the first film to which the chip-style electronic components are adhered in relative manner together with a coating top plate parallel to a coating flat bed provided with a conductive paste layer of a constant thickness thereby pressing the other ends of the chip-style electronic components to the coating flat bed and coating the ends of the electronic components with the conductive paste.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Ko Onodera, Satoshi Kurimoto
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Patent number: 6939586Abstract: A process for the continuous dip-coating of a metal strip (1) in a tank (11) containing a liquid metal bath (12), in which process the metal strip (1) is made to run continuously through a duct (13), the lower part (13a) of which is immersed in the liquid metal bath (12) in order to define with the surface of the bath a liquid seal (14). A natural flow of the liquid metal from the surface of the liquid seal (14) is set up in two overflow compartments (25, 29) made in the duct (13) and each having an internal wall which extends the duct (13) in its lower part, and the level of liquid metal in the compartments is maintained at a level below the surface of the liquid seal (14). A plant for implementing the process.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: UsinorInventors: Didier Dauchelle, Hugues Baudin, Patrice Lucas, Laurent Gacher, Yves Prigent
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Patent number: 6929722Abstract: A substrate plating apparatus forms an interconnection layer on an interconnection region composed of a fine groove and/or a fine hole defined in a substrate. The substrate plating apparatus includes a plating unit for forming a plated layer on a surface of the substrate including the interconnection region, a chemical mechanical polishing unit for chemically mechanically polishing the substrate to remove the plated layer from the surface of the substrate leaving a portion of the plated layer in the interconnection region, a cleaning unit for cleaning the substrate after the plated layer is formed or the substrate is chemically mechanically polished, a drying unit for drying the substrate after the substrate is cleaned, and a substrate transfer unit for transferring the substrate to and from each of the first plating unit, the first chemical mechanical polishing unit, the cleaning unit, and the drying unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Akihisa Hongo, Naoaki Ogure, Hiroaki Inoue, Norio Kimura, Fumio Kuriyama, Manabu Tsujimura, Kenichi Suzuki, Atsushi Chono
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Patent number: 6926773Abstract: The coating device for coating a metal band (12) in a melt (14) of a non-magnetic metal comprises a shaft (16) rotatable in the melt (14) for guiding the metal band (12). The shaft (16) is supported in a shaft bearing (261) that is a magnetic bearing whose stationary portion (281) is encapsulated. Thus, a contactless shaft support in a metal melt is obtained, whereby the bearing wear is largely reduced and the service life of the bearing is prolonged.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Band-Zink GmbHInventor: Wilfried Plaetzer
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Patent number: 6923864Abstract: The subject of the invention is a plant for the continuous dip-coating of a metal strip (1), of the type comprising a tank (11) containing a liquid metal bath (12), a duct (13) through which the metal strip (1) runs and the lower end (13a) of which duct (13) is extended by at least two internal walls (20; 22) each located on one side of the strip (1) and directed towards the surface of the metal bath (12) in order to form at least one compartment (21; 23) for recovering the metal oxide particles and intermetallic compound particles. The duct (13) has a fixed upper part (30) and a movable lower part (31) joined together by a deformable element (32) and means (35) for positioning the movable lower part (31) with respect to the metal strip (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: SollacInventors: Didier Dauchelle, Hugues Baudin, Patrice Lucas, Laurent Gacher, Yves Prigent
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Patent number: 6921435Abstract: A coating apparatus for a plurality of cylindrical light sensitive members each for use in an electrophotography, is provided with a coating tank in which a coating liquid is stored; a dipping device to lift down the plurality of cylindrical base members into the coating liquid and to lift up the plurality of cylindrical base members above the coating liquid so that the plurality of cylindrical base members are coated with the coating liquid; and a plurality of drying hoods corresponding in number to the plurality of cylindrical base members and provided above the coating tank so that each of the plurality of cylindrical base members is lifted up from the coating tank into a respective drying hood among the plurality of cylindrical base members.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Kenichi Yasuda, Nobuaki Kobayashi, Tadaaki Sumitani
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Patent number: 6919008Abstract: A transport object support means (40) is rotated about an anteroposterior axis (39) by a rotary control means (30), whereby a transport object (85) supported by the transport object support means (40) can be displaced in the vertical direction and the orientation of the transport object (85) can be varied during the vertical displacement without moving the carriage (10). As a result, the distance needed to displace the transport object (85) in the vertical direction can be dispensed with, the section (apparatus) for treating the transport object (85) can be shortened and made more compact, and the varying orientation of the transport object (85) can be utilized to perform a variety of treatments smoothly and efficiently without affecting the environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuyoshi Makimura, Kazutoshi Tsugawa, Masanori Fujihara
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Patent number: 6913650Abstract: A machine for impregnating a die cast metal part with liquid impregnant comprises an impregnation chamber having liquid impregnant in a lower portion, an opening for ingress and egress of the parts being defined in a side wall of the chamber above the liquid impregnant, a door for sealing the opening, a part holder in the chamber and an elevator for positioning parts above the liquid impregnant during evacuation of the chamber and then immersing the parts in the liquid impregnant during subsequent pressurization of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Godfrey & Wing, Inc.Inventors: Christopher D. Gilmore, Christopher B. Barney
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Patent number: 6908534Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating a substrate is provided, wherein fine pits formed in the substrate, such as fine channels for wiring, are filled with a copper, copper alloy, or other material with low electrical resistance. The method is performed on a wafer W having fine pits (10) to fill the fine pits with a metal (13) and includes performing a first plating process (11) by immersing the wafer in a first plating solution having a composition superior in throwing power; and performing a second plating process (12) by immersing the substrate in a second plating solution having a composition superior in leveling ability.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Akihisa Hongo, Mizuki Nagai, Kanji Ohno, Ryoichi Kimizuka, Megumi Maruyama
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Patent number: 6892667Abstract: A filament bundle is rewound from a reel, and passes through various sorts of liquid in processing vessels to be used for plating. The filament bundle passes through a fixed guide roller and a movable guide roller while it travels within the liquid in the processing vessel. The movable guide roller is moved periodically, the filament bundle is stretched and slackened by turns, whenever the filament bundle is slackened or untied, the bundle is loosened. The filament bundle with each filament subjected to the plating is taken up to a take-up reel.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Nagoya Mekki Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuyuki Suganuma, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Suehiro Kamizono, Tom Wong
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Patent number: 6860944Abstract: A process chamber is provided which includes a gate configured to align barriers with an opening of the gate and an opening of the process chamber such that the two openings are either sealed or provide an air passage to the chamber. A method is provided and includes sealing an opening of a chamber with a gate latch and exposing a topography to a first set of process steps, opening the gate latch such that an air passage is provided to the process chamber, and exposing the topography to a second set of process steps without allowing liquids within the chamber to flow through the air passage. A substrate holder comprising a clamping jaw with a lever and a support member coupled to the lever is also contemplated herein. A process chamber with a reservoir arranged above a substrate holder is also provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Blue29 LLCInventors: Igor C. Ivanov, Welguo Zhang
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Patent number: 6858248Abstract: This invention provides a method for efficiently applying a coating to each of a plurality of objects selected from the group consisting of ophthalmic lenses, molds for making ophthalmic lenses, and other medical devices, the method comprising dipping the plurality of objects into a coating bath containing a coating solution having a coating material; and creating with a means a convective current flow and thereby forcing a coating solution flowing over and under each of the plurality of ophthalmic lenses. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of objects are held in baskets which are pre-conditioned to have a first layer of polyelectrolytes and a second layer of aqueous solution or have a mixed layer of polyelectrolytes and aqueous solution on the surfaces of the baskets.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Yongxing Qiu, Lynn Cook Winterton, John Martin Lally, Yasuo Matsuzawa, Rafael Victor Andino, Allen Gilliard
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Patent number: 6852364Abstract: A method for dip coating the exterior surface of a hollow substrate having an open first end and an open second end, the method including: (a) inserting a chuck assembly through the open first end into the substrate interior, wherein the chuck assembly includes a head section and a polymeric member and defines a space that communicates with the substrate interior but is otherwise enclosed, wherein the space is located in the head section; (b) holding the substrate with the chuck assembly wherein the polymeric member forms a hermetic seal with the substrate; (c) contacting the substrate with a coating solution, starting from the second end, while the chuck assembly holds the substrate and the hermetic seal is maintained between the polymeric member and the substrate, wherein there is a closed area into which vapor from the coating solution can flow and the closed area is defined by the space of the chuck assembly and the substrate interior; and (d) separating the substrate and the coating solution to leave aType: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Peter J. Schmitt, Dante M. Pietrantoni, Magda M. Alvarez-Estrada
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Patent number: 6852166Abstract: A method of coating a photoconductive element for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and an apparatus therefore are disclosed. A plurality of cylindrical bodies are immersed in a bath, which stores a coating liquid, at the same time and then lifted out of the bath. As a result, a photoconductive film is formed on each cylindrical body.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takehiko Kinoshita, Tatsuya Kubota, Akihiko Matuyama
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Patent number: 6849124Abstract: An improved method and system for cleaning a cylinder of a printing press. One method involves soaking a strip of cleaning fabric on a press with a low volatility organic compound solvent. Excess solvent, if any, is removed to place the strip of cleaning fabric in functional equilibrium with the solvent. The cleaning fabric is then used to clean a cylinder. Alternatively, the strip of cleaning fabric is soaked on site by contacting the strip of cleaning fabric with the solvent and wrapping the strip of cleaning fabric into a cleaning fabric supply roll. The cleaning fabric is then brought in engagement with a printing press having a cylinder to be cleaned without disposing a sleeve around the fabric roll and without substantially disturbing the distribution of the solvent in the fabric roll and detrimentally affecting the cleaning ability of the fabric.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Baldwin Graphics Systems, Inc.Inventors: C. Robert Gasparrini, Peter E. Anselmo, Walter H. Cano
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Patent number: 6827900Abstract: An automatic stainer for staining specimens that are arranged on specimen slides and embedded in a medium, preferably in paraffin, is described. The automatic stainer has multiple reagent containers arranged one behind another for treating the specimens. During staining, the specimen slides pass successively through the reagent containers. There are transport baskets for receiving multiple specimen slides, multiple transport baskets being received simultaneously each in different reagent containers. A motorized transport mechanism, with a lifting device that lifts all the transport baskets simultaneously out of the respective reagent container and transports them on into the respective adjacent reagent container, is provided. A heating station for heating the specimens and melting the embedding medium is arranged in front of the row of reagent containers. The heating station has at least one melting container for simultaneously receiving multiple transport baskets.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch, GmbHInventors: Stefan Thiem, Charilaos Dalkidis
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Patent number: 6827779Abstract: A mass transfer system offers the simultaneous transfer and time-saving efficiencies transfer techniques, while also offering the flexibility of prior-art free techniques. A mass transfer mechanism and an associated software control mechanism are equipped with the ability to retract a plurality of lifting arms (6), in a manner so select which of the processing stages (2) the lifting arms (6) will address for each transfer step, while omitting those steps for which transfer is not yet required.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Interlab Inc.Inventor: Liviu Marian
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Patent number: 6824615Abstract: A resonant cavity frequency sensing device is used to sense the moisture content of a substrate. Data obtained by the sensing device can be used in a feedback loop in the apparatus employing the device, to help control the operation of the apparatus in order to obtain consistent results. The sensor may employ one pair of sensing plates or an array of pairs of sensing plates to obtain data from each part of the substrate. In an illustrated embodiment, the device is used to monitor and control dip uptake in a fabric adhesive dipping process.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Jon Michael Madaras, Kenneth Michael Kot, Paul Michael Bujak
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Patent number: 6814807Abstract: An apparatus for applying metered fluid such as sizing to an advancing individual yarn in a uniform manner. An elongated member includes at least one slot for receiving the advancing yarn and to bring the advancing yarn into contact with the metered fluid. The slot is defined by a width, a height and a length for affecting the distribution of the fluid on the advancing yarn. The length of the slot is dependent on the speed of the advancing yarn. The advancing yarn has a predetermined residence time in the slot as a function of the length of the slot and the speeding of the advancing yarn in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corp.Inventors: Wallace W. Carr, Hyunyoung Ok, Joseph D. Brooks, Heungsup Park
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Patent number: 6811658Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming interconnects embedding a metal such as copper (Cu) into recesses for interconnects formed on the surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having fine recesses formed in the surface, subjecting the surface of the substrate to plating in a plating liquid, and subjecting the plated film formed on the surface of the substrate to electrolytic etching in an etching liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Akihisa Hongo, Naoki Matsuda, Kanji Ohno, Ryoichi Kimizuka
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Publication number: 20040209000Abstract: A method of performing dip coating of a layer of a resist material on a surface of a substrate, comprising steps of:Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Donald Everett Curtiss, Joseph Leigh, Frank Quan
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Patent number: 6802903Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for applying adhesive to an outer circumference of a section of tubing. The apparatus includes opposed grippers with concave adhesive transfer areas that can be moved into surrounding relationship with the tubing. Adhesive dispensing passages communicate with the adhesive transfer areas for delivering adhesive to the tubing. Counterbores are at opposed ends of the adhesive transfer areas and communicate with a vacuum source for removing excess adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Brian Barber, John Young
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Patent number: 6797330Abstract: An apparatus including: a tank with a closed base end and an open top end, and adapted to contain a coating formulation; and a receiver member with at least a cone shape, where the base of the cone is attached to the interior and to the base end of the tank and adapted to receive an article for coating.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Steven D. Bush, Raphael A. Marcello, Richard A. Vangrol, James R. Lee, Eugene A. Swain
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Publication number: 20040177808Abstract: The coating device (10) for coating a metal band (12,12′) in a melted metal mass (14) comprises a shaft (16,18) rotatably supported in the melted metal mass (14) by a slide bearing (261, 262), for guiding the metal band (12). The slide bearing (261, 262) is formed by a bearing housing (32) and an open bearing shell (34) held therein, with two bearing surfaces (36). Between the two bearing surfaces (36), the bearing shell (34) comprises a deformation zone (40) with a deformation element (44). With high radial forces of the shaft occurring, the two bearing shell halves (381, 382) are slightly spread. The flexible deformation zone ensures that the two bearing shell halves remain interconnected and cannot break in this area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Daniel Plaetzer, Wilfried Plaetzer, Ernst-Werner Schmidt, Roman Lieutenant
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Publication number: 20040154535Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a substrate processing system and method. The substrate processing system generally includes two primary components. The first component is an interface section having at least one first substrate transfer robot positioned therein, and the second component is at least one processing module in communication with the interface section, the at least one processing module having a pretreatment and post treatment cell, a processing cell, at a second substrate transfer robot positioned therein. The substrate processing method generally includes transporting a dry substrate to a processing module via a dry interface. Once the substrate is positioned in the processing module, a robot transfers the substrate between a treatment cell and a processing cell contained within the processing module to complete a predetermined sequence of processing steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2004Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Guan-Shian Chen, Michael X. Yang
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Patent number: 6770140Abstract: An apparatus for galvanizing which comprises a plating tank, a dross removing tank, a means to transfer the molten metal bath from the plating tank to the dross removing tank, and an opening located on the plating tank to recycle the molten metal bath from the dross removing tank to the plating tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: NKK CorporationInventors: Toshio Ishii, Munehiro Ishioka, Syu-ji Nomura, Yasunori Ohsaki, Seishi Hatakeyama, Kentaro Akashi, Ryuji Nagayama, Kozo Hadada, Yoichi Miyakawa, Kazuo Kunioka, Kenji Araki, Nobuyuki Ishida, Keishi Yamashita, Teruhisa Kuwana, Motoi Uesugi
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Patent number: 6767406Abstract: A painting apparatus includes a conveyor having incrementally spaced attachment structures configured to secure objects thereon for painting and being movable to move the attachment structures between consecutive incremental positions in a downstream direction. The distance between consecutive incremental positions is generally equal to an incremental spacing between consecutive attachment structures. A washing station is disposed beneath the conveyor and is operable to clean objects disposed therein. A painting station downstream of the washing station includes a paint reservoir disposed beneath the conveyor and which contains a volume of paint. The reservoir can be raised to dispose the object within the volume of paint and lowered to thereby allow the object to be conveyed downstream from the painting incremental position. A heating station downstream of the paint reservoir applies heat to objects in a heating incremental position.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.Inventor: Donald Vitale
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Patent number: 6764641Abstract: A plant which produces a metal band having a protective coating includes a series of treatment sections positioned one after another in a continuous line. The plant includes two coating sections, respectively, a galvanization section and a painting section, in which the metal band follows a running path having at least a vertical portion with a cooling or drying mechanism. The plant is positionable within a single building having a central tower with two abutting sections in which the coating section is provided and two halls in which are installed, respectively, a supply section and an exit section, each with horizontal accumulators.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: VAI ClecimInventor: Jean-Luc Legoupil
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Patent number: 6756015Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects, in particular cytological or histological specimens, having multiple processing stations and preferably a transport device for delivering the objects into and out of the processing stations, is characterized in that at least one heatable reagent station (1) is provided as a processing station.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Charilaos Dalkidis, Stefan Kuenkel, Ralf Eckert, Stefan Thiem
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Patent number: 6745888Abstract: A carrier 3 that is moveably supported on the side of a conveyor 2 is provided with a rotational shaft 4 projecting laterally therefrom. A workpiece 1 is mounted on the rotational shaft 4 in an upright condition, wherein the workpiece 1 is arranged to vertically rotate 360° in the same plane by rotating the rotational shaft 4 360° around its axis. With this construction, the workpiece position can be continuously changed to a floor conveyor position, an overhead conveyor position and to the floor conveyor position without transfer of the workpiece 1.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Chitoshi Sagane, Hidenobu Nishida, Yuji Masaki, Makoto Sakai, Shunichi Furusawa
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Patent number: 6746720Abstract: A plurality of baths for dipping and the like is arranged in series so that these baths contact one another, and a conveyor 2 is linearly arranged above the dipping bath in one plane. A workpiece 1 is tact-conveyed on the conveyor 2 in a floor conveyor position. The workpiece 1 is stopped at each bath for dipping and the like, wherein when the workpiece 1 is rotated horizontally about 180° to change its position to an overhead conveyor position, it is immersed in the corresponding bath for dipping and the like for dipping treatment.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidenobu Nishida, Makoto Sakai
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Publication number: 20040104112Abstract: Disclosed herein is a feed belt for strip-shaped elements. In case of a conventional feed belt configured so that its belt body and fingers are integrally formed, the feed belt has to be wholly replaced even if a part of the fingers is damaged or deformed in use, resulting in uneconomical problems. Further, the fingers must be simultaneously pressed toward each other into horizontal pressing directions for loading/unloading of the strip-shaped element, resulting in a complexity in the structure of associated peripheral devices. Even in case of another conventional feed belt configured so that its fingers are separably coupled to its belt body, the fingers have to be pressed upward in operation, resulting in a complexity of associated devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventor: Kee Yol Choi
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Patent number: 6740164Abstract: Plating apparatus and plating method that can plate more uniformly on a processing surface of a workpiece are provided. The plating apparatus is comprised of a plating solution bathe which is provided with a first electrode held in a state soaked in a plating solution; a workpiece holding mechanism which holds a workpiece to contact its processing surface to the plating solution; and a contact member, disposed in the workpiece holding mechanism, that electrically contacts with the circumferential edge of the workpiece so to form a conductive layer on the workpiece surface as a second electrode. The contact member is divided along the circumferential direction of the workpiece with which they are electrically contacted. Thus, even if the contact resistance between each section of the contact member with the workpiece is variable, it is possible to adjust the plating electric current for each section of the contact member.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Wataru Okase, Takenobu Matsuo
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Patent number: 6740163Abstract: A method of performing dip coating of a layer of a resist material on a surface of a substrate, comprising steps of: (a) providing a dip coating vessel having an interior space containing a dip coating liquid comprising a solution of the resist material in a solvent, the dip coating vessel being open at the top thereof; (b) providing a substrate having a surface, immersing the substrate in the dip coating liquid in the vessel via the open top, and withdrawing the substrate from the vessel via the open top thereof, thereby forming a layer of resist material on the surface; and (c) monitoring and maintaining the viscosity of the dip coating liquid supplied to the dip coating vessel at a predetermined value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Donald Everett Curtiss, Joseph Leigh, Frank Quan
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Patent number: 6730172Abstract: A chucking device of the present invention includes an annular elastic member sandwiched between an upper and a lower member. A rod is slidable up and down in a bore formed in the upper and lower members and is partly positioned in the elastic member. The rod presses the elastic member radially outward when raised or lowered, thereby causing the chucking device to chuck a hollow, cylindrical base. The elastic member contacts the inner periphery of the base over a minimum of area and surely, closely contacts it for thereby implementing desirable sealing. The chucking device can therefore form a uniform film on the outer periphery of the base.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Furuya, Akira Ohkawa, Shoji Tatejima, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Masayuki Terayama
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Publication number: 20040069216Abstract: A pickup head for engaging an integrated circuit from a first side. The pickup head can dip solder bumps disposed on an opposing second side of the integrated circuit into a layer of flux on a flat surface in a uniform manner. An arm attaches the pickup head to a mobility unit, and a retainer selectively retains the first side of the integrated circuit against the pickup head. A pivot is disposed between the arm and the retainer, and enables the retainer to pivot and the integrated circuit to freely align with the flat surface in such a manner that as many of the solder bumps as possible are in contact with the flat surface, regardless of variations in heights of the solder bumps. The solder bumps are thereby more uniformly coated with flux.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Mohan R. Nagar, Mukul A. Joshi
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Publication number: 20040055534Abstract: An applicator apparatus for applying a preferably foamed treating fluid to a traveling permeable fabric, web or other substrate can include either or both of a low-pressure exhaust chamber on the opposite side of the substrate from the applicator nozzle and a flexible lip extending from either or both sides of the nozzle opening, between the nozzle and the substrate. The applicator apparatus is particularly adapted and well-suited for lightly coating or treating the surface of a fragile and fast moving substrate, without deformation or breakage of the substrate and without undesirable substrate penetration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Gaston Systems, Inc.Inventors: Dieter Friedrich Zeiffer, Hermann A. Neupert
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Patent number: 6709555Abstract: The present invention relates to a plating method for use in forming a liner for plating in a conductor-embedding fine recess that is defined in a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and an interconnection forming method for use in forming an interconnection using such a liner, and characterized by reducing an organic metal compound in a nonaqueous solvent to plate a surface of a base material with metal. The plating method can easily be used similarly to an aqueous electroless plating process and is capable of forming a defect-free sound metal plated layer on the surface of a substrate which has a fine recess or the like for embedding a conductor therein, and the interconnection forming method is capable of forming an embedded interconnection that comprises a defect-free sound electric conductor in a fine recess.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Naoaki Ogure, Akira Fukunaga, Hiroshi Nagasawa
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Publication number: 20040052959Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for the continuous dip-coating of a metal strip (1) in a tank (11) containing a liquid metal bath (12), in which process the metal strip (1) is made to run continuously through a duct (13), the lower part (13a) of which is immersed in the liquid metal bath (12) in order to define with the surface of the said bath a liquid seal (14). A natural flow of the liquid metal from the surface of the liquid seal (14) is set up in two overflow compartments (25, 29) made in the said duct (13) and each having an internal wall which extends the duct (13) in its lower part and the level of liquid metal in the said compartments is maintained at a level below the surface of the liquid seal (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Didier Dauchelle, Hugues Baudin, Patrice Lucas, Laurent Gacher, Yves Prigent
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Publication number: 20040050323Abstract: An apparatus for controlling coating weight on a steel strip in a continuous hot dip galvanizing process, in which the coating weight is controlled through air wiping after the steel strip passes through a molten zinc coating bath. More particularly, the apparatus keeps the steel strip equidistant from each air knife, uniformly distributes a spray pressure of the air knives in a widthwise direction of the steel strip, and minimizes variation in coating weights on both surfaces of the steel strip. Furthermore, when two steel strips that are different in thickness are continuously hot dip galvanized, the apparatus predicts the movement of the passing line of the steel strips and accurately controls the positions of the air knives. As a result, product deficiencies such as insufficient coating can be reduced and zinc loss due to excess coating can be minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Hong-Kook Chae
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Publication number: 20040052958Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous dip-coating of a metal strip (1) in a tank (11) containing a liquid metal bath (12), in which process the metal strip (1) is made to run continuously through a duct (13), the lower part (13a) of which is immersed in the liquid metal bath (12) in order to define with the surface of the said bath a seal (14). A natural flow of the liquid metal from the surface of the liquid seal is set up in an overflow compartment (25) made in the said duct (13) and having an internal wall which extends the duct (13) in its lower part and the level of liquid metal in the said compartment (25) is maintained at a level below the surface of the liquid seal (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Didier Dauchelle, Hugues Baudin, Patrice Lucas, Laurent Gacher, Yves Prigent
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Publication number: 20040052960Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for the continuous dip-coating of a metal strip (1) in a tank (11) containing a liquid metal bath (12), in which process the metal strip (1) is made to run continuously through a duct (13), the lower part of which is immersed in the liquid metal bath (12), in order to define with the surface of the said bath a liquid seal (14). In the region where the strip (1) leaves the liquid metal bath (12), the liquid metal is isolated from the surface of the said bath in an isolating enclosure (20) and the metal oxide particles and intermetallic compound particles are recovered by the liquid metal flowing from this region into the said enclosure (20) and the said particles are extracted from this enclosure (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Didier Dauchelle, Hugues Baudin, Patrice Lucas, Laurent Gacher, Yves Prigent
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Patent number: 6706117Abstract: An installation for treating, in particular coating, articles, especially vehicle bodies, comprises at least one bath, in which a treatment liquid, in particular a paint, is located. The articles are intended to be immersed therein. A conveyor with which the articles are conveyed through the installation in a continuous or intermittent translational movement comprises a plurality of transport carriages, which run in guided manner on running surfaces. Each transport carriage comprises a separate drive for translational movement and a drive operating independently thereof for the immersion movement. The installation thus constructed is extraordinarily flexible, since the immersion movement does not have to correlate with the translational movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Eisenmann Maschinenbau KGInventors: Franz Ehrenleitner, Hans-Joachim Weinand
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Patent number: 6698379Abstract: An installation for coating food products with a layer of coating substance, such as for coating a meat product or a vegetable product with a batter, comprises a container in which the coating substance can be accommodated, two endless conveyor belts located one above the other, those parts of which that face one another extending through the container enclosing a gap for feeding the food products through the coating substance, as well as adjustment means for moving the conveyor belts apart or towards one another in connection with adjustment of the width of the gap. The adjustment means have a central control for adjusting the width of the gap.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: CFS Bakel B.V.Inventors: Petrus Johannes Van Duijnhoven, Nick William Boeijen