With Tank Structure, Liquid Supply, Control, And/or Nonradiant Heating Means Patents (Class 118/429)
  • Patent number: 5286294
    Abstract: A vacuum coating apparatus for forming a thin film evenly coated over a material to be treated as well as providing excellent productivity. The vacuum coating apparatus includes a chamber, an evacuating device, a fluid supplier, a hood, and a gas reservoir. During operation, the chamber is subjected to a partial vacuum by the evacuating device and filled with treatment fluid. At this time, air at predetermined temperature supplied from the gas reservoir is admitted into the chamber. As a result, the temperature and viscosity of the treatment fluid in the chamber become constant. The material to be treated is then fed into the chamber via an inlet port and an outlet port. An air flow caused by evacuation removes excess fluid on the material at the outlet port, resulting in evenly forming a thin coating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Gen Gen Corporation
    Inventors: Tadamichi Ebi, Yoshihiko Imai
  • Patent number: 5284520
    Abstract: An electroless plating device which comprises an electroless plating tank for accommodating an electroless plating solution; a draft pipe provided in the electroless plating tank for blowing air into the electroless plating solution; and a shield plate having perforations provided between an object of plating and bubbles blown out from the draft pipe, a size of each of said perforations being of dimensions whereby the bubbles cannot pass through the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5273691
    Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to 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, information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object, the 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Hull, Stuart T. Spence, Charles W. Lewis, Wayne Vinson, Raymond S. Freed, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5264252
    Abstract: A manufacturing method and facility for applying a coating to vehicle structural components such as frames, provides unloading and stacking below the unloading station. Oscillation of the vehicle structural component in the coating liquid in the dip tank provides accelerated heat transfer, and also improves coating by eliminating air pockets. A bent carousel arm or a parallelogram linkage provides uniform coating action. Reverse travel sequencing minimizes space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip C. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 5258146
    Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Borzo Modrek, Paul F. Jacobs, Charles W. Lewis, Mark A. Lewis, Abraham Liran, Adam L. Cohen, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5250115
    Abstract: A lubricant applicator system for electronic connector pins is designed to uniformly apply a lubricant to the pins to reduce the force necessary to install and extract a circuit board in the motherboard. The system includes a reservoir tank which supplies lubricant to a container into which electronic pins of an assembled connector are immersed, with holes disposed on the bottom surface of the container such that the lubricant enters the container via the holes and rises within the container to a certain height which is controlled by an elbow valve, thereby coating only a predetermined length of the electronic pins with lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Carlo M. Faienza, Wayne J. Zadrick, Richard M. Speziale
  • Patent number: 5248456
    Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert E. Evans, Jr., Ernest W. Ertley, Charles W. Hull, Richard N. Leyden
  • Patent number: 5246498
    Abstract: A process for producing a thin layer of at least one amphiphilic compound on a carrier is described, in which an at least partially oriented layer of molecules of an amphiphilic compound is produced by compression and expansion at the interface between a fluid and a polar liquid, and a solid carrier is moved through the layer so that the layer is transferred thereto. For this purpose, a directional flow of the polar liquid which contains amphiphilic molecules in solution or as insoluble molecules in a spread form on the surface is generated in an approximately horizontally located channel and the flow is dammed at a barrier which is located at the fluid/polar liquid interface. The flow velocity and, if appropriate, the concentration of the amphiphilic molecules are selected such that a layer of amphiphilic molecules is continuously formed by compression in front of the barrier at the fluid/polar liquid phase boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Nitsch, Christoph Kurthen
  • Patent number: 5238614
    Abstract: A process of fabricating a three-dimensional object from a light curable liquid resin by radiating a light to a surface of the liquid resin to form successive cross-sectional layers of the cured resin superimposed on each other. The process makes it possible to rapidly form on a platform or on a previously cured layer a fresh stratum of a desired thickness to be subsequently cured into the corresponding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Words, Ltd., Japan
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Uchinono, Yoshikazu Higashi, Takeshi Ikemura, Yoshimitsu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5236505
    Abstract: An adjustable nozzle applicator and method for the application of liquid to a surface including a main nozzle member and an insert nozzle portion positioned therein. The bottom floor of the main nozzle member is configured to form a trough for channeling and directing the liquid. The insert portion encloses part of the trough and is disposed adjacent but not touching a wall of the main nozzle member to create an output aperture port. At the output aperture port, the liquid exits the aperture in a fashion resembling a waterfall without the use of any input pressure. Such a gentle waterfall flow of liquid is particularly useful for the application of liquids that are delicate in nature. Overflow liquid exits through the floor of the applicator. The width of the waterfall at the output may be varied by adjustment of the distance between the main nozzle member and the insert portion for precise control of the flow and application of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Nylok Fastener Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony F. DiMaio, Robert E. Meadows
  • Patent number: 5236637
    Abstract: A stereolithographic system for automatically generating three-dimensional objects on a layer by layer basis by alternately forming layers of medium over previously formed layers of the object and selectively solidifying successive layers of medium at a surface of a body of the medium whereby the object is formed from a plurality of solidified and adhered layers. The surface of the body of medium is maintained at a desired working surface, for example by detecting its level and relatively adjusting it and the working surface so that they coincide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Hull
  • Patent number: 5232503
    Abstract: An evaporative coating apparatus in which a coating liquid drains under gravity from the bottom of a processing tank through a metering valve and a pipe into a supply tank. The apparatus includes a supply tank for providing a supply of coating liquid; a processing tank for receiving the object to be coated having (1) an outlet for the coating liquid positioned in the lower part of the processing tank, and (2) at least one wall shaped to provide a substantially parabolic relationship between the surface area of the coating liquid in the processing tank and the hydrostatic head between the coating liquid in the processing tank and the coating liquid in the supply tank, whereby the level of the coating liquid in the processing tank decreases at a substantially constant rate; and a means for passing the coating liquid from the outlet in the processing tank to the supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: San Jose Technology
    Inventor: Paul E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5226964
    Abstract: A vertical solder coating machine is described incorporating a tank containing molten solder with a bath of solder leveling fluid on the top thereof. Drive rollers are positioned within the tank and in the solder leveling fluid for grasping workpieces such as a printed circuit board and lowering the workpiece through the solder leveling fluid into the molten solder. The workpiece is forced into the molten solder until it is no longer gripped by the drive rollers and is trapped in the space formed by the rollers in contact with each other. When the rollers reverse direction, the workpiece is withdrawn through the solder leveling fluid and past a pair of leveling tubes positioned in the bath on either side of the workpiece. The leveler tubes direct a stream of solder leveling fluid onto the surface of the workpiece to level the solder thickness and remove solder from within any through-holes in the workpiece. The drive rollers are tapered and thus contact the workpiece only along opposite edges thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Monitriol, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard O. Meuche
  • Patent number: 5224994
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for liquid treating, particularly with coating materials such as paint, of an article, especially an article having a plurality of internal passages. The article is simultaneously rotated on an axis of rotation of the article and about a circular travel path into, back and forth in, and out of the liquid bath. The coated article is moved out of the bath, naturally drained under gravity, and then subjected first to low speed, then high speed rotation to clear the article of excess coating liquid and partially to dry the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Richard K. Daly
  • Patent number: 5217536
    Abstract: A composite plating apparatus includes a plating tank for receiving therein a composite plating solution containing water-insoluble particles or fibers and a reservoir disposed adjacent the plating tank through an overflow weir, preferably in a common housing, the plating solution flowing into the reservoir in an overflow manner. A pump is disposed within the reservoir having a suction port for drawing the solution in the reservoir and a discharge port for pumping the solution. A conduit connected to the pump discharge port extends therefrom over the bottom of the plating tank through the overflow weir and includes a plurality of orifices. The plating solution is circulated by causing the solution to flow over the weir from the plating tank to the reservoir, pumping the solution to the conduit, and injecting the solution into the tank through the orifices to uniformly agitate the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: C. Uyemura & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sowjun Matsumura, Tadashi Chiba, Takayuki Nakamura, Masahiro Saito
  • Patent number: 5217534
    Abstract: A trough structure is arranged for directing and supporting a roll of wallpaper webbing therethrough to effect wetting or adherence of glue to the wallpaper structure. The trough structure includes a forward wall spaced from a partition wall, with the partition wall spaced forwardly of a rear edge portion of the side walls to define a roll support cavity to rotatably mount the wallpaper roll therewithin. A modification of the invention includes an applicator brush in association with a trough guide roll to apply a glue material to a bottom surface of the wallpaper webbing, and may further include a supply reservoir arranged for pressurizing and directing fluid glue interiorly of the trough structure through the associated applicator roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventors: Anthony R. Hernandez, Yolanda M. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5213839
    Abstract: A method for applying silicone oil to a back end of an injection needle having a hub with a center hole and a cannula inserting in the center hole, in which the cannula has a front end with a sharp bevel and a back end with another sharp bevel and the back end terminates within the hub. The method comprises allowing silicone-containing-liquid to continue to overflow at a constant rate of flow from a top end of a rising pipe having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the cannula and an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the hub, and concurrently dipping the back end into silicone-containing-liquid at the top end of the rising pipe. Silicone with no foreign matter can be applied to the injection needle while preventing adhesion of silicone containing liquid to the hub. The apparatus used for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Nissho Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Awazu, Hideo Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 5209878
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing surface discontinuities, resulting from the formation of a three-dimensional object out of a plurality of stacked layers, during layer by layer stereolithographic formation of the three-dimensional object. The discontinuities between layers are reduced by utilizing formation and solidification of thin fill layers near the edges of thicker structural layers or by utilizing surface tension effects to smooth discontinuities between the structural layers by formation of meniscuses of building material and solidifying the meniscuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Smalley, Hop D. Nguyen, Kris A. Schmidt, Herbert E. Evans, Ray S. Freed, Paul J. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5209782
    Abstract: Apparatus for soldering, leveling and cooling printed circuit panels including a preheater, a fluxer, and soldering, leveling and cooling stations. The cooperation of the soldering, leveling and cooling stations provides for efficient processing of printed circuit panels. The soldering station, which includes a solder immersion chamber through which the panels are conveyed, provides an oil coating on the solder to minimize formation of dross. Automatic replenishment of oil through use of suitable flux on the panels to be soldered provide continuous cleaning of the soldering system to permit extended operation. A cooling table transports the soldered panels on a cushion of air to prevent marring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert V. Morris
  • Patent number: 5203922
    Abstract: An application device for applying a coating liquid to a moving web which forms an applied layer of uniform thickness and with smooth surface properties. The sides of a slotted portion of an extrusion-type application head are provided with sloped or stepped portions in regions adjacent liquid-free areas of the web. This prevents scratching of the web and accumulation of extraneous matter at the edge portions of the application head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Shibata, Yasuhito Hiraki, Tsunehiko Sato
  • Patent number: 5199990
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of solder-plating only on lead-regions of a lead-frame carrying a multiplicity of electronic parts or components. It comprises a block made of a heat-resistant and solder-wettable metal immersed in a bath of molten solder. The block is provided with a horizontal path for the lead-frame at a plane sufficiently above a level of said molten solder, and a plurality of vertical conduits, extending from the bottom of the block, open at the horizontal path. The conduits are capable of replenishing the molten solder on a plateau provided on a lower inside face of the path by capillary action. The lead-regions of lead-frame which travels through the path contacts with the molten solder on the plateau.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Zeniya Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Zeniya
  • Patent number: 5194302
    Abstract: A manufacturing facility (20) has substantially reduced space requirements for applying a coating to vehicle structural components such as frames (22, 24). A rotary carousel (28) in a building (26) has a central hub (30) rotatable about a vertical axis and has one or more arms (32) thereon swingable about pivot points (60) on the hub to lower and raise the frames. A loading station (36), preheat wash station (46), rinse station (48), coating station (38), post heat drip station (50) and unloading station (44) are peripherally spaced around the hub such that rotation of the hub moves the arms between the stations for respective functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip C. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 5192587
    Abstract: Comminuted wood is converted to a colored wood product useful as a mulch by feeding the comminuted wood into the lower end of an angularly upward positioned screw conveyor having an internal auger. The comminuted wood is contacted in a basin in the lower end of the conveyor by a liquid color-imparting agent, preferably an aqueous solution containing iron oxide pigment, carbon black pigment or a mixture of both pigments. After contacting, rotation of the auger draws the moist colored wood product towards the upper end, permitting runoff of excess liquid agent, which returns by gravity to the basin for further contacting with newly-fed comminuted wood. The liquid level in the basin is monitored and additional liquid agent is blended from water and pigment concentrate to maintain the level in the basin. Colored wood product discharges through a chute at the upper end of the conveyor for further drying, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kurtz Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Rondy
  • Patent number: 5192469
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an object by stereolithography from layers of a medium solidifiable upon exposure to synergistic stimulation by selecting an area element of a first layer of medium. The depth of the medium within the object underlying the area element is determined and compared to the depth to the minimum solidification depth of the medium. The area element is exposed to solidifying synergistic stimulation only if the depth of the medium equals or exceeds the minimum solidification depth. A next layer is created over the first layer without exposing the first layer to solidifying synergistic stimulation, if the depth is less than the minimum solidification depth. The layers may have a thickness selected such that the minimum solidification depth is a integer multiple of the layer thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Smalley, Thomas J. Vorgitch
  • Patent number: 5190591
    Abstract: A Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film forming apparatus has a packing unit for orientating and packing a sample which is a composition for forming a monomolecular film developed on a subphase stored in a first tank, a sampling unit for sampling the orientated and packed monomolecular film on a substrate, and an outer casing enclosing the packing unit and sampling unit. The packing unit has a second tank in which a circulating solution is stored and the first tank is disposed in the solution. A temperature of the circulating solution in the second tank is controlled by a first controller and a temperature of atmosphere enclosed by the casing is controlled by a second controller. The first and second controllers are synchronously operated. The substrate is disposed above the subphase in a vertical attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Okano, Toshiyuki Miyadera, Fumio Matsui
  • Patent number: 5188670
    Abstract: Methods, compositions and apparatus are provided for coating a substrate with a strongly adherent hydroxyapatite coating, which allows for ingrowth of natural bone and strong bonding between the coating and the substrate. The procedure provides for coating under conditions which form sticky particles which bind to the substrate to form a crystalline hydroxyapatite coating. The coating has particular application for prostheses, where porous areas of the prostheses are completely coated with a thin sturdy coating of hydroxyapatite.The apparatus includes a coating trough in which the substrates are present and the reactive components added. The medium is recirculated in an outer circuit through a distribution tank solution preparation tank and coating trough. Means are provided for maintaining temperature and pH. The substrates are maintained in a line normal to the flow in the trough and can be rotated to ensure even coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Norian Corporation
    Inventor: Brent Constantz
  • Patent number: 5185040
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of forming strip-shaped electrodes over an end surface of a plate-shaped electronic component and two major surfaces which are in series with the end surface. A slit plate, which is provided with through slits having widths corresponding to the width of electrodes to be formed, is located above an electrode paste bath while an electronic component is arranged above the slit plate so that its end surface extends across the through slits. Before or after this step, the electrode paste is made to swell to a constant level beyond the upper surface of the slit plate, thereby applying the electrode paste to the end surface of the electronic component and the two major surfaces which are in series with the end surface in the form of strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Sakai, Kenji Minowa, Shinji Morihiro
  • Patent number: 5182056
    Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus (SLA) and an improved method for generating a part from curable material. The invention utilizes control and/or knowledge of depths of penetration of actinic radiation into a vat of photopolymer to determine and/or control and/or produce desirable characteristics associated with the creation of parts. From a predictive point of view, these desirable characteristics may include determination of cure depth from a given exposure, determination cure width, determination of required minimum surface angle (MSA), determination of optimum skin fill spacing, the strength of cross sections of partially polymerized material, amount of curl type distortion, and necessary overcure to attain adhesion between layers, etc. These determinations can lead to the use of particular building techniques to insure adequate part formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart T. Spence, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5174931
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Borzo Modrek, Paul F. Jacobs, Charles W. Lewis, Mark A. Lewis, Abraham Liran
  • Patent number: 5169449
    Abstract: A device for applying a thin layer of joint compound to the inner and outer surfaces of a corner bead. The device includes a hopper for supporting a quantity of joint compound. The hopper has two openings which are aligned with one another and have a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to that of a corner bead. The device includes rubber panels for closing off a selected portion of the openings. In use, a corner bead is inserted through one of the openings, pushed through the hopper where joint compound adheres to the bead, and is extracted from the other opening. The rubber panels scrape off all but a thin layer of joint compound from the concave surface of the bead and forces the bead against the bottom of the hopper so as to permit only a thin layer of joint compound to remain on the convex surface of the bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Jerry E. Raught
  • Patent number: 5167715
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for impregnating the superconductors on a superconductor winding with epoxy such that a vacuum/pressure containment vessel, in which the winding is placed, allows epoxy to be introduced into the vessel whereby the epoxy eventually impregnates the superconductors through the application of various evacuating, pressuring and epoxy transporting steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ahmed K. Kalafala, Karl F. Schoch, Dan A. Gross, Evangelos T. Laskaris
  • Patent number: 5164010
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for coating solder on the outer leads of TAB-type semiconductor devices. The solder coating apparatus comprises a solder tank accommodating a heater, a discharge tank having an open top and a solder inlet opening at a lower part thereof, a square pillar having a top of substantially the same or slightly greater size than a semiconductor element and arranged inside the discharge tank and projecting beyond the open top thereof, and a solder pressure feed screw near the inlet opening of the discharge tank. A film carrying semiconductor elements is intermittently stopped when one of the semiconductor elements arrives above the square pillar. Molten solder is discharged from gaps between the inner walls of the discharge tank and the square pillar onto the outer leads of the semiconductor element positioned over the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Taketo Morozumi
  • Patent number: 5164128
    Abstract: An improved stereolithography system and method for curing a stereolithography-produced part, including at least some material that is no more than partially transformed, by exposing the part to off-peak absorptive wavelengths of synergistic stimulation to achieve a more uniform cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Borzo Modrek, Brent Parker, Stuart T. Spence
  • Patent number: 5156683
    Abstract: An apparatus for galvannealing steel strip includes an applying device for applying a coating of controlled thickness of a strip. A controller controls the thickness of the applied coating. A heating furnace heats the steel strip to produce a galvannealed product. Edge heaters for heating the edges of the steel strip by magnetic induction promote uniform temperature distribution across the steel strip. The uniform temperature distribution produces more uniform galvannealing in the product. The edge heaters have preselected operating frequencies. A modulating circuit imposes a frequency modulation on the operating frequencies of the edge heaters to avoid undesirable transverse flexural resonance in the galvannealed product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Ajax Magnethermic Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas V. Ross
  • Patent number: 5143663
    Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Thomas A. Almouist, Mark A. Lewis, Hop D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5143745
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and depositing a layer of monomolecular amphiphilic molecules on a substrate, which include the continuous or intermittent removal of unused film after a substrate dipping. The amount of "dwell time" in which the film resides on the surface of the support media is controlled. A rotatable barrier provides a movable "film front" to achieve repeatable film pressures, consistencies and viscosities of high precision and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas C. Maganas, Alan L. Harrington
  • Patent number: 5141680
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5139711
    Abstract: A process and device for fabricating a three-dimensional object from a light curable liquid resin by irradiating a light to a surface of the liquid resin to form successive cross-sectional layers of the cured resin superimposed on each other. An open top enclosure surrounds the entire circumference of the preceding cured layer and a top upper end face of the enclosure is kept at the same horizontal level as that of the preceding cured layer. The liquid resin is supplied over the preceding layer, over the enclosure and into a space defined therebetween in such a manner as to positively overflow a portion of the liquid resin outwardly over the top end of the enclosure, thereby leaving a continuous coat of the liquid resin extending horizontally over from the preceding cured layer and to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Uchinono, Yoshikazu Higashi
  • Patent number: 5137756
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for carrying out a varnish impregnation method wherein a sheet-like base material is sequentially passed through a low-viscosity liquid storage region storing a low-viscosity liquid such as a solvent, a thermal syphon region, and a varnish storage region storing a varnish, the thermal syphon region being positioned between the low-viscosity liquid storage region and varnish storage region and communicating with both regions at air tight seals closed by liquid surfaces, and heating the base material in the thermal syphon region to vaporize the low-viscosity liquid impregnated in the base material. When the base material passes through the low-viscosity liquid, air contained in the base material is replaced with the low-viscosity liquid and discharged outside the apparatus. The low-viscosity liquid impregnated in the material is vaporized in the thermal syphon region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignees: Takuma Co., Ltd., Takuma Research and Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Harada
  • Patent number: 5134966
    Abstract: The apparatus has a spindle rod on which a supply roll of wallcovering is placed, a tensioning rod under which the wallpaper is entrained as it is drawn from the supply roll, a powered take-up roll on which the wallpaper is rolled up, and provisions to readily reposition the tensioning rod so as to force the wallpaper to pass under water contained in a tray. Quick-release fastening devices permit the apparatus to be readily assembled to constitute a carry case with all parts contained, subsequently quickly opened and put into operation, and subsequently the water tray and rods snapped out for cleaning. All parts, including all the structural members, can be easily carried to a sink, tub, or yard hose for rinsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Rosemary Allen
  • Patent number: 5127361
    Abstract: An optical fiber resin coating device having a nipple and a die which each have gradually tapering holes through which the optical fiber is drawn. The die and the nipple have adjacent parallel flat surfaces which are spaced to created a gap through which resin is supplied by pressuring to be applied to the optical fiber. The gap between the die and the nipple and the tapered holes within the die and the nipple are all designed to produce a resin coating which is even and contains no air bubbles, especially at high optical fiber drawing rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Matsuda, Kohei Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5113787
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing an index matching coating material onto an end of an optical fiber to be terminated includes a reservoir formed by a floor and sidewalls with a small portion of the index matching coating material being disposed on a top surface of the floor. An interior perimeter shape of the sidewalls is registrable with an external perimeter shape of an optical fiber contact to which the optical fiber is secured which allows the index matching material to be conveniently disposed on an end of the optical fiber by simply inserting the optical fiber contact into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Raychem Corp.
    Inventors: Akira Tomita, Stephen H. Diaz, Robert S. Dubrow, Michael Feldman
  • Patent number: 5112559
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating molds to make hard gelatin capsules has a dish for holding a bath of liquid gelatin. A multi-well tray is submerged in the bath to establish a plurality of fluid passageways through the bath and to create a pool of liquid gelatin in each of the wells. A drive unit, having a pair of counterrotating gears, moves gelatin through the passageways and pools to maintain a substantially uniform gelatin temperature throughout the bath. Capsule molds are periodically submerged into the pools and then withdrawn to manufacture the hard gelatin capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Jean C. Lebrun
  • Patent number: 5104592
    Abstract: An improved sterolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object from object defining information, the information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object is described. A stereolithographic distortion known as curl is reduced by the system, and several techniques to eliminate or reduce curl are utilized by the system, including dashed line, bent line, secondary structure, rivets, and multi-pass techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Hull, Stuart T. Spence, Charles W. Lewis, Wayne A. Vinson, Raymond S. Freed, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5099786
    Abstract: An application device for applying a coating liquid to a moving web which forms an applied layer of uniform thickness and with smooth surface properties. The sides of a slotted portion of an extrusion-type application head are provided with sloped or stepped portions in regions adjacent liquid-free areas of the web. This prevents scratching of the web and accumulation of extraneous matter at the edge portions of the application head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Shibata, Yasuhito Hiraki, Tsunehiko Sato
  • Patent number: 5094891
    Abstract: A manufacturing method and facility (200) is provided for applying a coating, such as hot melt wax, to vehicle structural components, such as frames (202). A pair of vertically upstanding concentric cylinders (204, 206) define an annulus (208) therebetween, a portion of which provides a thin perimeter dip tank (212) containing coating liquid (214). The frames (202) are dipped vertically into the coating liquid and transported horizontally through the thin perimeter tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Michael K. Wren
  • Patent number: 5084955
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a superconducting magnet comprising the steps of applying a bonding agent on a length of a superconductor by passing the superconductor through a bath of the bonding agent to thereby coat the superconductor with the bonding agent. The superconductor coated with the bonding agent is simultaneously wound to form a winding which is then hardened by heating for example to form a rigid winding without voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinori Yamasaki, Akihiro Harada, Teruo Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5076905
    Abstract: It has hitherto been difficult to achieve the even deposition of a cup-shaped body from slurry flowing around a mandrel. This specification discloses a deposition apparatus including control means providing a substantially uniform slurry flow rate over all surfaces of the mandrel to give uniform deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Chloride Silent Power, Ltd.
    Inventor: Glyn Atherton
  • Patent number: 5077093
    Abstract: The invention relates to an upwardly closed assembly and a simpler upwardly open assembly for uniformly loading one-piece carrier members, more particularly for catalysts, with a desired quantity of dispersions or solutions, the assembly being in the form of a cup receiving the bottom part of the carrier member and a distributor head for placing in sealing-tight manner on the carrier and having a perforated tray, formed with drip spouts at each outlet mouth, for distributing the applied liquid and, in the case of the upwardly-closed embodiment, including a cover and a number of pipes on the distributor head for supplying liquid, aerating and deaerating and a discharge pipe in the cup. The invention also relates to a method of operating the assembly and having features providing inter alia for movement of the distributor head relative to the carrier members in order to improve the distributor of liquid over the top surface of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Degussa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Winfried Baumgartner, Bernhard Schaeuble
  • Patent number: 5074239
    Abstract: An Easter egg decorating and coloring kit for dyeing and painting Easter eggs and including an arrangement of dye chambers integrally formed and arranged in a linear orientation. A paint tray having paint receptacles and a paintbrush receptacle for placement of a paintbrush therein is integrally formed with and extends outwardly from a rear top edge of the dye chambers. A ladle for placement and removal of the Easter eggs from within the dye chambers is removably supported on a front of the dye chambers and includes an envelope attached to a head portion thereof containing dye tablets of a variety of colors to be dissolved within the chambers to form a dye solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Verlene Law