Electrostatic Charge, Field, Or Force Utilized Patents (Class 427/458)
  • Patent number: 7060329
    Abstract: A metal oxide coating has a nanotextured surface defined by a plurality of capillary openings arranged in a pattern on the surface of the coating. Each of the capillary openings have a diameter defined by a previously present organic macromolecule. The metal oxide coating is formed by depositing a solution containing uniformly dispersed micelles composed of amphiphilic molecules on a metal, oxide, or plastic substrate. The micelles are self-arranging, in solution, as a result of mutually repulsive electrostatic forces on the surface of the micelles, and form a uniformly patterned organic template when the solution is deposited on the surface of the substrate. A metal oxide coating is then applied to the substrate, which forms a ceramic monolayer that is a negative image of the organic template. The organic template is then removed, thereby forming a metal oxide coating having a plurality of macromolecular-sized apertures formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kurtis C. Kelley, Jill E. Rockwood, Norval P. Thomson
  • Patent number: 7052740
    Abstract: The subject invention includes a plating apparatus (10) having an electrically conductive rack (12) and a frame assembly (14). The frame assembly (14) includes a rod (24) and series of support structures (26). A number of removable (34) and fixed (32) bars are attached to the support structures (26) such that a strand of interconnected workpieces (18) are wrapped over the bars (32, 34) to define a revolution of the interconnected workpieces (18). The plating apparatus (10) and frame assembly (14) are characterized by a series of spacers (38) mounted along the removable bars (34) for separating adjacent revolutions of the interconnected workpieces (18) such that the workpieces (18) can be effectively coated with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Apollo Plating, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd McNulty
  • Patent number: 7014786
    Abstract: A method for forming a patterned film on a substrate, the method including: providing a first flowable medium on the substrate and a second flowable medium on the first flowable medium, the first and second flowable media having different dielectric properties and defining an interface there between; applying an electric field to the interface for a time sufficient to produce a structure in the first flowable medium along the interface: and hardening the structure in the first flowable medium to form the patterned film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignees: Universitat Konstanz, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Erik Schaffer, Jurgen Mlynek, Ullrich Steiner, Thomas Thurn-Albrecht, Thomas P. Russell
  • Patent number: 6977023
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a resin dispersion to form a variety of decorative transfers. The transfers can include a decorative medium such as flock. Primary and secondary carriers are used in some embodiments of the invention. The resin dispersion, when gelled and fused, can provide a free-form design article that can be readily applied to any desirable substrate, such as a textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: High Voltage Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Brown Abrams
  • Patent number: 6977130
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic circuit satisfying demands for cost reduction, diversified small-quantity production, and a shorter cycle of design, manufacture, evaluation, correction, and so on is provided. The method includes at least forming a first pattern or forming a second pattern. Forming the first pattern comprises: forming a visible image on an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive base, by the adhesion of charged particles essentially made of a resin; transferring the visible image onto the intermediate transfer base by the contact and pressurization of the visible image; heating/softening on the intermediate transfer base; and transferring a heated/softened resin layer onto a base material by the contact and pressurization of the resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideo Aoki, Chiaki Takubo, Atsuko Iida, Yasuyuki Hotta, Naoko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6975109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a presence of a magnetic field and/or a magnitude of a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field. A direct-current voltage is applied across a first layer of a conductive material, so that a direct current flows in a first direction through the first layer. A second layer of a piezoelectric material is integrated with or positioned adjacent or abutting the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are exposed to or positioned within a magnetic field. A Lorentz force is thus caused, preferably in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the first direction of the direct current and a second direction of the magnetic field to deflect the piezoelectric material thereby causing an output voltage in response to the Lorentz force. A magnetic flux density can be calculated as a function of the piezoelectric output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Bo Su Chen
  • Patent number: 6960373
    Abstract: A solder jet apparatus is disclosed. The solder jet apparatus is a continuous mode solder jet that includes a blanking system and raster scan system. The use of the raster scan and blanking systems allows for a continuous stream of solder to be placed anywhere on the surface in any desired X-Y plane. This allows for greater accuracy as well as greater product throughput. Additionally, with the raster scan system, repairs to existing soldered surfaces can be quickly and easily performed using a map of the defects for directing the solder to the defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren M. Farnworth
  • Patent number: 6956098
    Abstract: The substrates of the present invention comprise a polyimide base polymer derived at least in part from collinear monomers together with crankshaft monomers. The resulting polyimide material has been found to provide advantageous properties, particularly for electronics type applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: John Donald Summers, Richard Frederich Sutton, Jr., Brian Carl Auman
  • Patent number: 6955736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a flexible film-type laminate (7) from two or more films (9a,9b) for packaging materials, whereby at least two films (9a,9b) are laminated to each other to give a film-type laminate and the film or film-type laminate is printed on, and at least one free surface of the film-type laminate is provided with a sealing lacquer coating (14). The invention is characterized in that the lamination (12), the printing (12) and the coating (14) of the film or film-type laminate with a sealant lacquer take place in-line at individual coating stations (1, 2, 4) in a production device (10) using an electrostatic coating process in which coating particles are electrostatically charged and deposited on the film surface to be coated using transfer means by applying an electric field, and melted and/or cured to give a coating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Karolina Rosenberger, Fabian Bonsch, Hans-Rudolf Nageli, Juerg Frey
  • Patent number: 6942901
    Abstract: A single or multi-component particulate tape and a method and apparatus for making the single or multi-component particulate tape. More particularly, the present invention relates to a single or multi-component particulate tape and method for making a single or multi-component particulate tape using the process of electrophoretic deposition. These tapes and tapes produced using these methods can be used to make single or multi-layer electronic devices such as capacitors, varistors, inductors, and the like, as well as structural laminate components. The method comprises casting a tape by electrophoretic deposition and also or alternatively depositing additional functional materials on or into the cast tape by electrophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jonathan Van Tassel, Clive A. Randall
  • Patent number: 6923979
    Abstract: Uniform portions of fine powders are deposited on a substrate by electrostatic attraction in which the charge of the electric field and polarity of the charged particles are varied repeatedly to form a buildup of powder on the carrier surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Microdose Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Fotland, John Bowers, William Jameson
  • Patent number: 6863929
    Abstract: A method for forming a coated film comprising the steps of sequentially applying an intermediate coating material, a base coating material and a clear coating material on a substrate on which an electrodeposition coated film has been formed; and simultaneously curing the applied three layers by baking, wherein the intermediate coating material comprises: (a) 40 to 56% by weight of an urethane modified polyester resin, the urethane modified polyester resin being obtainable by polyaddition of: a hydroxyl group containing polyester resin which is obtainable by polycondensation of an acid ingredient including not less than 80% by mole of isophthalic acid with a polyhydric alcohol ingredient, with an aliphatic diisocyanate compound; (b) 10 to 30% by weight of a melamine resin; (c) 15 to 30% by weight of a blocked isocyanate compound; (d) 4 to 15% by weight of a nonaqueous dispersion resin having core-shell structure; and (e) 0.4 to 2 parts by weight of a flake-like pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignees: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masakazu Watanabe, Takuhiro Kakii, Takakazu Yamane, Tsutomu Shigenaga
  • Patent number: 6861088
    Abstract: A method for electrostatic spray-coating a medical device having a tubular wall, such as a stent, having an inner surface, an outer surface and openings therein. The tubular wall is grounded or electrically charged, and an electrically charged conductive core wire is located axially through the center of the stent. An electrical potential is applied to the conductive core wire to impart an electrical charge to the conductive core wire. The tubular wall is exposed to an electrically charged coating formulation, and the electrically charged coating formulation is deposited onto a portion of the tubular wall to form a coating. The electrical potentials of the conductive core wire and tubular wall can be repeatedly alternated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Boston Scientific SciMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Weber, Gordon John Kocur
  • Patent number: 6850003
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating an organic light-emitting device; which method comprises the steps of: forming a first electrode (4) for the device over a substrate (2); either forming by self-assembly at least one polymer layer (6, 8) over the first electrode (4) and forming other than by self-assembly at least one layer of organic light emissive material (10) over the at least one polymer layer (6, 8); and forming a second electrode (12) for the device over the at least one layer of organic light emissive material (10); or forming other than by self-assembly at least one layer of organic light emissive material over the first electrode and forming by self-assembly at least one polymer layer over the at least one layer of organic light emissive material; and forming a second electrode for the device over the at least one polymer layer. Also provided is an organic light emitting device, obtainable according to the method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cambridge Display Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Karl Pichler, Jeremy Burroughes, Peter Ho, Chris Bright, Richard Henry Friend, Neil Clement Greenham
  • Patent number: 6844048
    Abstract: Provided is, among other things, a conductive inlay film comprising: a layer of dielectric film having a pattern of holes suitable to define selected regions to which particles will be deposited by electrostatic deposition; and a conductive element comprising polymer, which element comprises (a) a conductive film laminated against the dielectric film or (b) a conductive film embedded within the holes, the portion of the conductive element appearing within the holes comprising conductive inlays, wherein the conductive element is adapted to contact one or more electrode pads and provide electrical potentials at the selected regions, and wherein the dielectric film electrically isolates the selected regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: Ramaswamy Murari, Jen-Chi Chen, Suggy S. Chrai
  • Patent number: 6841497
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of technical ceramics and specifically relates to a method of synthesis for aluminum oxides of different crystalline structure and to the products obtained by the method. The aim of the invention is to provide a method of producing redispersible nanoparticulate corundum and nanoporous Al2O3 sintered products, the method using precursors and being viable on a commercial scale. To this aim, inter alia, a method of producing redispersible nanoparticulate corundum of an average particle size of D50<100 nm is used which method includes the addition of crystal nuclei. According to the method, organic or chlorine-free inorganic precursors are dissolved or processed to a sol and hydrolyzed. The substance is then dried and calcinated at temperatures of between 350 and 650° C. and is then further heated by increasing the temperature to ?950° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Krell, Hongwei Ma
  • Publication number: 20040265504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrostatically attaching a polymeric polymer powder adhesive to a non-metallic substrate. The invention also relates to the substrate having deposited thereon by electrostatic means a polymer powder adhesive, which can be activated for adhesion or cohesion. The method is especially useful for depositing powdered adhesive onto paper or plastic, which can be activated by heat, water, radiation, or other means. The activated adhesive allows the non-metallic substrate to then adhere to another substrate, or to itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Christophe Magnin, Susan Burdett, Robert Koelliker, David Duckworth
  • Publication number: 20040258894
    Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Yingqiu Jiang, Le Li, Sadeg Faris
  • Publication number: 20040253387
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a process for coating a substrate with a coating comprising a fluoropolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Jose Cavero
  • Patent number: 6830782
    Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material which comprises the steps of activation-treatment and a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, or comprises the steps of activation-treatment, a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, and monomer grafting in this order, or comprises the step of a solvent-treatment followed by these steps. Thus, the polymeric material, e.g., polyolefin, is improved in hydrophilicity, adhesion, etc. without lowering the practical strength thereof. The polymeric material thus improved in adhesion and other properties can be used in many applications where water absorption and adhesion are required, such as an absorption material, e.g., a wiping/cleansing material, a water retention material, a material for microorganism culture media, a separator for batteries (or cells), a synthetic paper, a filter medium, a textile product for clothing, a medical/sanitary/cosmetic supply, and reinforcing fibers for composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kanazawa
  • Publication number: 20040249038
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a coating precursor comprising a silicone resin and a mineral filler capable of chemically reacting so as to produce a solid layer on a substrate and a cohesive refractory layer after a calcination operation. The precursor may also include an additive capable of reducing its viscosity. Another purpose of the invention is a method for coating a given surface of a substrate with at least one refractory layer containing silicon in which the substrate is coated with a coating precursor according to the invention so as to form a green layer and a heat treatment is carried out to calcine the said green layer and to form a cohesive refractory layer. The invention is a means of obtaining a protective coating capable of resisting oxidising environments, liquid metal and a solid or molten salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Airy-Pierre Lamaze, Christian Barthelemy, Thomas Spadone, Robert Rey-Flandrin
  • Publication number: 20040247917
    Abstract: Molded wood-based decorative articles can be prepared by first laminating a paper sheet to a shaped, wood-based substrate, e.g., natural wood or a man-made board, preferably fiberboard, prior to applying a moldable cellulosic composition over at least one outer surface of the paper overlay. Surprisingly, the moldable cellulosic composition has excellent adherence to the paper overlay, so long as the paper does not have an anti-stick coating, such as a silicone or other lubricious surface treatment. The preferred paper is kraft paper that has no surface coating. After adhering the paper to the shaped, wood-based article, the moldable cellulose-based composition is applied to one or more outer surfaces of the paper overlay in a thickness of preferably in the range of {fraction (1/32)} inch to 1.0 inch and the cellulosic composition then is molded to form a decorative pattern on one or more outer surfaces of the paper overlay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: INTERCRAFT D/B/A BURNES GROUP
    Inventor: Antonio M. Mendes
  • Patent number: 6828246
    Abstract: A gas delivering device inside a gaseous reaction chamber capable of increasing gas flow in areas having a deficient supply of gas by forming additional holes in corresponding positions. Because a gas-delivering panel design having asymmetrical holes is employed, gas flow rate within the reactions chamber can be roughly balanced. Hence, a homogeneous stream of gaseous reactants can be maintained above the surface of a reacting wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: An-Chun Tu, Wen-Fa Tai
  • Publication number: 20040234748
    Abstract: The present invention concerns bio-compatible medical devices and process for preparation thereof. The process includes electrostatically forming a first layer on a structure. The first layer can include a combination of at least one active substance and at least one polymer and/or binder. A second layer is formed on the structure to cover the first layer. The second layer can be a solvent or a combination of solvents. The evaporation of the second layer causes the first layer to reflow and bind to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Eric B. Stenzel
  • Publication number: 20040234702
    Abstract: After forming a primary powder bed at a toothed portion of an article, such as a gear or a spline shaft, by electrostatic powder coating process, the powder bed is removed from crests of teeth in the toothed portion by a specified thickness by scraping it off while sucking up the scraped powder. Next, the electrostatic powder coating process is performed again to form a secondary powder bed over the entire surface of the toothed portion. Then, the primary and secondary powder beds are melted or fused by induction heating to thereby form a coating film of a substantially uniform thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Kitahata, Takashi Tojo, Katsura Koyagi, Takanon Kurokawa, Atsuo Suehiro, Yoshifumi Niide, Kouichi Taniguchi, Shingo Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040224857
    Abstract: A method for controlling galling including applying a composition of about 3.5 to about 36 wt %, based upon the total weight of the composition of a fluoridic or oxidic compound of a transition of alkaline earth metal; about 4 to about 96.5 wt %, based upon the total weight of the composition, of an adherent and about 0 to about 65 wt %, based upon the total weight of the composition, of a solvent contact area of a member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hendrik John
  • Publication number: 20040216836
    Abstract: An electrophoretic display of the type wherein a dispersion liquid for migration and a plurality of charged particles are sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate is produced through a process comprising: a latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image on an adsorption member; a developing step of causing the adsorption member to contact the dispersion liquid in which the charged particles are dispersed, thereby to attach the charged particles together with the dispersion liquid onto a surface of the adsorption member on which the latent image is formed; a transfer step of transferring the charged particles from the surface of the adsorption member to the second substrate together with the dispersion liquid; and a sealing step of bonding the first substrate to the second substrate to seal the charged particles and the dispersion liquid, therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Nobutaka Ukigaya
  • Publication number: 20040213988
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of improving paint adhesion thermoplastic olefin parts. The method comprises attaching a conductive layer to a thermoplastic olefin substrate to form a coated thermoplastic substrate. After attachment of the conductive layer paint is applied to the side of the coated thermoplastic olefin substrate on which a surface of the conductive layer is exposed. In another embodiment of the present invention, a coated thermoplastic olefin substrate with improved paint adhesion is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Equistar Chemicals, L.P.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Skillman
  • Patent number: 6805916
    Abstract: A tapered profile magnetic field pulsed laser deposition (PLD) system and method for depositing a thin film on a substrate are provided. The system includes a tapered pulsed coil arranged relative to a confinement magnetic device so that the plume discharged from the confinement magnetic device is collected and concentrated by an inwardly tapered surface of the tapered pulsed coil which causes the plume to be deflected towards a substrate on which the charged species are deposited to form the thin film. In yet a further aspect, a device for maintaining cleanliness of an interior of a deposition chamber laser entry window through which a laser beam enters and converges to a target is provided. A plume that is generated when a laser beam ablates the target is ionized as a result of radioactive members such that the ionized plume is deflected toward one of the first members (e.g., metal plates) as opposed to coating the interior of the laser entry window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventor: Fred J. Cadieu
  • Patent number: 6806017
    Abstract: In a method of electrostatically applying a powder material to a solid dosage form, charged powder material is applied to a photoconductive drum (3), is transferred to an intermediate belt (4) and then to a solid dosage form (5). The belt (4) makes contact with the solid dosage form (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Phoqus Limited
    Inventors: Linda Ann Reeves, David Hoover Feather, Douglas Howard Nelson, Marshall Whiteman
  • Publication number: 20040197487
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic circuit satisfying demands for cost reduction, diversified small-quantity production, and a shorter cycle of design, manufacture, evaluation, correction, and so on is provided. The method includes at least forming a first pattern or forming a second pattern. Forming the first pattern comprises: forming a visible image on an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive base, by the adhesion of charged particles essentially made of a resin; transferring the visible image onto the intermediate transfer base by the contact and pressurization of the visible image; heating/softening on the intermediate transfer base; and transferring a heated/softened resin layer onto a base material by the contact and pressurization of the resin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Hideo Aoki, Chiaki Takubo, Atsuko Iida, Yasuyuki Hotta, Naoko Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040191499
    Abstract: A tablet comprising a core which is at least partially coated with an outer layer obtained by electrostatic deposition of a powder and subsequent fusing of the deposited powder to form a film characterised in that a surface of the tablet coated with said outer layer is contoured to provide higher regions and lower regions, the outer layer having a different colour in said lower regions to the outer layer in said higher regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Martin D. Hallett, Linda A Reeves, Marshall Whiteman
  • Publication number: 20040191406
    Abstract: A powder coating control system comprising a plurality of gun controls associated with a like plurality of powder spray guns. Each of the gun controls stores a plurality of presets spray parameters. Each of the gun controls responds to part identification signals and part position signals to select in real time one of the stored presets of spray parameters and trigger its respective powder spray gun ON and OFF to apply a powder coating to the moving part in accordance with the selected set of spray parameters. The control system further permits a gun purge cycle to be programmed either before or after the powder coating process is executed. The control system automatically initializes and brings each of the gun controls to an operable state on-line with the system control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald W. Crum, Eddie W. Dixson, Charles L. Gatian, Jeanne Marie Leidy, William Mark Rucki, Joseph G. Schroeder, Cynthia Skelton-Becker
  • Publication number: 20040185168
    Abstract: A method for electrostatic spray-coating a medical device having a tubular wall, such as a stent, having an inner surface, an outer surface and openings therein. The tubular wall is grounded or electrically charged, and an electrically charged conductive core wire is located axially through the center of the stent. An electrical potential is applied to the conductive core wire to impart an electrical charge to the conductive core wire. The tubular wall is exposed to an electrically charged coating formulation, and the electrically charged coating formulation is deposited onto a portion of the tubular wall to form a coating. The electrical potentials of the conductive core wire and tubular wall can be repeatedly alternated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Weber, Gordon John Kocur
  • Publication number: 20040185180
    Abstract: A liquid coating is formed on a substrate by electrostatically spraying drops of the liquid onto a liquid-wetted conductive transfer surface and transferring a portion of the thus-applied liquid from the transfer surface to the substrate. Optionally, one or more nip rolls force the substrate against the transfer surface, thereby decreasing the time required for the drops to spread and coalesce into the coating. Preferably, the coating is passed through an improvement station comprising two or more pick-and-place devices that improve the uniformity of the coating. The coating can be transferred from the conductive transfer surface to a second transfer surface and thence to the substrate. Insulative substrates such as plastic films can be coated without requiring substrate pre-charging or post-coating neutralization. Porous substrates such as woven and nonwoven webs can be coated without substantial penetration of the coating into or through the substrate pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Albert E. Seaver, William K. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20040177809
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for electrostatically coating a pharmaceutical tablet core with powdered coating material. The apparatus comprises a first rotary drum (12) on which a core is held in electrical isolation from its surroundings but at a potential difference to earth by an electrode which contacts the core. The core is carried past a coating station B at which particles of powder having an opposite potential difference to earth are held in a tray (18). The surface of the drum is held at the same potential difference to earth as the powder particles. The powder is attracted to the core, and not to the drum, coating the exposed surface of the core. The drum carries the coated core past a fusing station C at which a heater fuses the powder to form a continuous film coating. The core is then turned and transferred onto a second drum (12′) where the other surface is coated in the same way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Phoqus Limited
    Inventors: John E. Hogan, John N. Stannforth, Linda Reeves, Trevor Page
  • Patent number: 6787196
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming a paper or board web made from fibers in which the web is treated with calcium hydroxide and then with carbon dioxide gas so as to form calcium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper Oy
    Inventors: Vilho Nissinen, Timo Nyberg, Pasi Rajala, Lars Grönroos, Pentti Virtanen, Veli Käsmä, Hannu Niemelä
  • Patent number: 6787183
    Abstract: An electrode base material is held by electrostatic attraction when a voltage from a DC power source is applied to electrodes for electrostatic attraction. A paste is applied to the electrode base material, and then the paste is dried to form the water-repellent layer. Subsequently, another paste is applied to the water-repellent layer, and then the paste is dried. Accordingly, the substantially flat electrode catalyst layer including an extremely small number of depressions is formed. The electrode of the fuel cell produced as described above can be used as an anode or a cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Iwasaki, Noboru Okada, Ichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6783799
    Abstract: A sprayed-on phosphate cement coating formed from the combination and reaction of a phosphoric acid solution and a base metal solution. The acid solution and base solution may be intermixed prior to spraying, during spraying, or on a substrate. The curing reaction rate of the phosphate cement coating and its final physical properties may be controlled by adding various retardants, accelerants, reducers, wetting agents, superplasticizers, buffers, water reducers, adhesive agents, hardening agents, and/or sequestrants to the precursor solutions. The curing rate and properties of the cement coating may be further controlled by adjusting the temperature of the precursor solutions and/or the target substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Goodson
  • Patent number: 6784222
    Abstract: An electroconductive coating composition which function as a sealer/primer includes (a) a radiation curable, polymerizable compound, (b) a photoinitiator and (c) a conductive pigment. The conductive pigment may be a mixture of pigment including a blend of conductive pigments as well as conductive pigment. Conductivity enhancers may, also, be added. The polymerizable compound is, preferably, a U curable acrylate functional compound which may be monofunctional or polyfunctional. The composition is particularly useful for sealing and priming SMC panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Frank David Zychowski, Joseph C. Sgro
  • Patent number: 6783768
    Abstract: Method of coating a substrate which is a belt, sheet, film, or tape, comprising applying an active coating material to the substrate to form an active coating layer, the active coating material comprising biologically active material. The active coating material is applied electrostatically as a powder and, after the active coating material is applied, the active coating material is fused to form an active film layer. The active coating material is removable from the substrate as a wafer comprising the active film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Phoqus Pharmaceuticals Limited
    Inventors: Steven R. Brown, Linda A. Reeves, John N. Staniforth
  • Patent number: 6780475
    Abstract: A method for depositing a substance on a substrate that involves forming a supercritical fluid solution of at least one supercritical fluid solvent and at least one solute, discharging the supercritical fluid solution through an orifice under conditions sufficient to form solid particles of the solute that are substantially free of the supercritical fluid solvent, and electrostatically depositing the solid solute particles onto the substrate. The solid solute particles may be charged to a first electric potential and then deposited onto the substrate to form a film. The solute particles may have a mean particle size of less than 1 micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: John L. Fulton, George Deverman
  • Publication number: 20040154536
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating articles with coating material includes dispensing coating material from a coating dispensing device, maintaining the coating dispensing device at high-magnitude electrostatic potential, coupling articles to a conveyor on hangers constructed from electrically non-insulative strips, and conveying the articles through the dispensed coating material on the hangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: John Paul Owed
  • Patent number: 6773801
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fine particle layer laminated film configured in such a manner that a plurality of fine particle layers containing the fine particles, of which average particle diameters are in the range of 1 nm and 95 nm, are laminated; wherein the fine particles in the fine particle layer laminated film are accreted by polymer molecules; there are air spaces within a film of the fine particle layer laminated film; and a density of the fine particles in the fine particle layer laminated film is in the range of 40% and 80% in percentage by volume. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a laminated film sufficiently having a property of the fine particle, for example, a property such as a low index of refraction or the like. Therefore, the present invention has an effect such that the fine particle layer laminated film according to the present invention can be preferably used for an application such as an antirelection film or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideshi Hattori
  • Patent number: 6773761
    Abstract: A method of applying a varnish, whether or not it includes a solvent, on a component, in particular a vehicle headlight reflector, comprises the following steps: (i) selecting a varnish having a viscosity at ambient temperature of about 500 to 2000 mPa.s, and a viscosity at the application temperature which is lower than about 200 mPa.s, with a viscosity which is substantially independent of variation in the temperature within the range of application; (ii) heating the surface of the component before the step of moistening the varnish at a selected temperature &thgr;p1; (iii) heating the varnish at the moment of application to a selected temperature &thgr;v; and (iv) during the spreading step, maintaining the component at a selected temperature &thgr;p2 for a selected time tp2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Frédéric Cote, Michel Montaudouin
  • Publication number: 20040151842
    Abstract: Described is a method and an apparatus for coating a plastic container, especially a PET bottle, and a conveying means therefor that permit, in a constructionally simple manner, an inexpensive and effective improvement of the barrier properties thereof. To this end, the container is provided on its outside with a liquid coating agent by at least one rotating atomizer, and the coating is subsequently dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Heinz Humele
  • Publication number: 20040149960
    Abstract: The present invention provides electrically conductive and flexible primer compositions that harden to form conductive materials under room temperature or low bake temperature curing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Stever Tremper, Henry A. Tronco, Valentina Gordin
  • Patent number: 6764714
    Abstract: Methods for coating the interior surface of tubular structures having high aspect ratios and tubular structures produced by such methods. The interior surface of the tubular structure is coated by inducing a magnetic field having a given magnitude around a circumference along a length of the tubular structure, applying a bias at a given voltage to the tubular structure, and exposing the interior surface to a precursor material to deposit the precursor material onto the interior surface of the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ronghua Wei, Christopher Rincon, James Arps
  • Publication number: 20040131770
    Abstract: A process of retaining fine adsorbent particles such as carbon material or APS silica gel in the micro-cavities of a shaped fiber comprises the steps of continuously conveying a shaped fiber with micro-cavities to a charging arrangement where the fiber is electrostatically charged. The electrostatically charged fiber is then drawn through a reservoir of the fine adsorbent particles. As the fiber passes through the reservoir the fine particles adhere to the fiber and the micro-cavities thereof. Any excess particles are removed from the fiber outside the reservoir. Subsequently the shaped fiber loaded with fine adsorbent particles is collected for use in filter applications of one type or another such as cigarette filters, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Lixin Luke Xue, Kent B. Koller, Qiong Gao
  • Patent number: 6756084
    Abstract: A method for depositing a substance on a substrate that involves forming a supercritical fluid solution of at least one supercritical fluid solvent and at least one solute, discharging the supercritical fluid solution through an orifice under conditions sufficient to form solid particles of the solute that are substantially free of the supercritical fluid solvent, and electrostatically depositing the solid solute particles onto the substrate. The solid solute particles may be charged to a first electric potential and then deposited onto the substrate to form a film. The solute particles may have a mean particle size of less than 1 micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: John L. Fulton, George Deverman