Running Or Indefinite Length Substrate Patents (Class 427/482)
  • Patent number: 12103037
    Abstract: (a) An aerosol including an active material, a binder, and a gas is made. (b) A film-like flow of the aerosol is formed. (c) An electrically-charged region is formed by corona discharge. (d) The film-like flow passes through the electrically-charged region. (e) The film-like flow is introduced into an electric field after passing through the electrically-charged region. In the electric field, an active material layer is formed by adhering a solid component of the film-like flow onto a surface of a substrate by electrostatic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Uezono, Momoka Oda
  • Patent number: 12053797
    Abstract: An aerosol including an active material powder, a binder, and a gas is prepared. An electric field is formed between a substrate and a porous electrode. The aerosol is electrically charged. The aerosol after the electrically charging is introduced into the electric field. The aerosol passes through the porous electrode and thereby the aerosol is introduced into the electric field. At the time of the aerosol passing through the porous electrode, the aerosol comes into contact with the porous electrode and thereby the aerosol is electrically charged. In the electric field, the aerosol after the electrically charging flies toward the substrate due to electrostatic force. The aerosol adheres to a surface of the substrate and thereby an active material layer is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Uezono, Momoka Oda
  • Patent number: 11127986
    Abstract: In an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, in a state where a potential difference is caused between a gravure roll and a current collector foil conveyed by a back-up roll, a mixed powder is continuously supplied into recessed portions on an outer peripheral surface of the gravure roll such that the mixed powder is moved from the gravure roll to a surface of a current collector foil by an electrostatic force working between the mixed powder supplied into the recessed portions of the gravure roll and the current collector foil. In the gravure roll, a volume of first-end-side recessed portions per unit area in a first-end-side region and a volume of second-end-side recessed portions per unit area in a second-end-side region are made larger than a volume of intermediate recessed portions per unit area in an intermediate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10821471
    Abstract: An installation for impregnating a porous substrate by transfer of powder, including an area for storing the powder, and an endless conveyor capable of being moved, which includes an external surface containing cavities. The external surface of the conveyor delimits an edge of the storage area to fill said cavities with the powder. The installation comprises a positioner for holding the porous substrate in contact with a fraction of the conveyor length, to seal cavities containing the powder. A drive device enabling to move the conveyor and the porous substrate, and means for displacing the powder are arranged opposite said fraction of the conveyor length, to at least partly displace a portion of the powder across the porous substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: FIBROLINE FRANCE
    Inventor: Joric Marduel
  • Patent number: 9289786
    Abstract: Multiplexed electrospray deposition apparatus capable of delivering picoliter volumes of one or more substances is disclosed. The apparatus may include a unitary planar dispenser etched from a silicon wafer through microfabrication or micromachining technology. The apparatus may be used as a deposition tool for making protein microarrays in a noncontact mode. Upon application of potential difference in the range of 7-9 kV, the substances may be dispensed directly, not through a collimating mask, onto a substrate with microhydrogel features functionalized with an anchoring agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Parijat Bhatnagar, Harold G. Craighead
  • Patent number: 9283350
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include coating apparatuses and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus can include a motor, a rotating contact member, a fluid applicator, a fluid pump, and a base member. The fluid applicator can include an orifice. The rotating contact member can be configured to rotate around a device to be coated that does not rotate. The rotating contact member can be configured to move along the lengthwise axis of a device to be coated. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Timothy M. Kloke
  • Publication number: 20150034237
    Abstract: A process for producing a corrugated electrode for use in an electroactive polymer cartridge is disclosed. A laminated web comprising a support sheet laminated to a dielectric elastomer film is positioned. The support sheet defines areas exposing portions of the dielectric elastomer film. A force is applied to the positioned laminated web to stretch the laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web in a direction that is orthogonal to a plane defined by the web. An electrically conductive material is applied to the laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web while the laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web is in a stretched state. The laminated support sheet-dielectric elastomer film web is relaxed to form the corrugated electrode on the dielectric elastomer film portion of the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Silmon J. Biggs, Jeremy Elsberry, Andrew B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8932714
    Abstract: A method for controlling a particle diameter and a particle diameter distribution of emulsion particles during manufacturing of an emulsion dispersion is provided. The method includes causing two or more types of liquids substantially immiscible with each other to continuously and sequentially pass through net bodies. The net bodies are disposed in a cylindrical flow passage at intervals of 5 to 200 mm, and the number of the net bodies is more than 50 and 200 or less. Each of the net bodies is equivalent to a gauze having a mesh number of 35 mesh to 4000 mesh in accordance with an ASTM standard and has a surface that intersects the direction of the flow passage. An emulsification apparatus used for the method includes a feed pump for feeding two or more types of liquids substantially immiscible with each other; and a cylindrical flow passage to which the two or more types of liquids fed by the feed pump are delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikatsu Shoko, Yasuo Togami, Akira Takagi, Hideko Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20140295095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous powder coating of a non-conductive profile produced in a continuous forming process, such as pultrusion or extrusion, such that the profile is powder coated while on the profile forming machine and before the subject segment of the continuous profile is severed from the continuous profile on the forming machine (i.e. in-line).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Langlois, Jeffrey Sugar, Gary Sugar
  • Patent number: 8551555
    Abstract: Biocompatible coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for coating an object with a biocompatible coating wherein the device is suspended using a flowing gas during the coating process. Embodiments of the invention provide tropoelastin coatings and methods of creating tropoelastin coatings for implantable medical devices. Optionally, the biocompatible coating can be a drug eluting coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: John Burghard, Carmen Campbell, Todd R. Younkin, Markus Kuhn, David Shykind, Jose Maiz
  • Patent number: 8551577
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of applying particles to a coated backing. A first layer of particles is created over a second layer of particles on a support surface and the first layer of particles is different in at least one property from the second layer of particles. A coated backing is positioned above the first and second layer of particles. An electrostatic field is applied simultaneously to the first and second layer of particles such that the first layer of particles closer to the coated backing are preferentially attracted to the coated backing first before the second layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Moren, Brian G. Koethe, Ernest L. Thurber
  • Patent number: 8399066
    Abstract: A nanofiber manufacturing system in which nanofiber is formed from a raw material liquid by electrostatic explosions in a nanofiber forming space and the formed nanofiber is collected and deposited on a main surface of a base sheet. The system includes: a first dielectric belt having dielectric property; sheet conveying devices for conveying the base sheet in the nanofiber forming space; a sheet contacting device for putting a back surface of the base sheet and a first surface of the first dielectric belt into contact with each other; a dielectric belt driving device for running the first dielectric belt in a conveyance direction of the base sheet within the nanofiber forming space while the first surface is kept in contact with the back surface of the base sheet; and a voltage applying device for applying a voltage to the second surface of the first dielectric belt so that dielectric polarization occurs to the first dielectric belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Kurokawa, Hiroto Sumida, Hiroyuki Tsuji, Kazunori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8323734
    Abstract: A Fabry-Perot filter is applied as a thin coating on a film, for example, a packaging film, and permits interesting color effects. The coating has a layered construction in which both reflecting layers of the filter may be made of aluminum and the intermediate layer between the reflecting layers may be made of aluminum oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Hoffmann, Rainer Ludwig, Hans-Georg Lotz, Gerhard Steiniger
  • Patent number: 8062713
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing electrodes using an electrostatic deposition unit. In the first step of the process a mixture of magnetic carrier beads and a conductive powder is prepared in the sump of the deposition unit; the mixture forms a magnetic brush on the sleeve of the deposition unit. In the second step of the process, the substrate is positioned away from the magnetic brush to form an air gap. In the third step of the process, a voltage is applied between the substrate and the sleeve of the deposition unit in order to produce a large asymmetry between the magnetic brush and said substrate such that the electric field at the magnetic brush is at least 3.0 times as great as the electric field at the substrate. In the fourth step of the process, conductive powder is deposited onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Dan A. Hays, Peter J. Mason, James Mason
  • Patent number: 7935390
    Abstract: A lubricant dispensing system is provided. The dispensing system includes a lubricant supply, a lubricant dispensing nozzle and a control panel. The dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body with a fluid passageway therein which is in fluid communication with the lubricant supply, an electrode assembly for electrostatically charging lubricant in the fluid passageway and at least one discharge orifice through which electrostatically charged lubricant can be discharged. The discharge orifice is defined by at least one spray needle having a first end in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and a second end that extends outward of the nozzle body. The control panel directs the flow of lubricant from the lubricant supply to the lubricant dispensing nozzle and controls the electric power supplied to the electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: Eric Budi Muljono
  • Patent number: 7927668
    Abstract: A coater for coating an electric insulating sheet with coating liquid while sustaining an identical charging polarity of the insulating sheet and the coating liquid in a process for coating one surface of a traveling electric insulating sheet with coating liquid, and a method for producing a coated electric insulating sheet. In order to sustain an identical charging polarity of the insulating sheet and the coating liquid, the coater comprises any one or both of a sheet charger for imparting electrostatic charges to one surface of the electric insulating sheet and a coating liquid charger for imparting electrostatic charges to the coating liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harumi Tanaka, Yutaka Nishimori, Hiroyuki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100221493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate having at least one décor layer or overlay being applied to at least one surface of the substrate, wherein hard particles are distributed over the décor layer or overlay for improving the abrasion resistance of the décor layer or overlay, wherein the hard particles have a coating containing a silane, preferably an aminosilane, providing a chargeable or electrically conductive surface for the coated particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mats Hintze
  • Publication number: 20100104868
    Abstract: Provided are a multi-functional hybrid fiber, a composite material with the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The multi-functional hybrid fiber includes a carbon fiber having a bundle of a plurality of continuous fibers, the continuous fiber having an external diameter of 5 ?m to 10 ?m, a nano particle attached to an outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electrophoretic deposition method, and a metal attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electroplating method. The nano particle and metal are mixed and attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by the simultaneous electrophoretic deposition and electroplating methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Sang Bok Lee, Joon Hyung Byun, Jin Woo Yi, Moon Kwang Um, Sang Kwan Lee, Won Oh Lee, O Young Choi
  • Patent number: 7534473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel electric powder impregnation process for impregnating powder into a fibrous, filamentary and/or porous network, especially in order to produce a composite, comprising a continuous, rigid or flexible, matrix with which said network is in intimate contact, in which process the powder on the one hand and said network on the other are placed between a lower electrode and an upper electrode, these electrodes are electrically insulated from each other by a dielectric and connected to the respective poles of an AC generator so as to simultaneously subject the powder and said network to an electric field, characterized in that the upper electrode comprises at least one electrode tube and the AC electric field applied is from 0.10 to 20 kV/mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Materials Technics Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Joric Marduel
  • Patent number: 7517563
    Abstract: A hose of impermeability has a wall corrugated along at least a part of its length, and formed by an inner thin resin layer, a laminated layer including a metal film, or a layer formed by a metal film, and an outer thin resin layer. It has a very high fluid impermeability owing to its wall layer including or formed by a metal film, and is also very flexible, capable of absorbing vibration, light in weight and strong. A tubular inner thin resin layer is formed by extrusion as the innermost layer of a multi-layered hose wall, and a laminated tape including a metal film, or simply a metal film is spirally wound or longitudinally lapped about the inner resin layer. An outer thin resin layer is formed about a layer formed by the laminated tape, or metal film, and the whole is at least partly corrugated. Alternatively, corrugation is done before an outer thin resin layer is formed by electrostatic powder coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoshige Hibino, Kazutaka Katayama, Ayumu Ikemoto, Hidehito Ikeda, Hiroaki Ito
  • Patent number: 7459179
    Abstract: Processes for making fibrous structures wherein the process includes the step of contacting a fibrous structure with a solid additive such that the solid additive is present on a surface of the fibrous structure at a greater level than within the fibrous structure a solid additive are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Prodoehl, Kenneth Douglas Vinson
  • Patent number: 7288291
    Abstract: A film is formed on a planar surface by applying a granular layer on the planar surface by using electrostatic forces, and then finishing the granular layer to form the film. A converting line may be rebuilt to have devices employing this method. A multilayer sheet-like product comprising a film layer may be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Juha Maijala, Johan Grön, Kaisa Putkisto, Vilho Nissinen, Pentti Rautiainen
  • Patent number: 7186445
    Abstract: A method for preliminary treatment of particles of a powder in a dry surface treatment process before applying the powder particles on a surface of a substrate by utilizing an electric field created by electrodes. The Electrodes are located at opposite sides of the substrate in such a way that at least one first electrode is located at the side of the substrate to be coated, and at least one second electrode is located at the opposites side of the substrate. The particles of the powder are pre-charged before bringing them into the electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaisa Putkisto, Juha Maijala, Veli Käsmä
  • Patent number: 7186444
    Abstract: A powdery layer is formed on a first side of a web (W) which serves as a substrate by applying electrically charged particles on the web while a rotating grounding electrode is located at a second side of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaisa Putkisto, Juha Maijala, Veli Käsmä
  • Patent number: 7090898
    Abstract: A process for producing products in web form comprising at least two layers, in which a composition emerging from an applicator is applied as a layer to a substrate in web form which is guided on a transport means, said application taking place with application of electrostatic charges, and the substrate coated with the composition is electrostatically neutralized before departing the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: tesa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Neuhaus-Steinmetz, Maren Klose, Lars Guldbrandsen
  • Patent number: 7045173
    Abstract: A process for producing products in web form comprising at least two layers, in which a composition emerging from an applicator is applied as a layer to a substrate in web form which is guided on a transport means, the application taking place with application of electrostatic charges, and in which the substrate coated with the composition is electrostatically neutralized before departing the applicator, the transport means being provided with an electrically insulating coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Tesa AG
    Inventors: Ralf Hirsch, Sven Konig, Dieter Muller, Hermann Neuhaus-Steinmetz, Horst Wickborn
  • Patent number: 7018680
    Abstract: A continuous web having a first surface and a second surface is coated with a coating powder by allowing the web to move between a first and a second electrode, which are in different potentials and are located on the opposite sides of the web, applying the coating powder on the surface of the web by utilizing the difference in the electric potential, and finishing the coated surface of the web. Both surfaces of the web are coated essentially simultaneously by using oppositely charged electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Veli Käsmä, Juha Maijala, Kaisa Putkisto
  • Patent number: 6969540
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Albert E. Seaver, William K. Leonard
  • 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: 6940047
    Abstract: A floating substrate reactor allows heat treatment of a series of semiconductor substrates, one by one. The heat treatment occurs while flowing gas suspends a substrate between two heated surfaces of the reactor. The two heated surfaces each have multiple heating zones. The heating zones are heated to desired temperature(s) and a substrate is then loaded into the reactor for heat treatment. Upon loading, the relatively cold substrate absorbs heat and cools the process chamber. A heat spike, which can be varied, is applied to the heating zones to heat the reactor to the desired temperature again. The substrate, however, is unloaded from the reactor before the temperatures of the heating zones have reached the desired temperature. After the heating zones have reached the desired temperature, the next substrate in the series of substrates is loaded into the reactor for heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Tom A. van Kesteren, Jan Zinger
  • Patent number: 6919105
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lixin Luke Xue, Kent B. Koller, Qiong Gao
  • Patent number: 6896936
    Abstract: A process for producing products in web form comprising at least two layers, in which a composition emerging from an applicator is applied as a layer to a substrate in web form which is guided on a transport means, said application taking place with application of electrostatic charges, and in which the substrate coated with the composition is electrostatically neutralized before departing the transport means, electrostatic charges being applied to the web-formed substrate prior to coating, by means of a substrate electrode, so that the substrate is pressed onto the transport means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: tesa AG
    Inventors: Hermann Neuhaus-Steinmetz, Lars Guldbrandsen, Maren Klose
  • Patent number: 6849303
    Abstract: The use of electrostatic impregnation to load materials such as binders and flavors onto substrates such as fibers and medical devices is disclosed. Substrates loaded with materials such as binders and flavors, wherein the materials are loaded on the substrates via electrostatic impregnation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Vipul Bhupendra Dave
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6733845
    Abstract: The invention concerns an impregnation method for producing in particular a composite material comprising a fiber or filament array and a continuous matrix, rigid or flexible, with which said array is in close contact. The method is characterized in that said matrix is incorporated in said array in powder form before being transformed to constitute the continuous matrix. It consists in placing the powder and said fiber or filament in an electrostatic field with an alternating current voltage of at least 20 kV for at least 5 s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Materials Technics Societe Anonyme Holding
    Inventors: Laurence Caramaro, Gérard Lamure
  • Patent number: 6630208
    Abstract: A method to obtain and keep, at the time of actual coating, a uniform charge distribution on a web that is to be subsequently coated in order to establish stable high-speed coating provides a higher resistivity in a web edge area than that in a web central area by applying a subbing layer to the web central area while leaving the edge area free of the subbing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Tokimasa, Yoshinobu Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6582521
    Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus including a housing with an interior coating area for receiving a workpiece. The interior coating area includes a vortex inducing surface and a pressurized air input device directs air against the surface to form a swirling pattern of air around the workpiece. A powder introducer directs charged powder into the swirling pattern of air and the powder is then electrostatically attracted to the workpiece. The powder introducer may be a powder fluidizing bed disposed in the housing or other suppliers, such as electrostatic powder spray guns. In alternative embodiments, vortex generators in the form of tubular structures connected proximate the housing inlet and outlet have tangential ports for introducing positive pressure air or inducing vacuum in the tubular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Bertellotti, Joseph Rogari
  • Patent number: 6579574
    Abstract: A liquid coating is formed by spraying drops of liquid onto a substrate or a transfer surface from an electrostatic spray head that produces a mist of drops and a wet coating in response to an electrostatic field. During spraying, the electrostatic field is repeatedly altered to change the pattern deposited by the drops. The wet coating can be contacted with two or more pick-and-place devices that improve the uniformity of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Albert E. Seaver, William K. Leonard
  • Patent number: 6565926
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant coated strap is formed from an elongated metal strap base element having a width and a thickness and defining first and second sides and a pair of edge regions. A coating is sprayed and cured onto the base element. The coating has a substantially consistent thickness at the first and second sides and at about the edge regions. A method for making the coated strap includes providing a metal strap and conveying the strap through a coating apparatus. A powder is electrostatically applied on the first side of the strap, which covers the first side and the opposing edges. The powder is applied on the second side of the strap, covering the second side and the opposing edges. The powder is melted to form a flowable material and is cured on the strap. The coating method is carried out in an in-line strap manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventors: Dave Fredericksen, Al Suopys, Jim Nelson, Max Zimbicki, Christopher Merritt, Dennis Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 6558754
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for distribution of hard particles to the surface of a paper web (20) impregnated with resin. The apparatus includes a feed hopper (3), a rotating doctor-roll (2) placed under the feed hopper (3). The doctor-roll (2) is in spaced relation to said paper web (20) fed under the doctor-roll (2). There is a means for releasing the particles from the doctor-roll (2) and distributing them evenly on the fed paper web. Said means comprises an electrode arrangement (4). The electrode arrangement (4) is enclosed by a casing (5) provided with a downwards direction sliding plate (7). The invention also includes a process where the apparatus is used as well as particle coated paper produced by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Per-Erik Velin, Brian Perkins, Jan-Olof Bengtsson, Henrik Frosthagen
  • Patent number: 6544598
    Abstract: The use of a solid state waveform generator together with a suitable non-inverting amplifier provides a very versatile system for depositing particles on a substrate by an upward deposition, or “UP”, technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Abrasives Technology Company
    Inventors: Gwo Shin Swei, Sylvain Petigny
  • Patent number: 6521299
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for improving the coating surface of a coating mass deposited on or applied to a paper web (8, 23) by a film press. An anionic aqueous coating mass or an anionic paper web are provided with an opposite electric charge by an electric charger, whereby the applied coating is attracted to the oppositely charged paper (8, 23) in a nip exit area of the film press. The electric charger is, for example, a corona generator (13, 17) or a direct current voltage source (9) that is connected to the paper (8, 23) and coating slip by electrodes (5, 5a, 7, 7a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: BTG Eclépens S.A.
    Inventor: Guido Dessauer
  • Patent number: 6506456
    Abstract: A method for application of a fluid on a substrate formed as a film or web or laminate in which the substrate is located between two spaced apart electrodes for generating an electrostatic field. An electrostatic field is generated on each side of substrate and a fluid is introduced as droplets for application to the substrate into the electrostatic field on at least one side of the substrate, forming electrostatically charged droplets. The electrostatically charged droplets are directed based upon a predetermined pattern onto the at least one side of the substrate. In accordance with one embodiment, the electrode on the side opposite to the side on which the droplets are introduced is used to cause the droplets to migrate into the interior of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Varunesh Sharma, Robert John Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6500494
    Abstract: A method for applying a matting layer to a radiation-sensitive layer of a printing plate precursor is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) providing a matting composition comprising a polymer and a solvent, wherein the matting composition has a solid content of more than 10% and no more than 50% by weight based on the total composition; and (b) spraying the matting composition on the radiation-sensitive layer using an electrostatically aided rotary atomizer having a bell speed of more than 10,000 rpm, wherein the distance between the bell and the radiation-sensitive layer to be coated is less than 30 cm. The printing plate precursor may be in the form of a moving web. The method of the present invention can be used for matting any kind of radiation-sensitive layer of conventional positive and negative working lithographic printing plate precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Hauck, Nils Nessler, Heinfried Rudolph
  • Patent number: 6494988
    Abstract: Application device for a paper machine, a paper machine, a nozzle dampener, and a process for improving the surface of offset paper. The application device includes a plurality of nozzles distributed across a machine width as at least one row of nozzles, such that the plurality of nozzles are oriented to spray a passing paper web. The at least one row of nozzles is adapted for an alternative selective throughput of water and binding agent. The paper machine includes the application device. The nozzle dampener includes a plurality of nozzles distributed across a machine width as at least one row of nozzles, such that the plurality of nozzles are oriented to spray a passing paper web. The at least one row of nozzles are adapted to improve paper properties of offset paper by applying a binding agent onto the passing paper web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Ingolf Cedra, Frank Wegehaupt
  • Patent number: 6458427
    Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus including a housing with an interior coating area for receiving a workpiece. The interior coating area includes a vortex inducing surface and a pressurized air input device directs air against the surface to form a swirling pattern of air around the workpiece. A powder introducer directs charged powder into the swirling pattern of air and the powder is then electrostatically attracted to the workpiece. The powder introducer may be a powder fluidizing bed disposed in the housing or other suppliers, such as electrostatic powder spray guns. In alternative embodiments, vortex generators in the form of tubular structures connected proximate the housing inlet and outlet have tangential ports for introducing positive pressure air or inducing vacuum in the tubular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Bertellotti, Joseph Rogari
  • Publication number: 20020086116
    Abstract: A method for applying a matting layer to a radiation-sensitive layer of a printing plate precursor comprises: (a) providing a matting composition comprising a polymer and a solvent, wherein the matting composition has a solid content of more than 10% and no more than 50% by weight based on the total composition; and (b) spraying the matting composition on the radiation-sensitive layer using an electrostatically aided rotary atomizer having a bell speed of more than 10,000 rpm, wherein the distance between the bell and the radiation-sensitive layer to be coated is less than 50 cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Hauck, Nils Nessler, Heinfried Rudolph
  • Patent number: 6410100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for directly or indirectly applying a liquid or pasty application medium (2) onto one or both sides of a continuous surface (4), wherein the application medium (2) is applied to the surface (4) in a plurality of single application regions by means of a plurality of single application nozzles (12) spaced apart from one another side by side and/or in succession in the direction of width (B) and/or longitudinal direction of the surface (4) and clearly distanced (D) from the surface (4), the application medium (2) emerging from each of these nozzles, wherein adjacent single application regions each intersect (U) at least in part in their respective edge regions, causing a layer of application medium to be produced across substantially the entire width (B) of the surface (4) to be coated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Bernert, Rüdiger Kurtz, Martin Kustermann, Bernhard Kohl, Hans-Dieter Dörflinger, Benjamin Mendez-Gallon
  • Patent number: 6329304
    Abstract: Floating wafer provided with heating elements which, by means of a controller, keep the walls of the floating wafer reactor at the desired temperature. By means of the sensors arranged in the walls, this temperate is kept substantially constant. To compensate for the temperature drop occurring during the entering of a wafer, which is caused by the absorption of warmth by the comparatively cold wafer, and to limit temperature variation in the processing area as much as possible, it is proposed to immediately supply an amount of energy to the heating elements, independently of the reaction of the sensors, during entering of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: A.S.M. International N.V.
    Inventors: Vladimir Ivanovich Kuznetsov, Ernst Hendrik August Granneman