Metal Heating (e.g., Resistance Heating) Patents (Class 219/50)
  • Patent number: 12089770
    Abstract: Proposed is an electric kettle in which a main body is provided with a water level window. The electric kettle of the present disclosure includes the main body configured to receive water or food therein and provided with the water level window through which the level of water contained inside the main body is seen, a lid provided on an open upper side of the main body so as to cover the open upper side of the main body, and a base provided at a lower side of the main body so as to support the main body, wherein a flow path in which a fluid flows is formed in the water level window and has a bottom surface formed to be inclined. According to such a configuration, a fluid remaining inside the water level window decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: June Young Lee, Sang Ki Lee, Min Kyu Si, Dae Yong Kang
  • Patent number: 12060869
    Abstract: A semicircular rotation prevention part for preventing rotation of a piston of a hydraulic unit of an externally-powered hydraulic vehicle brake system. The rotation prevention part is positioned in a congruent widened section at a mouth of a cylinder bore of a hydraulic block of the hydraulic unit and includes axially parallel rotation prevention grooves on its inner circumference, with which shoulders projecting outwards from the piston engage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Weh, Martin Hagspiel, Matthias Mayr, Stefan Kaserer
  • Patent number: 11623194
    Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of synthetic diamonds includes a pressure vessel having a chamber therein, and a body located in the chamber. The pressure vessel and the body are formed of materials having different coefficients of expansion. The coefficient of expansion of the body is greater than the coefficient of expansion of the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is formed from a material having a melting point in excess of 1327° C. and capable of withstanding a pressure of at least 4.4 Gpa at a temperature of at least 1327° C. The chamber is configured to receive the body, and a carbon source, the apparatus further comprising a heating means configured to heat at least the body to a temperature at least of 1327° C. The coefficient of expansion of the body is selected such that upon heating thereof to at least 1327° C. the pressure exerted on the carbon source is at least 4.4 Gpa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Gull Corporation Ltd
    Inventor: Gary Gibson
  • Patent number: 11090757
    Abstract: An electromagnetic pulse welding coil includes a first conductive region and a second conductive region. The second conductive region is assigned to a remainder of the coil and has a low current density. The first conductive region is configured for generating a higher current density than the second conductive region. The first conductive region is detachably connected to the remainder of the coil using a detachable connection. The electromagnetic pulse welding coils is planar in design and is cut out of a metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: PST PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventor: Pablo Pasquale
  • Patent number: 11022254
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating petroleum in a container are disclosed herein. The method includes electrically heating a portion of the container to generate heat sufficient to create convection currents in the petroleum. The method also includes stopping heating after the petroleum cools below a threshold temperature. The systems, methods, and apparatuses mitigate yield stress in petroleum susceptible to gelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Brendon L. Keinath
  • Patent number: 10954575
    Abstract: A device and method for tempering sections of hot-formed and/or press-hardened metal components is disclosed having a support structure and a work head, the work head having at least one contact element consisting of an electrically-conductive material, for heating sections of a metal component using a flow of heat. Electrodes for resistively heating the contact element are connected thereto, and to a current source. A hot-formed and/or press-hardened metal component is first provided, and at least one contact element mounted on a work head is heated to a temperature greater than a target temperature to which a section of the metal component is to be heated. A contact surface of said contact element then comes into full-surface contact with the metal component section to be heated, with a predetermined pressing force, such that the metal component is heated to a target temperature in at least some sections by a flow of heat. The contact element is thus heated using resistive heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Konrad, Max Sander, Dieter Wulfes, Dimitri Schneider, Simon Werneke, Stefan Horn
  • Patent number: 10948234
    Abstract: In a system and method for heating one or more materials, a system may comprise a constant current power supply and a furnace having a chamber for receiving the one or more materials. The furnace may comprise an insulating outer section a chamber wall, and two electrodes. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Vasily Jorjadze, David Gelenidze
  • Patent number: 10714914
    Abstract: A stripping apparatus and a stripping station capable of reducing cycle time for steps of stripping an insulation coating from a conducting wire material are provided. A stripping apparatus configured to strip an insulation coating WL from a conducting wire material W, including the insulation coating WL and cross-section of which orthogonal to a longitudinal direction has a rectangular shape, the stripping apparatus includes: an upper mold 150 provided with a stripping blade configured to strip the insulation coating WL; a lower mold 110 configured to support the conducting wire material W from a lower side thereof; a pressing member 130 configured to prevent displacement of the conducting wire material W; and a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the conducting wire material W around a rotational axis C1 that is parallel to a axial center of the conducting wire material W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuzo Sakamoto, Kenichi Omagari, Kenichi Ono
  • Patent number: 10627163
    Abstract: In a system and method for heating one or more materials, a system may comprise a constant current power supply and a furnace having a chamber for receiving the one or more materials. The furnace may comprise an insulating outer section, a chamber wall, and two electrodes. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventors: Vasily Jorjadze, David Gelenidze
  • Patent number: 10300560
    Abstract: A method for producing a preliminary material for a cutting tool and such a preliminary member, for example a preliminary material for a saw blade, a saw band, a cutting line, a punching knife, or a blade, wherein at least one first particulate cutting-edge material is applied to a planar carrier, the first particulate cutting-edge material is welded to the planar carrier, and the planar carrier is separated substantially along the weld joint thus produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Voestalpine Precision Strip GmbH
    Inventors: Leander Ahorner, Gerhard Mayrhofer, Markus Neswadba
  • Patent number: 10076806
    Abstract: Laser nozzle usable for laser cutting, especially with a fiber or disk laser, comprising: a nozzle body comprising an axial housing passing axially through the nozzle body and comprising a first output orifice located in the front side of the nozzle body; a movable element able to move in translation in the axial housing in the direction of the first output orifice under the effect of a gas pressure acting on the movable element; and an elastic element arranged in the axial housing, between the nozzle body and the movable element, the elastic element exercising an elastic return force on the movable element tending to oppose the translation movement in the axial housing in the direction of the first output orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Isabelle Debecker, Thomas Jouanneau, Philippe Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 9850577
    Abstract: A metal plating apparatus for plating metal with zinc is provided with a rotating device and a plurality of stirring devices. The rotating device has a driving assembly and a rotating assembly. The driving assembly has a driving gear. The rotating assembly is connected with and controlled by the driving assembly. The rotating assembly has a sustaining pillar. A rotating seat is mounted on the sustaining pillar and engaged with the driving gear. The stirring devices is mounted on the rotating seat radially and spaced from each other. The metal plating apparatus improves productivity through an automatic process which shifts locations of the stirring devices by the rotating device and plates metal with a cooperation of peripheral supporting apparatus, and improves working efficiency through decreasing occupied space and the number of operating personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TFD TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Chieh Huang
  • Patent number: 9623475
    Abstract: A method of producing a spring which reduces time required for a heat treatment step of eliminating a machining strain generated by a forming step is provided. This production method is provided with a forming step (S10) of forming a spring steel material into a spring shape and a heat treatment step (S12) of eliminating a machining strain generated in the spring steel material by the forming step. The heat treatment step is executed by electrically heating the spring steel material by applying a current thereto. The heat treatment step has a first step of heating the spring steel material to a predetermined set temperature and a second step of keeping the spring steel material at the set temperature for a predetermined set time period subsequent to the first step. The set temperature is set to be higher than 430° C. but not higher than 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Hirata, Hidekazu Suzuki, Hiroyuki Ogiso
  • Patent number: 9523136
    Abstract: A furnace system includes a pre-heating device disposed on a conveyer device, a heating member disposed in the pre-heating device for pre-heating the work piece, a furnace facility located behind the pre-heating device and having a heating zone, a carburizing zone for carburizing the work piece, a diffusing zone and a temperature decreasing zone for lowering the temperature of the work piece, and a cooling zone for lowering the work piece to a room temperature, the furnace facility includes a front door and a rear door and one or more intermediate doors for confining the work piece within the furnace facility, and a heating element is disposed in the furnace facility for pre-heating the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: King Yuan Dar Metal Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Lung Tseng
  • Patent number: 9040875
    Abstract: A thermal pixel array stimulating device is disclosed providing flexibility between the different pixels of the array to enable wrapping of the device over a curved surface of the human body by connecting the pixel substrates by flexible material or linkages. The distance between the pixels may further optionally be adjustable. A controller may control the temperature pattern generated by the array. The controller may be programmable to provide a temperature pattern. Individual pixels may be provided with sensors to measure stimulus, with the outputs from such sensors being directed to data recordal and display devices. Stimulation modes provided may include at least one of vibratory stimulation, actuation stimulation, thermal stimulation or a combination of two or more of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Prakash C R J Naidu, Milos R Popovic, Kshirsagar C J Naidu
  • Patent number: 9024225
    Abstract: A clad welding method, which can prevent the occurrence of incomplete fusion, and can cover the surface of a base material over a wide range with a weld metal, while suppressing the dilution of the weld metal, by use of a relatively simple technique, is provided. For this purpose, a welding heat input is increased at a location where one end (10a) of a preceding weld bead (10) and the other end (20b) of a succeeding weld bead (20) overlap, as compared with a welding heat input at a location where the preceding weld bead (10) and the succeeding weld bead (20) do not overlap, to produce a deep penetration portion (12a) involving locally deep penetration (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kamo, Satoru Zenitani, Hirokazu Kadowaki, Naoki Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9000321
    Abstract: A thermal cutter for cutting with heat a board mounted upon a table having an internal space includes a plurality of walls and a sound absorbent material. The walls are disposed in the internal space of the table to partition a plurality of exhaust chambers with each of the exhaust chambers having an aperture that opens towards a side on which the board is mounted. The sound absorbent material is provided to at least a portion of at least one of the walls, the sound absorbent material being removably coupled to the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Satoshi Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 8957343
    Abstract: Provided is an electrode support structure in which local heating can be prevented from occurring in a workpiece during the electric heating. The electrode support structure is usable for applying a load to the electrodes used for the electric heating of a metal plate, and comprises at least two members, i.e., a first member to which the electrodes are fixed and a second member which receives the load from the first member or connects the first member to a load means. The support structure in which the two members are joined to each other through an elastic member can uniformly apply the load to the electrodes for electric heating so that the electrodes can uniformly contact with the workpiece, whereby the workpiece can be uniformly heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Takaoka Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Ishiguro, Masaki Furuhashi
  • Publication number: 20150028024
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a torch power system using a multi-stage compressor. In one embodiment, a system includes a torch power unit that includes a compressor having multiple compression stages. A method of operation is provided that includes compressing a gas via a multi-stage compressor in a torch power unit. A method of manufacturing a torch power unit is provided that includes providing a multi-stage compressor for a torch power unit and mounting the multi-stage compressor inside an enclosure of the torch power unit. Another system is provided that includes a plasma cutting circuit, a multi-stage compressor, a motor coupled to the compressor, and a compressor controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Troy A. Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 8932063
    Abstract: One embodiment of a Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) laser ablation simulator includes a frame, a mock hypotube, a mock laser fiber, a mock camera assembly, a laser fiber position tracker and a camera position tracker. The mock hypotube is supported by the frame, has a longitudinal axis, is received within the hypotube and is configured to move along the longitudinal axis and rotate about a laser fiber central axis relative to the hypotube. The mock camera assembly is attached to the hypotube and is configured to rotate about a camera central axis relative to the hypotube. The laser fiber position tracker is configured to output laser fiber position information that is indicative of a position of the mock laser fiber relative to the hypotube. The camera position tracker is configured camera position information that is indicative of a position of the mock camera assembly relative to the hypotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Taylor, Jesse R. Haakenson
  • Publication number: 20140361006
    Abstract: A device for solid state joining of light metals like aluminum is described. The device utilizes the principle of continuous extrusion to add a string of filler metal into a groove separating the components to be joined, and shear deformation for surface oxide removal in the groove. The device comprises a rotating drive spindle (13) terminated in a drive spindle head (14). A groove with the shape of a circular arc constituting an extrusion chamber (16) is machined in the outer surface (15) of the drive spindle head (14), the extrusion chamber (16) being limited radially outwards by a stationary annular metal shoe (17) surrounding the drive spindle head (14), the extrusion chamber (16) being terminated by an integrated (fixed) or replaceable abutment member (18) for diverting aluminum from its circular movement in the extrusion chamber (16) through a die orifice (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ulf Roar Aakenes, Öystein Grong, Tor Austigard
  • Publication number: 20140339210
    Abstract: A direct resistance heating apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and a moving mechanism configured to move at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. A direct resistance heating method includes steps of providing a workpiece having a heating target region, a resistance of which per unit length in one direction thereof varying along the one direction, placing a first electrode and a second electrode on the heating target region, and moving at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode such that a time during which the electric current is applied to each part of the heating target region is adjusted in accordance with a change of the resistance per unit length, thereby heating the workpiece such that the each part of the heating target region is heated to a temperature within a target temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kunihiro Kobayashi, Hironori Ooyama, Tokio Sekigawa
  • Patent number: 8890020
    Abstract: A heater tube is provided for use in a method of producing a diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) tipped cutting tool by sintering a mass of crystalline particles to a metal carbide. The heater tube has a cylindrical shape and is comprised of a plurality of windings of an expanded graphite foil which are compressed together. In the method, a heater tube assembly is formed which comprises the metal carbide substrate positioned within the heater tube and a mass of diamond or CBN particles positioned within the heater tube adjacent the substrate. The method includes simultaneously applying sufficient levels of pressure to the heater tube assembly and sufficient levels of electrical current to the heater tube assembly for a sufficient amount of time to cause sintering of the crystalline particles and bonding to the substrate to form a diamond or CBN tipped cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Leland M. Reineke
  • Patent number: 8872055
    Abstract: A track rail heating assembly that is adapted to position a heater element in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section. The assembly further incorporates a flexible barrier that at least partially isolates a side surface of the track rail from ambient conditions to reduce heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fastrax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Reichle
  • Patent number: 8796578
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and structure are provided for implementing selective rework for chip stacks. A backside metal layer to create resistive heating is added to a chip backside in a chip stack. A rework tool applies a predefined current to the backside metal layer to reflow solder connections and enables separating selected chips in the chip stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald K. Bartley, Darryl J. Becker, Philip R. Germann, Andrew B. Maki
  • Patent number: 8772674
    Abstract: When applying a current to a plated steel plate, plating often biases. In the present invention, when applying a current, the current is applied with a flux guiding member arranged in proximity to a side surface of the plated steel plate. The direction of the magnetic flux at the side surface of the plated steel plate is corrected, and the bias of the plating is efficiently suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouji Shimotsu
  • Patent number: 8722238
    Abstract: A direct welding process for joining a current collector to a terminal pin in the construction of electrochemical cells is described. The resistance welding process utilizes increased current combined with an applied force to bond dissimilar metals with a melting temperature differential of preferably more than 500° C. Preferably, the method is used to bond the terminal pin to the cathode current collector. This method of attachment is suitable for either primary or secondary cells, particularly those powering implantable biomedical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiangyang Dai
  • Patent number: 8713801
    Abstract: A blade cartridge for a shaving razor contains a series of parallel blades, and at least two wire conductors of an electric circuit connected to the blades at spaced intervals to provide an electric current flow through the blades in a manner that provides more efficient heat distribution across the length of the blades. The ends of the blades may be held in place by staples that are insulated from the electric circuit. A thin conductive film may be fitted to be in contact with the ends of the blades to insure conductivity throughout the entire length of each blade. A radiator effect of the heated blades causes the blades to become warmer when the blades are placed against the skin surface and air is unable to circulate between the blades. The blades become less hot when removed from the skin and air circulates between the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: L.P.I. Consumer Products, Inc., Display Matrix Corporation
    Inventors: William Bohmer, Louis D. Tomassetti
  • Patent number: 8681923
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a core shroud for a nuclear plant and a nuclear power plant structure in which a groove portion is easily assembled in the case of manufacturing the core shroud having a weld structure of a nuclear power plant by a laser welding, and it is possible to obtain a weld joint portion in which a plastic distortion region and a residual stress are as small as possible, going with a solidification shrinkage of the weld portion. At a time of welding butted portions of a plurality of members constructing a core shroud, a root face is provided in the butted portion, a length of the root face is set to 25% to 95% of a thickness of the thinner one of the butted portions of a plurality of members, a narrow groove is provided in the other than the root face, and the butted portions are welded by a laser welding using a weld wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Ashida, Xudong Zhang, Shoh Tarasawa, Masaya Okada, Yusuke Anma
  • Patent number: 8653399
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method are provided for a manufacturing process including heating of a processed part. A resistance heating assembly applies an electrical current to a work part comprising a sheet of high-tensile steel having a heat-resistant plating to improve formability. A heating control system regulates the electrical current to the work part in order to control the temperature of the work part. A temperature detector detects a temperature of the work part and generates feedback to the heating control system in order to regulate the electrical current. An electrical resistance detector measures an electrical resistance within the work part and generates feedback to the heating control system in order to regulate the electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Alan Seid, Masayuki Narita
  • Publication number: 20140008345
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for repairing a broken line of an array substrate. The apparatus includes a repair unit and a heating unit. The repair unit forms a repair line on a broken-line defect of a wire on the array substrate. The heating unit heats the repair line, so that the molecules constituting the repair line are arranged in sequence according a predetermined rule. The present invention can achieve the repair for a longer broken-line defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen da Cheng
  • Patent number: 8610022
    Abstract: Methods of using the device for conducting business transactions are also included. An impedance spectroscopy system for monitoring ischemic mucosal damage in hollow viscous organs comprises a sensor catheter and an impedance spectrometer for electrically driving the catheter to obtain a complex tissue impedance spectrum. Once the catheter is in place in one of a patient's hollow viscous organs, the impedance spectrometer obtains the complex impedance spectrum by causing two electrodes in the tip of the catheter to inject a current into the mucosal tissue at different frequencies, while two other electrodes measure the resulting voltages. A pattern recognition system is then used to analyze the complex impedance spectrum and to quantify the severity of the mucosal injury. Alternatively, the complex impedance spectrum can be appropriately plotted against the spectrum of normal tissue, allowing for a visual comparison by trained personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Emilio Sacristan Rock
  • Publication number: 20130327743
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for metallurgical heat treatment of coil springs, or similarly shaped workpieces and articles of manufacture, by electric resistance heating along the entire length of the workpiece so that the ends of the workpiece can be heat treated to the same degree and quality as the section of the workpiece between its two ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Radyne Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry G. WARNER
  • Publication number: 20130284707
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and removing a component includes: a light source configured to radiate light toward a component supported by solder; a light sensor configured to sense displacement of the component; and a member mounted on the component, the member including a hole in a portion to be irradiated with the light of the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasuyuki KUSAKABE, Tooru Harada
  • Patent number: 8552328
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for fixing up the deterioration of a magneto-resistive effect device. A hard disk system is provided in it with a head heating means for heating a thin-film magnetic head, and by that head heating means, a defective site of the magneto-resistive effect device, which occurs as the hard disk system is in operation and is confined in a quasi-stable state, is fixed up in such a way as to return back to its own normal stable state. Thus, the deteriorated site of the magneto-resistive effect device (reproducing device) in the thin-film magnetic head, which is caused by the so-called thermal asperity as the hard disk system is in operation, is fixed up while it remains built in the hard disk system, i.e., without dismantling the hard disk system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Yanagisawa, Yosuke Antoku, Yoshikazu Sawada
  • Publication number: 20130233832
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and structure are provided for implementing selective rework for chip stacks. A backside metal layer to create resistive heating is added to a chip backside in a chip stack. A rework tool applies a predefined current to the backside metal layer to reflow solder connections and enables separating selected chips in the chip stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald K. Bartley, Darryl J. Becker, Philip R. Germann, Andrew B. Maki
  • Patent number: 8522710
    Abstract: Shaped metal deposition apparatus comprises a mounting head for mounting a shaped metal deposition device, an inert gas shield for providing an inert atmosphere around shaped metal deposited in use by the shaped metal deposition device, and a rotatable coupling between the mounting head and the inert gas shield to permit relative rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey C Bishop
  • Patent number: 8519304
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and structure are provided for implementing selective rework for chip stacks. A backside metal layer to create resistive heating is added to a chip backside in a chip stack. A rework tool applies a predefined current to the backside metal layer to reflow solder connections and enables separating selected chips in the chip stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki
  • Publication number: 20130213940
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for an on-chip alkali dispenser. The on-chip alkali dispenser includes a monolithic semiconductor substrate defining a trench therein, and an evaporable metal material disposed in the trench. A heating element is disposed proximate the evaporable metal material and configured to provide heat to the evaporable metal material. A getter material is disposed to sorb unwanted materials released from the evaporable metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
  • Patent number: 8512043
    Abstract: The system allows training and qualification of a user performing a skill-related training exercise involving body motion in a workspace. A training environment is selected through a computer apparatus, and variables, parameters and controls of the training environment and the training exercise are adjusted. Use of an input device by the user is monitored. The 3D angles and spatial coordinates of reference points related to the input device are monitored through a detection device. A simulated 3D dynamic environment reflecting effects caused by actions performed by the user on objects is computed in real time as a function of the training environment selected. Images of the simulated 3D dynamic environment in real time are generated on a display device viewable by the user as a function of a computed organ of vision-object relation. Data indicative of the actions performed by the user and the effects of the actions are recorded and user qualification is set as a function of the recorded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: 123 Certification, Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Choquet
  • Patent number: 8455784
    Abstract: A method of welding two or more workpieces employing a motion-controlled electrode that reduces temperature and residual stresses at a workpiece-to-electrode interface is disclosed. During a first period of time, a first electrode force is applied to the workpieces to be welded, and a weld current is applied that causes heating of an associated workpiece-to-workpiece faying surface, the first electrode force being applied at a first electrode stroke. A temperature of the faying surface indicative of a weld nugget formation thereat is determined, and in response thereto the electrode force is reduced to a second level during a second period of time while maintaining a constant electrode stroke. During a third period of time, the electrode force is further reduced to a third level while simultaneously reducing the electrode stroke to a second level. Welding is stopped after the third period of time, resulting in a weld joint having reduced residual stresses and reduced likelihood of stress crack formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, John D. Fickes, Xiaohong Q. Gayden, Wuhua Yang
  • Publication number: 20130092675
    Abstract: A method for heating an entire spring, including regions adjacent to electrodes attached thereto, in a single electrical heating process includes (i) causing at least a pair of electrodes to make contact with the spring, and then (ii) electrically heating the spring by applying a voltage across the pair of electrodes. Each of the electrodes includes a first part having a first electric resistance value and a second part having a second electric resistance value that is higher than the first electric resistance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Hirata, Hiroyuki Ogiso, Atsushi Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 8309874
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid. An inlet conduit coupled to a plurality of distribution nozzles in fluid communication with a channel at the periphery of the apparatus. An insert and a sleeve cooperatively define a thin gap, in fluid communication with the channel, through which the fluid flows. Thermal inserts near the thin gap generate heat flux into or out of the fluid, which exits through an outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Hou, Son T. Nguyen, Kenric Choi, Anh N. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8309888
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a printed circuit board, a semiconductor device mounted on the printed circuit board by a plurality of solder bumps, a heater that heats the printed circuit, a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the semiconductor device and the heater, and a controller that controls the power supply unit to supply electric power to the heater when the electric power is not supplied to the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi So, Hideo Kubo
  • Patent number: 8309878
    Abstract: A universal power supply for use in a plasma arc system is disclosed. The power supply can include a plurality of power modules for providing a DC output from an AC input. Each of the power modules can include a rectifier, a converter, an inverter, an isolation transformer and an output rectifier. The power modules can include a power module controller configured to control at least one of the rectifier, the converter, or the inverter such that a DC output can be obtained from a wide variety of AC inputs. The power modules can be connected in parallel to provide a wide range of DC output currents for the power supply. The universal power supply can include a master controller coupled to each of the individual power module controllers to regulate the DC output current of the power supply by controlling the individual power module controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jackie Winn
  • Publication number: 20120279944
    Abstract: Provided is an annealing apparatus, which is free from a problem of reduced light energy efficiency resulted by the reduction of light emission amount due to a heat generation and capable of maintaining stable performance. The apparatus includes: a processing chamber 1 for accommodating a wafer W; heating sources 17a and 17b including LEDs 33 and facing the surface of the wafer W to irradiate light on the wafer W; light-transmitting members 18a and 18b arranged in alignment with the heating sources 17a and 17b to transmit the light emitted from the LEDs 33; cooling members 4a and 4b supporting the light-transmitting members 18a and 18b at opposite side to the processing chamber 1 to make direct contact with the heating sources 17a and 17b and made of a material of high thermal conductivity; and a cooling mechanism for cooling the cooling members 4a and 4b with a coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Shigeru KASAI, Hiroyuki MIYASHITA, Masatake YONEDA, Tomohiro SUZUKI, Sumi TANAKA, Masamichi NOMURA, Miwa SHIMIZU
  • Patent number: 8293172
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material includes the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element and operating the diffusion element for a first period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a first duty cycle having a first on time and a first off time. Still further, the method includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a final period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the final period of time at a final duty cycle having a final on time and a final off time. The first duty cycle is less than about 100% such that the first off time is greater than about 0 seconds and the final duty cycle is about 100% such that the final off time is about 0 seconds and wherein the final period of time begins after the first period of time has finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Gasper
  • Patent number: 8294058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for electrical resistance heating (1), said device being used to heat a metallic mass (3), such as horse shoes and the like, at a sufficiently high temperature for forging, and over a sufficiently short period of time to be able to meet the requirements of the job. As a substitute for gas, the inventive device offers the user a significant economical advantage, a higher level of safety, and improved working conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Jean Oussalem
  • Publication number: 20120261386
    Abstract: A track rail heating assembly that is adapted to position a heater element in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section. The assembly further incorporates a flexible barrier that at least partially isolates a side surface of the track rail from ambient conditions to reduce heat loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: FASTRAX INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Reichle
  • Publication number: 20120223056
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing intravascular stents wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. In particular, the inner surface of the intravascular stent has at least one groove formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Advanced Bio Prosthetic Surfaces, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Palmaz Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. BANAS, Julio C. PALMAZ, Eugene A. SPRAGUE