Nonparticulate Element Embedded Or Inlaid In Substrate And Visible Patents (Class 428/67)
  • Publication number: 20070264519
    Abstract: A plurality of small diameter, closely spaced openings are formed in the back of a semiconductor wafer and are filled with copper plugs in areas of the wafer where the effect of thinning is desired. The openings may be holes of any desired cross-section with a width or diameter of 3 to 5 ?m and a center-to-center spacing of about 50 ?m. The posts can have a depth of 180 ?m or greater in a wafer having a thickness of 200 ?m or greater. The wafer can be silicon, silicon carbide, gallium nitride, or any substrate used for semiconductor device fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel M. Kinzer
  • Patent number: 7141292
    Abstract: A laminar mat comprises a rigid planar tile of moulded plastics material having on respective faces a planar layer integrated therewith during moulding of the tile, the planar layers each being of similar material. Non-adhesive integration of the planar layers during moulding eliminates the need for adhesive. The mat may be moulded so as to include one or more projections, recesses and living hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Innavisions, Limited
    Inventor: John Kenneth Kirby
  • Patent number: 7125595
    Abstract: A multi-component floor mat that, in one embodiment, is comprised of a first base or frame portion, intended to be positioned on the floor, that is dimensioned to accommodate a second flexible textile mat or rug portion that is releasably held in place on or in said base or frame portion by a plurality of magnets associated with one or both portions, thereby allowing for the easy removal or replacement of the textile portion of the mat and the economical laundering of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Seiin Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7001660
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for forming images in solid surfaces, and to solid surfaces containing an image. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for forming images in polymeric materials, and polymeric materials containing an image with novel optical density characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Gilbert Garitano
  • Patent number: 6986918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an article for association with a motor vehicle. The article may include a base, and a plurality of inserts received in the base. Each insert has at least two characteristics. The at least two characteristics of each insert causes the plurality of inserts to form a substantially unique article profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: DCI Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6958182
    Abstract: The floor wall covering made from ceramics, wood, plastic, natural or artificial stone, has at least one inlay illuminated with optical waveguides. A tile or panel inlay is illuminated by light from the optical waveguide. At least one recess (12) is provided in the floor or wall covering in which a tile or panel inlay is inserted. The tile or panel inlay is made of transparent material or made of a diffuse reflecting fiber or made of diffused reflecting fiber optical elements and in the optical waiveguide directs light from a remote source to the inlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Guido Hasecke, Heinrich Hasecke
  • Patent number: 6951677
    Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., Konishi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Sumiya Shimotsuma, Shinichiro Matsushita, Keiichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 6951679
    Abstract: A coated bathroom or kitchen component product includes a transparent polymerized resin and inserts of gravel of marble and/or other stones embedded substantially uniformly in the transparent polymerized resin. The inserts have a coplanar leveled surface at a surface of the component. The inserts are surrounded by a surface of the polymerized resin defining surface depressions having a lowest depression surface in a region between inserts and the surface of the polymerized resin rising form the lowest depression surface to the level of the surface of the component adjacent to the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Silena Gaggini
  • Patent number: 6946180
    Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes a matrix material, and a plurality of deflectable elements or “machines” disposed in the matrix material, the machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material. Preferably, the machines have an elongate shape defining a longitudinal axis, which are disposed within the matrix material in a predetermined array. The elongate members have an asymmetrical cross-section which is deflectable between first and second shapes, and consequently the composite material exhibits different physical properties because the elongate members deflect between the first and second shapes. The machines may include a variety of asymmetrical cross-sections, such as a generally “Z” shape, an hourglass shape, a cantilever shape or a leaf spring shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Gary F. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6942910
    Abstract: A structural member of the present invention includes a substrate having portions defining an inwardly extending channel and a blow molded member in contact with the substrate. The blow molded member has portions that engage the portions of the substrate that define the inwardly extending channel such that the blow molded member is secured to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Roberts, Daniel P. Reed
  • Patent number: 6916520
    Abstract: A set for forming a card such as an identity card with a protective film. The set has a carrier sheet, a print carrier layer and a protective film layer. The set further includes at least one print carrier element stamped out from the print carrier layer, and at least one protective film element stamped out from the protective film layer. The print carrier element and the protective film element are disposed in a mirror image relative to a fold axis formed in the carrier sheet. The protective film layer is formed by a hot-seal film layer, and the protective film element is disposed on the carrier sheet with a horizontal gap having a predetermined distance from the adjoining regions of the hot-seal film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: PROMAXX Cards Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Fernandez-Kirchberger
  • Patent number: 6908654
    Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., Konishi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Sumiya Shimotsuma, Shinichiro Matsushita, Keiichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 6905751
    Abstract: A covering for a floor, wall or ceiling surface includes tiles each having first and second discrete tile sections. The first section includes a primary backing exposed on one side of the tile forming a first discrete exposed surface portion and a plurality of yarns tufted into the primary backing with cut or loop yarns on the back side of the primary backing leaving backstitches forming a second discrete exposed surface portion of the first section. The primary backing and backstitches form the first and second surface portions, respectively, of the first section with aesthetic characteristics different from one another. The second section of the tile is formed of one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric and a tufted pile and which second section forms the remaining portion of the exposed surface of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Mohawk Brands Inc.
    Inventor: Alejandro Jauregui
  • Patent number: 6896948
    Abstract: A computer mouse cover provides a grip for a computer mouse. The computer mouse has a top, a bottom and a peripheral side wall. The peripheral edge including a rounded end opposite of an end has actuators thereon. The cover includes a panel having a shape and size adapted for covering the top of the mouse from the rounded end to the actuators. The panel has a pair of side edges and an end edge. A perimeter wall is attached to and extends downward from the side edges and the end edge. The perimeter wall is adapted for frictionally engaging the peripheral side wall of the mouse. A badge having indicia thereon is positioned in a depression extending into an outer surface of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew L. Griswold
  • Patent number: 6896961
    Abstract: A composite material has a laminated structure of fiber-reinforced resin layers and films of a shape-memory alloy. A predetermined strain has been applied to each film. A damage sensor has a film of an alloy of nickel and titanium. An electric circuit is bonded to the film, and strain gages are connected to the electric circuit. The damage sensor can be laminated to the resin layers in place of the film of the shape-memory alloy. Damage to the composite material is suppressed as follows: A current is applied to the films of the shape-memory alloy, to monitor change in electric resistance of the films. The damage is located in response to the change in electric resistance. Another current is applied to a film of the shape-memory alloy for which the change is larger than the other films to generate heat for deforming the film to generate shrinking stress or shear stress to the damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimichi Ogisu, Masato Nomura, Norio Ando
  • Patent number: 6869658
    Abstract: A printable recording material and the method of using the same. The material includes a substrate and at least one functional coating on at least one side of the substrate insuring printability. The coating includes a binder and inorganic pigments in an amount of at least 50% by weight based on the dry weight of the coating. An image can be embedded in the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Zanders Feinpapier AG
    Inventor: Franz Josef Becker
  • Patent number: 6858276
    Abstract: The invention concerns the production of articles comprising at least a rigid element (1) and at least an element (2) made of a thermoplastic material obtained by moulding. The rigid element (1) has a profiled transverse section defining a concave space, wherein is positioned at least partly an element made of thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rhodia Engineering Plastics S.A.
    Inventors: Didier Chomier, Marcel On De Laak, Gerhard Potsch
  • Patent number: 6849320
    Abstract: A decorative molding/casing for use in decorating a room or furniture as disclosed. The decorative molding/casing in general has a routed or lazered front surface establishing a front face section. The rear surface of the molding/casing is preferably milled to create a longitudinal groove which establishes a first interior surface and a pair of symmetric support sections. Any desired artistic design cutouts may then be routed or lazered through the front face section and through the first interior surface into the longitudinal groove. A filler material is then colored or selected. The filler material may then be positioned within the longitudinal groove between the pair of symmetric support sections. The colored surface of the filler material may then be positioned proximate to the first interior surface where the filler material may be secured to the first interior surface by any preferred means as desired by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy Duffney
  • Patent number: 6849317
    Abstract: A carpet tile (11) and tile cutting apparatus (20) that produces a carpet tile with a removable cutout section (13) defined by discontinuous slits (19) and held in place by bridges (14). The apparatus includes a perimeter cutting assembly (50) and retractable inner cutting assembly (40). The perimeter cutting assembly is used to cut the carpet tile and the inner cutting assembly simultaneously forms the discontinuous slits in the inner portion of the carpet tile. The inner cutting assembly can be engaged or disengaged during the carpet tile cutting process. The carpet tile is installed by severing the bridges and laying the border sections (12) on the floor with dissimilar cutouts within the borders to create a visually interesting floor covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Oakey, Jerry C. Hall
  • Patent number: 6802164
    Abstract: A floor includes a substrate and an image, with the image being visible from above the floor. The image is formed on a carrier sheet that is embedded within a coating disposed upon an upper surface of the substrate. The coating is substantially translucent and is highly durable. The carrier sheet becomes substantially invisible when embedded in the coating such that the image remains visible from above the floor and appears to be embedded therein. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ardex, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Newbrough, Seth Pevarnik
  • Patent number: 6797355
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a three-dimensional photograph includes: establishing a three-dimensional coordinate system and subsequently generating a three-dimensional spatial image within the coordinate system; dividing the image into a plurality of pixels and subsequently storing spatial data and color data of the pixels in a memory; dividing the image into a plurality of image layers along a direction corresponding to a coordinate of the coordinate system; providing a plurality of transparent plates and coloring a side surface of each of the plates at positions corresponding to the pixels in a respective one of the image layers, based on the spatial data and the color data in the memory; and combining the transparent plates, thereby forming the photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Tzuen-Yih Wang, Leo Huang, Ming-Hsiong Chang
  • Patent number: 6783829
    Abstract: An advertising mat including a floor mat having a bottom surface for engaging a floor and an upper surface over which pedestrian traffic will pass. The mat upper surface includes a traffic section adapted for placement in a pedestrian path, and at least one side section having a plurality of hold down tabs. The side section is adjacent the traffic section. A panel including a top surface bearing advertising indicia is configured for placement in the side section. The plurality of hold down tabs releasably secures the panel in the side section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Arena
  • Publication number: 20040137203
    Abstract: An integral label for composite materials. The label, printed with magnetically doped ink, ink with UV components, ink with IR components may be embedded on the surface of the composite material using a heat curable resin. The indicia on the label can be read with magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) or other magnetic scanning technology or scanners that recognize UV and/or IR components. The label may be made of retro reflective material and reverse printed with opaque ink. The data carrier may be a mesh, paper, porous material, solid resin sheet or the data may be printed directly on the composite. There is no need for visual contrast between the composite, label and/or indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew T. Adams, Glenn David Aspenns
  • Patent number: 6759112
    Abstract: The present invention describes a structure for and a method of forming a first set and a second set of features in a substrate; covering the first and second set of features with a material; forming a third set of features in the material and removing the material to expose the first set of features, leaving the second set of features embedded below the material; measuring post-etch overlay between the first set and the third set of features; and measuring post-develop overlay between the second set and the third set of features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Wong
  • Publication number: 20040121109
    Abstract: A process for making a composite profile may take advantage of the properties of two different materials, such as their strength, holding properties, ability to be readily coated or processed, and cost. In a preferred embodiment, the process makes use of a crush rib to ensure that the parts are flush with each other. In another preferred embodiment, the process makes use of a gap between the insert and the core, filling the gap with a coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Richard N. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6749925
    Abstract: The invention relates to different methods for distortion-free production of data carriers having at least in partial areas a transparent plastic layer with a surface structure in the form of a lens structure. The surface structure can be produced by cutting method or embossed by applying heat and pressure. Alternatively the surface structure can be produced as a separate element which is connected after its production with the data carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Hoppe, Yahya Haghiri-Tehrani, Arno Hohmann, Josef Strassmaier, Wolfgang Gauch, Matthias Bergmann, Gustav Dax
  • Publication number: 20040028870
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inlaying a design into a laminate sheet and bonding the inlaid laminate sheet to a core structure or core substrate. The method of the present invention includes the steps of die cutting a preselected inlay design out of a laminate sheet, die cutting a congruent insert to be placed in the aperture left by the die cut design, taping the insert into the die cut design aperture, laminating with heat and pressure the laminate sheet to a core material, removing the tape from the laminate sheet, and conducting a finishing operation such as trimming to clean the excess laminate sheet from around the edges of the core material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory S. Lehr
  • Publication number: 20040013844
    Abstract: A base plate used for the mounting of porcelain tiles is disclosed. The base plate comprises a soft cushion and a multiple of hard supporting bodies disposed therein. The hard supporting bodies extend to the upper and lower surfaces of the soft cushion and may be disposed in the soft cushion in an orderly fashion or in a disorderly fashion. The upper surface of the soft cushion and the top surface of the hard supporting bodies are coated with a layer of pressure-sensitive glue, and a piece of paper is disposed on top of the layer for protection of the glue. The bottom surface of the tile can be adhered to the upper surface of the soft cushion. Each of the hard supporting bodies may be taken out from the soft cushion and may be inverted (with the glue-coated surface of each of them pointing down) and inserted back into the soft cushion, so that the glue-coated surface of each of them may be in contact with and adhere to the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Chen-Chi Mao
  • Patent number: 6660358
    Abstract: A blow-molded, luminescent, polyethylene food or beverage container or bottle which glows-in-the dark due to the presence of zinc sulfide luminescent pigment in the polyethylene resin at a level of from about 0.075 to about 1.2 percent by weight. The blow-molded, luminescent, polyethylene beverage container or bottle is designed to contain an acidic beverage. Even after prolonged storage in the container or bottle, the acidic beverage contains less than 0.25 ppm of zinc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Kaufman, Thomas K. Preston, Marshall M. Rankowitz
  • Patent number: 6652938
    Abstract: A media transport belt with excellent electrostatic absorption, resistance to dielectric breakdown, and ink resistance, which comprises a tubular film made of polymer material, an electrode pattern formed on the surface of the tubular film, and an electrode protective layer with volume resistance of from 109 to 1015 &OHgr;·cm dielectric constant of equal to or greater than 3.0 on the electrode pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Nishikawa, Koji Sezaki
  • Publication number: 20030216125
    Abstract: A part employing internally molded shapes and surface finish to provide cosmetic features or design elements includes a body, at least a portion of which is molded of a transparent or semi-transparent material having an internal surface and an external surface. A cosmetic feature is formed in the internal surface of the body and is visible through the body of the part from the external surface. In some embodiments, the part is within a mobile phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Isaac Ward, Souhail Abood, David Owen West, Dietmar F. Wennemer, Kenneth Lawrence Weselake
  • Patent number: 6632506
    Abstract: A high-visibility traction tape includes a substrate having opposed surfaces. Adhesive and a removable backing are attached to one of the opposed surfaces. Embedded into the other of the opposed surfaces is an array of slip-resistant ceramic particles to provide a high-friction surface. A high-visibility surface is created by coating the other of the opposed surfaces with a reflective ink or attaching a reflective tape or a plastic strip to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Consumer Care Products Inc.
    Inventor: Terrand B. Grall
  • Publication number: 20030180498
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing at least a skin (2) for forming a visible front surface (3) of an interior trim part which comprises at least one pre-manufactured insert (6) showing a back face (7) situated at a distance behind said visible surface. The skin is made by applying at least one flowable skin material for producing an elastomeric, non-cellular or micro-cellular plastic skin (2) against at least one surface of a mould (9) and by allowing this flowable skin material to harden. Before uniting any structural backing layer (4) or intermediate foam layer (5) to the back side of the skin, the pre-manufactured insert is adhesively fixed to said skin material. Use is preferably made as said flowable skin material of a reactive polyurethane mixture. The pre-manufactured insert is preferably adhesively fixed, at least partially by the adhesion of said flowable skin material itself before it has completely hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Hugo De Winter, Jan Willems
  • Patent number: 6617005
    Abstract: A decorative molding/casing for use in decorating a room or furniture as disclosed. The decorative molding/casing in general has a routed or lazered front surface establishing a front face section. The rear surface of the molding/casing is preferably milled to create a longitudinal groove which establishes a first interior surface and a pair of symmetric support sections. Any desired artistic design cutouts may then be routed or lazered through the front face section and through the first interior surface into the longitudinal groove. A filler material is then colored or selected. The filler material may then be positioned within the longitudinal groove between the pair of symmetric support sections. The colored surface of the filler material may then be positioned proximate to the first interior surface where the filler material may be secured to the first interior surface by any preferred means as desired by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy Duffney
  • Patent number: 6607809
    Abstract: A tile with a transparent glass body having a smooth front face and a three-dimensional design impressed on the rear face that is viewed through the front face. The impressed design is further defined by a layer of decorative glass materials fused to the impressed design as well as some or all of the rear face. An overlay of glass material is fused to and follows the topography of, the decorative glass materials layer and/or the rear face of the glass tile body, sandwiching the decorative glass materials layer between the glass tile body and the glass material overlay. Once fused; the glass material overlay, the decorative glass materials layer and the glass tile body meld to become one homogenous glass layer, comprising the tile, that cannot delaminate. The resulting glass tile is similar in use and durability to ceramic tile while adding the ability to carry a protected, three-dimensional design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Chris Baker-Salmon
  • Publication number: 20030143366
    Abstract: A polymeric and fibrous laminate is preferably formed of a polyolefin having fillers, such as ground glass, shredded cloth, polypropylene, scrap urethane, or other materials which are heated, mixed, and made into a high viscosity gelatin mass. The polyolefin is combined with a fibrous material in the form of a veil of some type such as Trevira (or other synthetic material), glass (such as fiberglass or other mineral origin materials), or natural fibers, or combinations thereof. The laminate advantageously enhances retainment of fasteners when inserted into the laminate and superior adhesion properties to bond to other substrates that would normally not bond to recycled or virgin polyolefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Foley
  • Patent number: 6588969
    Abstract: A micromachine is embedded into an adhesive film for increasing the shear strength of the adhesive used to form a bonding joint. The micromachine has an irregular shaped cross section, such as a trapezoid, so that when the micromachine tends to rotate between two bonded adherents, a surface portion of the micromachine tends to penetrate into and compress the adhesive towards a bonding interface with the constrained adherent for increasing the shear strength of the bonding joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Gary F. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20030124299
    Abstract: A method of coloring cut gemstones by introducing metals or metal oxides into a surface layer by means of heat treatment, wherein in the heat treatment the gemstones are laid on a solid plate and the metals or metal oxides form a substantial constituent of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Rauch, Martin Wurtenberger
  • Publication number: 20030113537
    Abstract: A granule of a compound comprising a nitrate or nitrite, wherein a part of the body of the granule has a protrusion, and an aggregate of the granules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Masatoshi Taniguchi, Hideo Amo, Motoaki Murakami
  • Patent number: 6560841
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for building signs combining tile and wood, such as but not limited to nameplates, is disclosed. The nameplates are produced in several steps, including woodworking, sanding, tile-cutting, stencil-applying, sandblasting, and polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventors: Mark James Letherer, Christopher Mark Tanner
  • Publication number: 20030077417
    Abstract: The floor or wall covering made from ceramics, wood, plastic, natural or artificial stone, has at least one inlay illuminated with optical waveguides. A tile or panel inlay is illuminated by light from the optical waveguide. At least one recess (12) is provided in the floor or wall covering in which a tile or panel inlay is inserted. The tile or panel inlay is made of transparent material or made of a diffuse reflecting fiber or made of diffused reflecting fiber optic elements and in the optical waiveguide directs light from a remote source to the inlay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Guido Hasecke, Heinrich Hasecke
  • Patent number: 6551683
    Abstract: A preform for making a prosthetic limb socket includes an injection molded flat circular disk of rigid thermoplastics material, and the disk has a peripheral portion with an embedded reinforcing ring which was spaced as an insert within the mold cavity. The preform is heated within an oven on a flat surface support ring, and the softened disk is manually drawn and stretched downwardly over a positive model of a residual limb while vacuum is introduced through small holes within the model to form a plastic socket which conforms to the positive model. After the plastic cools, the annular base portion of the disk with the embedded reinforcing ring is trimmed from the socket, and the model is removed from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6524679
    Abstract: A multilayer gypsum board having face sheets comprising inorganic fiber, preferably randomly oriented glass fiber, which have been completely impregnated with a gypsum slurry so as to penetrate through the random interstices between the inorganic fibers and to thereby coat the board surfaces with gypsum slurry. The multilayer gypsum board may have a polymeric compound added to unset gypsum the compound may comprise any of the following: polyacrylamide, polymethylacrylamide, polyvinyidene chloride (PVDC), polyamide, poly (hexamethylene adipamide), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, cellulose acetate, polyisobutylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polychloroprene, styrene, butadiene, natural rubber, poly (2,6 dimethyl pentene oxide), poly (4-methyl-1-pentene) and polydimethyl siloxane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: BPB, plc
    Inventors: Robert J. Hauber, Christopher J. Sanders, Mark E. Hennis, Michael P. Fahey
  • Publication number: 20030035917
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image support medium for creation of an aesthetic image that is an work or object for display. This support medium includes a polymer in an amount sufficient to enable the image to have at least one aesthetic element. In different embodiments, the image support medium is an image support stabilizer, the polymer is a synthetic absorbent or conductive polymer, or the polymer is a transparent or synthetic translucent polymer and a property of this transparent or translucent polymer is enhanced to facilitate the creation or preservation of the image by at least one stabilizer. The invention also relates to a method for preparing this image support medium. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising a monomer in an amount sufficient to provide or enable the image to have an aesthetic element, and processing the reaction mixture into a 2- or 3-dimensional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Sydney Hyman
  • Patent number: 6506476
    Abstract: The invention concerns a printed valuable document with at least one authentication feature in the form of a luminescent substance based on a host lattice doped with at least one rare earth metal. The host lattice largely absorbs in the visible region of the spectrum, is excitable at least in parts of the visible region of the spectrum and transparent at least in partial areas of the IR spectral region. The luminescent substance is present in the volume of the valuable document in such a concentration that the characteristics of the valuable document just remain unimpaired. The rare earth metal concerned is thulium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Glesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Gerhard Schwenk, Gerhard Stenzel
  • Patent number: 6503603
    Abstract: The invention relates to a printed valuable document with at least one authenticity mark in the form of a luminescent substance based on a host lattice doped with at least one rare earth metal. The host lattice largely absorbs in the visible region of the spectrum and is excitable in the visible region of the spectrum, and is transparent in at least parts of the IR spectral region. The rare earth metal is holmium. The luminescent substance is present in the volume of the valuable document in such a concentration that the properties of the valuable document just remain unimpaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Gerhard Schwenk, Gerhard Stenzel
  • Patent number: 6497938
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes a wood-product based door or window component including a wood-product based core having opposing first and second surfaces and at least a first side edge. Overlaying at least part of the first surface is a first overlay structure that includes a resin-impregnated paper, and overlaying at least part of the second surface is a second overlay structure that includes a resin-impregnated paper. The wood product based core has an edge band attached to the first side edge, and the edge band includes a resin-impregnated paper. The edge band is attached so that a portion of the wood-product based core is between the resin-impregnated paper of the edge band and the resin-impregnated paper overlaying the first and second surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6491852
    Abstract: A method of making terrazzo floors with design inlays. The method utilizes pre-molded inserts as inlays in the finished floor, and generally includes four steps. First, inserts are pre-molded, which has design elements in terms of their color, nature of inclusions (chips, glass fragments, etc. and their colors), shape and/or a pattern of grooves in their upper surfaces. Second, the pre-molded inserts are placed on and affixed to the sub-flooring in a predetermined arrangement. Third, epoxy flooring mixture is poured to a height that fills the grooves in the inserts' upper surfaces and preferably cover the inserts. Fourth, the floor, after cured and hardened, is ground and polished to expose the upper surfaces of the inserts, which now become seamlessly integrated inlays within the overall finished floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Durite Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Sedaka
  • Patent number: 6482495
    Abstract: The present invention provides an information carrier which has flat surfaces, is excellent in beautiful appearance and permits beautiful necessary printing, and a production process which permits easy and inexpensive production of such an information carrier. An IC chip 1 and a coil 2 connected to the IC chip are embedded in a substrate 3 composed of a nonwoven fabric. The IC chip and the coil are held between two nonwoven fabrics produced according to a conventional production procedure. The laminate of the nonwoven fabrics is fed to a roller or a press and the two nonwoven fabrics are hot-pressed, whereby their mating surfaces are joined with or without an adhesive (including low-melting synthetic resin fiber) incorporated into the webs. After positioning of the coil in the thus obtained raw product of information carrier, the laminate of the nonwoven fabrics and cover sheets is cut to obtain an information carrier of predetermined shape and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyouichi Kohama, Ryuzo Fukao, Wasao Takasugi, Kazuhiko Daido, Toshinobu Sueyoshi
  • Patent number: RE39998
    Abstract: Composite wear component produced by casting and consisting of a metal matrix whose working face or faces includes inserts which have a very high wear resistance, characterized in that the inserts consist of a ceramic pad, this ceramic pad consisting of a homogeneous solid solution of 20 to 80% of Al2O3 and 80 to 20% of ZrO2, the percentages being expressed by weights of the constituents, and the pad then being impregnated with a liquid metal during the casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Magotteaux International S.A.
    Inventor: Hubert Francois