Pretreatment, Per Se, Or Post-treatment, Per Se (without Claimed Coating) Patents (Class 427/444)
  • Patent number: 5822842
    Abstract: In a mask (7) for covering the outer marginal area of a disk-shaped substrate surface during a coating process, for example a vacuum sputtering or vapor depositing process, the mask (7) is made of an elastic material in the form of a planar plate with an essentially circular opening. To center and lock it onto the substrate (1) an inwardly extending annular flange is provided which assumes the actual masking function and extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate. The substrate (1) is laid on this flange and retained by projections extending radially inward. Prior to positioning the substrate it is bowed axially to spread apart the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Leybold Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jaroslav Zejda
  • Patent number: 5792517
    Abstract: A process for treating outer-inner surfaces of a porous non-conductor, comprising steps of:placing said porous non-conductor between a pair of electrodes which are located opposite to each other and carry a dielectric layer on a surface facing the other electrode, respectively, so that said porous non-conductor is brought into contact with both dielectric layers without coming into contact with said electrodes; and then,applying an alternating current voltage having a frequency of about 0.1 KHz to about 100 KHz between said electrodes to thereby induce an electric discharge in voids contained in said porous non-conductor and sandwiched between a pair of said electrodes is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Japan Vilene Company
    Inventors: Yasushi Takeuchi, Masaaki Kawabe, Hiroaki Yamazaki, Kazuya Sato
  • Patent number: 5792515
    Abstract: It is well known that coating speeds are limited due to the onset of air entrainment. These limiting coating speeds have been found to be highest on solid surfaces of intermediate wettability with respect to water, and in particular, on surfaces having high dispersion and low polar surface free energies as determined by contact angle analysis. Described herein is a method of controlling the solid surface free energies, and hence maximum coating speeds, by using suitably chosen surfactants in subbing layers and pre-coated packs of the material being coated. Aromatic hydrocarbon ionic surfactants, such as Alkanol XC, aryl-ended sulphosuccinates and aryl-ended tricarballylates, are particularly beneficial in this respect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Terence Desmond Blake, Stephen David Morley
  • Patent number: 5786036
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for blowing off surplus coating material in the continuous coating of a metal band, in particular in the zinc coating of steel bands, with a pair of blow-off nozzles, between whose nozzle bodies 2, which are chargeable with a blow-off medium, in particular compressed air, the metal band 1 is guided at a distance from the nozzle orifices 3 extending transversally to the running direction of the band. To improve the axial arrangement of the metal band between the nozzle bodies 2 it is provided that at least one of the two nozzle bodies 2 which are adjustable relative to the metal band carries an optical measuring device 4a, 4b which is movable parallel to the nozzle orifice 3 covering at least the zone of an edge K of the metal band 1 and that the opposing nozzle body is provided with a reflector 11 towards which the optical axis of the measuring device 4a, 4b is directed in its position outside of the metal band edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Heinrich Pannenbecker, Ronald Jabs
  • Patent number: 5785876
    Abstract: A layer construction with an organic layer and a transparent cover layer which covers the organic layer and which is harder than the organic layer, and a process for producing such a layer construction in which the cover layer is deposited on the surface of the organic layer from a precursor material present in the gas phase. In order to improve the optical quality of the layer construction, the cover layer, at least in a transition region between the organic layer and the cover layer, is deposited with an index of refraction which differs by a maximum of 20%, in particular by a maximum of 10%, from the index of refraction of the underlying organic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Fuesser, Karl Holdik, Klaus Rohwer, Martin Hartweg
  • Patent number: 5780122
    Abstract: A solution which is stored in a treatment bath is stirred by vibration stirring means provided in the treatment bath in a range of receiving a metal molded article or around a substantially horizontal surface of the metal molded article so that mean acceleration a expressed in the following equation is at least 8 cm/sec.sup.2 : ##EQU1## where X, Y and Z, which are in units of cm/sec.sup.2, represent average acceleration values of flow rate changes within 60 seconds, measured simultaneously in three axial directions of X, Y and Z which are perpendicular to each other at a measuring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichiro Shirahata, Mitsuo Shinomiya, Satoshi Miyamoto, Tamotsu Sobata
  • Patent number: 5766825
    Abstract: A method of forming a surface laminated circuit printed circuit board (SLC) where a photosensitive thermosetting resin in solution is applied atop a circuitized substrate. The method starts with the step of concentrating and solidifying the photosensitive thermosetting resin to build up a hardness therein high enough to withstand abrasion. This is done by first dissolving the photosensitive thermosetting resin in a solvent and then applying the solution to a substantially uneven surface. This is followed by evaporating solvent at a temperature below the curing temperature of the photosensitive thermosetting resin. Next, the surface of said resin layer is abraded to form a substantially even surface, and the resin layer is cured by heating the resin high enough to cross link and polymerize the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Masaharu Shirai, Shuhichi Okabe, Yoshiteru Kohno
  • Patent number: 5763019
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium, the position and operating condition and the like of an orienting device are determined so that a solvent weight ratio X satisfies 0.7.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.1.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Miura, Masayasu Sato
  • Patent number: 5759633
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for improving the uniformity of a liquid curtain which includes the specification of, prior to the coating of the composition under the coating conditions, forming a curtain with flow rate and viscosity conditions (1, 2) which are such that the rear face of the lip is wet over a height greater than the height over which the composition would naturally wet the rear face under the coating conditions. Then, maintaining these flow rate and viscosity conditions over a given period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Baumlin, Jeanne Danielle Mauricette Jacquinot
  • Patent number: 5756157
    Abstract: The invention provides a hot plate oven and a method suitable to bake materials on substrates such as flat panel displays and large semiconductor wafers such as 300 mm in diameter and above. The hot plate oven in one embodiment includes an insulated chamber, a heater in the chamber, a door for entry of a substrate, a frame, preferably water cooled, for suspending the substrate above the heater, a substrate lowering mechanism to hold the frame and lower the substrate to a certain height above the heater, and a set of manifolds and valves to feed and exhaust gases, vapors, and apply a vacuum to the chamber. In another feature, the oven assembly includes a stack of low profile ovens, each having a door on the side for entry of a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Group
    Inventors: Chak D. Kannan, Adam Jerome Weber
  • Patent number: 5753309
    Abstract: A composition for reducing a copper oxide layer to metallic copper so as to facilitate bonding a resin to the metallic copper is disclosed. The composition is an aqueous reducing solution containing a cyclic borane compound. Examples of such cyclic borane compounds include those having nitrogen or sulfur as a ring-forming members, such as morpholine borane, piperidine borane, pyridine borane, piperazine borane, 2,6-Iutidine borane, 4-methylmorpholine borane, and 1,4-oxathiane borane, and also N,N-diethylaniline borane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Surface Tek Specialty Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fakler, Michael Rush, Scott Campbell
  • Patent number: 5738915
    Abstract: Rapid curing of polymer layers on semiconductor substrates is facilitated using variable frequency microwave energy. A semiconductor substrate having a polymer layer thereon is placed in a microwave furnace cavity, and then swept with a range of microwave frequencies. The range of frequencies includes a central frequency selected to rapidly heat the polymer layer. The range of frequencies is selected to generate a plurality of modes within the cavity. The sweep rate is selected so as to avoid damage to the semiconductor substrate and/or any components thereon. The microwave power may be adjusted during frequency sweeping to control the temperature of the polymer layer and the semiconductor substrate. Effluent produced during the curing of the polymer layer may be removed from the furnace cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Lambda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Denise A. Tucker, Richard S. Garard, Jianghua Wei
  • Patent number: 5739268
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing the surface of a cyanate ester polymer or composite for metal plating. The surface is treated with a preheated solution containing a compound selected from the group consisting of at least one quaternary ammonium hydroxide and at least one primary amine. The method of the invention operates to improve adhesion between the treated surface and a subsequently plated metal, such that the resulting cyanate ester polymer or composite may replace certain metallic components in such applications as aircraft, spacecraft, and automobiles given its highly conductive metallic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft
    Inventor: Camille I. Van Ast
  • Patent number: 5736194
    Abstract: A masking apparatus and method is utilized for masking preselected areas of articles which are to be coated. The masking apparatus includes several embodiments which generally include a planer member with expandable member for engaging the article. Quarter turn latches may be utilized to hold and position the masking apparatus. The present invention provides for combining various embodiments to adapt to articles having various configurations using various combinations of the masking apparatus embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Federal-Hoffman, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles LeRoy Bedbury, James Harold Anderson
  • Patent number: 5723170
    Abstract: A method of forming a phosphor layer of a fluorescent screen of a CRT, having a good screen quality by properly managing the dissolution of a water glass and barium acetate occurring in a covering water step and improve the uniformity. A phosphor layer is formed on an inner surface of a panel portion of a glass bulb by a precipitation process and a lacquer intermediate film is formed on the phosphor layer in a state where the phosphor layer is moistened by covering water. An electrolyte remaining in the phosphor layer after the phosphor layer is moistened by the covering water has a conductivity of 6.0.+-.4.0 .mu.s/cm in 200 ml of pure water of 20.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Saori Kawase, Hiroshi Kato, Tsuyoshi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5721014
    Abstract: A composition for reducing a copper oxide layer to metallic copper so as to facilitate bonding a resin to the metallic copper is disclosed. The composition is an aqueous reducing solution containing morpholine borane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Surface Tek Specialty Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fakler, Michael Rush, Scott Campbell
  • Patent number: 5714207
    Abstract: The height of protrusions formed during laser texturing a glass or glass-ceramic substrate is controlled by controlling the quench rate of the protrusions during resolidification. In an embodiment, the quench rate is controlled by heating the substrate during laser texturing. Heating can be initiated prior or subsequent to, or simultaneously with, initial exposure of the substrate surface to a pulsed, focused CO.sub.2 laser beam for texturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Kuo
  • Patent number: 5695659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing a protective coating from a surface of an airfoil which process comprises the steps of providing an airfoil having a protective coating to be removed and critical areas which require protection during a coating removal step and masking these critical areas by applying an ultraviolet curable masking material to the critical areas of the airfoil. The process of the present invention further comprises the steps of curing the UV curable masking material using ultraviolet radiation and stripping the protective coating from unmasked portions of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Howard B. Dickie
  • Patent number: 5693376
    Abstract: Uniform ion implantation and deposition onto cylindrical surfaces is achieved by placing a cylindrical electrode in coaxial and conformal relation to the target surface. For implantation and deposition of an inner bore surface the electrode is placed inside the target. For implantation and deposition on an outer cylindrical surface the electrode is placed around the outside of the target. A plasma is generated between the electrode and the target cylindrical surface. Applying a pulse of high voltage to the target causes ions from the plasma to be driven onto the cylindrical target surface. The plasma contained in the space between the target and the electrode is uniform, resulting in a uniform implantation or deposition of the target surface. Since the plasma is largely contained in the space between the target and the electrode, contamination of the vacuum chamber enclosing the target and electrodes by inadvertent ion deposition is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert P. Fetherston, Muhammad M. Shamim, John R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5686148
    Abstract: A body of a vehicle, that is supported by a carrier or conveyor is rotated about a rotational axis extending in an approximately horizontal direction of the carrier or conveyor. When the body is supported in a normally standing position with its roof at the top of the body and its floor at the bottom thereof, the center of gravity of a rotary member containing the body is set to be at a position underneath the rotational axis in a vertically extending plane containing the rotational axis. The body is locked by a clamping unit so as to prevent rotation when the body is coated in the coating station. In the drying station, the locking by the clamping unit is released and the body is then displaced at a given angle so as to cause rotation on account of inertia on the basis of its own weight. After the drying station, the forcible rotation is shifted to free rotation which in turn is caused to be converged into a rest or normally standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5681613
    Abstract: A method for filtering process gases prior to said process gases being allowed to enter a CVD chamber is provided in order to ensure high purity of the process gases. In one embodiment, the process gases are filtered with a first filter located in a first section of a gas line being isolated by valves at both ends of the gas line section. Further filtering by a second filter occurs in a downstream gas line section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Keith J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5674328
    Abstract: A method of laser shock peening a metallic part by firing a laser on a laser shock peening surface of the part which has been adhesively covered by tape having an ablative medium, preferably, a self adhering tape with an adhesive layer on one side of an ablative layer and a confinement medium without flowing a confinement curtain of fluid over the surface upon which the laser beam is firing. Continuous movement is provided between the part and the laser beam while continuously firing the laser beam, which repeatably pulses between relatively constant periods, on a laser shock peening surface of the part. Using a laser beam with sufficient power to vaporize the ablative medium so that the pulses form laser beam spots on the surface and a region having deep compressive residual stresses imparted by the laser shock peening process extending into the part from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Seetharamaiah Mannava, Robert L. Yeaton, Albert E. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5674329
    Abstract: A method of laser shock peening a metallic part by firing a laser on a laser shock peening surface of the part which has been adhesively covered by tape having an ablative medium, preferably a self adhering tape with an adhesive layer on one side of an ablative layer, while flowing a curtain of water over the surface upon which the laser beam is firing. Continuous movement is provided between the part and the laser beam while continuously firing the laser beam, which repeatably pulses between relatively constant periods, on a laser shock peening surface of the part. Using a laser beam with sufficient power to vaporize the ablative medium so that the pulses form laser beam spots on the surface and a region having deep compressive residual stresses imparted by the laser shock peening process extending into the part from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Seetharamaiah Mannava, Angel L. Ortiz, Jr., Robert L. Yeaton, Albert E. McDaniel, Jeffrey D. Losey
  • Patent number: 5672395
    Abstract: A method for treating as as-grown chemical vapor deposited (CVD) starting diamond film having stresses and containing voids, comprises the step of subjecting the diamond film to a temperature of above about 1000.degree. C. and a hydrostatic pressure of above about 3 kilobars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Anthony, William F. Banholzer, Clifford L. Spiro, Steven W. Webb, Bradley E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5658618
    Abstract: A method for reducing the abrasiveness of a coated product web is described, in which the product web is guided with its coated side over a deflection roller (2) and thereafter, in the course of a contact zone over guide rollers and deflection rollers or linear zones in between, is treated with itself, ie. once again with an abrasive surface. The abrasive action can be controlled in a specific manner through the relative speeds of the two surfaces, the tape tension and the length of the contact surface. Abraded particles present on the layer surface are subsequently removed by extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: BASF Magnetics GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schlatter, Ulrich Goltz
  • Patent number: 5656334
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plasma treating apparatus, for generating plasma in a dielectric container and for treating the surface of a substrate with the plasma generated, which includes a hot air heating system for heating the dielectric container by blowing hot air to a central location on the outside surface of the dielectric container.The present invention is further directed to a plasma treating method for generating plasma in a dielectric container and for,treating the surface of a substrate with the plasma generated which includes hot air heating for heating the dielectric container by blowing hot air to the outside surface of the dielectric container to a temperature at which a thin film does not deposit on the inside surface of the dielectric container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Anelva Corporation
    Inventor: Hirushi Doi
  • Patent number: 5654043
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating a workpiece implantation surface by causing ions to impact the workpiece implantation surface. An implantation chamber defines a chamber interior into which one or more workpieces can be inserted. A support positions one or more workpieces within an interior region of the implantation chamber so that implantation surfaces of the workpieces are facing the interior region. A dopant material in the form of a gas is injected into the implantation chamber to cause the gas to occupy a region of the implantation chamber in close proximity to the one or more workpieces. A plasma of implantation material is created within the interior region of the implantation chamber. First and second conductive electrodes positioned within the implantation chamber include conductive surfaces in proximity to the chamber interior occupied by the one or more workpieces. A voltage source outside the chamber relatively biases the first and second conductive electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jiqun Shao, A. Stuart Denholm
  • Patent number: 5648122
    Abstract: A method of preparing the surface of a conductive metal to be non-smooth and non-passivated for reception of thermal sprayed coatings. The method comprises melting and rapidly solidifying globules of the surface by electrical discharge by bring an electrode (anode) in close gap-sparking proximity to the surface, filling the gap with an electrolyte containing a halogenated hydrocarbon fluid present in an amount of 2-5% of the electrolyte, and imposing a pulsed DC voltage (i.e. 20-100 volts at 40-200 amps) on the electrode to provide cyclical sparking between the electrode and the surface through the electrolyte resulting in a breakdown of the hydrocarbon to release nascent halogen atoms which attack the surface to prevent passivation during melting and solidification of the globules. The electrolyte is preferably cooled to a temperature below 65.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: V. Durga Nageswar Rao, Robert Alan Rose, Robert S. Parsons, David Alan Yeager
  • Patent number: 5633048
    Abstract: A hand-held dispenser consisting of a dispensing tip to which a strip is fed from a container or a paying-out reel. A strip of flexible material may be laid under one lip of a linear or peripheral seal, and the lip may be held in a raised position when treating or spraying paint onto the area adjacent to and covered by the seal. The dispenser is particularly suitable for use by coachbuilders and vehicle repair shops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Pierre Bodin
  • Patent number: 5628920
    Abstract: An organic layer for subsequent coating with a cover layer which is harder than the organic layer, and a process for surface treatment of the organic layer. In order to improve the quality of a subsequently applied cover layer, growth nuclei for the cover layer, which exhibit sp.sup.2 and/or sp.sup.3 bonding orbital hybridization, are arranged and/or exposed on the free surface of the organic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Fuesser, Karl Holdik, Klaus Rohwer, Martin Hartweg
  • Patent number: 5626922
    Abstract: A method for forming a film by a plasma CVD process in which a high density plasma is generated in the presence of a magnetic field is described, characterized by that the electric power for generating the plasma has a pulsed waveform. The electric power typically is supplied by microwave, and the pulsed wave may be a complex wave having a two-step peak, or may be a complex wave obtained by complexing a pulsed wave with a stationary continuous wave of an electromagnetic wave having the same or different wavelength as that of the pulsed wave. The process enables deposition of a uniform film having an excellent adhesion to the substrate, at a reduced power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akiharu Miyanaga, Tohru Inoue, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5614567
    Abstract: A method of preparing a self-releasing silicone foam in which a composition containing a siloxane polymer, an organohydrogensiloxane, a platinum catalyst, a polyol, and preferably a monofunctional alcohol is foamed, cured, and then post cured at an elevated temperature. A method of reducing the cycle time of preparing a cured silicone foam in which the above composition is applied to a plastic substrate, foamed, cured, post cured at an elevated temperature and then separated from the plastic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Jack R. Harper, Brian P. Loiselle, William R. Nicholson, Lawrence J. Rapson
  • Patent number: 5599591
    Abstract: A nitrogen-containing compound of the following general formula (1) is kneaded into a resin molding material, the kneaded mixture is molded and the surface of the resulting article is subjected to corona discharge treatment. Further, a coating material having electrostatic charges is sprayed and deposited on the article after the corona discharge treatment. This can provide a shaped resin article with remarkably improved electrical conductivity from a less electrically conductive resin, without substantially deteriorating the physical properties and the color of the article. Further, electrostatic coating excellent in coating efficiency, surface appearance, productivity or the like is possible. ##STR1## where R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group or alkenyl group of 5 to 21 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 represents --H or --CH.sub.3, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, A represents --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- or ##STR2## and n is 1 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Shiraiwa
  • Patent number: 5595791
    Abstract: A process for creating an array of bumps to texture a brittle nonmetallic surface, such as a glass substrate for data recording disks. The texturing process uses a laser to provide pulses of proper energy fluence to the brittle glass surface to produce a plurality of raised bumps in the surface. The bump creation is accomplished without unwanted micro-cracking or ejection of surface material by limiting the laser pulse fluence to a value in a narrow operating region discovered below the abrupt thermal shock fluence threshold for the brittle nonmetallic surface material. The process is also applicable to other brittle surface textures, such as those intended for use as "stamping surfaces" for the contact reproduction of the negative of a surface pattern, such as an optical disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Baumgart, Wing P. Leung, Hung V. Nguyen, Thao A. Nguyen, Andrew C. Tam, Anthony Wu
  • Patent number: 5593772
    Abstract: A structure constructed to reduce the impact of visual imperfections having at least one visible surface which is covered by a first basecoat of an exterior water-based flat paint. The first basecoat is then covered by a layer of multicolor paint. Upon the incidence of the surface being visually marred, for example by graffiti, a second basecoat, similar in hue to the first basecoat, is applied over the portion of the surface that had been marred. A second layer of multicolor paint, similar in hue to the first layer of multicolor paint, is then applied over the second basecoat. The ability of the first basecoat to adhere to the structure may be enhanced by the addition of concrete glue to the flat paint. In addition the multicolor paint may be made reflective by the addition of glass beads or particles to both first and second layers of multicolor paint prior to its application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Zamot
  • Patent number: 5580616
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for surface-modifying a fluorocarbonpolymer-molded article and a method for chemical plating the surface. The method for surface-modifying comprises irradiating the fluorocarbonpolymer-molded article with an ultraviolet laser beam having a wavelength of 250 nm or less, in the presence of hydrazine compound, to make a surface of the said fluorocarbonpolymer-molded article hydrophilic. The surface made being hydrophilic is made lipophilic by chemical treating with an organic acid anhydride. The method for chemical plating comprises chemical plating the surface made being hydrophilic by the above method for surface-modifying, to deposit a metal film on a surface of the fluorocarbonpolymer-molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Director-General of Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Niino, Akira Yabe
  • Patent number: 5569493
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing the surface of a cured cyanate ester resin or composite for metal plating. The composite may comprise graphite fibers embedded in a cured cyanate ester resin matrix The surface is treated with a preheated solution containing an alkali metal salt of an alkoxide. Preferred alkoxides are methoxide, ethoxide, propoxide, isopropoxide, butoxide, tert-butoxide, sec-tutoxide, 2- methyl-2-butoxide, pentoxide and hexoxide. The method of the invention operates to improve adhesion between the treated surface and a subsequently plated metal, such that the resulting cured cyanate ester resin or composite may replace certain metallic components in such applications as aircraft, spacecraft, and automobiles given its highly conductive metallic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Diana D. Granger, Leroy J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5567484
    Abstract: A process for creating an array of bumps to texture a brittle nonmetallic surface, such as a glass substrate for data recording disks. The texturing process uses a laser to provide pulses of proper energy fluence to the brittle glass surface to produce a plurality of raised bumps in the surface. The bump creation is accomplished without unwanted micro-cracking or ejection of surface material by limiting the laser pulse fluence to a value in a narrow operating region discovered below the abrupt thermal shock fluence threshold for the brittle nonmetallic surface material. The process is also applicable to other brittle surface textures, such as those intended for use as "stamping surfaces" for the contact reproduction of the negative of a surface pattern, such as an optical disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Baumgart, Wing P. Leung, Hung V. Nguyen, Thao A. Nguyen, Andrew C. Tam, Anthony Wu
  • Patent number: 5562948
    Abstract: A method for the production of an electrically conductive wall of a fabric and a film material which is provided with an insulating coating, and particularly for the production of sheets of fabric which are provided with an insulating coating and have electrically conductive tapes. In particular, in order to have provided a method with which an electrically conductive wall material with an electrically insulating coating can be prepared, for which the danger of the occurrence of brush discharges is effectively reduced, the coating is perforated after the wall material is coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: EMPAC Verpackungs GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Peter Trepte, Guenter Luettgens
  • Patent number: 5543487
    Abstract: A hydroxymethylated resorcinol coupling agent is provided, including a hydroxymethylated resorcinol as an active ingredient, which enables commercial thermosetting adhesives such as bisphenol-A epoxy, phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde, emulsion-polymer isocyanate, phenol-formaldehyde, resorcinol-formaldehyde and other resins of similar chemical nature to develop strong and durable bonds to a variety of untreated and preservatively treated woods. The resulting bonds to wood withstand delaminating stresses that occur with weather and water in exterior environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Charles B. Vick, Klaus H. Richter, Bryan H. River
  • Patent number: 5543184
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing particulates in a plasma tool using steady state flows includes a device, operatively coupled to a housing in which an object to be processed is positioned, for generating a plasma flow adjacent the object toward a pumping aperture. A pumping mechanism pumps a medium adjacent the object. The medium supports the plasma and entrains particulates in the plasma away from the object and out the pumping aperture. Magnetic fields, produced by multipole magnets forming a ring cusp, are preferably used to produce the plasma flow which is directed radially away from the object to be processed. In a second embodiment, an array of magnets which form a line cusp is provided to produce an opening through which plasma will flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Barnes, Dennis K. Coultas, John C. Forster, John H. Keller, Thomas Wicker
  • Patent number: 5538764
    Abstract: A method of treating a concrete or other non-metallic surface contaminated with embedded radionuclides to reduce the total level of radioactivity in a concrete or other hydraulically bonded material body is described. The method comprises the steps of producing relative mutual movement between the surface to be removed and a laser heat source such that a layer adjacent the surface is caused to be detached from said concrete body. The surface may be detached as a vapour, in flakes or as a sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventors: Lin Li, Peter J. Modern, William M. Steen
  • Patent number: 5531824
    Abstract: High-strength, high-hardness concrete, mortar, or grout is prepared by blending portland cement, water, and aggregate with a source of reactive silica, pouring the concrete mixture into a form, allowing the concrete to cure until it reaches its conventional 28-day strength, and immersing the cured concrete in a solution of alkali metal hydroxide and aluminum nitrate at 60.degree.-110.degree. C. for 3-14 days. Alternatively, the cured concrete may be sprayed with the solution and maintained at 60.degree.-110.degree. C. for 3-14 days. A dense, hard surface layer of alkali metal aluminum silicate is formed, the compressive strength and surface hardness of the concrete is increased, and the water infiltration rate into the concrete is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventors: J. Pate Burkes, Philip G. Malone, Lillian D. Wakeley
  • Patent number: 5523162
    Abstract: A method and article are disclosed wherein a plastic substrate is provided with a more durable non-wetting surface by deposition of a silica primer layer prior to treatment with perfluoroalkylalkylsilane and optionally a fluorinated olefin telomer on the surface which comprises the silica primer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Franz, George B. Goodwin, Gary J. Marietti
  • Patent number: 5512318
    Abstract: A method for uniformly roughening a surface through use of an ultrahigh-pressure fluid fan jet has been shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, an ultrahigh-pressure fan jet is generated by pressurizing a volume of fluid, and forcing the pressurized fluid through a fan jet nozzle. The fan jet is positioned relative to the surface to be treated at a desired distance, and the fan jet is traversed across the surface at a selected rate to uniformly roughen the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the achieved surface roughness is quantified and compared to a desired surface finish. Operating parameters, such as horsepower and traverse rate, may then be adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired surface finish. By uniformly and completely roughening a surface through use of an ultrahigh-pressure fan jet prior to applying a coating to the roughened surface, adherence between the surface and the coating will be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Chidambaram Raghavan, Steven S. Sisson, Richard F. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5496585
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing volatile organic compound emissions during the processing and coating of articles contaminated with water insoluble contaminants. The process prevents the formation of undesired etching and pitting which increases the surface area of an article. The use of volatile organic compound-containing surface coatings is thereby reduced resulting in reduced volatile organic compound emissions. The process of the present invention includes contacting a surface with a terpene finishing agent to remove water insoluble contaminants from such surface and applying an amount of volatile organic compound-containing coating to effectively cover the surface at a desired coating thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Golden Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Richard Hamilton, Ross M. Gustafson, Ralph Z. Marsh
  • Patent number: 5487944
    Abstract: The invention is to a non-woven fabric sheet for a storage battery separator. The sheet has an excellent property of holding electrolyte by using conjugate fibers having a specific sectional form. The sheet comprises an ethylene copolymer having a specific structure which can introduce a desirable amount of sulfo groups efficiently under mild reaction condtions. Conjugate fibers having a split sectional form include a first component and a second component having a radial arrangement. The conjugate fibers are obtained by forming an ethylene based random copolymer containing a unit represented by a formula --CH.sub.2 CH(COOH)--, with polypropylene. Subsequently, a non-woven fabric sheet of a thermally bonding type is obtained by mixing the conjugate fibers with polypropoylene fibers. Subsequently, a non-woven fabric sheet for a storage battery separator is obtained by sulfonating the non-woven fabric sheet using gas such as SO.sub.3 to form a unit of the formula --CH.sub.2 C(SO.sub.3 H)(COOH)--.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignees: Kanai Juyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., Daiwabo Create Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Ikkanzaka, Kazuhiro Ikeda, Yousuke Takai
  • Patent number: 5478462
    Abstract: Polyimide-metal laminates are formed by etching the surfaces of a polyimide web with a glycol-containing etchant followed by electroless nickel or cobalt deposition and then by copper per deposition. The glycol containing etchant can be utilized to form through holes through the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Polyonics Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5468517
    Abstract: There is provided a method for treating a shaped article made of a polypropylene resin before coating, comprising the step of degreasing and deterging a surface of the shaped article with an aqueous alkaline solution composed of (a) 5-50 g/liter of a builder and (b) 1-10 g/liter of an ethylene oxide adduct of aryl- or aralkyl-substituted phenol at 50.degree.-70.degree. C., the ethylene oxide adduct of aryl- or aralkyl-substituted phenol having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 8 to less than 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignees: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuo Miyazaki, Takahide Maeda, Takeshi Ogawa, Sonoko Kakui, Satoshi Ikeda, Yoshiki Yamane
  • Patent number: 5447747
    Abstract: A wet gravure coating of fine magnetizable particles can be smoothed by a rectangular piece of flexible film that is secured at one end in flat jaws of a clamp to leave its opposite end free to drag against the coating, thus causing the flexible film to form an arc between its secured end and the convergence of the flexible film with the wet coating. The jaws also secure a flat plate which has a straight edge that deflects the arcuate portion of the flexible film toward the coating along a line extending transversely across the full width of the flexible film. The plate can be repositioned during the smoothing to adjust the radius of curvature of the arc in order to correct any defects that may appear in the smoothed coating. When the backing web is wide and is advanced at economically high speeds, the free end of the flexible film can be tensioned so that its trailing edge becomes bowed and in contact with the coating over its full width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John D. Munter, Donald M. Lewis, Scott D. Stenstrom