By Agitation Patents (Class 118/612)
-
Patent number: 6619226Abstract: The seasoning applicator applies seasoning onto snack food products such as potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, and the like in a two-dimensional seasoning pattern. A two compartment sifting assembly has a first top layer having a screen where seasoning is initially deposited. Upon vibration, the seasoning is passed through the top layer screen into a lower compartment. Therein, the seasoning is further distributed across the surface of the lower layer screen, which generally has a screen with smaller openings than the top layer screen. This promotes the even distribution of seasoning through the lower screen. Thereby, a two-dimensional seasoning pattern is created for depositing on a moving bed of snack food products.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Recot, Inc.Inventor: Robert James Rooke
-
Patent number: 6616968Abstract: To provide superior anti-agglomeration, or tackiness-reducing, properties, one aspect of the invention is directed to coated polymeric particles, with each of the coated particles comprised of a polymeric substrate particle and a block-reducing coating on the surface of the substrate particle. The coating includes polymeric coating particles which advantageously may be in the form of a micro-fine powder. Also disclosed herein is a process for applying the polymeric coating particles onto the polymeric substrate particles, as well as equipment which is especially useful in producing the coated polymeric particles.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LPInventors: David O. Bostrom, William K. Shumake, Paul H. Jackson
-
Patent number: 6544336Abstract: Several components are used in combination to effect an apparatus for a spray system, which improves the transfer characteristics and efficiency of polymer applied to the surface of a printing plate. In accordance with this invention, the apparatus comprises: a nozzle for spraying a solid stream of polymer, a circumferential conduit surrounding the polymer spray that carries heated, high-pressure air, which heats, atomizes and improves the transfer efficiency of the polymer, a mixer that allows the mixing of the polymer's constituent reagents immediately prior to the polymer entering the spray nozzle, a fast shut-off valve that allows precision control of the spray nozzle's output, a shroud equipped with vacuum to remove and recycle “overspray”, and a cleaning arm, equipped with a vacuum, that may be activated to clean unused polymer from the components of the nozzle, and to prime the spray nozzle with fresh polymer.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Creo Inc.Inventor: Fernando Luis De Souza Lopes
-
Patent number: 6517979Abstract: A coating film is formed on the surface of a member during a coating process wherein a coating head and the member are moved relatively. Mixing plural kinds of coating liquid and supplying the resultant mixed liquid to the coating head are carried out substantially simultaneously. The method is used, for example, in producing a color filter of a liquid crystal display device.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Inventors: Satoshi Kokubo, Nagato Osano, Junichi Sakamoto, Kenichi Iwata
-
Patent number: 6510810Abstract: A convertible, combination batter-mixer and -applicator machine combines mixing and applying functions in one machine as well as affords conversion among at least three modes of use. In a first mode, the batter is preferably handled by mixing up one batch at a time from materials whose input quantities are specified in terms of defined weight-ratios, and then the batch is used up completely until depleted. In a second mode, the batter is preferably handled by mixing up one batch at a time from materials whose input quantities are adjusted in order to meet a defined-viscosity, and then the batch is used up completely until depleted. The third mode involves re-circulating the batter stock and calls for continuous re-stocking of batter by mixing in the input materials at varying intervals to the existing stock and in input quantities that are adjusted in order to meet the defined-viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventors: Robert G. Nothum, Sr., Robert G. Nothum, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20030017403Abstract: A disclosure is directed to a coating method of a liquid on the surface of a member during a coating head and the member are moved relatively, thereby forming a coating film. An improvement resides in that a process of mixing plural kinds of coating liquid with one another, and a process of supplying the resultant mixed liquid to the coating head are substantially, simultaneously carried out. The method is used, for example, in producing a color filter of a liquid crystal display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 1999Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: SATOSHI KOKUBO, NAGATO OSANO, JUNICHI SAKAMOTO, KENICHI IWATA
-
Publication number: 20020152955Abstract: An apparatus and associated method that dispenses an electrolyte solution on an object. The apparatus comprises a storage chamber and a dispensing portion. The storage chamber is configured to hold the electrolyte solution. The dispensing portion is configured to dispense the electrolyte solution on the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 1999Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: YEZDI DORDI, LEOPOLDO FRANCISCO CASTRO
-
Patent number: 6461432Abstract: A uniform coating of radar-absorbing material (RAM) is produced on small or intricate parts by suspending the part in a vessel, slowing filling the vessel with RAM slurry without turbulence from the bottom up, subsequently draining the slurry slowly without turbulence to leave a coating of RAM on the part, and repeating the process until a coating of sufficient thickness is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Sandra J. Stash, Mark E. Cooper
-
Patent number: 6447836Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a device for optimizing at least one coating material at at least one point of a substrate surface to which the coating material is applied. The method, which is carried out with the corresponding device, comprises at least the following steps: a) applying said at least one coating material to said at least one point of the substrate surface, b) curing said at least one coating material at said at least one point of the substrate surface, and c) determining the state, especially the curing and/or yellowing and/or gloss, of said coating material at said at least one point of the substrate surface, possessed by said coating material as a consequence of steps a) and b).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Schrof, Dieter Horn, Reinhold Schwalm, Uwe Meisenburg, Andreas Pfau
-
Patent number: 6432842Abstract: A closed space is formed in a reduced pressure drying station, and the closed space is brought to a vacuum state. In this state, an EB unit irradiates a wafer mounted on a hot plate with an electron beam to foam an insulating film material. Subsequently, the hot plate is raised to a predetermined temperature, and drying processing is performed under a reduced pressure. As described above, since the foaming processing is performed in the reduced pressure drying station, bubbles remain in the insulating film, so that the existence of the bubbles can decrease the relative dielectric constant.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Masami Akimoto, Yoichi Deguchi
-
Patent number: 6419805Abstract: A plating apparatus is disclosed that is particularly useful in improving the plating rate, improving the plating of via holes, improving the uniformity of the plating deposition across the surface of the wafer, and minimizing damage to the wafer. With regard to improving the plating rate and the plating of via holes, the plating apparatus immerses a wafer in a plating fluid bath and continuously directs plating fluid towards the surface of the wafer. Immersing the wafer in a plating fluid bath reduces the occurrence of trapped gas pockets within via holes which makes it easier to plate them. With regard to improving the uniformity of the plating deposition, the plating apparatus and method effectuate random horizontal fluid flow within the bath to reduce the occurrence of relatively long horizontal fluid flow that causes non-uniform plating deposition across the surface of the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Technic Inc.Inventors: Robert Kaufman, Gary C. Downes
-
Publication number: 20020069822Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a first dynamic mixing system having a plurality of first coating components that are substantially free of effect pigments and a second dynamic mixing system having a plurality of second coating components having effect pigments. A first directional control device is connected to the first and second dynamic mixing systems. A plurality of reservoirs are connected to the first directional control device. A second directional control device is connected to the reservoirs. A plurality of applicators are connected to the second directional control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Vincent P. Dattilo
-
Patent number: 6383294Abstract: Provided is a coating film forming apparatus capable of shortening an operating time without considerably altering the design of the apparatus and changing the physical properties of a material such as a resist solvent. A spin coater for spreading a coating solution 5 dropped onto a substrate 1 to be coated over the substrate 1 to be coated by the centrifugal pump action performed with the rotation of the substrate 1 to be coated and for evaporating a solvent in the coating solution 5 to form a coating film on the substrate 1 to be coated, a tank 14 for storing the coating solution, and a housing case 15 for accommodating the substrate to be coated are provided in a casing P, and the casing P is provided in a cleaning room. A temperature in the casing P is set higher than a temperature in the clean room on the outside of the casing P by using temperature control devices 30, 31, 32 and 33. Consequently, an operating time can be shortened.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshiaki Nakamura, Toshimitsu Omine
-
Patent number: 6376013Abstract: A system and method is provided that facilitates the application of a uniform layer of photoresist material spincoated onto a semiconductor substrate (e.g wafer). The present invention accomplishes this end by utilizing a measurement system that measures the thickness uniformity of the photoresist material applied on a test wafer by a nozzle, and then adjusting the viscosity of the photoresist material by varying the ratio in a solvent/resist mixture, and/or adjusting the temperature of the mixture. A system and method that employs a plurality of nozzles is also provided that disperses resist at different annular regions on a wafer to facilitate the application of a uniform layer of photoresist material spincoated onto the wafer. The system and method utilize a measurement system that measures the thickness and thickness uniformity of each layer of photoresist material applied at each annular region of the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Bharath Rangarajan, Bhanwar Singh, Sanjay K. Yedur, Michael K. Templeton
-
Patent number: 6296706Abstract: A coating apparatus is provided having a first dynamic mixing system including a plurality of first coating supplies having a plurality of first coating components of differing color. A bell applicator is in flow communication with the first dynamic mixing system. A particular coating apparatus of the invention includes a first conduit, a plurality of waterborne coating sources in flow communication with the first conduit and a first waterborne base material in flow communication with the first conduit. A mixer is in flow communication with the first conduit and a bell applicator is in flow communication with the first conduit downstream of the mixer. A second conduit is in flow communication with the first conduit. A plurality of waterborne effect pigment sources are in flow communication with the second conduit and a second waterborne base material is also in flow communication with the second conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventor: Vincent P. Dattilo
-
Patent number: 6264809Abstract: One electrode is provided in association with the object to be coated, the other electrode. A pre-stretched ion-exchange membrane in a thin tubular form is sandwiched inbetween two nonconductive water permeable screen tubular housings. The assembly contains a supply line that provides a water way for the electrolyte to flow from the top of the device into a lower cap, then to the lower cap reservoir that allows stabilization and disbursement of electrolyte through the rifled housing Inertia developed through this defined pattern creates a swirling action that scrubs the impurities away from the anode, and to the top of the device to be carried out top. The location of the supply line is just inside the inner screen inserted through both the upper housing and lower cap. The tubular electrode is provided to the inside of membrane housing completing the inner portion of the waterway return chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: PTI Advanced Filtration, Inc.Inventor: Cheng H. Lee
-
Publication number: 20010003260Abstract: An installation for coating food products with a fine pulverulent material, such as flour or breadcrumbs, comprises an endless conveyor belt which allows the pulverulent material to pass through and has a top part and a bottom part, means for forming a layer of pulverulent material on a portion of the top part on which the products can be accommodated and can be moved in the direction of transport, as well as means for applying a layer of pulverulent material on the products present on the top part, which means comprise a container having a discharge for the pulverulent material, as well as distribution means which allow the pulverulent material to pass through, for uniformly distributing the pulverulent material over the width of the top part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2000Publication date: June 14, 2001Applicant: KOPPENS B.V.Inventor: Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen
-
Publication number: 20010000330Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing a monolayer film and transferring the monolayer film to a substrate are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: April 19, 2001Inventor: Timothy A. Strodtbeck
-
Patent number: 6177126Abstract: A process for producing a material for sealing and/or healing wounds fills a liquid composition into a container having two or more plates. At least two of the plates are perforated with one or more flow-through holes. At least one of the perforated plates is movable relative to another of the perforated plates. A suitable carrier is transported below the container in transport direction. The perforated plates are then continuously moved relative to each other so as to allow the liquid composition to drip onto the carrier being transported below the container. The liquid composition can thus be substantially evenly applied to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Nycomed Arzneimittel GmbHInventors: Olaf Hagedorn, Ulrich Schiele
-
Patent number: 6126752Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising an integrated circuit and a capacitor. In this capacitor, a bottom electrode, a dielectric film and a top electrode are formed, independently of the integrated circuit, on the interlayer insulating film, and the top electrode and bottom electrode are connected with metal interconnections through contact holes opened in the protective film for protecting the surface of the capacitor. In this constitution, either the top electrode or the bottom electrode is connected the bias line of the integrated circuit, and the other is connected to the ground line, so that extraneous emission may be reduced without having to connect the capacitor outside.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Fujii, Yasuhiro Shimada, Yasuhiro Uemoto, Shinitirou Hayashi, Tooru Nasu, Koichi Arita, Atsuo Inoue, Akihiro Matsuda, Masaki Kibe, Tatsuo Ootsuki
-
Patent number: 6119624Abstract: A sprinkling apparatus for sprinkling powder material onto food products. The apparatus includes a hopper for holding the powder material that is mounted above a conveyor. A drum is rotatably mounted within the hopper and stirs the powder material. The drum has a rotation surface provided with recesses thereon for receiving the powder material. A narrow passageway is provided between the rotation surface of the drum and an inner wall of the hopper. The narrow passageway presses the powder material against the rotation surface of the drum. A wiper is attached to an exit opening of the hopper and wipes the compressed powder material from the rotation surface of the drum. The wiped powder material leaves the exit opening of the hopper and is sprinkled on the food products.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co.Inventors: Michio Morikawa, Koichi Hirabayashi, Hiroyuki Usui
-
Patent number: 6059880Abstract: A coating apparatus according to the invention comprises a spin chuck for holding a substrate, resist solution tanks which contain a primary resist solution, a thinner tank which contains thinner, a confluence valve communicating with the thinner tank and the resist solution tanks, first pumps each for supplying the confluence valve with the primary resist solution from a corresponding one of the resist solution tanks, a second pump for supplying thinner from the thinner tank to the confluence valve, a mixer for mixing the primary treatment solution and thinner supplied from the confluence valve, a nozzle for applying a solution from the mixer, to the substrate held by the spin chuck, and a controller for controlling the first and second pumps to adjust the mixture ratio of the primary resist solution to be supplied from each of the resist solution tanks to the confluence valve, to thinner to be supplied from the thinner tank to the confluence valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takahiro Kitano, Katsuya Okumura, Shinichi Ito
-
Patent number: 6056822Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various systems and processes for applying feed additives to a solid feed composition. In one embodiment, a solid feed additive is combined with a liquid carrier to form a feed additive suspension. The feed additive suspension is fed to a dispensing device that sprays the suspension onto a solid feed composition stream. In an alternative embodiment, a system is disclosed that combines and/or dilutes various liquid feed additives that are then similarly sprayed on a solid feed composition stream. In various embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a plurality of submixing systems that not only maintain a homogeneous suspension or solution but are also capable of continuously applying the solution or suspension to the feed composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Liquid Systems, Inc.Inventors: Wayne A. Jefferson, Alan M. Kapp
-
Patent number: 6040004Abstract: A particle-coated substrate (in particular, an abrasive material formed by coating a substrate with abrasive particles) in which a substrate is coated uniformly and in a thin layer with cohesive fine particles, a particle ejector for fabricating the coated substrate, a coated substrate fabricating apparatus comprising the ejector, a particle-coated substrate fabricating method (in particular, a method of fabricating an abrasive material in which a substrate is coated with abrasive particles), and an abrasive sheet. Agitation gas is fed through the porous wall of a particle storage container in the ejector, and an ejection gas is fed from an ejector nozzle through the container to deliver the fluidized particles and ejection gas through a discharge tube generally coaxial with the ejection gas nozzle. The particle ejector is capable of attaining a uniform particle size distribution without causing the particles to undergo blocking, agglomeration, or bridging.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Kazuo Suzuki, Muneo Haga
-
Patent number: 6036777Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in producing three dimensional components by bonding together successive layers of a porous material with droplets of a binder material. A powder is dispensed on a support surface in a layer. A vibratory mechanism vibrates the layer of dispensed powder to compact the powder.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1995Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Emanuel M. Sachs
-
Patent number: 6017393Abstract: A system for pumping resist to a wafer coating machine includes a line that returns a selected proportion of the resist entering the resist pump to the resist supply tank. The return line to the tank is connected to the pump outlet at a higher point than the pump outlet to the wafer coating machine, and the resist that is returned to the tank carries substantially all of the bubbles that are carried in the resist entering the tank. The bubbles are removed from the resist in the tank and the resist can be used normally.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jen Song Liu, Bii Junq Chang, Jen Shang Fang, Hao Wei Chang
-
Patent number: 5968268Abstract: Disclosed is a coating apparatus, comprising: a first stream-combining valve communicating with each of a first solvent tank and a resist solution tank, a first pump for supplying an initial resist solution from the resist solution tank toward said first stream-combining valve, a second pump for supplying a solvent from said first solvent supply toward said first stream-combining valve, a first mixer for mixing under stirring the initial resist solution flowing out of said first stream-combining valve with a solvent, a second stream-combining valve arranged downstream of said first mixer and communicating with each of the first mixer and said second solvent supply, a third pump for supplying the solvent from said second solvent supply toward the second stream-combining valve, a second mixer for mixing under stirring said primary mixed liquid material coming out of said second stream-combining valve with a solvent so as to prepare a final mixed liquid material, a nozzle equipped with a liquid spurting port forType: GrantFiled: January 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takahiro Kitano, Katsuya Okumura, Shinichi Ito
-
Patent number: 5942278Abstract: A process for the production of a material for sealing and healing wounds comprises the even application of a suspension to a collagen carrier. An elongated container, into which the suspension is filled, is provided with a base frame (1) and a set of two perforated plates (2,3) as its bottom. The upper plate (3) is movable and is continuously moved back and forth during the process at a right angle to the transport direction of the collagen carrier, which allows the suspension to drip on the collagen carrier which is transported underneath the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Nycomed Arzneimittel GmbHInventors: Olaf Hagedorn, Ulrich Schiele
-
Patent number: 5938845Abstract: An electroless plating apparatus heats a plating bath solution with precise uniformity and avoids localized high temperatures within the bath. The electroless plating apparatus achieves this performance using two solution tanks included an inner tank nested inside an outer tank. A distributed heating element encases a plurality of surfaces of the outer tank, which contains an ethylene glycol solution. The inner tank contains a plating bath solution. A substrate is placed inside the inner tank for plating. Each of the outer tank and the inner tank include a device for evenly distributing the applied heat. In one embodiment, the outer tank heat distributing device is a pump which mixes the ethylene glycol solution. The inner tank heat distributing device is a pump which recirculates plating bath solution, applying returning solution via a sparger.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: AIWA Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jane Ang
-
Patent number: 5935332Abstract: A plant for preparing and feeding a coating composition to a coating head for paper or the like includes a plurality of hoppers, each hopper being intended to receive and deliver one ingredient of the composition. The plant further includes a premixer tank which is fed by the hoppers and mixes and homogenizes the formed composition and a homogenizing tank, fed by the premixer tank, having a high-speed stirrer for shearing the composition. A buffer capacity is directly and continuously fed by the homogenizing tank and connected to the coating head, wherein the buffer capacity preferably has a volume and an attached level detector for determining when the composition in the buffer capacity is below a predetermined level. A set of controllers attached to the level detector control the delivery of components from the plurality of hoppers.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Cellier Groupe S.A.Inventor: Jean-Paul Caucal
-
Patent number: 5863357Abstract: Disclosed is a method for zinc phosphating a molded metal article wherein a treating bath composition comprises from 1.5 to 5.0 g/l of zinc ion, from 0.1 to 3.0 g/l of manganese ion, from 5 to 40 g/l of phosphate ion, from 0.05 to 3.0 g/l of a fluorine compound as HF and hydoxylamine as a chemical conversion accelerator. A concentration of hydroxylamine is maintained to satisfy the following relationship:0.5.ltoreq.?hydroxylamine!(g/l)-2.0.times.?Fe.sup.2+ !(g/l).ltoreq.3.0 The treating bath is agitated by a vibratory agitating means provided in the treating vessel so that a mean acceleration a of a treating solution present within a bath region in which the molded metal article is immersed to be treated under fluid agitation is at least 8 cm/sec.sup.2. The mean acceleration is calculated from the following equation: ##EQU1## wherein values of X, Y and Z, each in unit of cm/sec.sup.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuo Shinomiya, Masashi Takahashi, Satoshi Miyamoto, Tamotsu Sobata
-
Patent number: 5851291Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for mixing and blending liquid chemicals with a gas or air, and more particularly for providing an air and chemical mixture having the consistency of a foam substance for coating the surface of a fabric or other substrate material. The invention provides a mixing apparatus having a plurality of peristaltic type pumps that operate at a system pressure that will permit pulsed mixing of air with chemical substances without using high system pressures to achieve a predetermined mix ratio for a chemical compound. The addition of a premix unit helps to achieve the mixing by providing a two stage mixing process when used along with a blending foamer. A unique air injector of the premix unit aids in the initial injection of air into the chemical substance. The blending foamer has an improved rotor configuration and mounting to also achieve enhanced mixing. The mixing apparatus provides a foam substance of a chemical compound for coating a substrate material in a coating machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Inventors: Robert J. Poterala, Joseph G. Poterala
-
Patent number: 5785761Abstract: A fine particle dispersing apparatus including a cylindrical body, a funnel nozzle provided at the bottom of the cylindrical body, and a valve having a clearance forming member forming a clearance with the inner wall of the funnel nozzle which is larger than the diameter of the fine particles. The funnel nozzle and/or the clearance forming member oscillates, thereby causing the fine particles present within the funnel nozzle to pass through the clearance and discharge from the nose portion of the funnel nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Suzuki, Akihiro Obara, Keiji Kamata
-
Patent number: 5753302Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic dispenser for propelling objects toward a substrate, together with methods of use of the dispenser. The acoustic dispenser uses a source of acoustic vibration and a membrane for the application of acoustic vibration wherein the objects are propelled from the membrane to a substrate. The acoustic dispenser and the methods of the invention can be used with numerous types of objects. In some embodiments, the objects are particles in a dry powder, which can include, for example, a pharmaceutically active ingredient. In other embodiments, the objects are beads, which preferably have an average diameter of about 100 to about 300 microns. Additionally, the acoustic dispenser can be used with more than one type of object, for example, two types of objects such as beads and dry powder.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: David Sarnoff Research Center, Inc.Inventors: Hoi Cheong Steve Sun, Pabitra Datta, William Yat Chung Chiang, Howard Christopher Rivenburg, Bawa Singh, Dominic S. Rosati, James Regis Matey
-
Patent number: 5707636Abstract: Controlled release solid forms, apparatus and method for preparing solid forms for controlled release of an active ingredient.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Saitec S.R.L.Inventors: Lorenzo Rodriguez, Maurizio Cini, Cristina Cavallari, Giuseppe Motta
-
Patent number: 5658385Abstract: Supplying method of powder paints wherein powder paint pellets are manufactured and stored as they are at the manufacture site and, when ordered, they are shipped and transported to the coater, and, at the coater site, they are stocked, and pulverized and classified into a sprayable powder upon powder coating thereby enabling to control the particle size of the powder paint while continuing the powder coating.A powder coating machine therefor pulverizes and classifies powder paint pellets into a sprayable powder at the coater site while continuing powder coating using the pulverized powder paint.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Tsutsui, Samuel A. Rhue
-
Patent number: 5643360Abstract: An apparatus for a process for wet-treating seeds with an acaricidal, fungicidal, insecticidal or nutritive agent which consists of a foam-forming apparatus comprising a first foam-formation chamber equipped with openings which allow a gas and the aqueous composition containing at least one nonphytotoxic foaming agent to be admitted and containing, downstream of these openings, at least one sieve, this first chamber continuing into a second chamber for compressing and structuring the foam, which ends in an outlet nozzle for the foam.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Ciba-Geigy CorporationInventors: Cornelis Willem Rensing, Hubert Sainsard
-
Patent number: 5534064Abstract: Supplying method of powder paints wherein powder paint pellets are manufactured and stored as they are at the manufacture site and, when ordered, they are shipped and transported to the coater, and, at the coater site, they are stocked, and pulverized and classified into a sprayable powder upon powder coating thereby enabling to control the particle size of the powder paint while continuing the powder coating.A powder coating machine therefor pulverizes and classifies powder paint pellets into a sprayable powder at the coater site while continuing powder coating using the pulverized powder paint.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Tsutsui, Samuel A. Rhue
-
Patent number: 5531831Abstract: A static blending device for continuously blending particulate matter for even dispersion onto a substrate, wherein blending can be achieved automatically by gravity flow of the material. The static blending device includes an inlet for receiving particulate matter and an outlet for dispensing particulate matter and a dispersing section provided between the inlet and the outlet that is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment. The first and second compartment are each preferably divided into a manifold cavity and a transfer section by a manifold plate with multiple manifold openings that is positioned on an angle within each compartment.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kenneth W. Sweeney, Harold G. Converse
-
Patent number: 5480487Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing process particularly for a sealing/adhesive product which comprises at least one step of pumping the sealing/adhesive product to allow a step of distribution thereof onto at least one part to be sealed, such as for example a motor vehicle mechanical component; an intermediate step of deaeration of the sealing/adhesive product, so as to optimize its distribution on the part to be sealed, is provided between the pumping step and the distribution step. The apparatus for dispensing the sealing/adhesive product (14) comprises elements (2) for feeding the sealing/adhesive product to elements (4) for distributing it onto at least one part (5) to be sealed and sealing/adhesive product deaeration means (3) which cooperate with the pumping and distribution elements for the uniform deposition of the sealant/adhesive on the part.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1993Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignees: Loctite Corporation, NKE S.r.l.Inventors: Aldo Figini, Renato Beylis
-
Patent number: 5421887Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequentially applying a predetermined amount of adhesive to a series of sheets of insulation having a frame with a conveyor mounted at one end, a magazine adapted to maintain and dispense sheets of insulation, one at a time onto the conveyor, a floating adhesive dispensing hopper is positioned adjacent to the conveyor, and a sheet stopping mechanism located on the other side of the hopper at the opposite end of the frame. In operation, a plurality of sheets of insulation are loaded into the magazine, dispensed onto the conveyor one at a time, then driven by the conveyer under the floating adhesive dispensing hopper which applies adhesive to the entire width of the sheet of insulation as the sheet passes under the hopper. The stopping mechanism beyond the hopper stops the movement of the sheet of insulation by deactivating the conveyor until the sheet with the adhesive applied thereon is removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Inventor: Karl Guddal
-
Patent number: 5407483Abstract: An improved method for impregnating a tubular lining material with a hardenable liquid resin employed in a pipe repair operation by lining the pipe internally with the lining material; the method comprises (a) supplying about the same amounts of the same hardenable liquid resin to two mixing baths, (b) mixing the hardenable liquid resin with an agent to retard hardening and another agent selected from catalyst to facilitate hardening and hardener in one of the mixing baths, and, at the same time, mixing the hardenable liquid resin with a hardening accelerator in another one of the mixing baths, (c) supplying predetermined amounts of these mixtures to a static mixer from the respective mixing baths, (d) mixing these mixtures together in the static mixer to obtain a final mixture of hardenable resin, (e) supplying the final mixture to the tubular lining material, and (f) impregnating the tubular lining material with the final mixture.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1994Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignees: Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Minoru KamiyamaInventor: Yasuhiro Yokoshima
-
Patent number: 5401899Abstract: A low contaminant level is maintained in a high flow rate paper machine coating fluid circulation system by shunting a significant minority portion of the total flow through a full flow, atmospherically open, self-cleaning screen having a fine mesh screen cloth. Accept flow from the open screen is directed to the flow inlet of an entrained air purging apparatus for dispersing consolidated particulates of excessive size. Flow from the particulate disbursing apparatus is thereafter pumped through an enclosed pressure screen of moderate screen mesh.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Westvaco CorporationInventors: Wayne S. Bryant, James J. Masella, III
-
Patent number: 5316579Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating fine mists of liquids using a rotating turbine blade disposed within an enclosure. A mixture of a liquid and a carrier gas are flowed into the enclosure such that it immediately impacts on the rotating turbine blade disposed near a lower end of the enclosure, and the resulting mist is withdrawn under vacuum near an upper end of the enclosure. A method and apparatus are also disclosed for chemical vapor deposition of thin films of complex chemical compounds using the discussed mists.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Symetrix CorporationInventors: Larry D. McMillan, Carlos A. Paz de Araujo, Tom L. Roberts
-
Patent number: 5310582Abstract: An apparatus and method for uniformly coating a fiber or tow of fibers (10) with a powder at relatively high speed to produce a prepreg. The apparatus uses an elongated chamber (401) in a container (400) for confining the fiber which is coated by an aerosol of powder dispensed from a powder dispensing apparatus (500) in counter-current mode. A fiber tensioning apparatus (300) for the fiber maintains the proper tensioning of the fibers spread by a speaker (201) below the fibers on roller bars (203) so that the uniformly spread fibers are fed to the chamber (401). A heater apparatus (600) fuses the powder to the fiber and then is taken up on a spool (700).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State UniversityInventors: Murty N. Vyakarnam, Lawrence T. Drzal
-
Patent number: 5275662Abstract: A flooring material applicator having a frame and wheels rendering it moveable about a floor, a mixer chamber and agitator to mix flooring material, a first component receptacle movably mounted adjacent the mixer chamber and moveable between a first loading position, and a second dumping position, a second component receptacle movably mounted adjacent the mixer chamber, and moveable between a first loading position and a second dumping position, a distribution opening in the mixer chamber, and a door movably operable to open and close the same, a distribution chamber adjacent the door, to receive flooring material therefrom, a motor for operating the agitator, the first component receptacle, the second component receptacle, and the door, and controls for guiding the applicator about a floor, so as to spread the flooring material on a floor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1991Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Inventors: Diethard Wendler, Corrado Monaco
-
Patent number: 5239346Abstract: An agitator for agitating particles such as toner particles in an electrophotographic printer includes a stirring member having an elongated longitudinal member. Vanes are attached to the longitudinal member and form a gap therebetween. When the longitudinal member is caused to move within a cavity, the vanes act to clear toner particles from an area within the cavity associated with a sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Robert W. Corbin, William E. Detwiler, Teresa A. Kime
-
Patent number: 5229823Abstract: A particulate agitator system located within the confines of a particulate sump enclosure comprises two slotted agitator panels, connected together by spaced bars, mounted on a pivot shaft, with one end partially extending from the enclosure. A pivot arm attached to the extending end has a camming surface on its unattached end adapted to periodically engage a pin extending from the side of an adjacent rotating gear. The arm and panels pivot in a first direction during such engagement, while a spring urges the arm and panels in the opposite direction in the absence of engagement, thereby causing the arm to strike an impact pin. The concurrent pivot action of the panels and vibrations of the enclosure when the impact pin is struck cause particles within the enclosure to remain in a free-flowing condition, thereby facilitating removal of the particles from the enclosure by a screw conveyor located at the bottom thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1992Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Satyan R. Kalyandurg, Robert J. Ronnenberg, John M. Fiske
-
Patent number: 5196066Abstract: A facing material spray apparatus including a first tank for housing a facing material and regulating its concentration, first agitating means for agitating the facing material in the first tank, a second tank, for receiving the facing material from the first tank, provided in the vicinity of the first tank with its bottom positioned below the bottom of the first tank, second agitating means for agitating the facing material in the second tank, a connecting pipe for connecting the first and second tanks to each other and causing the facing material in the first tank to naturally flow into the second tank, a valve attached to the connecting pipe for opening and closing a facing material supply passage, a facing pump removably attached to the second tank for sucking the facing material in the second tank, a nozzle attached to the facing pump through a hose for spraying the sucked facing material on a mold, and a facing material receiving base provided in the vicinity of the second tank for receiving the facingType: GrantFiled: October 28, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: Kusuda Company LimitedInventors: Motoo Kusuda, Hirokazu Ueda, Hitoshi Masuda
-
Patent number: 5182840Abstract: An epoxy floor roller tool formed by spirally winding a continuous strip of carding cloth having wires protruding outwardly therefrom around a roller core tube. The carding cloth wires are made of a cadmium plated steel which allows the wires to remain rigid even though quite thin and densely packed, whereby when the roller tool is rolled against a wet epoxy material spread over a floor surface, the wires will break even very small, closely spaced air bubbles in the epoxy, allowing the air to be released so that the voids caused by the air bubbles will flow closed without cratering before the epoxy hardens.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1991Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Assignee: The Wooster Brush CompanyInventors: William A. Jacobs, William P. Camp, Jr.