With Tank Structure, Liquid Supply, Control, And/or Nonradiant Heating Means Patents (Class 118/429)
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Patent number: 5637149Abstract: Solder is applied to a circuit structure 7 by dipping the structure into a bath 1 of molten solder 3, the molten solder having a layer of oil 5 on top. The structure is dipped into the bath by rotating it along a path that is substantially coplanar with the circuit structure. This is achieved by supporting the structure on a carrier 9 which in turn is attached to a motor shaft 11.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Peter M. Banks, William M. Morgan
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Patent number: 5630542Abstract: The invention relates to a soldering apparatus, comprising a solder vessel; at least one soldering tower located in said solder vessel; transport means for transporting objects to be soldered over said soldering tower; solder wave generating means for generating a solder wave emerging from the apex of the soldering tower and contacting the objects to be soldered, the soldering tower comprising a weir such that at least a part of the solder wave flows parallel to the direction of movement of the objects to be soldered over said weir; and guide means for guiding said part of the solder wave such that the solder wave leaves the soldered object substantially abruptly. As a consequence of said feature the stream of solder is abruptly guided away from the printed circuit board, so that the possibilities for developing short circuits on the printed circuit board are substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1994Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: Soltec B.V.Inventor: Adrianus J. M. Hendrikx
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Patent number: 5626919Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method produces an integral three-dimensional object from a multiplicity of cross sectional portions of the object by selectively exposing successive layers of a liquid photoformable composition to actinic radiation. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing the composition so as to present a free surface, and a movable platform disposed within the vessel below the free surface. Part of the composition is transferred above the free surface by lowering and raising a dispenser at predetermined positions located away from the platform. A doctor blade contacts the composition transferred above the free surface, and then moves over the platform to form a substantially uniform layer of the composition.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1992Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Brian G. Chapman, Christian H. Clausen, Daniel J. Mickish, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 5618587Abstract: A vacuum rig apparatus for introducing a liquid into a space defined by a shaped article, which apparatus comprises a series of interconnected vessels attached through a port to a vacuum line, wherein one of the vessels is adapted to hold the shaped article and the apparatus is tiltable about a point midway along the vessel so that liquid from a reservoir flows into the vessel to surround the shaped article and fill the space therein when a vacuum is applied to the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1994Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Biomedical Sensors, Ltd.Inventors: David R. Markle, Barry C. Crane, Michael P. Irvine, Stuart P. Hendry, William Paterson
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Patent number: 5597520Abstract: A method and apparatus for making high resolution objects by stereolithography utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to form unsupported structures of desired thinness and/or their inability to form coatings of desired thinness. Data manipulation techniques, based on layer comparisons, are used to control exposure in order to delay solidification of the material on at least portions of at least some cross-sections until higher layers of material are deposited so as to allow down-facing features of the object to be located at a depth in the building material which is equal to or exceeds a minimum cure depth that can effectively be used for solidifying these features. Similar data manipulations are used to ensure minimum reliable coating thicknesses exist, above previously solidified material, before attempting solidification of a next layer. In addition, horizontal comparison techniques are used to provide enhanced cross-sectional data for use in forming the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Inventors: Dennis R. Smalley, Thomas J. Vorgitch, Chris R. Manners, Charles W. Hull, Stacie L. VanDorin
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Patent number: 5597412Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling small diameter, high aspect ratio via openings with a plating solution are disclosed. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a sealable chamber for receiving one or more a multichip module substrate comprising via openings to be plated. A vacuum pump is used to evacuate the chamber after the substrate(s) are positioned therein and the chamber has been sealed. Plating solution is then introduced into the chamber to immerse the substrate(s), and the solution is pressurized, forcing the liquid into the via openings. In one preferred embodiment, the chamber comprises two subchambers separated by a flexible wall. After the subchamber holding the substrate(s) has been evacuated and filled with plating solution, the other subchamber is pressurized, as with compressed air, such that a force is applied to the flexible wall creating hydrostatic pressure within the first subchamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Carlo Grilletto, David G. Love
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Patent number: 5586618Abstract: An apparatus for applying a thin coat of lubricant evenly on a threaded portion of a bolt stud, which includes a chamber for housing a quantity of lubricant to be applied onto the threads of the bolt stud, a first roller for receiving lubricant onto the outer surface of the roller as the roller rotates; a first bristled brush, the ends of the bristles of the brush making sufficient contact with the outer surface of the roller in order to transfer a quantity of the lubricant from the surface of the roller onto the ends of the bristles of the brush as the roller and the brush are rotated; a motor for rotating the roller and the brush; an orifice bored in the wall of the apparatus for inserting the end of the stud of a bolt into, the orifice positioned so as the stud is placed into the orifice, the ends of the bristles of the brush make sufficient contact with the threaded end portion of the stud to transfer grease or lubricant from the ends of the bristles in a thin, even layer onto that portion of the threadedType: GrantFiled: November 14, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Inventor: Dale Francis
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Patent number: 5587017Abstract: A steel sheet is plated with a molten metal in a plating tank. A buffer member is provided between a sink roll submerged in the melt in the plating tank and the side wall of tank at its delivery end from which the plated steel sheet emerges. During plating, the buffer member decelerates the melt flows coming from below the sink roll so as to settle the suspended dross in the melt. The buffer member may be in the form of a rod or a plate. If desired, it may be combined with a shield plate provided below the sink roll or a raised portion formed on the bottom of the plating tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1994Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Shizuo Yamanaka, Takao Hashimoto
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Patent number: 5578199Abstract: A system automated for providing at least periodic removal of metal ions and contaminants from a chemical bath, consists of a microprocessor programmed for controlling fluid circuits of pumps and valves, for in one state of operation circulating a first predetermined quantity of the chemical bath from a first tank, through an ion exchange column, and back to the first tank; for in a second state of operation circulating deionized water from a second tank into the IEX column for displacing residual chemical bath therefrom for return to the first tank; for in a third state of operation circulating deionized water through the IEX column, and discharging the rinse water from a waste port; for in a fourth state of operation circulating regenerant acid through the ion exchange column, and discharging the used acid from a waste port; for in a fifth state of operation circulating deionized water through the IEX column for rinsing acid regenerant therefrom and discharging the same out of a waste port; and for in a sixType: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: William G. Kozak, Joseph C. Topping
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Patent number: 5573722Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles W. Hull
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Patent number: 5573721Abstract: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Hercules IncorporatedInventor: Paul C. Gillette
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Patent number: 5569431Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles W. Hull
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Patent number: 5569349Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5558715Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for coating a metallurgical product, especially a steel product, in which said product is dipped into a bath of metallic alloy containing solid impurities, wherein said bath of alloy is exposed to sound vibration so as to accelerate the decantation of said impurities.The subject of the invention is also an installation for coating metallurgical products (3), especially steel products, of the type comprising a tank (1) containing a bath (2) of metallic alloy and means (4, 5) for dipping said products (3) into said bath of alloy, wherein it also comprises means (13, 14) for exposing said bath of alloy to sound vibration.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: SOLLAC, Societe anonymeInventors: Patrick Abed, Marc Dauzat, Jean-Marc Rouxel, Michel Nogues
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Patent number: 5558714Abstract: A liquid coating method for coating a liquid onto inner cells of a honeycomb structure includes the steps of supplying a liquid to the inside of a honeycomb structure vertically arranged from its lower part to cause the liquid to adhere to the inner cells therein, and supplying pressurized air to an upper part of the honeycomb structure to discharge the liquid within the inner cells. A holding apparatus for holding an article includes an outer cylinder in a form of a pipe having an inner wall with an inner diameter which allows an article to be held to pass therethough easily and which has a sufficient strength, a resilient tube having an inner diameter which prevents the article to be held from passing therethough under no tension and having ends each sealingly connected to the outer cylinder, thus defining together with the inner wall of the outer cylinder a sealed space therebetween, means for discharging a fluid from the sealed space; and means for supplying the fluid to the sealed space.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: N. E. Chemcat CorporationInventors: Tateshi Watanabe, Tsunao Watanabe, Tadashi Watanabe, Hidetomo Matsugu, Yasuhiro Yamanouchi
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Patent number: 5556590Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminas, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles W. Hull
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Patent number: 5554276Abstract: A system automated for providing at least periodic removal of metal ions and contaminants from a chemical bath, consists of a microprocessor programmed for controlling fluid circuits of pumps and valves, for in one state of operation circulating a first predetermined quantity of the chemical bath from a first tank, through an ion exchange column, and back to the first tank; for in a second state of operation circulating deigned water from a second tank into the IEX column for displacing residual chemical bath therefrom for return to the first tank; for in a third state of operation circulating deigned water through the IEX column, and discharging the rinse water from a waste port; for in a fourth state of operation circulating regenerate acid through the ion exchange column, and discharging the used acid from a waste port; for in a fifth state of operation circulating deionized water through the IEX column for rinsing acid regenerate therefrom and discharging the same out of a waste port; and for in a sixth sType: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: William G. Kozak, Joseph C. Topping
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Patent number: 5554336Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles W. Hull
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Patent number: 5552026Abstract: An improved surface treatment system, assembly, workstation and method for plating and the like. The assembly includes a suction pump along the treating liquid discharge end to circulate treatment fluid and avoid leakage. The assembly includes a member defining a fluid passage within the interior surface of a workpiece which is connected to a treating liquid feed channel and a treating liquid discharge channel. Advantageously, a washing fluid inlet is provided to permit a workpiece to be both treated and washed at the same workstation. The assembly may be used with a cover as an additional means to avoid leakage.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirihiko Ikegaya, Masaaki Isobe, Masayuki Watanabe
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Patent number: 5536467Abstract: A method for producing an object by layerwise solidification of the object by means of electromagnetic radiation is expedited by simultaneously solidifying the material of a layer at a plurality of places.An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises an irradiation device (11, 12, 14, 15, 16) generating a plurality of beams (20, 21, 22) as well as a control device (7, 17, 18, 19) directing each of the plurality of beams independently to different regions of the layer (8a . . . 8d).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical SystemsInventors: Johannes Reichle, Hans J. Langer
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Patent number: 5529625Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed having a metal bath, an enclosure extending over the bath, a mandrel extending into the bath, and a gas seal mounted on the enclosure in communication with the atmosphere therein. The gas seal has a frame with a slot extending therethrough, first and second rolls aligned with the first and second ends of the slot, and a door extending between the rolls and over the seal. The door being pivotally mounted on the frame to open inwardly at the first end and outwardly at the second end.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bruce A. Knudsen, Mark G. Benz
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Patent number: 5529629Abstract: An applicator system for applying color coating on a paper web is disclosed having a color coating applicator along with a backing roll around which is wrapped the paper web. A measuring system is incorporated for measuring a predetermined property of the color coating at several points along the width of the paper web. Predetermined qualities of the color coating include weight, thickness, or surface properties of the coated surface. A control means is included for controlling the color coating arriving at the application zone. The color coating is controlled by varying the temperature, or the consistency of the color coating in a zonewise fashion across the width of the paper web.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbHInventor: Rudolf Beisswanger
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Patent number: 5520737Abstract: The following invention relates generally to devices which facilitate the coating on a elongate shaft or pipe with a highly viscous substance for the benefits that attend having such a shaft or pipe coated with such a substance. In addition, the instant invention is directed to a method to facilitate the disposition of the substance on the shaft or pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1992Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Russel C. Denton
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Patent number: 5512098Abstract: Apparatus for impregnating wood veneer with a liquid impregnant comprises a container having an upper chamber communicated to a lower impregnation chamber. A clamping mechanism is releasably engageable to a peripheral region of the wood veneer and is cooperably received in the upper chamber in a manner to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber. An elevator overlies the container and is releasably connectable to the clamping mechanism for lowering the clamping mechanism into the upper chamber to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber therebelow. The clamping mechanism is disconnected from the elevator such that the clamping mechanism remains in the upper chamber during impregnation of the wood veneer with liquid impregnant. The impregnation chamber is evacuated by a vacuum pump after the wood veneer is suspended therein, and liquid impregnant is introduced from a storage tank to the impregnation chamber about the wood veneer.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignees: Hawworth, Inc., The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Nicholas A. French, W. Dale Ellis, Roger M. Rowell
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Patent number: 5512335Abstract: A fluid treatment device and method for treating moving substrates with fluid as the substrates move through the device at a relatively high rate of travel. Fluid injection in combination with the application of vibration energy (e.g., ultrasonic) results in enhanced fluid treatment of the substrates. In one embodiment, a bifurcated horn is utilized in combination with fluid injector members having pluralities of rows of spaced injector ports, the injectors being strategically positioned relative to the vibrational source. In one example, the device and method may be used for enhanced penetration by dye materials of ceramic substrate surfaces to detect adverse surface conditions (e.g., cracks) and thus potentially defective product.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Miller, Richard F. Nelson, John K. Ostrom
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Patent number: 5512321Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for coating elongated metallic matal, particularly strip or wire, with multiple layers by applying different layers of metallic coating materials while the material to be coated travels continuously through an installation having a plurality of dip baths of molten coating materials which are arranged one after the other.In order to produce new corrosion-resistant coatings with improved properties and improved surfaces, the invention provides that the elongated metallic material is guided in a straight line through the installation so as to be regulated in temperature via the adjustable bath temperatures of the different molten coating materials. The device used for this purpose is characterized by a plurality of treatment tanks (4a, 4b) arranged in series and having through-ducts (12) for the elongated metallic material (B) below the surface (h) of the dip bath, the through-ducts (12) being closed by magnetohydrodynamic seals (13).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignees: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft, I.P. Bardin Central Research Institute of Iron and Steel Industry, SKB MGD, Institute of PhysicsInventors: Vladimir A. Paramonov, Anatolij I. Tychinin, Anatolij I. Moroz, Boris L. Birger
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Patent number: 5510018Abstract: System to re-circulate the treatment material in processes of surface treatment and finishing, which can be employed in association with a pickling and/or acid washing plant (12) or in association with a plant (12) for metal-coating with heat, the plant (12) comprising at least one dip tank (13) containing the treatment material (11), which is caused to circulate advantageously in countercurrent to the material to be treated, which is advantageously strip (14), the treatment material (11) being able to consist of acid baths or molten metal, such as zinc or aluminum, the dip tank (13) comprising a discharge conduit (18) and a feeder conduit (17), the system comprising at least two vessels (16a-16b) which can be hermetically sealed and are of a type resistant to pressure and which are positioned in parallel and associated with the discharge conduit (18) and with the feeder conduit (17), each of the vessels (16a-16b) including an independent inlet closure (20) and an independent outlet closure (19), each of theType: GrantFiled: November 23, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpAInventor: Giorgio Rey
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Patent number: 5503673Abstract: An apparatus for dipping tablets into gelatin coating material and for spreading and setting the coating immediately after dipping is provided. Carrier plates having a plurality of tablet holders are transported from a tablet loading station to a dipping station along a transport guide. At the dipping station, a carrier plate is mounted to a vacuum chamber. A set of vacuum tubes in the vacuum chamber are extended through the tablet holders to contact and lift the tablets off of the holders and secure the tablets to the tubes. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum chamber is rotated 180.degree. and a second carrier plate is mounted onto the housing and a second set of tubes secure the tablets to the plate. The carrier plates are alternately dipped and returned to the transport guide where new plates with uncoated tablets replace the plates with coated tablets. Immediately after dipping the carrier plates enter a rotating station where the plate is rotated 360.degree.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1993Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: McNeil-PPC, IncInventor: Norbert I. Berta
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Patent number: 5501824Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1993Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5498289Abstract: An apparatus for producing a linear pattern having a width less than 100 microns and a resistivity of the order of 10.sup.-6 .OMEGA..multidot.cm on a substrate includes a tank for maintaining a low melting point metal in a fused state and having a narrow passage for flow of the fused metal, a drawing head having a fine groove connected to the narrow passage of the tank, and a tip close to or in contact with a substrate, the fused metal flowing to the tip of the drawing head through the groove by capillary action for application to the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takushi Itagaki
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Patent number: 5489336Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a silicon oxide film on a silicon wafer, comprises the steps of keeping a supersaturated hydrofluoric acid solution of silicon oxide on the surface of a silicon wafer in a thickness of not more than 20 mm, the solution having a predetermined temperature, heating the supersaturated solution until the solution reaches a thermal equilibrium, and maintaining for a predetermined period of time the temperature at which a thermal equilibrium is established in the supersaturated solution so as to form a silicon oxide film on the surface of the silicon wafer.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masako Kodera, Masami Watase, Shiro Mishima, Katsuya Okumura
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Patent number: 5460758Abstract: A three-dimensional object is modelled by solidifying superposed layers in such a manner that on an already solidified layer a following layer of initially liquid or powdery material is solidified by light action or the like in correspondence with the form of the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical SystemsInventors: Hans Langer, Miguel Cabrera
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Patent number: 5460651Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Armco Steel Company, L.P.Inventors: Charles Flinchum, Gerald L. Barney, Gregory S. Burgess, David L. Kleimeyer, Larry E. Parella
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Patent number: 5411652Abstract: An electrochemical processor having a first frustoconical chamber for receiving a workpiece to be processed. A plurality of sources of process fluids are connected to the frustoconical chamber for sequentially cleaning, providing an electrolyte and sealing the surface of the workpiece. A first valve arrangement connected to the chamber and responsive to a signal from a central processing unit allows the selected fluid to recirculate to provide agitation and at the same time if need to either chill or heat the selected fluid to aid in the desired function of the selected fluid. A second valve arrangement responsive to a signal from the central processing unit allows the selected fluid to drain from the chamber for return to the original supply source or a second frustoconical chamber for processing workpieces in parallel with the first frustoconical chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey K. Smith, Sean A. Stapulionis
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Patent number: 5411589Abstract: The present invention is to provide an apparatus for coating an advancing web on a backup roller Using a coating roller, which enables one to measure and control a coating gap between a lip surface of a coating die and the coating roller. The apparatus includes an extended portion which extends outward from each end of a slit portion of the coating die and has a reference surface parallel to the lip surface, the coating die is slidably located on a frame, a distance sensing means is fixed on each side of the coating roller, a distance is measured from the distance sensing means to the surface of the extended portion and the coating gap is controlled by sliding the coating die in a radial direction of the coating roller. Coating material is thereby controllably transferred from the coating roller to the web.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1992Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Makoto Yoshida, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Eiichi Morita, Masato Fujimori, Hiromi Tanaka
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Patent number: 5393416Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for providing at least periodic removal of metal ions from a chemical complex and contaminants from a chemical bath. The chemical bath is a latex solution containing charged latex particles and having an acidic pH to form a coating by autodeposition, the charged particles tending to coagulate when subjected to a high shear circulation. The system uses an ion exchange column containing an iminodiacetate ion exchange resin for removal of the metal ion contaminants. The chemical bath is passed through the ion exchange column at a low velocity to prevent coagulation of the latex particles. Conductivity measurement devices and controllers are used to automate the operation of the system. Also, additional sensors, such as pressure and level sensors, controllers, filters, circulation pumps and tanks are used for performing rinsing and regeneration of the ion exchange column.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: William G. Kozak, Joseph C. Topping
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Patent number: 5393347Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a removable weir overflow bath system with gutter which decreases manufacturing costs and increases user flexibility. Manufacturing costs are decreased by forming a weld with a low probability of breakage. Because breakage probability is low material costs and labor costs resulting from bath system manufacture is reduced. Furthermore, the present invention offers increased flexibility since the user need only replace the removable weir to change the scallop characteristics and obtain a new bath system. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a four-sided removable weir and a quartz container with gutter. The gutter region of the container is formed by welding a member of an L-shaped quartz structure to the top edge of an open top rectangular quartz container. A resilient material is placed on top of the gutter region along the corner formed by the gutter region and quartz container.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1991Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: PCT Systems, Inc.Inventor: Henry R. Miranda
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Patent number: 5389152Abstract: A porous preform is densified by heating while emersed in a precursor liquid. Heating is achieved by passing a current through the preform or by an induction coil immersed in the liquid. Ways to control the densification process are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1992Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Avco CorporationInventors: Garrett S. Thurston, Raymond J. Suplinskas, Thomas J. Carroll, Donald F. Connors, Jr., David T. Scaringella, Richard C. Krutenat
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Patent number: 5376176Abstract: According to this invention, a silicon oxide film growing apparatus includes a single wafer film-forming processing tank, a post processing unit, and a wafer conveying robot. The single wafer film-forming processing tank selectively grows a silicon oxide film by a liquid-phase growing method on only a silicon oxide film on a surface of a semiconductor wafer. The post processing unit washes the surface of the semiconductor wafer. The wafer conveying robot conveys the semiconductor wafer between the film-forming processing tank and the post processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Atsushi Kuriyama
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Patent number: 5372293Abstract: The apparatus is used for processing a microelectronic device having a face with electrically conductive elements arranged thereon. The apparatus comprises a vessel for containing a solder melt, a bowl for drawing molten solder from the vessel, a device holder for holding the microelectronic device with said face directed downwardly, and drive means for moving the bowl and the device holder vertically with respect to each other, thereby allowing said conductive elements to be immersed in molten solder drawn by the bowl. The bowl has an upper rim with an upwardly directed acute angled edge extending therealong.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: CarrarInventors: Christian Corlay, Jean-Claude Germain, Claude Chevalier
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Patent number: 5361964Abstract: Apparatus (1) for applying solder to electrical components such as integrated circuit packages (2) has a chamber (4) which contains a body of solder. The chamber (4) has outlet openings (10) which are below the surface of the solder and from which a flow of solder is provided. Since dross (oxidized solder) floats on the surface of the solder, the flow of solder is relatively pure. The leads of the packages are dipped into the flow of solder so that they are coated with a protective layer of solder. Vibrational apparatus (2) is also provided to vibrate the circuit packages (2) during the dipping of the packages (2) into the solder flow. In this way solder is prevented from bridging the spacing between two closely spaced, adjacent leads.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1993Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Assignee: Sun Industrial Coatings Private LimitedInventor: Ah T. Sim
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Patent number: 5354370Abstract: A tissue processor having a process chamber and at least one liquid reservoir. At least one auxiliary reservoir is connected between the process chamber and the at least one liquid reservoir. There is a means to drive liquid from the at least one liquid reservoir to the auxiliary reservoir, and from the auxiliary reservoir to the process chamber. Preferably, there is a second auxiliary reservoir and means to drive fluid from the process chamber back to the liquid reservoir. The apparatus and related method are useful to treat and fix biological tissue samples for microscopic examination.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Hacker Industries, Inc.Inventor: Stewart Schmehl
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Patent number: 5348605Abstract: Photopolymer platemaking apparatus comprises a tilting bucket assembly comprising a tilting bucket having a lip, a substantially vertical wall associated with the tilting bucket, and positioning means for maintaining the lip in contact with a substantially vertical wall during tilting of the tilting bucket from an upright position to a pre-pouring position, and for separating the lip from the substantially vertical wall as the tilting bucket tilts from the pre-pouring position to a pouring position. Preferably, the positioning means additionally moves the tilting bucket from the pouring position to the post-pouring position, and from the post-pouring position to the upright position, and maintains the lip in contact with the substantially vertical wall during movement of the tilting bucket from the post-pouring position to the upright position.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Hercules IncorporatedInventors: Norman E. Hughes, Richard B. Schroeder
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Patent number: 5339329Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Armco Steel Company, L.P.Inventors: Charles Flinchum, Gerald L. Barney, Gregory S. Burgess, Davis L. Kleinmeyer, Larry E. Parrella
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Patent number: 5338359Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for preparation of a coating hopper. A preparation pan is positioned beneath the hopper lip during hopper preparation wherein flow within the hopper is chaotic and the curtain is not stable. The preparation pan includes edge walls spaced apart from the edge guides to stabilize the unsteady curtain within the preparation pan. The invention minimizes splashing and splattering of the coating liquids thereby minimizing contamination of the coating equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: James E. Conroy, William D. Devine, Kenneth J. Ruschak
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Patent number: 5338358Abstract: Apparatus for dyeing tissues sampled from a living body for the purpose of observing immunoreaction of the tissues has a dyeing tray with a plurality of plateaus arranged in parallel disposition. A slide is so placed over each plateau that a wedge-shaped gap of capillary dimension is formed between the plateau and the undersurface of the slide to which a sampled tissue is attached. A liquid drip surface and a liquid discharge port are formed at one end of the top surface of each plateau. A liquid delivery port is formed on a side wall of the tray so as to communicate with the liquid discharge port. The liquid delivery port and the drip surface are always exposed. A dyeing liquid or a rinsing liquid is dripped onto the exposed drip surface and spreads into the gap for dyeing the tissue or rinse the relevant parts. After the dyeing or rinsing, the used liquid is sucked and discharged by way of the liquid delivery port.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tiyoda Seisakusho, Sakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitada Mizusawa, Matsumi Toya
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Patent number: 5332438Abstract: A vertical type dip treating device for applying adhesives to a cord to be used for a tension member of belt, etc. This device comprises dip tanks for applying adhesives to a cord, heaters and dryers arranged above the dip tanks for heating and drying a cord to which adhesives have been applied in the dip tanks, coolers adjacent to the heaters and dryers for cooling a cord heated and dried by the heaters and dryers, hot air supplies connected adjacently to the heaters and dryers for supplying hot air to the heaters and dryers and exhausts connected adjacently to the heaters and dryers and arranged vertically beneath the hot air supplies for discharging exhaust from the heaters and dryers.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takaaki Ueda, Yuji Takahara, Mitumori Kasada, Toshiharu Taniguchi, Fukuiti Siyama
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Patent number: 5330574Abstract: An electrode forming apparatus comprises a recovery blade for collecting electrode paste on the bottom surface of a dipping vessel toward a first end of the dipping vessel and a levelling blade for levelling the electrode paste, being collected toward the first end, toward a second end of the dipping vessel for adjusting the same to a constant film thickness. The recovery blade and the levelling blade are supported by a blade support frame, which is horizontally reciprocated with respect to the dipping vessel. The recovery blade is vertically moved by a cylinder, while the vertical position of the levelling blade is finely controlled by a levelling control motor. Thus, the film thickness of the electrode paste can be accurately adjusted with excellent repeatability, thereby carrying out homogeneous electrode application.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1992Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadahiro Nakagawa, Shizuma Tazuke, Mitsuro Hamuro, Hirokazu Higuchi, Katsuyuki Moriyasu, Akihiko Takahashi
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Patent number: 5326403Abstract: An equipment for discharging treated articles from a barrel in a surface treatment system includes: a carriage movable between a discharging position and a charging position; a water tank supported at the discharging position for vertical movements; and a receiver set at the discharging position above the water tank. The carriage device includes a rotating mechanism for rotating the barrel in water in the tank at the discharging position to discharge the articles from the barrel onto the receiver; a cover operating mechanism for removing a cover from an aperture of the barrel at the discharging position and put it on the aperture at the charging position.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1992Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignee: Towa Koki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akira Iwanaga
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Patent number: RE34561Abstract: A system for applying .[.one-part thermal-cure.]. .Iadd.fluent .Iaddend.material, such as structural epoxy, includes apparatus for heating or cooling the epoxy to a temperature above or below ambient. A spirally coiled tube is suspended within a hollow enclosure by tube end fittings extending from axially opposed ends of the tube. An electrical heater and temperature sensor extend from opposed enclosure ends into the tube coils approximately centrally of the enclosure. The enclosure is filled with a heat transfer fluid that surrounds the coiled tubing. The fluid is connected through an inlet and outlet in the enclosure endwalls for circulation externally of the enclosure through a fluid chiller. A microprocessor-base controller receives input signals from the temperature sensor and a temperature adjustment mechanism, and provides outputs to the heater chiller and heater-exchange fluid pump and circulation valve, and to alarm mechanisms for indicating a high-temperature or low-temperature alarm condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1991Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Assignee: Matcon Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Zaber