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1,900 | 12,210,208 | 1,782 | A bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a terephthalate component and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of a diol component, wherein at least about one weight percent of at least one of the terephthalate and/or the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. A method of producing a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising obtaining a diol component comprising ethylene glycol, obtaining a terephthalate component comprising terephthalic acid, wherein at least one of the diol component and/or the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material, and reacting the diol component and the terephthalate component to form a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of the terephthalate component and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of the diol component. | 1. A bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising
from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a terephthalate component, wherein the terephthalate component is selected from terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, isophthalic acid, and a combination thereof, and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of a diol component, wherein the diol component is selected from ethylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethanol, and a combination thereof, wherein at least about one weight percent of at least one of the terephthalate and/or the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 2. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 3. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalate component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 4. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein the terephthalate component comprises at least about 70 weight percent of terephthalic acid and wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalic acid is derived from at least one bio-based material. 5. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein the at least one bio-based material is selected from corn, sugarcane, beet, potato, starch, citrus fruit, woody plant, cellulosic lignin, plant oil, natural fiber, oily wood feedstock, and a combination thereof. 6. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein the diol component comprises at least about one weight percent of cyclohexane dimethanol. 7. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, further comprising a supplemental component selected from at least one coloring agent, at least one fast reheat resistant additive, at least one gas barrier additive, at least one UV blocking additive, and a combination thereof. 8. A bio-based container comprising the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1. 9. The bio-based container of claim 8, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprises at least about 0.1 dpm/gC of carbon-14. 10. The container of claim 8, wherein the bio-based container has an intrinsic viscosity from about 0.45 dL/g to about 1.0 dL/g. 11. A bio-based container comprising a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein at least one weight percent of the polyethylene terephthalate polymer is derived from at least one bio-based material, wherein the bio-based container has an intrinsic viscosity from about 0.45 dL/g to about 1.0 dL/g. 12. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprises from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a terephthalate component, wherein the terephthalate component is selected from terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, isophthalic acid, and a combination thereof, and
from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of a diol component, wherein the diol component is selected from ethylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethanol, and a combination thereof; wherein at least about ten weight percent of the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 13. The bio-based container of claim 12, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalate component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 14. The bio-based container of claim 12, wherein the terephthalate component comprises at least about 70 weight percent of terephthalic acid and wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalic acid is derived from at least one bio-based material. 15. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the at least one bio-based material is selected from corn, sugarcane, beet, potato, starch, citrus fruit, woody plant, cellulosic lignin, plant oil, natural fiber, oily wood feedstock, and a combination thereof. 16. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer further comprises a supplemental component selected from at least one coloring agent, at least one fast reheat resistant additive, at least one gas barrier additive, at least one UV blocking additive, and a combination thereof. 17. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the bio-based container comprises at least about 0.1 dpm/gC of carbon-14. 18. A method of producing a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising
a. obtaining a diol component comprising ethylene glycol; b. obtaining a terephthalate component comprising terephthalic acid,
wherein at least one of the diol and/or the terephthalate component is derived from at least one bio-based material; and
c. reacting the diol component and the terephthalate component to form a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprises from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of the terephthalate component and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of the diol component. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising forming a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate resin from the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate resin comprises at least about 0.1 dpm/gC of carbon-14. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the ethylene glycol is derived from at least one bio-based material. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalic acid is derived from at least one bio-based material. 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one bio-based material is selected from corn, sugarcane, beet, potato, starch, citrus fruit, woody plant, cellulosic lignin, oily wood feedstock, and a combination thereof. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein step (a) further comprises
i. obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from at least one bio-based material; ii. fermenting sugar or derivatives thereof to ethanol; iii. dehydrating ethanol to ethylene; iv. oxidizing ethylene to ethylene oxide; and v. converting ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol. 24. The method of claim 18, wherein step (a) further comprises
i. obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from at least one bio-based material; ii. reacting sugar or derivatives to form a mixture comprising ethylene glycol and at least one glycol excluding the ethylene glycol; and iii. separating ethylene glycol from the mixture. 25. The method of claim 18, wherein step (b) further comprises
i. obtaining carene from at least one bio-based material; ii. converting carene to cymene; and iii. oxidizing cymene to terephthalic acid. 26. The method of claim 18, wherein step (b) further comprises
i. obtaining limonene from at least one bio-based material; ii. converting the limonene to at least one terpene; iii. converting the at least one terpene to cymene; and iv. oxidizing cymene to terephthalic acid. 27. The method of claim 18, further comprising adding a supplemental component to the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein the supplement component is selected from at least one coloring agent, at least one fast reheat additive, at least one gas barrier additive, at least one UV blocking additive, and a combination thereof. 28. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer produced by the method of claim 18. 29. A container comprising the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 26. | A bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a terephthalate component and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of a diol component, wherein at least about one weight percent of at least one of the terephthalate and/or the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. A method of producing a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising obtaining a diol component comprising ethylene glycol, obtaining a terephthalate component comprising terephthalic acid, wherein at least one of the diol component and/or the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material, and reacting the diol component and the terephthalate component to form a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of the terephthalate component and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of the diol component.1. A bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising
from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a terephthalate component, wherein the terephthalate component is selected from terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, isophthalic acid, and a combination thereof, and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of a diol component, wherein the diol component is selected from ethylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethanol, and a combination thereof, wherein at least about one weight percent of at least one of the terephthalate and/or the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 2. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 3. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalate component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 4. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein the terephthalate component comprises at least about 70 weight percent of terephthalic acid and wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalic acid is derived from at least one bio-based material. 5. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein the at least one bio-based material is selected from corn, sugarcane, beet, potato, starch, citrus fruit, woody plant, cellulosic lignin, plant oil, natural fiber, oily wood feedstock, and a combination thereof. 6. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, wherein the diol component comprises at least about one weight percent of cyclohexane dimethanol. 7. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1, further comprising a supplemental component selected from at least one coloring agent, at least one fast reheat resistant additive, at least one gas barrier additive, at least one UV blocking additive, and a combination thereof. 8. A bio-based container comprising the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 1. 9. The bio-based container of claim 8, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprises at least about 0.1 dpm/gC of carbon-14. 10. The container of claim 8, wherein the bio-based container has an intrinsic viscosity from about 0.45 dL/g to about 1.0 dL/g. 11. A bio-based container comprising a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein at least one weight percent of the polyethylene terephthalate polymer is derived from at least one bio-based material, wherein the bio-based container has an intrinsic viscosity from about 0.45 dL/g to about 1.0 dL/g. 12. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprises from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a terephthalate component, wherein the terephthalate component is selected from terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, isophthalic acid, and a combination thereof, and
from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of a diol component, wherein the diol component is selected from ethylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethanol, and a combination thereof; wherein at least about ten weight percent of the diol component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 13. The bio-based container of claim 12, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalate component is derived from at least one bio-based material. 14. The bio-based container of claim 12, wherein the terephthalate component comprises at least about 70 weight percent of terephthalic acid and wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalic acid is derived from at least one bio-based material. 15. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the at least one bio-based material is selected from corn, sugarcane, beet, potato, starch, citrus fruit, woody plant, cellulosic lignin, plant oil, natural fiber, oily wood feedstock, and a combination thereof. 16. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer further comprises a supplemental component selected from at least one coloring agent, at least one fast reheat resistant additive, at least one gas barrier additive, at least one UV blocking additive, and a combination thereof. 17. The bio-based container of claim 11, wherein the bio-based container comprises at least about 0.1 dpm/gC of carbon-14. 18. A method of producing a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprising
a. obtaining a diol component comprising ethylene glycol; b. obtaining a terephthalate component comprising terephthalic acid,
wherein at least one of the diol and/or the terephthalate component is derived from at least one bio-based material; and
c. reacting the diol component and the terephthalate component to form a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer comprises from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of the terephthalate component and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of the diol component. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising forming a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate resin from the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate resin comprises at least about 0.1 dpm/gC of carbon-14. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the ethylene glycol is derived from at least one bio-based material. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein at least about ten weight percent of the terephthalic acid is derived from at least one bio-based material. 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one bio-based material is selected from corn, sugarcane, beet, potato, starch, citrus fruit, woody plant, cellulosic lignin, oily wood feedstock, and a combination thereof. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein step (a) further comprises
i. obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from at least one bio-based material; ii. fermenting sugar or derivatives thereof to ethanol; iii. dehydrating ethanol to ethylene; iv. oxidizing ethylene to ethylene oxide; and v. converting ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol. 24. The method of claim 18, wherein step (a) further comprises
i. obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from at least one bio-based material; ii. reacting sugar or derivatives to form a mixture comprising ethylene glycol and at least one glycol excluding the ethylene glycol; and iii. separating ethylene glycol from the mixture. 25. The method of claim 18, wherein step (b) further comprises
i. obtaining carene from at least one bio-based material; ii. converting carene to cymene; and iii. oxidizing cymene to terephthalic acid. 26. The method of claim 18, wherein step (b) further comprises
i. obtaining limonene from at least one bio-based material; ii. converting the limonene to at least one terpene; iii. converting the at least one terpene to cymene; and iv. oxidizing cymene to terephthalic acid. 27. The method of claim 18, further comprising adding a supplemental component to the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer, wherein the supplement component is selected from at least one coloring agent, at least one fast reheat additive, at least one gas barrier additive, at least one UV blocking additive, and a combination thereof. 28. The bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer produced by the method of claim 18. 29. A container comprising the bio-based polyethylene terephthalate polymer of claim 26. | 1,700 |
1,901 | 12,664,722 | 1,788 | The present application is directed to a colored adhesive which has various kinds of colors, darkness or brightness; can be applied and peeled easily; and has good adhesion and appearance. The acrylic colored adhesive comprises a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer, an inorganic filler, such as a pigment, or a dye, and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers. | 1. An acrylic colored adhesive comprising
a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer; a pigment or a dye; and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers. 2. The acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 1 wherein the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer further comprises hydroxyl groups. 3. The acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 1 wherein the pigment or the dye is an organic pigment or dye. 4. The acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1 wherein the pigment or the dye is not white. 5. The acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1 wherein the pigment or the dye is white. 6. The acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1 further comprising a crosslinker. 7. A marking film comprising a base film layer and an adhesive layer comprising the acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1. 8. The marking film according to claim 7 wherein the base film layer is a clear film. 9. The marking film according to claim 7 wherein the base film is a colored base film. 10. The marking film according to any one of claims 7 wherein the marking film has a liner disposed on the opposite side of the adhesive layer from the base film layer. 11. The marking film according to any one of claims 7 wherein the acrylic colored adhesive is an acrylic white adhesive, wherein the acrylic white adhesive comprises
25 to 150 parts by weight of white pigment with respect to 100 parts by weight of the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer. 12. The marking film according to claim 11, wherein the white pigment is titanium oxide. 13. The marking film according to any one of claims 11, wherein the amount of the an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers is about 5 to about 20 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer. 14. A method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive comprising the steps of:
preparing a coloring agent by mixing a pigment or a dye; and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers; and mixing the resultant coloring agent and a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer. 15. A method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive comprising the steps of:
preparing a coloring agent by mixing a pigment or a dye, and a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer, and mixing the resultant coloring agent and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers. 16. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 15 wherein the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer in the step 1 further comprises hydroxyl groups. 17. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 15 wherein the pigment or the dye in the step 1 is an organic pigment or dye. 18. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 15 wherein the pigment or the dye is not white. 19. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 14 further mixing in a crosslinker. 20. A marking film comprising a base film layer and an adhesive layer comprising the acrylic colored adhesive obtained by the method according to any one of claims 14. 21. An acrylic colored adhesive comprising
a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer; an inorganic filler; and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers. 22. The adhesive of claim 21 wherein the inorganic filler comprises silica, aluminum hydroxide or modified titanium oxide | The present application is directed to a colored adhesive which has various kinds of colors, darkness or brightness; can be applied and peeled easily; and has good adhesion and appearance. The acrylic colored adhesive comprises a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer, an inorganic filler, such as a pigment, or a dye, and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers.1. An acrylic colored adhesive comprising
a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer; a pigment or a dye; and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers. 2. The acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 1 wherein the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer further comprises hydroxyl groups. 3. The acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 1 wherein the pigment or the dye is an organic pigment or dye. 4. The acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1 wherein the pigment or the dye is not white. 5. The acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1 wherein the pigment or the dye is white. 6. The acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1 further comprising a crosslinker. 7. A marking film comprising a base film layer and an adhesive layer comprising the acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 1. 8. The marking film according to claim 7 wherein the base film layer is a clear film. 9. The marking film according to claim 7 wherein the base film is a colored base film. 10. The marking film according to any one of claims 7 wherein the marking film has a liner disposed on the opposite side of the adhesive layer from the base film layer. 11. The marking film according to any one of claims 7 wherein the acrylic colored adhesive is an acrylic white adhesive, wherein the acrylic white adhesive comprises
25 to 150 parts by weight of white pigment with respect to 100 parts by weight of the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer. 12. The marking film according to claim 11, wherein the white pigment is titanium oxide. 13. The marking film according to any one of claims 11, wherein the amount of the an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers is about 5 to about 20 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer. 14. A method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive comprising the steps of:
preparing a coloring agent by mixing a pigment or a dye; and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers; and mixing the resultant coloring agent and a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer. 15. A method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive comprising the steps of:
preparing a coloring agent by mixing a pigment or a dye, and a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer, and mixing the resultant coloring agent and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers. 16. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 15 wherein the carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer in the step 1 further comprises hydroxyl groups. 17. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to claim 15 wherein the pigment or the dye in the step 1 is an organic pigment or dye. 18. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 15 wherein the pigment or the dye is not white. 19. The method of preparing of the acrylic colored adhesive according to any one of claims 14 further mixing in a crosslinker. 20. A marking film comprising a base film layer and an adhesive layer comprising the acrylic colored adhesive obtained by the method according to any one of claims 14. 21. An acrylic colored adhesive comprising
a carboxylic group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer; an inorganic filler; and an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer free of aromatic vinyl monomers. 22. The adhesive of claim 21 wherein the inorganic filler comprises silica, aluminum hydroxide or modified titanium oxide | 1,700 |
1,902 | 14,338,556 | 1,741 | A method of making optical fibers that includes controlled cooling to produce fibers having a low concentration of non-bridging oxygen defects and low sensitivity to hydrogen. The method may include heating a fiber preform above its softening point, drawing a fiber from the heated preform and passing the fiber through two treatment stages. The fiber may enter the first treatment stage at a temperature between 1500° C. and 1700° C., may exit the first treatment stage at a temperature between 1200° C. and 1400° C., and may experience a cooling rate less than 5000° C./s in the first treatment stage. The fiber may enter the second treatment stage downstream from the first treatment stage at a temperature between 1200° C. and 1400° C., may exit the second treatment stage at a temperature between 1000° C. and 1150° C., and may experience a cooling rate between 5000° C./s and 12,000° C./s in the second treatment stage. The method may also include redirecting the fiber with a fluid bearing device or an air-turn device. | 1. A method of processing an optical fiber comprising:
providing a fiber along a first pathway; cooling said fiber in a first treatment region along said first pathway, said fiber entering said first treatment region at a first average temperature and exiting said first treatment region at a second average temperature, said second average temperature being in the range from 1000° C. to 1500° C., said cooling from said first average temperature to said second average temperature occurring at a first cooling rate; cooling said fiber in a second treatment region along said first pathway, said fiber entering said second treatment region at a third average temperature and exiting said second treatment region at a fourth average temperature, said fourth average temperature being in the range from 800° C. to 1200° C., said cooling from said third average temperature to said fourth average temperature occurring at a second cooling rate; and redirecting said fiber from said first pathway to a second pathway, said second pathway being non-collinear with said first pathway. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said third average temperature is in the range from 1200° C. to 1400° C. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said second cooling rate is greater than 5000° C./s and less than 12,000° C./s. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said first average temperature is in the range from 1500° C. to 1700° C. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said first cooling rate is less than 5000° C./s. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said first cooling rate is between 2000° C./s and 4000° C./s. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling from said first average temperature to said second average temperature requires a time of at least 0.05 sec. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling from said first average temperature to said second average temperature requires a time between 0.05 sec and 0.3 sec. 9. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling at said first cooling rate includes passing said fiber through a heated region, said heated region having a temperature between 800° C. and 1500° C. 10. The method of claim 5, wherein said second cooling rate is greater than 6000° C./s and less than 11,000° C./s. 11. The method of claim 5, wherein said second cooling rate is greater than 5800° C./s. 12. The method of claim 5, wherein said fourth average temperature is in the range from 1000° C. to 1100° C. 13. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling at said first cooling rate occurs in a first gas ambient, said first gas ambient consisting essentially of a gas having an average thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of air over the temperature range from said first temperature to said second temperature. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said cooling at said second cooling rate occurs in a gas ambient, said gas ambient consisting essentially of a gas having an average thermal conductivity greater than or equal to the thermal conductivity of air over the temperature range from said third temperature to said fourth temperature. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising cooling said fiber from said fourth temperature to a temperature below 1000° C. at a third cooling rate, said third cooling rate exceeding 5000° C./s. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said third cooling rate exceeds 12,000° C./s. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said fiber includes a core, said method further comprising cooling said fiber to room temperature, said room temperature fiber having a non-bridging oxygen concentration in said core of less than 6×1013 cm−3. 18. The method of claim 5, wherein said providing fiber includes forming said fiber, said forming including drawing said fiber from a heated glass source. 19. An apparatus comprising;
a heated glass source, said heated glass source including an optical fiber preform and a drawing furnace; an optical fiber, said optical fiber formed from said optical fiber preform, said optical fiber having an average temperature greater than 1400° C.; a first treatment region, said first treatment region being positioned downstream from said heated glass source, said first treatment region configured to cool the average temperature of said fiber along a first pathway to a temperature in the range from 1200° C. to 1400° C.; a second treatment region, said second treatment region being positioned downstream from said first treatment region; said second treatment region configured to cool the average temperature of said fiber along said first pathway to a temperature in the range from 1000° C. to 1175° C.; and a redirection device, said redirection device positioned downstream from said second treatment region, said redirection device configured to redirect said fiber from said first pathway to a second pathway, said second pathway being non-collinear with said first pathway. 20. A method of processing an optical fiber comprising:
providing a fiber along a first pathway; cooling said fiber in a first treatment region along said first pathway, said fiber entering said first treatment region at a first average temperature and exiting said first treatment region at a second average temperature, said first average temperature being in the range from 1200° C. to 1400° C. and said second average temperature being in the range from 1000° C. to 1075° C.; and redirecting said fiber from said first pathway to a second pathway, said second pathway being non-collinear with said first pathway. | A method of making optical fibers that includes controlled cooling to produce fibers having a low concentration of non-bridging oxygen defects and low sensitivity to hydrogen. The method may include heating a fiber preform above its softening point, drawing a fiber from the heated preform and passing the fiber through two treatment stages. The fiber may enter the first treatment stage at a temperature between 1500° C. and 1700° C., may exit the first treatment stage at a temperature between 1200° C. and 1400° C., and may experience a cooling rate less than 5000° C./s in the first treatment stage. The fiber may enter the second treatment stage downstream from the first treatment stage at a temperature between 1200° C. and 1400° C., may exit the second treatment stage at a temperature between 1000° C. and 1150° C., and may experience a cooling rate between 5000° C./s and 12,000° C./s in the second treatment stage. The method may also include redirecting the fiber with a fluid bearing device or an air-turn device.1. A method of processing an optical fiber comprising:
providing a fiber along a first pathway; cooling said fiber in a first treatment region along said first pathway, said fiber entering said first treatment region at a first average temperature and exiting said first treatment region at a second average temperature, said second average temperature being in the range from 1000° C. to 1500° C., said cooling from said first average temperature to said second average temperature occurring at a first cooling rate; cooling said fiber in a second treatment region along said first pathway, said fiber entering said second treatment region at a third average temperature and exiting said second treatment region at a fourth average temperature, said fourth average temperature being in the range from 800° C. to 1200° C., said cooling from said third average temperature to said fourth average temperature occurring at a second cooling rate; and redirecting said fiber from said first pathway to a second pathway, said second pathway being non-collinear with said first pathway. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said third average temperature is in the range from 1200° C. to 1400° C. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said second cooling rate is greater than 5000° C./s and less than 12,000° C./s. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said first average temperature is in the range from 1500° C. to 1700° C. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said first cooling rate is less than 5000° C./s. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said first cooling rate is between 2000° C./s and 4000° C./s. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling from said first average temperature to said second average temperature requires a time of at least 0.05 sec. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling from said first average temperature to said second average temperature requires a time between 0.05 sec and 0.3 sec. 9. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling at said first cooling rate includes passing said fiber through a heated region, said heated region having a temperature between 800° C. and 1500° C. 10. The method of claim 5, wherein said second cooling rate is greater than 6000° C./s and less than 11,000° C./s. 11. The method of claim 5, wherein said second cooling rate is greater than 5800° C./s. 12. The method of claim 5, wherein said fourth average temperature is in the range from 1000° C. to 1100° C. 13. The method of claim 5, wherein said cooling at said first cooling rate occurs in a first gas ambient, said first gas ambient consisting essentially of a gas having an average thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of air over the temperature range from said first temperature to said second temperature. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said cooling at said second cooling rate occurs in a gas ambient, said gas ambient consisting essentially of a gas having an average thermal conductivity greater than or equal to the thermal conductivity of air over the temperature range from said third temperature to said fourth temperature. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising cooling said fiber from said fourth temperature to a temperature below 1000° C. at a third cooling rate, said third cooling rate exceeding 5000° C./s. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said third cooling rate exceeds 12,000° C./s. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said fiber includes a core, said method further comprising cooling said fiber to room temperature, said room temperature fiber having a non-bridging oxygen concentration in said core of less than 6×1013 cm−3. 18. The method of claim 5, wherein said providing fiber includes forming said fiber, said forming including drawing said fiber from a heated glass source. 19. An apparatus comprising;
a heated glass source, said heated glass source including an optical fiber preform and a drawing furnace; an optical fiber, said optical fiber formed from said optical fiber preform, said optical fiber having an average temperature greater than 1400° C.; a first treatment region, said first treatment region being positioned downstream from said heated glass source, said first treatment region configured to cool the average temperature of said fiber along a first pathway to a temperature in the range from 1200° C. to 1400° C.; a second treatment region, said second treatment region being positioned downstream from said first treatment region; said second treatment region configured to cool the average temperature of said fiber along said first pathway to a temperature in the range from 1000° C. to 1175° C.; and a redirection device, said redirection device positioned downstream from said second treatment region, said redirection device configured to redirect said fiber from said first pathway to a second pathway, said second pathway being non-collinear with said first pathway. 20. A method of processing an optical fiber comprising:
providing a fiber along a first pathway; cooling said fiber in a first treatment region along said first pathway, said fiber entering said first treatment region at a first average temperature and exiting said first treatment region at a second average temperature, said first average temperature being in the range from 1200° C. to 1400° C. and said second average temperature being in the range from 1000° C. to 1075° C.; and redirecting said fiber from said first pathway to a second pathway, said second pathway being non-collinear with said first pathway. | 1,700 |
1,903 | 14,107,623 | 1,781 | A window assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of window panels arranged with at least one pair of adjacent window panels, with adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of the window panels joined by a respective molded joining element. The adjacent edge portions joined by a respective molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar. The molded joining element may comprise an encapsulation that at least partially receives a perimeter edge portion of at least one of the adjacent window panels. The molded joining element may at least partially receive a rear perimeter edge portion of a forward window panel and may not overlap an outer surface of the forward window panel, with the molded joining element at least partially receiving a front perimeter edge portion of a rearward window panel. | 1. A window assembly for a vehicle, said window assembly comprising:
a plurality of window panels arranged with at least one pair of adjacent window panels; wherein adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of said window panels are joined by a respective molded joining element; and wherein said adjacent edge portions joined by the respective molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar. 2. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said window panels comprise glass window panels. 3. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said window assembly comprises a side or rear or top window of a vehicle. 4. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said molded joining element comprises an encapsulation that at least partially receives a perimeter edge portion of at least one of said adjacent window panels. 5. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said adjacent window panels comprise first and second window panels. 6. The window assembly of claim 5, wherein said window assembly comprises a side window assembly of a vehicle and wherein said second window panel is disposed rearward of said first window panel. 7. The window assembly of claim 6, wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives a rear perimeter edge portion of said first window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said first window panel and wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives a front perimeter edge portion of said second window panel. 8. The window assembly of claim 7, wherein an outer surface of said first window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion. 9. The window assembly of claim 8, comprising a third window panel adjacent and rearward of said second window panel, and wherein a second molded joining element at least partially receives a rear perimeter edge portion of said second window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said second window panel and wherein said second molded joining element at least partially receives a front perimeter edge portion of said third window panel, and wherein an outer surface of said third window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion. 10. The window assembly of claim 9, comprising a perimeter encapsulation that is established about a periphery of said window panels. 11. The window assembly of claim 10, wherein said perimeter encapsulation partially receives a perimeter edge portion of said first, second and third window panels and does not overlap an outer surface of said first, second and third window panels. 12. The window assembly of claim 1, comprising a perimeter encapsulation that is established about a periphery of said window panels, wherein at least one of said window panels has an opaque film bonded at a surface thereof, and wherein said perimeter encapsulation at least partially overlaps said window panel surface and said opaque film disposed thereat. 13. A window assembly for a vehicle, said window assembly comprising:
first and second window panels arranged with at least one pair of adjacent window panels; wherein adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of said window panels are joined by a molded joining element; wherein said adjacent edge portions joined by said molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar; wherein said molded joining element comprises an encapsulation that at least partially receives a first perimeter edge portion of said first window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said first window panel and wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives a second perimeter edge portion of said second window panel; and a perimeter encapsulation established about a periphery of said window panels. 14. The window assembly of claim 13, wherein an outer surface of said first window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion. 15. The window assembly of claim 13, wherein said perimeter encapsulation partially receives a perimeter edge portion of said first and second window panels and does not overlap an outer surface of said first and second window panels. 16. The window assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of said window panels has an opaque film bonded at a surface thereof, and wherein said perimeter encapsulation at least partially overlaps said window panel surface and said opaque film disposed thereat. 17. A window assembly for a vehicle, said window assembly comprising:
first, second and third window panels arranged relative to one another so that a rear perimeter edge portion of said first window panel is generally adjacent to a front perimeter edge portion of said second window panel and a rear perimeter edge portion of said second window panel is generally adjacent to a front perimeter edge portion of said third window panel; wherein adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of said window panels are joined by a respective molded joining element; wherein said adjacent edge portions joined by the respective molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar; wherein a first molded joining element at least partially receives said rear perimeter edge portion of said first window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said first window panel and wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives said front perimeter edge portion of said second window panel; wherein a second molded joining element at least partially receives said rear perimeter edge portion of said second window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said second window panel and wherein said second molded joining element at least partially receives said front perimeter edge portion of said third window panel; and a perimeter encapsulation that is established about a periphery of said window panels. 18. The window assembly of claim 17, wherein an outer surface of said first window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said first molded joining element, and wherein an outer surface of said third window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said second molded joining element. 19. The window assembly of claim 17, wherein said first and second molded joining elements and said perimeter encapsulation are formed together as parts of a unitary molded element. 20. The window assembly of claim 17, wherein said perimeter encapsulation partially receives a perimeter edge portion of said first, second and third window panels and does not overlap an outer surface of said first, second and third window panels. | A window assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of window panels arranged with at least one pair of adjacent window panels, with adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of the window panels joined by a respective molded joining element. The adjacent edge portions joined by a respective molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar. The molded joining element may comprise an encapsulation that at least partially receives a perimeter edge portion of at least one of the adjacent window panels. The molded joining element may at least partially receive a rear perimeter edge portion of a forward window panel and may not overlap an outer surface of the forward window panel, with the molded joining element at least partially receiving a front perimeter edge portion of a rearward window panel.1. A window assembly for a vehicle, said window assembly comprising:
a plurality of window panels arranged with at least one pair of adjacent window panels; wherein adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of said window panels are joined by a respective molded joining element; and wherein said adjacent edge portions joined by the respective molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar. 2. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said window panels comprise glass window panels. 3. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said window assembly comprises a side or rear or top window of a vehicle. 4. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said molded joining element comprises an encapsulation that at least partially receives a perimeter edge portion of at least one of said adjacent window panels. 5. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein said adjacent window panels comprise first and second window panels. 6. The window assembly of claim 5, wherein said window assembly comprises a side window assembly of a vehicle and wherein said second window panel is disposed rearward of said first window panel. 7. The window assembly of claim 6, wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives a rear perimeter edge portion of said first window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said first window panel and wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives a front perimeter edge portion of said second window panel. 8. The window assembly of claim 7, wherein an outer surface of said first window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion. 9. The window assembly of claim 8, comprising a third window panel adjacent and rearward of said second window panel, and wherein a second molded joining element at least partially receives a rear perimeter edge portion of said second window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said second window panel and wherein said second molded joining element at least partially receives a front perimeter edge portion of said third window panel, and wherein an outer surface of said third window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion. 10. The window assembly of claim 9, comprising a perimeter encapsulation that is established about a periphery of said window panels. 11. The window assembly of claim 10, wherein said perimeter encapsulation partially receives a perimeter edge portion of said first, second and third window panels and does not overlap an outer surface of said first, second and third window panels. 12. The window assembly of claim 1, comprising a perimeter encapsulation that is established about a periphery of said window panels, wherein at least one of said window panels has an opaque film bonded at a surface thereof, and wherein said perimeter encapsulation at least partially overlaps said window panel surface and said opaque film disposed thereat. 13. A window assembly for a vehicle, said window assembly comprising:
first and second window panels arranged with at least one pair of adjacent window panels; wherein adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of said window panels are joined by a molded joining element; wherein said adjacent edge portions joined by said molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar; wherein said molded joining element comprises an encapsulation that at least partially receives a first perimeter edge portion of said first window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said first window panel and wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives a second perimeter edge portion of said second window panel; and a perimeter encapsulation established about a periphery of said window panels. 14. The window assembly of claim 13, wherein an outer surface of said first window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion. 15. The window assembly of claim 13, wherein said perimeter encapsulation partially receives a perimeter edge portion of said first and second window panels and does not overlap an outer surface of said first and second window panels. 16. The window assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of said window panels has an opaque film bonded at a surface thereof, and wherein said perimeter encapsulation at least partially overlaps said window panel surface and said opaque film disposed thereat. 17. A window assembly for a vehicle, said window assembly comprising:
first, second and third window panels arranged relative to one another so that a rear perimeter edge portion of said first window panel is generally adjacent to a front perimeter edge portion of said second window panel and a rear perimeter edge portion of said second window panel is generally adjacent to a front perimeter edge portion of said third window panel; wherein adjacent edge portions of adjacent ones of said window panels are joined by a respective molded joining element; wherein said adjacent edge portions joined by the respective molded joining element are offset or non-coplanar; wherein a first molded joining element at least partially receives said rear perimeter edge portion of said first window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said first window panel and wherein said molded joining element at least partially receives said front perimeter edge portion of said second window panel; wherein a second molded joining element at least partially receives said rear perimeter edge portion of said second window panel and does not overlap an outer surface of said second window panel and wherein said second molded joining element at least partially receives said front perimeter edge portion of said third window panel; and a perimeter encapsulation that is established about a periphery of said window panels. 18. The window assembly of claim 17, wherein an outer surface of said first window panel at or near said rear perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said first molded joining element, and wherein an outer surface of said third window panel at or near said front perimeter edge portion is non-coplanar with an outer surface of said second window panel at or near said second molded joining element. 19. The window assembly of claim 17, wherein said first and second molded joining elements and said perimeter encapsulation are formed together as parts of a unitary molded element. 20. The window assembly of claim 17, wherein said perimeter encapsulation partially receives a perimeter edge portion of said first, second and third window panels and does not overlap an outer surface of said first, second and third window panels. | 1,700 |
1,904 | 13,740,732 | 1,768 | The present invention relates to a process for preparing rigid polyurethane foams or rigid polyisocyanurate foams by using certain polyetherester polyols B) based on aromatic dicarboxylic acids, optionally further polyester polyols C), which differ from those of component B), and polyether polyols D), wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and optionally C) to component D) is less than 1.6. The present invention also relates to the rigid foams thus obtainable and to their use for producing sandwich elements having rigid or flexible outer layers. The present invention further relates to the underlying polyol components. | 1. A process for preparing rigid polyurethane foams or rigid polyisocyanurate foams comprising the reaction of
A) at least one polyisocyanate, B) at least one polyetherester polyol obtainable by esterification of
b1) 10 to 70 mol % of a dicarboxylic acid composition comprising
b11) 50 to 100 mol %, based on the dicarboxylic acid composition, of one or more aromatic dicarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof,
b12) 0 to 50 mol %, based on said dicarboxylic acid composition b1), of one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof,
b2) 2 to 30 mol % of one or more fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives,
b3) 10 to 70 mol % of one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols having 2 to 18 carbon atoms or alkoxylates thereof,
b4) 2 to 50 mol % of a polyether polyol having a functionality of not less than 2, prepared by alkoxylation of a polyol having a functionality of above 2,
all based on the total amount of components b1) to b4), wherein said components b1) to b4) sum to 100 mol %,
C) optionally further polyester polyols other than those of component B), D) polyether polyols, E) optionally flame retardants, F) one or more blowing agents, G) catalysts, and H) optionally further auxiliaries or addition agents, wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and optionally C) to component D) is less than 1.6. 2. The process according to claim 1 wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and C) to component D) is above 0.1. 3. The process according to either claim 1 or 2 wherein the proportion of total polyester polyols B) and C) which is attributable to polyetherester polyols B) is at least 25 wt %. 4. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein no further polyester polyols C) are reacted. 5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said polyether alcohol b4) has a functionality of >2. 6. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said polyether polyol b4) is prepared by alkoxylating a polyol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, glycerol, polyglycerol and mixtures thereof. 7. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said polyether alcohol b4) is prepared by alkoxylation with ethylene oxide. 8. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said polyether polyol b4) is prepared by alkoxylation with ethylene oxide in the presence of an aminic alkoxylation catalyst. 9. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said component b11) comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, phthalic acid, phthalic anhydride and isophthalic acid. 10. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said dicarboxylic acid composition b1) comprises no aliphatic dicarboxylic acids b12). 11. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said fatty acid or fatty acid derivative b2) is selected from the group consisting of oleic acid and methyl oleate. 12. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols b3) are selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol and alkoxylates thereof. 13. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said polyetherol component D) consists of a polyetherol mixture in which some of polyetherol component D) was prepared on the basis of propylene oxide (polyetherol component D1) and the remainder of polyetherol component D) was prepared on the basis of ethylene oxide (polyetherol component D2). 14. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said polyetherol component D1) has an average OH functionality of above 3, preferably above 3.5 and more preferably above 4 and an OH number above 300 mg KOH/g preferably above 350 mg KOH/g, more preferably above 400 mg KOH/g and specifically above 450 mg KOH/g. 15. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said polyetherol component D1) has an average OH functionality of below 6, preferably below 5.5 and more preferably below 5 and an OH number below 600 mg KOH/g preferably below 550 mg KOH/g and more preferably below 500 mg KOH/g. 16. A rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam obtainable by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 15. 17. The use of the rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam according to claim 16 for preparing sandwich elements having rigid or flexible outer layers. 18. A polyol component comprising
10 to 50 wt % of polyester polyols B), 0 to 30 wt % of further polyester poylols C), 25 to 55 wt % of polyether polyols D), 10 to 40 wt % of flame retardants E), 1 to 30 wt % of blowing agents F), 0.5 to 10 wt % of catalysts G), and 0 to 20 wt % of further auxiliary and addition agents H), said components B) to H) as defined in claims 1 to 15 and each based on the total weight of components B) to H), wherein the wt % add up to 100 wt %, and wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and C) to component D) is less than 1.6. | The present invention relates to a process for preparing rigid polyurethane foams or rigid polyisocyanurate foams by using certain polyetherester polyols B) based on aromatic dicarboxylic acids, optionally further polyester polyols C), which differ from those of component B), and polyether polyols D), wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and optionally C) to component D) is less than 1.6. The present invention also relates to the rigid foams thus obtainable and to their use for producing sandwich elements having rigid or flexible outer layers. The present invention further relates to the underlying polyol components.1. A process for preparing rigid polyurethane foams or rigid polyisocyanurate foams comprising the reaction of
A) at least one polyisocyanate, B) at least one polyetherester polyol obtainable by esterification of
b1) 10 to 70 mol % of a dicarboxylic acid composition comprising
b11) 50 to 100 mol %, based on the dicarboxylic acid composition, of one or more aromatic dicarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof,
b12) 0 to 50 mol %, based on said dicarboxylic acid composition b1), of one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof,
b2) 2 to 30 mol % of one or more fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives,
b3) 10 to 70 mol % of one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols having 2 to 18 carbon atoms or alkoxylates thereof,
b4) 2 to 50 mol % of a polyether polyol having a functionality of not less than 2, prepared by alkoxylation of a polyol having a functionality of above 2,
all based on the total amount of components b1) to b4), wherein said components b1) to b4) sum to 100 mol %,
C) optionally further polyester polyols other than those of component B), D) polyether polyols, E) optionally flame retardants, F) one or more blowing agents, G) catalysts, and H) optionally further auxiliaries or addition agents, wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and optionally C) to component D) is less than 1.6. 2. The process according to claim 1 wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and C) to component D) is above 0.1. 3. The process according to either claim 1 or 2 wherein the proportion of total polyester polyols B) and C) which is attributable to polyetherester polyols B) is at least 25 wt %. 4. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein no further polyester polyols C) are reacted. 5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said polyether alcohol b4) has a functionality of >2. 6. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said polyether polyol b4) is prepared by alkoxylating a polyol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, glycerol, polyglycerol and mixtures thereof. 7. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said polyether alcohol b4) is prepared by alkoxylation with ethylene oxide. 8. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said polyether polyol b4) is prepared by alkoxylation with ethylene oxide in the presence of an aminic alkoxylation catalyst. 9. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said component b11) comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, phthalic acid, phthalic anhydride and isophthalic acid. 10. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said dicarboxylic acid composition b1) comprises no aliphatic dicarboxylic acids b12). 11. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said fatty acid or fatty acid derivative b2) is selected from the group consisting of oleic acid and methyl oleate. 12. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols b3) are selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol and alkoxylates thereof. 13. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said polyetherol component D) consists of a polyetherol mixture in which some of polyetherol component D) was prepared on the basis of propylene oxide (polyetherol component D1) and the remainder of polyetherol component D) was prepared on the basis of ethylene oxide (polyetherol component D2). 14. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said polyetherol component D1) has an average OH functionality of above 3, preferably above 3.5 and more preferably above 4 and an OH number above 300 mg KOH/g preferably above 350 mg KOH/g, more preferably above 400 mg KOH/g and specifically above 450 mg KOH/g. 15. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said polyetherol component D1) has an average OH functionality of below 6, preferably below 5.5 and more preferably below 5 and an OH number below 600 mg KOH/g preferably below 550 mg KOH/g and more preferably below 500 mg KOH/g. 16. A rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam obtainable by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 15. 17. The use of the rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam according to claim 16 for preparing sandwich elements having rigid or flexible outer layers. 18. A polyol component comprising
10 to 50 wt % of polyester polyols B), 0 to 30 wt % of further polyester poylols C), 25 to 55 wt % of polyether polyols D), 10 to 40 wt % of flame retardants E), 1 to 30 wt % of blowing agents F), 0.5 to 10 wt % of catalysts G), and 0 to 20 wt % of further auxiliary and addition agents H), said components B) to H) as defined in claims 1 to 15 and each based on the total weight of components B) to H), wherein the wt % add up to 100 wt %, and wherein the mass ratio of total components B) and C) to component D) is less than 1.6. | 1,700 |
1,905 | 13,424,463 | 1,789 | Lignocellulose based composite products made with modified aldehyde based binder compositions are provided. The lignocellulose based composite product can include a plurality of lignocellulose substrates and an at least partially cured binder composition. The binder composition can include, prior to curing, an aldehyde based resin and a copolymer. The copolymer can include one or more vinyl aromatic derived units and one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids, one or more unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, or a combination of one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids and one or more unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides. | 1. An aqueous binder composition comprising a mixture of a polyol and a hydrolyzed copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer is solubilized using an alkaline substance, wherein the polyol comprises a monosaccharide, and wherein the binder composition is formaldehyde free. 2. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, one or more amines, or a mixture thereof. 3. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the vinyl aromatic compound is styrene. 4. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the aqueous binder composition has a pH above 7.0. 5. The aqueous binder composition of claim 3, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer contains from 7 mole % to 50 mole % maleic anhydride and from 50 mole % to 93 mole % styrene. 6. The aqueous binder composition of claim 5, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer contains an unsaturated carboxylic acid in an amount less than 30 mole %, based on the amount of maleic anhydride. 7. The aqueous binder composition of claim 6, wherein the unsaturated carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of: aconitic acid, itaconic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, citraconic acid, fumaric acid, lower alkyl esters thereof, and mixtures thereof. 8. The aqueous binder composition of claim 5, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer further contains a non-styrenic vinyl compound in an amount less than 30 mole %, based on the amount of styrene. 9. The aqueous binder composition of claim 8, wherein the non-styrenic vinyl compound is selected from the group consisting of: vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl caproate, vinyl 2-ethylhexanoate, vinyl laurate, vinyl stearate, butadiene, isoprene, ethylene, propylene, cyclohexene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and mixtures thereof. 10. The aqueous binder composition of claim 5, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer contains from 20 mole % to 40 mole % maleic anhydride and from 60 mole % to 80 mole % styrene. 11. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol further comprises diethanolamine, triethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, hydroxy terminated polyethyleneoxide, glycerine, pentaerythritol, trimethylol propane, sorbitol, a polysaccharide, polyvinyl alcohol, resorcinol, catechol, pyrogallol, glycollated ureas, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, or mixtures thereof. 12. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose, fructose, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or a mixture thereof. 13. The aqueous binder composition of claim 4, wherein the polyol further comprises diethanolamine, triethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, hydroxy terminated polyethyleneoxide, glycerine, pentaerythritol, trimethylol propane, sorbitol, a polysaccharide, polyvinyl alcohol, resorcinol, catechol, pyrogallol, glycollated ureas, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, or mixtures thereof. 14. The aqueous binder composition of claim 13, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose, and wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or a mixture thereof. 15. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 1; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 16. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 2; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 17. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 3; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 18. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 4; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 19. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 11; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 20. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 12; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 21. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 13; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 22. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 14; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 23. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 5; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 24. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 1. 25. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 2. 26. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 3. 27. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 4. 28. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 5. 29. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 11. 30. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 12. 31. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 13. 32. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 14. 33-37. (canceled) 38. The aqueous cured binder composition of claim 1, wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, a primary alkanolamine, a secondary alkanolamine, a tertiary alkanolamine, or a mixture thereof, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose, fructose, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the polyol further comprises a polysaccharide, a secondary alkanolamine, a tertiary alkanolamine, or a mixture thereof. 39. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, a primary alkanolamine, a secondary alkanolamine, a tertiary alkanolamine, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose. 40. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose. 41. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol comprises the monosaccharide and at least one of diethanolamine and triethanolamine. 42. The aqueous binder composition of claim 2, wherein the one or more amines comprises monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof. | Lignocellulose based composite products made with modified aldehyde based binder compositions are provided. The lignocellulose based composite product can include a plurality of lignocellulose substrates and an at least partially cured binder composition. The binder composition can include, prior to curing, an aldehyde based resin and a copolymer. The copolymer can include one or more vinyl aromatic derived units and one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids, one or more unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, or a combination of one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids and one or more unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides.1. An aqueous binder composition comprising a mixture of a polyol and a hydrolyzed copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer is solubilized using an alkaline substance, wherein the polyol comprises a monosaccharide, and wherein the binder composition is formaldehyde free. 2. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, one or more amines, or a mixture thereof. 3. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the vinyl aromatic compound is styrene. 4. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the aqueous binder composition has a pH above 7.0. 5. The aqueous binder composition of claim 3, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer contains from 7 mole % to 50 mole % maleic anhydride and from 50 mole % to 93 mole % styrene. 6. The aqueous binder composition of claim 5, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer contains an unsaturated carboxylic acid in an amount less than 30 mole %, based on the amount of maleic anhydride. 7. The aqueous binder composition of claim 6, wherein the unsaturated carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of: aconitic acid, itaconic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, citraconic acid, fumaric acid, lower alkyl esters thereof, and mixtures thereof. 8. The aqueous binder composition of claim 5, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer further contains a non-styrenic vinyl compound in an amount less than 30 mole %, based on the amount of styrene. 9. The aqueous binder composition of claim 8, wherein the non-styrenic vinyl compound is selected from the group consisting of: vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl caproate, vinyl 2-ethylhexanoate, vinyl laurate, vinyl stearate, butadiene, isoprene, ethylene, propylene, cyclohexene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and mixtures thereof. 10. The aqueous binder composition of claim 5, wherein the hydrolyzed copolymer contains from 20 mole % to 40 mole % maleic anhydride and from 60 mole % to 80 mole % styrene. 11. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol further comprises diethanolamine, triethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, hydroxy terminated polyethyleneoxide, glycerine, pentaerythritol, trimethylol propane, sorbitol, a polysaccharide, polyvinyl alcohol, resorcinol, catechol, pyrogallol, glycollated ureas, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, or mixtures thereof. 12. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose, fructose, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or a mixture thereof. 13. The aqueous binder composition of claim 4, wherein the polyol further comprises diethanolamine, triethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, hydroxy terminated polyethyleneoxide, glycerine, pentaerythritol, trimethylol propane, sorbitol, a polysaccharide, polyvinyl alcohol, resorcinol, catechol, pyrogallol, glycollated ureas, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, or mixtures thereof. 14. The aqueous binder composition of claim 13, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose, and wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or a mixture thereof. 15. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 1; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 16. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 2; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 17. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 3; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 18. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 4; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 19. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 11; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 20. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 12; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 21. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 13; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 22. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 14; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 23. A method for binding together a loosely associated mat of fibers comprising:
contacting the fibers with the aqueous binder composition of claim 5; and heating the fibers and aqueous binder composition to a temperature sufficient to cure the binder composition. 24. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 1. 25. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 2. 26. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 3. 27. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 4. 28. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 5. 29. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 11. 30. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 12. 31. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 13. 32. A nonwoven fiber mat product comprising fibers bonded together with a cured binder composition obtained by curing the aqueous binder composition of claim 14. 33-37. (canceled) 38. The aqueous cured binder composition of claim 1, wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, a primary alkanolamine, a secondary alkanolamine, a tertiary alkanolamine, or a mixture thereof, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose, fructose, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the polyol further comprises a polysaccharide, a secondary alkanolamine, a tertiary alkanolamine, or a mixture thereof. 39. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the alkaline substance comprises ammonia, a primary alkanolamine, a secondary alkanolamine, a tertiary alkanolamine, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose. 40. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the monosaccharide comprises glucose. 41. The aqueous binder composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol comprises the monosaccharide and at least one of diethanolamine and triethanolamine. 42. The aqueous binder composition of claim 2, wherein the one or more amines comprises monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof. | 1,700 |
1,906 | 14,111,042 | 1,712 | Solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition comprising (A) an OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer comprising (A1) 30%-99% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and glass transition temperature T g of 15° C. to 100° C., and (A2) 1%-70% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and a glass transition temperature T g of −100° C. to −20° C., (B) a crosslinker component comprising functional groups reactive toward OH, (C) 0.02%-1.2% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one polyamide and (D) 0.04%-2.9% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one urea adduct of a polyisocyanate and benzylamine. | 1. A solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition comprising
(A) an OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component comprising
(A1) 30%-99% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and a glass transition temperature Tg of 15° C. to 100° C.
(A2) 1%-70% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and a glass transition temperature Tg of −100° C. to −20° C.,
(B) a crosslinker component comprising
at least one crosslinking agent having functional groups that are reactive toward OH groups,
(C) 0.02%-1.2% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one polyamide and (D) 0.04%-2.9% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one urea compound comprising an adduct of a polyisocyanate and benzylamine. 2. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the (meth)acrylate (co)polymers (A1) and (A2) have an OH number of 70-180 mg KOH/g. 3. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the crosslinking component (B) comprises as crosslinking agent(s) a member selected from the group consisting of at least one polyisocyanate, at least one amino resin, and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing. 4. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent comprise one or more polyisocyanates. 5. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 3, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is a trimeric hexamethylene diisocyanate. 6. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 4, wherein in the one or more polyisocyanates are nonblocked. 7. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, comprising a two-component clearcoat coating composition. 8. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition claim 1, wherein the polyamides (C) comprise synthetic polyamide waxes. 9. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamides (C) comprise reaction products of monomeric polyamines and (hydroxy) fatty acids which comprise 16 to 20 C atoms per molecule. 10. A process for preparing a solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1 comprising mixing the constituents included. 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A) is mixed with the further constituents, apart from the crosslinker component (B), and the crosslinker component (B) with at least one organic solvent added is mixed in only within 30 minutes prior to application to a substrate. 12. The process of claim 10, wherein the urea compound is added in the form of a paste which comprises a mixture of the urea compound with a polyester and/or a (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and at least one organic solvent. 13. The process of claim 10, wherein the polyamides are added in the form of a dispersion which comprises a mixture of the polyamides with a (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and at least one organic solvent. 14. A method of producing a cured clearcoat on a substrate, comprising applying the solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1 to a substrate to produce a coated substrate and subsequently thermal curing the coated substrate at a temperature of 40 to 190° C. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the substrate is a plastics substrate. | Solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition comprising (A) an OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer comprising (A1) 30%-99% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and glass transition temperature T g of 15° C. to 100° C., and (A2) 1%-70% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and a glass transition temperature T g of −100° C. to −20° C., (B) a crosslinker component comprising functional groups reactive toward OH, (C) 0.02%-1.2% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one polyamide and (D) 0.04%-2.9% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of (A), of at least one urea adduct of a polyisocyanate and benzylamine.1. A solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition comprising
(A) an OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component comprising
(A1) 30%-99% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and a glass transition temperature Tg of 15° C. to 100° C.
(A2) 1%-70% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having an OH number of 60-200 mg KOH/g and a glass transition temperature Tg of −100° C. to −20° C.,
(B) a crosslinker component comprising
at least one crosslinking agent having functional groups that are reactive toward OH groups,
(C) 0.02%-1.2% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one polyamide and (D) 0.04%-2.9% by weight, based on the mass of the nonvolatile fraction of the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A), of at least one urea compound comprising an adduct of a polyisocyanate and benzylamine. 2. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the (meth)acrylate (co)polymers (A1) and (A2) have an OH number of 70-180 mg KOH/g. 3. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the crosslinking component (B) comprises as crosslinking agent(s) a member selected from the group consisting of at least one polyisocyanate, at least one amino resin, and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing. 4. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent comprise one or more polyisocyanates. 5. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 3, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is a trimeric hexamethylene diisocyanate. 6. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 4, wherein in the one or more polyisocyanates are nonblocked. 7. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, comprising a two-component clearcoat coating composition. 8. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition claim 1, wherein the polyamides (C) comprise synthetic polyamide waxes. 9. The solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamides (C) comprise reaction products of monomeric polyamines and (hydroxy) fatty acids which comprise 16 to 20 C atoms per molecule. 10. A process for preparing a solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1 comprising mixing the constituents included. 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the OH-functional (meth)acrylate (co)polymer component (A) is mixed with the further constituents, apart from the crosslinker component (B), and the crosslinker component (B) with at least one organic solvent added is mixed in only within 30 minutes prior to application to a substrate. 12. The process of claim 10, wherein the urea compound is added in the form of a paste which comprises a mixture of the urea compound with a polyester and/or a (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and at least one organic solvent. 13. The process of claim 10, wherein the polyamides are added in the form of a dispersion which comprises a mixture of the polyamides with a (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and at least one organic solvent. 14. A method of producing a cured clearcoat on a substrate, comprising applying the solvent-containing clearcoat coating composition of claim 1 to a substrate to produce a coated substrate and subsequently thermal curing the coated substrate at a temperature of 40 to 190° C. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the substrate is a plastics substrate. | 1,700 |
1,907 | 14,156,635 | 1,715 | A conformal coating composition for protecting a metal surface from sulfur related corrosion includes a polymer and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus includes an electronic component mounted on a substrate, metal conductors electronically connecting the electronic component, and a polymer conformal coating containing metal nanoparticles overlying the metal conductors. Accordingly, the metal nanoparticle-containing conformal coating is able to protect the metal conductors from corrosion caused by sulfur components (e.g., elemental sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, and/or sulfur oxides) in the air. That is, the metal nanoparticles in the conformal coating react with any corrosion inducing sulfur component in the air and prevent the sulfur component from reacting with the underlying metal conductors. | 1. A conformal coating composition for protecting a metal surface from corrosion, the conformal coating composition comprising:
a polymer; and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. 2. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles are selected from a group consisting of copper nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles; and combinations thereof. 3. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles include copper nanoparticles. 4. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter within a range of 5 nm to 200 nm. 5. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter of approximately 100 nm. 6. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise no more than 10 wt % of the conformal coating composition. 7. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise approximately 5 wt % of the conformal coating composition. 8. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the polymer includes a room temperature-vulcanizable (RTV) silicone rubber composition. 9. A method for producing an apparatus, comprising the steps of:
providing an electronic component mounted on a substrate and electrically connected by metal conductors; and covering the electronic component with a conformal coating, wherein the conformal coating overlies the metal conductors and comprises a polymer and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the step of covering the electronic component includes the steps of:
applying a conformal coating composition in an at least partially uncured state over the electronic component and the substrate by dipping, spraying, spin-coating, casting, brushing, rolling, and/or syringe; and curing the conformal coating composition applied over the electronic component and the substrate to thereby produce the conformal coating. 11. An apparatus, comprising:
a substrate; an electronic component mounted on the substrate; metal conductors electrically connecting the electronic component; and a conformal coating overlying the metal conductors, wherein the conformal coating comprises a polymer and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the conformal coating is exposed to, and protects the metal conductors from, a gaseous environment that includes elemental sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, and/or sulfur oxides, and wherein the metal conductors comprise silver. 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the electronic component is a gate resistor of a resistor network array, and wherein the metal conductors comprise an inner silver layer of the gate resistor. 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles are selected from a group consisting of copper nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles; and combinations thereof. 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles include copper nanoparticles. 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter within a range of 5 nm to 200 nm. 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter of approximately 100 nm. 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise no more than 10 wt % of the conformal coating. 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise approximately 5 wt % of the conformal coating. 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the polymer includes a room temperature-vulcanizable (RTV) silicone rubber composition. | A conformal coating composition for protecting a metal surface from sulfur related corrosion includes a polymer and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus includes an electronic component mounted on a substrate, metal conductors electronically connecting the electronic component, and a polymer conformal coating containing metal nanoparticles overlying the metal conductors. Accordingly, the metal nanoparticle-containing conformal coating is able to protect the metal conductors from corrosion caused by sulfur components (e.g., elemental sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, and/or sulfur oxides) in the air. That is, the metal nanoparticles in the conformal coating react with any corrosion inducing sulfur component in the air and prevent the sulfur component from reacting with the underlying metal conductors.1. A conformal coating composition for protecting a metal surface from corrosion, the conformal coating composition comprising:
a polymer; and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. 2. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles are selected from a group consisting of copper nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles; and combinations thereof. 3. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles include copper nanoparticles. 4. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter within a range of 5 nm to 200 nm. 5. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter of approximately 100 nm. 6. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise no more than 10 wt % of the conformal coating composition. 7. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise approximately 5 wt % of the conformal coating composition. 8. The conformal coating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the polymer includes a room temperature-vulcanizable (RTV) silicone rubber composition. 9. A method for producing an apparatus, comprising the steps of:
providing an electronic component mounted on a substrate and electrically connected by metal conductors; and covering the electronic component with a conformal coating, wherein the conformal coating overlies the metal conductors and comprises a polymer and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the step of covering the electronic component includes the steps of:
applying a conformal coating composition in an at least partially uncured state over the electronic component and the substrate by dipping, spraying, spin-coating, casting, brushing, rolling, and/or syringe; and curing the conformal coating composition applied over the electronic component and the substrate to thereby produce the conformal coating. 11. An apparatus, comprising:
a substrate; an electronic component mounted on the substrate; metal conductors electrically connecting the electronic component; and a conformal coating overlying the metal conductors, wherein the conformal coating comprises a polymer and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the conformal coating is exposed to, and protects the metal conductors from, a gaseous environment that includes elemental sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, and/or sulfur oxides, and wherein the metal conductors comprise silver. 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the electronic component is a gate resistor of a resistor network array, and wherein the metal conductors comprise an inner silver layer of the gate resistor. 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles are selected from a group consisting of copper nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles; and combinations thereof. 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles include copper nanoparticles. 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter within a range of 5 nm to 200 nm. 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter of approximately 100 nm. 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise no more than 10 wt % of the conformal coating. 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise approximately 5 wt % of the conformal coating. 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the polymer includes a room temperature-vulcanizable (RTV) silicone rubber composition. | 1,700 |
1,908 | 14,698,215 | 1,737 | The present invention relates to an electrostatic image developing toner comprising a binder resin, a coloring agent, and a wax, wherein the toner further comprises a specific charge control resin, and the wax contains an ester wax. | 1. An electrostatic image developing toner comprising a binder resin, a coloring agent, and a wax, wherein the toner further comprises a charge control resin represented by the following formula (1), and the wax contains an ester wax:
wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, alkyl group, —COCpH2p+1 (p is an integer of 1 to 20), aralkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, nitro group, an alicyclic group, —SO3H, —Si(CH3)3, alkoxyl group, carboxyl group, sulfonamide group, cyano group, or acyl group; R2 represents alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group; R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen or an oxygen atom; R5 to R8 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, alkyl group, aralkyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted amino group; (m+n) is an integer of 4 to 8; m is an integer of 1 or more; and n is an integer of 0 or more. 2. The electrostatic image developing toner according to claim 1, wherein the content of the ester wax in the wax is 50 weight % or more. 3. The electrostatic image developing toner according to claim 1, wherein the content of the charge control resin represented by the formula (1) in the toner is 0.1 weight % to 2.5 weight %. 4. An electrophotographic cartridge comprising the electrostatic image developing toner of claim 1. 5. An image forming device comprising the electrostatic image developing toner of claim 1. | The present invention relates to an electrostatic image developing toner comprising a binder resin, a coloring agent, and a wax, wherein the toner further comprises a specific charge control resin, and the wax contains an ester wax.1. An electrostatic image developing toner comprising a binder resin, a coloring agent, and a wax, wherein the toner further comprises a charge control resin represented by the following formula (1), and the wax contains an ester wax:
wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, alkyl group, —COCpH2p+1 (p is an integer of 1 to 20), aralkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, nitro group, an alicyclic group, —SO3H, —Si(CH3)3, alkoxyl group, carboxyl group, sulfonamide group, cyano group, or acyl group; R2 represents alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group; R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen or an oxygen atom; R5 to R8 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, alkyl group, aralkyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted amino group; (m+n) is an integer of 4 to 8; m is an integer of 1 or more; and n is an integer of 0 or more. 2. The electrostatic image developing toner according to claim 1, wherein the content of the ester wax in the wax is 50 weight % or more. 3. The electrostatic image developing toner according to claim 1, wherein the content of the charge control resin represented by the formula (1) in the toner is 0.1 weight % to 2.5 weight %. 4. An electrophotographic cartridge comprising the electrostatic image developing toner of claim 1. 5. An image forming device comprising the electrostatic image developing toner of claim 1. | 1,700 |
1,909 | 14,701,342 | 1,791 | Disclosed are stabilized emulsion-including concentrates for drinkable beverages. The emulsion concentrates are stable at pH as low as about 2.0 to about 2.5 and include quillaja , non-aqueous solvent, acidulant, lipid, and water. The emulsion-including concentrates may remain shelf-stable independently and as part of a drinkable beverage for about twelve months. Methods for making the emulsion-including concentrates are also provided. | 1. A concentrate comprising:
about 0.01% to about 10% quillaja; about 15% to about 70% non-aqueous solvent; and about 2% to about 60% acidulant; about 0.1% to about 20% lipid; about 0% to about 10% buffer; and about 1% to about 70% water; wherein the concentrate contains an oil-in-water emulsion having a pH of about 2.0 to about 2.6 and is shelf-stable at storage temperatures of about 20° C. to about 25° C. for at least about 4 months. 2. The concentrate of claim 1, further comprising about 0.05% to about 5% quillaja. 3. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol, triacetin, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, vegetable oil 1,3-propanediol, and combinations thereof. 4. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the acidulant is a selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. 5. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the lipid is selected from the group consisting of castor oil, terpene hydrocarbons, flavor oils (consisting of one or more of the following derivatives: ketones, aldehydes, lactones, ethers, esters, sulfur compounds, furanones, terpenoids), oil soluble vitamins, nutraceuticals, fatty acids, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides and triglyceride derivatives, antioxidants, colorants, vegetable oils, and combinations thereof. 6. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the water to the non-aqueous solvent in the concentrate is from about 6:1 to about 1:6 and a ratio of the water to the acidulant in the concentrate is from about 60:1 to about 1:10. 7. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the buffer is selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium or potassium salts of citrate, malate, succinate, acetate, adipate, tartrate, fumarate, phosphate, lactate, or carbonate, and combinations thereof. 8. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate includes water in an amount of 30% or less. 9. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate does not include a weighting agent. 10. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate is shelf-stable at storage temperatures of about 20° C. to about 25° C. for about twelve months. 11. A method of making a concentrate including an oil-in-water emulsion, the method comprising:
providing a solution including about 15% to about 70% non-aqueous solvent and about 2% to about 60% acidulant; mixing quillaja, a lipid, and water to form a blend in a form of an oil-in-water emulsion including about 0.01% to about 20% quillaja, about 0.01% to about 60% lipid, about 0% to about 10% buffer, and about 1% to about 99% water; adding the blend in an amount of 0.1% to about 35% by total weight to the solution to form an emulsion-including concentrate having a pH of about 2.0 to about 2.6. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the emulsion-including concentrate includes about 0.01% to about 8% quillaja. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol, triacetin, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, vegetable oil, 1,3-propanediol, and combinations thereof. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the acidulant is a selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the lipid is selected from the group consisting of castor oil, terpene hydrocarbons, flavor oils (consisting of one or more of the following derivatives: ketones, aldehydes, lactones, ethers, esters, sulfur compounds, furanones, terpenoids), oil soluble vitamins, nutraceuticals, fatty acids, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides and triglyceride derivatives, antioxidants, colorants, vegetable oils, and combinations thereof. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising adding the blend to the solution to provide a ratio of the water to the non-aqueous solvent in the emulsion concentrate from 6:1 to about 1:6 and a ratio of the water to the acidulant in the emulsion concentrate is from about 60:1 to about 1:10. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the buffer is selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium or potassium salts of citrate, malate, succinate, acetate, adipate, tartrate, fumarate, phosphate, lactate, or carbonate, and combinations thereof. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising adding the blend to the solution to provide the emulsion-including concentrate including water in an amount of 30% or less. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the adding the blend to the solution does not include providing a weighting agent in the emulsion-including concentrate. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the adding the blend to the solution provides the emulsion-including concentrate that is shelf-stable at temperatures of about 20° C. to about 25° C. for about twelve months. | Disclosed are stabilized emulsion-including concentrates for drinkable beverages. The emulsion concentrates are stable at pH as low as about 2.0 to about 2.5 and include quillaja , non-aqueous solvent, acidulant, lipid, and water. The emulsion-including concentrates may remain shelf-stable independently and as part of a drinkable beverage for about twelve months. Methods for making the emulsion-including concentrates are also provided.1. A concentrate comprising:
about 0.01% to about 10% quillaja; about 15% to about 70% non-aqueous solvent; and about 2% to about 60% acidulant; about 0.1% to about 20% lipid; about 0% to about 10% buffer; and about 1% to about 70% water; wherein the concentrate contains an oil-in-water emulsion having a pH of about 2.0 to about 2.6 and is shelf-stable at storage temperatures of about 20° C. to about 25° C. for at least about 4 months. 2. The concentrate of claim 1, further comprising about 0.05% to about 5% quillaja. 3. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol, triacetin, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, vegetable oil 1,3-propanediol, and combinations thereof. 4. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the acidulant is a selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. 5. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the lipid is selected from the group consisting of castor oil, terpene hydrocarbons, flavor oils (consisting of one or more of the following derivatives: ketones, aldehydes, lactones, ethers, esters, sulfur compounds, furanones, terpenoids), oil soluble vitamins, nutraceuticals, fatty acids, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides and triglyceride derivatives, antioxidants, colorants, vegetable oils, and combinations thereof. 6. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the water to the non-aqueous solvent in the concentrate is from about 6:1 to about 1:6 and a ratio of the water to the acidulant in the concentrate is from about 60:1 to about 1:10. 7. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the buffer is selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium or potassium salts of citrate, malate, succinate, acetate, adipate, tartrate, fumarate, phosphate, lactate, or carbonate, and combinations thereof. 8. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate includes water in an amount of 30% or less. 9. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate does not include a weighting agent. 10. The concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate is shelf-stable at storage temperatures of about 20° C. to about 25° C. for about twelve months. 11. A method of making a concentrate including an oil-in-water emulsion, the method comprising:
providing a solution including about 15% to about 70% non-aqueous solvent and about 2% to about 60% acidulant; mixing quillaja, a lipid, and water to form a blend in a form of an oil-in-water emulsion including about 0.01% to about 20% quillaja, about 0.01% to about 60% lipid, about 0% to about 10% buffer, and about 1% to about 99% water; adding the blend in an amount of 0.1% to about 35% by total weight to the solution to form an emulsion-including concentrate having a pH of about 2.0 to about 2.6. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the emulsion-including concentrate includes about 0.01% to about 8% quillaja. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol, triacetin, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, vegetable oil, 1,3-propanediol, and combinations thereof. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the acidulant is a selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the lipid is selected from the group consisting of castor oil, terpene hydrocarbons, flavor oils (consisting of one or more of the following derivatives: ketones, aldehydes, lactones, ethers, esters, sulfur compounds, furanones, terpenoids), oil soluble vitamins, nutraceuticals, fatty acids, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides and triglyceride derivatives, antioxidants, colorants, vegetable oils, and combinations thereof. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising adding the blend to the solution to provide a ratio of the water to the non-aqueous solvent in the emulsion concentrate from 6:1 to about 1:6 and a ratio of the water to the acidulant in the emulsion concentrate is from about 60:1 to about 1:10. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the buffer is selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium or potassium salts of citrate, malate, succinate, acetate, adipate, tartrate, fumarate, phosphate, lactate, or carbonate, and combinations thereof. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising adding the blend to the solution to provide the emulsion-including concentrate including water in an amount of 30% or less. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the adding the blend to the solution does not include providing a weighting agent in the emulsion-including concentrate. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the adding the blend to the solution provides the emulsion-including concentrate that is shelf-stable at temperatures of about 20° C. to about 25° C. for about twelve months. | 1,700 |
1,910 | 13,749,031 | 1,718 | Provided is a vacuum deposition apparatus including a vacuum chamber, a deposition roller that is arranged in the vacuum chamber, and winds a substrate in a sheet form subject to deposition, and a magnetic field generation unit that is provided inside the deposition roller, and generates a magnetic field on a surface of the deposition roller, where the magnetic field generation unit includes an inside magnet arranged along an axial direction of the deposition roller and an outside magnet having a polarity opposite to the inside magnet and surrounding, in an annular form, the inside magnet, and the inside magnet is formed so as to be narrower in width along the axial direction of the deposition roller than a width of an extent of winding of the substrate W on the deposition roller in a projection viewed from a deposition surface of the substrate, and is arranged within the extent of the winding of the substrate W. | 1. A vacuum deposition apparatus comprising:
a vacuum chamber; a deposition roller that is arranged in the vacuum chamber, and winds a substrate in a sheet form subject to deposition; a magnetic field generation unit that is provided inside the deposition roller, and generates a magnetic field on a surface of the deposition roller; a gas supply unit that supplies a source gas into the vacuum chamber; and a power supply that generates a discharge for bringing the source gas into plasma, wherein: the magnetic field generation unit includes an inside magnet arranged along an axial direction of the deposition roller and an outside magnet having a polarity opposite to the inside magnet and surrounding the inside magnet in an annular form; and the inside magnet is formed so as to be narrower in width along the axial direction of the deposition roller than a width of an extent of winding of the substrate on the deposition roller in a projection viewed from a deposition surface of the substrate, and is arranged within the extent of the winding of the substrate. 2. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein magnetic lines of force extending to the outside of the roller on an edge of the substrate in contact with the deposition roller is inclined toward the edge of the deposition roller as viewed in a direction from the outside magnet to the inside magnet. 3. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
an end portion of the deposition roller is provided with an insulator; and the insulator covers the end portion of the deposition roller so that the outer diameter of said insulator is equal to the diameter of a center portion of said deposition roller. 4. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, comprising two deposition rollers that are opposed to each other as the deposition roller. 5. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power supply is a mid-frequency AC power supply, one pole thereof is connected to one deposition roller, and the other pole is connected to the other deposition roller. 6. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a mask that includes an opening window narrower than the width of the substrate, wherein the mask covers the deposition roller so as to cover both ends in a widthwise direction of the substrate and to expose the wound substrate from the opening window. 7. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mask is made of a metal, and is the same in electric potential as the vacuum chamber. 8. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mask is made of a nonmagnetic metal. 9. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mask is formed of an insulating material. 10. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mask includes an opening as the opening window, the opening is provided at a position opposed to the magnetic field generation unit across a surface of the deposition roller, exposes the wound substrate from the opening, and covers the deposition roller with a portion other than the opening along a travelling direction of the substrate. 11. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 7, comprising cooling means that cools the mask. | Provided is a vacuum deposition apparatus including a vacuum chamber, a deposition roller that is arranged in the vacuum chamber, and winds a substrate in a sheet form subject to deposition, and a magnetic field generation unit that is provided inside the deposition roller, and generates a magnetic field on a surface of the deposition roller, where the magnetic field generation unit includes an inside magnet arranged along an axial direction of the deposition roller and an outside magnet having a polarity opposite to the inside magnet and surrounding, in an annular form, the inside magnet, and the inside magnet is formed so as to be narrower in width along the axial direction of the deposition roller than a width of an extent of winding of the substrate W on the deposition roller in a projection viewed from a deposition surface of the substrate, and is arranged within the extent of the winding of the substrate W.1. A vacuum deposition apparatus comprising:
a vacuum chamber; a deposition roller that is arranged in the vacuum chamber, and winds a substrate in a sheet form subject to deposition; a magnetic field generation unit that is provided inside the deposition roller, and generates a magnetic field on a surface of the deposition roller; a gas supply unit that supplies a source gas into the vacuum chamber; and a power supply that generates a discharge for bringing the source gas into plasma, wherein: the magnetic field generation unit includes an inside magnet arranged along an axial direction of the deposition roller and an outside magnet having a polarity opposite to the inside magnet and surrounding the inside magnet in an annular form; and the inside magnet is formed so as to be narrower in width along the axial direction of the deposition roller than a width of an extent of winding of the substrate on the deposition roller in a projection viewed from a deposition surface of the substrate, and is arranged within the extent of the winding of the substrate. 2. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein magnetic lines of force extending to the outside of the roller on an edge of the substrate in contact with the deposition roller is inclined toward the edge of the deposition roller as viewed in a direction from the outside magnet to the inside magnet. 3. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
an end portion of the deposition roller is provided with an insulator; and the insulator covers the end portion of the deposition roller so that the outer diameter of said insulator is equal to the diameter of a center portion of said deposition roller. 4. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, comprising two deposition rollers that are opposed to each other as the deposition roller. 5. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power supply is a mid-frequency AC power supply, one pole thereof is connected to one deposition roller, and the other pole is connected to the other deposition roller. 6. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a mask that includes an opening window narrower than the width of the substrate, wherein the mask covers the deposition roller so as to cover both ends in a widthwise direction of the substrate and to expose the wound substrate from the opening window. 7. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mask is made of a metal, and is the same in electric potential as the vacuum chamber. 8. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mask is made of a nonmagnetic metal. 9. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mask is formed of an insulating material. 10. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mask includes an opening as the opening window, the opening is provided at a position opposed to the magnetic field generation unit across a surface of the deposition roller, exposes the wound substrate from the opening, and covers the deposition roller with a portion other than the opening along a travelling direction of the substrate. 11. The vacuum deposition apparatus according to claim 7, comprising cooling means that cools the mask. | 1,700 |
1,911 | 13,598,832 | 1,768 | This invention relates to polymer polyols comprising one or more base polyols; one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers in which at least one of the monomers is styrene which contains less than or equal to 1000 ppm of impurities; with one or more preformed stabilizers; in the presence of at least one free radical polymerization initiator; and optionally, one or more chain transfer agents. | 1. A polymer polyol comprising the free-radical polymerization product of:
(A) one or more base polyols; (B) optionally, one or more preformed stabilizers; with (C) one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, wherein at least one of said monomers is styrene which contains less than or equal to 1000 ppm of impurities; in the presence of (D) at least one free radial polymerization catalyst; and, optionally, (E) one or more chain transfer agents. 2. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said impurities contain at least on compound which is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, phenylacetylene and divinylbenzene. 3. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than 750 ppm of impurities. 4. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than or equal to 400 ppm of impurities. 5. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein (C) said one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprises a mixture of styrene monomer and acrylonitrile. 6. The polymer polyol of claim 1, which comprises (B) one or more preformed stabilizers which is a high potency preformed stabilizer, and said stabilizer is present in an amount of at least about 0.25% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 7. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said free radical polymerization catalyst is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, persulfates, perborates, percarbonates, azo compounds and mixtures thereof. 8. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein the solids content ranges from greater than about 20% by weight up to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 9. A process for the preparation of a polymer polyol comprising:
(I) free-radically polymerizing
(A) one or more base polyols;
(B) optionally, one or more preformed stabilizers;
with
(C) one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, wherein at least one of said monomers is styrene which contains less than or equal to 1000 ppm of impurities;
in the presence of
(D) at least one free radial polymerization catalyst;
and, optionally,
(E) one or more chain transfer agents. 10. The process of claim 9, wherein said impurities contain at least one compound which is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, phenylacetylene and divinylbenzene. 11. The process of claim 9, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than 750 ppm of impurities. 12. The process of claim 9, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than or equal to 400 ppm of impurities. 13. The process of claim 9, wherein (C) said one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprises a mixture of styrene monomer and acrylonitrile. 14. The process of claim 9, which comprises (B) one or more preformed stabilizers which is a high potency preformed stabilizer, and said stabilizer is present in an amount of at least about 0.25% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 15. The process of claim 9, wherein said free radical polymerization catalyst is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, persulfates, perborates, percarbonates, azo compounds and mixtures thereof. 16. The process of claim 9, wherein the solids content ranges from greater than about 20% by weight up to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 17. A process for preparing a polyurethane foam, comprising reacting
(1) a polyisocyanate with (2) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising the polymer polyol of claim 1, in the presence of (3) at least one catalyst, and (4) at least one blowing agent. 18. A polyurethane foam comprising the reaction product of
(1) a polyisocyanate, with (2) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising the polymer polyol of claim 1, in the presence of (3) at least one catalyst, and (4) at least one blowing agent. | This invention relates to polymer polyols comprising one or more base polyols; one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers in which at least one of the monomers is styrene which contains less than or equal to 1000 ppm of impurities; with one or more preformed stabilizers; in the presence of at least one free radical polymerization initiator; and optionally, one or more chain transfer agents.1. A polymer polyol comprising the free-radical polymerization product of:
(A) one or more base polyols; (B) optionally, one or more preformed stabilizers; with (C) one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, wherein at least one of said monomers is styrene which contains less than or equal to 1000 ppm of impurities; in the presence of (D) at least one free radial polymerization catalyst; and, optionally, (E) one or more chain transfer agents. 2. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said impurities contain at least on compound which is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, phenylacetylene and divinylbenzene. 3. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than 750 ppm of impurities. 4. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than or equal to 400 ppm of impurities. 5. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein (C) said one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprises a mixture of styrene monomer and acrylonitrile. 6. The polymer polyol of claim 1, which comprises (B) one or more preformed stabilizers which is a high potency preformed stabilizer, and said stabilizer is present in an amount of at least about 0.25% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 7. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein said free radical polymerization catalyst is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, persulfates, perborates, percarbonates, azo compounds and mixtures thereof. 8. The polymer polyol of claim 1, wherein the solids content ranges from greater than about 20% by weight up to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 9. A process for the preparation of a polymer polyol comprising:
(I) free-radically polymerizing
(A) one or more base polyols;
(B) optionally, one or more preformed stabilizers;
with
(C) one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, wherein at least one of said monomers is styrene which contains less than or equal to 1000 ppm of impurities;
in the presence of
(D) at least one free radial polymerization catalyst;
and, optionally,
(E) one or more chain transfer agents. 10. The process of claim 9, wherein said impurities contain at least one compound which is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, phenylacetylene and divinylbenzene. 11. The process of claim 9, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than 750 ppm of impurities. 12. The process of claim 9, wherein said styrene monomer contains less than or equal to 400 ppm of impurities. 13. The process of claim 9, wherein (C) said one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprises a mixture of styrene monomer and acrylonitrile. 14. The process of claim 9, which comprises (B) one or more preformed stabilizers which is a high potency preformed stabilizer, and said stabilizer is present in an amount of at least about 0.25% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 15. The process of claim 9, wherein said free radical polymerization catalyst is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, persulfates, perborates, percarbonates, azo compounds and mixtures thereof. 16. The process of claim 9, wherein the solids content ranges from greater than about 20% by weight up to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer polyol. 17. A process for preparing a polyurethane foam, comprising reacting
(1) a polyisocyanate with (2) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising the polymer polyol of claim 1, in the presence of (3) at least one catalyst, and (4) at least one blowing agent. 18. A polyurethane foam comprising the reaction product of
(1) a polyisocyanate, with (2) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising the polymer polyol of claim 1, in the presence of (3) at least one catalyst, and (4) at least one blowing agent. | 1,700 |
1,912 | 14,275,106 | 1,784 | A brazed part includes two or more components that are brazed together and has related method of making. Using a method of locating parts relative to one another, an inter-component gap between the components may be formed. Subsequently, during brazing, flow control features formed along the inter-component gap may then be used to assist in the retention of the braze material between the components during brazing. | 1. A brazed part including a first component and a second component brazed together by a brazing material, the brazed part comprising:
a plurality of locating joints, each of the plurality of locating joints including:
a projection on one of the first component and the second component; and
a corresponding recess on the other of the first component and the second component;
wherein, in each of the plurality of locating joints, the projection is located in the corresponding recess to define an inter-component gap between the first component and the second component, in which inter-component gap is received a brazing material that brazes the first component and the second component together, the inter-component gap being sized so as to facilitate transport of a liquid phase of the brazing material therethrough via capillary action; and
at least one lip disposed on at least one of the first component and the second component at a periphery of the inter-component gap, the lip providing a gradual increase of the inter-component gap at the periphery; wherein, during brazing, the gradual increase of the inter-component gap at the periphery produces a meniscus in the liquid phase of the brazing material having a surface tension sufficient to retain the brazing material in the inter-component gap for solidification. 2. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein, in each of the plurality of locating joints, the projection has an arcuate convex surface and the corresponding recess has opposite-facing angled walls and wherein, in each of the plurality of locating joints, the projection is located in the corresponding recess and is supported by contact between the arcuate convex surface and at least one of the angled walls. 3. The brazed part of claim 2, wherein the arcuate convex surface is semi-spherical and each of the angled walls contacted by the arcuate convex surface is essentially planar. 4. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the first component are the second component are joined together via brazing at their respective brazing surfaces and wherein, during brazing, the brazing material is heated to form a liquid that flows through the inter-component gap to wet the brazing surfaces and join the brazing surfaces upon solidification. 5. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the at least one lip inhibits the capillary action of the brazing material past the periphery of the inter-component gap during brazing. 6. The brazed part of claim 1, further comprising a dam that is vertically raised from the brazing surface of at least one of the first component and the second component and wherein the dam inhibits the flow of the brazing material past the dam to further substantially retain the brazing material within the inter-component gap. 7. The brazed part of claim 1, further comprising a flow control feature formed between a first section and a second section of the inter-component gap, the first section and the second section not being in the same plane, the flow control feature being an internal lip that reduces a capillary force of the brazing material proximate the internal lip to inhibit the flow of the brazing material from the first section to the second section of the inter-component gap during brazing. 8. The brazed part of claim 6, wherein, when the brazed part is subjected to a rotational stress about an axis resulting in an applied shear stress between the first and second components, at least one of the first section and second section extend along an essentially axial direction to increase an area over which the shear stress is applied. 9. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the brazed part is a planetary gear carrier such that the first component is a cage having at least three legs and the second component is a plate and wherein a locating joint is located between each of the at least three legs and the plate to define at least three inter-component gaps between the cage and the plate. 10. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the at least one lip on at least one of the first component and the second component at the periphery of the inter-component gap includes a lip on the first component at the periphery of the inter-component gap and a lip on the second component at the periphery of the inter-component gap. 11. The brazed part of claim 10, wherein the lip on the first component and the lip on the second component separate from one another to provide a local increase in spacing between the first component and the second component that inhibits the flow of the brazing material past the outer periphery of the inter-component gap. 12. A method of forming a brazed part, the method comprising:
locating a first component relative to a second component by mating a plurality of locating joint portions of the first component with a plurality of locating joint portions of the second component to form a plurality of locating joints, each of the plurality of locating joints including a projection on one of the first component and the second component and a corresponding recess on the other of the first component and the second component, the first component being positioned relative to the second component such that a brazing surface of the first component and a brazing surface of the second component define an inter-component gap therebetween; introducing a brazing material into the inter-component gap; heating the brazing material to at least a melting point of the brazing material to form a liquid that flows through the inter-component gap toward a periphery of the inter-component gap by wetting the brazing surfaces of the first component and the second component; substantially retaining the brazing material within the inter-component gap by use of at least one lip disposed on at least one of the first component and the second component at a periphery of the inter-component gap, the at least one lip providing a gradual increase of the inter-component gap at the periphery that, upon receiving a flow of the liquid of the brazing material, produces a meniscus in the liquid of the brazing material having a surface tension that retains the brazing material in the inter-component gap for solidification; and solidifying the brazing material to form a brazed joint between the first component and the second component. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first component and the second component each have at least three locating joint portions, each of the at least three locating joint portions being one of a projection with an arcuate convex surface and a recess with opposite-facing angled walls; and
wherein the step of locating the first component relative to the second component includes mating the at least three locating joint portions of the first component and the at least three locating joint portions of the second component to form at least three locating joints that define the inter-component gap, each of the at least three locating joints including a projection and a recess, such that the arcuate convex surface of the projection contacts at least one of the opposite-facing angled walls of the recess. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing the brazing material comprises placing the brazing material in a blind hole and wherein, during the step of heating the brazing material, the brazing material moves to and wets by capillary action at least a portion of the inter-component gap between the first component and the second component. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing the brazing material comprises placing the brazing material in the recess of the locating joint and wherein, during the step of heating the brazing material, the brazing material moves to and wets by capillary action at least a portion of the inter-component gap between the first component and the second component. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing the brazing material to at least one of the first component and the second component occurs before locating the first component relative to the second component, such that during the heating step, as the brazing material melts, a distance between the first component and the second component decreases and locates the first component relative to the second component by self-seating the locating joint portions of the first component into the locating joint portions of the second component to form the locating joints. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the inter-component gap includes a flow control feature that is formed between two sections of the inter-component gap that are not in the same plane as one another and the flow control feature reduces a capillary force of the brazing material proximate the flow control feature to reduce the flow of material from one of the two sections to the other. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the two sections include an essentially horizontal first section along a plane and a second section that is at an angle to the essentially horizontal section and wherein the flow control feature is an internal lip that increases the inter-component gap at an intersection between the first section and the second section. | A brazed part includes two or more components that are brazed together and has related method of making. Using a method of locating parts relative to one another, an inter-component gap between the components may be formed. Subsequently, during brazing, flow control features formed along the inter-component gap may then be used to assist in the retention of the braze material between the components during brazing.1. A brazed part including a first component and a second component brazed together by a brazing material, the brazed part comprising:
a plurality of locating joints, each of the plurality of locating joints including:
a projection on one of the first component and the second component; and
a corresponding recess on the other of the first component and the second component;
wherein, in each of the plurality of locating joints, the projection is located in the corresponding recess to define an inter-component gap between the first component and the second component, in which inter-component gap is received a brazing material that brazes the first component and the second component together, the inter-component gap being sized so as to facilitate transport of a liquid phase of the brazing material therethrough via capillary action; and
at least one lip disposed on at least one of the first component and the second component at a periphery of the inter-component gap, the lip providing a gradual increase of the inter-component gap at the periphery; wherein, during brazing, the gradual increase of the inter-component gap at the periphery produces a meniscus in the liquid phase of the brazing material having a surface tension sufficient to retain the brazing material in the inter-component gap for solidification. 2. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein, in each of the plurality of locating joints, the projection has an arcuate convex surface and the corresponding recess has opposite-facing angled walls and wherein, in each of the plurality of locating joints, the projection is located in the corresponding recess and is supported by contact between the arcuate convex surface and at least one of the angled walls. 3. The brazed part of claim 2, wherein the arcuate convex surface is semi-spherical and each of the angled walls contacted by the arcuate convex surface is essentially planar. 4. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the first component are the second component are joined together via brazing at their respective brazing surfaces and wherein, during brazing, the brazing material is heated to form a liquid that flows through the inter-component gap to wet the brazing surfaces and join the brazing surfaces upon solidification. 5. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the at least one lip inhibits the capillary action of the brazing material past the periphery of the inter-component gap during brazing. 6. The brazed part of claim 1, further comprising a dam that is vertically raised from the brazing surface of at least one of the first component and the second component and wherein the dam inhibits the flow of the brazing material past the dam to further substantially retain the brazing material within the inter-component gap. 7. The brazed part of claim 1, further comprising a flow control feature formed between a first section and a second section of the inter-component gap, the first section and the second section not being in the same plane, the flow control feature being an internal lip that reduces a capillary force of the brazing material proximate the internal lip to inhibit the flow of the brazing material from the first section to the second section of the inter-component gap during brazing. 8. The brazed part of claim 6, wherein, when the brazed part is subjected to a rotational stress about an axis resulting in an applied shear stress between the first and second components, at least one of the first section and second section extend along an essentially axial direction to increase an area over which the shear stress is applied. 9. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the brazed part is a planetary gear carrier such that the first component is a cage having at least three legs and the second component is a plate and wherein a locating joint is located between each of the at least three legs and the plate to define at least three inter-component gaps between the cage and the plate. 10. The brazed part of claim 1, wherein the at least one lip on at least one of the first component and the second component at the periphery of the inter-component gap includes a lip on the first component at the periphery of the inter-component gap and a lip on the second component at the periphery of the inter-component gap. 11. The brazed part of claim 10, wherein the lip on the first component and the lip on the second component separate from one another to provide a local increase in spacing between the first component and the second component that inhibits the flow of the brazing material past the outer periphery of the inter-component gap. 12. A method of forming a brazed part, the method comprising:
locating a first component relative to a second component by mating a plurality of locating joint portions of the first component with a plurality of locating joint portions of the second component to form a plurality of locating joints, each of the plurality of locating joints including a projection on one of the first component and the second component and a corresponding recess on the other of the first component and the second component, the first component being positioned relative to the second component such that a brazing surface of the first component and a brazing surface of the second component define an inter-component gap therebetween; introducing a brazing material into the inter-component gap; heating the brazing material to at least a melting point of the brazing material to form a liquid that flows through the inter-component gap toward a periphery of the inter-component gap by wetting the brazing surfaces of the first component and the second component; substantially retaining the brazing material within the inter-component gap by use of at least one lip disposed on at least one of the first component and the second component at a periphery of the inter-component gap, the at least one lip providing a gradual increase of the inter-component gap at the periphery that, upon receiving a flow of the liquid of the brazing material, produces a meniscus in the liquid of the brazing material having a surface tension that retains the brazing material in the inter-component gap for solidification; and solidifying the brazing material to form a brazed joint between the first component and the second component. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first component and the second component each have at least three locating joint portions, each of the at least three locating joint portions being one of a projection with an arcuate convex surface and a recess with opposite-facing angled walls; and
wherein the step of locating the first component relative to the second component includes mating the at least three locating joint portions of the first component and the at least three locating joint portions of the second component to form at least three locating joints that define the inter-component gap, each of the at least three locating joints including a projection and a recess, such that the arcuate convex surface of the projection contacts at least one of the opposite-facing angled walls of the recess. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing the brazing material comprises placing the brazing material in a blind hole and wherein, during the step of heating the brazing material, the brazing material moves to and wets by capillary action at least a portion of the inter-component gap between the first component and the second component. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing the brazing material comprises placing the brazing material in the recess of the locating joint and wherein, during the step of heating the brazing material, the brazing material moves to and wets by capillary action at least a portion of the inter-component gap between the first component and the second component. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing the brazing material to at least one of the first component and the second component occurs before locating the first component relative to the second component, such that during the heating step, as the brazing material melts, a distance between the first component and the second component decreases and locates the first component relative to the second component by self-seating the locating joint portions of the first component into the locating joint portions of the second component to form the locating joints. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the inter-component gap includes a flow control feature that is formed between two sections of the inter-component gap that are not in the same plane as one another and the flow control feature reduces a capillary force of the brazing material proximate the flow control feature to reduce the flow of material from one of the two sections to the other. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the two sections include an essentially horizontal first section along a plane and a second section that is at an angle to the essentially horizontal section and wherein the flow control feature is an internal lip that increases the inter-component gap at an intersection between the first section and the second section. | 1,700 |
1,913 | 11,994,182 | 1,723 | A thin battery ( 100 ) has a central portion ( 110 ) and two end portions ( 120 ). One of the two end portions includes a positive voltage connection ( 121 ) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery. The other one of the two end portions includes a negative voltage connection ( 122 ) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery. Each of the end portions ( 120 ) includes a magnetic element having a north magnetic pole on one of the top or bottom surface of the battery and a south magnetic pole on the other one of the top or bottom surface of the battery. Multiple batteries may be connected to each other through magnetic attraction. The battery may be securely attached and electrically connected to a garment ( 1000 ) using positive and negative conductive surfaces/contacts ( 1010, 1020 ) on a fiber layer of the garment and a corresponding magnetic element ( 1050 ) beneath the conductive surfaces/contacts that attracts and secures the battery in place. | 1. A thin battery (100), comprising:
a central portion (110); and two end portions (120), one of said two end portions including a positive voltage connection (121) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery and the other one of said two end portions including a negative voltage connection (122) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery, wherein each of said end portions (120) includes a magnetic element having a north magnetic pole on one of the top or bottom surface of the battery and a south magnetic pole on the other one of the top or bottom surface of the battery. 2. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein the thin battery is in the form of a thin strip having at least some flexibility. 3. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein each magnetic element comprises magnetic particles dispersed throughout the end portion. 4. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein each magnet element in the end portion comprises a discrete magnet (125). 5. A thin battery according to claim 4, wherein each discrete magnet in the end portion surrounds the voltage connection in the end portion. 6. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein each magnetic element has a north magnetic pole oriented toward the top surface of said battery and a south magnetic pole oriented toward the bottom surface of said battery. 7. A thin battery according to claim 6, wherein said thin battery includes a removable insulative adhesive covering the top surface of the negative voltage connection and a removable insulative adhesive covering the bottom surface of the positive voltage connection. 8. A method of connecting at least two batteries (100), comprising:
providing two batteries, each battery configured according to claim 1; and moving at least one end portion of each of the two batteries into a vertically adjacent position so that the magnetic elements in the end portions of the two batteries are magnetically attracted to each other and cause the batteries to come into contact with each other and creating an electrical connection between the voltage connections on the end portions of the two batteries. 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the two batteries each further comprise removable insulative adhesive covering a voltage connection on said at least one end portion of the two batteries, the method further comprising:
removing the removable insulative adhesive prior to moving said at least one end portion of the two batteries into said vertically adjacent position. 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the two batteries each comprise a second removable insulative adhesive covering the voltage connection on the other end portion of the two batteries,
wherein both end portions of the batteries are moved to be vertically adjacent so that the magnetic elements in the end portions are magnetically attracted to each other and cause the batteries to come into contact such that an electrical connection is made in said one end portion but prevented in the other end portion by the second removable insulative to connect the batteries in series. 11. A method according to claim 8, wherein only one end portion of the first battery having a negative voltage connection is moved into a vertically adjacent position with the end portion of the second battery having a positive voltage connection, without the end portion of the first battery having a positive voltage connection being vertically adjacent to the end portion of the second battery having a negative voltage connection, to connect the batteries in series. 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein at least the end portion of a third battery having a positive voltage connection is moved to a position vertically adjacent the end portion of the second battery having a negative voltage connection to connect the first, second and third batteries in series. 13. A garment, comprising:
at least one layer of fabric (1000); first and second conductive contact surfaces (1010, 1020) on said layer of fabric; first and second conductive fibers tracks (1030, 1040) connected respectively to said first and second conductive contact surfaces; and at least one magnetic element (1050) beneath the surface of said first and second conductive contact surfaces, said magnetic element providing a magnetic pole of a first polarity at the location of said first conductive contact surface and a magnetic pole of a second polarity at the location of said second conductive contact surface. 14. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic element is a single thin magnetic strip. 15. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic element comprises two different magnets. 16. A method of attaching a battery to a garment, said method comprising:
providing first and second conductive contact surfaces (1010, 1020) on the garment fabric (1000) and first and second conductive fibers tracks (1030, 1040) connected respectively to said first and second conductive contact surfaces; and moving a battery, said battery having a first end portion (120) including a positive voltage connection (121) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery and a second end portion including a negative voltage connection (122) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery, such that its end portions are adjacent said first and second conductive contact surfaces, wherein a magnetic attraction between magnetic elements in said first and second end portions of the battery and a magnetic element beneath the first and second conductive contact surfaces on the garment brings the voltage connections of the first and second end portions of the battery into contact with the first and second conductive contact surfaces on the garment. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the polarity of the magnetic element at the voltage connection of said first end portion of the battery is opposite to the polarity of the magnetic element at the voltage connection of said second end portion of the battery, and the polarity of the magnetic element at the first conductive contact surface of the garment is opposite to the polarity of the magnetic element at the second conductive contact surface, such that the battery can only be attached to the garment with the proper polarity. 18. A method according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of batteries are connected to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement utilizing said magnetic elements in end portions of said batteries, and said plurality of batteries are connected to said garment via said first and second conductive contact surfaces. | A thin battery ( 100 ) has a central portion ( 110 ) and two end portions ( 120 ). One of the two end portions includes a positive voltage connection ( 121 ) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery. The other one of the two end portions includes a negative voltage connection ( 122 ) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery. Each of the end portions ( 120 ) includes a magnetic element having a north magnetic pole on one of the top or bottom surface of the battery and a south magnetic pole on the other one of the top or bottom surface of the battery. Multiple batteries may be connected to each other through magnetic attraction. The battery may be securely attached and electrically connected to a garment ( 1000 ) using positive and negative conductive surfaces/contacts ( 1010, 1020 ) on a fiber layer of the garment and a corresponding magnetic element ( 1050 ) beneath the conductive surfaces/contacts that attracts and secures the battery in place.1. A thin battery (100), comprising:
a central portion (110); and two end portions (120), one of said two end portions including a positive voltage connection (121) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery and the other one of said two end portions including a negative voltage connection (122) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery, wherein each of said end portions (120) includes a magnetic element having a north magnetic pole on one of the top or bottom surface of the battery and a south magnetic pole on the other one of the top or bottom surface of the battery. 2. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein the thin battery is in the form of a thin strip having at least some flexibility. 3. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein each magnetic element comprises magnetic particles dispersed throughout the end portion. 4. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein each magnet element in the end portion comprises a discrete magnet (125). 5. A thin battery according to claim 4, wherein each discrete magnet in the end portion surrounds the voltage connection in the end portion. 6. A thin battery according to claim 1, wherein each magnetic element has a north magnetic pole oriented toward the top surface of said battery and a south magnetic pole oriented toward the bottom surface of said battery. 7. A thin battery according to claim 6, wherein said thin battery includes a removable insulative adhesive covering the top surface of the negative voltage connection and a removable insulative adhesive covering the bottom surface of the positive voltage connection. 8. A method of connecting at least two batteries (100), comprising:
providing two batteries, each battery configured according to claim 1; and moving at least one end portion of each of the two batteries into a vertically adjacent position so that the magnetic elements in the end portions of the two batteries are magnetically attracted to each other and cause the batteries to come into contact with each other and creating an electrical connection between the voltage connections on the end portions of the two batteries. 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the two batteries each further comprise removable insulative adhesive covering a voltage connection on said at least one end portion of the two batteries, the method further comprising:
removing the removable insulative adhesive prior to moving said at least one end portion of the two batteries into said vertically adjacent position. 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the two batteries each comprise a second removable insulative adhesive covering the voltage connection on the other end portion of the two batteries,
wherein both end portions of the batteries are moved to be vertically adjacent so that the magnetic elements in the end portions are magnetically attracted to each other and cause the batteries to come into contact such that an electrical connection is made in said one end portion but prevented in the other end portion by the second removable insulative to connect the batteries in series. 11. A method according to claim 8, wherein only one end portion of the first battery having a negative voltage connection is moved into a vertically adjacent position with the end portion of the second battery having a positive voltage connection, without the end portion of the first battery having a positive voltage connection being vertically adjacent to the end portion of the second battery having a negative voltage connection, to connect the batteries in series. 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein at least the end portion of a third battery having a positive voltage connection is moved to a position vertically adjacent the end portion of the second battery having a negative voltage connection to connect the first, second and third batteries in series. 13. A garment, comprising:
at least one layer of fabric (1000); first and second conductive contact surfaces (1010, 1020) on said layer of fabric; first and second conductive fibers tracks (1030, 1040) connected respectively to said first and second conductive contact surfaces; and at least one magnetic element (1050) beneath the surface of said first and second conductive contact surfaces, said magnetic element providing a magnetic pole of a first polarity at the location of said first conductive contact surface and a magnetic pole of a second polarity at the location of said second conductive contact surface. 14. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic element is a single thin magnetic strip. 15. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic element comprises two different magnets. 16. A method of attaching a battery to a garment, said method comprising:
providing first and second conductive contact surfaces (1010, 1020) on the garment fabric (1000) and first and second conductive fibers tracks (1030, 1040) connected respectively to said first and second conductive contact surfaces; and moving a battery, said battery having a first end portion (120) including a positive voltage connection (121) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery and a second end portion including a negative voltage connection (122) exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the battery, such that its end portions are adjacent said first and second conductive contact surfaces, wherein a magnetic attraction between magnetic elements in said first and second end portions of the battery and a magnetic element beneath the first and second conductive contact surfaces on the garment brings the voltage connections of the first and second end portions of the battery into contact with the first and second conductive contact surfaces on the garment. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the polarity of the magnetic element at the voltage connection of said first end portion of the battery is opposite to the polarity of the magnetic element at the voltage connection of said second end portion of the battery, and the polarity of the magnetic element at the first conductive contact surface of the garment is opposite to the polarity of the magnetic element at the second conductive contact surface, such that the battery can only be attached to the garment with the proper polarity. 18. A method according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of batteries are connected to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement utilizing said magnetic elements in end portions of said batteries, and said plurality of batteries are connected to said garment via said first and second conductive contact surfaces. | 1,700 |
1,914 | 14,307,598 | 1,798 | Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof. | 1-14. (canceled) 15. A system for analyzing a fluidic assay, comprising:
a fluidic flow-through chamber; a magnet and a mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet in proximity to an imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber; an illumination subsystem configured to illuminate the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber; and a photosensitive detection subsystem configured to image the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber when illuminated; wherein an interior back portion of the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber comprises a roughened surface. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the roughened surface comprises a surface roughness between approximately 0.6 microns root mean square and approximately 0.8 microns root mean square. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluidic flow-through chamber comprises input and output channels for respectively receiving and dispensing a fluidic assay to and from the fluidic flow-through chamber, and wherein widths of the input and output channels are tapered relative to a width of the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein a back portion of the fluidic flow-through chamber corresponding to the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber is coated with a coating configured to provide negligible reflectance and transmittance with respect to wavelengths of light emitted by the illumination subsystem. 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet is configured to position the magnet such that is polarizing axis of the magnet is located downstream relative to a central point of the imaging region when the magnet is positioned in proximity to the imaging region. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet is configured to position the magnet such that a leading edge of the magnet is located downstream relative to a leading edge of the imaging region when the magnet is positioned in proximity to the imaging region. 21. The system of claim 15, wherein the mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet is configured to prevent the magnet from contacting the fluid flow-through chamber when the magnet is positioned in proximity to the imaging region. | Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.1-14. (canceled) 15. A system for analyzing a fluidic assay, comprising:
a fluidic flow-through chamber; a magnet and a mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet in proximity to an imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber; an illumination subsystem configured to illuminate the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber; and a photosensitive detection subsystem configured to image the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber when illuminated; wherein an interior back portion of the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber comprises a roughened surface. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the roughened surface comprises a surface roughness between approximately 0.6 microns root mean square and approximately 0.8 microns root mean square. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluidic flow-through chamber comprises input and output channels for respectively receiving and dispensing a fluidic assay to and from the fluidic flow-through chamber, and wherein widths of the input and output channels are tapered relative to a width of the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein a back portion of the fluidic flow-through chamber corresponding to the imaging region of the fluidic flow-through chamber is coated with a coating configured to provide negligible reflectance and transmittance with respect to wavelengths of light emitted by the illumination subsystem. 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet is configured to position the magnet such that is polarizing axis of the magnet is located downstream relative to a central point of the imaging region when the magnet is positioned in proximity to the imaging region. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet is configured to position the magnet such that a leading edge of the magnet is located downstream relative to a leading edge of the imaging region when the magnet is positioned in proximity to the imaging region. 21. The system of claim 15, wherein the mechanism for selectively positioning the magnet is configured to prevent the magnet from contacting the fluid flow-through chamber when the magnet is positioned in proximity to the imaging region. | 1,700 |
1,915 | 14,055,640 | 1,785 | Apparatus for recording data and method for making the same. In accordance with some embodiments, a recording layer is supported by a substrate. The recording layer has a granular magnetic recording layer with a first oxide content, a continuous magnetic recording layer with nominally no oxide content, and an oxide gradient layer disposed between the respective granular magnetic recording layer and the continuous magnetic recording layer. The oxide gradient layer has a second oxide content less than the first oxide content of the granular layer. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
a substrate; and a recording layer supported by the substrate comprising a granular magnetic recording layer having a first oxide content, a continuous magnetic recording layer having nominally no oxide content, and an oxide gradient layer disposed between the respective granular magnetic recording layer and the continuous magnetic recording layer having a second oxide content less than the first oxide content of the granular layer. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous magnetic recording layer is a continuous granular composite (CGC) layer. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer comprises a magnetic material, a non-magnetic material and oxide, wherein the oxide is about 15-30 vol %. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the oxide is about 20-25 vol %. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the oxide gradient layer comprises a magnetic material and oxide, wherein the oxide is about 5-15 vol %. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the oxide is about 6-12 vol %. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the oxide is about 5-10 vol %. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer and the oxide gradient layer share a common elemental construction apart from different amounts of oxide in the respective layers. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oxide gradient layer has a thickness significantly less than respective thicknesses of each of the granular magnetic recording layer and the continuous magnetic recording layer. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer is formed of CoCrPt-oxide. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the oxide gradient layer is formed of CoCrPt-oxide. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an exchange tuning layer contactingly disposed between the granular layer and the oxide gradient layer. 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oxide gradient layer is formed of a plurality of stacked sub-layers, each of the plurality of sub-layers having a respective oxide content, the respective oxide contents decreasing in relation to distance from the granular magnetic recording layer. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer comprises a plurality of magnetic grains separated by grain boundaries, wherein the oxide gradient layer comprises a corresponding plurality of magnetic grains aligned with the plurality of magnetic grains in the granular magnetic recording layer and a corresponding plurality of grain boundaries aligned with the plurality of grain boundaries in the granular magnetic recording layer, the plurality of grain boundaries in the oxide gradient layer reducing variation in sizes of the granular magnetic recording layer at the continuous magnetic recording layer. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized as a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. 16. An apparatus comprising:
a granular magnetic recording layer comprising a magnetic material, a non-magnetic material and oxide, the magnetic material arranged into a plurality of spaced apart magnetic grains, the non-magnetic material and oxide collectively arranged to form grain boundaries adjacent the magnetic grains, the oxide constituting a first vol %; a continuous granular composite (CGC) layer comprising a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material; and an oxide gradient layer disposed between the granular magnetic recording layer and the CGC layer, the oxide gradient layer comprising a magnetic material and oxide, the oxide constituting a second vol % less than the first vol % to reduce variations associated with the grain boundaries in the granular magnetic recording layer. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first vol % of the granular magnetic recording layer is about 15-30 vol % and the second vol % of the oxide gradient layer is about 5-15 vol %. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first vol % of the granular magnetic recording layer is about 20-25 vol % and the second vol % of the oxide gradient layer is about 6-12 vol %. 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer and the oxide gradient layer share a common elemental construction apart from different amounts of oxide in the respective layers. 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the oxide gradient layer has a thickness significantly less than respective thicknesses of each of the granular magnetic recording layer and the CGC layer. 21. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an exchange tuning layer contactingly disposed between the granular layer and the oxide gradient layer. 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the oxide gradient layer is formed of a plurality of sub-layers stacked onto the granular magnetic recording layer, each of the plurality of sub-layers having a respective oxide content, the respective oxide contents decreasing in relation to distance from the granular magnetic recording layer. 23. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized as a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. | Apparatus for recording data and method for making the same. In accordance with some embodiments, a recording layer is supported by a substrate. The recording layer has a granular magnetic recording layer with a first oxide content, a continuous magnetic recording layer with nominally no oxide content, and an oxide gradient layer disposed between the respective granular magnetic recording layer and the continuous magnetic recording layer. The oxide gradient layer has a second oxide content less than the first oxide content of the granular layer.1. An apparatus comprising:
a substrate; and a recording layer supported by the substrate comprising a granular magnetic recording layer having a first oxide content, a continuous magnetic recording layer having nominally no oxide content, and an oxide gradient layer disposed between the respective granular magnetic recording layer and the continuous magnetic recording layer having a second oxide content less than the first oxide content of the granular layer. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous magnetic recording layer is a continuous granular composite (CGC) layer. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer comprises a magnetic material, a non-magnetic material and oxide, wherein the oxide is about 15-30 vol %. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the oxide is about 20-25 vol %. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the oxide gradient layer comprises a magnetic material and oxide, wherein the oxide is about 5-15 vol %. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the oxide is about 6-12 vol %. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the oxide is about 5-10 vol %. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer and the oxide gradient layer share a common elemental construction apart from different amounts of oxide in the respective layers. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oxide gradient layer has a thickness significantly less than respective thicknesses of each of the granular magnetic recording layer and the continuous magnetic recording layer. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer is formed of CoCrPt-oxide. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the oxide gradient layer is formed of CoCrPt-oxide. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an exchange tuning layer contactingly disposed between the granular layer and the oxide gradient layer. 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oxide gradient layer is formed of a plurality of stacked sub-layers, each of the plurality of sub-layers having a respective oxide content, the respective oxide contents decreasing in relation to distance from the granular magnetic recording layer. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer comprises a plurality of magnetic grains separated by grain boundaries, wherein the oxide gradient layer comprises a corresponding plurality of magnetic grains aligned with the plurality of magnetic grains in the granular magnetic recording layer and a corresponding plurality of grain boundaries aligned with the plurality of grain boundaries in the granular magnetic recording layer, the plurality of grain boundaries in the oxide gradient layer reducing variation in sizes of the granular magnetic recording layer at the continuous magnetic recording layer. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized as a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. 16. An apparatus comprising:
a granular magnetic recording layer comprising a magnetic material, a non-magnetic material and oxide, the magnetic material arranged into a plurality of spaced apart magnetic grains, the non-magnetic material and oxide collectively arranged to form grain boundaries adjacent the magnetic grains, the oxide constituting a first vol %; a continuous granular composite (CGC) layer comprising a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material; and an oxide gradient layer disposed between the granular magnetic recording layer and the CGC layer, the oxide gradient layer comprising a magnetic material and oxide, the oxide constituting a second vol % less than the first vol % to reduce variations associated with the grain boundaries in the granular magnetic recording layer. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first vol % of the granular magnetic recording layer is about 15-30 vol % and the second vol % of the oxide gradient layer is about 5-15 vol %. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first vol % of the granular magnetic recording layer is about 20-25 vol % and the second vol % of the oxide gradient layer is about 6-12 vol %. 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the granular magnetic recording layer and the oxide gradient layer share a common elemental construction apart from different amounts of oxide in the respective layers. 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the oxide gradient layer has a thickness significantly less than respective thicknesses of each of the granular magnetic recording layer and the CGC layer. 21. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an exchange tuning layer contactingly disposed between the granular layer and the oxide gradient layer. 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the oxide gradient layer is formed of a plurality of sub-layers stacked onto the granular magnetic recording layer, each of the plurality of sub-layers having a respective oxide content, the respective oxide contents decreasing in relation to distance from the granular magnetic recording layer. 23. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized as a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. | 1,700 |
1,916 | 11,936,624 | 1,791 | Methods of making a powdered dairy composition are disclosed. The methods may include the steps of adding a sequestrant for calcium and rennet to a milk composition to make treated milk, and forming the treated milk into a milk powder. Powdered non-fat dry milk products are also disclosed. The products may include one or more milk proteins that have been enzymatically altered by chymosin, where the chymosin altered proteins are not coagulated. The products may also include one or more sequestants to bind calcium ions in the powdered product. | 1. A method of making a powdered dairy composition, the method comprising:
adding a sequestrant for calcium and rennet to a milk composition to make treated milk; and forming the treated milk into a milk powder. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk composition comprises skim milk obtained by separating a fluid milk composition into the skim milk and cream. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the milk powder is a non-fat dry milk powder or concentrated protein powder. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the cream is formed into anhydrous milk fat or whole milk powder. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the cream is recombined with a skim milk concentrate and formed into a whole milk powder. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk composition comprises whole milk, or milk protein concentrate. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequestrant is selected from the group consisting of phosphates, pyrophosphates, diphosphates, triphosphates, polyphosphates, carbonates, aldobionic acids, and citrates. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequestrant comprises disodium diphosphate, trisodium diphosphate, tetrasodium diphosphate, dipotassium diphosphate, tetrapotassium diphosphste, dimagnesium diphosphate, pentasodium triphosphate, pentapotassium triphosphate, sodium polyphosphate, potassium polyphosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, disodium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, citric acid, lactobionic acid, phosphoric acid, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium metaphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, tripotassium phosphate, trisodium citrate, trisodium phosphate, tripotassium citrate, disodium pyrophosphate, disodium ethyyeneaminetetraacetate, sodium gluconate, sodium lactobiinate, gluconic acid, or sodium potassium tripolyphosphate. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequestrant comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, or tetrasodium pyrophosphate. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming of forming the treated milk into a milk powder comprises:
concentrating milk solids from the treated milk to form a milk concentrate; spray drying the milk concentrate to form the milk powder. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk powder is mixed into a homogeneous cheese mass. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the homogeneous cheese mass is formed into a cheese product that is harder, more elastic, and more cohesive than if the same amount of untreated non-fat dry milk powder was added to the homogeneous cheese mass. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the cheese product is shredded or diced. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the cheese product comprises pizza cheese. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk powder is made part of a slurry that is added to a cheese precursor to form an admixture. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the admixture is formed into a cheese product. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the admixture is formed into a cheese product that is harder, more elastic, and more cohesive than if the same amount of untreated non-fat dry milk powder was added to the admixture. 18. A method of making a powdered dairy composition, the method comprising:
adding a buffer compound to a fluid milk composition to give the milk composition a pH of about 5.5 or more; adding oxidoreductase enzymes to the milk composition; adding a sequestrant for calcium and rennet to the milk composition to make treated milk; and forming the treated milk into a milk powder. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk obtained by separating a fluid milk composition into the skim milk and cream. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises adding oxygen to the milk composition. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises adding a catalase enzyme to the milk composition. 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the oxidoreductase enzyme is selected from the group consisting of hexose oxidase, glucose oxidase, galactose oxidase, pyranose oxidase, cellobiose oxidase, carbohydrate oxidase, and lactose oxidase. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the buffer comprises calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, aqueous ammonia, sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide. 24. The method of claim 18, wherein the sequestrant is selected from the group consisting of phosphates, pyrophosphates, lactobionic acid, diphosphates, triphosphates, polyphosphates, carbonates, aldobionic acids, and citrates. 25. The method of claim 18, wherein the forming of forming the treated milk into a milk powder comprises:
concentrating milk solids from the treated milk to form a milk concentrate; spray drying the milk concentrate to form the milk powder. 26. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
forming a cheese curd into a homogeneous cheese mass; mixing a dairy powder into the homogeneous cheese mass; forming the homogeneous cheese mass into a shape; and cooling the homogeneous cheese mass and forming the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 29. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
providing a slurry; mixing a dairy powder into the slurry; combining the slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture; and processing the admixture to form the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 32. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
providing a slurry; mixing a dairy powder into the slurry; combining the slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture; and processing the admixture to form the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a buffer, an oxidoreductase enzyme, a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 34. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
providing a cheese; mixing a dairy powder with the cheese to make a mixed cheese, wherein the dairy powder is made by adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk, and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder; forming the mixed cheese and the dairy powder into a homogeneous cheese mass; forming the homogeneous cheese mass into a shape; and cooling the homogenous mass and forming the cheese product. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk. 36. The method of claim 34, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 37. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
mixing a dairy powder into a cheese curd; forming the cheese curd into a homogeneous cheese mass; forming the homogeneous cheese mass into a shape; and cooling the homogeneous cheese mass and forming the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 38. A powdered non-fat dry milk product comprising:
one or more milk proteins that have been enzymatically altered by chymosin, wherein the chymosin altered proteins are not coagulated; and a sequestant to bind calcium ions in the powdered product. 39. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the sequestrant is added in an amount sufficient to prevent the chymosin altered proteins from coagulating. 40. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the chymosin altered proteins coagulate upon addition of an ionic calcium source to the product. 41. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the chymosin altered proteins coagulate upon addition of an acid to the product. 42. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the product further comprises a buffer, oxygen, a catalase enzyme, or an oxidoreductase enzyme. 43. A cheese product comprising cheese and treated milk powder, wherein the treated milk powder is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 35%, by wt. of the cheese product. 44. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with a calcium sequestrant. 45. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with a milk coagulating enzyme. 46. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with a buffer. 47. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with one or more enzymes. 48. The cheese product of claim 47, wherein the enzymes are selected from the group consisting of oxidoreductase enzymes and catalase enzymes. 49. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with oxygen. 50. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is added as a powder, liquid or slurry to the cheese to make the cheese product. | Methods of making a powdered dairy composition are disclosed. The methods may include the steps of adding a sequestrant for calcium and rennet to a milk composition to make treated milk, and forming the treated milk into a milk powder. Powdered non-fat dry milk products are also disclosed. The products may include one or more milk proteins that have been enzymatically altered by chymosin, where the chymosin altered proteins are not coagulated. The products may also include one or more sequestants to bind calcium ions in the powdered product.1. A method of making a powdered dairy composition, the method comprising:
adding a sequestrant for calcium and rennet to a milk composition to make treated milk; and forming the treated milk into a milk powder. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk composition comprises skim milk obtained by separating a fluid milk composition into the skim milk and cream. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the milk powder is a non-fat dry milk powder or concentrated protein powder. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the cream is formed into anhydrous milk fat or whole milk powder. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the cream is recombined with a skim milk concentrate and formed into a whole milk powder. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk composition comprises whole milk, or milk protein concentrate. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequestrant is selected from the group consisting of phosphates, pyrophosphates, diphosphates, triphosphates, polyphosphates, carbonates, aldobionic acids, and citrates. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequestrant comprises disodium diphosphate, trisodium diphosphate, tetrasodium diphosphate, dipotassium diphosphate, tetrapotassium diphosphste, dimagnesium diphosphate, pentasodium triphosphate, pentapotassium triphosphate, sodium polyphosphate, potassium polyphosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, disodium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, citric acid, lactobionic acid, phosphoric acid, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium metaphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, tripotassium phosphate, trisodium citrate, trisodium phosphate, tripotassium citrate, disodium pyrophosphate, disodium ethyyeneaminetetraacetate, sodium gluconate, sodium lactobiinate, gluconic acid, or sodium potassium tripolyphosphate. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequestrant comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, or tetrasodium pyrophosphate. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming of forming the treated milk into a milk powder comprises:
concentrating milk solids from the treated milk to form a milk concentrate; spray drying the milk concentrate to form the milk powder. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk powder is mixed into a homogeneous cheese mass. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the homogeneous cheese mass is formed into a cheese product that is harder, more elastic, and more cohesive than if the same amount of untreated non-fat dry milk powder was added to the homogeneous cheese mass. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the cheese product is shredded or diced. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the cheese product comprises pizza cheese. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk powder is made part of a slurry that is added to a cheese precursor to form an admixture. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the admixture is formed into a cheese product. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the admixture is formed into a cheese product that is harder, more elastic, and more cohesive than if the same amount of untreated non-fat dry milk powder was added to the admixture. 18. A method of making a powdered dairy composition, the method comprising:
adding a buffer compound to a fluid milk composition to give the milk composition a pH of about 5.5 or more; adding oxidoreductase enzymes to the milk composition; adding a sequestrant for calcium and rennet to the milk composition to make treated milk; and forming the treated milk into a milk powder. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk obtained by separating a fluid milk composition into the skim milk and cream. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises adding oxygen to the milk composition. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises adding a catalase enzyme to the milk composition. 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the oxidoreductase enzyme is selected from the group consisting of hexose oxidase, glucose oxidase, galactose oxidase, pyranose oxidase, cellobiose oxidase, carbohydrate oxidase, and lactose oxidase. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the buffer comprises calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, aqueous ammonia, sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide. 24. The method of claim 18, wherein the sequestrant is selected from the group consisting of phosphates, pyrophosphates, lactobionic acid, diphosphates, triphosphates, polyphosphates, carbonates, aldobionic acids, and citrates. 25. The method of claim 18, wherein the forming of forming the treated milk into a milk powder comprises:
concentrating milk solids from the treated milk to form a milk concentrate; spray drying the milk concentrate to form the milk powder. 26. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
forming a cheese curd into a homogeneous cheese mass; mixing a dairy powder into the homogeneous cheese mass; forming the homogeneous cheese mass into a shape; and cooling the homogeneous cheese mass and forming the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 29. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
providing a slurry; mixing a dairy powder into the slurry; combining the slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture; and processing the admixture to form the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 32. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
providing a slurry; mixing a dairy powder into the slurry; combining the slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture; and processing the admixture to form the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a buffer, an oxidoreductase enzyme, a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 34. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
providing a cheese; mixing a dairy powder with the cheese to make a mixed cheese, wherein the dairy powder is made by adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk, and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder; forming the mixed cheese and the dairy powder into a homogeneous cheese mass; forming the homogeneous cheese mass into a shape; and cooling the homogenous mass and forming the cheese product. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the fluid milk composition comprises skim milk. 36. The method of claim 34, wherein the dairy powder comprises a non-fat dry milk powder. 37. A method of making a cheese product comprising:
mixing a dairy powder into a cheese curd; forming the cheese curd into a homogeneous cheese mass; forming the homogeneous cheese mass into a shape; and cooling the homogeneous cheese mass and forming the cheese product, wherein the dairy powder is made by: adding a sequestrant and rennet to a fluid milk composition to make treated milk; and drying the treated milk to form the dairy powder. 38. A powdered non-fat dry milk product comprising:
one or more milk proteins that have been enzymatically altered by chymosin, wherein the chymosin altered proteins are not coagulated; and a sequestant to bind calcium ions in the powdered product. 39. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the sequestrant is added in an amount sufficient to prevent the chymosin altered proteins from coagulating. 40. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the chymosin altered proteins coagulate upon addition of an ionic calcium source to the product. 41. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the chymosin altered proteins coagulate upon addition of an acid to the product. 42. The powdered non-fat dry milk product of claim 38, wherein the product further comprises a buffer, oxygen, a catalase enzyme, or an oxidoreductase enzyme. 43. A cheese product comprising cheese and treated milk powder, wherein the treated milk powder is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 35%, by wt. of the cheese product. 44. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with a calcium sequestrant. 45. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with a milk coagulating enzyme. 46. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with a buffer. 47. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with one or more enzymes. 48. The cheese product of claim 47, wherein the enzymes are selected from the group consisting of oxidoreductase enzymes and catalase enzymes. 49. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is derived from milk that has been treated with oxygen. 50. The cheese product of claim 43, wherein the treated milk powder is added as a powder, liquid or slurry to the cheese to make the cheese product. | 1,700 |
1,917 | 14,884,984 | 1,713 | A chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising:
(a) at least one type of abrasive particles; (b) at least two oxidizing agents; (c) at least one pH adjusting agent; and (d) deionized water; (e) optionally comprising at least one antioxidant,
and a method for the chemical-mechanical planarization of a substrate containing at least one copper layer, at least one ruthenium layer, and at least one tantalum layer comprising the steps of
(1) providing the said chemical-mechanical polishing composition; (2) contacting the substrate surface to be polished with the chemical-mechanical polishing composition and a polishing pad; and (3) chemically and mechanically polishing the substrate surface by way of moving the polishing pad relative to the substrate. | 1-18. (canceled) 19. A method for the chemical-mechanical planarization of a substrate comprising at least one copper layer, at least one ruthenium layer, and at least one tantalum layer said method comprising:
(1) providing a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising
(a) at least one type of abrasive particle;
(b) at least one persulfate oxidizing agent (b1) and at least one periodate oxidizing agent (b2);
(c) at least one pH adjusting agent; (d) deionized water; (e) optionally comprising at least one antioxidant;
(2) contacting the substrate surface to be polished with a chemical-mechanical polishing composition and a polishing pad; and
(3) chemically and mechanically polishing the substrate surface by way of moving the polishing pad relative to the substrate. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the substrate further comprises a dielectric layer. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the abrasive particle is selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a metal nitride, a metal carbide, a silicide, a boride, a ceramic, a diamond, an organic/inorganic hybrid particle, and any mixture thereof; and wherein the abrasive particle has an average particle diameter ranging from 1 nm to 1000 nm. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the concentration of the abrasive particle ranges from 0.1 wt. % to 10 wt. %, based on the complete weight of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition. 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the persulfate oxidizing agent (b1) increases the material removal rate of a tantalum layer and the periodate oxidizing agent (b2) reacts with a ruthenium layer, and simultaneously forms a strong oxide film on a copper surface. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the concentration of each oxidizing agent (b) is about 0.001 wt. % to 10 wt. %, based on the complete weight of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition. 25. The method of claim 19, wherein the pH adjusting (c) agent is selected from inorganic and organic acids and bases, whereby the inorganic acid (c) is a strong inorganic mineral acid;
the organic acid (c) is selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, a sulfonic acid, a phosphonic acid, and a mixture thereof; the inorganic base (c) is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal hydroxide, an ammonium hydroxide, and a mixtures thereof; the organic base (c) is selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic amine, a cycloaliphatic amine, a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and a mixture thereof. 26. The method of claim 19, wherein
the antioxidant (e) is selected from the group of a heterocyclic compound comprising at least one nitrogen atom, the heterocyclic compound (d) is selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3-triazole, benzimidazole, 5-phenyl-1H-tetrazole, and mixtures thereof and the concentration of the antioxidant (d) is about 0.0001 wt. % to 1 wt. %, based on the complete weight of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition. 27. The method of claim 19, wherein the chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprises at least one functional additive (f) which is selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, a negatively-charged polymer, a negatively-charged copolymer, a complexing agent, a chelating agent, a polyvalent metal ion, a surfactant, a rheology control agent, an anti-foaming agent, a biocide, and any mixture thereof. 28. The method of claim 19, wherein the pH of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition ranges from about 4 to 9. 29. The method of claim 19, wherein the copper surface is protected. 30. The method of claim 19, wherein the MRR of ruthenium and tantalum is tuned by the interaction and competition of the oxidizing agent (b1) and oxidizing agent (b2). 31. The method of claim 19, wherein the bulk of the overlying copper layer is first removed and then second remove the underlying ruthenium layer is removed and third, the underlying tantalum layer is removed. 32. The method of claim 20, wherein selectivity for the polishing of the copper, ruthenium, tantalum, and said dielectric layer is controlled. 33. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.25-9.0):(0.25-4):(1). 34. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition does not comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (1.0-10.0):(0.5-5):(1). 35. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition does not comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (1.5-8.5):(0.75-3.5):(1). 36. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.25-5):(0.1-3):(1). 37. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.4-3.5):(0.25-2.5):(1). 38. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.4-0.9):(0.25-0.65):(1). | A chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising:
(a) at least one type of abrasive particles; (b) at least two oxidizing agents; (c) at least one pH adjusting agent; and (d) deionized water; (e) optionally comprising at least one antioxidant,
and a method for the chemical-mechanical planarization of a substrate containing at least one copper layer, at least one ruthenium layer, and at least one tantalum layer comprising the steps of
(1) providing the said chemical-mechanical polishing composition; (2) contacting the substrate surface to be polished with the chemical-mechanical polishing composition and a polishing pad; and (3) chemically and mechanically polishing the substrate surface by way of moving the polishing pad relative to the substrate.1-18. (canceled) 19. A method for the chemical-mechanical planarization of a substrate comprising at least one copper layer, at least one ruthenium layer, and at least one tantalum layer said method comprising:
(1) providing a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising
(a) at least one type of abrasive particle;
(b) at least one persulfate oxidizing agent (b1) and at least one periodate oxidizing agent (b2);
(c) at least one pH adjusting agent; (d) deionized water; (e) optionally comprising at least one antioxidant;
(2) contacting the substrate surface to be polished with a chemical-mechanical polishing composition and a polishing pad; and
(3) chemically and mechanically polishing the substrate surface by way of moving the polishing pad relative to the substrate. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the substrate further comprises a dielectric layer. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the abrasive particle is selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a metal nitride, a metal carbide, a silicide, a boride, a ceramic, a diamond, an organic/inorganic hybrid particle, and any mixture thereof; and wherein the abrasive particle has an average particle diameter ranging from 1 nm to 1000 nm. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the concentration of the abrasive particle ranges from 0.1 wt. % to 10 wt. %, based on the complete weight of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition. 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the persulfate oxidizing agent (b1) increases the material removal rate of a tantalum layer and the periodate oxidizing agent (b2) reacts with a ruthenium layer, and simultaneously forms a strong oxide film on a copper surface. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the concentration of each oxidizing agent (b) is about 0.001 wt. % to 10 wt. %, based on the complete weight of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition. 25. The method of claim 19, wherein the pH adjusting (c) agent is selected from inorganic and organic acids and bases, whereby the inorganic acid (c) is a strong inorganic mineral acid;
the organic acid (c) is selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, a sulfonic acid, a phosphonic acid, and a mixture thereof; the inorganic base (c) is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal hydroxide, an ammonium hydroxide, and a mixtures thereof; the organic base (c) is selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic amine, a cycloaliphatic amine, a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and a mixture thereof. 26. The method of claim 19, wherein
the antioxidant (e) is selected from the group of a heterocyclic compound comprising at least one nitrogen atom, the heterocyclic compound (d) is selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3-triazole, benzimidazole, 5-phenyl-1H-tetrazole, and mixtures thereof and the concentration of the antioxidant (d) is about 0.0001 wt. % to 1 wt. %, based on the complete weight of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition. 27. The method of claim 19, wherein the chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprises at least one functional additive (f) which is selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, a negatively-charged polymer, a negatively-charged copolymer, a complexing agent, a chelating agent, a polyvalent metal ion, a surfactant, a rheology control agent, an anti-foaming agent, a biocide, and any mixture thereof. 28. The method of claim 19, wherein the pH of the chemical-mechanical polishing composition ranges from about 4 to 9. 29. The method of claim 19, wherein the copper surface is protected. 30. The method of claim 19, wherein the MRR of ruthenium and tantalum is tuned by the interaction and competition of the oxidizing agent (b1) and oxidizing agent (b2). 31. The method of claim 19, wherein the bulk of the overlying copper layer is first removed and then second remove the underlying ruthenium layer is removed and third, the underlying tantalum layer is removed. 32. The method of claim 20, wherein selectivity for the polishing of the copper, ruthenium, tantalum, and said dielectric layer is controlled. 33. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.25-9.0):(0.25-4):(1). 34. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition does not comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (1.0-10.0):(0.5-5):(1). 35. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition does not comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (1.5-8.5):(0.75-3.5):(1). 36. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.25-5):(0.1-3):(1). 37. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.4-3.5):(0.25-2.5):(1). 38. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition comprises an antioxidant and the composition is adapted to polishing the substrate comprising copper, ruthenium and tantalum layers with a selectivity of ruthenium over tantalum over copper (Ru:Ta:Cu) as measured by the material removal rate of (0.4-0.9):(0.25-0.65):(1). | 1,700 |
1,918 | 13,322,810 | 1,721 | The present invention relates to a transparent electrode comprising an ultra thin metal conductor ( 2 ) with a thickness between 1 nm and 10 nm and a metal grid in contact with the ultra thin metal conductor ( 3 ), the metal grid comprising openings. The invention relates also to a method for its manufacture. It can be applied in, for example, optoelectronic devices. Thanks to the metal grid, the sheet resistance of the electrode can be lowered without compromising the transparency of the electrode. | 1. Transparent electrode comprising a dielectric substrate and a transparent ultra thin metal conductor (2) with a thickness between 1 nm and 10 nm characterized in that it further comprises a metal grid on and in contact with the ultra thin metal conductor (3), the metal grid comprising openings. 2. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor has a thickness of 2 nm to 8 nm. 3. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor comprises Ni, Cr, Ti, Al, Cu, Ag, Au or a mixture thereof. 4. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid comprises Ni, Cr, Ti, Al, Cu, Ag, Au or a mixture thereof. 5. Transparent electrode according to claim 1, wherein a fill factor of the metal grid is not more than a 5%. 6. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor is continuous. 7. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid has a thickness in the order of 10−9 m to 10−5 m. 8. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid has a linewidth between 5×10−6 m and 5×10−5 m. 9. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid has a square or rectangular like pattern. 10. Method of manufacturing a transparent electrode comprising the steps:
a. depositing a transparent ultra thin metal film (2) on a dielectric substrate (1) with a thickness between 1 nm and 10 nm b. depositing a metal grid comprising openings (3) on said continuous ultra thin metal film 11. Method according to claim 10 wherein step a. is performed by sputtering deposition. 12. Method according to claim 10 wherein step b. is performed by UV lithography, soft lithography, screen printing or by a shadow mask. 13. Method according to claim 10 wherein the substrate comprises silica, borosilicate, silicon, lithium niobate, or polyethylene terephthalate. 14. Method according to claim 10 wherein the starting roughness of the substrate is below the thickness of the film. 15. Method according to claim 10 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor is oxidized before or after the deposition of the grid. | The present invention relates to a transparent electrode comprising an ultra thin metal conductor ( 2 ) with a thickness between 1 nm and 10 nm and a metal grid in contact with the ultra thin metal conductor ( 3 ), the metal grid comprising openings. The invention relates also to a method for its manufacture. It can be applied in, for example, optoelectronic devices. Thanks to the metal grid, the sheet resistance of the electrode can be lowered without compromising the transparency of the electrode.1. Transparent electrode comprising a dielectric substrate and a transparent ultra thin metal conductor (2) with a thickness between 1 nm and 10 nm characterized in that it further comprises a metal grid on and in contact with the ultra thin metal conductor (3), the metal grid comprising openings. 2. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor has a thickness of 2 nm to 8 nm. 3. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor comprises Ni, Cr, Ti, Al, Cu, Ag, Au or a mixture thereof. 4. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid comprises Ni, Cr, Ti, Al, Cu, Ag, Au or a mixture thereof. 5. Transparent electrode according to claim 1, wherein a fill factor of the metal grid is not more than a 5%. 6. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor is continuous. 7. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid has a thickness in the order of 10−9 m to 10−5 m. 8. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid has a linewidth between 5×10−6 m and 5×10−5 m. 9. Transparent electrode according to claim 1 wherein the metal grid has a square or rectangular like pattern. 10. Method of manufacturing a transparent electrode comprising the steps:
a. depositing a transparent ultra thin metal film (2) on a dielectric substrate (1) with a thickness between 1 nm and 10 nm b. depositing a metal grid comprising openings (3) on said continuous ultra thin metal film 11. Method according to claim 10 wherein step a. is performed by sputtering deposition. 12. Method according to claim 10 wherein step b. is performed by UV lithography, soft lithography, screen printing or by a shadow mask. 13. Method according to claim 10 wherein the substrate comprises silica, borosilicate, silicon, lithium niobate, or polyethylene terephthalate. 14. Method according to claim 10 wherein the starting roughness of the substrate is below the thickness of the film. 15. Method according to claim 10 wherein the ultra thin metal conductor is oxidized before or after the deposition of the grid. | 1,700 |
1,919 | 14,596,164 | 1,791 | An apparatus comprises a wire mesh that is shaped according to an artificial foliage pattern. The wire mesh is coated with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern. The coating fills in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. The mesh size, mesh materials, and the type of coating, e.g., type of paint, are selected so that the coating fills in the spaces to produce a translucent structure that is thin yet strong. The thin translucent structure allows light to filter through in a natural manner. A process performs the shaping and coating of the wire mesh. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
a wire mesh that is shaped according to an artificial foliage pattern and is coated with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern, the coating filling in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the characteristic is a color of the artificial foliage pattern. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coating is weather resistant. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh has overlapping wires and spaces. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the coating fills in the spaces. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is composed of stainless steel. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is shaped with a water jet cutter. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is adhered to a support structure. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support structure is composed of stainless steel. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is bendable. 11. A method comprising:
shaping a wire mesh according to an artificial foliage pattern; and coating the wire mesh with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern, the coating filling in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the characteristic is a color of the artificial foliage pattern. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the coating is weather resistant. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh has overlapping wires and spaces. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the coating fills in the spaces. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is composed of stainless steel. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is shaped with a water jet cutter. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is adhered to a support structure. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the support structure is composed of stainless steel. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is bendable. | An apparatus comprises a wire mesh that is shaped according to an artificial foliage pattern. The wire mesh is coated with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern. The coating fills in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. The mesh size, mesh materials, and the type of coating, e.g., type of paint, are selected so that the coating fills in the spaces to produce a translucent structure that is thin yet strong. The thin translucent structure allows light to filter through in a natural manner. A process performs the shaping and coating of the wire mesh.1. An apparatus comprising:
a wire mesh that is shaped according to an artificial foliage pattern and is coated with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern, the coating filling in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the characteristic is a color of the artificial foliage pattern. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coating is weather resistant. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh has overlapping wires and spaces. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the coating fills in the spaces. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is composed of stainless steel. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is shaped with a water jet cutter. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is adhered to a support structure. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support structure is composed of stainless steel. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is bendable. 11. A method comprising:
shaping a wire mesh according to an artificial foliage pattern; and coating the wire mesh with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern, the coating filling in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the characteristic is a color of the artificial foliage pattern. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the coating is weather resistant. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh has overlapping wires and spaces. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the coating fills in the spaces. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is composed of stainless steel. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is shaped with a water jet cutter. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is adhered to a support structure. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the support structure is composed of stainless steel. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh is bendable. | 1,700 |
1,920 | 14,395,372 | 1,792 | A method of storing potatoes comprises storing a plurality of endodormant or ecodormant potatoes in a first gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than the amount of carbon dioxide present in atmospheric air to up to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment; and in a subsequent storage step storing the potatoes in a second gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment, the first and second gaseous environments having different carbon dioxide contents. The method may comprise: monitoring the dormancy of the potatoes; in response to eye movement of a potato, changing the first gaseous environment to a second gaseous environment; maintaining a level of carbon dioxide in the second gaseous environment below a selected threshold to control sugar content of the potatoes. | 1. A method of storing potatoes, the method comprising the steps of:
i. providing a plurality of endodormant or ecodormant potatoes; ii. in a first storage step, storing the potatoes in a first gaseous environment, the first gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than the amount of carbon dioxide present in atmospheric air to up to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment; and iii. in a second subsequent storage step, storing the potatoes in a second gaseous environment, the second gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment, the first and second gaseous environments having different carbon dioxide contents. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.1 to up to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment. 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air, or atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 1.5 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 7. (canceled) 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment has a lower carbon dioxide content than the first gaseous environment, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment. 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air, or includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air. 11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 0.75 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment has a higher carbon dioxide content than the first gaseous environment, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment. 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.03 to less than 2 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.3 to up to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 14. A method according to claim 12 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 0.5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.5 to up to 1 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 15. A method according to claim 1 wherein in step i the potatoes are endodormant. 16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the potatoes are transferred from the first storage step to the second subsequent storage step after eye movement in at least one of the potatoes. 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the potatoes are transferred from the first storage step to the second subsequent storage step after eye movement in from 1 to 50% of the potatoes. 18. A method according to claim 1 herein the potatoes are transferred from the first storage step to the second subsequent storage step after eye movement in at least one control potato stored in atmospheric air. 19. A method according to claim 1 wherein in at least one of step ii or step iii the potatoes are stored at a temperature of from 1 to 15° C. 20. A method according to claim 1 wherein in steps ii and iii the potatoes are stored at substantially the same temperature of from 1 to 15° C. 21. A method according to claim 1 wherein the potatoes are transitioned from the first storage step ii to the second storage step iii by changing the first gaseous environment to the second gaseous environment in a common storage facility. 22-73. (canceled) 74. A method of storing potatoes, the method comprising the steps of:
i. storing a plurality of endodormant or ecodormant potatoes in a storage facility having a first gaseous environment including carbon dioxide at a molar content higher than or equal to the carbon dioxide content of atmospheric air; ii. changing the carbon dioxide content of the first gaseous environment to a second gaseous environment after eye movement of at least one of the potatoes or at least one control potato stored in atmospheric air. 75. A method according to claim 74 wherein step ii is initiated after eye movement in at least some of the potatoes or the control potatoes. 76. A method according to claim 74, wherein in step i the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment and in step ii the second gaseous environment is changed to include carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 77. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step i the first gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air or atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 78. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step i the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of greater than 0.1 to up to 5 mol %, based on the composition of the first gaseous environment. 79. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step ii the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air, or atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 80. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step ii the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 1.5 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 81. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step ii the second gaseous environment has a lower carbon dioxide content than the first gaseous environment in step i, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment, optionally wherein the first gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment in step ii comprises atmospheric air, or includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 82. A method according to claim 81 wherein the gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment and the gaseous environment in step ii comprises atmospheric air or wherein the gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment and the gaseous environment in step ii includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 0.75 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment. 83. A method according to claim 74 wherein the gaseous environment in step ii has a higher carbon dioxide content than the gaseous environment in step i, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment. 84. A method according to claim 74 wherein the first gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to less than 2 mol % based on the composition of the respective gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment in step ii includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.3 to up to 2 mol % based on the composition of the respective gaseous environment, the carbon dioxide content of the second gaseous environment in step ii being higher than that of the first gaseous environment in step i. 85. A method according to claim 74 wherein the potatoes are stored at a temperature of from 1 to 15° C. 86. A method according to claim 74 wherein the potatoes are transitioned from the first step i to the second step ii by changing the first gaseous environment to the second gaseous environment in a common storage facility. 87. The method of claim 1 wherein the second subsequent storage step comprises maintaining a level of carbon dioxide below a selected threshold to control the sugar content of the potatoes. 88. The method of claim 1 comprising after the first storage step a step of monitoring the dormancy of the potatoes or of control potatoes stored in atmospheric air. 89. The method according to claim 74 wherein the storing step i comprises storing in a storage facility having the first gaseous environment. 90. The method according to claim 75 wherein step ii is initiated after eye movement in from about 1-50% of the potatoes or the control potatoes. 91. The method of claim 81 wherein the first gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment in step ii comprises atmospheric air, or includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. | A method of storing potatoes comprises storing a plurality of endodormant or ecodormant potatoes in a first gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than the amount of carbon dioxide present in atmospheric air to up to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment; and in a subsequent storage step storing the potatoes in a second gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment, the first and second gaseous environments having different carbon dioxide contents. The method may comprise: monitoring the dormancy of the potatoes; in response to eye movement of a potato, changing the first gaseous environment to a second gaseous environment; maintaining a level of carbon dioxide in the second gaseous environment below a selected threshold to control sugar content of the potatoes.1. A method of storing potatoes, the method comprising the steps of:
i. providing a plurality of endodormant or ecodormant potatoes; ii. in a first storage step, storing the potatoes in a first gaseous environment, the first gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than the amount of carbon dioxide present in atmospheric air to up to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment; and iii. in a second subsequent storage step, storing the potatoes in a second gaseous environment, the second gaseous environment including carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment, the first and second gaseous environments having different carbon dioxide contents. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.1 to up to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment. 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air, or atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 1.5 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 7. (canceled) 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment has a lower carbon dioxide content than the first gaseous environment, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment. 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air, or includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air. 11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 0.75 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second gaseous environment has a higher carbon dioxide content than the first gaseous environment, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment. 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.03 to less than 2 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.3 to up to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 14. A method according to claim 12 wherein the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 0.5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.5 to up to 1 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 15. A method according to claim 1 wherein in step i the potatoes are endodormant. 16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the potatoes are transferred from the first storage step to the second subsequent storage step after eye movement in at least one of the potatoes. 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the potatoes are transferred from the first storage step to the second subsequent storage step after eye movement in from 1 to 50% of the potatoes. 18. A method according to claim 1 herein the potatoes are transferred from the first storage step to the second subsequent storage step after eye movement in at least one control potato stored in atmospheric air. 19. A method according to claim 1 wherein in at least one of step ii or step iii the potatoes are stored at a temperature of from 1 to 15° C. 20. A method according to claim 1 wherein in steps ii and iii the potatoes are stored at substantially the same temperature of from 1 to 15° C. 21. A method according to claim 1 wherein the potatoes are transitioned from the first storage step ii to the second storage step iii by changing the first gaseous environment to the second gaseous environment in a common storage facility. 22-73. (canceled) 74. A method of storing potatoes, the method comprising the steps of:
i. storing a plurality of endodormant or ecodormant potatoes in a storage facility having a first gaseous environment including carbon dioxide at a molar content higher than or equal to the carbon dioxide content of atmospheric air; ii. changing the carbon dioxide content of the first gaseous environment to a second gaseous environment after eye movement of at least one of the potatoes or at least one control potato stored in atmospheric air. 75. A method according to claim 74 wherein step ii is initiated after eye movement in at least some of the potatoes or the control potatoes. 76. A method according to claim 74, wherein in step i the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment and in step ii the second gaseous environment is changed to include carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 77. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step i the first gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air or atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 78. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step i the first gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of greater than 0.1 to up to 5 mol %, based on the composition of the first gaseous environment. 79. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step ii the second gaseous environment comprises atmospheric air, or atmospheric air to which additional carbon dioxide has been added. 80. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step ii the second gaseous environment includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 1.5 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 81. A method according to claim 74 wherein in step ii the second gaseous environment has a lower carbon dioxide content than the first gaseous environment in step i, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment, optionally wherein the first gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment in step ii comprises atmospheric air, or includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. 82. A method according to claim 81 wherein the gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment and the gaseous environment in step ii comprises atmospheric air or wherein the gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment and the gaseous environment in step ii includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 0.75 mol % based on the composition of the gaseous environment. 83. A method according to claim 74 wherein the gaseous environment in step ii has a higher carbon dioxide content than the gaseous environment in step i, each carbon dioxide content being based on the molar composition of the respective gaseous environment. 84. A method according to claim 74 wherein the first gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to less than 2 mol % based on the composition of the respective gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment in step ii includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from greater than 0.3 to up to 2 mol % based on the composition of the respective gaseous environment, the carbon dioxide content of the second gaseous environment in step ii being higher than that of the first gaseous environment in step i. 85. A method according to claim 74 wherein the potatoes are stored at a temperature of from 1 to 15° C. 86. A method according to claim 74 wherein the potatoes are transitioned from the first step i to the second step ii by changing the first gaseous environment to the second gaseous environment in a common storage facility. 87. The method of claim 1 wherein the second subsequent storage step comprises maintaining a level of carbon dioxide below a selected threshold to control the sugar content of the potatoes. 88. The method of claim 1 comprising after the first storage step a step of monitoring the dormancy of the potatoes or of control potatoes stored in atmospheric air. 89. The method according to claim 74 wherein the storing step i comprises storing in a storage facility having the first gaseous environment. 90. The method according to claim 75 wherein step ii is initiated after eye movement in from about 1-50% of the potatoes or the control potatoes. 91. The method of claim 81 wherein the first gaseous environment in step i includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 mol % based on the composition of the first gaseous environment and the second gaseous environment in step ii comprises atmospheric air, or includes carbon dioxide in an amount of from 0.03 to 2 mol % based on the composition of the second gaseous environment. | 1,700 |
1,921 | 13,748,393 | 1,721 | Methods, systems, and apparatus regarding Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) formed using nanocomposite organic-inorganic materials deposited by inkjet printing. Exemplary DSSC embodiments include long, narrow strips of titanium oxide and platinum inkjet-printed on fluorine-tin-oxide (FTO) conductive glass substrates. An exemplary deposition of organic materials may be made at ambient conditions, while the plate of printer where the FTO glass substrates were placed may be kept at 25° C. Exemplary FTO glass substrates with dimensions of about 1×1 m 2 may be covered with titanium oxide and platinum strips, while metal fingers of silver or other metal may be formed in between the strips to form separate solar cells. An electrolyte is added between two opposing, complementary electrode substrates to form one or more solar cells. A UV-blocking ink may be deposited to form a thin UV-blocking film on an outer side of the solar glass. Numerous other aspects are described. | 1. A method of forming a solar panel having a dye sensitized solar cell, the method comprising:
forming a first portion, forming the first portion comprising:
providing a first conductive substrate having a first conductive surface and a first non-conductive surface opposite the first conductive surface, the first conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness;
forming a first negative conductive strip by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface, the first negative conductive strip adapted to function as a negative electrode of the solar cell;
dying the first negative conductive strip in a dying station having a photosensitizing dye;
forming a second portion, forming the second portion comprising:
providing a second conductive substrate having a second conductive surface and a second non-conductive surface opposite the second conductive surface, the second conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness; wherein the second conductive substrate and the first conductive substrate are substantially equivalent in their dimensions;
forming a first positive conductive strip by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface, the first positive conductive strip adapted to function as a positive electrode of the solar cell;
stacking the first portion and the second portion on top of each other, such that the first conductive surface faces the second conductive surface, with the first and second non-conductive surfaces facing outward; and disposing an electrolyte between the first and second conductive surfaces. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a second negative conductive strip by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first and second negative conductive strips separated by a negative strip separation width; and forming a second positive conductive strip by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel along the first positive conductive strip, the first and second positive conductive strips separated by a positive strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
forming a first conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; forming a first trough through the first conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; forming a second conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; forming a second trough through the second conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; and forming dielectric coatings by inkjet printing on the conductive metal stripes; wherein the conductive metal stripes and the dielectric coatings are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein stacking comprises aligning the conductive metal stripes with the troughs so that the conductive metal stripes oppose and extend into the troughs. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
forming a first hole through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and forming a second hole through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein disposing the electrolyte comprises causing the electrolyte to traverse the first and second holes. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a second negative conductive strip by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first positive conductive strip, the first positive and second negative conductive strips separated by a dual-electrode strip separation width; and forming a second positive conductive strip by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first negative and second positive conductive strips separated by the dual-electrode strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
forming a conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first negative and second positive conductive strips; forming a trough through the second conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first positive and second negative conductive strips; and forming a dielectric coating by inkjet printing on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein stacking comprises aligning the conductive metal stripe with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
forming a first hole through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and forming a second hole through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein disposing the electrolyte comprises causing the electrolyte to traverse the first and second holes. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing adjacent and parallel along the first negative conductive strip; forming a trough through the first conductive surface by laser scribing adjacent and parallel along the conductive metal stripe; and forming a dielectric coating by inkjet printing on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein stacking comprises aligning the conductive metal stripe with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
forming a hole through the first negative conductive strip or the first positive conductive strip; wherein disposing the electrolyte comprises causing the electrolyte to traverse the hole. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein:
forming the dielectric coating by inkjet printing comprises using a dielectric ink comprising plasticizers or plastics dispersed in a first solvent and adapted to be thermally cured, comprising an insulating material in a second solvent and adapted to be UV-cured; or comprising a silicon-based mixture adapted to be thermally cured. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the dielectric ink comprising plasticizers or plastics dispersed in a first solvent and adapted to be thermally cured comprises a polyimide insulating polymer; and inkjet printing parameters for the polyimide insulating polymer comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
30
Thead (° C.)
35-40
hcart (mm)
0.3
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
3.5
Firing voltage (volts)
20
Overall pulse duration (μs)
10.78
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
25 12. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the dielectric ink comprising the insulating material in a second solvent and adapted to be UV-cured comprises hexamethylene phenyl diacrylate/bis(2,4,6,-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide; and inkjet printing parameters for hexamethylene phenyl diacrylate/bis(2,4,6,-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
22 (Room temperature)
Thead (° C.)
50
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4.5
Firing voltage (volts)
22
Overall pulse duration (μs)
13.45
Jetting frequency (kHz)
1.5
Drop spacing (μm)
15 13. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the dielectric ink comprising the silicon-based mixture adapted to be thermally cured comprises tetramethoxysilane or triethoxysilane in an acidic isopropanol-water mixture and acetylacetonate; and inkjet printing parameters for tetramethoxysilane or triethoxysilane in an acidic isopropanol-water mixture and acetylacetonate comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
20-25
Thead (° C.)
25
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4.5
Firing voltage (volts)
18-20
Overall pulse duration (μs)
10.69
Jetting frequency (kHz)
3
Drop spacing (μm)
35 14. The method of claim 8, wherein:
forming the conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing comprises using a metallic ink comprising a colloidal dispersion of silver nanoparticles; and inkjet printing parameters for the colloidal dispersion of silver nanoparticles comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
30
Thead (° C.)
28
hcart (mm)
0.250
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4-5
Firing voltage (volts)
24
Overall pulse duration (μs)
11.76
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
30-35 15. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the first and second conductive surfaces comprise fluorine-doped tin oxide; the first negative conductive strip comprises titanium dioxide; the first positive conductive strip comprises platinum or a conductive polymer; the dye comprises one of a ruthenium organometallic complex dye, a merocyanine dye, or a hemicyanine dye; and the electrolyte comprises one of a redox couple comprising iodine (I2), potassium iodide (KI), and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazole iodide; 1 methylbenzimidazole; 2-amino-1-methylbenzimidazole; guanidine thiocyanate; and 4-tertiary butyl pyridine. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein:
forming the first negative conductive strip by inkjet printing comprises using a negative ink comprising nanoparticles of titanium dioxide; and forming the first positive conductive strip by inkjet printing comprises using a positive ink comprising nanoparticles of platinum. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein:
first inkjet printing parameters for the negative ink comprising nanoparticles of titanium dioxide comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
40
Thead (° C.)
25
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4.3
Firing voltage (volts)
20-21
Overall pulse duration (μs)
11.520
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
30
and
second inkjet printing parameters for the positive ink comprising nanoparticles of platinum comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
45
Thead (° C.)
22 (Room temperature)
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
3.5
Firing voltage (volts)
19-20
Overall pulse duration (μs)
13.23
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
25 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a UV-blocking coating by inkjet printing on the first non-conductive surface, the second non-conductive surface, or both. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein:
the UV-blocking coating comprises a CeO2—TiO2 film having a thickness of about 0.2 to 1 micron. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein:
forming the CeO2—TiO2 film comprises using a UV-blocking ink comprising titanium isopropoxide mixed with cerium nitrate; and inkjet printing parameters for the UV-blocking ink comprising titanium isopropoxide mixed with cerium nitrate comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
22 (Room temperature)
Thead (° C.)
25
hcart (mm)
0.3
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4
Firing voltage (volts)
22-23
Overall pulse duration (μs)
15.110
Jetting frequency (kHz)
1.5
Drop spacing (μm)
55 21. A solar panel having a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising:
a first portion comprising:
a first conductive substrate having a first conductive surface and a first non-conductive surface opposite the first conductive surface, the first conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness; and
a first negative conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface, the first negative conductive strip adapted to function as a negative electrode of the solar cell, the first negative conductive strip having been dyed with a photosensitizing dye; and
a second portion comprising:
a second conductive substrate having a second conductive surface and a second non-conductive surface opposite the second conductive surface, the second conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness; wherein the second conductive substrate and the first conductive substrate are substantially equivalent in their dimensions; and
a first positive conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface, the first positive conductive strip adapted to function as a positive electrode of the solar cell;
wherein the first portion and the second portion are stacked on top of each other, such that the first conductive surface faces the second conductive surface, with the first and second non-conductive surfaces facing outward; and wherein an electrolyte is disposed between the first and second conductive surfaces. 22. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a second negative conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first and second negative conductive strips separated by a negative strip separation width; and a second positive conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel along the first positive conductive strip, the first and second positive conductive strips separated by a positive strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 23. The solar panel of claim 22, further comprising:
a first conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; a first trough through the first conductive surface formed by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; a second conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; a second trough through the second conductive surface formed by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; and dielectric coatings formed on the conductive metal stripes; wherein the conductive metal stripes and the dielectric coatings are formed before the first and second conductive substrates are stacked on top of each other; and wherein the conductive metal stripes are aligned with the troughs so that the conductive metal stripes oppose and extend into the troughs. 24. The solar panel of claim 23, further comprising:
a first hole formed through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and a second hole formed through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein the electrolyte traverses the first and second holes. 25. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a second negative conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first positive conductive strip, the first positive and second negative conductive strips separated by a dual-electrode strip separation width; and a second positive conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first negative and second positive conductive strips separated by the dual-electrode strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 26. The solar panel of claim 25, further comprising:
a conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first negative and second positive conductive strips; a trough formed through the second conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first positive and second negative conductive strips; and a dielectric coating formed on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein the conductive metal stripe is aligned with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough. 27. The solar panel of claim 26, further comprising:
a first hole formed through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and a second hole formed through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein the electrolyte traverses the first and second holes. 28. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing adjacent and parallel along the first negative conductive strip; a trough formed through the first conductive surface by laser scribing adjacent and parallel along the conductive metal stripe; and a dielectric coating formed on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein the conductive metal stripe is aligned with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough when the first and second portions are stacked. 29. The solar panel of claim 28, wherein:
the conductive metal stripe comprises silver. 30. The solar panel of claim 28, further comprising:
a hole formed through the first negative conductive strip or the first positive conductive strip; wherein the electrolyte traverses the hole. 31. The solar panel of claim 28, wherein:
the dielectric coating is formed using a dielectric ink comprising plasticizers or plastics dispersed in a first solvent and adapted to be thermally cured, comprising insulating material in a second solvent and adapted to be UV-cured; or comprising silicon-based mixture adapted to be thermally cured. 32. The solar panel of claim 21, wherein:
the first and second conductive surfaces comprise fluorine-doped tin oxide; the first negative conductive strip comprises titanium dioxide; the first positive conductive strip comprises platinum or a conductive polymer; the dye comprises one of a ruthenium organometallic complex dye, a merocyanine dye, or a hemicyanine dye; and the electrolyte comprises one of a redox couple comprising iodine (I2), potassium iodide (KI), and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazole iodide; 1 methylbenzimidazole; 2-amino-1-methylbenzimidazole; guanidine thiocyanate; and 4-tertiary butyl pyridine. 33. The solar panel of claim 32, wherein:
the first negative conductive strip is formed using a negative ink comprising nanoparticles of titanium dioxide; and the first positive conductive strip is formed using a positive ink comprising nanoparticles of platinum. 34. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a UV-blocking coating formed by inkjet printing on the first non-conductive surface, the second non-conductive surface, or both. 35. The solar panel of claim 34, wherein:
the UV-blocking coating comprises a CeO2—TiO2 film having a thickness of about 0.2 to 1 micron. 36. A system comprising a production line configuration, the system comprising:
a substrate conveyor adapted to convey a substrate suitable for use in a photovoltaic panel, wherein the substrate is conveyed by the substrate conveyor at a controlled, programmable speed; a printing station having a plurality of inkjet print heads placed in fixed positions above the substrate conveyor, the printing station adapted to inkjet print conductive ink on the substrates passing below the print heads, wherein material deposition is digitally controlled by programming an ink drop of the inkjet print heads; and a curing station arranged in-line with the substrate conveyor and adapted to cure the conductive ink material deposited on the substrate. | Methods, systems, and apparatus regarding Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) formed using nanocomposite organic-inorganic materials deposited by inkjet printing. Exemplary DSSC embodiments include long, narrow strips of titanium oxide and platinum inkjet-printed on fluorine-tin-oxide (FTO) conductive glass substrates. An exemplary deposition of organic materials may be made at ambient conditions, while the plate of printer where the FTO glass substrates were placed may be kept at 25° C. Exemplary FTO glass substrates with dimensions of about 1×1 m 2 may be covered with titanium oxide and platinum strips, while metal fingers of silver or other metal may be formed in between the strips to form separate solar cells. An electrolyte is added between two opposing, complementary electrode substrates to form one or more solar cells. A UV-blocking ink may be deposited to form a thin UV-blocking film on an outer side of the solar glass. Numerous other aspects are described.1. A method of forming a solar panel having a dye sensitized solar cell, the method comprising:
forming a first portion, forming the first portion comprising:
providing a first conductive substrate having a first conductive surface and a first non-conductive surface opposite the first conductive surface, the first conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness;
forming a first negative conductive strip by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface, the first negative conductive strip adapted to function as a negative electrode of the solar cell;
dying the first negative conductive strip in a dying station having a photosensitizing dye;
forming a second portion, forming the second portion comprising:
providing a second conductive substrate having a second conductive surface and a second non-conductive surface opposite the second conductive surface, the second conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness; wherein the second conductive substrate and the first conductive substrate are substantially equivalent in their dimensions;
forming a first positive conductive strip by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface, the first positive conductive strip adapted to function as a positive electrode of the solar cell;
stacking the first portion and the second portion on top of each other, such that the first conductive surface faces the second conductive surface, with the first and second non-conductive surfaces facing outward; and disposing an electrolyte between the first and second conductive surfaces. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a second negative conductive strip by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first and second negative conductive strips separated by a negative strip separation width; and forming a second positive conductive strip by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel along the first positive conductive strip, the first and second positive conductive strips separated by a positive strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
forming a first conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; forming a first trough through the first conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; forming a second conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; forming a second trough through the second conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; and forming dielectric coatings by inkjet printing on the conductive metal stripes; wherein the conductive metal stripes and the dielectric coatings are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein stacking comprises aligning the conductive metal stripes with the troughs so that the conductive metal stripes oppose and extend into the troughs. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
forming a first hole through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and forming a second hole through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein disposing the electrolyte comprises causing the electrolyte to traverse the first and second holes. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a second negative conductive strip by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first positive conductive strip, the first positive and second negative conductive strips separated by a dual-electrode strip separation width; and forming a second positive conductive strip by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first negative and second positive conductive strips separated by the dual-electrode strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
forming a conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first negative and second positive conductive strips; forming a trough through the second conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first positive and second negative conductive strips; and forming a dielectric coating by inkjet printing on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein stacking comprises aligning the conductive metal stripe with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
forming a first hole through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and forming a second hole through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein disposing the electrolyte comprises causing the electrolyte to traverse the first and second holes. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing adjacent and parallel along the first negative conductive strip; forming a trough through the first conductive surface by laser scribing adjacent and parallel along the conductive metal stripe; and forming a dielectric coating by inkjet printing on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein stacking comprises aligning the conductive metal stripe with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
forming a hole through the first negative conductive strip or the first positive conductive strip; wherein disposing the electrolyte comprises causing the electrolyte to traverse the hole. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein:
forming the dielectric coating by inkjet printing comprises using a dielectric ink comprising plasticizers or plastics dispersed in a first solvent and adapted to be thermally cured, comprising an insulating material in a second solvent and adapted to be UV-cured; or comprising a silicon-based mixture adapted to be thermally cured. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the dielectric ink comprising plasticizers or plastics dispersed in a first solvent and adapted to be thermally cured comprises a polyimide insulating polymer; and inkjet printing parameters for the polyimide insulating polymer comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
30
Thead (° C.)
35-40
hcart (mm)
0.3
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
3.5
Firing voltage (volts)
20
Overall pulse duration (μs)
10.78
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
25 12. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the dielectric ink comprising the insulating material in a second solvent and adapted to be UV-cured comprises hexamethylene phenyl diacrylate/bis(2,4,6,-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide; and inkjet printing parameters for hexamethylene phenyl diacrylate/bis(2,4,6,-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
22 (Room temperature)
Thead (° C.)
50
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4.5
Firing voltage (volts)
22
Overall pulse duration (μs)
13.45
Jetting frequency (kHz)
1.5
Drop spacing (μm)
15 13. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the dielectric ink comprising the silicon-based mixture adapted to be thermally cured comprises tetramethoxysilane or triethoxysilane in an acidic isopropanol-water mixture and acetylacetonate; and inkjet printing parameters for tetramethoxysilane or triethoxysilane in an acidic isopropanol-water mixture and acetylacetonate comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
20-25
Thead (° C.)
25
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4.5
Firing voltage (volts)
18-20
Overall pulse duration (μs)
10.69
Jetting frequency (kHz)
3
Drop spacing (μm)
35 14. The method of claim 8, wherein:
forming the conductive metal stripe by inkjet printing comprises using a metallic ink comprising a colloidal dispersion of silver nanoparticles; and inkjet printing parameters for the colloidal dispersion of silver nanoparticles comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
30
Thead (° C.)
28
hcart (mm)
0.250
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4-5
Firing voltage (volts)
24
Overall pulse duration (μs)
11.76
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
30-35 15. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the first and second conductive surfaces comprise fluorine-doped tin oxide; the first negative conductive strip comprises titanium dioxide; the first positive conductive strip comprises platinum or a conductive polymer; the dye comprises one of a ruthenium organometallic complex dye, a merocyanine dye, or a hemicyanine dye; and the electrolyte comprises one of a redox couple comprising iodine (I2), potassium iodide (KI), and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazole iodide; 1 methylbenzimidazole; 2-amino-1-methylbenzimidazole; guanidine thiocyanate; and 4-tertiary butyl pyridine. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein:
forming the first negative conductive strip by inkjet printing comprises using a negative ink comprising nanoparticles of titanium dioxide; and forming the first positive conductive strip by inkjet printing comprises using a positive ink comprising nanoparticles of platinum. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein:
first inkjet printing parameters for the negative ink comprising nanoparticles of titanium dioxide comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
40
Thead (° C.)
25
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4.3
Firing voltage (volts)
20-21
Overall pulse duration (μs)
11.520
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
30
and
second inkjet printing parameters for the positive ink comprising nanoparticles of platinum comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
45
Thead (° C.)
22 (Room temperature)
hcart (mm)
0.5
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
3.5
Firing voltage (volts)
19-20
Overall pulse duration (μs)
13.23
Jetting frequency (kHz)
5
Drop spacing (μm)
25 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a UV-blocking coating by inkjet printing on the first non-conductive surface, the second non-conductive surface, or both. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein:
the UV-blocking coating comprises a CeO2—TiO2 film having a thickness of about 0.2 to 1 micron. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein:
forming the CeO2—TiO2 film comprises using a UV-blocking ink comprising titanium isopropoxide mixed with cerium nitrate; and inkjet printing parameters for the UV-blocking ink comprising titanium isopropoxide mixed with cerium nitrate comprise:
Tsub (° C.)
22 (Room temperature)
Thead (° C.)
25
hcart (mm)
0.3
Meniscus vacuum (inches)
4
Firing voltage (volts)
22-23
Overall pulse duration (μs)
15.110
Jetting frequency (kHz)
1.5
Drop spacing (μm)
55 21. A solar panel having a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising:
a first portion comprising:
a first conductive substrate having a first conductive surface and a first non-conductive surface opposite the first conductive surface, the first conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness; and
a first negative conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface, the first negative conductive strip adapted to function as a negative electrode of the solar cell, the first negative conductive strip having been dyed with a photosensitizing dye; and
a second portion comprising:
a second conductive substrate having a second conductive surface and a second non-conductive surface opposite the second conductive surface, the second conductive substrate being substantially planar and uniform in thickness; wherein the second conductive substrate and the first conductive substrate are substantially equivalent in their dimensions; and
a first positive conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface, the first positive conductive strip adapted to function as a positive electrode of the solar cell;
wherein the first portion and the second portion are stacked on top of each other, such that the first conductive surface faces the second conductive surface, with the first and second non-conductive surfaces facing outward; and wherein an electrolyte is disposed between the first and second conductive surfaces. 22. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a second negative conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first and second negative conductive strips separated by a negative strip separation width; and a second positive conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel along the first positive conductive strip, the first and second positive conductive strips separated by a positive strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 23. The solar panel of claim 22, further comprising:
a first conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; a first trough through the first conductive surface formed by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second negative conductive strips; a second conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; a second trough through the second conductive surface formed by laser scribing parallel to and between the first and second positive conductive strips; and dielectric coatings formed on the conductive metal stripes; wherein the conductive metal stripes and the dielectric coatings are formed before the first and second conductive substrates are stacked on top of each other; and wherein the conductive metal stripes are aligned with the troughs so that the conductive metal stripes oppose and extend into the troughs. 24. The solar panel of claim 23, further comprising:
a first hole formed through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and a second hole formed through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein the electrolyte traverses the first and second holes. 25. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a second negative conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the second conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first positive conductive strip, the first positive and second negative conductive strips separated by a dual-electrode strip separation width; and a second positive conductive strip formed by inkjet printing on the first conductive surface adjacent and parallel to the first negative conductive strip, the first negative and second positive conductive strips separated by the dual-electrode strip separation width; wherein the second negative and second positive conductive strips are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other. 26. The solar panel of claim 25, further comprising:
a conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing parallel to and between the first negative and second positive conductive strips; a trough formed through the second conductive surface by laser scribing parallel to and between the first positive and second negative conductive strips; and a dielectric coating formed on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein the conductive metal stripe is aligned with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough. 27. The solar panel of claim 26, further comprising:
a first hole formed through the first negative conductive strip in a first alternative or the first positive conductive strip in a second alternative; and a second hole formed through the second negative conductive strip in the first alternative or the second positive conductive strip in the second alternative; wherein the electrolyte traverses the first and second holes. 28. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a conductive metal stripe formed by inkjet printing adjacent and parallel along the first negative conductive strip; a trough formed through the first conductive surface by laser scribing adjacent and parallel along the conductive metal stripe; and a dielectric coating formed on the conductive metal stripe; wherein the conductive metal stripe and the dielectric coating are formed before stacking the first and second conductive substrates on top of each other; and wherein the conductive metal stripe is aligned with the trough so that the conductive metal stripe opposes and extends into the trough when the first and second portions are stacked. 29. The solar panel of claim 28, wherein:
the conductive metal stripe comprises silver. 30. The solar panel of claim 28, further comprising:
a hole formed through the first negative conductive strip or the first positive conductive strip; wherein the electrolyte traverses the hole. 31. The solar panel of claim 28, wherein:
the dielectric coating is formed using a dielectric ink comprising plasticizers or plastics dispersed in a first solvent and adapted to be thermally cured, comprising insulating material in a second solvent and adapted to be UV-cured; or comprising silicon-based mixture adapted to be thermally cured. 32. The solar panel of claim 21, wherein:
the first and second conductive surfaces comprise fluorine-doped tin oxide; the first negative conductive strip comprises titanium dioxide; the first positive conductive strip comprises platinum or a conductive polymer; the dye comprises one of a ruthenium organometallic complex dye, a merocyanine dye, or a hemicyanine dye; and the electrolyte comprises one of a redox couple comprising iodine (I2), potassium iodide (KI), and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazole iodide; 1 methylbenzimidazole; 2-amino-1-methylbenzimidazole; guanidine thiocyanate; and 4-tertiary butyl pyridine. 33. The solar panel of claim 32, wherein:
the first negative conductive strip is formed using a negative ink comprising nanoparticles of titanium dioxide; and the first positive conductive strip is formed using a positive ink comprising nanoparticles of platinum. 34. The solar panel of claim 21, further comprising:
a UV-blocking coating formed by inkjet printing on the first non-conductive surface, the second non-conductive surface, or both. 35. The solar panel of claim 34, wherein:
the UV-blocking coating comprises a CeO2—TiO2 film having a thickness of about 0.2 to 1 micron. 36. A system comprising a production line configuration, the system comprising:
a substrate conveyor adapted to convey a substrate suitable for use in a photovoltaic panel, wherein the substrate is conveyed by the substrate conveyor at a controlled, programmable speed; a printing station having a plurality of inkjet print heads placed in fixed positions above the substrate conveyor, the printing station adapted to inkjet print conductive ink on the substrates passing below the print heads, wherein material deposition is digitally controlled by programming an ink drop of the inkjet print heads; and a curing station arranged in-line with the substrate conveyor and adapted to cure the conductive ink material deposited on the substrate. | 1,700 |
1,922 | 12,527,699 | 1,747 | An apparatus for and a method of dispensing a vehicle ballasting weight for balancing a portion of a vehicle. The method comprises dispensing a vehicle ballasting weight material comprising a flexible polymeric matrix material filled with a high density particulate material, and severing an incremental length of the vehicle ballasting weight material from an initial length of the weight material, where the incremental length can correspond exactly to a desired mass for the vehicle ballasting weight. | 1. A method of dispensing a vehicle ballasting weight having a mass suitable for balancing a portion of a vehicle, said method comprising:
sandwiching a length of a vehicle ballasting weight material, which is longer than it is either wide or thick, between opposing movable surfaces that are movable in the same direction such that each movable surface makes contact with an opposite surface of the weight material; moving a leading end of the length of vehicle ballasting weight material an incremental distance past a severing position by moving the opposing movable surfaces in a direction toward the severing position while the weight material is sandwiched therebetween; and severing the vehicle ballasting weight material at the severing position, during or after said moving, to form an incremental length of the weight material, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material comprises a flexible polymeric matrix material filled with a high density particulate material, and the incremental length corresponds, within a high degree of accuracy, to an exact mass of the vehicle ballasting weight that is suitable for balancing a portion of a vehicle. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is operatively adapted so as to be suitable for being used in balancing a rotating portion of a vehicle. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is operatively adapted so as to be suitable for being used in balancing a wheel of a wheeled vehicle. 4. (canceled) 5. (canceled) 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is provided in a level wound form. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is provided in a container having an opening through which a leading end of the vehicle ballasting weight material can be dispensed or otherwise removed out of the container, and said method further comprises:
removing at least the incremental length of the vehicle ballasting weight material from the container, before said severing. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is backed with an adhesive. 9. (canceled) 10. (canceled) 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible polymeric matrix material comprises an elastomeric polymeric material and the high density particulate material comprises metal particles. 12. (canceled) 13. (canceled) 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the opposing movable surfaces are spaced apart a distance that is automatically adjustable to accommodate the thickness of the vehicle ballasting weight material. 15. A method of balancing a wheel of a wheeled vehicle, said method comprising:
dispensing an incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material according to the method of claim 1; and securing the incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material onto the wheel so as to balance the wheel. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein only one incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material is required to balance the wheel. 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said securing comprises adhering the incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material to the wheel. 18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:
using a wheel balancing device to determine the exact mass needed to balance the wheel, and said severing comprises forming an incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material that corresponds to the exact mass determined by the wheel balancing device. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material corresponds to within 0.1 grams of the exact mass determined by the wheel balancing device. 20. An apparatus comprising:
a movable belt mounting element and a stationary belt mounting element, said movable element being disposed within an opening in said stationary element; at least two parallel links, each of said links having one end pivotally mounted to said movable belt mounting element and another end pivotally mounted to said stationary belt mounting element, with said opening being dimensioned to allow pivotal movement of said movable element within said opening and about said links; a belt pressure actuating assembly having one end mounted to said stationary belt mounting element, and another end mounted to said movable belt mounting element and between said links, such that said belt pressure actuating assembly has a longitudinal axis positioned at an obtuse or acute angle to a longitudinal axis of said movable element; a first drive belt assembly mounted to said stationary belt mounting element and, spaced therefrom, an opposing second drive belt assembly mounted to said movable belt mounting element, with said first drive belt assembly comprising a first drive belt defining one opposing movable surface, said second drive belt assembly comprising a second drive belt defining another opposing movable surface, said second drive belt being spaced from said first drive belt so as to form a gap therebetween through which a length of vehicle ballasting weight is moved, each said drive belt being disposed over a plurality of pulleys so as to rotate as said pulleys rotate, said first drive belt assembly further comprising a drive gear, said second drive belt assembly further comprising a driven gear, at least one pulley from the corresponding plurality of pulleys being mounted so as to rotate with said drive gear, at least one pulley from the other plurality of pulleys being mounted so as to rotate with said driven gear, and said drive gear and said driven gear being mounted such that the rotation of said drive gear drives the rotation of said driven gear, said first drive belt and said second drive belt; a severing device mounted downstream from said drive belts for severing an incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material from a length of vehicle ballasting weight material being moved downstream through said gap. 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said parallel links enable said drive gear and said driven gear to remain meshed when the vehicle ballasting weight material being dispensed changes thickness. 22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said gap automatically adjusts to the thickness of the vehicle ballasting weight being dispensed, without having to make adjustments to how said first and second belt assemblies are mounted. 23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said drive gear drives the rotation of said belts simultaneous. 24. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said gap is open along at least one side of said first and second belt assemblies such that said gap can accommodate vehicle ballasting weight materials having a variety of widths. 25. The apparatus according to claim 20, in combination with a length of vehicle ballasting weight material in a rolled-up condition. 26. The apparatus according to claim 20, in combination with a length of vehicle ballasting weight material wound on a level wound spool. | An apparatus for and a method of dispensing a vehicle ballasting weight for balancing a portion of a vehicle. The method comprises dispensing a vehicle ballasting weight material comprising a flexible polymeric matrix material filled with a high density particulate material, and severing an incremental length of the vehicle ballasting weight material from an initial length of the weight material, where the incremental length can correspond exactly to a desired mass for the vehicle ballasting weight.1. A method of dispensing a vehicle ballasting weight having a mass suitable for balancing a portion of a vehicle, said method comprising:
sandwiching a length of a vehicle ballasting weight material, which is longer than it is either wide or thick, between opposing movable surfaces that are movable in the same direction such that each movable surface makes contact with an opposite surface of the weight material; moving a leading end of the length of vehicle ballasting weight material an incremental distance past a severing position by moving the opposing movable surfaces in a direction toward the severing position while the weight material is sandwiched therebetween; and severing the vehicle ballasting weight material at the severing position, during or after said moving, to form an incremental length of the weight material, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material comprises a flexible polymeric matrix material filled with a high density particulate material, and the incremental length corresponds, within a high degree of accuracy, to an exact mass of the vehicle ballasting weight that is suitable for balancing a portion of a vehicle. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is operatively adapted so as to be suitable for being used in balancing a rotating portion of a vehicle. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is operatively adapted so as to be suitable for being used in balancing a wheel of a wheeled vehicle. 4. (canceled) 5. (canceled) 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is provided in a level wound form. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is provided in a container having an opening through which a leading end of the vehicle ballasting weight material can be dispensed or otherwise removed out of the container, and said method further comprises:
removing at least the incremental length of the vehicle ballasting weight material from the container, before said severing. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle ballasting weight material is backed with an adhesive. 9. (canceled) 10. (canceled) 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible polymeric matrix material comprises an elastomeric polymeric material and the high density particulate material comprises metal particles. 12. (canceled) 13. (canceled) 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the opposing movable surfaces are spaced apart a distance that is automatically adjustable to accommodate the thickness of the vehicle ballasting weight material. 15. A method of balancing a wheel of a wheeled vehicle, said method comprising:
dispensing an incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material according to the method of claim 1; and securing the incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material onto the wheel so as to balance the wheel. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein only one incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material is required to balance the wheel. 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said securing comprises adhering the incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material to the wheel. 18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:
using a wheel balancing device to determine the exact mass needed to balance the wheel, and said severing comprises forming an incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material that corresponds to the exact mass determined by the wheel balancing device. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material corresponds to within 0.1 grams of the exact mass determined by the wheel balancing device. 20. An apparatus comprising:
a movable belt mounting element and a stationary belt mounting element, said movable element being disposed within an opening in said stationary element; at least two parallel links, each of said links having one end pivotally mounted to said movable belt mounting element and another end pivotally mounted to said stationary belt mounting element, with said opening being dimensioned to allow pivotal movement of said movable element within said opening and about said links; a belt pressure actuating assembly having one end mounted to said stationary belt mounting element, and another end mounted to said movable belt mounting element and between said links, such that said belt pressure actuating assembly has a longitudinal axis positioned at an obtuse or acute angle to a longitudinal axis of said movable element; a first drive belt assembly mounted to said stationary belt mounting element and, spaced therefrom, an opposing second drive belt assembly mounted to said movable belt mounting element, with said first drive belt assembly comprising a first drive belt defining one opposing movable surface, said second drive belt assembly comprising a second drive belt defining another opposing movable surface, said second drive belt being spaced from said first drive belt so as to form a gap therebetween through which a length of vehicle ballasting weight is moved, each said drive belt being disposed over a plurality of pulleys so as to rotate as said pulleys rotate, said first drive belt assembly further comprising a drive gear, said second drive belt assembly further comprising a driven gear, at least one pulley from the corresponding plurality of pulleys being mounted so as to rotate with said drive gear, at least one pulley from the other plurality of pulleys being mounted so as to rotate with said driven gear, and said drive gear and said driven gear being mounted such that the rotation of said drive gear drives the rotation of said driven gear, said first drive belt and said second drive belt; a severing device mounted downstream from said drive belts for severing an incremental length of vehicle ballasting weight material from a length of vehicle ballasting weight material being moved downstream through said gap. 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said parallel links enable said drive gear and said driven gear to remain meshed when the vehicle ballasting weight material being dispensed changes thickness. 22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said gap automatically adjusts to the thickness of the vehicle ballasting weight being dispensed, without having to make adjustments to how said first and second belt assemblies are mounted. 23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said drive gear drives the rotation of said belts simultaneous. 24. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said gap is open along at least one side of said first and second belt assemblies such that said gap can accommodate vehicle ballasting weight materials having a variety of widths. 25. The apparatus according to claim 20, in combination with a length of vehicle ballasting weight material in a rolled-up condition. 26. The apparatus according to claim 20, in combination with a length of vehicle ballasting weight material wound on a level wound spool. | 1,700 |
1,923 | 13,825,300 | 1,722 | A method for producing a housing for a galvanic element includes forming a metal base housing to improve the insulation properties of the housing and gluing an insulation film to at least one outer surface of the base housing. | 1. A method for the production of a housing for an electrochemical element, comprising:
molding a metallic housing structure; and applying a first insulation foil by adhesive bonding to at least one external area of the metallic housing structure. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
applying a second insulation foil by adhesive bonding to the first insulation foil. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes a layer system having at least one base layer and at least one adhesive layer. 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one base layer made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyesters, silicones, polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polystyrenes, polyimides, and combinations thereof. 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one adhesive layer made of an adhesive selected from the group consisting of polysiloxane-based adhesives, acrylate-based adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, polyurethane-based adhesives, epoxy-resin-based adhesives, and combinations thereof. 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein adhesive bonding is used to apply the first insulation foil at least to exterior sides and an exterior base of the metallic housing structure. 7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a shape of the first insulation foil corresponds at least to a flattened version of planar regions of the exterior sides and of the exterior base. 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein adhesive bonding is used to automatically apply at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil from a strip of backing foil. 9. A housing for a lithium ion cell, comprising:
a metallic housing structure defining a wall thickness that is greater than or equal to 100 μm; and a first insulation foil applied by adhesive bonding to at least one external area of the metallic housing structure. 10. The housing as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
a second insulation foil applied by adhesive bonding to the first insulation foil. 11. The housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes a layer system having at least one base layer and at least one adhesive layer. 12. The housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one base layer made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyesters, silicones, polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polystyrenes, polyimides, and combinations thereof. 13. The housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one adhesive layer made of an adhesive selected from the group consisting of polysiloxane-based adhesives, acrylate-based adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, polyurethane-based adhesives, epoxy-resin-based adhesives, and combinations thereof. 14. The housing as claimed in claim 9, wherein the shape of the first insulation foil corresponds at least to a flattened version of planar regions of exterior sides and of an exterior base of the metallic housing structure. 15. The housing as claimed in claim 9, wherein a lithium ion cell includes the housing. | A method for producing a housing for a galvanic element includes forming a metal base housing to improve the insulation properties of the housing and gluing an insulation film to at least one outer surface of the base housing.1. A method for the production of a housing for an electrochemical element, comprising:
molding a metallic housing structure; and applying a first insulation foil by adhesive bonding to at least one external area of the metallic housing structure. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
applying a second insulation foil by adhesive bonding to the first insulation foil. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes a layer system having at least one base layer and at least one adhesive layer. 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one base layer made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyesters, silicones, polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polystyrenes, polyimides, and combinations thereof. 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one adhesive layer made of an adhesive selected from the group consisting of polysiloxane-based adhesives, acrylate-based adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, polyurethane-based adhesives, epoxy-resin-based adhesives, and combinations thereof. 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein adhesive bonding is used to apply the first insulation foil at least to exterior sides and an exterior base of the metallic housing structure. 7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a shape of the first insulation foil corresponds at least to a flattened version of planar regions of the exterior sides and of the exterior base. 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein adhesive bonding is used to automatically apply at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil from a strip of backing foil. 9. A housing for a lithium ion cell, comprising:
a metallic housing structure defining a wall thickness that is greater than or equal to 100 μm; and a first insulation foil applied by adhesive bonding to at least one external area of the metallic housing structure. 10. The housing as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
a second insulation foil applied by adhesive bonding to the first insulation foil. 11. The housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes a layer system having at least one base layer and at least one adhesive layer. 12. The housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one base layer made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyesters, silicones, polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polystyrenes, polyimides, and combinations thereof. 13. The housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first insulation foil and the second insulation foil includes at least one adhesive layer made of an adhesive selected from the group consisting of polysiloxane-based adhesives, acrylate-based adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, polyurethane-based adhesives, epoxy-resin-based adhesives, and combinations thereof. 14. The housing as claimed in claim 9, wherein the shape of the first insulation foil corresponds at least to a flattened version of planar regions of exterior sides and of an exterior base of the metallic housing structure. 15. The housing as claimed in claim 9, wherein a lithium ion cell includes the housing. | 1,700 |
1,924 | 13,693,914 | 1,723 | A vehicle may include an electric machine, a battery adapted to provide power to the electric machine, and various embodiments of a gauge adapted to indicate venting of the battery. In one embodiment, the gauge is adapted to permanently deform or burst in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. In another embodiment, the gauge includes an element adapted to change position in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. In other embodiments, the gauge includes either a universal paper indicator or a chemically coated cartridge indicator in communication with the battery and adapted to change in color to indicate venting of the battery. | 1. A vehicle comprising:
an electric machine; a battery configured to provide power to the electric machine; and a gauge configured to change its physical appearance in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge is configured to deform or burst in response to the venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge is configured to change its color in response to the venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge is configured to change its physical location in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge comprises a collar and a plunger moveably connected to the collar and wherein the plunger is configured to move away from the collar in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge comprises a universal paper indicator. 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery includes a cell configured to discharge hydrogen when venting and wherein the gauge comprises a gas permeable matrix coated with chemochromic pigment configured to change color in the presence of hydrogen gas. 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery includes at least one cell and a housing encasing the cell and wherein the gauge is disposed outside of the housing. 9. A vehicle comprising:
an electric machine; a battery configured to provide power to the electric machine; and a pressure sensitive gauge configured to provide a visible response to pressure associated with venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge is configured to deform or burst in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the battery includes a vent port and at least one cell configured to vent via the vent port and wherein the gauge is fitted to the vent port. 12. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge comprises a film. 13. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge comprises a collar and a plunger moveably connected to the collar and wherein the plunger is configured to move away from the collar in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 14. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge includes an element configured to change position in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 15. A vehicle comprising;
an electric machine; a battery configured to provide power to the electric machine; and a chemically sensitive gauge configured to chemically respond to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the battery includes a cell filled with electrolyte, wherein during venting of the battery, the electrolyte propels out of the cell, and wherein the gauge comprises a universal paper indicator arranged to catch the electrolyte and configured to change color to indicate venting of the battery. 17. The vehicle of claim 16, further comprising a battery housing encasing the battery and including a throughway in registration with the universal paper indicator. 18. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the battery includes a cell configured to discharge hydrogen gas during venting of the battery and wherein the gauge comprises a gas permeable matrix coated with chemochromic pigment configured to change color in the presence of hydrogen gas. | A vehicle may include an electric machine, a battery adapted to provide power to the electric machine, and various embodiments of a gauge adapted to indicate venting of the battery. In one embodiment, the gauge is adapted to permanently deform or burst in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. In another embodiment, the gauge includes an element adapted to change position in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. In other embodiments, the gauge includes either a universal paper indicator or a chemically coated cartridge indicator in communication with the battery and adapted to change in color to indicate venting of the battery.1. A vehicle comprising:
an electric machine; a battery configured to provide power to the electric machine; and a gauge configured to change its physical appearance in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge is configured to deform or burst in response to the venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge is configured to change its color in response to the venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge is configured to change its physical location in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge comprises a collar and a plunger moveably connected to the collar and wherein the plunger is configured to move away from the collar in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the gauge comprises a universal paper indicator. 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery includes a cell configured to discharge hydrogen when venting and wherein the gauge comprises a gas permeable matrix coated with chemochromic pigment configured to change color in the presence of hydrogen gas. 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery includes at least one cell and a housing encasing the cell and wherein the gauge is disposed outside of the housing. 9. A vehicle comprising:
an electric machine; a battery configured to provide power to the electric machine; and a pressure sensitive gauge configured to provide a visible response to pressure associated with venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge is configured to deform or burst in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the battery includes a vent port and at least one cell configured to vent via the vent port and wherein the gauge is fitted to the vent port. 12. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge comprises a film. 13. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge comprises a collar and a plunger moveably connected to the collar and wherein the plunger is configured to move away from the collar in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 14. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gauge includes an element configured to change position in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 15. A vehicle comprising;
an electric machine; a battery configured to provide power to the electric machine; and a chemically sensitive gauge configured to chemically respond to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the battery includes a cell filled with electrolyte, wherein during venting of the battery, the electrolyte propels out of the cell, and wherein the gauge comprises a universal paper indicator arranged to catch the electrolyte and configured to change color to indicate venting of the battery. 17. The vehicle of claim 16, further comprising a battery housing encasing the battery and including a throughway in registration with the universal paper indicator. 18. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the battery includes a cell configured to discharge hydrogen gas during venting of the battery and wherein the gauge comprises a gas permeable matrix coated with chemochromic pigment configured to change color in the presence of hydrogen gas. | 1,700 |
1,925 | 14,450,441 | 1,789 | A hollow-cylindrical heat shield includes at least one graphite foil and at least one fiber structure, preferably a wound fiber structure, disposed on the outer side of the at least one graphite foil. The (wound) fiber structure has a degree of coverage of less than 100%. A high-temperature furnace or gas converter having a heat shield is also provided. | 1. A hollow-cylindrical heat shield, comprising:
at least one graphite foil having an outer side; and at least one fiber structure disposed on said outer side of said at least one graphite foil, said at least one fiber structure having a degree of coverage of less than 100%. 2. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure is a wound fiber structure, a woven fabric, a weft knitted fabric, a warp knitted fabric or a non-crimp fabric. 3. The heat shield according to claim 1, which further comprises:
at least one layer made of a fiber composite material; said at least one layer made of a fiber composite material being disposed immediately on an inner side of said at least one graphite foil or separated from said inner side of said at least one graphite foil by one or more intermediate layers; and said fiber composite material being carbon fiber reinforced carbon, ceramic fiber reinforced carbon, carbon fiber reinforced ceramic or ceramic fiber reinforced ceramic. 4. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said degree of coverage of said at least one fiber structure is selected from the group consisting of 5 to 95%, 10 to 65%, 30 to 55% and 40 to 50%. 5. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure is a cross winding having individual winding turns with a winding angle relative to a hollow cylinder longitudinal axis selected from the group consisting of between 5 and 88°, between 30 and 85°, between 60 and 80°, between 70 and 80° and 75°. 6. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein:
said at least one fiber structure is selected from the group consisting of cords impregnated with matrix, twines impregnated with matrix, yarns impregnated with matrix, rovings impregnated with matrix, non-wovens impregnated with matrix, woven fabrics impregnated with matrix, warp knitted fabrics impregnated with matrix, weft knitted fabrics impregnated with matrix, felts impregnated with matrix, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned fiber structures; and said matrix is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbonized and/or graphitized phenol resins, epoxy resins, novolaks, cyanate ester resins, benzoxazine resins, polyesters, vinyl esters, bismaleimide resins, bisoxazolines, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned materials. 7. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure includes fibers being at least one of carbon fibers, ceramic fibers or silicon carbide fibers. 8. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure includes one ply or at least two plies, and said at least one fiber structure has a thickness of 0.05 to 5 mm, 0.1 to 3 mm or 0.2 to 1 mm. 9. The heat shield according to claim 1, which further comprises a ratio of a heat conductivity of said at least one graphite foil in a foil plane to a heat conductivity of said at least one graphite foil perpendicularly to said foil plane of more than 5:1, more than 20:1 or more than 30:1. 10. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein:
said at least one graphite foil includes at least one of:
1 to 40 or 5 to 20 plies disposed above one another, or
5 to 40 or 8 to 20 layers of different graphite foils. 11. The heat shield according to claim 3, wherein said at least one layer made of fiber composite material contains a fiber structure selected from the group consisting of rovings, non-wovens, woven fabrics, warp knitted fabrics, weft knitted fabrics, felts, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned fiber structures. 12. The heat shield according to claim 3, wherein said at least one layer made of fiber composite material has a matrix composed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbonized and/or graphitized phenol resins, epoxy resins, novolaks, cyanate ester resins, benzoxazine resins, polyesters, vinyl esters, bismaleimide resins, bisoxazolines, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned materials. 13. The heat shield according to claim 3, wherein said at least one layer made of fiber composite material includes at least one of carbon fibers, ceramic fibers or silicon carbide fibers. 14. The heat shield according to claim 1, which further comprises an ash content, determined in accordance with DIN EN 11885 ICP-OES, of at most 5%, at most 2%, at most 0.15%, at most 100 ppm or at most 5 ppm. 15. A high-temperature furnace, comprising the heat shield according to claim 1. 16. A gas converter, comprising the heat shield according to claim 1. | A hollow-cylindrical heat shield includes at least one graphite foil and at least one fiber structure, preferably a wound fiber structure, disposed on the outer side of the at least one graphite foil. The (wound) fiber structure has a degree of coverage of less than 100%. A high-temperature furnace or gas converter having a heat shield is also provided.1. A hollow-cylindrical heat shield, comprising:
at least one graphite foil having an outer side; and at least one fiber structure disposed on said outer side of said at least one graphite foil, said at least one fiber structure having a degree of coverage of less than 100%. 2. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure is a wound fiber structure, a woven fabric, a weft knitted fabric, a warp knitted fabric or a non-crimp fabric. 3. The heat shield according to claim 1, which further comprises:
at least one layer made of a fiber composite material; said at least one layer made of a fiber composite material being disposed immediately on an inner side of said at least one graphite foil or separated from said inner side of said at least one graphite foil by one or more intermediate layers; and said fiber composite material being carbon fiber reinforced carbon, ceramic fiber reinforced carbon, carbon fiber reinforced ceramic or ceramic fiber reinforced ceramic. 4. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said degree of coverage of said at least one fiber structure is selected from the group consisting of 5 to 95%, 10 to 65%, 30 to 55% and 40 to 50%. 5. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure is a cross winding having individual winding turns with a winding angle relative to a hollow cylinder longitudinal axis selected from the group consisting of between 5 and 88°, between 30 and 85°, between 60 and 80°, between 70 and 80° and 75°. 6. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein:
said at least one fiber structure is selected from the group consisting of cords impregnated with matrix, twines impregnated with matrix, yarns impregnated with matrix, rovings impregnated with matrix, non-wovens impregnated with matrix, woven fabrics impregnated with matrix, warp knitted fabrics impregnated with matrix, weft knitted fabrics impregnated with matrix, felts impregnated with matrix, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned fiber structures; and said matrix is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbonized and/or graphitized phenol resins, epoxy resins, novolaks, cyanate ester resins, benzoxazine resins, polyesters, vinyl esters, bismaleimide resins, bisoxazolines, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned materials. 7. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure includes fibers being at least one of carbon fibers, ceramic fibers or silicon carbide fibers. 8. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fiber structure includes one ply or at least two plies, and said at least one fiber structure has a thickness of 0.05 to 5 mm, 0.1 to 3 mm or 0.2 to 1 mm. 9. The heat shield according to claim 1, which further comprises a ratio of a heat conductivity of said at least one graphite foil in a foil plane to a heat conductivity of said at least one graphite foil perpendicularly to said foil plane of more than 5:1, more than 20:1 or more than 30:1. 10. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein:
said at least one graphite foil includes at least one of:
1 to 40 or 5 to 20 plies disposed above one another, or
5 to 40 or 8 to 20 layers of different graphite foils. 11. The heat shield according to claim 3, wherein said at least one layer made of fiber composite material contains a fiber structure selected from the group consisting of rovings, non-wovens, woven fabrics, warp knitted fabrics, weft knitted fabrics, felts, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned fiber structures. 12. The heat shield according to claim 3, wherein said at least one layer made of fiber composite material has a matrix composed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbonized and/or graphitized phenol resins, epoxy resins, novolaks, cyanate ester resins, benzoxazine resins, polyesters, vinyl esters, bismaleimide resins, bisoxazolines, and any mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned materials. 13. The heat shield according to claim 3, wherein said at least one layer made of fiber composite material includes at least one of carbon fibers, ceramic fibers or silicon carbide fibers. 14. The heat shield according to claim 1, which further comprises an ash content, determined in accordance with DIN EN 11885 ICP-OES, of at most 5%, at most 2%, at most 0.15%, at most 100 ppm or at most 5 ppm. 15. A high-temperature furnace, comprising the heat shield according to claim 1. 16. A gas converter, comprising the heat shield according to claim 1. | 1,700 |
1,926 | 14,873,790 | 1,717 | Method for the manufacture of a coating having a columnar structure, preferably a dense structure, in which method a coating material in the form of primary corpuscles is injected with a carrier gas into a thermal process beam. The coating material is transferred into a vapor phase in the process beam and is deposited as a condensate in the form of a columnar coating on a substrate. The primary corpuscles are formed by an agglomerate of particles which are held together by cohesive forces of a connecting medium or by adhesive forces. | 1. A method for the manufacture of a coating having a columnar structure, preferably a dense structure, in which method a coating material in the form of primary corpuscles is injected with a carrier gas into a thermal process beam, the coating material is transferred into a vapor phase in the process beam and is deposited as a condensate in the form of a columnar coating on a substrate and the primary corpuscles are formed by an agglomerate of particles which are held together by cohesive forces of a connecting medium or by adhesive forces, characterized in that the primary corpuscles are disintegrated in the process beam by mechanical and thermal interaction and the particles are dispersed so that coating material is vaporized fully or partly by thermal action on the individual particles. 2. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the primary corpuscles are generated by spraying of a slurry, and in that two cases can be distinguished:
I) the spraying of the slurry is carried out directly before the entry into the process beam, with capillary forces of a liquid forming the cohesive forces and this liquid, which as a rule contains a dispersing agent, having been used for a slurrying of the particles and for the generation of the slurry; or II) the slurry is manufactured from the particles from a liquid, from a binder, and, optionally, from the dispersing agent, the sprayed slurry is subsequently dried and the spray-dried material is used as a spray powder, with the binder having been dissolved in the liquid of the slurry at a high dilution so that the cohesive forces generated by the binder after the drying only effect a minimal holding together of the particles. 3. A method in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the binder portion after the drying amounts to 0.5 to 5% by weight, preferably to 1-2% by weight, on the use of the spray powder; and
in that the following materials are used, for example, for the slurry: as the liquid, demineralized water or an organic solvent, in particular an alcohol; as the dispersing agent, polycarbonic acid, a polycarboxylate compound or a polymetacarboxylate compound, polyethyleneimines or an amino alcohol; and as the binder, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidine, polysaccharide, acrylic polymers and copolymers, starch, polyvinyl propylene, polyethylene glycols or a cellulose compound, for example carboxy methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose or hydroxyethylcellulose. 4. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the thermal process beam is generated by a plume of a defocusing plasma beam, with the properties of the process beam being determined by adjustable process parameters, in particular by the parameters of process pressure, enthalpy and composition of a process gas mixture. 5. A method in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that
a) a value is selected for the process pressure between 50 and 2,000 Pa, preferably between 100 and 500 Pa and the specific enthalpy of the plasma beam is generated by delivering an effective power which is to be determined empirically and which lies, according to experience, in a range from 20 to 100 kW, preferably 40 to 80 kW; b) the process gas includes a mixture of insert gases, in particular a mixture of argon Ar and helium He, and furthermore, optionally, hydrogen, nitrogen and/or a reactive gas, with the volume ratio of Ar to He advantageously lying in the range from 2:1 to 1:4 and the total gas flow lying in the range from 30 to 150 SLPM; c) the primary corpuscles are injected at a conveying rate between 5 and 60 g/min, preferably between 10 and 40 g/min; and d) the substrate is preferably moved relative to a cloud of the vaporized material during the material application, in particular by rotary or pivot movements and/or by movements in translation. 6. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a coating material is used whose portion which can be vaporized amounts to at least 70%; and in that a plasma beam with sufficiently high specific enthalpy is generated or that at least 5% of the coating material, preferably at least 50%, is transferred into the vapor phase during vaporization. 7. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that regions of the substrate are coated which are located in the geometrical shadow of the process beam. 8. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the substrate is a turbine vane or a segment having at least two turbine vanes. 9. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the powder is an aggregate of corpuscles which are formed in each case by an agglomerate of particles; and in that the particles are connected by cohesive forces of a binder, or by adhesive forces, with the binder portion amounting to 0.5-5% by weight, preferably 1-2% by weight;
wherein the diameters lie in the range between 0.1 and 5 μm for the particles of the primary corpuscles; and wherein the diameters of the primary corpuscles are smaller than 35 μm and larger than 5 μm. 10. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that oxide ceramic materials are used as the coating materials; in that the materials are oxides of Zr, Al, Ti, Cr, Ca, Mg, Si, Ti, Y, La, Ce, Sc, Pr, Dy, Gd, Sm, Mn, Sr or combination of these chemical elements. 11. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that a material suitable for a thermal barrier coating TBC is used as the coating material, in particular one of the following oxides or a combination of these oxides: zirconium oxide ZrO2, yttrium oxide Y2O3, ytterbium oxide Yb2O5, dysprosium oxide Dy2O3, gadolinium oxide Gd2O3, cerium oxide CeO2, magnesium oxide MgO, calcium oxide CaO, europium oxide Eu2O3, erbium oxide Er2O3 scandium oxide Sc2O3, lanthanide oxides and actinide oxides, with these materials being able to be present in a fully stabilized or partly stabilized form and with the following stabilizers and concentration ranges being provided with a TBC of ZrO2:
a) Y2O3—4-20% by weight, preferably 6-9% by weight; b) Yb2O5—4-20% by weight, preferably 10-16% by weight; c) Y2O3 and Yb2O5—4-20% by weight, preferably 4-16% by weight; d) Y2O3 and Yb2O5 and Sc2O3 or lanthanide oxides—4-20% by weight, preferably 4-16% by weight. 12. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the particles in the corpuscles form a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture with materials which are the same or different. 13. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the particles in the corpuscles form a mixture of materials which react chemically in the process beam after the vaporization at least partly with one another or with a reactive gas of the process gas mixture and are condensed out as reaction products during the coating. | Method for the manufacture of a coating having a columnar structure, preferably a dense structure, in which method a coating material in the form of primary corpuscles is injected with a carrier gas into a thermal process beam. The coating material is transferred into a vapor phase in the process beam and is deposited as a condensate in the form of a columnar coating on a substrate. The primary corpuscles are formed by an agglomerate of particles which are held together by cohesive forces of a connecting medium or by adhesive forces.1. A method for the manufacture of a coating having a columnar structure, preferably a dense structure, in which method a coating material in the form of primary corpuscles is injected with a carrier gas into a thermal process beam, the coating material is transferred into a vapor phase in the process beam and is deposited as a condensate in the form of a columnar coating on a substrate and the primary corpuscles are formed by an agglomerate of particles which are held together by cohesive forces of a connecting medium or by adhesive forces, characterized in that the primary corpuscles are disintegrated in the process beam by mechanical and thermal interaction and the particles are dispersed so that coating material is vaporized fully or partly by thermal action on the individual particles. 2. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the primary corpuscles are generated by spraying of a slurry, and in that two cases can be distinguished:
I) the spraying of the slurry is carried out directly before the entry into the process beam, with capillary forces of a liquid forming the cohesive forces and this liquid, which as a rule contains a dispersing agent, having been used for a slurrying of the particles and for the generation of the slurry; or II) the slurry is manufactured from the particles from a liquid, from a binder, and, optionally, from the dispersing agent, the sprayed slurry is subsequently dried and the spray-dried material is used as a spray powder, with the binder having been dissolved in the liquid of the slurry at a high dilution so that the cohesive forces generated by the binder after the drying only effect a minimal holding together of the particles. 3. A method in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the binder portion after the drying amounts to 0.5 to 5% by weight, preferably to 1-2% by weight, on the use of the spray powder; and
in that the following materials are used, for example, for the slurry: as the liquid, demineralized water or an organic solvent, in particular an alcohol; as the dispersing agent, polycarbonic acid, a polycarboxylate compound or a polymetacarboxylate compound, polyethyleneimines or an amino alcohol; and as the binder, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidine, polysaccharide, acrylic polymers and copolymers, starch, polyvinyl propylene, polyethylene glycols or a cellulose compound, for example carboxy methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose or hydroxyethylcellulose. 4. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the thermal process beam is generated by a plume of a defocusing plasma beam, with the properties of the process beam being determined by adjustable process parameters, in particular by the parameters of process pressure, enthalpy and composition of a process gas mixture. 5. A method in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that
a) a value is selected for the process pressure between 50 and 2,000 Pa, preferably between 100 and 500 Pa and the specific enthalpy of the plasma beam is generated by delivering an effective power which is to be determined empirically and which lies, according to experience, in a range from 20 to 100 kW, preferably 40 to 80 kW; b) the process gas includes a mixture of insert gases, in particular a mixture of argon Ar and helium He, and furthermore, optionally, hydrogen, nitrogen and/or a reactive gas, with the volume ratio of Ar to He advantageously lying in the range from 2:1 to 1:4 and the total gas flow lying in the range from 30 to 150 SLPM; c) the primary corpuscles are injected at a conveying rate between 5 and 60 g/min, preferably between 10 and 40 g/min; and d) the substrate is preferably moved relative to a cloud of the vaporized material during the material application, in particular by rotary or pivot movements and/or by movements in translation. 6. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a coating material is used whose portion which can be vaporized amounts to at least 70%; and in that a plasma beam with sufficiently high specific enthalpy is generated or that at least 5% of the coating material, preferably at least 50%, is transferred into the vapor phase during vaporization. 7. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that regions of the substrate are coated which are located in the geometrical shadow of the process beam. 8. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the substrate is a turbine vane or a segment having at least two turbine vanes. 9. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the powder is an aggregate of corpuscles which are formed in each case by an agglomerate of particles; and in that the particles are connected by cohesive forces of a binder, or by adhesive forces, with the binder portion amounting to 0.5-5% by weight, preferably 1-2% by weight;
wherein the diameters lie in the range between 0.1 and 5 μm for the particles of the primary corpuscles; and wherein the diameters of the primary corpuscles are smaller than 35 μm and larger than 5 μm. 10. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that oxide ceramic materials are used as the coating materials; in that the materials are oxides of Zr, Al, Ti, Cr, Ca, Mg, Si, Ti, Y, La, Ce, Sc, Pr, Dy, Gd, Sm, Mn, Sr or combination of these chemical elements. 11. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that a material suitable for a thermal barrier coating TBC is used as the coating material, in particular one of the following oxides or a combination of these oxides: zirconium oxide ZrO2, yttrium oxide Y2O3, ytterbium oxide Yb2O5, dysprosium oxide Dy2O3, gadolinium oxide Gd2O3, cerium oxide CeO2, magnesium oxide MgO, calcium oxide CaO, europium oxide Eu2O3, erbium oxide Er2O3 scandium oxide Sc2O3, lanthanide oxides and actinide oxides, with these materials being able to be present in a fully stabilized or partly stabilized form and with the following stabilizers and concentration ranges being provided with a TBC of ZrO2:
a) Y2O3—4-20% by weight, preferably 6-9% by weight; b) Yb2O5—4-20% by weight, preferably 10-16% by weight; c) Y2O3 and Yb2O5—4-20% by weight, preferably 4-16% by weight; d) Y2O3 and Yb2O5 and Sc2O3 or lanthanide oxides—4-20% by weight, preferably 4-16% by weight. 12. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the particles in the corpuscles form a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture with materials which are the same or different. 13. A method in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the particles in the corpuscles form a mixture of materials which react chemically in the process beam after the vaporization at least partly with one another or with a reactive gas of the process gas mixture and are condensed out as reaction products during the coating. | 1,700 |
1,927 | 13,612,528 | 1,792 | A cartridge comprising a cup-shaped body having a base, a peripheral side wall and an open top with a lid attached to the cup-shaped body to define a container volume. The lid being pierceable to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium. A filter being located within the container volume to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume. The base being pierceable to accommodate an outflow from the filtrate volume.
The peripheral side wall comprising a plurality of flutes that define a plurality of filtrate channels configured to direct beverage flow downwards.
The cup-shaped body being configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume. | 1. A cartridge, containing one or more beverage ingredients, and comprising:
a cup-shaped body having a base, a peripheral side wall and an open top; a lid attached to the cup-shaped body to close the open top to define a container volume, the lid being pierceable to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium into the container volume; a filter located within the container volume to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume containing the one or more beverage ingredients and a filtrate volume; the base being pierceable to accommodate an outflow from the filtrate volume of a beverage formed from the aqueous medium and the one or more beverage ingredients; the peripheral side wall comprising a plurality of flutes that define a plurality of filtrate channels configured to direct beverage flow downwards towards the base of the cup-shaped body; wherein the cup-shaped body is configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume. 2. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body is configured to be laterally expandable by distortion of the flutes of the peripheral side wall. 3. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the peripheral side wall has a generally frustoconical shape prior to use and, after lateral expansion during use, has a generally barrel shape. 4. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the peripheral side wall has a thickness of 0.15 to 0.35 mm. 5. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base has a thickness of 0.35 to 0.55 mm. 6. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a polymeric material. 7. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a laminated material. 8. A cartridge as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a laminate of polystyrene and polyethylene. 9. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a barrier layer. 10. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter is formed from a sheet material that is formed into a cup-shape having a side wall and a base, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of sections where the sheet material includes overlying sections when secured to the cup-shaped body and prior to introduction of the aqueous medium. 11. A cartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein in use the filter is configured to be laterally expandable by movement of the sheet material. 12. A cartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein in use the filter is configured to be longitudinally expandable by movement of the overlying sheet material. 13. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a guard element located in the filtrate volume;
wherein the guard element is separately-formed from the cup-shaped body and located within the filtrate volume to define an outlet zone, the guard element being interposed between the filter and the outlet zone;
wherein the guard element is configured to prevent encroachment of the filter into the outlet zone such that in use on full extension of a piercing element of a beverage preparation apparatus the piercing element is enabled to be placed in fluid communication with the outlet zone without the piercing element contacting the guard element or filter. 14. A cartridge as claimed in claim 13 wherein the guard element is configured to provide physical support to at least a portion of the filter in use to limit or preclude axial expansion of the filter. 15. A cartridge as claimed in claim 13 wherein the guard element comprises a filter support surface and at least one strut portion for spacing the filter support surface from the piercing surface of the cartridge, wherein a distal end of said strut portion is abutted into an angle formed between the side wall and the base. 16. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter comprises an upper rim that is connected at or near a lid-end of the peripheral side wall and/or between the peripheral side wall and the lid and further comprises a filter side wall that is unconnected to the peripheral side wall. 17. A system comprising a cartridge and a beverage preparation machine;
wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:
a holder for receiving a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients;
an inlet piercer for piercing a lid of said cartridge for supplying an aqueous medium to the cartridge; and
an outlet piercer for piercing a base of said cartridge for allowing outflow of a beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients and the aqueous medium;
wherein the cartridge comprises a cup-shaped body having the base, a peripheral side wall and an open top closed by the lid and the peripheral side wall comprises a plurality of flutes; wherein the holder comprises a wall defining a cavity for receiving the cartridge, the cavity having an internal diameter that is larger than an external diameter of at least a substantial portion of the peripheral side wall of the cartridge such that on insertion of the cartridge into the cavity an annular expansion gap is provided between at least a substantial portion of the peripheral side wall of the cartridge and the wall of the holder. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the cup-shaped body is configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume by the beverage preparation machine. 19. A method of forming a beverage from a cartridge having a cup-shaped body and a lid and containing one or more beverage ingredients, the method using a beverage preparation machine having an inlet piercer, an outlet piercer and a holder for the cartridge, the method comprising the steps of:
inserting the cartridge into the holder, such that the cup-shaped body of the cartridge is received in a cavity bounded by a wall of the holder; piercing the lid of the cartridge with the inlet piercer; piercing the a base of the cartridge with the outlet piercer; injecting an aqueous medium through the inlet piercer into the cartridge to form the beverage, the aqueous medium being injected at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa; and dispensing the beverage via the outlet piercer; wherein due to passage of the aqueous medium through the cartridge the cup-shaped body is laterally expanded. | A cartridge comprising a cup-shaped body having a base, a peripheral side wall and an open top with a lid attached to the cup-shaped body to define a container volume. The lid being pierceable to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium. A filter being located within the container volume to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume. The base being pierceable to accommodate an outflow from the filtrate volume.
The peripheral side wall comprising a plurality of flutes that define a plurality of filtrate channels configured to direct beverage flow downwards.
The cup-shaped body being configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume.1. A cartridge, containing one or more beverage ingredients, and comprising:
a cup-shaped body having a base, a peripheral side wall and an open top; a lid attached to the cup-shaped body to close the open top to define a container volume, the lid being pierceable to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium into the container volume; a filter located within the container volume to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume containing the one or more beverage ingredients and a filtrate volume; the base being pierceable to accommodate an outflow from the filtrate volume of a beverage formed from the aqueous medium and the one or more beverage ingredients; the peripheral side wall comprising a plurality of flutes that define a plurality of filtrate channels configured to direct beverage flow downwards towards the base of the cup-shaped body; wherein the cup-shaped body is configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume. 2. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body is configured to be laterally expandable by distortion of the flutes of the peripheral side wall. 3. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the peripheral side wall has a generally frustoconical shape prior to use and, after lateral expansion during use, has a generally barrel shape. 4. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the peripheral side wall has a thickness of 0.15 to 0.35 mm. 5. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base has a thickness of 0.35 to 0.55 mm. 6. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a polymeric material. 7. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a laminated material. 8. A cartridge as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a laminate of polystyrene and polyethylene. 9. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a barrier layer. 10. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter is formed from a sheet material that is formed into a cup-shape having a side wall and a base, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of sections where the sheet material includes overlying sections when secured to the cup-shaped body and prior to introduction of the aqueous medium. 11. A cartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein in use the filter is configured to be laterally expandable by movement of the sheet material. 12. A cartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein in use the filter is configured to be longitudinally expandable by movement of the overlying sheet material. 13. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a guard element located in the filtrate volume;
wherein the guard element is separately-formed from the cup-shaped body and located within the filtrate volume to define an outlet zone, the guard element being interposed between the filter and the outlet zone;
wherein the guard element is configured to prevent encroachment of the filter into the outlet zone such that in use on full extension of a piercing element of a beverage preparation apparatus the piercing element is enabled to be placed in fluid communication with the outlet zone without the piercing element contacting the guard element or filter. 14. A cartridge as claimed in claim 13 wherein the guard element is configured to provide physical support to at least a portion of the filter in use to limit or preclude axial expansion of the filter. 15. A cartridge as claimed in claim 13 wherein the guard element comprises a filter support surface and at least one strut portion for spacing the filter support surface from the piercing surface of the cartridge, wherein a distal end of said strut portion is abutted into an angle formed between the side wall and the base. 16. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter comprises an upper rim that is connected at or near a lid-end of the peripheral side wall and/or between the peripheral side wall and the lid and further comprises a filter side wall that is unconnected to the peripheral side wall. 17. A system comprising a cartridge and a beverage preparation machine;
wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:
a holder for receiving a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients;
an inlet piercer for piercing a lid of said cartridge for supplying an aqueous medium to the cartridge; and
an outlet piercer for piercing a base of said cartridge for allowing outflow of a beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients and the aqueous medium;
wherein the cartridge comprises a cup-shaped body having the base, a peripheral side wall and an open top closed by the lid and the peripheral side wall comprises a plurality of flutes; wherein the holder comprises a wall defining a cavity for receiving the cartridge, the cavity having an internal diameter that is larger than an external diameter of at least a substantial portion of the peripheral side wall of the cartridge such that on insertion of the cartridge into the cavity an annular expansion gap is provided between at least a substantial portion of the peripheral side wall of the cartridge and the wall of the holder. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the cup-shaped body is configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume by the beverage preparation machine. 19. A method of forming a beverage from a cartridge having a cup-shaped body and a lid and containing one or more beverage ingredients, the method using a beverage preparation machine having an inlet piercer, an outlet piercer and a holder for the cartridge, the method comprising the steps of:
inserting the cartridge into the holder, such that the cup-shaped body of the cartridge is received in a cavity bounded by a wall of the holder; piercing the lid of the cartridge with the inlet piercer; piercing the a base of the cartridge with the outlet piercer; injecting an aqueous medium through the inlet piercer into the cartridge to form the beverage, the aqueous medium being injected at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa; and dispensing the beverage via the outlet piercer; wherein due to passage of the aqueous medium through the cartridge the cup-shaped body is laterally expanded. | 1,700 |
1,928 | 12,971,746 | 1,747 | The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that comprises a syrup derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the syrups described herein, and methods for preparing syrups derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition. | 1. A flavorful tobacco composition for use in a tobacco product in the form of a sugar-containing syrup derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species. 2. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup is contained within a casing formulation or a top dressing formulation adapted for application to a tobacco material. 3. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises sucrose, fructose, and glucose. 4. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 50% by weight water and sugar combined. 5. The tobacco composition of claim 4, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 60% by weight water and sugar combined. 6. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 15% by weight sugar compounds. 7. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 20% by weight sugar compounds. 8. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises about 20% to about 60% by weight water and about 15% to about 40% by weight of sugar compounds, based on the total weight of the syrup composition. 9. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup has a specific gravity in the range of about 20 to about 50 g/cm3. 10. A tobacco product comprising a flavorful tobacco composition in the form of a sugar-containing syrup derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species. 11. The tobacco product of claim 10, further comprising a tobacco material or a non-tobacco plant material as a carrier for the sugar-containing syrup. 12. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smokeless tobacco composition. 13. The tobacco product of claim 12, wherein the form of the smokeless tobacco composition is selected from the group consisting of moist snuff, dry snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco-containing gums, and dissolvable or meltable tobacco products. 14. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smoking article. 15. The tobacco product of claim 14, wherein the smoking article comprises a casing formulation or a top dressing comprising the sugar-containing syrup. 16. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of an aerosol-generating device configured for non-combustion of plant material. 17. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 50% by weight water and sugar combined. 18. The tobacco product of claim 17, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 60% by weight water and sugar combined. 19. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 15% by weight sugar compounds. 20. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 20% by weight sugar compounds. 21. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises about 20% to about 60% by weight water and about 15% to about 40% by weight of sugar compounds, based on the total weight of the syrup composition. 22. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup has a specific gravity in the range of about 20 to about 50 g/cm3. 23. A method for preparing a sugar-containing syrup from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species, comprising:
i) removing an aqueous liquid component comprising sugar compounds from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species or a portion thereof; and ii) concentrating the aqueous liquid component to increase the specific gravity of the aqueous liquid component, which results in formation of a sugar-containing syrup suitable for use as a flavorful tobacco composition in a tobacco product. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the removing step comprises pressing the aqueous liquid component from the stalk. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the removing step comprises contacting the stalk of the plant or portion thereof with a liquid to draw out the aqueous liquid component. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the concentrating step comprises heating the aqueous liquid component at atmospheric pressure. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the concentration step comprises concentrating the aqueous liquid component to a specific gravity of about 20 to about 50 g/cm3. 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising filtering the aqueous liquid component to remove solid components. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the filtering step comprises exposing the aqueous liquid component to an ultrafiltration membrane. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the aqueous liquid component is filtered during the concentrating step by skimming the solid components off the surface. 31. The method of claim 23, further comprising clarifying the aqueous liquid component by adding one or more clarifying agents to the aqueous liquid component. 32. The method of claim 23, further comprising adding the sugar-containing syrup to a tobacco material or a non-tobacco plant material as a carrier for the sugar-containing syrup. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising incorporating the tobacco material or non-tobacco plant material into a tobacco product. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smokeless tobacco composition. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the form of smokeless tobacco composition is selected from the group consisting of moist snuff, dry snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco-containing gums, and dissolvable or meltable tobacco products. 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smoking article. | The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that comprises a syrup derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the syrups described herein, and methods for preparing syrups derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.1. A flavorful tobacco composition for use in a tobacco product in the form of a sugar-containing syrup derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species. 2. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup is contained within a casing formulation or a top dressing formulation adapted for application to a tobacco material. 3. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises sucrose, fructose, and glucose. 4. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 50% by weight water and sugar combined. 5. The tobacco composition of claim 4, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 60% by weight water and sugar combined. 6. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 15% by weight sugar compounds. 7. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 20% by weight sugar compounds. 8. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises about 20% to about 60% by weight water and about 15% to about 40% by weight of sugar compounds, based on the total weight of the syrup composition. 9. The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar-containing syrup has a specific gravity in the range of about 20 to about 50 g/cm3. 10. A tobacco product comprising a flavorful tobacco composition in the form of a sugar-containing syrup derived from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species. 11. The tobacco product of claim 10, further comprising a tobacco material or a non-tobacco plant material as a carrier for the sugar-containing syrup. 12. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smokeless tobacco composition. 13. The tobacco product of claim 12, wherein the form of the smokeless tobacco composition is selected from the group consisting of moist snuff, dry snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco-containing gums, and dissolvable or meltable tobacco products. 14. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smoking article. 15. The tobacco product of claim 14, wherein the smoking article comprises a casing formulation or a top dressing comprising the sugar-containing syrup. 16. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of an aerosol-generating device configured for non-combustion of plant material. 17. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 50% by weight water and sugar combined. 18. The tobacco product of claim 17, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 60% by weight water and sugar combined. 19. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 15% by weight sugar compounds. 20. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises at least about 20% by weight sugar compounds. 21. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup comprises about 20% to about 60% by weight water and about 15% to about 40% by weight of sugar compounds, based on the total weight of the syrup composition. 22. The tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the sugar-containing syrup has a specific gravity in the range of about 20 to about 50 g/cm3. 23. A method for preparing a sugar-containing syrup from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species, comprising:
i) removing an aqueous liquid component comprising sugar compounds from the stalk of a plant of the Nicotiana species or a portion thereof; and ii) concentrating the aqueous liquid component to increase the specific gravity of the aqueous liquid component, which results in formation of a sugar-containing syrup suitable for use as a flavorful tobacco composition in a tobacco product. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the removing step comprises pressing the aqueous liquid component from the stalk. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the removing step comprises contacting the stalk of the plant or portion thereof with a liquid to draw out the aqueous liquid component. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the concentrating step comprises heating the aqueous liquid component at atmospheric pressure. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the concentration step comprises concentrating the aqueous liquid component to a specific gravity of about 20 to about 50 g/cm3. 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising filtering the aqueous liquid component to remove solid components. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the filtering step comprises exposing the aqueous liquid component to an ultrafiltration membrane. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the aqueous liquid component is filtered during the concentrating step by skimming the solid components off the surface. 31. The method of claim 23, further comprising clarifying the aqueous liquid component by adding one or more clarifying agents to the aqueous liquid component. 32. The method of claim 23, further comprising adding the sugar-containing syrup to a tobacco material or a non-tobacco plant material as a carrier for the sugar-containing syrup. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising incorporating the tobacco material or non-tobacco plant material into a tobacco product. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smokeless tobacco composition. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the form of smokeless tobacco composition is selected from the group consisting of moist snuff, dry snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco-containing gums, and dissolvable or meltable tobacco products. 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smoking article. | 1,700 |
1,929 | 14,284,419 | 1,761 | Detergent compositions and more specifically, to low pH detergent compositions comprising sulfated surfactants, organic acid, and polyamine compounds. Methods of making and using the same. | 1. A detergent composition comprising:
from about 1% to about 50% of a sulfated surfactant; an organic acid; and an alkoxylated polyamine compound; and from about 0.25% to about 10% of an alkalizing agent; wherein the composition has a pH of from about 2 to about 6 when measured neat; and wherein the composition is substantially free of peroxide bleach. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sulfated surfactant selected from alkyl sulfate, alkyl ethoxylated sulfate, and mixtures thereof. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sulfated surfactants are selected from the group R—O—(C2H4O)n—SO3M, ROSO3 −M+, and mixtures thereof, wherein R′ and R are alkyl groups having 14 or more carbons, wherein n is from about 1 to 20, and wherein M is a salt-forming cation. 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 8% to about 20% of sulfated surfactant. 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 1% to about 12% of organic acid. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof. 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 10% of the alkoxylated polyamine compound. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound comprises at least two alkoxylated amine groups, wherein the alkoxylated amine groups comprise alkoxylation groups. 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein each alkoxylation group is independently selected from the group consisting of a polyethoxylation group, a polypropoxylation group, a polyethoxylation/polypropoxylation group, and mixtures thereof. 10. The composition of claim 8, wherein each alkoxylation group independently has an alkoxylation degree of at least about 5 and up to about 80. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound is selected from ethoxylated C2-C3 polyalkylenamines, ethoxylated C2-C3 polyalkyleneimines, and mixtures thereof. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the polyamine compound is an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine having an average ethoxylation degree per ethoxylation chain of from about 15 to about 25 and further having a molecular weight of from about 1000 to about 2000 daltons. 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound comprises a propoxylated polyamine comprising an inner polyethylene oxide block and an outer polypropylene oxide block. 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound is a zwitterionic polyamine. 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the zwitterionic polyamine comprises a polyamine backbone, said backbone comprising two or more amino units, wherein at least one of said amino units is quaternized and wherein at least one amino unit is substituted by one or more moieties capable of having an anionic charge, wherein further the number of amino unit substitutions which comprise an anionic moiety is less than or equal to the number of quaternized backbone amino units. 16. The composition according to claim 15, wherein said zwitterionic polyamine has the formula:
wherein R units are C3-C6 alkylene units, R1 is hydrogen, Q, —(R2O)tY, and mixtures thereof, R2 is ethylene, Y is hydrogen, an anionic unit selected from the group consisting of —(CH2)fCO2M, —C(O)(CH2)fCO2M, —(CH2)fPO3M, —(CH2)fOPO3M, —(CH2)fSO3M, —CH2(CHSO3M)(CH2)fSO3M, —CH2(CHSO2M)(CH2)fSO3M, and mixtures thereof; M is hydrogen, a water soluble cation, and mixtures thereof; the index f is from 0 to about 10; Q is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 linear alkyl, benzyl, and mixtures thereof; the index m is from 0 to 20; the index t is from 15 to 25. 17. The composition of claim 14, wherein the zwitterionic polyamine is an ethoxylated hexamethyldiamine of the following formula:
where EO represents an ethoxylate group. 18. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a reserve acidity of NaOHg/100 g product to pH 7 of at least about 1. 19. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a change of less than about 10,000 ppm of sulfate ion after storage at 55° C. for 6 weeks. 20. The composition of claim 1, wherein said alkalizing agent is an alkanolamine. 21. A method of treating a surface, comprising the step of contacting said surface with the composition of claim 1. | Detergent compositions and more specifically, to low pH detergent compositions comprising sulfated surfactants, organic acid, and polyamine compounds. Methods of making and using the same.1. A detergent composition comprising:
from about 1% to about 50% of a sulfated surfactant; an organic acid; and an alkoxylated polyamine compound; and from about 0.25% to about 10% of an alkalizing agent; wherein the composition has a pH of from about 2 to about 6 when measured neat; and wherein the composition is substantially free of peroxide bleach. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sulfated surfactant selected from alkyl sulfate, alkyl ethoxylated sulfate, and mixtures thereof. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sulfated surfactants are selected from the group R—O—(C2H4O)n—SO3M, ROSO3 −M+, and mixtures thereof, wherein R′ and R are alkyl groups having 14 or more carbons, wherein n is from about 1 to 20, and wherein M is a salt-forming cation. 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 8% to about 20% of sulfated surfactant. 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 1% to about 12% of organic acid. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof. 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 10% of the alkoxylated polyamine compound. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound comprises at least two alkoxylated amine groups, wherein the alkoxylated amine groups comprise alkoxylation groups. 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein each alkoxylation group is independently selected from the group consisting of a polyethoxylation group, a polypropoxylation group, a polyethoxylation/polypropoxylation group, and mixtures thereof. 10. The composition of claim 8, wherein each alkoxylation group independently has an alkoxylation degree of at least about 5 and up to about 80. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound is selected from ethoxylated C2-C3 polyalkylenamines, ethoxylated C2-C3 polyalkyleneimines, and mixtures thereof. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the polyamine compound is an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine having an average ethoxylation degree per ethoxylation chain of from about 15 to about 25 and further having a molecular weight of from about 1000 to about 2000 daltons. 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound comprises a propoxylated polyamine comprising an inner polyethylene oxide block and an outer polypropylene oxide block. 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyamine compound is a zwitterionic polyamine. 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the zwitterionic polyamine comprises a polyamine backbone, said backbone comprising two or more amino units, wherein at least one of said amino units is quaternized and wherein at least one amino unit is substituted by one or more moieties capable of having an anionic charge, wherein further the number of amino unit substitutions which comprise an anionic moiety is less than or equal to the number of quaternized backbone amino units. 16. The composition according to claim 15, wherein said zwitterionic polyamine has the formula:
wherein R units are C3-C6 alkylene units, R1 is hydrogen, Q, —(R2O)tY, and mixtures thereof, R2 is ethylene, Y is hydrogen, an anionic unit selected from the group consisting of —(CH2)fCO2M, —C(O)(CH2)fCO2M, —(CH2)fPO3M, —(CH2)fOPO3M, —(CH2)fSO3M, —CH2(CHSO3M)(CH2)fSO3M, —CH2(CHSO2M)(CH2)fSO3M, and mixtures thereof; M is hydrogen, a water soluble cation, and mixtures thereof; the index f is from 0 to about 10; Q is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 linear alkyl, benzyl, and mixtures thereof; the index m is from 0 to 20; the index t is from 15 to 25. 17. The composition of claim 14, wherein the zwitterionic polyamine is an ethoxylated hexamethyldiamine of the following formula:
where EO represents an ethoxylate group. 18. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a reserve acidity of NaOHg/100 g product to pH 7 of at least about 1. 19. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a change of less than about 10,000 ppm of sulfate ion after storage at 55° C. for 6 weeks. 20. The composition of claim 1, wherein said alkalizing agent is an alkanolamine. 21. A method of treating a surface, comprising the step of contacting said surface with the composition of claim 1. | 1,700 |
1,930 | 13,996,243 | 1,732 | A method of producing a nano twinned commercially pure titanium material includes the step of casting a commercially pure titanium material, that apart from titanium, contains not more than 0.05 wt % N; not more than 0.08 wt % C; not more than 0.015 wt % H; not more than 0.50 wt % Fe; not more than 0.40 wt % O; and not more than 0.40 wt % residuals. The material is brought to a temperature at or below 0° C. and plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature to such a degree that nano twins are formed in the material. | 1. A method of producing a nano twinned commercially pure titanium material, comprising the steps of:
casting a commercially pure titanium material that apart from titanium contains not more than 0.05 wt % N, not more than 0.08 wt % C, not more than 0.015 wt % H, not more than 0.50 wt % Fe, not more than 0.40 wt % O, and not more than 0.40 wt % residuals; bringing the casted material to a temperature at or below 0° C.; and imparting plastic deformation to the material at the temperature to such a degree that nano twins are formed in the material. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of less than 2% per second. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of less than 1.5% per second. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of less than 1% per second. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is brought to a temperature below −50° C. and that the plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is brought to a temperature below −100° C. and that the plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is cooled to a temperature of −196° C. and that the plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plastic deformation is imparted to the material by compression. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plastic deformation comprises straining imparted to the material by drawing. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is plastically deformed to an extent that corresponds to a plastic deformation of at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and more preferably at least 30%. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plastic deformation is imparted to the material intermittently with less than 10% per deformation, preferably less than 6% per deformation, and more preferably less than 4% per deformation. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of more than 0.2% per second. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of more than 0.4% per second. 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of more than 0.6% per second. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the casted commercially pure titanium material does not contain more than 0.35 wt % O and preferably not more than 0.30 wt % O. | A method of producing a nano twinned commercially pure titanium material includes the step of casting a commercially pure titanium material, that apart from titanium, contains not more than 0.05 wt % N; not more than 0.08 wt % C; not more than 0.015 wt % H; not more than 0.50 wt % Fe; not more than 0.40 wt % O; and not more than 0.40 wt % residuals. The material is brought to a temperature at or below 0° C. and plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature to such a degree that nano twins are formed in the material.1. A method of producing a nano twinned commercially pure titanium material, comprising the steps of:
casting a commercially pure titanium material that apart from titanium contains not more than 0.05 wt % N, not more than 0.08 wt % C, not more than 0.015 wt % H, not more than 0.50 wt % Fe, not more than 0.40 wt % O, and not more than 0.40 wt % residuals; bringing the casted material to a temperature at or below 0° C.; and imparting plastic deformation to the material at the temperature to such a degree that nano twins are formed in the material. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of less than 2% per second. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of less than 1.5% per second. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of less than 1% per second. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is brought to a temperature below −50° C. and that the plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is brought to a temperature below −100° C. and that the plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is cooled to a temperature of −196° C. and that the plastic deformation is imparted to the material at that temperature. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plastic deformation is imparted to the material by compression. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plastic deformation comprises straining imparted to the material by drawing. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is plastically deformed to an extent that corresponds to a plastic deformation of at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and more preferably at least 30%. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plastic deformation is imparted to the material intermittently with less than 10% per deformation, preferably less than 6% per deformation, and more preferably less than 4% per deformation. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of more than 0.2% per second. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of more than 0.4% per second. 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the deformation is imparted to the material at a rate of more than 0.6% per second. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the casted commercially pure titanium material does not contain more than 0.35 wt % O and preferably not more than 0.30 wt % O. | 1,700 |
1,931 | 13,572,964 | 1,721 | A photovoltaic cell with reduced shading and series resistance for increased efficiency. A contact grid containing a set of optical structures is embedded into a substrate. An array of electrical contacts is aligned and in electrical communication with the optical structures and provides electrical communication between the active layer and the substrate. | 1. A method comprising:
pre-forming a contact grid into a first substrate of a photovoltaic cell, including embedding a first optical structure into the first substrate; aligning a first electrical contact in communication with the optical structure on a first side of the first substrate; and securing a first side of an active layer to the first side of the first substrate, including soldering the first set of at least one electrical contact from the first substrate to the first side of the active layer such that the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with the active layer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical structure directs radiation received by the first substrate into the active layer. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical structure is a triangular structure. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing a second side of the active layer to the first side of a second substrate having a second embedded contact grid, including aligning a second electrical contact in communication with a second optical structure embedded on a first side of the second substrate. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the first substrate having a first side oppositely disposed from a second side, the first side to receive radiation and the second side to secure to a first side of the active layer. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the first optical structure directing the received radiation to the first side of the active layer. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first substrate is manufactured separate from the active layer. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising coating a substantial surface of the active layer with a dielectric filler material. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising coating a substantial surface of the first substrate with an antireflection coating. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a light reflective mirror in communication with the first substrate for reflecting radiation into the active layer. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical contact is lead free. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising hot embossing and plating the contact grid into a polymer film. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical structure is preformed and transferred to the first substrate, including a gap formed within the optical structure provided for total internal reflection. 14. A photo-voltaic cell comprising:
a first substrate having a first embedded contact grid, including a first optical structure embedded into the first substrate and a first electrical contact in communication with the first optical structure on a first side of the first substrate; an active layer having a first side and a second side, the first side of the active layer secured to the first substrate, including the first electrical contact of the first substrate soldered to and in electrical communication with the first side of the active layer. 15. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising the first substrate having a second side oppositely disposed from the first side of the first substrate, the second side to receive radiation, and the first contact grid to direct the received radiation into the active layer. 16. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising, a second substrate having a second embedded contact grid, including a second optical structure embedded into the second substrate and a second electrical contact in communication with the second optical structure on a first side of the second substrate, the second side of the active layer secured to the first side of the second substrate, including the second electrical contact of the second substrate soldered to and in electrical communication with the second side of the active layer. 17. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 16, further comprising a second side of the second substrate to receive radiation and the second contact grid to direct the received radiation to the active layer. 18. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, wherein the first optical structure is a triangular structure. 19. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, wherein the optical structure reduces loss associated with shading. 20. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising a dielectric filler material to coat a substantial surface of the active layer. 21. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising an anti-reflection layer to substantially coat a surface of the active layer to increase the absorption of received radiation in the active layer. 22. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising the first contact grid embedded and plated into a polymer film. 23. A photo-voltaic cell, prepared by the process comprising the steps of:
pre-forming a contact grid into a first substrate of a photovoltaic cell, including embedding a first optical structure into the first substrate; aligning a first electrical contact in communication with the optical structure on a first side of the first substrate; and securing a first side of an active layer manufactured separately from the substrate, to the first side of the substrate, including soldering the first set of at least one electrical contact from the substrate to the first side of the active layer such that the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with the active layer. | A photovoltaic cell with reduced shading and series resistance for increased efficiency. A contact grid containing a set of optical structures is embedded into a substrate. An array of electrical contacts is aligned and in electrical communication with the optical structures and provides electrical communication between the active layer and the substrate.1. A method comprising:
pre-forming a contact grid into a first substrate of a photovoltaic cell, including embedding a first optical structure into the first substrate; aligning a first electrical contact in communication with the optical structure on a first side of the first substrate; and securing a first side of an active layer to the first side of the first substrate, including soldering the first set of at least one electrical contact from the first substrate to the first side of the active layer such that the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with the active layer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical structure directs radiation received by the first substrate into the active layer. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical structure is a triangular structure. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing a second side of the active layer to the first side of a second substrate having a second embedded contact grid, including aligning a second electrical contact in communication with a second optical structure embedded on a first side of the second substrate. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the first substrate having a first side oppositely disposed from a second side, the first side to receive radiation and the second side to secure to a first side of the active layer. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the first optical structure directing the received radiation to the first side of the active layer. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first substrate is manufactured separate from the active layer. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising coating a substantial surface of the active layer with a dielectric filler material. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising coating a substantial surface of the first substrate with an antireflection coating. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a light reflective mirror in communication with the first substrate for reflecting radiation into the active layer. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical contact is lead free. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising hot embossing and plating the contact grid into a polymer film. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical structure is preformed and transferred to the first substrate, including a gap formed within the optical structure provided for total internal reflection. 14. A photo-voltaic cell comprising:
a first substrate having a first embedded contact grid, including a first optical structure embedded into the first substrate and a first electrical contact in communication with the first optical structure on a first side of the first substrate; an active layer having a first side and a second side, the first side of the active layer secured to the first substrate, including the first electrical contact of the first substrate soldered to and in electrical communication with the first side of the active layer. 15. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising the first substrate having a second side oppositely disposed from the first side of the first substrate, the second side to receive radiation, and the first contact grid to direct the received radiation into the active layer. 16. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising, a second substrate having a second embedded contact grid, including a second optical structure embedded into the second substrate and a second electrical contact in communication with the second optical structure on a first side of the second substrate, the second side of the active layer secured to the first side of the second substrate, including the second electrical contact of the second substrate soldered to and in electrical communication with the second side of the active layer. 17. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 16, further comprising a second side of the second substrate to receive radiation and the second contact grid to direct the received radiation to the active layer. 18. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, wherein the first optical structure is a triangular structure. 19. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, wherein the optical structure reduces loss associated with shading. 20. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising a dielectric filler material to coat a substantial surface of the active layer. 21. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising an anti-reflection layer to substantially coat a surface of the active layer to increase the absorption of received radiation in the active layer. 22. The photo-voltaic cell of claim 14, further comprising the first contact grid embedded and plated into a polymer film. 23. A photo-voltaic cell, prepared by the process comprising the steps of:
pre-forming a contact grid into a first substrate of a photovoltaic cell, including embedding a first optical structure into the first substrate; aligning a first electrical contact in communication with the optical structure on a first side of the first substrate; and securing a first side of an active layer manufactured separately from the substrate, to the first side of the substrate, including soldering the first set of at least one electrical contact from the substrate to the first side of the active layer such that the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with the active layer. | 1,700 |
1,932 | 13,666,662 | 1,794 | A photoanode, photochemical cell and methods of making are disclosed. The photoanode includes an electrode at least partially formed of hematite and having a surface doped with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese. The electrode surface may be doped with nickel. The surface may be doped with cobalt. The electrode surface may be doped with manganese. An aqueous solution may surround the photoanode and a cathode, the photoanode being configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode being configured to emit electrons to the aqueous solution. A voltage source may be electrically coupled between the photoanode and the cathode. | 1. A photoanode comprising an electrode at least partially formed of hematite and having a surface doped with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese, the electrode having a (0001) surface Fe bilayer doped with a concentration in the 1/8 to 1/2 range. 2. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 3. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 4. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 5. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 6. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. 7. The photoanode of claim 1, further comprising an aqueous solution surrounding the photoanode and a cathode, the photoanode being configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode being configured to emit electrons to the aqueous solution. 8. The photoanode of claim 7, further comprising a voltage source electrically coupled between the photoanode and the cathode. 9. A photochemical cell configured for electrolysis of water, the photochemical cell comprising:
a photoanode comprised of hematite and having a surface doped with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese configured for immersion in the water; and a cathode electrically coupled to the photoanode, the cathode being configured for immersion in the water. 10. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 11. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 12. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 13. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 14. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. 15. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the photoanode is configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode is configured to emit electrons to the water. 16. The photochemical cell of claim 15, further comprising a voltage source electrically coupled between the photoanode and the cathode. 17. A method of making a photoanode, the method comprising:
providing an electrode at least partially formed of hematite; and doping a surface of the electrode with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. 23. The method of claim 17, further comprising surrounding the photoanode and a cathode with an aqueous solution, the photoanode being configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode being configured to emit electrons to the aqueous solution. 24. The photoanode of claim 23, further comprising electrically coupling a voltage source between the photoanode and the cathode. 25. A method of making a photochemical cell configured for electrolysis of water, the method comprising:
providing a photoanode comprised of hematite; doping a surface of the electrode with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese; and electrically coupling a cathode to the photoanode, the cathode being configured for immersion in the water. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 29. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. | A photoanode, photochemical cell and methods of making are disclosed. The photoanode includes an electrode at least partially formed of hematite and having a surface doped with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese. The electrode surface may be doped with nickel. The surface may be doped with cobalt. The electrode surface may be doped with manganese. An aqueous solution may surround the photoanode and a cathode, the photoanode being configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode being configured to emit electrons to the aqueous solution. A voltage source may be electrically coupled between the photoanode and the cathode.1. A photoanode comprising an electrode at least partially formed of hematite and having a surface doped with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese, the electrode having a (0001) surface Fe bilayer doped with a concentration in the 1/8 to 1/2 range. 2. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 3. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 4. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 5. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 6. The photoanode of claim 1, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. 7. The photoanode of claim 1, further comprising an aqueous solution surrounding the photoanode and a cathode, the photoanode being configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode being configured to emit electrons to the aqueous solution. 8. The photoanode of claim 7, further comprising a voltage source electrically coupled between the photoanode and the cathode. 9. A photochemical cell configured for electrolysis of water, the photochemical cell comprising:
a photoanode comprised of hematite and having a surface doped with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese configured for immersion in the water; and a cathode electrically coupled to the photoanode, the cathode being configured for immersion in the water. 10. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 11. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 12. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 13. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 14. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. 15. The photochemical cell of claim 9, wherein the photoanode is configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode is configured to emit electrons to the water. 16. The photochemical cell of claim 15, further comprising a voltage source electrically coupled between the photoanode and the cathode. 17. A method of making a photoanode, the method comprising:
providing an electrode at least partially formed of hematite; and doping a surface of the electrode with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. 23. The method of claim 17, further comprising surrounding the photoanode and a cathode with an aqueous solution, the photoanode being configured to generate holes upon light absorption and the cathode being configured to emit electrons to the aqueous solution. 24. The photoanode of claim 23, further comprising electrically coupling a voltage source between the photoanode and the cathode. 25. A method of making a photochemical cell configured for electrolysis of water, the method comprising:
providing a photoanode comprised of hematite; doping a surface of the electrode with at least one of nickel, cobalt and manganese; and electrically coupling a cathode to the photoanode, the cathode being configured for immersion in the water. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode surface is doped with nickel. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode surface is doped with cobalt. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode surface is doped with manganese. 29. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of cobalt and nickel to enhance light absorption. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrode is bulk doped with at least one of silicon and manganese to enhance band alignment and carrier transport. | 1,700 |
1,933 | 15,022,475 | 1,768 | A photocurable composition according to the present invention comprising
(A) a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R 1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R 2 and R 3 each independently represent a C1-C10 linear or branched alkylene group, a C3-C8 cycloalkylene group optionally substituted by a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a combination of the groups thereof, A represents a polymer chain obtained by polymerizing butadiene, or a polymer chain obtained by hydrogenating the former polymer chain thereof, and m represents 1 or 2)
(B) a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and (C) a photo-radical polymerization initiator. | 1. A photocurable composition comprising:
(A) 5 to 40% by weight of a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 and R3 each independently represent a C1-C10 linear or branched alkylene group, a C3-C8 cycloalkylene group optionally substituted a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a combination of the groups thereof, A represents a polymer chain obtained by polymerizing butadiene, or a polymer chain obtained by hydrogenating the polymer chain thereof, and m represents 1 or 2),
(B) 95 to 60% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and
(C) 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a photo-radical polymerization initiator, with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of said terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene and said (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer. 2. The photocurable composition according to claim 1, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] is obtained by reacting an isocyanate represented by formula [II]:
(wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 and R3 each independently represent a C1-C10 linear and branched alkylene group, a C3-C8 cycloalkylene group optionally substituted by a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a combination of the groups thereof), with a hydroxyl group-terminated polybutadiene or hydrogenated polybutadiene represented by formula [II]:
(wherein A represents a polymer chain obtained by polymerizing butadiene, or a polymer chain obtained by hydrogenating the polymer chain thereof, and m represents 1 or 2). 3. A photocurable composition comprising:
(A) a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R1, R2, R3, A, and m have the same meaning as above),
(B) a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and
(C) a photo-radical polymerization initiator represented by formula [IV]:
(wherein X represents any one selected from the group consisting of O, CH2, CH(CH3), and C(CH3)2, and R4 and R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a trimethylsilyl group). 4. The photocurable composition according to claim 3, wherein the photo-radical polymerization initiator represented by formula [IV] is 2-hydroxy-1-(4-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propionyl)-benzyl)-phenyl)-2-methyl-propan-1-one. 5. The photocurable composition according to claim 3, comprising:
(A) the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I], (B) the (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and (C) 3 to 7 parts by weight of the photo-radical polymerization initiator, with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of said terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene and (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer. 6. The photocurable composition according to claim 3, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] is obtained by reacting an isocyanate represented by formula [II]:
(wherein R1, R2, and R3 have the same meaning as above), with a hydroxyl group-terminated polybutadiene or hydrogenated polybutadiene represented by formula [III]:
(wherein A and m have the same meaning as above). 7. A photocurable composition comprising:
(A) a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R1, R2, R3, A, and m have the same meaning as above),
(B) tricyclodecanedimethanol di(meth)acrylate, and
(C) a photo-radical polymerization initiator. 8. The photocurable composition according to claim 7, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] is obtained by reacting an isocyanate represented by formula [II]:
(wherein R1, R2, and R3 have the same meaning as above), with a hydroxyl group-terminated polybutadiene or hydrogenated polybutadiene represented by formula [III]:
(wherein A and m have the same meaning as above). 9. The photocurable composition according to claim 1, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 1,000 to 100,000. 10. A cured product obtained by photocuring the photocurable composition as claimed in claim 1. | A photocurable composition according to the present invention comprising
(A) a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R 1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R 2 and R 3 each independently represent a C1-C10 linear or branched alkylene group, a C3-C8 cycloalkylene group optionally substituted by a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a combination of the groups thereof, A represents a polymer chain obtained by polymerizing butadiene, or a polymer chain obtained by hydrogenating the former polymer chain thereof, and m represents 1 or 2)
(B) a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and (C) a photo-radical polymerization initiator.1. A photocurable composition comprising:
(A) 5 to 40% by weight of a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 and R3 each independently represent a C1-C10 linear or branched alkylene group, a C3-C8 cycloalkylene group optionally substituted a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a combination of the groups thereof, A represents a polymer chain obtained by polymerizing butadiene, or a polymer chain obtained by hydrogenating the polymer chain thereof, and m represents 1 or 2),
(B) 95 to 60% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and
(C) 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a photo-radical polymerization initiator, with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of said terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene and said (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer. 2. The photocurable composition according to claim 1, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] is obtained by reacting an isocyanate represented by formula [II]:
(wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 and R3 each independently represent a C1-C10 linear and branched alkylene group, a C3-C8 cycloalkylene group optionally substituted by a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a combination of the groups thereof), with a hydroxyl group-terminated polybutadiene or hydrogenated polybutadiene represented by formula [II]:
(wherein A represents a polymer chain obtained by polymerizing butadiene, or a polymer chain obtained by hydrogenating the polymer chain thereof, and m represents 1 or 2). 3. A photocurable composition comprising:
(A) a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R1, R2, R3, A, and m have the same meaning as above),
(B) a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and
(C) a photo-radical polymerization initiator represented by formula [IV]:
(wherein X represents any one selected from the group consisting of O, CH2, CH(CH3), and C(CH3)2, and R4 and R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a trimethylsilyl group). 4. The photocurable composition according to claim 3, wherein the photo-radical polymerization initiator represented by formula [IV] is 2-hydroxy-1-(4-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propionyl)-benzyl)-phenyl)-2-methyl-propan-1-one. 5. The photocurable composition according to claim 3, comprising:
(A) the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I], (B) the (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, and (C) 3 to 7 parts by weight of the photo-radical polymerization initiator, with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of said terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene and (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer. 6. The photocurable composition according to claim 3, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] is obtained by reacting an isocyanate represented by formula [II]:
(wherein R1, R2, and R3 have the same meaning as above), with a hydroxyl group-terminated polybutadiene or hydrogenated polybutadiene represented by formula [III]:
(wherein A and m have the same meaning as above). 7. A photocurable composition comprising:
(A) a terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I]:
(wherein R1, R2, R3, A, and m have the same meaning as above),
(B) tricyclodecanedimethanol di(meth)acrylate, and
(C) a photo-radical polymerization initiator. 8. The photocurable composition according to claim 7, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] is obtained by reacting an isocyanate represented by formula [II]:
(wherein R1, R2, and R3 have the same meaning as above), with a hydroxyl group-terminated polybutadiene or hydrogenated polybutadiene represented by formula [III]:
(wherein A and m have the same meaning as above). 9. The photocurable composition according to claim 1, wherein the terminal-modified (hydrogenated) polybutadiene represented by formula [I] has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 1,000 to 100,000. 10. A cured product obtained by photocuring the photocurable composition as claimed in claim 1. | 1,700 |
1,934 | 14,899,742 | 1,747 | There is described an aerosol-forming substrate for use in combination with an inductive heating device. The aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, and at least a first susceptor material for heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. The first susceptor material has a first Curie-temperature and is arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material. The aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least a second susceptor material having a second Curie-temperature which is arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material. The first and second susceptor materials have specific absorption rate (SAR) outputs which are distinct from each other. Alternatively or in addition thereto the first Curie-temperature of the first susceptor material is lower than the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material, and the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material defines a maximum heating temperature of the first and second susceptor materials. There is also described an aerosol-delivery system. | 1. An aerosol-forming substrate for use in combination with an inductive heating device, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising a solid material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, and at least a first susceptor material for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, the first susceptor material having a first Curie-temperature and being arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising at least a second susceptor material having a second Curie-temperature and being arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material, the first and second susceptor materials having specific absorption rate (SAR) outputs which are distinct from each other and/or the first Curie-temperature of the first susceptor material being lower than the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material, and the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material defining a maximum heating temperature of the first and second susceptor materials. 2. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein the first and second Curie-temperatures of the first and second susceptor materials are selected such, that upon being inductively heated an overall average temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate does not exceed 240° C. 3. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material does not exceed 370° C. 4. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is one of particulate, or filament, or mesh-like configuration. 5. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is of particulate configuration having an equivalent diameter of 10 μm-100 μm and being distributed within the aerosol-forming substrate. 6. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein the first and the second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are generally homogenously distributed within the aerosol-forming substrate. 7. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein the first and second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are arranged in heaped formation at different locations within the aerosol-forming substrate, the first susceptor material being arranged in a central region of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably along an axial extension thereof, and the second susceptor material being arranged in peripheral regions of the aerosol-forming substrate. 9. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is of filament configuration and is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate. 10. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 9, wherein the at least one of the first and second susceptor materials which is of filament configuration, is arranged in a central region of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably extending along an axial extension thereof. 11. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is of mesh-like configuration and is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate or at least partly forms an encasement for the solid material. 12. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein the first and second susceptor materials are assembled to form a mesh-like structural entity which is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate or at least partially forms an encasement for the solid material. 13. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is attached to a mouthpiece, which optionally comprises a filter plug. 14. An aerosol-delivery system comprising an inductive heating device and an aerosol forming substrate according to claim 1. 15. An aerosol-delivery system according to claim 14, wherein the inductive heating device is provided with an electronic control circuit, which is adapted for a successive or alternating heating of the first and second susceptor materials of the aerosol-forming substrate. 16. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 2, wherein the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material does not exceed 370° C. 17. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 5, wherein the first and the second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are generally homogenously distributed within the aerosol-forming substrate. 18. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 5, wherein the first and second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are arranged in heaped formation at different locations within the aerosol-forming substrate, the first susceptor material being arranged in a central region of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably along an axial extension thereof, and the second susceptor material being arranged in peripheral regions of the aerosol-forming substrate. 19. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is one of particulate, or filament, or mesh-like configuration. 20. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is one of particulate, or filament, or mesh-like configuration. | There is described an aerosol-forming substrate for use in combination with an inductive heating device. The aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, and at least a first susceptor material for heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. The first susceptor material has a first Curie-temperature and is arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material. The aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least a second susceptor material having a second Curie-temperature which is arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material. The first and second susceptor materials have specific absorption rate (SAR) outputs which are distinct from each other. Alternatively or in addition thereto the first Curie-temperature of the first susceptor material is lower than the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material, and the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material defines a maximum heating temperature of the first and second susceptor materials. There is also described an aerosol-delivery system.1. An aerosol-forming substrate for use in combination with an inductive heating device, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising a solid material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, and at least a first susceptor material for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, the first susceptor material having a first Curie-temperature and being arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising at least a second susceptor material having a second Curie-temperature and being arranged in thermal proximity of the solid material, the first and second susceptor materials having specific absorption rate (SAR) outputs which are distinct from each other and/or the first Curie-temperature of the first susceptor material being lower than the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material, and the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material defining a maximum heating temperature of the first and second susceptor materials. 2. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein the first and second Curie-temperatures of the first and second susceptor materials are selected such, that upon being inductively heated an overall average temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate does not exceed 240° C. 3. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material does not exceed 370° C. 4. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is one of particulate, or filament, or mesh-like configuration. 5. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is of particulate configuration having an equivalent diameter of 10 μm-100 μm and being distributed within the aerosol-forming substrate. 6. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein the first and the second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are generally homogenously distributed within the aerosol-forming substrate. 7. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein the first and second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are arranged in heaped formation at different locations within the aerosol-forming substrate, the first susceptor material being arranged in a central region of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably along an axial extension thereof, and the second susceptor material being arranged in peripheral regions of the aerosol-forming substrate. 9. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is of filament configuration and is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate. 10. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 9, wherein the at least one of the first and second susceptor materials which is of filament configuration, is arranged in a central region of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably extending along an axial extension thereof. 11. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is of mesh-like configuration and is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate or at least partly forms an encasement for the solid material. 12. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein the first and second susceptor materials are assembled to form a mesh-like structural entity which is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate or at least partially forms an encasement for the solid material. 13. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is attached to a mouthpiece, which optionally comprises a filter plug. 14. An aerosol-delivery system comprising an inductive heating device and an aerosol forming substrate according to claim 1. 15. An aerosol-delivery system according to claim 14, wherein the inductive heating device is provided with an electronic control circuit, which is adapted for a successive or alternating heating of the first and second susceptor materials of the aerosol-forming substrate. 16. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 2, wherein the second Curie-temperature of the second susceptor material does not exceed 370° C. 17. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 5, wherein the first and the second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are generally homogenously distributed within the aerosol-forming substrate. 18. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 5, wherein the first and second susceptor materials are of particulate configuration and are arranged in heaped formation at different locations within the aerosol-forming substrate, the first susceptor material being arranged in a central region of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably along an axial extension thereof, and the second susceptor material being arranged in peripheral regions of the aerosol-forming substrate. 19. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is one of particulate, or filament, or mesh-like configuration. 20. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second susceptor materials is one of particulate, or filament, or mesh-like configuration. | 1,700 |
1,935 | 12,565,167 | 1,766 | The present invention relates to a flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition. The composition contains a A) about 60 pbw to about 97 pbw of a polycarbonate, B) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate, C) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound and D) about 0.01 pbw to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid and optionally E) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of a phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer. In accordance with UL-94 standard the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 2.3 mm, more preferably V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94. | 1. A flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising:
A) about 60 pbw to about 97 pbw of a polycarbonate; B) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; and D) about 0.01 pbw to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 2.3 mm according to UL-94. 2. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 70 pbw to about 90 pbw. 3. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 80 pbw to about 85 pbw. 4. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 5 pbw to about 15 pbw. 5. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 8 pbw to about 12 pbw. 6. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IV),
where R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently denote H, Br or CH3 with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4 denotes Br, and where R5 denotes an aryl, alkylaryl or alkyl radicals, and n is 1-100. 7. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IVa),
and having a bromine content greater than 40 percent relative to its weight. 8. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 2 pbw to about 7 pbw. 9. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 3 pbw to about 10 pbw. 10. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (V),
wherein
R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represents C1-C8-alkyl, or C5-C6-cycloalkyl, C6-C20-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl,
n independently denotes 0 or 1,
q denotes 0.5 to 30, and
X is a mono- or poly-nuclear aromatic radical having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic radical having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms. 11. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (VII), 12. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is present in an amount of about 0.02 pbw to about 0.5 pbw. 13. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate is branched. 14. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94. 15. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is a perfluoroalkane sulfonate salt of at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, C1-6-alkylammonium, and ammonium. 16. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the salt is at least one member selected from the group consisting of sodium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate; sodium perfluoromethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoropropane sulphonate, potassium perfluoropropane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoropropane sulphonate; sodium perfluorohexane sulphonate, potassium perfluorohexane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorohexane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroheptane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroctanesulphonate, potassium perfluoroctanesulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroctane-sulphonate; sodium perfluorobutane sulfonate, potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorobutane sulfonate; sodium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, potassium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, and tetraethyl ammonium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate. 17. A flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising:
A) about 60 to about 97 pbw of an aromatic polycarbonate; B) about 1 to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; D) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid; and E) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of a phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94. 18. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 70 pbw to about 90 pbw. 19. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 80 pbw to about 85 pbw. 20. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 5 pbw to about 15 pbw. 21. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 8 pbw to about 12 pbw. 22. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IV),
where R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently denote H, Br or CH3 with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4 denotes Br, and where R5 denotes an aryl, alkylaryl or alkyl radicals, and n is 1-100. 23. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IVa),
and having a bromine content greater than 40 percent relative to its weight. 24. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 2 pbw to about 7 pbw. 25. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 3 pbw to about 10 pbw. 26. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (V),
wherein
R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represents C1-C8-alkyl, or C5-C6-cycloalkyl, C6-C20-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl,
n independently denotes 0 or 1,
q denotes 0.5 to 30, and
X is a mono- or poly-nuclear aromatic radical having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic radical having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms. 27. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (VII), 28. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is present in an amount of about 0.02 pbw to about 0.5 pbw. 29. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is a perfluoroalkane sulfonate salt of at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, C1-6-alkylammonium, and ammonium. 30. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the salt is at least one member selected from the group consisting of sodium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate; sodium perfluoromethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoropropane sulphonate, potassium perfluoropropane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoropropane sulphonate; sodium perfluorohexane sulphonate, potassium perfluorohexane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorohexane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroheptane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroctanesulphonate, potassium perfluoroctanesulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroctanesulphonate; sodium perfluorobutane sulfonate, potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorobutane sulfonate; sodium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, potassium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, and tetraethyl ammonium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate. 31. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphite stabilizer is present in an amount of about 0.02 to about 0.5 pbw. 32. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphite stabilizer is present in an amount of about 0.04 to about 0.1 pbw. 33. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphite stabilizer is Bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite. 34. A process for the production of a flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising reacting:
A) about 60 pbw to about 97 pbw of a polycarbonate; B) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; and D) about 0.01 pbw to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 2.3 mm according to UL-94. 35. A process for the production of flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising reacting:
A) about 60 to about 97 pbw of an aromatic polycarbonate; B) about 1 to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; D) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid; and E) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of a phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94. | The present invention relates to a flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition. The composition contains a A) about 60 pbw to about 97 pbw of a polycarbonate, B) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate, C) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound and D) about 0.01 pbw to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid and optionally E) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of a phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer. In accordance with UL-94 standard the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 2.3 mm, more preferably V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94.1. A flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising:
A) about 60 pbw to about 97 pbw of a polycarbonate; B) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; and D) about 0.01 pbw to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 2.3 mm according to UL-94. 2. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 70 pbw to about 90 pbw. 3. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 80 pbw to about 85 pbw. 4. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 5 pbw to about 15 pbw. 5. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 8 pbw to about 12 pbw. 6. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IV),
where R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently denote H, Br or CH3 with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4 denotes Br, and where R5 denotes an aryl, alkylaryl or alkyl radicals, and n is 1-100. 7. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IVa),
and having a bromine content greater than 40 percent relative to its weight. 8. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 2 pbw to about 7 pbw. 9. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 3 pbw to about 10 pbw. 10. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (V),
wherein
R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represents C1-C8-alkyl, or C5-C6-cycloalkyl, C6-C20-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl,
n independently denotes 0 or 1,
q denotes 0.5 to 30, and
X is a mono- or poly-nuclear aromatic radical having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic radical having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms. 11. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (VII), 12. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is present in an amount of about 0.02 pbw to about 0.5 pbw. 13. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate is branched. 14. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94. 15. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is a perfluoroalkane sulfonate salt of at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, C1-6-alkylammonium, and ammonium. 16. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 1, wherein the salt is at least one member selected from the group consisting of sodium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate; sodium perfluoromethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoropropane sulphonate, potassium perfluoropropane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoropropane sulphonate; sodium perfluorohexane sulphonate, potassium perfluorohexane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorohexane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroheptane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroctanesulphonate, potassium perfluoroctanesulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroctane-sulphonate; sodium perfluorobutane sulfonate, potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorobutane sulfonate; sodium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, potassium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, and tetraethyl ammonium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate. 17. A flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising:
A) about 60 to about 97 pbw of an aromatic polycarbonate; B) about 1 to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; D) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid; and E) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of a phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94. 18. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 70 pbw to about 90 pbw. 19. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the polycarbonate is present in an amount of about 80 pbw to about 85 pbw. 20. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 5 pbw to about 15 pbw. 21. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the bromine-substituted oligocarbonate is present in an amount of about 8 pbw to about 12 pbw. 22. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IV),
where R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently denote H, Br or CH3 with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4 denotes Br, and where R5 denotes an aryl, alkylaryl or alkyl radicals, and n is 1-100. 23. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein said bromine-substituted oligocarbonate conforms structurally to formula (IVa),
and having a bromine content greater than 40 percent relative to its weight. 24. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 2 pbw to about 7 pbw. 25. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound is present in an amount of about 3 pbw to about 10 pbw. 26. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (V),
wherein
R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represents C1-C8-alkyl, or C5-C6-cycloalkyl, C6-C20-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl,
n independently denotes 0 or 1,
q denotes 0.5 to 30, and
X is a mono- or poly-nuclear aromatic radical having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic radical having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms. 27. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphorus-containing compound conforms structurally to formula (VII), 28. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is present in an amount of about 0.02 pbw to about 0.5 pbw. 29. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid is a perfluoroalkane sulfonate salt of at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, C1-6-alkylammonium, and ammonium. 30. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the salt is at least one member selected from the group consisting of sodium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethylbutane sulphonate; sodium perfluoromethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoromethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoromethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroethane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroethane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroethane sulphonate; sodium perfluoropropane sulphonate, potassium perfluoropropane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoropropane sulphonate; sodium perfluorohexane sulphonate, potassium perfluorohexane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorohexane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, potassium perfluoroheptane sulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroheptane sulphonate; sodium perfluoroctanesulphonate, potassium perfluoroctanesulphonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluoroctanesulphonate; sodium perfluorobutane sulfonate, potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate, tetraethyl ammonium perfluorobutane sulfonate; sodium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, potassium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate, and tetraethyl ammonium diphenylsulfone-sulphonate. 31. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphite stabilizer is present in an amount of about 0.02 to about 0.5 pbw. 32. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphite stabilizer is present in an amount of about 0.04 to about 0.1 pbw. 33. The flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition according to claim 17, wherein the phosphite stabilizer is Bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite. 34. A process for the production of a flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising reacting:
A) about 60 pbw to about 97 pbw of a polycarbonate; B) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; and D) about 0.01 pbw to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 2.3 mm according to UL-94. 35. A process for the production of flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition comprising reacting:
A) about 60 to about 97 pbw of an aromatic polycarbonate; B) about 1 to about 20 pbw of bromine-substituted oligocarbonate; C) about 1 to about 20 pbw of a phosphorus-containing compound; D) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid; and E) about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of a phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer,
wherein the flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is free of fluorinated polyolefin and is rated 5VA at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 1.5 mm according to UL-94. | 1,700 |
1,936 | 14,341,523 | 1,798 | Methods, devices, and systems for integrating extraction and purification of bio-sample regions and materials with patient analysis, diagnosis, follow up, and treatment. The invention provides a means to insert disclosed substrates, cartridges, and cartridge-processing instrument or instruments into a standard clinic or pathology laboratory workflow. Specifically, we disclose methods, devices, and systems for inserting standard pathology slides into disclosed cartridges and cartridge-processing instruments, either manually, semi-automatically, automatically, or by robotic means. | 1. A cartridge for extracting biological material from a biological sample, the cartridge comprising:
a film pre-loaded on the cartridge, wherein the film comprises a substrate suitable for extracting biological material from the biological sample; an adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to a slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, wherein the cartridge and slide form a single unit after attaching the cartridge to the slide; a mechanism for pressing the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge; a mechanism for ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge; a pull tab which is attached to the film, wherein the pull tab enables the film to be removed from the cartridge. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, comprises hooks or grooves that enable attachment of the cartridge to the corners of the slide. 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, comprises a groove which enables the entire slide to be fully enclosed by the cartridge when the film is pressing against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, comprises a groove which enables the slide to be attached to the cartridge by three or fewer sides of the slide. 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for pressing the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge, comprises a hinged mechanism which links a top half of the cartridge to a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein closing the hinged mechanism will press the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide; and wherein the mechanism for ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide, comprises opening the hinged mechanism so that the film no longer presses against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for pressing the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge, is an adjustable link between a top half of the cartridge and a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein when the link is adjusted so that the top half of the cartridge forms a single unit with the bottom half of the cartridge the film will be pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide; and wherein the mechanism for ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide, comprises adjusting the link between the top half of the cartridge and the bottom half of the cartridge so that the top half and the bottom half no longer form a single unit. 8. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the slide upon which a biological sample is mounted is a backing that is more rigid than the sample, and the film pressing against the biological sample is less rigid than the sample. 9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cartridge enables the film to be imaged before the film is pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide, or imaged while the film is pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide, or imaged after the film is pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pull tab which enables the film to be removed from the cartridge, may be pulled on manually or automatically by a device into which the cartridge has been inserted. 11. A method of extracting biological material from a biological sample, comprising:
mounting a biological sample upon a slide; attaching the slide to a cartridge that contains a pre-loaded film, wherein the film comprises a substrate suitable for extracting biological material from the biological sample; pressing the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide; ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide; removing the film from the cartridge by using a pull tab attached to the film; extracting biological material from the biological sample that has been adhered to the film. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching the slide to a cartridge that contains a pre-loaded film, comprises inserting the slide into grooves in the cartridge that enable the cartridge and slide form a single unit, wherein the entire slide is fully enclosed by the cartridge. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching the slide to a cartridge that contains a pre-loaded film, comprises inserting the slide into grooves in the cartridge that enable the cartridge and slide form a single unit, wherein the slide is only partially enclosed by the cartridge. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein pressing the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide, comprises closing a hinged mechanism which links a top half of the cartridge to a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample, comprises opening a hinged mechanism which links a top half of the cartridge to a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide, comprises adjusting a link between a top half of the cartridge and a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein when the link is adjusted so that the top half of the cartridge forms a single unit with the bottom half of the cartridge the film will be pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide, comprises adjusting a link between a top half of the cartridge and a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein when the link is adjusted so that the top half of the cartridge no longer forms a single unit with the bottom half of the cartridge the film will be no longer be pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 18. A cartridge processing system for extracting biological material from one or more biological samples, the system comprising: a cartridge-processing instrument, wherein said cartridge-processing instrument comprises a top half and a bottom half linked by a hinged mechanism; said bottom half forming a stage for placement of one or more cartridges upon which are mounted biological samples; said top half forming a lid, wherein said lid may be closed over the cartridges so that the cartridges are fully enclosed by the cartridge-processing instrument; a film adhered to said bottom half, wherein said film comprises a substrate suitable for extracting biological material from biological samples mounted on the cartridges, and wherein said film is also adhered to said top half so that closing the lid over the one or more cartridges presses the film against the one or more biological samples; a space when the lid of the cartridge-processing instrument is open so that the cartridges may be positioned inside the instrument by manual or automated or robotic means; a sealing mechanism for the cartridge-processing instrument, wherein the sealing mechanism may seal the instrument and the film pressed against the cartridges by mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical means, or by the imposition of a vacuum. 19. The cartridge processing system of claim 18, wherein the extracted biological material is deposited in an individual receptacle for analysis, wherein such analysis is conducted either within a separate layer of the table-top platform or within a separate instrument with which the table-top platform is interfaced. 20. The cartridge processing system of claim 19, wherein the separate layer or the separate instrument conducts genetic or protein analysis of the extracted biological material. | Methods, devices, and systems for integrating extraction and purification of bio-sample regions and materials with patient analysis, diagnosis, follow up, and treatment. The invention provides a means to insert disclosed substrates, cartridges, and cartridge-processing instrument or instruments into a standard clinic or pathology laboratory workflow. Specifically, we disclose methods, devices, and systems for inserting standard pathology slides into disclosed cartridges and cartridge-processing instruments, either manually, semi-automatically, automatically, or by robotic means.1. A cartridge for extracting biological material from a biological sample, the cartridge comprising:
a film pre-loaded on the cartridge, wherein the film comprises a substrate suitable for extracting biological material from the biological sample; an adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to a slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, wherein the cartridge and slide form a single unit after attaching the cartridge to the slide; a mechanism for pressing the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge; a mechanism for ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge; a pull tab which is attached to the film, wherein the pull tab enables the film to be removed from the cartridge. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, comprises hooks or grooves that enable attachment of the cartridge to the corners of the slide. 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, comprises a groove which enables the entire slide to be fully enclosed by the cartridge when the film is pressing against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the adjustable link for attaching the cartridge to the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, comprises a groove which enables the slide to be attached to the cartridge by three or fewer sides of the slide. 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for pressing the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge, comprises a hinged mechanism which links a top half of the cartridge to a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein closing the hinged mechanism will press the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide; and wherein the mechanism for ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide, comprises opening the hinged mechanism so that the film no longer presses against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for pressing the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide when the slide is attached to the cartridge, is an adjustable link between a top half of the cartridge and a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein when the link is adjusted so that the top half of the cartridge forms a single unit with the bottom half of the cartridge the film will be pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide; and wherein the mechanism for ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted on the slide, comprises adjusting the link between the top half of the cartridge and the bottom half of the cartridge so that the top half and the bottom half no longer form a single unit. 8. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the slide upon which a biological sample is mounted is a backing that is more rigid than the sample, and the film pressing against the biological sample is less rigid than the sample. 9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cartridge enables the film to be imaged before the film is pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide, or imaged while the film is pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide, or imaged after the film is pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pull tab which enables the film to be removed from the cartridge, may be pulled on manually or automatically by a device into which the cartridge has been inserted. 11. A method of extracting biological material from a biological sample, comprising:
mounting a biological sample upon a slide; attaching the slide to a cartridge that contains a pre-loaded film, wherein the film comprises a substrate suitable for extracting biological material from the biological sample; pressing the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide; ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide; removing the film from the cartridge by using a pull tab attached to the film; extracting biological material from the biological sample that has been adhered to the film. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching the slide to a cartridge that contains a pre-loaded film, comprises inserting the slide into grooves in the cartridge that enable the cartridge and slide form a single unit, wherein the entire slide is fully enclosed by the cartridge. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching the slide to a cartridge that contains a pre-loaded film, comprises inserting the slide into grooves in the cartridge that enable the cartridge and slide form a single unit, wherein the slide is only partially enclosed by the cartridge. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein pressing the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide, comprises closing a hinged mechanism which links a top half of the cartridge to a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample, comprises opening a hinged mechanism which links a top half of the cartridge to a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide, comprises adjusting a link between a top half of the cartridge and a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein when the link is adjusted so that the top half of the cartridge forms a single unit with the bottom half of the cartridge the film will be pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide, comprises adjusting a link between a top half of the cartridge and a bottom half of the cartridge, wherein the top half of the cartridge may contain the film, and the bottom half of the cartridge may contain the slide upon which the biological sample has been mounted, and wherein when the link is adjusted so that the top half of the cartridge no longer forms a single unit with the bottom half of the cartridge the film will be no longer be pressed against the biological sample mounted on the slide. 18. A cartridge processing system for extracting biological material from one or more biological samples, the system comprising: a cartridge-processing instrument, wherein said cartridge-processing instrument comprises a top half and a bottom half linked by a hinged mechanism; said bottom half forming a stage for placement of one or more cartridges upon which are mounted biological samples; said top half forming a lid, wherein said lid may be closed over the cartridges so that the cartridges are fully enclosed by the cartridge-processing instrument; a film adhered to said bottom half, wherein said film comprises a substrate suitable for extracting biological material from biological samples mounted on the cartridges, and wherein said film is also adhered to said top half so that closing the lid over the one or more cartridges presses the film against the one or more biological samples; a space when the lid of the cartridge-processing instrument is open so that the cartridges may be positioned inside the instrument by manual or automated or robotic means; a sealing mechanism for the cartridge-processing instrument, wherein the sealing mechanism may seal the instrument and the film pressed against the cartridges by mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical means, or by the imposition of a vacuum. 19. The cartridge processing system of claim 18, wherein the extracted biological material is deposited in an individual receptacle for analysis, wherein such analysis is conducted either within a separate layer of the table-top platform or within a separate instrument with which the table-top platform is interfaced. 20. The cartridge processing system of claim 19, wherein the separate layer or the separate instrument conducts genetic or protein analysis of the extracted biological material. | 1,700 |
1,937 | 15,022,007 | 1,761 | The present invention relates to processes for preparing modified polyaspartic acids, to modified polyaspartic acids prepared by these processes, and compositions comprising these modified polyaspartic acids. Compositions of this kind are especially cleaning, dishwashing and detergent compositions. | 1.-11. (canceled) 12. A process for preparing modified polyaspartic acid or salts thereof, comprising the following steps:
(i) polycondensation of
(a) 50 to 98 mol % of aspartic acid,
(b) 1 to 49 mol % of at least one compound containing carboxyl groups, and
(c) 1 to 30 mol % of a diamine or an amino alcohol,
at a temperature of 100 to 270° C. for 1 minute to 50 hours, where (b) is not aspartic acid;
(ii) subsequent hydrolysis of the cocondensates with addition of a base; and (iii) optional acidification of the salt of polyaspartic acid obtained in (ii) with mineral acids. 13. The process according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of (b):(c) is between 5:1 and 1:1.5. 14. The process according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of (b):(c) is between 2:1 and 1:1.2. 15. The process according to claim 14, wherein the polycondensation is of
(a) 60 to 90 mol % of aspartic acid, (b) 3 to 40 mol % of at least one compound containing carboxyl groups, and (c) 1 to 25 mol % of a diamine or an amino alcohol. 16. The process according to claim 12, wherein the polycondensation is of
(a) 70 to 95 mol % of aspartic acid, (b) 5 to 30 mol % of at least one compound containing carboxyl groups, and (c) 2 to 20 mol % of a diamine or an amino alcohol. 17. A modified polyaspartic acid or salts thereof obtained by the process according to claim 12. 18. A dishwashing composition comprising
(AS) 1-20 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid according to claim 14; (BS) 0-50 wt % of complexing agents; (CS) 0.1-80 wt % of builders and/or cobuilders; (DS) 0.1-20 wt % of nonionic surfactants; (ES) 0-30 wt % of bleaches, bleach activators and bleach catalysts; (FS) 0-8 wt % of enzymes; and (GS) 0-50 wt % of additives. 19. The dishwashing composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein component (As) is 1-15 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid 20. The dishwashing composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein component (As) is 2-12 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid 21. A detergent and cleaning composition in liquid or gel form, comprising
(AL) 0.1 to 20 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid according to claims 14, (BL) 1 to 80 wt % of surfactants, (CL) 0.1 to 50 wt % of builders, cobuilders and/or complexing agents, (DL) 0 to 20 wt % of bleach system, (EL) 0.1 to 60 wt % of detergent or cleaning composition ingredients, and (FL) 0 to 98.7 wt % of water. 22. A solid detergent and cleaning composition comprising
(AF) 0.1 to 20 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid according to claim 14, (BF) 1 to 50 wt % of surfactants, (CF) 0.1 to 70 wt % of builders, cobuilders and/or complexing agents, (DF) 0 to 30 wt % of bleach system, and (EF) 0.1 to 70 wt % of detergent or cleaning composition ingredients. 23. A scale inhibitor and/or dispersant comprising the modified polyaspartic acid obtained according to process 12. 24. An additive in cleaning, dishwashing or detergent compositions which comprises the modified polyaspartic acid obtained according to process 12. 25. A scale inhibitor and/or dispersant in water-conducting systems which comprises the modified polyaspartic acid obtained according to process 12. 26. The scale inhibitor according to claim 24, wherein the water-conducting system is selected from the group consisting of seawater desalination plant, brackish water desalination plant, cooling water system, boiler feed water system and industrial process water. 27. The scale inhibitor according to claim 26, wherein 0.1 mg/L to 100 mg/L of modified polyaspartic acid is used. | The present invention relates to processes for preparing modified polyaspartic acids, to modified polyaspartic acids prepared by these processes, and compositions comprising these modified polyaspartic acids. Compositions of this kind are especially cleaning, dishwashing and detergent compositions.1.-11. (canceled) 12. A process for preparing modified polyaspartic acid or salts thereof, comprising the following steps:
(i) polycondensation of
(a) 50 to 98 mol % of aspartic acid,
(b) 1 to 49 mol % of at least one compound containing carboxyl groups, and
(c) 1 to 30 mol % of a diamine or an amino alcohol,
at a temperature of 100 to 270° C. for 1 minute to 50 hours, where (b) is not aspartic acid;
(ii) subsequent hydrolysis of the cocondensates with addition of a base; and (iii) optional acidification of the salt of polyaspartic acid obtained in (ii) with mineral acids. 13. The process according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of (b):(c) is between 5:1 and 1:1.5. 14. The process according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of (b):(c) is between 2:1 and 1:1.2. 15. The process according to claim 14, wherein the polycondensation is of
(a) 60 to 90 mol % of aspartic acid, (b) 3 to 40 mol % of at least one compound containing carboxyl groups, and (c) 1 to 25 mol % of a diamine or an amino alcohol. 16. The process according to claim 12, wherein the polycondensation is of
(a) 70 to 95 mol % of aspartic acid, (b) 5 to 30 mol % of at least one compound containing carboxyl groups, and (c) 2 to 20 mol % of a diamine or an amino alcohol. 17. A modified polyaspartic acid or salts thereof obtained by the process according to claim 12. 18. A dishwashing composition comprising
(AS) 1-20 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid according to claim 14; (BS) 0-50 wt % of complexing agents; (CS) 0.1-80 wt % of builders and/or cobuilders; (DS) 0.1-20 wt % of nonionic surfactants; (ES) 0-30 wt % of bleaches, bleach activators and bleach catalysts; (FS) 0-8 wt % of enzymes; and (GS) 0-50 wt % of additives. 19. The dishwashing composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein component (As) is 1-15 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid 20. The dishwashing composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein component (As) is 2-12 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid 21. A detergent and cleaning composition in liquid or gel form, comprising
(AL) 0.1 to 20 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid according to claims 14, (BL) 1 to 80 wt % of surfactants, (CL) 0.1 to 50 wt % of builders, cobuilders and/or complexing agents, (DL) 0 to 20 wt % of bleach system, (EL) 0.1 to 60 wt % of detergent or cleaning composition ingredients, and (FL) 0 to 98.7 wt % of water. 22. A solid detergent and cleaning composition comprising
(AF) 0.1 to 20 wt % of at least one modified polyaspartic acid according to claim 14, (BF) 1 to 50 wt % of surfactants, (CF) 0.1 to 70 wt % of builders, cobuilders and/or complexing agents, (DF) 0 to 30 wt % of bleach system, and (EF) 0.1 to 70 wt % of detergent or cleaning composition ingredients. 23. A scale inhibitor and/or dispersant comprising the modified polyaspartic acid obtained according to process 12. 24. An additive in cleaning, dishwashing or detergent compositions which comprises the modified polyaspartic acid obtained according to process 12. 25. A scale inhibitor and/or dispersant in water-conducting systems which comprises the modified polyaspartic acid obtained according to process 12. 26. The scale inhibitor according to claim 24, wherein the water-conducting system is selected from the group consisting of seawater desalination plant, brackish water desalination plant, cooling water system, boiler feed water system and industrial process water. 27. The scale inhibitor according to claim 26, wherein 0.1 mg/L to 100 mg/L of modified polyaspartic acid is used. | 1,700 |
1,938 | 13,298,437 | 1,789 | A laminate material element for a hook-and-loop closure, particularly for a diaper closure, having a carrier and a textile material laminated onto the carrier, which material has a basic structure formed from threads, and additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting. The additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting form loops provided for making a connection with hook-and-loop hooks. At least a part of the threads or fibers of the basic structure is formed from polyamide. According to the invention, the additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting have polyolefin, particularly polypropylene, as their main component. | 1. A laminate material element for a hook-and-loop closure, particularly for a diaper closure, comprising:
a carrier; a textile material laminated onto the carrier, said textile material having a basic structure formed from threads or fibers, with additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by knitting, wherein the additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by knitting form loops provided for making a connection with hook-and-loop hooks, wherein at least a part of the threads or fibers of the basic structure is formed from polyamide, and wherein the additional threads have polyolefin as a main component. 2. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the basic structure is woven or knitted, and wherein at least one thread type that forms the basic structure is formed from polyamide. 3. The laminate material element according to claim 2, wherein the basic structure is composed of a first thread type and a second thread type and wherein the basic structure has wales in a knitting direction and stitch courses in a transverse direction, and wherein the first thread type is knitted in such a manner that the first thread type connects at least two wales. 4. The laminate material element according to claim 3, wherein the threads of the second thread type run precisely along each of the wale, in the knitting direction. 5. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is a film. 6. The laminate material element according to claim 5, wherein the film that forms the carrier has polyolefin as a main component, at least at a surface that is laminated to the textile material. 7. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier and the textile material are connected by an adhesive, not over their full area. 8. The laminate material element according to claim 7, wherein the adhesive is disposed in a pattern that is composed of adhesive surfaces and regions free of adhesive. 9. The laminate material element according to claim 7, wherein a proportion of the glued surface of the carrier and textile material amounts to 10% to 40% of the total area. 10. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier and the textile material are laminated using an adhesive comprising polyurethane. 11. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the textile material has a weight per surface area unit between 10 g/m2 and 40 g/m2. | A laminate material element for a hook-and-loop closure, particularly for a diaper closure, having a carrier and a textile material laminated onto the carrier, which material has a basic structure formed from threads, and additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting. The additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting form loops provided for making a connection with hook-and-loop hooks. At least a part of the threads or fibers of the basic structure is formed from polyamide. According to the invention, the additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting have polyolefin, particularly polypropylene, as their main component.1. A laminate material element for a hook-and-loop closure, particularly for a diaper closure, comprising:
a carrier; a textile material laminated onto the carrier, said textile material having a basic structure formed from threads or fibers, with additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by knitting, wherein the additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by knitting form loops provided for making a connection with hook-and-loop hooks, wherein at least a part of the threads or fibers of the basic structure is formed from polyamide, and wherein the additional threads have polyolefin as a main component. 2. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the basic structure is woven or knitted, and wherein at least one thread type that forms the basic structure is formed from polyamide. 3. The laminate material element according to claim 2, wherein the basic structure is composed of a first thread type and a second thread type and wherein the basic structure has wales in a knitting direction and stitch courses in a transverse direction, and wherein the first thread type is knitted in such a manner that the first thread type connects at least two wales. 4. The laminate material element according to claim 3, wherein the threads of the second thread type run precisely along each of the wale, in the knitting direction. 5. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is a film. 6. The laminate material element according to claim 5, wherein the film that forms the carrier has polyolefin as a main component, at least at a surface that is laminated to the textile material. 7. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier and the textile material are connected by an adhesive, not over their full area. 8. The laminate material element according to claim 7, wherein the adhesive is disposed in a pattern that is composed of adhesive surfaces and regions free of adhesive. 9. The laminate material element according to claim 7, wherein a proportion of the glued surface of the carrier and textile material amounts to 10% to 40% of the total area. 10. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier and the textile material are laminated using an adhesive comprising polyurethane. 11. The laminate material element according to claim 1, wherein the textile material has a weight per surface area unit between 10 g/m2 and 40 g/m2. | 1,700 |
1,939 | 14,744,971 | 1,797 | Methods are provided for detecting an analyte concentration/presence in a body fluid sample that include providing a set of at least two different evaluation rules, each evaluation rule adapted to derive a set characteristic values from an optical measurement curve, where at least one first characteristic value is derived from at least one first evaluation rule and at least one second characteristic value is derived from at least one second evaluation rule. The methods also include performing at least one multivariate analysis of the at least one first and second characteristic values by using at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm to derive at least one estimate value for at least one target variable Y of the state variables. The methods also include determining at least one analyte concentration by using the at least one target variable Y. Also provided are computer programs and devices that incorporate the same. | 1. A method for detecting an analyte in a body fluid sample, the method comprising the steps of:
a). providing at least one optical measurement curve, wherein the optical measurement curve contains a plurality of measurement values recorded by monitoring a time development of at least one measurement value indicating a progress of a detection reaction of at least one test substance and the body fluid sample, wherein the measurement values contained in the optical measurement curve are acquired at differing points in time, and wherein the detection reaction is influenced by a set of state variables, each state variable characterizing at least one of a state of the body fluid sample and a condition of the detection reaction; b). providing a set of at least two different evaluation rules, each evaluation rule adapted to derive a characteristic value from the optical measurement curve, thereby deriving a set of characteristic values X={Xi}i=1 . . . N from the optical measurement curve, the set of characteristic values comprising at least one first characteristic value being derived from the optical measurement curve by using at least one first evaluation rule from the set of evaluation rules and at least one second characteristic value being derived from the optical measurement curve by using at least one second evaluation rule from the set of evaluation rules, the second evaluation rule being different from the first evaluation rule; c). performing at least one multivariate analysis of the at least one first characteristic value and of the at least one second characteristic value by using at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm, the at least one multivariate evaluation algorithm adapted to derive at least one result from at least two variables, wherein the at least one first characteristic value and the at least one second characteristic value are used as the at least two variables, thereby deriving at least one estimate value for at least one target variable Y of the state variables; and d). determining at least one analyte concentration by using the at least one target variable Y. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the state variables are selected from the group consisting of a composition of the body fluid sample; a content of at least one particulate component of the body fluid sample; a temperature of the body fluid sample; a humidity of an ambient atmosphere surrounding the body fluid sample; a storage time of the test substance; an interfering substance; alterations of the body fluid sample or of certain properties of the body fluid sample caused by pharmacological treatment of a donor of the body fluid sample. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the particulate component of the body fluid sample is a hematocrit. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first evaluation rule may not be transformed into the second evaluation rule by a time transformation. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second evaluation rule differs from the first evaluation rule in at least one of: in at least one coefficient, in at least one parameter, and in at least one component related to the at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a third evaluation rule is provided, wherein in step c), the at least one first characteristic value is derived from the first evaluation rule, and wherein in the at least one multivariate evaluation algorithm, the second evaluation rule or the third evaluation rule is used depending on the at least one first characteristic value. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first characteristic value is determined by using a first time interval of the optical measurement curve, wherein the second characteristic value is determined by using a second time interval of the optical measurement curve, and wherein the first time interval of the optical measurement curve is different from the second time interval of the optical measurement curve. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the target value is different from the at least one analyte concentration. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two evaluation rules are adapted to derive the characteristic values from at least two derivatives of the optical measurement curve. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the target variable Y comprises the at least one analyte concentration in the body fluid sample. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein in step d), in addition to the at least one target variable Y, at least one electrochemical measurement value is used for determining the at least one analyte concentration, and wherein the electrochemical measurement value is determined by using at least one electrochemical measurement. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein by using the electrochemical measurement value, an approximated value of the at least one analyte concentration in the body fluid sample is determined, and wherein the target value Y is used for correcting the approximated value. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm comprises at least one polynomial algorithm selected from:
Y=A·X, (1);
Y=X T ·A·X, (2); and
Y=X T·(X T ·A·X), (3).
wherein A is a one-dimensional, a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional evaluation tensor. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm comprises at least one algorithm selected from:
Y=Σ i a i ·X i, (4);
Y=Σ i a i ·X i+Σi,j a ij ·X i ·X j, (5); and
Y=Σ i a i ·X i+Σi,j a ij ·X i ·X j+Σi,j,k a ijk ·X i ·X j ·X k, (6).
wherein ai, aij, aijk are predetermined coefficients, and wherein i, j and k are, mutually independently, integers from 1 to N. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one multivariate evaluation algorithm comprises a function involving at least one decision tree, and wherein the decision tree comprises at least one decision branch that allows selecting one out of at least two alternative procedures based on an assessment whether a predetermined condition may be fulfilled. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two different evaluation rules is selected from the group consisting of:
a). using a specific measurement value of the optical measurement curve or a derivative of the optical measurement curve at a predetermined point in time as the characteristic value; b). using a mean value of the optical measurement curve or a derivative of the optical measurement curve over a predetermined period of time as the characteristic value; c). using a characteristic point in time of the optical measurement curve or of a derivative of the optical measurement curve as the characteristic value; d). using a characteristic parameter of the optical measurement curve or of a derivative of the optical measurement curve as the characteristic value; e). using a fit parameter derived by at least one fitting process as the characteristic value, wherein the fitting process implies a fitting of at least one predetermined fit curve to at least a section of the optical measurement curve or of a derivative of the optical measurement curve; and e). using at least one value derived from a phase plot of at least two derivatives of different order of the optical measurement curve as the characteristic value, wherein the phase plot comprises at least one phase space curve. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein step b) comprises generating the set of evaluation rules, and wherein generating of the set of evaluation rules comprising the sub-steps of:
b1). providing a learning set of learning measurement curves, acquired by using a learning set of learning body fluids and by monitoring detection reactions of a test substance and test body fluids, wherein the test body fluids and the detection reactions are chosen such that the learning measurement curves are acquired with differing sets of state variables; b2). identifying a set of candidate evaluation rules and deriving a set of candidate characteristic values from the learning set of learning measurement curves; b3). determining a correlation between the candidate characteristic values for each candidate evaluation rule and the state variables; and b4). selecting the set of evaluation rules from the set of candidate evaluation rules by accounting for the correlations determined in sub-step b3). 18. A method of characterizing a body fluid sample, the method comprising the steps of:
A). bringing the body fluid sample into contact with at least one test substance, thereby initiating a detection reaction of the test substance and the body fluid sample, wherein the detection reaction is influenced by a set of state variables, each state variable characterizing at least one of a state of the body fluid sample and a condition of the detection reaction; B). monitoring a time development of at least one measurement value indicating a progress of the detection reaction, thereby recording an optical measurement curve containing a plurality of the measurement values acquired at differing points in time; C). evaluating the optical measurement curve by using the method of claim 1. 19. A computer program comprising computer-executable instructions for performing the method of claim 1 when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network. 20. A sample analysis device for characterizing a body fluid sample, the device comprising:
at least one measuring unit for measuring a detection reaction of at least one test substance and at least one body fluid sample, wherein the detection reaction is known to be influenced by a set of state variables, each state variable characterizing at least one of a state of the body fluid sample and a condition of the detection reaction, wherein the measuring unit is further adapted for monitoring a time development of at least one measurement value indicating a progress of the detection reaction, thereby recording an optical measurement curve containing a plurality of the measurement values acquired at different points in time; and at least one evaluation device for evaluating an optical measurement curve for analyzing the at least one body fluid sample, wherein the device comprises at least one evaluation unit, and wherein the evaluation unit is adapted to perform the method of claim 1. 21. The sample analysis device of claim 20 further comprising at least one test element, wherein the test element comprises the at least one test substance adapted to perform the detection reaction, and wherein the sample analysis device is adapted so that the body fluid sample is applicable to the test element. | Methods are provided for detecting an analyte concentration/presence in a body fluid sample that include providing a set of at least two different evaluation rules, each evaluation rule adapted to derive a set characteristic values from an optical measurement curve, where at least one first characteristic value is derived from at least one first evaluation rule and at least one second characteristic value is derived from at least one second evaluation rule. The methods also include performing at least one multivariate analysis of the at least one first and second characteristic values by using at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm to derive at least one estimate value for at least one target variable Y of the state variables. The methods also include determining at least one analyte concentration by using the at least one target variable Y. Also provided are computer programs and devices that incorporate the same.1. A method for detecting an analyte in a body fluid sample, the method comprising the steps of:
a). providing at least one optical measurement curve, wherein the optical measurement curve contains a plurality of measurement values recorded by monitoring a time development of at least one measurement value indicating a progress of a detection reaction of at least one test substance and the body fluid sample, wherein the measurement values contained in the optical measurement curve are acquired at differing points in time, and wherein the detection reaction is influenced by a set of state variables, each state variable characterizing at least one of a state of the body fluid sample and a condition of the detection reaction; b). providing a set of at least two different evaluation rules, each evaluation rule adapted to derive a characteristic value from the optical measurement curve, thereby deriving a set of characteristic values X={Xi}i=1 . . . N from the optical measurement curve, the set of characteristic values comprising at least one first characteristic value being derived from the optical measurement curve by using at least one first evaluation rule from the set of evaluation rules and at least one second characteristic value being derived from the optical measurement curve by using at least one second evaluation rule from the set of evaluation rules, the second evaluation rule being different from the first evaluation rule; c). performing at least one multivariate analysis of the at least one first characteristic value and of the at least one second characteristic value by using at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm, the at least one multivariate evaluation algorithm adapted to derive at least one result from at least two variables, wherein the at least one first characteristic value and the at least one second characteristic value are used as the at least two variables, thereby deriving at least one estimate value for at least one target variable Y of the state variables; and d). determining at least one analyte concentration by using the at least one target variable Y. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the state variables are selected from the group consisting of a composition of the body fluid sample; a content of at least one particulate component of the body fluid sample; a temperature of the body fluid sample; a humidity of an ambient atmosphere surrounding the body fluid sample; a storage time of the test substance; an interfering substance; alterations of the body fluid sample or of certain properties of the body fluid sample caused by pharmacological treatment of a donor of the body fluid sample. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the particulate component of the body fluid sample is a hematocrit. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first evaluation rule may not be transformed into the second evaluation rule by a time transformation. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second evaluation rule differs from the first evaluation rule in at least one of: in at least one coefficient, in at least one parameter, and in at least one component related to the at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a third evaluation rule is provided, wherein in step c), the at least one first characteristic value is derived from the first evaluation rule, and wherein in the at least one multivariate evaluation algorithm, the second evaluation rule or the third evaluation rule is used depending on the at least one first characteristic value. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first characteristic value is determined by using a first time interval of the optical measurement curve, wherein the second characteristic value is determined by using a second time interval of the optical measurement curve, and wherein the first time interval of the optical measurement curve is different from the second time interval of the optical measurement curve. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the target value is different from the at least one analyte concentration. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two evaluation rules are adapted to derive the characteristic values from at least two derivatives of the optical measurement curve. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the target variable Y comprises the at least one analyte concentration in the body fluid sample. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein in step d), in addition to the at least one target variable Y, at least one electrochemical measurement value is used for determining the at least one analyte concentration, and wherein the electrochemical measurement value is determined by using at least one electrochemical measurement. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein by using the electrochemical measurement value, an approximated value of the at least one analyte concentration in the body fluid sample is determined, and wherein the target value Y is used for correcting the approximated value. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm comprises at least one polynomial algorithm selected from:
Y=A·X, (1);
Y=X T ·A·X, (2); and
Y=X T·(X T ·A·X), (3).
wherein A is a one-dimensional, a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional evaluation tensor. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm comprises at least one algorithm selected from:
Y=Σ i a i ·X i, (4);
Y=Σ i a i ·X i+Σi,j a ij ·X i ·X j, (5); and
Y=Σ i a i ·X i+Σi,j a ij ·X i ·X j+Σi,j,k a ijk ·X i ·X j ·X k, (6).
wherein ai, aij, aijk are predetermined coefficients, and wherein i, j and k are, mutually independently, integers from 1 to N. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one multivariate evaluation algorithm comprises a function involving at least one decision tree, and wherein the decision tree comprises at least one decision branch that allows selecting one out of at least two alternative procedures based on an assessment whether a predetermined condition may be fulfilled. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two different evaluation rules is selected from the group consisting of:
a). using a specific measurement value of the optical measurement curve or a derivative of the optical measurement curve at a predetermined point in time as the characteristic value; b). using a mean value of the optical measurement curve or a derivative of the optical measurement curve over a predetermined period of time as the characteristic value; c). using a characteristic point in time of the optical measurement curve or of a derivative of the optical measurement curve as the characteristic value; d). using a characteristic parameter of the optical measurement curve or of a derivative of the optical measurement curve as the characteristic value; e). using a fit parameter derived by at least one fitting process as the characteristic value, wherein the fitting process implies a fitting of at least one predetermined fit curve to at least a section of the optical measurement curve or of a derivative of the optical measurement curve; and e). using at least one value derived from a phase plot of at least two derivatives of different order of the optical measurement curve as the characteristic value, wherein the phase plot comprises at least one phase space curve. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein step b) comprises generating the set of evaluation rules, and wherein generating of the set of evaluation rules comprising the sub-steps of:
b1). providing a learning set of learning measurement curves, acquired by using a learning set of learning body fluids and by monitoring detection reactions of a test substance and test body fluids, wherein the test body fluids and the detection reactions are chosen such that the learning measurement curves are acquired with differing sets of state variables; b2). identifying a set of candidate evaluation rules and deriving a set of candidate characteristic values from the learning set of learning measurement curves; b3). determining a correlation between the candidate characteristic values for each candidate evaluation rule and the state variables; and b4). selecting the set of evaluation rules from the set of candidate evaluation rules by accounting for the correlations determined in sub-step b3). 18. A method of characterizing a body fluid sample, the method comprising the steps of:
A). bringing the body fluid sample into contact with at least one test substance, thereby initiating a detection reaction of the test substance and the body fluid sample, wherein the detection reaction is influenced by a set of state variables, each state variable characterizing at least one of a state of the body fluid sample and a condition of the detection reaction; B). monitoring a time development of at least one measurement value indicating a progress of the detection reaction, thereby recording an optical measurement curve containing a plurality of the measurement values acquired at differing points in time; C). evaluating the optical measurement curve by using the method of claim 1. 19. A computer program comprising computer-executable instructions for performing the method of claim 1 when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network. 20. A sample analysis device for characterizing a body fluid sample, the device comprising:
at least one measuring unit for measuring a detection reaction of at least one test substance and at least one body fluid sample, wherein the detection reaction is known to be influenced by a set of state variables, each state variable characterizing at least one of a state of the body fluid sample and a condition of the detection reaction, wherein the measuring unit is further adapted for monitoring a time development of at least one measurement value indicating a progress of the detection reaction, thereby recording an optical measurement curve containing a plurality of the measurement values acquired at different points in time; and at least one evaluation device for evaluating an optical measurement curve for analyzing the at least one body fluid sample, wherein the device comprises at least one evaluation unit, and wherein the evaluation unit is adapted to perform the method of claim 1. 21. The sample analysis device of claim 20 further comprising at least one test element, wherein the test element comprises the at least one test substance adapted to perform the detection reaction, and wherein the sample analysis device is adapted so that the body fluid sample is applicable to the test element. | 1,700 |
1,940 | 14,125,399 | 1,729 | A fuel cell electrode catalyst which includes, at least, M1 that is at least one element selected from 3 to 7 group transition metal elements; M2 that is at least one element selected from iron group elements; M3 that is at least one element selected from 13 group elements; carbon; nitrogen; and oxygen, as constitutional elements, wherein when the atomic ratios of the elements (M1:M2:M3:carbon:nitrogen:oxygen) are represented by a:b:c:x:y:z, 0<a<1, 0<b≦0.5, 0<c<1, 0<x≦6, 0<y≦2, 0<z≦3 and a+b+c=1, and BET specific surface area is 100 m 2 /g or more. | 1. A fuel cell electrode catalyst comprising, at least:
M1 that is at least one element selected from 3 to 7 group transition metal elements; M2 that is at least one element selected from iron group elements; M3 that is at least one element selected from 13 group elements; carbon; nitrogen; and oxygen, as constitutional elements, wherein when the atomic ratios of the elements (M1:M2:M3:carbon:nitrogen:oxygen) are represented by a:b:c:x:y:z, 0<a<1, 0<b≦0.5, 0<c<1, 0<x≦6, 0<y≦2, 0<z≦3 and a+b+c=1 are satisfied, and wherein the BET specific surface area is 100 m2/g or more. 2. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium and tantalum. 3. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the M2 is iron. 4. The fuel cell electrode catalyst described in claim 1, wherein the M3 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron, aluminum, gallium and indium. 5. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium and tantalum; the M2 is iron; and the M3 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron, aluminum, gallium and indium. 6. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the “x” is 0.15 to 5. 7. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the “y” is 0.01 to 1.5. 8. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the “z” is 0.1 to 2.6. 9. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, which has (110) plane distance as measured by XRD measurement that is smaller than the (110) plane distance as measured by XRD measurement of a catalyst produced with no use of M3 by the same method as the catalyst as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. A process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst comprising:
Step 1 of mixing, at least, a compound containing M1 that is at least one element selected from 3 to 7 group elements; a compound containing M2 that is at least one element selected from iron group elements; a compound containing M3 that is at least one element selected from 13 group elements; a nitrogen-containing organic compound; and a solvent, to provide a catalyst precursor solution, Step 2 of removing the solvent from the catalyst precursor solution to obtain a sold residue, and Step 3 of thermally treating the solid residue obtained in Step 2 at a temperature of 500 to 1200° C., to provide an electrode catalyst. 11. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein the M1-containing compound is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of metal nitrates, metal organic acid salts, metal oxychlorides, metal alkoxides, metal halides, metal perchlorates and metal hypochlorites. 12. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein the nitrogen-containing organic compound has, in the molecule, at least one kind selected from amino group, nitrile group, imide group, imine group, nitro group, amide group, azide group, aziridine group, azo group, isocyanate group, isothiocyanate group, oxyme group, diazo group, nitroso group, pyrrole ring, porphyrin ring, imidazole ring, pyridine ring, pyrimidine ring and pyrazine ring. 13. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein the nitrogen-containing organic compound has, in the molecule, at least one group selected from hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, formyl group, halocarbonyl group, sulfonic acid group, phosphoric acid group, ketone group, ether group and ester group. 14. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein in Step 3, the solid residue is thermally treated in an atmosphere containing an argon gas, a helium gas or a nitrogen gas. 15. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein in Step 3, the solid residue is thermally treated in an atmosphere containing a hydrogen gas. 16. An ink prepared by using the fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1. 17. A fuel cell catalyst layer prepared by using the ink according to claim 16. 18. An electrode comprising a fuel cell catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, wherein the fuel cell catalyst layer is the fuel cell catalyst layer according to claim 17. 19. A membrane electrode assembly comprising a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein the cathode is the electrode according to claim 18. 20. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the membrane electrode assembly according to claim 19. | A fuel cell electrode catalyst which includes, at least, M1 that is at least one element selected from 3 to 7 group transition metal elements; M2 that is at least one element selected from iron group elements; M3 that is at least one element selected from 13 group elements; carbon; nitrogen; and oxygen, as constitutional elements, wherein when the atomic ratios of the elements (M1:M2:M3:carbon:nitrogen:oxygen) are represented by a:b:c:x:y:z, 0<a<1, 0<b≦0.5, 0<c<1, 0<x≦6, 0<y≦2, 0<z≦3 and a+b+c=1, and BET specific surface area is 100 m 2 /g or more.1. A fuel cell electrode catalyst comprising, at least:
M1 that is at least one element selected from 3 to 7 group transition metal elements; M2 that is at least one element selected from iron group elements; M3 that is at least one element selected from 13 group elements; carbon; nitrogen; and oxygen, as constitutional elements, wherein when the atomic ratios of the elements (M1:M2:M3:carbon:nitrogen:oxygen) are represented by a:b:c:x:y:z, 0<a<1, 0<b≦0.5, 0<c<1, 0<x≦6, 0<y≦2, 0<z≦3 and a+b+c=1 are satisfied, and wherein the BET specific surface area is 100 m2/g or more. 2. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium and tantalum. 3. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the M2 is iron. 4. The fuel cell electrode catalyst described in claim 1, wherein the M3 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron, aluminum, gallium and indium. 5. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium and tantalum; the M2 is iron; and the M3 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron, aluminum, gallium and indium. 6. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the “x” is 0.15 to 5. 7. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the “y” is 0.01 to 1.5. 8. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, wherein the “z” is 0.1 to 2.6. 9. The fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1, which has (110) plane distance as measured by XRD measurement that is smaller than the (110) plane distance as measured by XRD measurement of a catalyst produced with no use of M3 by the same method as the catalyst as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. A process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst comprising:
Step 1 of mixing, at least, a compound containing M1 that is at least one element selected from 3 to 7 group elements; a compound containing M2 that is at least one element selected from iron group elements; a compound containing M3 that is at least one element selected from 13 group elements; a nitrogen-containing organic compound; and a solvent, to provide a catalyst precursor solution, Step 2 of removing the solvent from the catalyst precursor solution to obtain a sold residue, and Step 3 of thermally treating the solid residue obtained in Step 2 at a temperature of 500 to 1200° C., to provide an electrode catalyst. 11. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein the M1-containing compound is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of metal nitrates, metal organic acid salts, metal oxychlorides, metal alkoxides, metal halides, metal perchlorates and metal hypochlorites. 12. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein the nitrogen-containing organic compound has, in the molecule, at least one kind selected from amino group, nitrile group, imide group, imine group, nitro group, amide group, azide group, aziridine group, azo group, isocyanate group, isothiocyanate group, oxyme group, diazo group, nitroso group, pyrrole ring, porphyrin ring, imidazole ring, pyridine ring, pyrimidine ring and pyrazine ring. 13. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein the nitrogen-containing organic compound has, in the molecule, at least one group selected from hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, formyl group, halocarbonyl group, sulfonic acid group, phosphoric acid group, ketone group, ether group and ester group. 14. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein in Step 3, the solid residue is thermally treated in an atmosphere containing an argon gas, a helium gas or a nitrogen gas. 15. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 10, wherein in Step 3, the solid residue is thermally treated in an atmosphere containing a hydrogen gas. 16. An ink prepared by using the fuel cell electrode catalyst according to claim 1. 17. A fuel cell catalyst layer prepared by using the ink according to claim 16. 18. An electrode comprising a fuel cell catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, wherein the fuel cell catalyst layer is the fuel cell catalyst layer according to claim 17. 19. A membrane electrode assembly comprising a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein the cathode is the electrode according to claim 18. 20. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the membrane electrode assembly according to claim 19. | 1,700 |
1,941 | 13,577,356 | 1,793 | The present invention relates to a drink which is an oil-in-water emulsion and which comprises hydrocolloids, where the hydrocolloids are a mixture of gellan and pectin, and where the oil phase or fat phase comprises sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols or a mixture of these substances. The hydrocolloids prevent or retard the settling of a precipitate of the oil phase or fat phase of the oil-in-water emulsion. | 1-15. (canceled) 16. A drink which is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising an aqueous phase, an oil phase or fat phase which is dispersed in the aqueous phase, and at least one hydrocolloid, wherein the oil phase or fat phase has a higher density than the aqueous phase, and wherein the hydrocolloid is a mixture of gellan and pectin, and wherein the oil phase or fat phase comprises sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols or a mixture of these substances. 17. The drink of claim 16, where the drink comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of aqueous phase, 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of oil phase or fat phase and 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of hydrocolloid. 18. The drink of claim 17, wherein the viscosity of the drink at 23° C. is not higher than 50 mPas, as measured using a rotary viscometer of the Bohlin C-VOR type at 23° C. and the parameters 1200 rpm, PP40 (“plate plate 40 mm”) and 0.3 mm gap. 19. The drink of claim 16, wherein the hydrocolloid is a mixture of gellan and pectin in the mass ratio 1:10 to 10:1. 20. The drink of claim 16, wherein the oil phase or fat phase comprises at least 75% by weight of sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols or a mixture of these substances. 21. The drink of claim 16, wherein the sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols are phytosterols or phytostanols or fatty acid esters of phytosterols or fatty acid esters of phytostanols. 22. The drink of claim 16, wherein the oil phase or fat phase comprises phytosterols or fatty acid esters of phytosterols. 23. The drink of claim 16, wherein the drink further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of aroma substances, sweeteners, sugars, dyes, antioxidants, plant extracts, fruit extracts, and mixtures thereof. 24. The drink of claim 16, wherein the drink comprises less than 0.1% by weight of proteins. 25. The drink of claim 24, wherein the drink comprises no proteins. 26. The drink of claim 16, wherein the drink comprises less than 0.1% by weight of emulsifiers. 27. The drink of claim 26, wherein the drink comprises no emulsifiers. 28. A fat powder for producing the drink of claim 16, where the fat powder comprises the oil phase or fat phase and the hydrocolloid. 29. An emulsion for producing the drink of claim 16, where the emulsion comprises the oil phase or fat phase, the hydrocolloid, and a portion of the aqueous phase of the drink. 30. A method for producing the drink from the fat powder of claim 28, comprising dispersing the fat powder in the aqueous phase of the drink. 31. A method for producing the drink from the emulsion of claim 29, comprising bringing together the emulsion with the as yet lacking aqueous phase. | The present invention relates to a drink which is an oil-in-water emulsion and which comprises hydrocolloids, where the hydrocolloids are a mixture of gellan and pectin, and where the oil phase or fat phase comprises sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols or a mixture of these substances. The hydrocolloids prevent or retard the settling of a precipitate of the oil phase or fat phase of the oil-in-water emulsion.1-15. (canceled) 16. A drink which is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising an aqueous phase, an oil phase or fat phase which is dispersed in the aqueous phase, and at least one hydrocolloid, wherein the oil phase or fat phase has a higher density than the aqueous phase, and wherein the hydrocolloid is a mixture of gellan and pectin, and wherein the oil phase or fat phase comprises sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols or a mixture of these substances. 17. The drink of claim 16, where the drink comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of aqueous phase, 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of oil phase or fat phase and 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of hydrocolloid. 18. The drink of claim 17, wherein the viscosity of the drink at 23° C. is not higher than 50 mPas, as measured using a rotary viscometer of the Bohlin C-VOR type at 23° C. and the parameters 1200 rpm, PP40 (“plate plate 40 mm”) and 0.3 mm gap. 19. The drink of claim 16, wherein the hydrocolloid is a mixture of gellan and pectin in the mass ratio 1:10 to 10:1. 20. The drink of claim 16, wherein the oil phase or fat phase comprises at least 75% by weight of sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols or a mixture of these substances. 21. The drink of claim 16, wherein the sterols or stanols or fatty acid esters of sterols or fatty acid esters of stanols are phytosterols or phytostanols or fatty acid esters of phytosterols or fatty acid esters of phytostanols. 22. The drink of claim 16, wherein the oil phase or fat phase comprises phytosterols or fatty acid esters of phytosterols. 23. The drink of claim 16, wherein the drink further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of aroma substances, sweeteners, sugars, dyes, antioxidants, plant extracts, fruit extracts, and mixtures thereof. 24. The drink of claim 16, wherein the drink comprises less than 0.1% by weight of proteins. 25. The drink of claim 24, wherein the drink comprises no proteins. 26. The drink of claim 16, wherein the drink comprises less than 0.1% by weight of emulsifiers. 27. The drink of claim 26, wherein the drink comprises no emulsifiers. 28. A fat powder for producing the drink of claim 16, where the fat powder comprises the oil phase or fat phase and the hydrocolloid. 29. An emulsion for producing the drink of claim 16, where the emulsion comprises the oil phase or fat phase, the hydrocolloid, and a portion of the aqueous phase of the drink. 30. A method for producing the drink from the fat powder of claim 28, comprising dispersing the fat powder in the aqueous phase of the drink. 31. A method for producing the drink from the emulsion of claim 29, comprising bringing together the emulsion with the as yet lacking aqueous phase. | 1,700 |
1,942 | 13,511,527 | 1,768 | The present invention relates to a PVC-free floor or wall covering comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic composition, said composition comprising: a polymer matrix comprising at least two polymers, said matrix comprising at least 5 parts of at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups; the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts, and at least 100 parts of at least one filler per 100 parts of polymer. | 1. PVC-free floor or wall covering comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic composition, said composition comprising:
a polymer matrix comprising at least two polymers, said matrix comprising at least 5 parts of at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts, and
at least 100 parts of at least one filler per 100 parts of polymer. 2. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1 wherein the acid anhydride groups of the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups are grafted on an olefin polymer. 3. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1 wherein the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups is an ethylene-acrylic ester-acid anhydride terpolymer. 4. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filler is present in an amount between 100 and 500 parts per 100 parts of polymer. 5. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filler is present in an amount between 200 and 350 parts per 100 parts of polymer. 6. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the amount of acid anhydride groups in the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups is between 0.5 and 3.1 wt %. 7. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the acid anhydride is maleic anhydride. 8. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups represents between 10 and 40 parts per 100 parts of the total amount of polymer or polymers of the thermoplastic composition. 9. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 8, wherein the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups represents between 10 and 30 parts per 100 parts of the total amount of polymer or polymers of the thermoplastic composition. 10. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of EVA, EMA, EBA, EEA, EPM, EPDM, VLDPE, LLDPE, polyolefin elastomers (POE), polyolefin plastomers (POP), and mixtures thereof. 11. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filler is calcium carbonate and/or calcium magnesium carbonate. 12. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition further comprises 0.5 to 4 parts of stearic acid and/or 2 to 25 parts of a mineral oil per 100 parts of polymer. 13. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one layer is a support layer of a multiple layer floor or wall covering in the form of rolls or tiles. 14. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
60 to 90 parts of POE or POP having a density between 0.880 and 0.902 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. 15. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
50 to 70 parts of EVA; 20 to 40 parts of a POE or POP having a density between 0.870 and 0.902 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. 16. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
20 to 40 parts of EVA; 20 to 40 parts of VLDPE having a density between 0.895 and 0.905 g/cm3; 20 to 40 parts of POE or POP having a density between 0.870 and 0.902 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. 17. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
30 to 45 parts of a LLDPE, having a density between 0.915 and 0.925 g/cm3; 30 to 45 parts of a VLDPE, having a density between 0.895 and 0.905 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. | The present invention relates to a PVC-free floor or wall covering comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic composition, said composition comprising: a polymer matrix comprising at least two polymers, said matrix comprising at least 5 parts of at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups; the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts, and at least 100 parts of at least one filler per 100 parts of polymer.1. PVC-free floor or wall covering comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic composition, said composition comprising:
a polymer matrix comprising at least two polymers, said matrix comprising at least 5 parts of at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts, and
at least 100 parts of at least one filler per 100 parts of polymer. 2. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1 wherein the acid anhydride groups of the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups are grafted on an olefin polymer. 3. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1 wherein the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups is an ethylene-acrylic ester-acid anhydride terpolymer. 4. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filler is present in an amount between 100 and 500 parts per 100 parts of polymer. 5. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filler is present in an amount between 200 and 350 parts per 100 parts of polymer. 6. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the amount of acid anhydride groups in the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups is between 0.5 and 3.1 wt %. 7. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the acid anhydride is maleic anhydride. 8. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups represents between 10 and 40 parts per 100 parts of the total amount of polymer or polymers of the thermoplastic composition. 9. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 8, wherein the at least one polymer with acid anhydride groups represents between 10 and 30 parts per 100 parts of the total amount of polymer or polymers of the thermoplastic composition. 10. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of EVA, EMA, EBA, EEA, EPM, EPDM, VLDPE, LLDPE, polyolefin elastomers (POE), polyolefin plastomers (POP), and mixtures thereof. 11. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filler is calcium carbonate and/or calcium magnesium carbonate. 12. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition further comprises 0.5 to 4 parts of stearic acid and/or 2 to 25 parts of a mineral oil per 100 parts of polymer. 13. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the at least one layer is a support layer of a multiple layer floor or wall covering in the form of rolls or tiles. 14. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
60 to 90 parts of POE or POP having a density between 0.880 and 0.902 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. 15. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
50 to 70 parts of EVA; 20 to 40 parts of a POE or POP having a density between 0.870 and 0.902 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. 16. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
20 to 40 parts of EVA; 20 to 40 parts of VLDPE having a density between 0.895 and 0.905 g/cm3; 20 to 40 parts of POE or POP having a density between 0.870 and 0.902 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. 17. PVC-free floor or wall covering according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises:
30 to 45 parts of a LLDPE, having a density between 0.915 and 0.925 g/cm3; 30 to 45 parts of a VLDPE, having a density between 0.895 and 0.905 g/cm3; 10 to 40 parts of the polymer with acid anhydride groups; 100 to 500 parts of filler per 100 parts of polymer;
the total amount of the polymers being combined to 100 parts. | 1,700 |
1,943 | 12,329,064 | 1,794 | A method and apparatus for sputter depositing an insulation layer onto a surface of a cavity formed in a substrate and having a high aspect ratio is provided. A target formed at least in part from a material to be included in the insulation layer and the substrate are provided in a substantially enclosed chamber defined by a housing. A plasma is ignited within the substantially enclosed chamber and a magnetic field is provided adjacent to a surface of the target to at least partially contain the plasma adjacent to the surface of the target. A voltage is rapidly increased to repeatedly establish high-power electric pulses between a cathode and an anode. An average power of the electric pulses is at least 0.1 kW, and can optionally be much greater. An operational parameter of the sputter deposition is controlled to promote sputter depositing of the insulation layer in a transition mode between a metallic mode and a reactive mode. | 1. A sputtering apparatus for sputter depositing an insulation layer onto a surface of a cavity formed in a substrate and having a high aspect ratio, the apparatus comprising:
a housing defining a substantially enclosed chamber; a pedestal to be exposed to an interior of said chamber for supporting the substrate at an appropriate position within said chamber during sputter depositing; a magnet assembly for providing a magnetic field adjacent to a surface of a target formed at least in part from a material to be included in the insulation layer to be deposited onto the surfaces of the cavity; a power supply for establishing high-power electric pulses with a rapid voltage increase in a plasma to be maintained within the magnetic field between a cathode and an anode, wherein an average power of the electric pulses is at least 0.1 kW; and a controller for controlling an operational parameter of the sputtering apparatus to conduct the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in a transition mode between a metallic mode and a reactive mode. 2. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a variable-rate flow controller for governing a flow rate of a reactive sputter gas into the substantially enclosed chamber, wherein the operational parameter controlled by the controller to conduct the sputter depositing in the transition mode is the flow rate of the reactive sputter gas. 3. The sputtering apparatus of claim 2, wherein the reactive sputtering gas is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen. 4. The sputtering apparatus of claim 3, wherein the material of the target to be included in the insulation layer is selected from the group consisting of silicon and aluminum. 5. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein a voltage of the electric pulses is maintained substantially constant during the sputter depositing of the insulation layer. 6. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational parameter controlled by the controller to conduct the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode is a duration of the electric pulses. 7. The sputtering apparatus of claim 6, wherein the duration of the electric pulses is controlled by the controller and at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 8. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational parameter controlled by the controller to conduct the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode is a frequency of the electric pulses. 9. The sputtering apparatus of claim 8, wherein the frequency of the electric pulses is controlled by the controller and at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 10. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a variable power source electrically connected to the pedestal for applying a high-frequency signal to the pedestal for supporting the substrate to generate a self-bias field adjacent to said substrate. 11. The sputtering apparatus of claim 10 further comprising an impedance matching network for matching an impedance of a load supplied with the high-frequency signal generated by the variable power source to sustain an increasing voltage as an impedance of the insulation layer increases. 12. The sputtering apparatus of claim 11, wherein the impedance matching network establishes a maximum self-bias voltage approximately simultaneously with a maximum discharge current delivered by the power supply establishing the high-power electric pulses. 13. The sputtering apparatus of claim I, wherein a specific deposition rate of the insulation layer deposited in the transition mode is at least 2.5 Å/kWs. 14. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein a specific deposition rate of the insulation layer deposited in the transition mode is within a range from about 2.5 Å/kWs to about 4.2 Å/kWs. 15. A method of sputter depositing an insulation layer onto a surface of a cavity formed in a substrate and having a high aspect ratio, the method comprising:
providing a target formed at least in part from a material to be included in the insulation layer and the substrate in a substantially enclosed chamber defined by a housing; igniting a plasma within the substantially enclosed chamber; providing a magnetic field adjacent to a surface of the target to at least partially contain the plasma adjacent to the surface of the target; rapidly increasing a voltage to repeatedly establish high-power electric pulses between a cathode and an anode, wherein an average power of the electric pulses is at least 0.1 kW; controlling an operational parameter to promote the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in a transition mode between a metallic mode and a reactive mode; and reacting the material from the target with a reactive gas within the substantially enclosed chamber to form an insulating material and depositing the insulating material onto the surface of the cavity. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising depositing a dielectric layer onto the surface of the cavity before sputter depositing the insulating material onto the surface of the cavity, wherein the dielectric layer separates the insulation layer from the surface of the cavity. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein controlling the operational parameter to promote the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode comprises controlling a duration of the electric pulses to substantially minimize an average discharge current of the electric pulses. 18. The sputtering apparatus of claim 17 further comprising maintaining at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 19. The sputtering apparatus of claim 15, wherein controlling the operational parameter to promote the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode comprises controlling a frequency of the electric pulses. 20. The sputtering apparatus of claim 19 further comprising maintaining at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 21. The sputtering apparatus of claim 15 further comprising applying a high-frequency signal to a support for supporting the substrate within the substantially enclosed chamber to generate a self-bias field adjacent to said substrate. 22. The sputtering apparatus of claim 21 further comprising matching an impedance of a load supplied with the high-frequency signal generated by a variable power source to sustain an increasing voltage as an impedance of the insulation layer increases. 23. The sputtering apparatus of claim 22, wherein the impedance matching network establishes a maximum self-bias voltage approximately simultaneously with a maximum discharge current delivered by the power supply establishing the high-power electric pulses. | A method and apparatus for sputter depositing an insulation layer onto a surface of a cavity formed in a substrate and having a high aspect ratio is provided. A target formed at least in part from a material to be included in the insulation layer and the substrate are provided in a substantially enclosed chamber defined by a housing. A plasma is ignited within the substantially enclosed chamber and a magnetic field is provided adjacent to a surface of the target to at least partially contain the plasma adjacent to the surface of the target. A voltage is rapidly increased to repeatedly establish high-power electric pulses between a cathode and an anode. An average power of the electric pulses is at least 0.1 kW, and can optionally be much greater. An operational parameter of the sputter deposition is controlled to promote sputter depositing of the insulation layer in a transition mode between a metallic mode and a reactive mode.1. A sputtering apparatus for sputter depositing an insulation layer onto a surface of a cavity formed in a substrate and having a high aspect ratio, the apparatus comprising:
a housing defining a substantially enclosed chamber; a pedestal to be exposed to an interior of said chamber for supporting the substrate at an appropriate position within said chamber during sputter depositing; a magnet assembly for providing a magnetic field adjacent to a surface of a target formed at least in part from a material to be included in the insulation layer to be deposited onto the surfaces of the cavity; a power supply for establishing high-power electric pulses with a rapid voltage increase in a plasma to be maintained within the magnetic field between a cathode and an anode, wherein an average power of the electric pulses is at least 0.1 kW; and a controller for controlling an operational parameter of the sputtering apparatus to conduct the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in a transition mode between a metallic mode and a reactive mode. 2. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a variable-rate flow controller for governing a flow rate of a reactive sputter gas into the substantially enclosed chamber, wherein the operational parameter controlled by the controller to conduct the sputter depositing in the transition mode is the flow rate of the reactive sputter gas. 3. The sputtering apparatus of claim 2, wherein the reactive sputtering gas is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen. 4. The sputtering apparatus of claim 3, wherein the material of the target to be included in the insulation layer is selected from the group consisting of silicon and aluminum. 5. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein a voltage of the electric pulses is maintained substantially constant during the sputter depositing of the insulation layer. 6. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational parameter controlled by the controller to conduct the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode is a duration of the electric pulses. 7. The sputtering apparatus of claim 6, wherein the duration of the electric pulses is controlled by the controller and at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 8. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational parameter controlled by the controller to conduct the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode is a frequency of the electric pulses. 9. The sputtering apparatus of claim 8, wherein the frequency of the electric pulses is controlled by the controller and at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 10. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a variable power source electrically connected to the pedestal for applying a high-frequency signal to the pedestal for supporting the substrate to generate a self-bias field adjacent to said substrate. 11. The sputtering apparatus of claim 10 further comprising an impedance matching network for matching an impedance of a load supplied with the high-frequency signal generated by the variable power source to sustain an increasing voltage as an impedance of the insulation layer increases. 12. The sputtering apparatus of claim 11, wherein the impedance matching network establishes a maximum self-bias voltage approximately simultaneously with a maximum discharge current delivered by the power supply establishing the high-power electric pulses. 13. The sputtering apparatus of claim I, wherein a specific deposition rate of the insulation layer deposited in the transition mode is at least 2.5 Å/kWs. 14. The sputtering apparatus of claim 1, wherein a specific deposition rate of the insulation layer deposited in the transition mode is within a range from about 2.5 Å/kWs to about 4.2 Å/kWs. 15. A method of sputter depositing an insulation layer onto a surface of a cavity formed in a substrate and having a high aspect ratio, the method comprising:
providing a target formed at least in part from a material to be included in the insulation layer and the substrate in a substantially enclosed chamber defined by a housing; igniting a plasma within the substantially enclosed chamber; providing a magnetic field adjacent to a surface of the target to at least partially contain the plasma adjacent to the surface of the target; rapidly increasing a voltage to repeatedly establish high-power electric pulses between a cathode and an anode, wherein an average power of the electric pulses is at least 0.1 kW; controlling an operational parameter to promote the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in a transition mode between a metallic mode and a reactive mode; and reacting the material from the target with a reactive gas within the substantially enclosed chamber to form an insulating material and depositing the insulating material onto the surface of the cavity. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising depositing a dielectric layer onto the surface of the cavity before sputter depositing the insulating material onto the surface of the cavity, wherein the dielectric layer separates the insulation layer from the surface of the cavity. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein controlling the operational parameter to promote the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode comprises controlling a duration of the electric pulses to substantially minimize an average discharge current of the electric pulses. 18. The sputtering apparatus of claim 17 further comprising maintaining at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 19. The sputtering apparatus of claim 15, wherein controlling the operational parameter to promote the sputter depositing of the insulation layer substantially in the transition mode comprises controlling a frequency of the electric pulses. 20. The sputtering apparatus of claim 19 further comprising maintaining at least one of a voltage of the electric pulses and a flow rate of a reactive gas into the substantially enclosed chamber is maintained at a substantially constant value. 21. The sputtering apparatus of claim 15 further comprising applying a high-frequency signal to a support for supporting the substrate within the substantially enclosed chamber to generate a self-bias field adjacent to said substrate. 22. The sputtering apparatus of claim 21 further comprising matching an impedance of a load supplied with the high-frequency signal generated by a variable power source to sustain an increasing voltage as an impedance of the insulation layer increases. 23. The sputtering apparatus of claim 22, wherein the impedance matching network establishes a maximum self-bias voltage approximately simultaneously with a maximum discharge current delivered by the power supply establishing the high-power electric pulses. | 1,700 |
1,944 | 15,228,543 | 1,735 | A method of manufacturing a component includes additively manufacturing a crucible; directionally solidifying a metal material within the crucible; and removing the crucible to reveal the component. A component for a gas turbine engine includes a directionally solidified metal material component, the directionally solidified metal material component having been additively manufactured of a metal material concurrently with a core, the metal material having been remelted and directionally solidified. | 1. A method of manufacturing a component, comprising:
additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of the component; solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a metal directionally solidified microstructure within the component; and removing the crucible to reveal the component. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a single crystal microstructure. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a columnar grain microstructure. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal material is selected from the group consisting of a nickel based superalloy, cobalt based superalloy, iron based superalloy, and mixtures thereof. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the crucible is additively manufactured of at least one of a ceramic material or a refractory metal material. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of adding the metal material in powder faun to the crucible. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the crucible includes a core at least partially within a shell, the core at least partially defines at least one internal passageway within the component. 8. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising forming the core via additive manufacturing. 9. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising forming the shell via additive manufacturing. 10. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the core at least partially defines the internal passageways within the component. 11. A component for a gas turbine engine, comprising:
a directionally solidified material component, said component having been additively manufactured of a metal material concurrently with a core that foams the internal passageways, the metal material having been remelted and directionally solidified. 12. The component of claim 11, wherein the metal material has a single crystal microstructure. 13. The component of claim 11, wherein the metal material has a columnar grain microstructure. 14. The component of claim 11, wherein the directionally solidified metal material component includes an airfoil. 15. The component of claim 14, wherein the directionally solidified metal material component is a rotor blade. | A method of manufacturing a component includes additively manufacturing a crucible; directionally solidifying a metal material within the crucible; and removing the crucible to reveal the component. A component for a gas turbine engine includes a directionally solidified metal material component, the directionally solidified metal material component having been additively manufactured of a metal material concurrently with a core, the metal material having been remelted and directionally solidified.1. A method of manufacturing a component, comprising:
additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of the component; solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a metal directionally solidified microstructure within the component; and removing the crucible to reveal the component. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a single crystal microstructure. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a columnar grain microstructure. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal material is selected from the group consisting of a nickel based superalloy, cobalt based superalloy, iron based superalloy, and mixtures thereof. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the crucible is additively manufactured of at least one of a ceramic material or a refractory metal material. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of adding the metal material in powder faun to the crucible. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the crucible includes a core at least partially within a shell, the core at least partially defines at least one internal passageway within the component. 8. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising forming the core via additive manufacturing. 9. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising forming the shell via additive manufacturing. 10. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the core at least partially defines the internal passageways within the component. 11. A component for a gas turbine engine, comprising:
a directionally solidified material component, said component having been additively manufactured of a metal material concurrently with a core that foams the internal passageways, the metal material having been remelted and directionally solidified. 12. The component of claim 11, wherein the metal material has a single crystal microstructure. 13. The component of claim 11, wherein the metal material has a columnar grain microstructure. 14. The component of claim 11, wherein the directionally solidified metal material component includes an airfoil. 15. The component of claim 14, wherein the directionally solidified metal material component is a rotor blade. | 1,700 |
1,945 | 14,619,412 | 1,723 | A battery housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle is disclosed that includes a plurality of elongated impact absorbing members attached to the walls of the enclosure. The impact absorbing members may be integrally formed with the walls of the enclosure. The impact absorbing members include an arcuate wall that is designed to be deformed in the event of an impact to absorb impact forces and protect the battery. The impact absorbing members may be oriented to extend either in a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation. The impact absorbing members may be retained by T-shaped guide on the outer surface of the walls of the enclosure or may be integrally formed in one piece on the outer surface of each of the walls of the enclosure. | 1. A housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle comprising:
a plurality of vertical walls; a top wall; a bottom wall; and a plurality of elongated impact absorbing members each have a length, wherein the length of the impact absorbing members on the top wall and the bottom wall extend horizontally and the length of the impact absorbing members on some of the vertical walls extend vertically. 2. The housing of claim 1 impact absorbing members on the top and bottom walls extend in the horizontally in the fore-and-aft direction. 3. The housing of claim 2 wherein the impact absorbing members are arc-shaped and are generated as an arc about an axis of curvature that is parallel to the length of the impact absorbing members. 4. The housing of claim 1 wherein the impact absorbing members on the vertical walls include front and rear walls that extend in the vertical direction above and below the impact absorbing members on the top and bottom walls. 5. The housing of claim 1 wherein the impact absorbing members are retained by T-shaped guides on the outer surface of each of the walls. 6. The housing of claim 1 wherein the impact absorbing members are integrally formed in one piece on the outer surface of each of the walls. 7. A housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle comprising:
a plurality of vertical walls including a front wall, a rear wall, a right wall and a left wall; and a plurality of elongated impact absorbing members disposed on outer surfaces of each of the walls, wherein impact absorbing members on the right wall and the left wall extend horizontally fore-and-aft beyond the front wall and the rear wall. 8. The housing of claim 7 further comprising a top wall and a bottom wall wherein the impact absorbing members each have a length, wherein the length of the impact absorbing members on the front wall and rear wall extend in the vertical direction and the length of the impact absorbing members on the top wall and bottom wall extend horizontally in the fore-and-aft direction beyond the front wall and the rear wall. 9. The housing of claim 8 wherein the impact absorbing members are arc-shaped and are generated as an arc about an axis of curvature that is parallel to the length of the impact absorbing members. 10. The housing of claim 7 wherein the impact absorbing members each have a length, wherein the impact absorbing members on the front wall and rear wall have a length extending in the vertical direction, the impact absorbing members on the right wall and left wall have a length extending in the horizontal direction, and the impact absorbing members on the top and bottom walls have a length extending in the horizontal direction and coextensive with the front wall and rear wall. 11. The housing of claim 7 wherein the impact absorbing members are retained by T-shaped guides on the outer surface of each of the walls. 12. The housing of claim 7 wherein the impact absorbing members are integrally formed in one piece on the outer surface of each of the walls. 13. A method of providing a battery enclosure for a vehicle having a battery powered traction motor comprising:
providing a plurality of vertically extending sides and at least one horizontally extending side, wherein each of the sides has a planar wall and a plurality of impact absorbing walls spaced from the planar walls that each define a pocket; and assembling the sides together about the battery to form an impact absorbing assembly outside the battery. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the impact absorbing walls are assembled to the planar walls. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the planar walls have T-shaped guides to which the impact absorbing walls are attached. 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of extruding the impact absorbing walls and the planar walls of each of the vertically extending sides and the at least one horizontally extending side. | A battery housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle is disclosed that includes a plurality of elongated impact absorbing members attached to the walls of the enclosure. The impact absorbing members may be integrally formed with the walls of the enclosure. The impact absorbing members include an arcuate wall that is designed to be deformed in the event of an impact to absorb impact forces and protect the battery. The impact absorbing members may be oriented to extend either in a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation. The impact absorbing members may be retained by T-shaped guide on the outer surface of the walls of the enclosure or may be integrally formed in one piece on the outer surface of each of the walls of the enclosure.1. A housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle comprising:
a plurality of vertical walls; a top wall; a bottom wall; and a plurality of elongated impact absorbing members each have a length, wherein the length of the impact absorbing members on the top wall and the bottom wall extend horizontally and the length of the impact absorbing members on some of the vertical walls extend vertically. 2. The housing of claim 1 impact absorbing members on the top and bottom walls extend in the horizontally in the fore-and-aft direction. 3. The housing of claim 2 wherein the impact absorbing members are arc-shaped and are generated as an arc about an axis of curvature that is parallel to the length of the impact absorbing members. 4. The housing of claim 1 wherein the impact absorbing members on the vertical walls include front and rear walls that extend in the vertical direction above and below the impact absorbing members on the top and bottom walls. 5. The housing of claim 1 wherein the impact absorbing members are retained by T-shaped guides on the outer surface of each of the walls. 6. The housing of claim 1 wherein the impact absorbing members are integrally formed in one piece on the outer surface of each of the walls. 7. A housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle comprising:
a plurality of vertical walls including a front wall, a rear wall, a right wall and a left wall; and a plurality of elongated impact absorbing members disposed on outer surfaces of each of the walls, wherein impact absorbing members on the right wall and the left wall extend horizontally fore-and-aft beyond the front wall and the rear wall. 8. The housing of claim 7 further comprising a top wall and a bottom wall wherein the impact absorbing members each have a length, wherein the length of the impact absorbing members on the front wall and rear wall extend in the vertical direction and the length of the impact absorbing members on the top wall and bottom wall extend horizontally in the fore-and-aft direction beyond the front wall and the rear wall. 9. The housing of claim 8 wherein the impact absorbing members are arc-shaped and are generated as an arc about an axis of curvature that is parallel to the length of the impact absorbing members. 10. The housing of claim 7 wherein the impact absorbing members each have a length, wherein the impact absorbing members on the front wall and rear wall have a length extending in the vertical direction, the impact absorbing members on the right wall and left wall have a length extending in the horizontal direction, and the impact absorbing members on the top and bottom walls have a length extending in the horizontal direction and coextensive with the front wall and rear wall. 11. The housing of claim 7 wherein the impact absorbing members are retained by T-shaped guides on the outer surface of each of the walls. 12. The housing of claim 7 wherein the impact absorbing members are integrally formed in one piece on the outer surface of each of the walls. 13. A method of providing a battery enclosure for a vehicle having a battery powered traction motor comprising:
providing a plurality of vertically extending sides and at least one horizontally extending side, wherein each of the sides has a planar wall and a plurality of impact absorbing walls spaced from the planar walls that each define a pocket; and assembling the sides together about the battery to form an impact absorbing assembly outside the battery. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the impact absorbing walls are assembled to the planar walls. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the planar walls have T-shaped guides to which the impact absorbing walls are attached. 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of extruding the impact absorbing walls and the planar walls of each of the vertically extending sides and the at least one horizontally extending side. | 1,700 |
1,946 | 13,697,297 | 1,792 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises a code ( 65 ) adapted for being identified or read by external reading means ( 62 ), wherein the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule. | 1. Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, the container comprises a code adapted for being identified or read by an external reader, the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule. 2. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is arranged on the container along an arc-shaped or circular path of a circumference of the container. 3. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code comprises successive segments which are individually rectilinear but extend substantially along at least a part of a circumference of the container. 4. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is arranged along at least an eighth of the circumference of the container. 5. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is repeated along the circumference of the container. 6. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is a bit code formed by a series of discrete polygonal (e.g., rectangles or squares) or dot surfaces printed on and/or embossed in the container. 7. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is printed by an ink which is not visible by the human eye under natural light. 8. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is printed or embossed by a pattern which possesses surfaces having different reflective and/or absorbing properties to light. 9. Capsule according to claim 8, wherein the pattern possesses a first surface having inclined mirroring or absorbing properties to light and a second surface having flat mirroring or flat reflective properties to light. 10. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is mechanically embossed or engraved on the container by a laser. 11. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a body and a lid connected to the body and the code is present on the lid of the container. 12. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is present on a rim of the capsule. 13. Capsule according to claim 12, wherein the code is present on a bottom of the rim of the capsule which is opposed to the lid or foil of the capsule. 14. System for preparing a beverage from a capsule comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, the container comprises a code adapted for being identified or read by an external reader, the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule and the beverage preparation device comprises a capsule holder for holding the capsule and rotational driver for driving the holder and capsule in rotation along the axis of rotation and reader arranged for reading the code when the capsule is rotated along the axis. 15. System according to claim 14, wherein the reader comprises a light emitter and a light sensor or an inductive sensor. 16. System according to claim 14, wherein the optical reader or inductive sensor is arranged to detect a code on the rim of the capsule. 17. Method for preparing a beverage from a system from a capsule comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, the container comprises a code adapted for being identified or read by an external reader, comprising rotating the container and reading the code while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule and the beverage preparation device, the device comprises a capsule holder for holding the capsule and rotational driver for driving the holder and capsule in rotation along the axis of rotation and reader arranged for reading the code when the capsule is rotated along the axis, and extracting the beverage from the capsule by rotating the capsule along the axis. 18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the code is read at a first rotational speed and the beverage is extracted from the capsule at a second rotational speed. | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises a code ( 65 ) adapted for being identified or read by external reading means ( 62 ), wherein the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule.1. Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, the container comprises a code adapted for being identified or read by an external reader, the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule. 2. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is arranged on the container along an arc-shaped or circular path of a circumference of the container. 3. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code comprises successive segments which are individually rectilinear but extend substantially along at least a part of a circumference of the container. 4. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is arranged along at least an eighth of the circumference of the container. 5. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is repeated along the circumference of the container. 6. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is a bit code formed by a series of discrete polygonal (e.g., rectangles or squares) or dot surfaces printed on and/or embossed in the container. 7. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is printed by an ink which is not visible by the human eye under natural light. 8. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is printed or embossed by a pattern which possesses surfaces having different reflective and/or absorbing properties to light. 9. Capsule according to claim 8, wherein the pattern possesses a first surface having inclined mirroring or absorbing properties to light and a second surface having flat mirroring or flat reflective properties to light. 10. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is mechanically embossed or engraved on the container by a laser. 11. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a body and a lid connected to the body and the code is present on the lid of the container. 12. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the code is present on a rim of the capsule. 13. Capsule according to claim 12, wherein the code is present on a bottom of the rim of the capsule which is opposed to the lid or foil of the capsule. 14. System for preparing a beverage from a capsule comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, the container comprises a code adapted for being identified or read by an external reader, the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule and the beverage preparation device comprises a capsule holder for holding the capsule and rotational driver for driving the holder and capsule in rotation along the axis of rotation and reader arranged for reading the code when the capsule is rotated along the axis. 15. System according to claim 14, wherein the reader comprises a light emitter and a light sensor or an inductive sensor. 16. System according to claim 14, wherein the optical reader or inductive sensor is arranged to detect a code on the rim of the capsule. 17. Method for preparing a beverage from a system from a capsule comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, the container comprises a code adapted for being identified or read by an external reader, comprising rotating the container and reading the code while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule and the beverage preparation device, the device comprises a capsule holder for holding the capsule and rotational driver for driving the holder and capsule in rotation along the axis of rotation and reader arranged for reading the code when the capsule is rotated along the axis, and extracting the beverage from the capsule by rotating the capsule along the axis. 18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the code is read at a first rotational speed and the beverage is extracted from the capsule at a second rotational speed. | 1,700 |
1,947 | 14,510,528 | 1,768 | The invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition that, when used as an elastic attachment adhesive (EAA), provides elastic laminates having an initial creep performance of less than 25%. The composition comprises a selectively hydrogenated, high vinyl block copolymer having the structure SEBS or (SEB) n X amorphous polyolefin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, butylene homopolymers and copolymers, or a mixture of two or more of these, tackifier, and maleated polypropylene oligomer or maleated SEBS. | 1. A composition comprising:
a) 10 to 20 wt. % of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having the structure SEBS or (SEB)nX wherein S represents a poly(monoalkenyl arene) block, EB represents a hydrogenated polybutadiene block, n is an integer from 2 to about 30 and X is the residue of a coupling agent, and wherein the block copolymer has a vinyl content of greater than 50% before selective hydrogenation and 10 wt. % or less of diblock polymer is present; b) 40 to 50 wt. % of an amorphous polyolefin; c) 25 to 35 wt. % of a tackifier; and d) 3 to 8 wt. % of a maleated polypropylene oligomer or maleated SEBS where the total composition is 100 wt. %. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein S is a polystyrene block. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein said SEBS has polystyrene end blocks with a peak molecular weight of 8 to 12 kg/mol., a total peak block molecular weight of at least 145 kg/mol., a polystyrene content of 15 to 30 wt. %, a vinyl content of at least 60%, and a melt flow rate of less than 12 g/10 min. (230° C./2.16 kg according to ASTM D-1238). 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the vinyl content is from 65 to 75%. 5. The composition of claim 3, wherein the polystyrene content is from 18 to 23 wt. %. 6. The composition of claim 3, wherein the block copolymer has a peak total molecular weight from 145 to 200 kg/mol. 7. The composition of claim 3, wherein said polybutadiene peak molecular weight is 128 to 148 kg/mol. 8. The composition of claim 3, wherein the melt flow rate is 1 to 10 g/10 min. (230° C./2.16 kg according to ASTM D-1238). 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein said amorphous alpha polyolefin is ethylene, propylene or butylene homopolymers, or ethylene, propylene or butylene copolymers, or mixtures thereof. 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein said ethylene, propylene and butylene copolymers may be ethylene/octene or propylene/octene or butylene/octene copolymers. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein said tackifier resin is rosin esters, styrenated terpenes, polyterpenes, terpene phenolics or mixtures of two or more thereof. 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein said maleated polypropylene oligomer or maleated SEBS, or a mixture thereof possesses at least 1 wt. % maleation level. 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the maleation level is from 1 to 15 wt. %. 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer has the structure (SEB)nX wherein n is from 2 to 4. 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the coupling agent residue results from coupling agents selected from tetra-alkoxysilanes, alkyl-trialkoxysilanes, aliphatic esters, and diglycidyl aromatic epoxy compounds. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the coupling agent is tetra-ethoxysilane, tetra-methoxysilane, methyl-trimethoxysilane, or mixtures thereof. 17. An elastic laminate construction comprising the composition of claim 1. 18. The laminate of claim 17, wherein the initial creep is less than 25%. 19. An article comprising the laminate of claim 17. 20. The article of claim 19, which is a personal hygiene article selected from diapers or adult incontinence articles. | The invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition that, when used as an elastic attachment adhesive (EAA), provides elastic laminates having an initial creep performance of less than 25%. The composition comprises a selectively hydrogenated, high vinyl block copolymer having the structure SEBS or (SEB) n X amorphous polyolefin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, butylene homopolymers and copolymers, or a mixture of two or more of these, tackifier, and maleated polypropylene oligomer or maleated SEBS.1. A composition comprising:
a) 10 to 20 wt. % of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having the structure SEBS or (SEB)nX wherein S represents a poly(monoalkenyl arene) block, EB represents a hydrogenated polybutadiene block, n is an integer from 2 to about 30 and X is the residue of a coupling agent, and wherein the block copolymer has a vinyl content of greater than 50% before selective hydrogenation and 10 wt. % or less of diblock polymer is present; b) 40 to 50 wt. % of an amorphous polyolefin; c) 25 to 35 wt. % of a tackifier; and d) 3 to 8 wt. % of a maleated polypropylene oligomer or maleated SEBS where the total composition is 100 wt. %. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein S is a polystyrene block. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein said SEBS has polystyrene end blocks with a peak molecular weight of 8 to 12 kg/mol., a total peak block molecular weight of at least 145 kg/mol., a polystyrene content of 15 to 30 wt. %, a vinyl content of at least 60%, and a melt flow rate of less than 12 g/10 min. (230° C./2.16 kg according to ASTM D-1238). 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the vinyl content is from 65 to 75%. 5. The composition of claim 3, wherein the polystyrene content is from 18 to 23 wt. %. 6. The composition of claim 3, wherein the block copolymer has a peak total molecular weight from 145 to 200 kg/mol. 7. The composition of claim 3, wherein said polybutadiene peak molecular weight is 128 to 148 kg/mol. 8. The composition of claim 3, wherein the melt flow rate is 1 to 10 g/10 min. (230° C./2.16 kg according to ASTM D-1238). 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein said amorphous alpha polyolefin is ethylene, propylene or butylene homopolymers, or ethylene, propylene or butylene copolymers, or mixtures thereof. 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein said ethylene, propylene and butylene copolymers may be ethylene/octene or propylene/octene or butylene/octene copolymers. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein said tackifier resin is rosin esters, styrenated terpenes, polyterpenes, terpene phenolics or mixtures of two or more thereof. 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein said maleated polypropylene oligomer or maleated SEBS, or a mixture thereof possesses at least 1 wt. % maleation level. 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the maleation level is from 1 to 15 wt. %. 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer has the structure (SEB)nX wherein n is from 2 to 4. 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the coupling agent residue results from coupling agents selected from tetra-alkoxysilanes, alkyl-trialkoxysilanes, aliphatic esters, and diglycidyl aromatic epoxy compounds. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the coupling agent is tetra-ethoxysilane, tetra-methoxysilane, methyl-trimethoxysilane, or mixtures thereof. 17. An elastic laminate construction comprising the composition of claim 1. 18. The laminate of claim 17, wherein the initial creep is less than 25%. 19. An article comprising the laminate of claim 17. 20. The article of claim 19, which is a personal hygiene article selected from diapers or adult incontinence articles. | 1,700 |
1,948 | 15,219,965 | 1,735 | A method of manufacturing a replacement body for a component is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of the replacement body; b) solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a directionally solidified microstructure within the replacement body; and c) removing the crucible to reveal the directionally solidified replacement body. | 1. A method of manufacturing a replacement body for a component, comprising:
additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of the replacement body; solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a directionally solidified microstructure within the replacement body; and removing the crucible to reveal the directionally solidified replacement body. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a single crystal microstructure. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a columnar grain microstructure. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal material is selected from the group consisting of a nickel based superalloy, cobalt based superalloy, iron based superalloy, and mixtures thereof. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the crucible is additively manufactured of at least one of a ceramic material or a refractory metal material. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adding the metal material in powder form to the crucible. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the crucible includes a core at least partially within a shell, the core at least partially defines at least one internal passageway within the replacement body. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising forming the core via additive manufacturing. 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising forming the shell via additive manufacturing. 10. A method for repairing a component, comprising the steps of:
identifying a target section of the component; removing the target section from the component, thereby creating a void in the component; additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of a replacement body; solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a directionally solidified microstructure within the replacement body; removing the crucible to reveal the directionally solidified replacement body; and bonding the replacement body into the void within the component. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a single crystal microstructure. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a columnar grain microstructure. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of bonding includes laser welding, Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), Electron beam welding (EBW), soldering, transition liquid phase bonding and combinations thereof. | A method of manufacturing a replacement body for a component is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of the replacement body; b) solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a directionally solidified microstructure within the replacement body; and c) removing the crucible to reveal the directionally solidified replacement body.1. A method of manufacturing a replacement body for a component, comprising:
additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of the replacement body; solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a directionally solidified microstructure within the replacement body; and removing the crucible to reveal the directionally solidified replacement body. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a single crystal microstructure. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a columnar grain microstructure. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal material is selected from the group consisting of a nickel based superalloy, cobalt based superalloy, iron based superalloy, and mixtures thereof. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the crucible is additively manufactured of at least one of a ceramic material or a refractory metal material. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adding the metal material in powder form to the crucible. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the crucible includes a core at least partially within a shell, the core at least partially defines at least one internal passageway within the replacement body. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising forming the core via additive manufacturing. 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising forming the shell via additive manufacturing. 10. A method for repairing a component, comprising the steps of:
identifying a target section of the component; removing the target section from the component, thereby creating a void in the component; additively manufacturing a crucible for casting of a replacement body; solidifying a metal material within the crucible to form a directionally solidified microstructure within the replacement body; removing the crucible to reveal the directionally solidified replacement body; and bonding the replacement body into the void within the component. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a single crystal microstructure. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of solidifying the metal material includes directionally solidifying the material to have a columnar grain microstructure. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of bonding includes laser welding, Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), Electron beam welding (EBW), soldering, transition liquid phase bonding and combinations thereof. | 1,700 |
1,949 | 14,345,058 | 1,777 | The present disclosure provides a method for improving the performance of a membrane for use in a membrane distillation process, and a membrane produced by the method. The method includes subjecting the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane in order to open closed pores in the membrane. | 1. A method for treating a membrane for use in a membrane distillation process, the method comprising:
treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane to open semi-closed pores, closed pores, or both semi-closed and closed pores, in the membrane. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane comprises removing liquid water or solids present in the semi-closed pores, the closed pores, or both the semi-closed and closed pores. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic membrane, and treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane comprises one of the followings: increasing porosity of the membrane, increasing hydrophobicity of the membrane, or increasing both porosity and hydrophobicity of the membrane. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure difference across the membrane is a predetermined pressure difference, chosen based on a measurement obtained from the method, or chosen through iteratively treating the membrane with a pressure difference and testing the membrane to measure a characteristic of the membrane. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure difference across the membrane is a pressure difference sufficient to remove liquid water or solids present in the semi-closed pores, the closed pores, or both the semi-closed and closed pores. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises a first side and an opposite second side, and the pressure difference across the membrane is generated using one of the following:
a pressurized gas on the first side of the membrane and a gas at atmospheric pressure on the second side of the membrane; a gas at a reduced pressure on the first side of the membrane and a gas at atmospheric pressure on the second side of the membrane; a pressurized gas on the first side of the membrane and a gas at a reduced pressure on the second side of the membrane; or a pressurized gas on the first side of the membrane and a liquid on the second side of the membrane; wherein the pressure difference across the membrane corresponds to the difference in pressure between the gases or liquids on the first and the second sides of the membrane. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first side is a permeate side of the membrane, and the second side is a feed side of the membrane. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first side is a feed side of the membrane, and the second side is side of the membrane. 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the gases on the first and the second sides of the membrane are both air. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a polyethylene (PE) membrane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, polypropylene (PP) membrane, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane, polyvinylchloride (PVC) membrane, or nylon membrane. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a polypropylene membrane. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane has a pore size of about 0.1 microns. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane has a thickness of about 100 microns. 14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising using the membrane in a membrane distillation process. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the membrane is used in the membrane distillation process before the membrane is treated to the pressure difference across the membrane. 16. The membrane according to claim 14, wherein the membrane is treated to the pressure difference across the membrane before the membrane is used in the membrane distillation process. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane to open semi-closed pores, closed pores, or both semi-closed and closed pores, in the membrane after the membrane is used in the membrane distillation process. 18. A membrane for use in a membrane distillation process, the membrane having been treated with a pressure difference across the membrane to open semi-closed pores, closed pores, or both semi-closed and closed pores, in the membrane. 19. The membrane according to claim 18, wherein the membrane treated with a pressure difference across the membrane has a stable permeate flux at least 35% greater than the stable permeate flux of the untreated membrane. 20. The membrane according to claim 18, wherein the membrane treated with a pressure difference across the membrane has a salt rejection of greater than 99.98% after 60 hours of membrane distillation. | The present disclosure provides a method for improving the performance of a membrane for use in a membrane distillation process, and a membrane produced by the method. The method includes subjecting the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane in order to open closed pores in the membrane.1. A method for treating a membrane for use in a membrane distillation process, the method comprising:
treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane to open semi-closed pores, closed pores, or both semi-closed and closed pores, in the membrane. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane comprises removing liquid water or solids present in the semi-closed pores, the closed pores, or both the semi-closed and closed pores. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic membrane, and treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane comprises one of the followings: increasing porosity of the membrane, increasing hydrophobicity of the membrane, or increasing both porosity and hydrophobicity of the membrane. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure difference across the membrane is a predetermined pressure difference, chosen based on a measurement obtained from the method, or chosen through iteratively treating the membrane with a pressure difference and testing the membrane to measure a characteristic of the membrane. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure difference across the membrane is a pressure difference sufficient to remove liquid water or solids present in the semi-closed pores, the closed pores, or both the semi-closed and closed pores. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises a first side and an opposite second side, and the pressure difference across the membrane is generated using one of the following:
a pressurized gas on the first side of the membrane and a gas at atmospheric pressure on the second side of the membrane; a gas at a reduced pressure on the first side of the membrane and a gas at atmospheric pressure on the second side of the membrane; a pressurized gas on the first side of the membrane and a gas at a reduced pressure on the second side of the membrane; or a pressurized gas on the first side of the membrane and a liquid on the second side of the membrane; wherein the pressure difference across the membrane corresponds to the difference in pressure between the gases or liquids on the first and the second sides of the membrane. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first side is a permeate side of the membrane, and the second side is a feed side of the membrane. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first side is a feed side of the membrane, and the second side is side of the membrane. 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the gases on the first and the second sides of the membrane are both air. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a polyethylene (PE) membrane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, polypropylene (PP) membrane, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane, polyvinylchloride (PVC) membrane, or nylon membrane. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a polypropylene membrane. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane has a pore size of about 0.1 microns. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the membrane has a thickness of about 100 microns. 14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising using the membrane in a membrane distillation process. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the membrane is used in the membrane distillation process before the membrane is treated to the pressure difference across the membrane. 16. The membrane according to claim 14, wherein the membrane is treated to the pressure difference across the membrane before the membrane is used in the membrane distillation process. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising treating the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane to open semi-closed pores, closed pores, or both semi-closed and closed pores, in the membrane after the membrane is used in the membrane distillation process. 18. A membrane for use in a membrane distillation process, the membrane having been treated with a pressure difference across the membrane to open semi-closed pores, closed pores, or both semi-closed and closed pores, in the membrane. 19. The membrane according to claim 18, wherein the membrane treated with a pressure difference across the membrane has a stable permeate flux at least 35% greater than the stable permeate flux of the untreated membrane. 20. The membrane according to claim 18, wherein the membrane treated with a pressure difference across the membrane has a salt rejection of greater than 99.98% after 60 hours of membrane distillation. | 1,700 |
1,950 | 13,537,042 | 1,723 | A rechargeable lithium battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a polymer layer on the separator, the polymer layer including a polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer, and an electrolyte solution including an alkyl propionate. | 1. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:
a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a polymer layer on the separator, the polymer layer comprising a polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer; and an electrolyte impregnating the separator, the electrolyte comprising an alkyl propionate. 2. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polymer layer is at least between the separator and the positive electrode or between the separator and the negative electrode. 3. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and combinations thereof. 4. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer is loaded at a loading level of 0.5 to 3.0 g/m2. 5. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 4, wherein the polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer is loaded at a loading level of 1.5 to 2.5 g/m2. 6. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polymer layer further comprises a filler selected from the group consisting of organic powder, ceramic powder, and combinations thereof. 7. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 6, wherein the polymer layer comprises the organic powder. 8. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 7, wherein the organic powder comprises polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). 9. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 6, wherein the polymer layer comprises the ceramic powder. 10. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 9, wherein the ceramic powder is selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, Mg(OH)2, and combinations thereof. 11. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 9, wherein the ceramic powder is included at 0.1 to 98 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer layer. 12. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 11, wherein the ceramic powder is included at 3 to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer layer. 13. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the alkyl propionate comprises a C1-10 alkyl propionate. 14. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 13, wherein the alkyl propionate comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, and combinations thereof. 15. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the alkyl propionate is included at 10 to 70 volume % based on the total volume of the electrolyte. 16. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 15, wherein the alkyl propionate is included at 20 to 70 volume % based on the total volume of the electrolyte. 17. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 15, wherein the alkyl propionate is included at 50 to 60 volume % based on the total volume of the electrolyte. 18. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte further comprises a lithium salt and a non-aqueous organic solvent. 19. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte further comprises a carbonate-based solvent, and the carbonate-based solvent and the alkyl propionate are included at a volume ratio of 4:6 to 5:5. 20. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte is a liquid. | A rechargeable lithium battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a polymer layer on the separator, the polymer layer including a polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer, and an electrolyte solution including an alkyl propionate.1. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:
a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a polymer layer on the separator, the polymer layer comprising a polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer; and an electrolyte impregnating the separator, the electrolyte comprising an alkyl propionate. 2. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polymer layer is at least between the separator and the positive electrode or between the separator and the negative electrode. 3. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and combinations thereof. 4. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer is loaded at a loading level of 0.5 to 3.0 g/m2. 5. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 4, wherein the polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer is loaded at a loading level of 1.5 to 2.5 g/m2. 6. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the polymer layer further comprises a filler selected from the group consisting of organic powder, ceramic powder, and combinations thereof. 7. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 6, wherein the polymer layer comprises the organic powder. 8. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 7, wherein the organic powder comprises polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). 9. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 6, wherein the polymer layer comprises the ceramic powder. 10. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 9, wherein the ceramic powder is selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, Mg(OH)2, and combinations thereof. 11. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 9, wherein the ceramic powder is included at 0.1 to 98 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer layer. 12. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 11, wherein the ceramic powder is included at 3 to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer layer. 13. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the alkyl propionate comprises a C1-10 alkyl propionate. 14. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 13, wherein the alkyl propionate comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, and combinations thereof. 15. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the alkyl propionate is included at 10 to 70 volume % based on the total volume of the electrolyte. 16. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 15, wherein the alkyl propionate is included at 20 to 70 volume % based on the total volume of the electrolyte. 17. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 15, wherein the alkyl propionate is included at 50 to 60 volume % based on the total volume of the electrolyte. 18. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte further comprises a lithium salt and a non-aqueous organic solvent. 19. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte further comprises a carbonate-based solvent, and the carbonate-based solvent and the alkyl propionate are included at a volume ratio of 4:6 to 5:5. 20. The rechargeable lithium battery of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte is a liquid. | 1,700 |
1,951 | 13,468,086 | 1,799 | A device in which exhaust fluid from a facility or equipment for treating biologically active material is heated to a temperature of at least 400 ° C. to kill or denature hazardous agents, and conveyed through a metal filter with no more than 0.1 μm pore size, which is heated, preferably by the fluid, to essentially the same temperature. The relevant temperature is maintained during operation in both the fluid and the filter. Since the filter is dimensioned to trap microbial agents like bacteria and viruses and the temperature of the filter surfaces is sufficient for sterilization, microbial agents are bound to come into contact with said surfaces and a very high degree of sterilization certainty is reached. The filter is welded to the device body to provide a seamless structure. Heating and filtration are both alone sufficient for removing biohazardous agents, so the device provides double security. | 1. A device for the sterilization of a fluid comprising gas, suspended particles and possibly vapors, said device comprising
a body having inlet and exit ports a heating section having a space for conveying the fluid in intimate contact with heated surfaces, said space provided with baffles forming a meandering channel; downstream from said heating section, a metal filter unit welded to the body;
said filter unit being heatable to at least 400° C. by the heating section, and having a pore size of 0.1 μm or less. 2. A device according to claim 1, further comprising temperature sensors upstream and downstream relative to the filter unit. | A device in which exhaust fluid from a facility or equipment for treating biologically active material is heated to a temperature of at least 400 ° C. to kill or denature hazardous agents, and conveyed through a metal filter with no more than 0.1 μm pore size, which is heated, preferably by the fluid, to essentially the same temperature. The relevant temperature is maintained during operation in both the fluid and the filter. Since the filter is dimensioned to trap microbial agents like bacteria and viruses and the temperature of the filter surfaces is sufficient for sterilization, microbial agents are bound to come into contact with said surfaces and a very high degree of sterilization certainty is reached. The filter is welded to the device body to provide a seamless structure. Heating and filtration are both alone sufficient for removing biohazardous agents, so the device provides double security.1. A device for the sterilization of a fluid comprising gas, suspended particles and possibly vapors, said device comprising
a body having inlet and exit ports a heating section having a space for conveying the fluid in intimate contact with heated surfaces, said space provided with baffles forming a meandering channel; downstream from said heating section, a metal filter unit welded to the body;
said filter unit being heatable to at least 400° C. by the heating section, and having a pore size of 0.1 μm or less. 2. A device according to claim 1, further comprising temperature sensors upstream and downstream relative to the filter unit. | 1,700 |
1,952 | 13,006,311 | 1,741 | An optical fiber base material manufacturing method includes: supplying oxygen, hydrogen, and silicide to a core deposition burner; depositing silicon dioxide; adjusting a drawing up speed so that a deposition tip position remains at the same position in accordance with growth of a porous base material; calculating an average of the drawing up speed at each preset time interval; calculating a difference of the calculated average from a preset value of the drawing up speed; correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature, and correcting a flow rate of hydrogen when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen obtained by vaporizing liquid hydrogen, where when correcting the flow rate of hydrogen, a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to a cladding deposition burner is also corrected in a ratio of before and after the correction of the flow rate of the hydrogen. | 1. An optical fiber base material manufacturing method for sequentially depositing glass particles on a tip of a starting material drawn up while being rotated in a VAD method, the optical fiber base material manufacturing method comprising:
supplying oxygen, hydrogen, and silicide to a core deposition burner; sequentially depositing, on the tip of the starting material, silicon dioxide generated in an oxyhydrogen flame by means of hydrolysis; adjusting a drawing up speed so that a deposition tip position remains at the same position in accordance with growth of a porous base material; calculating an average of the drawing up speed at each preset time interval; calculating a difference of the calculated average from a preset value of the drawing up speed; correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride supplied to the core deposition burner depending on the difference when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature, and correcting a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner depending on the difference when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen obtained by vaporizing liquid hydrogen, wherein when correcting the flow rate of hydrogen, a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to a cladding deposition burner is also corrected in a ratio that is the same as a ratio of before and after the correction of the flow rate of the hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner. 2. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein
a germanium compound is added to the core deposition burner as an additive. 3. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein
the silicide is obtained by heating, to be vaporized, silicon tetrachloride to a temperature that is the same as or higher than a boiling point. 4. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein
the germanium compound is obtained by heating, to be vaporized, germanium tetrachloride to a temperature that is the same as or higher than a boiling point. 5. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein
hydrogen of the same origin is supplied to both of the core deposition burner and the cladding deposition burner. 6. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein
the flow rate of the hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner and the cladding deposition burner is controlled by a flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas. 7. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein
the flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas is a mass flow controller. 8. An optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus for sequentially depositing glass particles on a tip of a starting material drawn up while being rotated in a VAD method, the optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus comprising:
silicon tetrachloride supply equipment; first hydrogen supply equipment that supplies hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature; second hydrogen supply equipment that vaporizes and supplies at least liquid hydrogen; a mechanism that adjusts a drawing up speed in accordance with growth of a base material so that a deposition tip position always remain at the same position; and a control section that calculates an average of the drawing up speed at each preset time interval, calculates a difference of the calculated average from a preset value of the drawing up speed, and has 1) Mode for correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride supplied to a core deposition burner depending on the difference and 2) Mode for correcting a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner depending on the difference, wherein the control section utilizes 1) Mode for correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride, for supplying hydrogen from the first hydrogen supply equipment, and utilizes 2) Mode for correcting a flow rate of hydrogen, for supplying hydrogen from the second hydrogen supply equipment, and in 2) Mode for correcting a flow rate of hydrogen, the control section corrects a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to a cladding deposition burner in a ratio that is the same as a ratio of before and after the correction of the flow rate of the hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner. 9. The optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner and the cladding deposition burner is controlled by a flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas. 10. The optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas is a mass flow controller. 11. The optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising:
a detecting section that detects switching of supplied hydrogen between hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature and hydrogen obtained by vaporizing liquid hydrogen, wherein the control section switches the mode to use, in response to the switching detected by the detecting section. | An optical fiber base material manufacturing method includes: supplying oxygen, hydrogen, and silicide to a core deposition burner; depositing silicon dioxide; adjusting a drawing up speed so that a deposition tip position remains at the same position in accordance with growth of a porous base material; calculating an average of the drawing up speed at each preset time interval; calculating a difference of the calculated average from a preset value of the drawing up speed; correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature, and correcting a flow rate of hydrogen when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen obtained by vaporizing liquid hydrogen, where when correcting the flow rate of hydrogen, a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to a cladding deposition burner is also corrected in a ratio of before and after the correction of the flow rate of the hydrogen.1. An optical fiber base material manufacturing method for sequentially depositing glass particles on a tip of a starting material drawn up while being rotated in a VAD method, the optical fiber base material manufacturing method comprising:
supplying oxygen, hydrogen, and silicide to a core deposition burner; sequentially depositing, on the tip of the starting material, silicon dioxide generated in an oxyhydrogen flame by means of hydrolysis; adjusting a drawing up speed so that a deposition tip position remains at the same position in accordance with growth of a porous base material; calculating an average of the drawing up speed at each preset time interval; calculating a difference of the calculated average from a preset value of the drawing up speed; correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride supplied to the core deposition burner depending on the difference when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature, and correcting a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner depending on the difference when the supplied hydrogen is hydrogen obtained by vaporizing liquid hydrogen, wherein when correcting the flow rate of hydrogen, a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to a cladding deposition burner is also corrected in a ratio that is the same as a ratio of before and after the correction of the flow rate of the hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner. 2. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein
a germanium compound is added to the core deposition burner as an additive. 3. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein
the silicide is obtained by heating, to be vaporized, silicon tetrachloride to a temperature that is the same as or higher than a boiling point. 4. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein
the germanium compound is obtained by heating, to be vaporized, germanium tetrachloride to a temperature that is the same as or higher than a boiling point. 5. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein
hydrogen of the same origin is supplied to both of the core deposition burner and the cladding deposition burner. 6. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein
the flow rate of the hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner and the cladding deposition burner is controlled by a flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas. 7. The optical fiber base material manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein
the flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas is a mass flow controller. 8. An optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus for sequentially depositing glass particles on a tip of a starting material drawn up while being rotated in a VAD method, the optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus comprising:
silicon tetrachloride supply equipment; first hydrogen supply equipment that supplies hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature; second hydrogen supply equipment that vaporizes and supplies at least liquid hydrogen; a mechanism that adjusts a drawing up speed in accordance with growth of a base material so that a deposition tip position always remain at the same position; and a control section that calculates an average of the drawing up speed at each preset time interval, calculates a difference of the calculated average from a preset value of the drawing up speed, and has 1) Mode for correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride supplied to a core deposition burner depending on the difference and 2) Mode for correcting a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner depending on the difference, wherein the control section utilizes 1) Mode for correcting a flow rate of silicon tetrachloride, for supplying hydrogen from the first hydrogen supply equipment, and utilizes 2) Mode for correcting a flow rate of hydrogen, for supplying hydrogen from the second hydrogen supply equipment, and in 2) Mode for correcting a flow rate of hydrogen, the control section corrects a flow rate of hydrogen supplied to a cladding deposition burner in a ratio that is the same as a ratio of before and after the correction of the flow rate of the hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner. 9. The optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the core deposition burner and the cladding deposition burner is controlled by a flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas. 10. The optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the flow rate control apparatus whose measurement principle is based on thermal capacity measurement of gas is a mass flow controller. 11. The optical fiber base material manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising:
a detecting section that detects switching of supplied hydrogen between hydrogen produced or stored at normal temperature and hydrogen obtained by vaporizing liquid hydrogen, wherein the control section switches the mode to use, in response to the switching detected by the detecting section. | 1,700 |
1,953 | 13,276,493 | 1,716 | The disclosure relates to a chamber component or a method for fabricating a chamber component for use in a plasma processing chamber apparatus. The chamber component includes a polished high purity aluminum coating and a hard anodized coating that is resistive to the plasma processing environment. | 1. A chamber component, for use in a plasma processing apparatus, comprising:
an aluminum body having a polished aluminum coating disposed on an outer surface of the body and a hard anodized coating disposed on the aluminum coating, wherein the polished aluminum coating is polished to a finish of 8 Ra or smoother. 2. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the polished aluminum coating is non-mechanically polished. 3. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the polished aluminum coating comprises a layer of high purity aluminum. 4. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the polished aluminum coating is disposed on the outer surface of the aluminum body using at least one of electrodepositing or ion vapor deposition (IVD). 5. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the hard anodized coating further is mechanically cleaned with a non-depositing material such as Scotch Brite. 6. An apparatus for use in a plasma processing chamber having a substrate pedestal adapted to support a substrate, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough and configured to control the spatial distribution of charged and neutral species of the plasma, the plate having a polished layer of aluminum disposed on an outer surface of the plate and a hard anodized coating disposed on the aluminum layer, wherein the layer of aluminum is polished to a finish of 8 Ra or smoother. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
a plurality of support legs supporting the plate above the pedestal. 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the polished layer of aluminum is non-mechanically polished. 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the polished layer of aluminum comprises a layer of high purity aluminum. 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the polished layer of aluminum is disposed on the outer surface of the aluminum body using at least one of electrodepositing or ion vapor deposition (IVD). 11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the hard anodized coating further is mechanically cleaned with a non-depositing material such as Scotch Brite. 12. A method for fabricating a chamber component for use in a plasma processing environment, comprising:
forming a body of the chamber component from aluminum; polishing the surface of body; depositing a layer of aluminum on the body; polishing the surface of the aluminum layer; and hard anodizing the aluminum layer. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein polishing the surface of the aluminum layer comprises polishing the surface of the aluminum layer to a finish of 8 Ra or smoother. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein polishing the surface of the aluminum layer comprises non-mechanically polishing the surface of the aluminum layer. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein depositing the layer of aluminum comprises depositing a layer of high purity aluminum on the surface of the body. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein depositing the layer of aluminum comprises depositing the layer of aluminum using at least one of electrodepositing or ion vapor deposition (IVD). 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: mechanically cleaned with a non-depositing material such as Scotch Brite cleaning the hard anodized layer. | The disclosure relates to a chamber component or a method for fabricating a chamber component for use in a plasma processing chamber apparatus. The chamber component includes a polished high purity aluminum coating and a hard anodized coating that is resistive to the plasma processing environment.1. A chamber component, for use in a plasma processing apparatus, comprising:
an aluminum body having a polished aluminum coating disposed on an outer surface of the body and a hard anodized coating disposed on the aluminum coating, wherein the polished aluminum coating is polished to a finish of 8 Ra or smoother. 2. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the polished aluminum coating is non-mechanically polished. 3. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the polished aluminum coating comprises a layer of high purity aluminum. 4. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the polished aluminum coating is disposed on the outer surface of the aluminum body using at least one of electrodepositing or ion vapor deposition (IVD). 5. The chamber component of claim 1, wherein the hard anodized coating further is mechanically cleaned with a non-depositing material such as Scotch Brite. 6. An apparatus for use in a plasma processing chamber having a substrate pedestal adapted to support a substrate, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough and configured to control the spatial distribution of charged and neutral species of the plasma, the plate having a polished layer of aluminum disposed on an outer surface of the plate and a hard anodized coating disposed on the aluminum layer, wherein the layer of aluminum is polished to a finish of 8 Ra or smoother. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
a plurality of support legs supporting the plate above the pedestal. 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the polished layer of aluminum is non-mechanically polished. 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the polished layer of aluminum comprises a layer of high purity aluminum. 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the polished layer of aluminum is disposed on the outer surface of the aluminum body using at least one of electrodepositing or ion vapor deposition (IVD). 11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the hard anodized coating further is mechanically cleaned with a non-depositing material such as Scotch Brite. 12. A method for fabricating a chamber component for use in a plasma processing environment, comprising:
forming a body of the chamber component from aluminum; polishing the surface of body; depositing a layer of aluminum on the body; polishing the surface of the aluminum layer; and hard anodizing the aluminum layer. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein polishing the surface of the aluminum layer comprises polishing the surface of the aluminum layer to a finish of 8 Ra or smoother. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein polishing the surface of the aluminum layer comprises non-mechanically polishing the surface of the aluminum layer. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein depositing the layer of aluminum comprises depositing a layer of high purity aluminum on the surface of the body. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein depositing the layer of aluminum comprises depositing the layer of aluminum using at least one of electrodepositing or ion vapor deposition (IVD). 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: mechanically cleaned with a non-depositing material such as Scotch Brite cleaning the hard anodized layer. | 1,700 |
1,954 | 13,112,302 | 1,741 | Isopipes ( 13 ) for making glass sheets using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from alumina materials which have low levels of the elements of group IVB of the periodic chart, i.e., Ti, Zr, and Hf, as well as low levels of Sn. In this way, the alumina isopipes can be used with glasses that contain tin (e.g., as a fining agent or as the result of the use of tin electrodes for electrical heating of molten glass) without generating unacceptable levels of tin-containing defects in the glass sheets, specifically, at the sheets' fusion lines. The alumina isopipes disclosed herein are especially beneficial when used with tin-containing glasses that exhibit low tin solubility, e.g., glasses that have (RO+R 2 O)/Al 2 O 3 ratios between 0.9 and 1.1, where, in mole percent on an oxide basis, (RO+R 2 O) is the sum of the concentrations of the glass' alkaline earth and alkali metal oxides and Al 2 O 3 is the glass' alumina concentration. | 1. A method for making glass sheets using a fusion process comprising:
(a) forming molten glass into a glass ribbon using an isopipe; and (b) separating glass sheets from the glass ribbon;
wherein:
(i) the isopipe comprises an alumina refractory that forms at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with the molten glass during the formation of the ribbon;
(ii) the minimum temperature of molten glass which contacts the isopipe's alumina refractory during the formation of the glass ribbon is Tmin;
(iii) the molten glass has a tin solubility Stin at Tmin;
(iv) the concentration of tin Ctin in the molten glass satisfies the relationship:
C tin≧0.5S tin;
(v) the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.0 weight percent; and
(vi) the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.5 weight percent. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein Ctin satisfies the relationship:
C tin≧0.9S tin. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein Tmin is less than or equal to 1250° C. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the glass making up the glass sheets is an alkali-containing glass. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the glass comprises at least 5.0 weight percent alkali. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the glass making up the glass sheets satisfies the relationship:
0.9≦(RO+R2O)/Al2O3≦1.1,
where, in mole percent on an oxide basis, (RO+R2O) is the sum of the concentrations of the glass' alkaline earth and alkali metal oxides and Al2O3 is the glass' alumina concentration. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.25 weight percent. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.5 weight percent. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis are less than or equal to 1.5, 1.0, and 1.0 weight percent, respectively. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the titanium, zirconium and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis are less than or equal to 0.5, 0.25 and 0.25 weight percent, respectively. 11. A method for reducing fusion line tin-containing defects in glass sheets produced by a fusion process, said fusion process employing an isopipe that comprises a first alumina refractory that forms at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with molten glass during the fusion process, said method comprising:
(a) determining a concentration in the first alumina refractory of a first element from Group IVB of the periodic chart; (b) forming an isopipe using a second alumina refractory having a concentration of said first element that is less than the concentration determined in step (a), said second alumina refractory forming at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with molten glass during the fusion process; and (c) using the isopipe of step (b) to make glass sheets by a fusion process. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the concentration of said first element in the second alumina refractory is less than 1.5 weight percent on an oxide basis. 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said first element is titanium. 14. The method of claim 11 wherein said first element is zirconium. 15. The method of claim 11 wherein:
(i) in step (a), the concentration in the first alumina material of a second element from Group IVB of the periodic chart is determined; and
(ii) the second alumina refractory has a concentration of said second element that is less than the concentration of that element determined in step (a). 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the concentration of each of said first and second elements in the second alumina refractory is less than 1.0 weight percent on an oxide basis. 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the average level of tin-containing fusion line defects in the glass sheets produced in step (c) is less than 1.0 defect per pound, where the average is taken over 100 sequential sheets. 18. An isopipe comprising a body having a configuration adapted for use in a fusion process, said body comprising an alumina refractory that forms at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with molten glass during use of the isopipe, wherein:
(i) the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.0 weight percent; and (ii) the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.5 weight percent. 19. A refractory block suitable for producing the isopipe of claim 18, said block having a length greater than 2 meters and comprising an alumina refractory wherein:
(i) the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.25 weight percent; and (ii) the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.5 weight percent. 20. A method of making glass sheets comprising:
(a) forming a glass ribbon having a width of at least 1500 millimeters using an isopipe according to claim 18; and (b) separating glass sheets from the glass ribbon;
wherein the glass making up the glass sheets comprises at least 5 weight percent alkali. | Isopipes ( 13 ) for making glass sheets using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from alumina materials which have low levels of the elements of group IVB of the periodic chart, i.e., Ti, Zr, and Hf, as well as low levels of Sn. In this way, the alumina isopipes can be used with glasses that contain tin (e.g., as a fining agent or as the result of the use of tin electrodes for electrical heating of molten glass) without generating unacceptable levels of tin-containing defects in the glass sheets, specifically, at the sheets' fusion lines. The alumina isopipes disclosed herein are especially beneficial when used with tin-containing glasses that exhibit low tin solubility, e.g., glasses that have (RO+R 2 O)/Al 2 O 3 ratios between 0.9 and 1.1, where, in mole percent on an oxide basis, (RO+R 2 O) is the sum of the concentrations of the glass' alkaline earth and alkali metal oxides and Al 2 O 3 is the glass' alumina concentration.1. A method for making glass sheets using a fusion process comprising:
(a) forming molten glass into a glass ribbon using an isopipe; and (b) separating glass sheets from the glass ribbon;
wherein:
(i) the isopipe comprises an alumina refractory that forms at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with the molten glass during the formation of the ribbon;
(ii) the minimum temperature of molten glass which contacts the isopipe's alumina refractory during the formation of the glass ribbon is Tmin;
(iii) the molten glass has a tin solubility Stin at Tmin;
(iv) the concentration of tin Ctin in the molten glass satisfies the relationship:
C tin≧0.5S tin;
(v) the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.0 weight percent; and
(vi) the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.5 weight percent. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein Ctin satisfies the relationship:
C tin≧0.9S tin. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein Tmin is less than or equal to 1250° C. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the glass making up the glass sheets is an alkali-containing glass. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the glass comprises at least 5.0 weight percent alkali. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the glass making up the glass sheets satisfies the relationship:
0.9≦(RO+R2O)/Al2O3≦1.1,
where, in mole percent on an oxide basis, (RO+R2O) is the sum of the concentrations of the glass' alkaline earth and alkali metal oxides and Al2O3 is the glass' alumina concentration. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.25 weight percent. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.5 weight percent. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis are less than or equal to 1.5, 1.0, and 1.0 weight percent, respectively. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the titanium, zirconium and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis are less than or equal to 0.5, 0.25 and 0.25 weight percent, respectively. 11. A method for reducing fusion line tin-containing defects in glass sheets produced by a fusion process, said fusion process employing an isopipe that comprises a first alumina refractory that forms at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with molten glass during the fusion process, said method comprising:
(a) determining a concentration in the first alumina refractory of a first element from Group IVB of the periodic chart; (b) forming an isopipe using a second alumina refractory having a concentration of said first element that is less than the concentration determined in step (a), said second alumina refractory forming at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with molten glass during the fusion process; and (c) using the isopipe of step (b) to make glass sheets by a fusion process. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the concentration of said first element in the second alumina refractory is less than 1.5 weight percent on an oxide basis. 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said first element is titanium. 14. The method of claim 11 wherein said first element is zirconium. 15. The method of claim 11 wherein:
(i) in step (a), the concentration in the first alumina material of a second element from Group IVB of the periodic chart is determined; and
(ii) the second alumina refractory has a concentration of said second element that is less than the concentration of that element determined in step (a). 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the concentration of each of said first and second elements in the second alumina refractory is less than 1.0 weight percent on an oxide basis. 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the average level of tin-containing fusion line defects in the glass sheets produced in step (c) is less than 1.0 defect per pound, where the average is taken over 100 sequential sheets. 18. An isopipe comprising a body having a configuration adapted for use in a fusion process, said body comprising an alumina refractory that forms at least a part of at least one surface of the isopipe which comes into contact with molten glass during use of the isopipe, wherein:
(i) the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.0 weight percent; and (ii) the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 1.5 weight percent. 19. A refractory block suitable for producing the isopipe of claim 18, said block having a length greater than 2 meters and comprising an alumina refractory wherein:
(i) the tin concentration in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.25 weight percent; and (ii) the sum of the titanium, zirconium, and hafnium concentrations in the alumina refractory on an oxide basis is less than or equal to 0.5 weight percent. 20. A method of making glass sheets comprising:
(a) forming a glass ribbon having a width of at least 1500 millimeters using an isopipe according to claim 18; and (b) separating glass sheets from the glass ribbon;
wherein the glass making up the glass sheets comprises at least 5 weight percent alkali. | 1,700 |
1,955 | 14,556,516 | 1,744 | Disclosed is a die for forming a honeycomb structure, including: a second plate-shaped portion that has a second bonded surface, where a back hole for introducing a forming raw material is formed; and a first plate-shaped portion that has a first bonded surface, where a slit communicating with the back hole to form a forming raw material is formed, and a cavity communicating with the back hole and the slit is formed in the first bonded surface side, wherein the first plate-shaped portion is arranged on the second plate-shaped portion, an open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface has a diameter different from that of an open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, and the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is arranged inside the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface. | 1. A die for forming a honeycomb structure, comprising:
a second plate-shaped portion having a second bonded surface, where a back hole for introducing a forming raw material is formed; and a first plate-shaped portion that has a first bonded surface and is formed of tungsten carbide based cemented carbide, where a slit communicating with the back hole to form a forming raw material is formed, and a cavity communicating with the back hole and the slit is formed in the first bonded surface side, wherein the second plate-shaped portion is formed of a material containing at least one selected from a group consisting of iron, steel, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, titanium alloy, and nickel alloy, the first plate-shaped portion is arranged on the second plate-shaped portion such that the first bonded surface comes into contact with the second bonded surface, an open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface has a diameter different from that of an open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, and the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is arranged inside the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, or the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface is arranged inside the open end of the cavity of the first bonded surface. 2. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is larger than the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, and the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is 1.01 to 1.50 times of the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface. 3. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface is larger than the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface, and the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface is 1.01 to 1.50 times of the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface. 4. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has a depth of 0.1 to 90 mm. 5. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 2, wherein the cavity has a depth of 0.1 to 90 mm. 6. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 3, wherein the cavity has a depth of 0.1 to 90 mm. 7. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 8. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 2, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 9. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 3, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 10. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 4, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 11. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 5, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 12. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 6, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 13. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer portion which is a space that is formed along an end of the slit in the first bonded surface side of the first plate-shaped portion, communicates with the slit, and has a width larger than that of the slit. 14. A method of manufacturing a die for forming a honeycomb structure, comprising:
forming a plurality of back holes in a second plate-shaped member formed of a material containing at least one selected from a group consisting of iron, steel, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, titanium alloy, and nickel alloy; forming a plurality of cavities that have a diameter different from that of the back holes and communicate with the back holes when the second plate-shaped member is bonded on a first bonded surface which is one surface of the first plate-shaped member formed of tungsten carbide based cemented carbide; stacking the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member and bonding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member to each other while a second bonded surface which is one surface of the second plate-shaped member having the back holes faces the first bonded surface of the first plate-shaped member having the cavities; and forming slits communicating with the cavities from a surface side of the first plate-shaped member to manufacture a die for forming a honeycomb structure. | Disclosed is a die for forming a honeycomb structure, including: a second plate-shaped portion that has a second bonded surface, where a back hole for introducing a forming raw material is formed; and a first plate-shaped portion that has a first bonded surface, where a slit communicating with the back hole to form a forming raw material is formed, and a cavity communicating with the back hole and the slit is formed in the first bonded surface side, wherein the first plate-shaped portion is arranged on the second plate-shaped portion, an open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface has a diameter different from that of an open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, and the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is arranged inside the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface.1. A die for forming a honeycomb structure, comprising:
a second plate-shaped portion having a second bonded surface, where a back hole for introducing a forming raw material is formed; and a first plate-shaped portion that has a first bonded surface and is formed of tungsten carbide based cemented carbide, where a slit communicating with the back hole to form a forming raw material is formed, and a cavity communicating with the back hole and the slit is formed in the first bonded surface side, wherein the second plate-shaped portion is formed of a material containing at least one selected from a group consisting of iron, steel, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, titanium alloy, and nickel alloy, the first plate-shaped portion is arranged on the second plate-shaped portion such that the first bonded surface comes into contact with the second bonded surface, an open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface has a diameter different from that of an open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, and the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is arranged inside the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, or the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface is arranged inside the open end of the cavity of the first bonded surface. 2. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is larger than the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface, and the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface is 1.01 to 1.50 times of the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface. 3. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface is larger than the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface, and the diameter of the open end of the back hole on the second bonded surface is 1.01 to 1.50 times of the diameter of the open end of the cavity on the first bonded surface. 4. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has a depth of 0.1 to 90 mm. 5. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 2, wherein the cavity has a depth of 0.1 to 90 mm. 6. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 3, wherein the cavity has a depth of 0.1 to 90 mm. 7. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 8. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 2, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 9. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 3, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 10. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 4, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 11. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 5, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 12. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 6, wherein a bottom portion as a head edge of the cavity has a flat shape, a flat shape having straightly chamfered corners, or an outwardly convex curved shape on a cross section perpendicular to a surface of the first plate-shaped portion. 13. The die for forming a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer portion which is a space that is formed along an end of the slit in the first bonded surface side of the first plate-shaped portion, communicates with the slit, and has a width larger than that of the slit. 14. A method of manufacturing a die for forming a honeycomb structure, comprising:
forming a plurality of back holes in a second plate-shaped member formed of a material containing at least one selected from a group consisting of iron, steel, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, titanium alloy, and nickel alloy; forming a plurality of cavities that have a diameter different from that of the back holes and communicate with the back holes when the second plate-shaped member is bonded on a first bonded surface which is one surface of the first plate-shaped member formed of tungsten carbide based cemented carbide; stacking the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member and bonding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member to each other while a second bonded surface which is one surface of the second plate-shaped member having the back holes faces the first bonded surface of the first plate-shaped member having the cavities; and forming slits communicating with the cavities from a surface side of the first plate-shaped member to manufacture a die for forming a honeycomb structure. | 1,700 |
1,956 | 14,504,771 | 1,726 | A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by an N-type silicon substrate and a P-type polysilicon emitter formed on the backside of the solar cell. An antireflection layer may be formed on a textured front surface of the silicon substrate. A negative polarity metal contact on the front side of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the substrate, while a positive polarity metal contact on the backside of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the polysilicon emitter. An external electrical circuit may be connected to the negative and positive metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell. The positive polarity metal contact may form an infrared reflecting layer with an underlying dielectric layer for increased solar radiation collection. | 1. A solar cell, comprising:
a substrate; a first tunnel dielectric disposed over the substrate; an emitter disposed over the first tunnel dielectric; a front electrode disposed over a front surface of the substrate; and a back electrode disposed over a back surface of the substrate. 2. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the emitter is a polysilicon emitter. 3. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a monocrystalline silicon substrate. 4. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the first tunnel dielectric is a tunnel oxide. 5. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the emitter is disposed over the back surface of the substrate. 6. The solar cell of claim 1, further comprising a second tunnel dielectric disposed on an opposite side of the substrate than the first tunnel dielectric. 7. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the back electrode includes silver. 8. The solar cell of claim 1, further comprising an antireflective layer disposed over the front surface of the substrate. 9. A solar cell, comprising:
a substrate; an emitter over a back surface of the substrate; a first dielectric between the emitter and back surface; a front electrode disposed on a front surface of the solar cell; and a back electrode disposed on a back surface of the solar cell. 10. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the emitter is a polysilicon emitter. 11. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the substrate is a monocrystalline silicon substrate. 12. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the first dielectric is an oxide. 13. The solar cell of claim 9, further comprising a second dielectric disposed on an opposite side of the substrate than the first dielectric. 14. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the back electrode includes silver. 15. A method of fabricating a solar cell, the method comprising:
forming a first tunnel dielectric on a front surface of a substrate; forming a second tunnel dielectric on a back surface of the substrate; forming an emitter over the first or second tunnel dielectric; forming a front side electrode on a front surface of the solar cell; and forming a back side electrode on a back surface of the solar cell. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said forming the emitter comprises forming a polysilicon emitter. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said forming the emitter comprises forming a first silicon layer on the second tunnel dielectric. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming a second silicon layer on the first tunnel dielectric. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein forming the first and second silicon layers comprises forming first and second polysilicon layers, respectively. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein said forming the second tunnel dielectric comprises forming an oxide. | A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by an N-type silicon substrate and a P-type polysilicon emitter formed on the backside of the solar cell. An antireflection layer may be formed on a textured front surface of the silicon substrate. A negative polarity metal contact on the front side of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the substrate, while a positive polarity metal contact on the backside of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the polysilicon emitter. An external electrical circuit may be connected to the negative and positive metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell. The positive polarity metal contact may form an infrared reflecting layer with an underlying dielectric layer for increased solar radiation collection.1. A solar cell, comprising:
a substrate; a first tunnel dielectric disposed over the substrate; an emitter disposed over the first tunnel dielectric; a front electrode disposed over a front surface of the substrate; and a back electrode disposed over a back surface of the substrate. 2. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the emitter is a polysilicon emitter. 3. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a monocrystalline silicon substrate. 4. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the first tunnel dielectric is a tunnel oxide. 5. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the emitter is disposed over the back surface of the substrate. 6. The solar cell of claim 1, further comprising a second tunnel dielectric disposed on an opposite side of the substrate than the first tunnel dielectric. 7. The solar cell of claim 1, wherein the back electrode includes silver. 8. The solar cell of claim 1, further comprising an antireflective layer disposed over the front surface of the substrate. 9. A solar cell, comprising:
a substrate; an emitter over a back surface of the substrate; a first dielectric between the emitter and back surface; a front electrode disposed on a front surface of the solar cell; and a back electrode disposed on a back surface of the solar cell. 10. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the emitter is a polysilicon emitter. 11. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the substrate is a monocrystalline silicon substrate. 12. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the first dielectric is an oxide. 13. The solar cell of claim 9, further comprising a second dielectric disposed on an opposite side of the substrate than the first dielectric. 14. The solar cell of claim 9, wherein the back electrode includes silver. 15. A method of fabricating a solar cell, the method comprising:
forming a first tunnel dielectric on a front surface of a substrate; forming a second tunnel dielectric on a back surface of the substrate; forming an emitter over the first or second tunnel dielectric; forming a front side electrode on a front surface of the solar cell; and forming a back side electrode on a back surface of the solar cell. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said forming the emitter comprises forming a polysilicon emitter. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said forming the emitter comprises forming a first silicon layer on the second tunnel dielectric. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming a second silicon layer on the first tunnel dielectric. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein forming the first and second silicon layers comprises forming first and second polysilicon layers, respectively. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein said forming the second tunnel dielectric comprises forming an oxide. | 1,700 |
1,957 | 13,277,609 | 1,716 | A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes at least one inner retaining ring, and an outer retaining ring. The at least one inner retaining ring applies a first pressure to the polishing pad, and retains a substrate on the polishing pad. The outer retaining ring applies a second pressure to the polishing pad, and retains the at least one inner retaining ring on the polishing pad. Control of the first pressure is independent with respect to control of the second pressure. | 1. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, comprising:
at least one inner retaining ring for applying a first pressure to a polishing pad, the at least one inner retaining ring having an innermost circumferential surface for retaining a substrate on the polishing pad; and an outer retaining ring for applying a second pressure to the polishing pad, and arranged to retain the at least one inner retaining ring on the polishing pad, wherein control of the first pressure is independent with respect to control of the second pressure. 2. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one inner retaining ring includes:
a first inner retaining ring for retaining the substrate; and a second inner retaining ring interposed between the first inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring. 3. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein
the first inner retaining ring has a bottom surface for applying an independently controlled inside first pressure to the polishing pad, and the second inner retaining ring has a bottom surface for applying an independently controlled outside first pressure to the polishing pad. 4. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a membrane for applying a third pressure to the substrate against the polishing pad, control of the third pressure being independent with respect to control of the first pressure and control of the second pressure. 5. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, comprising:
a carrier head for holding a substrate on a polishing pad; an inner retaining ring connected to the carrier head, the inner retaining ring having a bottom surface for applying a first pressure to the polishing pad and having an innermost circumferential surface for retaining the substrate; an outer retaining ring connected to the carrier head, the outer retaining ring having a bottom surface for applying a second pressure to the polishing pad and having an inner circumferential surface for retaining the inner retaining ring; and a fluid controller connected to the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring, the fluid controller being configured to independently control the first pressure and the second pressure with respect to each other. 6. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a membrane for applying a third pressure to the substrate against the polishing pad, control of the third pressure being independent with respect to control of the first pressure and control of the second pressure. 7. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fluid controller is configured to independently control the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure such that at least one of the first pressure and the second pressure is greater than the third pressure. 8. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid controller is configured to independently control the first pressure and the second pressure to form a step difference between the bottom surface of the inner retaining ring and the bottom surface of the outer retaining ring. 9. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid controller is configured to independently control the first pressure and the second pressure such that the bottom surface of the inner retaining ring is on the same plane with the bottom surface of the outer retaining ring. 10. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bottom surface of the inner retaining ring has a surface area smaller than a surface area of the bottom surface of the outer retaining ring. 11. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the inner retaining ring has a radial direction width smaller than a radial direction width of the outer retaining ring. 12. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the carrier head includes a first carrier body for securing the inner retaining ring, and a second carrier body for securing the outer retaining ring, the first carrier body being inside the second carrier body. 13. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one of the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring is formed of aluminum (Al), Al alloy, stainless steel, copper (Cu), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), ceramic, polymer, or combinations thereof. 14. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring include the same material. 15. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising:
positioning a substrate on a polishing pad by using a carrier head including at least one inner retaining ring and an outer retaining ring; applying a first pressure to the polishing pad by using the at least one inner retaining ring while retaining the substrate without downwardly pressing the substrate by using the at least one inner retaining ring; and applying a second pressure to the polishing pad by using the outer retaining ring while retaining the at least one inner retaining ring by using the outer retaining ring. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
controlling the first pressure and the second pressure independently by using a fluid controller. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
applying a third pressure to the substrate against the polishing pad by using a membrane while rotating the polishing pad. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
controlling the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure independently by using a fluid controller. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluid controller controls the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure such that at least one of the first pressure and the second pressure is greater than the third pressure. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the applying of the first pressure, the applying of the second pressure, and the applying of the third pressure are performed simultaneously. | A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes at least one inner retaining ring, and an outer retaining ring. The at least one inner retaining ring applies a first pressure to the polishing pad, and retains a substrate on the polishing pad. The outer retaining ring applies a second pressure to the polishing pad, and retains the at least one inner retaining ring on the polishing pad. Control of the first pressure is independent with respect to control of the second pressure.1. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, comprising:
at least one inner retaining ring for applying a first pressure to a polishing pad, the at least one inner retaining ring having an innermost circumferential surface for retaining a substrate on the polishing pad; and an outer retaining ring for applying a second pressure to the polishing pad, and arranged to retain the at least one inner retaining ring on the polishing pad, wherein control of the first pressure is independent with respect to control of the second pressure. 2. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one inner retaining ring includes:
a first inner retaining ring for retaining the substrate; and a second inner retaining ring interposed between the first inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring. 3. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein
the first inner retaining ring has a bottom surface for applying an independently controlled inside first pressure to the polishing pad, and the second inner retaining ring has a bottom surface for applying an independently controlled outside first pressure to the polishing pad. 4. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a membrane for applying a third pressure to the substrate against the polishing pad, control of the third pressure being independent with respect to control of the first pressure and control of the second pressure. 5. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, comprising:
a carrier head for holding a substrate on a polishing pad; an inner retaining ring connected to the carrier head, the inner retaining ring having a bottom surface for applying a first pressure to the polishing pad and having an innermost circumferential surface for retaining the substrate; an outer retaining ring connected to the carrier head, the outer retaining ring having a bottom surface for applying a second pressure to the polishing pad and having an inner circumferential surface for retaining the inner retaining ring; and a fluid controller connected to the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring, the fluid controller being configured to independently control the first pressure and the second pressure with respect to each other. 6. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a membrane for applying a third pressure to the substrate against the polishing pad, control of the third pressure being independent with respect to control of the first pressure and control of the second pressure. 7. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fluid controller is configured to independently control the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure such that at least one of the first pressure and the second pressure is greater than the third pressure. 8. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid controller is configured to independently control the first pressure and the second pressure to form a step difference between the bottom surface of the inner retaining ring and the bottom surface of the outer retaining ring. 9. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid controller is configured to independently control the first pressure and the second pressure such that the bottom surface of the inner retaining ring is on the same plane with the bottom surface of the outer retaining ring. 10. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bottom surface of the inner retaining ring has a surface area smaller than a surface area of the bottom surface of the outer retaining ring. 11. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the inner retaining ring has a radial direction width smaller than a radial direction width of the outer retaining ring. 12. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the carrier head includes a first carrier body for securing the inner retaining ring, and a second carrier body for securing the outer retaining ring, the first carrier body being inside the second carrier body. 13. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one of the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring is formed of aluminum (Al), Al alloy, stainless steel, copper (Cu), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), ceramic, polymer, or combinations thereof. 14. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring include the same material. 15. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising:
positioning a substrate on a polishing pad by using a carrier head including at least one inner retaining ring and an outer retaining ring; applying a first pressure to the polishing pad by using the at least one inner retaining ring while retaining the substrate without downwardly pressing the substrate by using the at least one inner retaining ring; and applying a second pressure to the polishing pad by using the outer retaining ring while retaining the at least one inner retaining ring by using the outer retaining ring. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
controlling the first pressure and the second pressure independently by using a fluid controller. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
applying a third pressure to the substrate against the polishing pad by using a membrane while rotating the polishing pad. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
controlling the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure independently by using a fluid controller. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluid controller controls the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure such that at least one of the first pressure and the second pressure is greater than the third pressure. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the applying of the first pressure, the applying of the second pressure, and the applying of the third pressure are performed simultaneously. | 1,700 |
1,958 | 14,418,644 | 1,734 | Machine for the additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using a beam of energy acting on a layer of powder in a working zone, the said working zone being defined in the upper part
of a build sleeve fixedly mounted in a chassis, in which sleeve the said object is manufactured, the said object being supported by a build plate which slides inside the said build sleeve when driven in vertical translation by the head of an actuating cylinder placed along the central axis of the said sleeve. The build plate is positioned inside a transport container which is arranged removably between the said sleeve and the said actuating cylinder, the machine comprises means for moving the transport container ( 60 ) vertically into contact with the build sleeve and the container is open at its top and at its bottom so that, when the actuating cylinder is actuated, the head thereof can transfer the said plate between the said transport container and the said build sleeve which forms a build envelope around the said plate. | 1. A machine for the additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using a beam of energy acting on a layer of powder comprising:
a working zone, wherein the working zone is defined in an upper part of a build sleeve in which the three-dimensional object is manufactured; a chassis, in which the build sleeve is fixedly mounted; a build plate which supports the three-dimensional object, and which slides inside the build sleeve when driven in vertical translation; the a head of an actuating cylinder placed along the central axis of the build sleeve, and which drives the build plate in vertical translation; wherein the build plate is positioned inside a transport container is arranged removably between the build sleeve and the actuating cylinder, means for moving the transport container vertically into contact with the build sleeve and wherein the container is open at its top and at its bottom so that, when the actuating cylinder is actuated, the head thereof can transfer the plate between the transport container and the build sleeve, which forms a build envelope around the build plate. 2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the central axis of the actuating-cylinder head is aligned with the central axis of the build sleeve, and further comprising: indexing means for indexing between the transport container and the chassis of the machine, and centering means for centering between the build plate and the head of the actuating cylinder. 3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the d indexing means comprises push rods belonging to a box fixedly mounted on the chassis collaborating with orifices made in the bottom part of the transport container. 4. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the indexing means comprises studs made on bottom rim of the build sleeve and collaborating with openings made on a top rim of the transport container. 5. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the centering means comprises two diametrically opposite orifices on a bottom face of the build plate which collaborate with protuberances situated on a frontal face of the head of the actuating cylinder. 6. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the build plate slides freely inside the build sleeve and inside the transport container. 7. The machine according to claim 1, wherein a sliding clearance for sliding of the build plate inside the transport container is greater than a sliding clearance for sliding of the build plate inside the build sleeve. 8. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the transport container comprises a sealed flexible bellows arranged between the build plate (7) and its bottom wall. 9. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the build sleeve comprises a periphery having lateral openings which are made to communicate with a transport container when it is placed underneath. 10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the transport container comprises an internal chamber for accepting the build plate, which internal chamber is surrounded by a peripheral corridor communicating at its top with the said lateral openings. 11. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the actuating cylinder drives the build plate via an intermediate plate. 12. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the vertical-movement means comprise a frame actuated in a horizontal translational movement. 13. A method for the additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using a beam of energy acting on a layer of powder in a working zone of a machine according to claim 1, wherein the working zone is defined in the upper part
of the fixed build sleeve in which the object is manufactured, the object being supported by a the build plate which slides inside the build sleeve when driven in vertical translation by the head of the actuating cylinder placed along the central axis of the build sleeve, positioning the plate inside the transport container, which is open at its to and at its bottom; removably arranging the transport container between the build sleeve and the actuating cylinder; vertically moving the transport container until it comes into contact with the build sleeve; transferring the build plate between the transport container and the build sleeve which forms a build envelope around the build plate using the actuating cylinder. 14. The method according to claim 13, comprising successively:
bringing the build plate to the top of the build sleeve, depositing a layer of powder on the build plate, melting the powder particles using a pre-established melting strategy, repeating the depositing and melting steps layer by layer while at the same time progressively lowering the build plate down inside the build sleeve until the object is obtained, lowering the build plate to the bottom of the transport container, moving the actuating cylinder until it is detached from the build plate, removing the transport container from the machine. | Machine for the additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using a beam of energy acting on a layer of powder in a working zone, the said working zone being defined in the upper part
of a build sleeve fixedly mounted in a chassis, in which sleeve the said object is manufactured, the said object being supported by a build plate which slides inside the said build sleeve when driven in vertical translation by the head of an actuating cylinder placed along the central axis of the said sleeve. The build plate is positioned inside a transport container which is arranged removably between the said sleeve and the said actuating cylinder, the machine comprises means for moving the transport container ( 60 ) vertically into contact with the build sleeve and the container is open at its top and at its bottom so that, when the actuating cylinder is actuated, the head thereof can transfer the said plate between the said transport container and the said build sleeve which forms a build envelope around the said plate.1. A machine for the additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using a beam of energy acting on a layer of powder comprising:
a working zone, wherein the working zone is defined in an upper part of a build sleeve in which the three-dimensional object is manufactured; a chassis, in which the build sleeve is fixedly mounted; a build plate which supports the three-dimensional object, and which slides inside the build sleeve when driven in vertical translation; the a head of an actuating cylinder placed along the central axis of the build sleeve, and which drives the build plate in vertical translation; wherein the build plate is positioned inside a transport container is arranged removably between the build sleeve and the actuating cylinder, means for moving the transport container vertically into contact with the build sleeve and wherein the container is open at its top and at its bottom so that, when the actuating cylinder is actuated, the head thereof can transfer the plate between the transport container and the build sleeve, which forms a build envelope around the build plate. 2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the central axis of the actuating-cylinder head is aligned with the central axis of the build sleeve, and further comprising: indexing means for indexing between the transport container and the chassis of the machine, and centering means for centering between the build plate and the head of the actuating cylinder. 3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the d indexing means comprises push rods belonging to a box fixedly mounted on the chassis collaborating with orifices made in the bottom part of the transport container. 4. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the indexing means comprises studs made on bottom rim of the build sleeve and collaborating with openings made on a top rim of the transport container. 5. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the centering means comprises two diametrically opposite orifices on a bottom face of the build plate which collaborate with protuberances situated on a frontal face of the head of the actuating cylinder. 6. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the build plate slides freely inside the build sleeve and inside the transport container. 7. The machine according to claim 1, wherein a sliding clearance for sliding of the build plate inside the transport container is greater than a sliding clearance for sliding of the build plate inside the build sleeve. 8. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the transport container comprises a sealed flexible bellows arranged between the build plate (7) and its bottom wall. 9. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the build sleeve comprises a periphery having lateral openings which are made to communicate with a transport container when it is placed underneath. 10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the transport container comprises an internal chamber for accepting the build plate, which internal chamber is surrounded by a peripheral corridor communicating at its top with the said lateral openings. 11. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the actuating cylinder drives the build plate via an intermediate plate. 12. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the vertical-movement means comprise a frame actuated in a horizontal translational movement. 13. A method for the additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using a beam of energy acting on a layer of powder in a working zone of a machine according to claim 1, wherein the working zone is defined in the upper part
of the fixed build sleeve in which the object is manufactured, the object being supported by a the build plate which slides inside the build sleeve when driven in vertical translation by the head of the actuating cylinder placed along the central axis of the build sleeve, positioning the plate inside the transport container, which is open at its to and at its bottom; removably arranging the transport container between the build sleeve and the actuating cylinder; vertically moving the transport container until it comes into contact with the build sleeve; transferring the build plate between the transport container and the build sleeve which forms a build envelope around the build plate using the actuating cylinder. 14. The method according to claim 13, comprising successively:
bringing the build plate to the top of the build sleeve, depositing a layer of powder on the build plate, melting the powder particles using a pre-established melting strategy, repeating the depositing and melting steps layer by layer while at the same time progressively lowering the build plate down inside the build sleeve until the object is obtained, lowering the build plate to the bottom of the transport container, moving the actuating cylinder until it is detached from the build plate, removing the transport container from the machine. | 1,700 |
1,959 | 12,633,606 | 1,729 | A sulfur tolerant anode current collector material includes a mesh or foam that includes a cermet. The cermet includes a metallic component and a ceramic component. The metallic component includes nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including a nickel compound and a cobalt compound. The ceramic component includes a mixed conducting electrolyte material. | 1. A sulfur tolerant anode current collector material, comprising:
a mesh or foam comprising a cermet, wherein the cermet comprises a metallic component and a ceramic component, the metallic component comprises nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including a nickel compound and a cobalt compound, and wherein the ceramic component comprises a mixed conducting electrolyte material. 2. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the mixed conducting electrolyte material comprises a doped ceria electrolyte material, a doped zirconia electrolyte material, a lanthanum strontium magnesium gallium oxide (LSGM), or a combination thereof. 3. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 2, wherein the doped ceria electrolyte material comprises a gadolinium doped ceria, a samarium doped ceria, a zirconium doped ceria, a scandium doped ceria, a yttrium doped ceria, a calcium doped ceria, a strontium doped ceria, a rare earth element doped ceria, an alkaline earth element doped ceria, or combinations thereof, and the doped zirconia electrolyte material comprises a yttrium doped zirconia, a scandium doped zirconia, a calcium doped zirconia, a rare earth element doped zirconia, an alkaline earth element doped zirconia, or a combination thereof. 4. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the cermet material comprises from 20 to 80 percent by weight of a ceramic component that comprises gadolinium doped ceria, samarium doped ceria, or a combination thereof. 5. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the mesh or foam further comprises a metallic material. 6. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 5, wherein the metallic material comprises nickel, copper, ferritic stainless steel, or a combination thereof. 7. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 5, wherein the mesh or foam comprises at least 10 mg/cm2 of the cermet material. 8. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the mesh or foam comprises at least 10 mg/cm2 of the cermet material, the metallic component comprises nickel and cobalt, and the ceramic component comprises a doped ceria. 9. A solid oxide fuel cell for use with a reducing gas, the solid oxide fuel cell comprising:
a cathode layer; a ceramic electrolyte layer positioned adjacent the cathode layer; an anode layer positioned adjacent the ceramic electrolyte layer; and a sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer positioned adjacent the anode layer; wherein the sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer comprises a mesh or foam comprising a cermet, wherein the cermet comprises a metallic component and a ceramic component, the metallic component comprises nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including nickel and cobalt compounds, and wherein the ceramic component comprises a mixed conducting electrolyte material. 10. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, further comprising an interconnect layer positioned adjacent the sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer. 11. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, wherein the mixed conducting electrolyte material comprises a doped ceria electrolyte material, a doped zirconia electrolyte material, a lanthanum strontium magnesium gallium oxide (LSGM), or a combination thereof. 12. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 11, wherein the doped ceria electrolyte material comprises a gadolinium doped ceria, a samarium doped ceria, a zirconium doped ceria, a scandium doped ceria, a yttrium doped ceria, a calcium doped ceria, a strontium doped ceria, a rare earth element doped ceria, an alkaline earth element doped ceria, or combinations thereof, and the doped zirconia electrolyte material comprises a yttrium doped zirconia, a scandium doped zirconia, a calcium doped zirconia, a rare earth element doped zirconia, an alkaline earth element doped zirconia, or a combination thereof. 13. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, wherein the cermet material comprises from 20 to 80 percent by weight of a ceramic component that comprises gadolinium doped ceria, samarium doped ceria, or a combination thereof. 14. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, wherein the mesh or foam further comprises a metallic material. 15. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 14, wherein the metallic material comprises nickel, copper, ferritic stainless steel, or a combination thereof. 16. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 14, wherein the mesh or foam comprises at least 20 wt % of the cermet material. 17. A solid oxide fuel cell for use with a reducing gas, the solid oxide fuel cell comprising:
a cathode layer; a ceramic electrolyte layer positioned adjacent the cathode layer; an anode layer positioned adjacent the ceramic electrolyte layer; and a sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer positioned adjacent the anode layer; wherein the sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer comprises a cermet material that conducts electricity by transport of both electrons and oxygen ions. 18. A method of manufacturing an anode current collector mesh or foam, comprising the steps of:
providing a powdered anode precursor that comprises a nickel oxide, a composition including nickel oxide and at least one other metal oxide, or a mixture thereof, wherein the at least one other metal oxide comprises cobalt oxide, iron oxide, copper oxide, or a mixture thereof; providing a slurry of the powdered anode precursor and a ceramic material in a fluid; infiltrating the slurry into a polymeric reticulated mesh or foam to produce an infiltrated mesh or foam; calcining the infiltrated mesh or foam to produce a calcined material; sintering the calcined material to produce a sintered material; and reducing the sintered material in the presence of hydrogen or a reducing gas mixture. 19. The method of manufacturing an anode current collector mesh or foam of claim 18, wherein the ceramic material comprises a mixed conducting electrolyte material. 20. The method of manufacturing an anode current collector mesh or foam of claim 18, wherein the ceramic material comprises a doped zirconia electrolyte material or a doped ceria electrolyte material. | A sulfur tolerant anode current collector material includes a mesh or foam that includes a cermet. The cermet includes a metallic component and a ceramic component. The metallic component includes nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including a nickel compound and a cobalt compound. The ceramic component includes a mixed conducting electrolyte material.1. A sulfur tolerant anode current collector material, comprising:
a mesh or foam comprising a cermet, wherein the cermet comprises a metallic component and a ceramic component, the metallic component comprises nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including a nickel compound and a cobalt compound, and wherein the ceramic component comprises a mixed conducting electrolyte material. 2. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the mixed conducting electrolyte material comprises a doped ceria electrolyte material, a doped zirconia electrolyte material, a lanthanum strontium magnesium gallium oxide (LSGM), or a combination thereof. 3. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 2, wherein the doped ceria electrolyte material comprises a gadolinium doped ceria, a samarium doped ceria, a zirconium doped ceria, a scandium doped ceria, a yttrium doped ceria, a calcium doped ceria, a strontium doped ceria, a rare earth element doped ceria, an alkaline earth element doped ceria, or combinations thereof, and the doped zirconia electrolyte material comprises a yttrium doped zirconia, a scandium doped zirconia, a calcium doped zirconia, a rare earth element doped zirconia, an alkaline earth element doped zirconia, or a combination thereof. 4. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the cermet material comprises from 20 to 80 percent by weight of a ceramic component that comprises gadolinium doped ceria, samarium doped ceria, or a combination thereof. 5. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the mesh or foam further comprises a metallic material. 6. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 5, wherein the metallic material comprises nickel, copper, ferritic stainless steel, or a combination thereof. 7. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 5, wherein the mesh or foam comprises at least 10 mg/cm2 of the cermet material. 8. The sulfur tolerant anode current collector material of claim 1, wherein the mesh or foam comprises at least 10 mg/cm2 of the cermet material, the metallic component comprises nickel and cobalt, and the ceramic component comprises a doped ceria. 9. A solid oxide fuel cell for use with a reducing gas, the solid oxide fuel cell comprising:
a cathode layer; a ceramic electrolyte layer positioned adjacent the cathode layer; an anode layer positioned adjacent the ceramic electrolyte layer; and a sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer positioned adjacent the anode layer; wherein the sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer comprises a mesh or foam comprising a cermet, wherein the cermet comprises a metallic component and a ceramic component, the metallic component comprises nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including nickel and cobalt compounds, and wherein the ceramic component comprises a mixed conducting electrolyte material. 10. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, further comprising an interconnect layer positioned adjacent the sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer. 11. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, wherein the mixed conducting electrolyte material comprises a doped ceria electrolyte material, a doped zirconia electrolyte material, a lanthanum strontium magnesium gallium oxide (LSGM), or a combination thereof. 12. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 11, wherein the doped ceria electrolyte material comprises a gadolinium doped ceria, a samarium doped ceria, a zirconium doped ceria, a scandium doped ceria, a yttrium doped ceria, a calcium doped ceria, a strontium doped ceria, a rare earth element doped ceria, an alkaline earth element doped ceria, or combinations thereof, and the doped zirconia electrolyte material comprises a yttrium doped zirconia, a scandium doped zirconia, a calcium doped zirconia, a rare earth element doped zirconia, an alkaline earth element doped zirconia, or a combination thereof. 13. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, wherein the cermet material comprises from 20 to 80 percent by weight of a ceramic component that comprises gadolinium doped ceria, samarium doped ceria, or a combination thereof. 14. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 9, wherein the mesh or foam further comprises a metallic material. 15. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 14, wherein the metallic material comprises nickel, copper, ferritic stainless steel, or a combination thereof. 16. The solid oxide fuel cell of claim 14, wherein the mesh or foam comprises at least 20 wt % of the cermet material. 17. A solid oxide fuel cell for use with a reducing gas, the solid oxide fuel cell comprising:
a cathode layer; a ceramic electrolyte layer positioned adjacent the cathode layer; an anode layer positioned adjacent the ceramic electrolyte layer; and a sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer positioned adjacent the anode layer; wherein the sulfur tolerant anode current collector layer comprises a cermet material that conducts electricity by transport of both electrons and oxygen ions. 18. A method of manufacturing an anode current collector mesh or foam, comprising the steps of:
providing a powdered anode precursor that comprises a nickel oxide, a composition including nickel oxide and at least one other metal oxide, or a mixture thereof, wherein the at least one other metal oxide comprises cobalt oxide, iron oxide, copper oxide, or a mixture thereof; providing a slurry of the powdered anode precursor and a ceramic material in a fluid; infiltrating the slurry into a polymeric reticulated mesh or foam to produce an infiltrated mesh or foam; calcining the infiltrated mesh or foam to produce a calcined material; sintering the calcined material to produce a sintered material; and reducing the sintered material in the presence of hydrogen or a reducing gas mixture. 19. The method of manufacturing an anode current collector mesh or foam of claim 18, wherein the ceramic material comprises a mixed conducting electrolyte material. 20. The method of manufacturing an anode current collector mesh or foam of claim 18, wherein the ceramic material comprises a doped zirconia electrolyte material or a doped ceria electrolyte material. | 1,700 |
1,960 | 13,804,557 | 1,799 | A syringe assembly may include a plunger having a stopper. A barrel may be configured to receive the plunger at an open first end. A tip cap may be removably attached to the second end and may form a chamber within the barrel between the plunger and tip cap. The chamber may be configured to contain a sterilization sensitive material. The barrel may be formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure. | 1. A syringe assembly, comprising:
a plunger including a stopper; a barrel having an open first end and an opposite and second end, wherein the open first end is configured to receive the plunger; a tip cap removably attached to the second end and configured to form a chamber within the barrel between the stopper and the tip cap, wherein the chamber is configured to contain a sterilization sensitive material, and wherein the barrel is formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure. 2. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the plastic material having a high barrier property includes at least one of a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). 3. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the stopper is formed of a high barrier thermoplastic elastomer configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization. 4. The syringe assembly of claim 3, wherein the elastomer is a butyl rubber. 5. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the stopper includes at least one wiper extending radially outwardly and configured to engage an inside surface of the barrel creating a leak free mechanical engagement. 6. The syringe assembly of claim 5, wherein the plunger includes a plunger flange configured to abut the at least one wiper to prevent expulsion of the plunger from the barrel. 7. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the sterilization procedure includes at least one of EtO sterilization and autoclaving. 8. A packaged kit, comprising:
a plastic container system having a plunger and a barrel configured to receive the plunger, wherein the plunger includes a stopper and the barrel is configured to receive the plunger at an open first end; the container system further including a tip cap removably attached to the second end and configured to form a chamber within the barrel between the stopper and the tip cap, wherein the chamber is configured to contain a sterilization sensitive material, and further wherein the barrel is formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure. 9. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the plastic material having a high barrier property includes at least one of a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). 10. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the stopper is formed of a high barrier thermoplastic elastomer configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization purposes. 11. The packaged kit of claim 10, wherein the elastomer is a butyl rubber. 12. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the stopper includes at least one wiper extending radially outwardly and configured to create a mating surface with the inside of the barrel creating a leak free mechanical engagement. 13. The packaged kit of claim 12, wherein the plunger includes a plunger flange configured to abut the at least one wiper to prevent expulsion of the plunger from the barrel. 14. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the sterilization procedure includes at least one of EtO sterilization and autoclaving. 15. The packaged kit of claim 8, further comprising a vial configured to contain a vial sterilization sensitive material and having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the vial sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the vial sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure. 16. A method of sterilizing, comprising:
assembling a syringe assembly including:
inserting a tip cap at an end of a plunger;
filling the barrel with sterilization sensitive material at an opposite end of the barrel; and
inserting a plunger into a barrel at the opposite end to seal the material within the barrel;
inserting the syringe assembly into a packaged kit; and performing terminal sterilization of the packaged kit, wherein upon exposure to sterilization, the sterilization-sensitive material remains substantially unchanged. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the barrel is formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plastic material having a high barrier property includes at least one of a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising fitting a stopper onto the plunger prior to the barrel receiving the plunger. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the stopper is formed of a high barrier thermoplastic elastomer configured to create a further barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization purposes. | A syringe assembly may include a plunger having a stopper. A barrel may be configured to receive the plunger at an open first end. A tip cap may be removably attached to the second end and may form a chamber within the barrel between the plunger and tip cap. The chamber may be configured to contain a sterilization sensitive material. The barrel may be formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure.1. A syringe assembly, comprising:
a plunger including a stopper; a barrel having an open first end and an opposite and second end, wherein the open first end is configured to receive the plunger; a tip cap removably attached to the second end and configured to form a chamber within the barrel between the stopper and the tip cap, wherein the chamber is configured to contain a sterilization sensitive material, and wherein the barrel is formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure. 2. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the plastic material having a high barrier property includes at least one of a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). 3. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the stopper is formed of a high barrier thermoplastic elastomer configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization. 4. The syringe assembly of claim 3, wherein the elastomer is a butyl rubber. 5. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the stopper includes at least one wiper extending radially outwardly and configured to engage an inside surface of the barrel creating a leak free mechanical engagement. 6. The syringe assembly of claim 5, wherein the plunger includes a plunger flange configured to abut the at least one wiper to prevent expulsion of the plunger from the barrel. 7. The syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein the sterilization procedure includes at least one of EtO sterilization and autoclaving. 8. A packaged kit, comprising:
a plastic container system having a plunger and a barrel configured to receive the plunger, wherein the plunger includes a stopper and the barrel is configured to receive the plunger at an open first end; the container system further including a tip cap removably attached to the second end and configured to form a chamber within the barrel between the stopper and the tip cap, wherein the chamber is configured to contain a sterilization sensitive material, and further wherein the barrel is formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure. 9. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the plastic material having a high barrier property includes at least one of a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). 10. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the stopper is formed of a high barrier thermoplastic elastomer configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization purposes. 11. The packaged kit of claim 10, wherein the elastomer is a butyl rubber. 12. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the stopper includes at least one wiper extending radially outwardly and configured to create a mating surface with the inside of the barrel creating a leak free mechanical engagement. 13. The packaged kit of claim 12, wherein the plunger includes a plunger flange configured to abut the at least one wiper to prevent expulsion of the plunger from the barrel. 14. The packaged kit of claim 8, wherein the sterilization procedure includes at least one of EtO sterilization and autoclaving. 15. The packaged kit of claim 8, further comprising a vial configured to contain a vial sterilization sensitive material and having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the vial sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the vial sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure. 16. A method of sterilizing, comprising:
assembling a syringe assembly including:
inserting a tip cap at an end of a plunger;
filling the barrel with sterilization sensitive material at an opposite end of the barrel; and
inserting a plunger into a barrel at the opposite end to seal the material within the barrel;
inserting the syringe assembly into a packaged kit; and performing terminal sterilization of the packaged kit, wherein upon exposure to sterilization, the sterilization-sensitive material remains substantially unchanged. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the barrel is formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plastic material having a high barrier property includes at least one of a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising fitting a stopper onto the plunger prior to the barrel receiving the plunger. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the stopper is formed of a high barrier thermoplastic elastomer configured to create a further barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and the gases produced for sterilization purposes. | 1,700 |
1,961 | 14,111,052 | 1,717 | An impregnation section ( 150 ) and a method for impregnating fiber rovings ( 142 ) with a polymer resin ( 214 ) are disclosed. The impregnation section ( 150 ) includes an impregnation zone ( 250 ) and a gate passage ( 270 ). The impregnation zone ( 250 ) is configured to impregnate the plurality of rovings ( 142 ) with the resin ( 214 ). The gate passage ( 270 ) is in fluid communication with the impregnation zone ( 250 ) for flowing the resin therethrough such that the resin impinges on a surface ( 216 ) of each of the plurality of rovings ( 142 ) facing the gate passage ( 270 ) and substantially uniformly coats the plurality of rovings. The method includes impinging a polymer resin ( 214 ) onto a surface of a plurality of fiber rovings ( 142 ), and substantially uniformly coating the plurality of rovings with the resin. The method further includes traversing the plurality of coated rovings through an impregnation zone ( 250 ). Each of the plurality of rovings ( 142 ) is under a tension of from about 5 Newtons to about 300 Newtons within the impregnation zone ( 250 ). | 1. An impregnation section of a die for impregnating a plurality of fiber rovings with a polymer resin, the impregnation section comprising:
an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the plurality of rovings with the resin; and a gate passage in fluid communication with the impregnation zone for flowing the resin therethrough such that the resin impinges on a surface of each of the plurality of rovings facing the gate passage and substantially uniformly coats the plurality of rovings. 2. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the gate passage extends vertically to the impregnation zone. 3. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the gate passage has a decreasing cross-sectional profile in a flow direction of the resin. 4. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the impregnation zone comprises a plurality of contact surfaces. 5. The impregnation section of claim 4, wherein the impregnation zone comprises between 2 and 50 contact surfaces. 6. The impregnation section of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of contact surfaces comprises a curvilinear contact surface. 7. The impregnation section of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of contact surfaces is configured such that the plurality of rovings traverse the contact surface at an angle in the range between 1 degree and 30 degrees. 8. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the impregnation zone has a waveform cross-sectional profile. 9. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the impregnation zone comprises a plurality of pins. 10. The impregnation section of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of pins is static. 11. The impregnation section of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of pins is rotationally driven. 12. The impregnation section of claim 1, further comprising a first plate defining a first inner surface and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and defining a second opposing inner surface, wherein the impregnation zone is defined between the first plate and the second plate, and wherein the impregnation zone comprises a plurality of contact surfaces defined on only one of the first inner surface or the second inner surface. 13. The impregnation section of claim 1, further comprising a land zone downstream of the impregnation zone in a run direction of the plurality of rovings. 14. The impregnation section of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the land zone has an increasing cross-sectional profile in the run direction. 15. The impregnation section of claim 1, further comprising a faceplate adjoining the impregnation zone, the faceplate configured to meter excess resin within the plurality of rovings. 16. The impregnation section of any of claim 1, wherein the resin is a thermoplastic resin. 17. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the resin is a thermoset resin. 18. A method for impregnating a plurality of fiber rovings with a polymer resin, the method comprising:
impinging a polymer resin onto a surface of a plurality of fiber rovings, substantially uniformly coating the plurality of rovings with the resin; and traversing the plurality of coated rovings through an impregnation zone to impregnate the plurality of coated rovings with the resin, wherein each of the plurality of rovings is under a tension of from about 5 Newtons to about 300 Newtons within the impregnation zone. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising flowing the resin through a gate passage, and wherein at least a portion of the gate passage has a decreasing cross-sectional profile in a flow direction of the resin. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of rovings traverse from the impregnation zone through a land zone, the land zone positioned downstream of the impregnation zone in a run direction of the plurality of rovings. | An impregnation section ( 150 ) and a method for impregnating fiber rovings ( 142 ) with a polymer resin ( 214 ) are disclosed. The impregnation section ( 150 ) includes an impregnation zone ( 250 ) and a gate passage ( 270 ). The impregnation zone ( 250 ) is configured to impregnate the plurality of rovings ( 142 ) with the resin ( 214 ). The gate passage ( 270 ) is in fluid communication with the impregnation zone ( 250 ) for flowing the resin therethrough such that the resin impinges on a surface ( 216 ) of each of the plurality of rovings ( 142 ) facing the gate passage ( 270 ) and substantially uniformly coats the plurality of rovings. The method includes impinging a polymer resin ( 214 ) onto a surface of a plurality of fiber rovings ( 142 ), and substantially uniformly coating the plurality of rovings with the resin. The method further includes traversing the plurality of coated rovings through an impregnation zone ( 250 ). Each of the plurality of rovings ( 142 ) is under a tension of from about 5 Newtons to about 300 Newtons within the impregnation zone ( 250 ).1. An impregnation section of a die for impregnating a plurality of fiber rovings with a polymer resin, the impregnation section comprising:
an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the plurality of rovings with the resin; and a gate passage in fluid communication with the impregnation zone for flowing the resin therethrough such that the resin impinges on a surface of each of the plurality of rovings facing the gate passage and substantially uniformly coats the plurality of rovings. 2. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the gate passage extends vertically to the impregnation zone. 3. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the gate passage has a decreasing cross-sectional profile in a flow direction of the resin. 4. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the impregnation zone comprises a plurality of contact surfaces. 5. The impregnation section of claim 4, wherein the impregnation zone comprises between 2 and 50 contact surfaces. 6. The impregnation section of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of contact surfaces comprises a curvilinear contact surface. 7. The impregnation section of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of contact surfaces is configured such that the plurality of rovings traverse the contact surface at an angle in the range between 1 degree and 30 degrees. 8. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the impregnation zone has a waveform cross-sectional profile. 9. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the impregnation zone comprises a plurality of pins. 10. The impregnation section of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of pins is static. 11. The impregnation section of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of pins is rotationally driven. 12. The impregnation section of claim 1, further comprising a first plate defining a first inner surface and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and defining a second opposing inner surface, wherein the impregnation zone is defined between the first plate and the second plate, and wherein the impregnation zone comprises a plurality of contact surfaces defined on only one of the first inner surface or the second inner surface. 13. The impregnation section of claim 1, further comprising a land zone downstream of the impregnation zone in a run direction of the plurality of rovings. 14. The impregnation section of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the land zone has an increasing cross-sectional profile in the run direction. 15. The impregnation section of claim 1, further comprising a faceplate adjoining the impregnation zone, the faceplate configured to meter excess resin within the plurality of rovings. 16. The impregnation section of any of claim 1, wherein the resin is a thermoplastic resin. 17. The impregnation section of claim 1, wherein the resin is a thermoset resin. 18. A method for impregnating a plurality of fiber rovings with a polymer resin, the method comprising:
impinging a polymer resin onto a surface of a plurality of fiber rovings, substantially uniformly coating the plurality of rovings with the resin; and traversing the plurality of coated rovings through an impregnation zone to impregnate the plurality of coated rovings with the resin, wherein each of the plurality of rovings is under a tension of from about 5 Newtons to about 300 Newtons within the impregnation zone. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising flowing the resin through a gate passage, and wherein at least a portion of the gate passage has a decreasing cross-sectional profile in a flow direction of the resin. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of rovings traverse from the impregnation zone through a land zone, the land zone positioned downstream of the impregnation zone in a run direction of the plurality of rovings. | 1,700 |
1,962 | 13,971,766 | 1,766 | A method for producing a flowing silica composition including a sol-gel transfer, where redispersion is carried out. The redispersion includes adding, after having reached gel point of the sol-gel transfer, liquid into the gel formed by the sol-gel transfer, and the addition being made within a sufficiently short time period after reaching the gel point, to result, after mixing of the gel and the liquid, in a rheologically homogenous flowing silica composition, which is and remains injectable as such, or by short stirring <30 s, through a thin 22G needle. Also disclosed are flowing silica compositions and gels obtainable by methods of the invention, and uses of flowing silica compositions. | 1-25. (canceled) 26. A kit comprising
i) a flowing silica composition having a solids content of 3.1 wt-% or less, and having been prepared by a method comprising a) performing a sol-gel transfer and b) performing a redispersion comprising
adding liquid into the gel formed by said sol-gel transfer within a sufficiently short time period after reaching said gel point, said time period depending on temperature and the recipe of the sol-gel transfer,
mixing said gel and said liquid to produce said flowing silica composition, which is and remains injectable as such, or by short stirring <30 s, through a thin 22G needle, such that a 400 μl aliquot of the sample can at RT be injected with a 1.0 ml syringe, using standard injection procedures with one steady pressing of the syringe plunger, without phase separation or blockage of the needles occurring during the injection,
wherein the steps of adding liquid and mixing are carried out within ≦5 min after reaching gel point of said sol-gel transfer, and
ii) a regelling agent capable of inducing regelling of the silica into a gel. 27. The kit of claim 26, wherein said silica composition further comprises at least one functional agent, other than the silica gel itself. 28. The kit of claim 26, wherein said flowing silica composition is shear thinning. 29. The kit of claim 26, wherein the solids content of the silica composition is between 0.8 to 3.1 wt-%. 30. The kit of claim 26, wherein said regelling agent is a member of the group consisting of a salt, a sol, a liquid and a pH adjustment agent. 31. The kit of claim 30, wherein said salt comprises simulated body fluid. | A method for producing a flowing silica composition including a sol-gel transfer, where redispersion is carried out. The redispersion includes adding, after having reached gel point of the sol-gel transfer, liquid into the gel formed by the sol-gel transfer, and the addition being made within a sufficiently short time period after reaching the gel point, to result, after mixing of the gel and the liquid, in a rheologically homogenous flowing silica composition, which is and remains injectable as such, or by short stirring <30 s, through a thin 22G needle. Also disclosed are flowing silica compositions and gels obtainable by methods of the invention, and uses of flowing silica compositions.1-25. (canceled) 26. A kit comprising
i) a flowing silica composition having a solids content of 3.1 wt-% or less, and having been prepared by a method comprising a) performing a sol-gel transfer and b) performing a redispersion comprising
adding liquid into the gel formed by said sol-gel transfer within a sufficiently short time period after reaching said gel point, said time period depending on temperature and the recipe of the sol-gel transfer,
mixing said gel and said liquid to produce said flowing silica composition, which is and remains injectable as such, or by short stirring <30 s, through a thin 22G needle, such that a 400 μl aliquot of the sample can at RT be injected with a 1.0 ml syringe, using standard injection procedures with one steady pressing of the syringe plunger, without phase separation or blockage of the needles occurring during the injection,
wherein the steps of adding liquid and mixing are carried out within ≦5 min after reaching gel point of said sol-gel transfer, and
ii) a regelling agent capable of inducing regelling of the silica into a gel. 27. The kit of claim 26, wherein said silica composition further comprises at least one functional agent, other than the silica gel itself. 28. The kit of claim 26, wherein said flowing silica composition is shear thinning. 29. The kit of claim 26, wherein the solids content of the silica composition is between 0.8 to 3.1 wt-%. 30. The kit of claim 26, wherein said regelling agent is a member of the group consisting of a salt, a sol, a liquid and a pH adjustment agent. 31. The kit of claim 30, wherein said salt comprises simulated body fluid. | 1,700 |
1,963 | 10,551,239 | 1,771 | A fuel composition comprising a major amount of a gasoline fuel having a maximum sulfur content of 150 ppm by weight and a minor amount of at least one gasoline fuel additive having detergent action or having a valve seat wear-inhibiting action, wherein this gasoline fuel additive has at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20 000 and at least one polar moiety, and wherein the fuel composition also has a content of at least one lower alkanol of from about 5 to 75% by volume. | 1. A fuel composition comprising a major amount of a gasoline fuel having a maximum sulfur content of 150 ppm by weight and a minor amount of at least one gasoline fuel additive having detergent action or having a valve seat wear-inhibiting action, wherein this gasoline fuel additive has at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety, and wherein the fuel composition also has a content of at least one C1-C3-mono alkanol of from about 10 to 75% by volume. 2. The fuel composition according to claim 1, wherein the polar moiety is selected from:
(a) mono- or polyamino groups having up to 6 nitrogen atoms, of which at least one nitrogen atom has basic properties, (b) nitro groups, optionally in combination with hydroxyl groups, (c) hydroxyl groups in combination with mono- or polyamino groups, in which at least one nitrogen atom has basic properties, (d) carboxyl groups or their alkali metal or their alkaline earth metal salts, (e) sulfonic acid groups or their alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, (f) polyoxy-C2- to -C4-alkylene groups which are terminated by hydroxyl groups, mono- or polyamino groups, in which at least one nitrogen atom has basic properties, or by carbamate groups, (g) carboxylic ester groups, (h) moieties derived from succinic anhydride and having hydroxyl and/or amino and/or amido and/or imido groups and (i) moieties obtained by Mannich reaction of substituted phenols with aldehydes and mono- or polyamines. 3. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (a), polyalkenemono- or polyalkylenepolyamines based on polypropylene, polybutene or polyisobutene having Mn=from 300 to 5,000. 4. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (b), reaction products of polyisobutenes having an average degree of polymerization P=from 5 to 100 with nitrogen oxides or mixtures of nitrogen oxides and oxygen. 5. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (c), reaction products of polyisobutene epoxides obtainable from polyisobutene having predominantly terminal double bonds and Mn=from 300 to 5,000 with ammonia, mono- or polyamines. 6. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (d), copolymers of C2-C40-olefins with maleic anhydrides which have a total molar mass of from 500 to 20,000 and of whose carboxyl groups some or all have been converted to the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts and any remainder of the carboxyl groups have been reacted with alcohols or amines. 7. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (e), alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of an alkyl sulfosuccinate. 8. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (f), polyethers or polyetheramines obtainable by reacting C2-C30-alkanols, C6-C60-alkanediols, mono- or di- C2-C30-alkylamines, CI-C30-alkylcyclohexanols or C1-C30-alkylphenols with from 1 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide per hydroxyl group or amino group and, in the case of polyetheramines, by subsequent reductive amination with ammonia, monoamines or polyamines. 9. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (g), esters of mono-, di- or tricarboxylic acids with long-chain alkanols or polyols. 10. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (h), derivatives of polyisobutenylsuccinic anhydride obtainable by reacting conventional or highly reactive polyisobutylene having Mn =from 300 to 5,000 with maleic anhydride by a thermal route or via the chlorinated polyisobutene. 11. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (i), reaction products of polyisobutene-substituted phenols with formaldehyde and mono- or polyamines. 12. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum olefin content of 21% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 13. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum benzene content of 1.0% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 14. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum oxygen content of 2.7% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 15. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum aromatics content of 42% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 16. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising the gasoline fuel additives having the polar moieties (a) to (i) in an amount of from 1 to 5,000 ppm by weight. 17. The use of a lower alkanol in low-sulfur gasoline fuels having a maximum sulfur content of 150 ppm by weight to improve the action of an additive having detergent action or having valve seat wear-inhibiting action, wherein the additive has at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety. 18. A process for improving the additive action of an additive having detergent action or having valve seat wear-inhibiting action as defined in claim 1 in low-sulfur gasoline fuels, by admixing the gasoline fuel with an effective amount of a lower alcohol. 19. The use of a combination of lower alcohol and at least one additive having detergent action or having valve seat wear-inhibiting action, the additive having at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety, to reduce combustion chamber deposits and/or to reduce deposits in the intake system of a gasoline engine. 20. The use of a combination of lower alcohol and additive having valve seat wear-inhibiting action, the additive having at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety, as a valve seat wear-inhibitor for gasoline fuels. | A fuel composition comprising a major amount of a gasoline fuel having a maximum sulfur content of 150 ppm by weight and a minor amount of at least one gasoline fuel additive having detergent action or having a valve seat wear-inhibiting action, wherein this gasoline fuel additive has at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20 000 and at least one polar moiety, and wherein the fuel composition also has a content of at least one lower alkanol of from about 5 to 75% by volume.1. A fuel composition comprising a major amount of a gasoline fuel having a maximum sulfur content of 150 ppm by weight and a minor amount of at least one gasoline fuel additive having detergent action or having a valve seat wear-inhibiting action, wherein this gasoline fuel additive has at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety, and wherein the fuel composition also has a content of at least one C1-C3-mono alkanol of from about 10 to 75% by volume. 2. The fuel composition according to claim 1, wherein the polar moiety is selected from:
(a) mono- or polyamino groups having up to 6 nitrogen atoms, of which at least one nitrogen atom has basic properties, (b) nitro groups, optionally in combination with hydroxyl groups, (c) hydroxyl groups in combination with mono- or polyamino groups, in which at least one nitrogen atom has basic properties, (d) carboxyl groups or their alkali metal or their alkaline earth metal salts, (e) sulfonic acid groups or their alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, (f) polyoxy-C2- to -C4-alkylene groups which are terminated by hydroxyl groups, mono- or polyamino groups, in which at least one nitrogen atom has basic properties, or by carbamate groups, (g) carboxylic ester groups, (h) moieties derived from succinic anhydride and having hydroxyl and/or amino and/or amido and/or imido groups and (i) moieties obtained by Mannich reaction of substituted phenols with aldehydes and mono- or polyamines. 3. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (a), polyalkenemono- or polyalkylenepolyamines based on polypropylene, polybutene or polyisobutene having Mn=from 300 to 5,000. 4. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (b), reaction products of polyisobutenes having an average degree of polymerization P=from 5 to 100 with nitrogen oxides or mixtures of nitrogen oxides and oxygen. 5. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (c), reaction products of polyisobutene epoxides obtainable from polyisobutene having predominantly terminal double bonds and Mn=from 300 to 5,000 with ammonia, mono- or polyamines. 6. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (d), copolymers of C2-C40-olefins with maleic anhydrides which have a total molar mass of from 500 to 20,000 and of whose carboxyl groups some or all have been converted to the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts and any remainder of the carboxyl groups have been reacted with alcohols or amines. 7. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (e), alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of an alkyl sulfosuccinate. 8. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (f), polyethers or polyetheramines obtainable by reacting C2-C30-alkanols, C6-C60-alkanediols, mono- or di- C2-C30-alkylamines, CI-C30-alkylcyclohexanols or C1-C30-alkylphenols with from 1 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide per hydroxyl group or amino group and, in the case of polyetheramines, by subsequent reductive amination with ammonia, monoamines or polyamines. 9. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (g), esters of mono-, di- or tricarboxylic acids with long-chain alkanols or polyols. 10. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (h), derivatives of polyisobutenylsuccinic anhydride obtainable by reacting conventional or highly reactive polyisobutylene having Mn =from 300 to 5,000 with maleic anhydride by a thermal route or via the chlorinated polyisobutene. 11. The fuel composition according to claim 2, comprising, as a gasoline fuel additive having polar moieties (i), reaction products of polyisobutene-substituted phenols with formaldehyde and mono- or polyamines. 12. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum olefin content of 21% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 13. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum benzene content of 1.0% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 14. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum oxygen content of 2.7% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 15. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising a gasoline fuel having a maximum aromatics content of 42% by volume based on the volume of a nonadditized lower alkanol-free gasoline fuel. 16. The fuel composition according to claim 1, comprising the gasoline fuel additives having the polar moieties (a) to (i) in an amount of from 1 to 5,000 ppm by weight. 17. The use of a lower alkanol in low-sulfur gasoline fuels having a maximum sulfur content of 150 ppm by weight to improve the action of an additive having detergent action or having valve seat wear-inhibiting action, wherein the additive has at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety. 18. A process for improving the additive action of an additive having detergent action or having valve seat wear-inhibiting action as defined in claim 1 in low-sulfur gasoline fuels, by admixing the gasoline fuel with an effective amount of a lower alcohol. 19. The use of a combination of lower alcohol and at least one additive having detergent action or having valve seat wear-inhibiting action, the additive having at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety, to reduce combustion chamber deposits and/or to reduce deposits in the intake system of a gasoline engine. 20. The use of a combination of lower alcohol and additive having valve seat wear-inhibiting action, the additive having at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar moiety, as a valve seat wear-inhibitor for gasoline fuels. | 1,700 |
1,964 | 14,046,514 | 1,793 | Rebaudioside M compositions with improved aqueous solubility and methods for preparing the same are provided herein. The rebaudioside M compositions include (i) disordered crystalline compositions comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D, (ii) spray-dried compositions comprising rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D and steviol glycoside mixtures and/or rebaudioside B and/or NSF-02, (iii) spray-dried compositions comprising rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D and at least one surfactant, polymer, saponin, carbohydrate, polyol, preservative or a combination thereof. Sweetened compositions, such a beverages, containing the rebaudioside M compositions with improved water solubility are also provided herein. | 1. A disordered crystalline composition comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D. 2. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 1, wherein rebaudioside M is present in about 75% to about 90% by weight and rebaudioside D is present in about 5% to about 25% by weight in a steviol glycoside mixture. 3. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition has a water solubility of about 0.3% (w/w) or greater. 4. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is X-ray amorphous and exhibits birefringence when analyzed by polarized light microscopy. 5. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is X-ray amorphous, exhibits birefringence when analyzed by polarized light microscopy and contains approximately 0.5% to about 10% water via Karl Fischer analysis. 6. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is X-ray amorphous, exhibits birefringence when analyzed by polarized light microscopy and displays a water weight loss of about 2% to about 8% following equilibration at 5% relative humidity. 7. A rebaudioside M composition comprising the disordered crystalline composition of claim 3. 8. The rebaudioside M composition of claim 7, further comprising one or more additional sweeteners. 9. The rebaudioside M composition of claim 7, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, emulsifiers, weighing agents, gums, colorants, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers, essential oils, anti-fungal agents and combinations thereof. 10. The rebaudioside M composition of claim 7, further comprising a functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, dietary fiber sources, fatty acids, vitamins, glucosamine, minerals, preservatives, hydration agents, probiotics, prebiotics, weight management agents, osteoporosis management agents, phytoestrogens, long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols, phytosterols and combinations thereof. 11. A beverage comprising the disordered crystalline composition of claim 3. 12. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the beverage is selected from the group consisting of colas, lemon-lime flavored sparking beverages, orange-flavored sparking beverages, grape-flavored sparkling beverages, strawberry-flavored sparkling beverages, pineapple-flavored sparkling beverages, ginger-ale, soft drinks, root beer, malt beverages, fruit juices, fruit-flavored juices, juice drinks, nectars, vegetable juices, vegetable-flavored juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, enhanced water, enhanced water with vitamins, near water drinks, coconut waters, teas, coffees, cocoa drinks, beverages containing milk components, beverages containing cereal extracts and smoothies. 13. The beverage of claim 11, further comprising one or more sweeteners. 14. The beverage of claim 11, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, emulsifiers, weighing agents, gums, colorants, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers, essential oils, anti-fungal agents and combinations thereof. 15. The beverage of claim 11, further comprising a functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, dietary fiber sources, fatty acids, vitamins, glucosamine, minerals, preservatives, hydration agents, probiotics, prebiotics, weight management agents, osteoporosis management agents, phytoestrogens, long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols, phytosterols and combinations thereof. 16. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the pH is from about 2 to about 5. 17. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the titratable acidity is from about 0.01 to about 1.0% by weight. 18. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the beverage is selected from a full-calorie beverage, a mid-calorie beverage, a low-calorie beverage or a zero-calorie beverage. 19. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the beverage comprises between about 200 ppm and about 500 ppm rebaudioside M, wherein the liquid matrix of the beverage is selected from the group consisting of water, phosphoric acid, phosphate buffer, citric acid, citrate buffer, carbon-treated water and combinations thereof, wherein the pH of the beverage is from about 2.5 to about 4.2. 20. A method of preparing a disordered crystalline composition comprising:
(i) heating a mixture comprising solvent and a composition comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D, (ii) maintaining the mixture at a temperature for a period of time to provide a concentrated solution, (iii) optionally decreasing the temperature, and (iv) removing solvent from the concentrated solution. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixture is heated and maintained at about 121° C. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixture is cooled to about 100° C. 23. The method of claim 20, wherein solvent is removed from the concentrated solution by spray-drying, rotary evaporation, lyophilization, tray drying, pervaporation, osmosis, reverse-osmosis, liquid extraction, absorption and adsoprtion. 24. The method of claim 20, wherein solvent is removed by spray-drying. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein a laboratory spray-drier is used and operated at 175° C. inlet temperature and 100° C. outlet temperature. 26. The method of claim 20, wherein the composition is, or contains, disordered crystalline material. 27. The method of claim 20, wherein the composition has a water solubility of about 0.3% or greater. 28. The method of claim 20, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, water and combinations thereof. | Rebaudioside M compositions with improved aqueous solubility and methods for preparing the same are provided herein. The rebaudioside M compositions include (i) disordered crystalline compositions comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D, (ii) spray-dried compositions comprising rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D and steviol glycoside mixtures and/or rebaudioside B and/or NSF-02, (iii) spray-dried compositions comprising rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D and at least one surfactant, polymer, saponin, carbohydrate, polyol, preservative or a combination thereof. Sweetened compositions, such a beverages, containing the rebaudioside M compositions with improved water solubility are also provided herein.1. A disordered crystalline composition comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D. 2. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 1, wherein rebaudioside M is present in about 75% to about 90% by weight and rebaudioside D is present in about 5% to about 25% by weight in a steviol glycoside mixture. 3. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition has a water solubility of about 0.3% (w/w) or greater. 4. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is X-ray amorphous and exhibits birefringence when analyzed by polarized light microscopy. 5. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is X-ray amorphous, exhibits birefringence when analyzed by polarized light microscopy and contains approximately 0.5% to about 10% water via Karl Fischer analysis. 6. The disordered crystalline composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is X-ray amorphous, exhibits birefringence when analyzed by polarized light microscopy and displays a water weight loss of about 2% to about 8% following equilibration at 5% relative humidity. 7. A rebaudioside M composition comprising the disordered crystalline composition of claim 3. 8. The rebaudioside M composition of claim 7, further comprising one or more additional sweeteners. 9. The rebaudioside M composition of claim 7, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, emulsifiers, weighing agents, gums, colorants, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers, essential oils, anti-fungal agents and combinations thereof. 10. The rebaudioside M composition of claim 7, further comprising a functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, dietary fiber sources, fatty acids, vitamins, glucosamine, minerals, preservatives, hydration agents, probiotics, prebiotics, weight management agents, osteoporosis management agents, phytoestrogens, long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols, phytosterols and combinations thereof. 11. A beverage comprising the disordered crystalline composition of claim 3. 12. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the beverage is selected from the group consisting of colas, lemon-lime flavored sparking beverages, orange-flavored sparking beverages, grape-flavored sparkling beverages, strawberry-flavored sparkling beverages, pineapple-flavored sparkling beverages, ginger-ale, soft drinks, root beer, malt beverages, fruit juices, fruit-flavored juices, juice drinks, nectars, vegetable juices, vegetable-flavored juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, enhanced water, enhanced water with vitamins, near water drinks, coconut waters, teas, coffees, cocoa drinks, beverages containing milk components, beverages containing cereal extracts and smoothies. 13. The beverage of claim 11, further comprising one or more sweeteners. 14. The beverage of claim 11, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, emulsifiers, weighing agents, gums, colorants, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers, essential oils, anti-fungal agents and combinations thereof. 15. The beverage of claim 11, further comprising a functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, dietary fiber sources, fatty acids, vitamins, glucosamine, minerals, preservatives, hydration agents, probiotics, prebiotics, weight management agents, osteoporosis management agents, phytoestrogens, long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols, phytosterols and combinations thereof. 16. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the pH is from about 2 to about 5. 17. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the titratable acidity is from about 0.01 to about 1.0% by weight. 18. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the beverage is selected from a full-calorie beverage, a mid-calorie beverage, a low-calorie beverage or a zero-calorie beverage. 19. The beverage of claim 11, wherein the beverage comprises between about 200 ppm and about 500 ppm rebaudioside M, wherein the liquid matrix of the beverage is selected from the group consisting of water, phosphoric acid, phosphate buffer, citric acid, citrate buffer, carbon-treated water and combinations thereof, wherein the pH of the beverage is from about 2.5 to about 4.2. 20. A method of preparing a disordered crystalline composition comprising:
(i) heating a mixture comprising solvent and a composition comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D, (ii) maintaining the mixture at a temperature for a period of time to provide a concentrated solution, (iii) optionally decreasing the temperature, and (iv) removing solvent from the concentrated solution. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixture is heated and maintained at about 121° C. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixture is cooled to about 100° C. 23. The method of claim 20, wherein solvent is removed from the concentrated solution by spray-drying, rotary evaporation, lyophilization, tray drying, pervaporation, osmosis, reverse-osmosis, liquid extraction, absorption and adsoprtion. 24. The method of claim 20, wherein solvent is removed by spray-drying. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein a laboratory spray-drier is used and operated at 175° C. inlet temperature and 100° C. outlet temperature. 26. The method of claim 20, wherein the composition is, or contains, disordered crystalline material. 27. The method of claim 20, wherein the composition has a water solubility of about 0.3% or greater. 28. The method of claim 20, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, water and combinations thereof. | 1,700 |
1,965 | 12,186,249 | 1,787 | A coating composition is provided that is suitable for use on glass articles. When suitably cured on a glass substrate, the coating composition provides a durable and abrasion resistant coating. The coating composition preferably includes an acrylic polymer, an optional crosslinker, and a carrier. | 1. A coated article comprising:
a glass substrate; and a coating composition applied over at least a portion of the glass substrate, the coating composition comprising:
a water-dispersible resin system that includes an acrylic polymer having a Tg of greater than about 30° C.,
a crosslinker, and
an aqueous carrier;
wherein the coating composition, when cured on a flat glass substrate at a dry film thickness of 0.0013 millimeters, exhibits a taber abrasion resistance of at least about 100 cycles when tested pursuant to ASTM D4060-01 using a single CS-IOF calibrase wheel as the abrasive wheel. 2. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition comprises a crosslinked coating composition. 3. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the resin system comprises a heat-curable resin system. 4. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the Tg of the acrylic polymer is between about 60° C. and about 90° C. 5. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the acrylic polymer comprises at least about 30% of the total nonvolatile weight of the coating composition. 6. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the resin system comprises:
a reaction product of:
an oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer having an oxirane functionality of 0.5 to 5,
an acid-functional polymer having an acid number of 30 to 500, and
a tertiary amine;
wherein at least one of the oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer or the acid-functional polymer is the acrylic polymer having a Tg of greater than about 30° C. 7. The coated article of claim 6, wherein the oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer is a reaction product of a glycidyl ester of an alpha, beta-unsaturated acid, or anhydride thereof with one or more other monomers. 8. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition comprises between about 5 and about 45% by weight solids of crosslinker. 9. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the crosslinker comprises a melamine crosslinker. 10. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition further comprises a silane coupling agent. 11. The coated article of claim 10, wherein the silane coupling agent comprises an oxirane-functional silane coupling agent. 12. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition further comprises a colorant. 13. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition further comprises a UV absorber. 14. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition is pasteurization resistant. 15. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition, when in a liquid form prior to application, is storage stable for at least about 3 months. 16. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article comprises a beer or soda container. 17. The coating composition of claim 1, further comprising:
at least about 30% by weight solids of the water-dispersible resin system; between about 5% and about 45% by weight solids of the crosslinker; and a silane coupling agent. 18. The coating composition of claim 17, wherein the silane-coupling agent comprises an oxirane-functional silane coupling agent. 19. The composition of claim 17, wherein the water-dispersible acrylic resin system comprises:
a reaction product of an oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer having an oxirane functionality of 0.5 to 5, an acid-functional polymer having an acid number of 30 to 500, and a tertiary amine. 20. A method comprising:
providing a glass substrate providing a coating composition comprising:
a water-dispersible resin system that includes an acrylic polymer having a Tg of greater than about 30° C.,
a crosslinker, and
an aqueous carrier;
applying the coating composition on at least a portion of the glass substrate; and curing the coating composition to produce a cured coating; wherein, when applied on a surface of a flat glass substrate and cured to yield a coating having dry film thickness of 0.0013 millimeters, the coating composition exhibits a taber abrasion resistance of at least 100 cycles when tested pursuant to ASTM D4060-01 using a single CS-10F calibrase wheel as the abrasive wheel. | A coating composition is provided that is suitable for use on glass articles. When suitably cured on a glass substrate, the coating composition provides a durable and abrasion resistant coating. The coating composition preferably includes an acrylic polymer, an optional crosslinker, and a carrier.1. A coated article comprising:
a glass substrate; and a coating composition applied over at least a portion of the glass substrate, the coating composition comprising:
a water-dispersible resin system that includes an acrylic polymer having a Tg of greater than about 30° C.,
a crosslinker, and
an aqueous carrier;
wherein the coating composition, when cured on a flat glass substrate at a dry film thickness of 0.0013 millimeters, exhibits a taber abrasion resistance of at least about 100 cycles when tested pursuant to ASTM D4060-01 using a single CS-IOF calibrase wheel as the abrasive wheel. 2. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition comprises a crosslinked coating composition. 3. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the resin system comprises a heat-curable resin system. 4. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the Tg of the acrylic polymer is between about 60° C. and about 90° C. 5. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the acrylic polymer comprises at least about 30% of the total nonvolatile weight of the coating composition. 6. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the resin system comprises:
a reaction product of:
an oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer having an oxirane functionality of 0.5 to 5,
an acid-functional polymer having an acid number of 30 to 500, and
a tertiary amine;
wherein at least one of the oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer or the acid-functional polymer is the acrylic polymer having a Tg of greater than about 30° C. 7. The coated article of claim 6, wherein the oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer is a reaction product of a glycidyl ester of an alpha, beta-unsaturated acid, or anhydride thereof with one or more other monomers. 8. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition comprises between about 5 and about 45% by weight solids of crosslinker. 9. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the crosslinker comprises a melamine crosslinker. 10. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition further comprises a silane coupling agent. 11. The coated article of claim 10, wherein the silane coupling agent comprises an oxirane-functional silane coupling agent. 12. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition further comprises a colorant. 13. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition further comprises a UV absorber. 14. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition is pasteurization resistant. 15. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating composition, when in a liquid form prior to application, is storage stable for at least about 3 months. 16. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article comprises a beer or soda container. 17. The coating composition of claim 1, further comprising:
at least about 30% by weight solids of the water-dispersible resin system; between about 5% and about 45% by weight solids of the crosslinker; and a silane coupling agent. 18. The coating composition of claim 17, wherein the silane-coupling agent comprises an oxirane-functional silane coupling agent. 19. The composition of claim 17, wherein the water-dispersible acrylic resin system comprises:
a reaction product of an oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer having an oxirane functionality of 0.5 to 5, an acid-functional polymer having an acid number of 30 to 500, and a tertiary amine. 20. A method comprising:
providing a glass substrate providing a coating composition comprising:
a water-dispersible resin system that includes an acrylic polymer having a Tg of greater than about 30° C.,
a crosslinker, and
an aqueous carrier;
applying the coating composition on at least a portion of the glass substrate; and curing the coating composition to produce a cured coating; wherein, when applied on a surface of a flat glass substrate and cured to yield a coating having dry film thickness of 0.0013 millimeters, the coating composition exhibits a taber abrasion resistance of at least 100 cycles when tested pursuant to ASTM D4060-01 using a single CS-10F calibrase wheel as the abrasive wheel. | 1,700 |
1,966 | 13,518,435 | 1,727 | To reduce degradation of a solid polymer fuel cell during startup and shutdown, a selectively conducting component is incorporated in electrical series with the anode components in the fuel cell. The component is characterized by a low electrical resistance in the presence of hydrogen or fuel and a high resistance in the presence of air. High cathode potentials can be prevented by integrating such a component into the fuel cell. A suitable selectively conducting component can comprise a layer of selectively conducting material, such as a metal oxide. | 1.-29. (canceled) 30. A selectively conducting component for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the fuel cell comprising a solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode, and anode components connected in series electrically, wherein:
i) the anode components comprise an anode and the selectively conducting component; ii) the selectively conducting component comprises a selectively conducting material; and iii) the electrical resistance of the selectively conducting component in the presence of hydrogen is more than 100 times lower than the electrical resistance in the presence of air. 31. The selectively conducting component of claim 30 wherein the electrical resistance of the selectively conducting component in the presence of hydrogen is more than 1000 times lower than the electrical resistance in the presence of air. 32. The selectively conducting component of claim 30 wherein the selectively conducting material is a metal oxide. 33. The selectively conducting component of claim 32 wherein the selectively conducting material is selected of a group consisting of tin oxide, silica dispersed tin oxide, indium oxide/tin oxide, hydrated tin oxide, zirconium oxide, cerium oxide, titanium oxide, molybdenum oxide, indium oxide, niobium oxide or combinations thereof. 34. The selectively conducting component of claim 32 wherein the selectively conducting material additionally comprises a noble metal deposited on the metal oxide. 35. The selectively conducting component of claim 32 wherein the selectively conducting material additionally comprises a noble metal doped within the metal oxide. 36. The selectively conducting component of claim 34 wherein the noble metal is platinum, palladium, or platinum/antimony. 37. The selectively conducting component of claim 34 wherein the selectively conducting material is platinum deposited on tin oxide and the amount of platinum deposited on the tin oxide is between 0.1% and 5% by weight. 38. The selectively conducting component of claim 30 wherein the selectively conducting component comprises a layer of the selectively conductive material. 39. The selectively conducting component of claim 38 wherein the layer of the selectively conductive material comprises a binder. 40. The selectively conducting component of claim 39 wherein the binder is selected from a group consisting of fluorinated polymer, perfluorinated polymer, and polytetrafluoroethylene. 41. The selectively conducting component of claim 38 wherein the layer of the selectively conductive material extends over only a portion of the active surface of the anode. 42. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the selectively conducting component of claim 30. 43. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the component is the anode and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode opposite the solid polymer electrolyte. 44. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode, the selectively conducting component is the anode gas diffusion layer, and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode. 45. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode, the selectively conducting component is the anode gas diffusion layer, and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode gas diffusion layer opposite the anode. 46. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode and an anode flow field plate adjacent the anode gas diffusion layer, the selectively conducting component is the anode flow field plate, and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode flow field plate adjacent the anode gas diffusion layer. 47. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode, and the selectively conducting component is a selectively conducting layer additionally provided in the fuel cell between the anode and the anode gas diffusion layer. 48. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode and an anode flow field plate adjacent the anode gas diffusion layer, and the selectively conducting component is a selectively conducting layer additionally provided in the fuel cell between the anode gas diffusion layer and the anode flow field plate. 49. A method for making the selectively conducting component of claim 30 comprising:
preparing a solid-liquid dispersion of the selectively conductive material;
preparing a layer of the selectively conductive material from the dispersion; and
incorporating the layer of the selectively conductive material into the selectively conducting component. 50. The method of claim 49 comprising coating the dispersion onto a release film and applying the coating on the release film under elevated temperature and pressure to one of the anode, an anode gas diffusion layer, and the anode flow field plate. | To reduce degradation of a solid polymer fuel cell during startup and shutdown, a selectively conducting component is incorporated in electrical series with the anode components in the fuel cell. The component is characterized by a low electrical resistance in the presence of hydrogen or fuel and a high resistance in the presence of air. High cathode potentials can be prevented by integrating such a component into the fuel cell. A suitable selectively conducting component can comprise a layer of selectively conducting material, such as a metal oxide.1.-29. (canceled) 30. A selectively conducting component for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the fuel cell comprising a solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode, and anode components connected in series electrically, wherein:
i) the anode components comprise an anode and the selectively conducting component; ii) the selectively conducting component comprises a selectively conducting material; and iii) the electrical resistance of the selectively conducting component in the presence of hydrogen is more than 100 times lower than the electrical resistance in the presence of air. 31. The selectively conducting component of claim 30 wherein the electrical resistance of the selectively conducting component in the presence of hydrogen is more than 1000 times lower than the electrical resistance in the presence of air. 32. The selectively conducting component of claim 30 wherein the selectively conducting material is a metal oxide. 33. The selectively conducting component of claim 32 wherein the selectively conducting material is selected of a group consisting of tin oxide, silica dispersed tin oxide, indium oxide/tin oxide, hydrated tin oxide, zirconium oxide, cerium oxide, titanium oxide, molybdenum oxide, indium oxide, niobium oxide or combinations thereof. 34. The selectively conducting component of claim 32 wherein the selectively conducting material additionally comprises a noble metal deposited on the metal oxide. 35. The selectively conducting component of claim 32 wherein the selectively conducting material additionally comprises a noble metal doped within the metal oxide. 36. The selectively conducting component of claim 34 wherein the noble metal is platinum, palladium, or platinum/antimony. 37. The selectively conducting component of claim 34 wherein the selectively conducting material is platinum deposited on tin oxide and the amount of platinum deposited on the tin oxide is between 0.1% and 5% by weight. 38. The selectively conducting component of claim 30 wherein the selectively conducting component comprises a layer of the selectively conductive material. 39. The selectively conducting component of claim 38 wherein the layer of the selectively conductive material comprises a binder. 40. The selectively conducting component of claim 39 wherein the binder is selected from a group consisting of fluorinated polymer, perfluorinated polymer, and polytetrafluoroethylene. 41. The selectively conducting component of claim 38 wherein the layer of the selectively conductive material extends over only a portion of the active surface of the anode. 42. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the selectively conducting component of claim 30. 43. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the component is the anode and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode opposite the solid polymer electrolyte. 44. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode, the selectively conducting component is the anode gas diffusion layer, and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode. 45. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode, the selectively conducting component is the anode gas diffusion layer, and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode gas diffusion layer opposite the anode. 46. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode and an anode flow field plate adjacent the anode gas diffusion layer, the selectively conducting component is the anode flow field plate, and the layer of the selectively conducting material is on the side of the anode flow field plate adjacent the anode gas diffusion layer. 47. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode, and the selectively conducting component is a selectively conducting layer additionally provided in the fuel cell between the anode and the anode gas diffusion layer. 48. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of claim 42 wherein the anode components comprise an anode gas diffusion layer adjacent the anode and an anode flow field plate adjacent the anode gas diffusion layer, and the selectively conducting component is a selectively conducting layer additionally provided in the fuel cell between the anode gas diffusion layer and the anode flow field plate. 49. A method for making the selectively conducting component of claim 30 comprising:
preparing a solid-liquid dispersion of the selectively conductive material;
preparing a layer of the selectively conductive material from the dispersion; and
incorporating the layer of the selectively conductive material into the selectively conducting component. 50. The method of claim 49 comprising coating the dispersion onto a release film and applying the coating on the release film under elevated temperature and pressure to one of the anode, an anode gas diffusion layer, and the anode flow field plate. | 1,700 |
1,967 | 14,488,738 | 1,781 | There is provided a polarizing film that is excellent in optical characteristics, and is excellent in durability and water resistance. A polarizing film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film having a thickness of 10 μm or less. The polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film has an iodine concentration of 8.5 wt % or more; and the polarizing film has a cross-linking index defined by the below-indicated equation of from 100 to 200.
(Cross-linking index)=(Iodine concentration in film)×(Boric acid concentration in film) | 1. A polarizing film, comprising a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film having a thickness of 10 μm or less,
wherein:
the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film has an iodine concentration of 8.5 wt % or more; and
the polarizing film has a cross-linking index defined by the below-indicated equation of from 100 to 200.
(Cross-linking index)=(Iodine concentration in film)×(Boric acid concentration in film) 2. A method for manufacturing the polarizing film according to claim 1, comprising:
forming a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer on one side of a resin substrate; and stretching and dyeing a laminate of the resin substrate and the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer to form the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer into a polarizing film, the stretching comprising stretching the laminate while immersing the laminate in an aqueous solution of boric acid, the aqueous solution of boric acid having a boric acid concentration of 3.5 wt % or less. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the aqueous solution of boric acid has a temperature of 60° C. or more. | There is provided a polarizing film that is excellent in optical characteristics, and is excellent in durability and water resistance. A polarizing film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film having a thickness of 10 μm or less. The polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film has an iodine concentration of 8.5 wt % or more; and the polarizing film has a cross-linking index defined by the below-indicated equation of from 100 to 200.
(Cross-linking index)=(Iodine concentration in film)×(Boric acid concentration in film)1. A polarizing film, comprising a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film having a thickness of 10 μm or less,
wherein:
the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film has an iodine concentration of 8.5 wt % or more; and
the polarizing film has a cross-linking index defined by the below-indicated equation of from 100 to 200.
(Cross-linking index)=(Iodine concentration in film)×(Boric acid concentration in film) 2. A method for manufacturing the polarizing film according to claim 1, comprising:
forming a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer on one side of a resin substrate; and stretching and dyeing a laminate of the resin substrate and the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer to form the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer into a polarizing film, the stretching comprising stretching the laminate while immersing the laminate in an aqueous solution of boric acid, the aqueous solution of boric acid having a boric acid concentration of 3.5 wt % or less. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the aqueous solution of boric acid has a temperature of 60° C. or more. | 1,700 |
1,968 | 14,851,827 | 1,731 | High strength transparent corundum ceramics using corundum powder and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method of forming transparent corundum ceramics includes milling corundum powder in aqueous slurry with beads. The method further includes processing the slurry by a liquid shaping process to form a gelled body. The method further includes sintering the gelled body in air and pressing the gelled body by hot isostatic pressing to form a ceramic body. | 1. A corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder comprising the following properties:
a hardness HV10>2000; a 4 pt.-bending strength >600 MPa; an in-line transparency >65% at 460-640 nm wavelength at thickness of 0.8-1.0 mm with polished surfaces; a total forward transmission >80% at 460-640 nm wavelength at a thickness of 0.8-1.0 mm with polished surfaces; and a thermoconductivity at room temperature of 24-28 W/mK. 2. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 1, wherein the transmission increases with higher wavelength and lower thickness. 3. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 1, wherein the corundum ceramic body is transparent with homogeneous inline transmission defined by a difference of inline transmission measurement at any point in a defined area less than 1%. 4. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 1, wherein the corundum powder has a BET of 15-24 m2/g. 5. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 4, wherein the corundum powder has a BET of 17-21 m2/g. | High strength transparent corundum ceramics using corundum powder and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method of forming transparent corundum ceramics includes milling corundum powder in aqueous slurry with beads. The method further includes processing the slurry by a liquid shaping process to form a gelled body. The method further includes sintering the gelled body in air and pressing the gelled body by hot isostatic pressing to form a ceramic body.1. A corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder comprising the following properties:
a hardness HV10>2000; a 4 pt.-bending strength >600 MPa; an in-line transparency >65% at 460-640 nm wavelength at thickness of 0.8-1.0 mm with polished surfaces; a total forward transmission >80% at 460-640 nm wavelength at a thickness of 0.8-1.0 mm with polished surfaces; and a thermoconductivity at room temperature of 24-28 W/mK. 2. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 1, wherein the transmission increases with higher wavelength and lower thickness. 3. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 1, wherein the corundum ceramic body is transparent with homogeneous inline transmission defined by a difference of inline transmission measurement at any point in a defined area less than 1%. 4. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 1, wherein the corundum powder has a BET of 15-24 m2/g. 5. The corundum ceramic body composed of corundum powder of claim 4, wherein the corundum powder has a BET of 17-21 m2/g. | 1,700 |
1,969 | 13,537,148 | 1,788 | Composite particles comprising core particles completely or partially coated with a precipitated polymer, where the d 50 median diameter of the core particles is 1 μm or greater and the ratio of the d 50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d 50 median diameter of the core particles is 1.15 or greater, are provided. A method to prepare the particles includes dissolution of a polymer in a solvent and reprecipitation of the polymer in the presence of a suspension of the core particles. Further provided is a layer by layer moulding process employing the composite particles and mouldings obtained therefrom. | 1. A powder, comprising composite particles:
wherein the composite particles, comprise: a core particle having a d50 median diameter of 1 μm or greater; and at least a partial coating of a polymer on the core; wherein a ratio of the d50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d50 median diameter of the core particles is 1.15 or greater, and a melting point of the coating polymer is obtainable when the polymer is exposed to an electromagnetic energy. 2. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the core particle is at least one material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a metal nitride, and a semimetal nitride. 3. The powder according to claim 1, the polymer of the coating comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyolefin, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyacetal, a polystyrene, a polyimide, a polysulphone, a poly(N-methylmethacrylimide) (PMMI), a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), an ionomer, a polyether ketone, a polyaryl ether ketone, a polyamide, and a copolyamide. 4. The powder according to claim 2, wherein the core particles comprise metal particles having a d50 median diameter of from 1 to 100 μtm. 5. The powder according to claim 2, wherein the core particles comprise at least one selected from metal oxide particles, metal nitride particles and semimetal nitride particles having a d50 median diameter of from 1 to 100 μm. 6. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a d50 median diameter of the composite particles is from 20 to 150 μm. 7. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a number average weight ratio of the polymer coating to the core particle, is from 0.1 to 30. 8. The powder according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of the d50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d50 median diameter of the core particles is from 1.15 to 30. 9. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a BET specific surface area of the composite particle is from 1 to 60 m2/g. 10. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the polymer coating of the composite particle is from 1.5 to 35 μm. 11. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the coating polymer is a polyamide having at least 8 carbons per carbonamide group. 12. The powder according to claim 11, wherein the polyamide is at least one selected from the group consisting of nylon-6, 12, nylon-11 and nylon-12. 13. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the melting point of the polymer in a first heating procedure is greater than in a second heating procedure, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). 14. The powder according to claim 13, wherein an enthalpy of fusion of the polymer in the first heating procedure is at least 50% greater than in the second heating procedure, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). 15. The powder according to claim 1, which further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a powder-flow aid, an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, and a sterically hindered phenol. 16. The powder according to claim 15, wherein a content of the composite particles in the powder is at least 50% by weight. 17. A process for producing the composite particles according to claim 1, the process comprising:
at least partially dissolving a polymer for the coating in a medium comprising a solvent which at least partially dissolves the polymer; adding the core particles to the medium, before, during or after at least partially dissolving the polymer; suspending the core particles in the medium; and then precipitating the polymer from the at least partial solution onto the core particles to obtain the composite particles; wherein the d50 median diameter of the core particles is 1 μm or greater and the ratio of the d50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d50 median diameter of the core particles is 1.15 or greater. 18. The process according to claim 17, wherein a density of the core particles is greater or not more than 20% smaller than the density of the solvent used for the precipitation of the polymer. 19. The process according to claim 17, wherein the solvent for the polymer is ethanol and a density of the core particles is greater or not more than 20% smaller than the density of ethanol. 20. A process for producing a moulded article, the process comprising:
applying a layer of the composite powder according to claim 1; selectively melting at least one region of the layer by introduction of electromagnetic energy; allowing the melted region to solidify; applying another layer of composite powder and repeating the melting and solidification to perform a layer-by-layer process in which a molding having a structure according to the selective treatment is obtained; wherein the melting selectivity is achieved by applying susceptors, inhibitors, or absorbers to each applied layer or by applying a mask to the applied layer. 21. A moulded article obtained according to the process of claim 20. | Composite particles comprising core particles completely or partially coated with a precipitated polymer, where the d 50 median diameter of the core particles is 1 μm or greater and the ratio of the d 50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d 50 median diameter of the core particles is 1.15 or greater, are provided. A method to prepare the particles includes dissolution of a polymer in a solvent and reprecipitation of the polymer in the presence of a suspension of the core particles. Further provided is a layer by layer moulding process employing the composite particles and mouldings obtained therefrom.1. A powder, comprising composite particles:
wherein the composite particles, comprise: a core particle having a d50 median diameter of 1 μm or greater; and at least a partial coating of a polymer on the core; wherein a ratio of the d50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d50 median diameter of the core particles is 1.15 or greater, and a melting point of the coating polymer is obtainable when the polymer is exposed to an electromagnetic energy. 2. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the core particle is at least one material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a metal nitride, and a semimetal nitride. 3. The powder according to claim 1, the polymer of the coating comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyolefin, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyacetal, a polystyrene, a polyimide, a polysulphone, a poly(N-methylmethacrylimide) (PMMI), a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), an ionomer, a polyether ketone, a polyaryl ether ketone, a polyamide, and a copolyamide. 4. The powder according to claim 2, wherein the core particles comprise metal particles having a d50 median diameter of from 1 to 100 μtm. 5. The powder according to claim 2, wherein the core particles comprise at least one selected from metal oxide particles, metal nitride particles and semimetal nitride particles having a d50 median diameter of from 1 to 100 μm. 6. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a d50 median diameter of the composite particles is from 20 to 150 μm. 7. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a number average weight ratio of the polymer coating to the core particle, is from 0.1 to 30. 8. The powder according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of the d50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d50 median diameter of the core particles is from 1.15 to 30. 9. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a BET specific surface area of the composite particle is from 1 to 60 m2/g. 10. The powder according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the polymer coating of the composite particle is from 1.5 to 35 μm. 11. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the coating polymer is a polyamide having at least 8 carbons per carbonamide group. 12. The powder according to claim 11, wherein the polyamide is at least one selected from the group consisting of nylon-6, 12, nylon-11 and nylon-12. 13. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the melting point of the polymer in a first heating procedure is greater than in a second heating procedure, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). 14. The powder according to claim 13, wherein an enthalpy of fusion of the polymer in the first heating procedure is at least 50% greater than in the second heating procedure, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). 15. The powder according to claim 1, which further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a powder-flow aid, an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, and a sterically hindered phenol. 16. The powder according to claim 15, wherein a content of the composite particles in the powder is at least 50% by weight. 17. A process for producing the composite particles according to claim 1, the process comprising:
at least partially dissolving a polymer for the coating in a medium comprising a solvent which at least partially dissolves the polymer; adding the core particles to the medium, before, during or after at least partially dissolving the polymer; suspending the core particles in the medium; and then precipitating the polymer from the at least partial solution onto the core particles to obtain the composite particles; wherein the d50 median diameter of the core particles is 1 μm or greater and the ratio of the d50 median diameter of the composite particles to the d50 median diameter of the core particles is 1.15 or greater. 18. The process according to claim 17, wherein a density of the core particles is greater or not more than 20% smaller than the density of the solvent used for the precipitation of the polymer. 19. The process according to claim 17, wherein the solvent for the polymer is ethanol and a density of the core particles is greater or not more than 20% smaller than the density of ethanol. 20. A process for producing a moulded article, the process comprising:
applying a layer of the composite powder according to claim 1; selectively melting at least one region of the layer by introduction of electromagnetic energy; allowing the melted region to solidify; applying another layer of composite powder and repeating the melting and solidification to perform a layer-by-layer process in which a molding having a structure according to the selective treatment is obtained; wherein the melting selectivity is achieved by applying susceptors, inhibitors, or absorbers to each applied layer or by applying a mask to the applied layer. 21. A moulded article obtained according to the process of claim 20. | 1,700 |
1,970 | 14,405,346 | 1,715 | A method comprising: creating, first conductive traces ( 12 ) over a substrate ( 10 ) by selective creation of metallization over the substrate ( 10 ) using selective direct structuring of a material configured for selective direct structuring; and creating second conductive areas ( 16 A, 16 B) over the substrate ( 10 ) directly in contact with at least darts of the first conductive traces ( 12 ). | 1. A method comprising:
creating first conductive traces over a substrate by selective creation of metallization over the substrate using selective direct structuring of a material configured for selective direct structuring; and creating second conductive areas over the substrate directly in contact with at least parts of the first conductive traces. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: depositing on the substrate a first layer of the material configured for selective direct structuring. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
selective direct structuring of the material comprising: selective irradiation of a first upper surface portion of the material to convert the first upper surface portion of the material from a first state to a second state in which the material is a substrate for metallization; selective metallization on the first upper surface portion of the first layer of material that is in the second state. 4. (canceled) 5. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein irradiation of a first upper surface portion of the first layer of material to convert the first upper surface portion of the first layer of material to a second state in which the material is a substrate for metallization uses a laser at a power and duration sufficient to convert the first upper surface portion of the first layer of material to the second state in which the material is a substrate for metallization but of insufficient power and duration to penetrate the first layer of material. 6. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein ablation converts the material from the first state to the second state. 7. (canceled) 8. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein metallization comprises electroless plating. 9. (canceled) 10. A method as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the material comprises a reducing agent dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises metal oxide dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises transition metal oxide dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 13. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises multi-metal oxide dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state, wherein the multi-metals of the multi-metal oxide are transition metals. 14. (canceled) 15. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises an accelerator dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15,
wherein the accelerator is AMxByOz A is one or more elements selected from Groups 10 and 11 of the Periodic Table, M is one or more metal elements in oxidation state 3+ selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Mn, Al, Ga, In, Ti and rare earth elements, O is oxygen, B is boron, x=0 to 2, y=0.01 to 2 and z=1 to 4; or wherein the accelerator is A′M′mByOn and wherein A′ is one or more elements selected from Groups 9, 10 or 11 of the Periodic Table, M′ is one or more metal elements selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo, W, Se, Te and Po, O is oxygen, m=0.01 to 2 and n=2 to 4. 17. (canceled) 18. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the accelerator A′M′mByOn is a spinel-structure oxide. 19-24. (canceled) 25. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate is a three-dimensional injection-molded plastics substrate configured as a cover for a hand-portable electronic device. 26. (canceled) 27. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising as an additional step manufacturing as a direct product a module for an electronic device that comprises:
a supporting substrate; a dielectric configured to respond to irradiation to convert to a irradiated state in which it functions, where it has been irradiated, as a substrate for metallization; first conductive traces formed over portions of the dielectric that have been subject to laser direct structuring; and patterned second conductive areas formed over the substrate and directly in contact with at least parts of the first conductive traces. 28-30. (canceled) 31. An apparatus comprising:
a substrate; material configured to respond to irradiation to convert to a irradiated state in which it functions, where it has been irradiated, as a substrate for metallization; first conductive traces formed by metallization over portions of the material; and second conductive areas formed over the substrate and directly in contact with at least parts of the first conductive traces. 32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the material comprises a reducing agent dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization when the material is irradiated. 33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the material has a thickness of between 0.01 and 0.1 mm. 34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the substrate is a three-dimensional plastics substrate or a glass substrate. 35. (canceled) 36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the apparatus is a housing for an electronic device,
an input device for an electronic device or at least one capacitance sensor. 37-38. (canceled) | A method comprising: creating, first conductive traces ( 12 ) over a substrate ( 10 ) by selective creation of metallization over the substrate ( 10 ) using selective direct structuring of a material configured for selective direct structuring; and creating second conductive areas ( 16 A, 16 B) over the substrate ( 10 ) directly in contact with at least darts of the first conductive traces ( 12 ).1. A method comprising:
creating first conductive traces over a substrate by selective creation of metallization over the substrate using selective direct structuring of a material configured for selective direct structuring; and creating second conductive areas over the substrate directly in contact with at least parts of the first conductive traces. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: depositing on the substrate a first layer of the material configured for selective direct structuring. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
selective direct structuring of the material comprising: selective irradiation of a first upper surface portion of the material to convert the first upper surface portion of the material from a first state to a second state in which the material is a substrate for metallization; selective metallization on the first upper surface portion of the first layer of material that is in the second state. 4. (canceled) 5. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein irradiation of a first upper surface portion of the first layer of material to convert the first upper surface portion of the first layer of material to a second state in which the material is a substrate for metallization uses a laser at a power and duration sufficient to convert the first upper surface portion of the first layer of material to the second state in which the material is a substrate for metallization but of insufficient power and duration to penetrate the first layer of material. 6. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein ablation converts the material from the first state to the second state. 7. (canceled) 8. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein metallization comprises electroless plating. 9. (canceled) 10. A method as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the material comprises a reducing agent dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises metal oxide dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises transition metal oxide dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 13. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises multi-metal oxide dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state, wherein the multi-metals of the multi-metal oxide are transition metals. 14. (canceled) 15. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises an accelerator dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization in the second state. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15,
wherein the accelerator is AMxByOz A is one or more elements selected from Groups 10 and 11 of the Periodic Table, M is one or more metal elements in oxidation state 3+ selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Mn, Al, Ga, In, Ti and rare earth elements, O is oxygen, B is boron, x=0 to 2, y=0.01 to 2 and z=1 to 4; or wherein the accelerator is A′M′mByOn and wherein A′ is one or more elements selected from Groups 9, 10 or 11 of the Periodic Table, M′ is one or more metal elements selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo, W, Se, Te and Po, O is oxygen, m=0.01 to 2 and n=2 to 4. 17. (canceled) 18. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the accelerator A′M′mByOn is a spinel-structure oxide. 19-24. (canceled) 25. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate is a three-dimensional injection-molded plastics substrate configured as a cover for a hand-portable electronic device. 26. (canceled) 27. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising as an additional step manufacturing as a direct product a module for an electronic device that comprises:
a supporting substrate; a dielectric configured to respond to irradiation to convert to a irradiated state in which it functions, where it has been irradiated, as a substrate for metallization; first conductive traces formed over portions of the dielectric that have been subject to laser direct structuring; and patterned second conductive areas formed over the substrate and directly in contact with at least parts of the first conductive traces. 28-30. (canceled) 31. An apparatus comprising:
a substrate; material configured to respond to irradiation to convert to a irradiated state in which it functions, where it has been irradiated, as a substrate for metallization; first conductive traces formed by metallization over portions of the material; and second conductive areas formed over the substrate and directly in contact with at least parts of the first conductive traces. 32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the material comprises a reducing agent dispersed in a dielectric medium that provides for metallization when the material is irradiated. 33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the material has a thickness of between 0.01 and 0.1 mm. 34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the substrate is a three-dimensional plastics substrate or a glass substrate. 35. (canceled) 36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the apparatus is a housing for an electronic device,
an input device for an electronic device or at least one capacitance sensor. 37-38. (canceled) | 1,700 |
1,971 | 14,477,912 | 1,723 | A traction battery assembly includes a tray and a pair of adjacent cell arrays disposed on the tray. Each array includes a plurality of stacked cells and a plurality of cell spacers interleaved with the cells. A portion of each of the spacers of one of the arrays is inserted into one of the spacers of the other of the arrays to form a plurality of end-to-end connected spacer pairs configured to secure the arrays together. | 1. A traction battery assembly comprising:
a tray; and a pair of adjacent cell arrays disposed on the tray, each array including a plurality of stacked cells and a plurality of cell spacers interleaved with the cells, and a portion of each of the spacers of one of the arrays being inserted into one of the spacers of the other of the arrays to form a plurality of end-to-end connected spacer pairs configured to secure the arrays together. 2. The traction battery assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the spacers includes a projection or a receptacle, and wherein the projection one of the spacers is received within the receptacle of an adjacent one of the spacers. 3. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein the tray further includes at least one standing wall having a plurality of receptacles in registration with the spacer pairs and wherein each of the spacer pairs further includes at least one projection configured to be received within one of the plurality of receptacles to secure the arrays to the tray. 4. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein the tray further includes at least one standing wall having a plurality of projections in registration with the spacer pairs and wherein each of the spacer pairs further includes a receptacle configured to receive one of the plurality of projections to secure the arrays to the tray. 5. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein each of the cell spacers define opposing pockets that are each configured to receive at least a portion of one of the cells. 6. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of spacer pairs further includes a first cell spacer having a male connection feature and a second cell spacer having a female connection feature configured to receive the male connection feature therein. 7. A battery assembly comprising:
a first array of cells including first cell spacers interleaved with the cells, each of the first spacers including a male connection feature; and a second array of cells adjacent to the first array and including second cell spacers interleaved with the cells, each of the second spacers including a female connection feature that receives the male connection feature of a corresponding one of the first spacers to secure the arrays together. 8. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein each of the first cell spacers includes opposing major sides facing the cells and opposing ends extending between the major sides and wherein each of the second cell spacers includes opposing major sides facing the cells and opposing ends extending between the major sides. 9. The battery assembly of claim 8 wherein each of the first cell spacers further includes a projection extending from one of the major sides and a receptacle defined in the other of the major sides and wherein the projection of one of the first cell spacers is received in the receptacle of an adjacent one of the first cell spacers to connect the spacers together. 10. The battery assembly of claim 8 wherein the male connection feature is disposed on one of the opposing ends of the first spacer. 11. The battery assembly of claim 10 wherein the female connection feature is defined in one of the opposing ends of the second spacer. 12. The battery assembly of claim 8 wherein, for one of the first cell spacers, one of the opposing ends includes the male connection feature and the other of the opposing ends defines a first receptacle and wherein the battery assembly further comprises a tray including a first standing wall having a first projection configured to be received within the first receptacle to connect the first array to the tray. 13. The battery assembly of claim 12 wherein, for one of the second cell spacers, one of the opposing ends includes the female connection feature and the other of the opposing ends includes a second projection and wherein the tray further includes a second standing wall opposite the first standing wall and defining a second receptacle configured to receive the second projection to connect the second array to the tray. 14. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein each of the first cell spacers defines opposing first pockets, each of the first pockets receiving at least a portion of one of the cells in the first array, and wherein each of the second cell spacers defines opposing second pockets, each of the second pockets receiving at least a portion of one of the cells in the second array. 15. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein adjacent spacers of the first cell spacers define neighboring spacer pairs and wherein two cells are disposed between the neighboring pairs. 16. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein each of the male connection features further includes a barb that cooperates with a corresponding female connection feature to hold the connection features together. 17. A vehicle comprising:
at least one electric machine configured to propel the vehicle; and a traction battery assembly configured to power the at least one electric machine, the battery assembly including a tray and a pair of adjacent cell arrays disposed on the tray, each of the arrays having a plurality of stacked cells and a plurality of cell spacers interleaved with the cells, and a portion of each of the spacers of one of the arrays being inserted into one of the spacers of the other of the arrays to form a plurality of end-to-end connected spacer pairs configured secure the arrays together. 18. The traction battery assembly of claim 17 wherein each of the spacers includes a projection or a receptacle and wherein the projection one of the spacers is received within the receptacle of an adjacent one of the spacers. 19. The traction battery of claim 17 wherein each of the plurality of spacer pairs further includes a first cell spacer having a male connection feature and a second cell spacer having a female connection feature configured to receive the male connection feature therein. 20. The traction battery of claim 17 wherein the tray further includes at least one standing wall having a plurality of receptacles in registration with the spacer pairs and wherein each of the spacer pairs further includes at least one projection configured to be received within one of the plurality of receptacles to secure the arrays to the tray. | A traction battery assembly includes a tray and a pair of adjacent cell arrays disposed on the tray. Each array includes a plurality of stacked cells and a plurality of cell spacers interleaved with the cells. A portion of each of the spacers of one of the arrays is inserted into one of the spacers of the other of the arrays to form a plurality of end-to-end connected spacer pairs configured to secure the arrays together.1. A traction battery assembly comprising:
a tray; and a pair of adjacent cell arrays disposed on the tray, each array including a plurality of stacked cells and a plurality of cell spacers interleaved with the cells, and a portion of each of the spacers of one of the arrays being inserted into one of the spacers of the other of the arrays to form a plurality of end-to-end connected spacer pairs configured to secure the arrays together. 2. The traction battery assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the spacers includes a projection or a receptacle, and wherein the projection one of the spacers is received within the receptacle of an adjacent one of the spacers. 3. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein the tray further includes at least one standing wall having a plurality of receptacles in registration with the spacer pairs and wherein each of the spacer pairs further includes at least one projection configured to be received within one of the plurality of receptacles to secure the arrays to the tray. 4. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein the tray further includes at least one standing wall having a plurality of projections in registration with the spacer pairs and wherein each of the spacer pairs further includes a receptacle configured to receive one of the plurality of projections to secure the arrays to the tray. 5. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein each of the cell spacers define opposing pockets that are each configured to receive at least a portion of one of the cells. 6. The traction battery of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of spacer pairs further includes a first cell spacer having a male connection feature and a second cell spacer having a female connection feature configured to receive the male connection feature therein. 7. A battery assembly comprising:
a first array of cells including first cell spacers interleaved with the cells, each of the first spacers including a male connection feature; and a second array of cells adjacent to the first array and including second cell spacers interleaved with the cells, each of the second spacers including a female connection feature that receives the male connection feature of a corresponding one of the first spacers to secure the arrays together. 8. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein each of the first cell spacers includes opposing major sides facing the cells and opposing ends extending between the major sides and wherein each of the second cell spacers includes opposing major sides facing the cells and opposing ends extending between the major sides. 9. The battery assembly of claim 8 wherein each of the first cell spacers further includes a projection extending from one of the major sides and a receptacle defined in the other of the major sides and wherein the projection of one of the first cell spacers is received in the receptacle of an adjacent one of the first cell spacers to connect the spacers together. 10. The battery assembly of claim 8 wherein the male connection feature is disposed on one of the opposing ends of the first spacer. 11. The battery assembly of claim 10 wherein the female connection feature is defined in one of the opposing ends of the second spacer. 12. The battery assembly of claim 8 wherein, for one of the first cell spacers, one of the opposing ends includes the male connection feature and the other of the opposing ends defines a first receptacle and wherein the battery assembly further comprises a tray including a first standing wall having a first projection configured to be received within the first receptacle to connect the first array to the tray. 13. The battery assembly of claim 12 wherein, for one of the second cell spacers, one of the opposing ends includes the female connection feature and the other of the opposing ends includes a second projection and wherein the tray further includes a second standing wall opposite the first standing wall and defining a second receptacle configured to receive the second projection to connect the second array to the tray. 14. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein each of the first cell spacers defines opposing first pockets, each of the first pockets receiving at least a portion of one of the cells in the first array, and wherein each of the second cell spacers defines opposing second pockets, each of the second pockets receiving at least a portion of one of the cells in the second array. 15. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein adjacent spacers of the first cell spacers define neighboring spacer pairs and wherein two cells are disposed between the neighboring pairs. 16. The battery assembly of claim 7 wherein each of the male connection features further includes a barb that cooperates with a corresponding female connection feature to hold the connection features together. 17. A vehicle comprising:
at least one electric machine configured to propel the vehicle; and a traction battery assembly configured to power the at least one electric machine, the battery assembly including a tray and a pair of adjacent cell arrays disposed on the tray, each of the arrays having a plurality of stacked cells and a plurality of cell spacers interleaved with the cells, and a portion of each of the spacers of one of the arrays being inserted into one of the spacers of the other of the arrays to form a plurality of end-to-end connected spacer pairs configured secure the arrays together. 18. The traction battery assembly of claim 17 wherein each of the spacers includes a projection or a receptacle and wherein the projection one of the spacers is received within the receptacle of an adjacent one of the spacers. 19. The traction battery of claim 17 wherein each of the plurality of spacer pairs further includes a first cell spacer having a male connection feature and a second cell spacer having a female connection feature configured to receive the male connection feature therein. 20. The traction battery of claim 17 wherein the tray further includes at least one standing wall having a plurality of receptacles in registration with the spacer pairs and wherein each of the spacer pairs further includes at least one projection configured to be received within one of the plurality of receptacles to secure the arrays to the tray. | 1,700 |
1,972 | 14,108,538 | 1,798 | The present invention is generally directed to a fluidized bed detector for continuous detection of biological and chemical materials comprising a fluidized bed of detecting elements suspended in a continuous flow system wherein the detecting elements remain in the system when a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system is balanced with a second opposing force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system and wherein the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system. The release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule and may be captured, concentrated, or both for further evaluation by other assays or other means. Also disclosed is the related method of detecting biological and chemical materials using a fluidized bed detector. | 1. A fluidized bed detector for continuous detection of biological and chemical materials, comprising a fluidized bed of detecting elements suspended in a continuous flow system,
wherein the detecting elements remain in the system when a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system is balanced with a second opposing force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system, wherein the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system wherein the release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule. 2. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting element is a living cell and the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the killing of the cell. 3. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the binding together of the target molecule with the detecting element and thereby changing the density or face area of the resulting complex. 4. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the cross-linking of detecting elements or the breaking apart of previously cross-linked detecting elements. 5. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the first force is magnetic, electrical, acceleration, or any combination thereof. 6. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the system is a continuous centrifuge and the first force is a centrifugal force. 7. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting elements are inert particles or living cells. 8. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting elements are polymer beads, glass beads, or a combination thereof, wherein the surface of the beads have antibodies, nucleic acids, complexes, or any combination thereof. 9. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting elements are cells that release materials when a target material triggers a biochemical process. 10. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein it is unnecessary to separate particles not of interest from the flowing fluid. 11. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the release of the detecting element is detected by some means. 12. The fluidized bed detector of claim 11, wherein the detecting element is detected by absorption, fluorescence, colorimetric assay, change in magnetic signature, or any combination thereof. 13. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the released detecting element may be captured, concentrated, or both for further evaluation. 14. A method for detecting biological and chemical materials, comprising:
suspending a fluidized bed of detecting elements in a continuous flow system, maintaining the detecting elements in the system by balancing a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system with an opposing second force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system; and detecting the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid wherein the presence of the target molecule disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system wherein the release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule; wherein the detecting element is a living cell and the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the killing of the cell. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the detecting elements are cells that release materials when a target material triggers a biochemical process. 16. A method for detecting biological and chemical materials, comprising:
suspending a fluidized bed of detecting elements in a continuous flow system, maintaining the detecting elements in the system by balancing a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system with an opposing second force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system; and detecting the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid wherein the presence of the target molecule disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system wherein the release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule; wherein the system is a centrifuge and the first force is a centrifugal force. | The present invention is generally directed to a fluidized bed detector for continuous detection of biological and chemical materials comprising a fluidized bed of detecting elements suspended in a continuous flow system wherein the detecting elements remain in the system when a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system is balanced with a second opposing force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system and wherein the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system. The release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule and may be captured, concentrated, or both for further evaluation by other assays or other means. Also disclosed is the related method of detecting biological and chemical materials using a fluidized bed detector.1. A fluidized bed detector for continuous detection of biological and chemical materials, comprising a fluidized bed of detecting elements suspended in a continuous flow system,
wherein the detecting elements remain in the system when a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system is balanced with a second opposing force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system, wherein the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system wherein the release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule. 2. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting element is a living cell and the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the killing of the cell. 3. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the binding together of the target molecule with the detecting element and thereby changing the density or face area of the resulting complex. 4. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the cross-linking of detecting elements or the breaking apart of previously cross-linked detecting elements. 5. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the first force is magnetic, electrical, acceleration, or any combination thereof. 6. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the system is a continuous centrifuge and the first force is a centrifugal force. 7. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting elements are inert particles or living cells. 8. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting elements are polymer beads, glass beads, or a combination thereof, wherein the surface of the beads have antibodies, nucleic acids, complexes, or any combination thereof. 9. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the detecting elements are cells that release materials when a target material triggers a biochemical process. 10. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein it is unnecessary to separate particles not of interest from the flowing fluid. 11. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the release of the detecting element is detected by some means. 12. The fluidized bed detector of claim 11, wherein the detecting element is detected by absorption, fluorescence, colorimetric assay, change in magnetic signature, or any combination thereof. 13. The fluidized bed detector of claim 1, wherein the released detecting element may be captured, concentrated, or both for further evaluation. 14. A method for detecting biological and chemical materials, comprising:
suspending a fluidized bed of detecting elements in a continuous flow system, maintaining the detecting elements in the system by balancing a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system with an opposing second force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system; and detecting the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid wherein the presence of the target molecule disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system wherein the release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule; wherein the detecting element is a living cell and the balance of the first and second forces is disrupted by the killing of the cell. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the detecting elements are cells that release materials when a target material triggers a biochemical process. 16. A method for detecting biological and chemical materials, comprising:
suspending a fluidized bed of detecting elements in a continuous flow system, maintaining the detecting elements in the system by balancing a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system with an opposing second force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system; and detecting the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid wherein the presence of the target molecule disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system wherein the release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule; wherein the system is a centrifuge and the first force is a centrifugal force. | 1,700 |
1,973 | 13,578,650 | 1,793 | The present invention relates to filled milk products comprising sweet buttermilk solids, vegetable lipid and one or more additional carbohydrate sources. The invention furthermore relates to a method of preparing such filled milk products. | 1. A filled milk product comprising:
sweet buttermilk solids in an amount of at least 5% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product; a vegetable lipid source, and a first carbohydrate source wherein the filled milk product, when standardized to a solids content corresponding to 10 g powdered filled milk product in 90 g water, has a pH in the range of pH 6-8 at 25 degrees C. 2. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising sweet buttermilk solids in an amount of at least 25% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 3. (canceled) 4. (canceled) 5. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising one or more additional type(s) of milk solids. 6. The filled milk product according to claim 3, wherein the one or more additional type(s) of milk solids comprises at least one type of milk solids selected from the group consisting of non-fat milk solids, skimmed-milk solids, semi-skimmed-milk solids, whole milk solids, and a combination thereof. 7. The filled milk product according to claim 1, comprising a total amount of protein in the range of 5-25% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 8. (canceled) 9. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of casein in the range of 5-20% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 10. (canceled) 11. (canceled) 12. (canceled) 13. (canceled) 14. (canceled) 15. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of carbohydrate in the range of 30-80% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 16. (canceled) 17. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising a first carbohydrate source. 18. The filled milk product according to claim 17 comprising the first carbohydrate source in an amount in the range of 1-80% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 19. The filled milk product according to claim 17, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises a total amount of lactose, glucose, and galactose of at 75% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the first carbohydrate source. 20. The filled milk product according to any of the claim 17, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises milk minerals. 21. The filled milk product according to claim 20, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises at least 5% milk minerals (2/2) relative to the dry weight of the first carbohydrate source. 22. The filled milk product according to claim 20, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises milk permeate and/or milk permeate solids. 23. The filled milk products according to any of the claims 20-22, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises whey permeate and/or whey permeate solids. 24. (canceled) 25. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of lactose, glucose, and galactose in the range of 15-80% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 26. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising a second carbohydrate source. 27. (canceled) 28. The filled milk product according to claim 26, wherein the second carbohydrate source comprises a carbohydrate sweetener. 29. The filled milk product according to claim 28, wherein the carbohydrate sweetner comprises one or more sweetners selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, galactose, lactose, maltodextrin, polydextrose, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, and a combination thereof. 30. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of lipids in the range of 5-50% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 31. (canceled) 32. (canceled) 33. (canceled) 34. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable lipid source comprises a vegetable oil. 35. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable oil comprises an oil selected from the group consisting of corn oil, sesame oil, soy bean oil, linseed oil, grapeseed oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and a combination thereof. 36. The filled milk product according to claim 34 comprising a total amount of vegetable oil in the range of 1-50% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 37. (canceled) 38. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable lipid source comprises a vegetable fat. 39. The filled milk product according to claim 38, wherein the vegetable fat comprises a fat selected from the group consisting of palm fat, coconut fat, palm kernel fat, and a combination thereof. 40. The filled milk product according to claim 38 comprising a total amount of vegetable fat in the range of 1-50% (w/w) relative to dry weight of the filled milk product. 41. (canceled) 42. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of phospholipids in the range of 0.1-2% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 43. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising a first milk mineral source. 44. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the filled milk product is a powder. 45. The filled milk product according to claim 44 comprising at most 5% water (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product. 46. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the filled milk product is a liquid. 47. The filled milk product according to claim 46, wherein the filled milk product comprises water in an amount of at least 75% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product, and wherein the dry weight of the filled milk product is at most 29% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product. 48. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the filled milk product is a concentrate. 49. The filled milk product according to claim 48, wherein the filled milk product comprises water in an amount in the range of 20-74% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product, and wherein the dry weight of the filled milk product is in the range of 27-82% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product. 50. A packaged filled milk product comprising a container containing the filled milk product according to claim 1. 51. The packaged filled milk product according to claim 50, wherein the filled milk product is hermetically sealed in the container. 52. The packaged filled milk product according to claim 50, wherein the gas inside the container contains at least 50% (vol/vol) inert gas relative to the total volume of gas contained in the container. 53. (canceled) 54. (canceled) 55. A method of producing the filled milk product according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:
1) mixing a first ingredient containing sweet buttermilk solids, a second ingredient, and optionally also one or more further ingredients, to obtain a mixture, wherein at least on ingredient contains a vegetable lipid source, and at least one ingredient contains a first carbohydrate source, 2) optionally, subjecting the mixture to one or more subsequent processing steps, and 3) packaging the mixture of step 1) or the processed mixture of step 2). 56. (canceled) 57. (canceled) 58. (canceled) 59. (canceled) 60. (canceled) 61. (canceled) 62. (canceled) 63. (canceled) 64. The method according to any of the claim 55, wherein filled milk product is a powder. 65. The method according to any of the claim 55, wherein filled milk product is a liquid. 66. The method according to any of the claim 55, wherein filled milk product is a concentrate. | The present invention relates to filled milk products comprising sweet buttermilk solids, vegetable lipid and one or more additional carbohydrate sources. The invention furthermore relates to a method of preparing such filled milk products.1. A filled milk product comprising:
sweet buttermilk solids in an amount of at least 5% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product; a vegetable lipid source, and a first carbohydrate source wherein the filled milk product, when standardized to a solids content corresponding to 10 g powdered filled milk product in 90 g water, has a pH in the range of pH 6-8 at 25 degrees C. 2. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising sweet buttermilk solids in an amount of at least 25% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 3. (canceled) 4. (canceled) 5. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising one or more additional type(s) of milk solids. 6. The filled milk product according to claim 3, wherein the one or more additional type(s) of milk solids comprises at least one type of milk solids selected from the group consisting of non-fat milk solids, skimmed-milk solids, semi-skimmed-milk solids, whole milk solids, and a combination thereof. 7. The filled milk product according to claim 1, comprising a total amount of protein in the range of 5-25% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 8. (canceled) 9. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of casein in the range of 5-20% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 10. (canceled) 11. (canceled) 12. (canceled) 13. (canceled) 14. (canceled) 15. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of carbohydrate in the range of 30-80% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 16. (canceled) 17. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising a first carbohydrate source. 18. The filled milk product according to claim 17 comprising the first carbohydrate source in an amount in the range of 1-80% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 19. The filled milk product according to claim 17, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises a total amount of lactose, glucose, and galactose of at 75% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the first carbohydrate source. 20. The filled milk product according to any of the claim 17, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises milk minerals. 21. The filled milk product according to claim 20, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises at least 5% milk minerals (2/2) relative to the dry weight of the first carbohydrate source. 22. The filled milk product according to claim 20, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises milk permeate and/or milk permeate solids. 23. The filled milk products according to any of the claims 20-22, wherein the first carbohydrate source comprises whey permeate and/or whey permeate solids. 24. (canceled) 25. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of lactose, glucose, and galactose in the range of 15-80% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 26. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising a second carbohydrate source. 27. (canceled) 28. The filled milk product according to claim 26, wherein the second carbohydrate source comprises a carbohydrate sweetener. 29. The filled milk product according to claim 28, wherein the carbohydrate sweetner comprises one or more sweetners selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, galactose, lactose, maltodextrin, polydextrose, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, and a combination thereof. 30. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of lipids in the range of 5-50% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 31. (canceled) 32. (canceled) 33. (canceled) 34. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable lipid source comprises a vegetable oil. 35. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable oil comprises an oil selected from the group consisting of corn oil, sesame oil, soy bean oil, linseed oil, grapeseed oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and a combination thereof. 36. The filled milk product according to claim 34 comprising a total amount of vegetable oil in the range of 1-50% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 37. (canceled) 38. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable lipid source comprises a vegetable fat. 39. The filled milk product according to claim 38, wherein the vegetable fat comprises a fat selected from the group consisting of palm fat, coconut fat, palm kernel fat, and a combination thereof. 40. The filled milk product according to claim 38 comprising a total amount of vegetable fat in the range of 1-50% (w/w) relative to dry weight of the filled milk product. 41. (canceled) 42. The filled milk product according to claim 1 comprising a total amount of phospholipids in the range of 0.1-2% (w/w) relative to the dry weight of the filled milk product. 43. The filled milk product according to claim 1, furthermore comprising a first milk mineral source. 44. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the filled milk product is a powder. 45. The filled milk product according to claim 44 comprising at most 5% water (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product. 46. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the filled milk product is a liquid. 47. The filled milk product according to claim 46, wherein the filled milk product comprises water in an amount of at least 75% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product, and wherein the dry weight of the filled milk product is at most 29% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product. 48. The filled milk product according to claim 1, wherein the filled milk product is a concentrate. 49. The filled milk product according to claim 48, wherein the filled milk product comprises water in an amount in the range of 20-74% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product, and wherein the dry weight of the filled milk product is in the range of 27-82% (w/w) relative to the weight of the filled milk product. 50. A packaged filled milk product comprising a container containing the filled milk product according to claim 1. 51. The packaged filled milk product according to claim 50, wherein the filled milk product is hermetically sealed in the container. 52. The packaged filled milk product according to claim 50, wherein the gas inside the container contains at least 50% (vol/vol) inert gas relative to the total volume of gas contained in the container. 53. (canceled) 54. (canceled) 55. A method of producing the filled milk product according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:
1) mixing a first ingredient containing sweet buttermilk solids, a second ingredient, and optionally also one or more further ingredients, to obtain a mixture, wherein at least on ingredient contains a vegetable lipid source, and at least one ingredient contains a first carbohydrate source, 2) optionally, subjecting the mixture to one or more subsequent processing steps, and 3) packaging the mixture of step 1) or the processed mixture of step 2). 56. (canceled) 57. (canceled) 58. (canceled) 59. (canceled) 60. (canceled) 61. (canceled) 62. (canceled) 63. (canceled) 64. The method according to any of the claim 55, wherein filled milk product is a powder. 65. The method according to any of the claim 55, wherein filled milk product is a liquid. 66. The method according to any of the claim 55, wherein filled milk product is a concentrate. | 1,700 |
1,974 | 14,970,642 | 1,741 | A method for forming an optical fiber preform is provided. The method includes inserting a glass core cane into a glass sleeve such that the glass sleeve surrounds a portion of the glass core cane and such that there is a gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve. The method further includes depositing silica soot onto at least a portion of the glass core cane and at least a portion of the glass sleeve to form a silica soot preform, and flowing gas through the gap during processing of the silica soot preform. | 1. A method for forming an optical fiber preform, the method comprising:
inserting a glass core cane into a glass sleeve such that the glass sleeve surrounds a portion of the glass core cane and such that there is a gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core surrounded by the glass sleeve; depositing silica soot onto at least a portion of the glass core cane and at least a portion of the glass sleeve to form a silica soot preform; and flowing gas through the gap during processing of the silica soot preform. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting a removable insert in the gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the removable insert comprises a porous silica soot material. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising welding a portion of the glass sleeve to a portion of the glass core cane. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a glass handle to an end of the glass core cane. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein processing of the silica soot preform comprises sintering the silica soot preform in a furnace to form a consolidated glass preform. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein sintering the silica soot preform comprises raising the temperature of the furnace to a sintering temperature at a rate of greater than about 15° C. per minute. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the sintering temperature is about 1,600° C. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a vacuum to the gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein applying a vacuum comprises creating a pressure difference between the pressure outside the silica soot preform (Fp) and the pressure inside the silica soot preform, wherein the pressure inside the soot preform is less than or equal to about 0.25 Fp. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein Fp is about 1.0 atmosphere pressure, absolute. 12. A method for forming an optical fiber preform, the method comprising:
depositing silica soot onto at least a portion of a glass core cane and at least a portion of a glass handle attached to the glass core cane to form a silica soot preform, wherein the handle comprises a hollow interior portion fluidly connected to the exterior of handle by at least one opening in a handle wall; and flowing gas through the at least one opening and into the interior of the handle during processing of the silica soot preform. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein processing of the silica soot preform comprises sintering the silica soot preform in a furnace to form a consolidated glass preform. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein sintering the silica soot preform comprises raising the temperature of the furnace to a sintering temperature at a rate of greater than about 15° C. per minute. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sintering temperature is about 1,600° C. 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying a vacuum to the hollow interior portion of the handle. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein applying a vacuum comprises creating a pressure difference between the pressure outside the silica soot preform (Fp) and the pressure inside the silica soot preform, wherein the pressure inside the soot preform is less than or equal to about 0.25 Fp. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein Fp is about 1.0 atmosphere pressure, absolute. 19. A handle assembly for use in forming an optical fiber preform; the handle assembly comprising:
a glass core cane; a glass sleeve situated around a portion of the glass core cane such that there is a gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve; and a silica soot preform deposited on at least a portion of the glass core cane and at least a portion of the glass sleeve. 20. The handle assembly of claim 19, further comprising a removable insert situated in the gap between the glass sleeve and the portions of the glass core cane and the handle surrounded by the glass sleeve. | A method for forming an optical fiber preform is provided. The method includes inserting a glass core cane into a glass sleeve such that the glass sleeve surrounds a portion of the glass core cane and such that there is a gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve. The method further includes depositing silica soot onto at least a portion of the glass core cane and at least a portion of the glass sleeve to form a silica soot preform, and flowing gas through the gap during processing of the silica soot preform.1. A method for forming an optical fiber preform, the method comprising:
inserting a glass core cane into a glass sleeve such that the glass sleeve surrounds a portion of the glass core cane and such that there is a gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core surrounded by the glass sleeve; depositing silica soot onto at least a portion of the glass core cane and at least a portion of the glass sleeve to form a silica soot preform; and flowing gas through the gap during processing of the silica soot preform. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting a removable insert in the gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the removable insert comprises a porous silica soot material. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising welding a portion of the glass sleeve to a portion of the glass core cane. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a glass handle to an end of the glass core cane. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein processing of the silica soot preform comprises sintering the silica soot preform in a furnace to form a consolidated glass preform. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein sintering the silica soot preform comprises raising the temperature of the furnace to a sintering temperature at a rate of greater than about 15° C. per minute. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the sintering temperature is about 1,600° C. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a vacuum to the gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein applying a vacuum comprises creating a pressure difference between the pressure outside the silica soot preform (Fp) and the pressure inside the silica soot preform, wherein the pressure inside the soot preform is less than or equal to about 0.25 Fp. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein Fp is about 1.0 atmosphere pressure, absolute. 12. A method for forming an optical fiber preform, the method comprising:
depositing silica soot onto at least a portion of a glass core cane and at least a portion of a glass handle attached to the glass core cane to form a silica soot preform, wherein the handle comprises a hollow interior portion fluidly connected to the exterior of handle by at least one opening in a handle wall; and flowing gas through the at least one opening and into the interior of the handle during processing of the silica soot preform. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein processing of the silica soot preform comprises sintering the silica soot preform in a furnace to form a consolidated glass preform. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein sintering the silica soot preform comprises raising the temperature of the furnace to a sintering temperature at a rate of greater than about 15° C. per minute. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sintering temperature is about 1,600° C. 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying a vacuum to the hollow interior portion of the handle. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein applying a vacuum comprises creating a pressure difference between the pressure outside the silica soot preform (Fp) and the pressure inside the silica soot preform, wherein the pressure inside the soot preform is less than or equal to about 0.25 Fp. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein Fp is about 1.0 atmosphere pressure, absolute. 19. A handle assembly for use in forming an optical fiber preform; the handle assembly comprising:
a glass core cane; a glass sleeve situated around a portion of the glass core cane such that there is a gap between the glass sleeve and the portion of the glass core cane surrounded by the glass sleeve; and a silica soot preform deposited on at least a portion of the glass core cane and at least a portion of the glass sleeve. 20. The handle assembly of claim 19, further comprising a removable insert situated in the gap between the glass sleeve and the portions of the glass core cane and the handle surrounded by the glass sleeve. | 1,700 |
1,975 | 14,084,703 | 1,748 | Nonwoven sanitary tissue products having a woven surface pattern that provides the nonwoven sanitary tissue product with a woven appearance and a method for making such sanitary tissue products are provided. | 1. A sanitary tissue product comprising a surface pattern having a repeating design element, wherein the repeating design element contains two opposing open termini and two opposing closed termini and wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are connected to one another through respective opposing open termini. 2. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the connected respective opposing open termini form a channel. 3. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 2 wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are oriented such that their respective opposing closed termini sandwich the channel formed by the connected respective opposing open termini. 4. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 2 wherein the channel is oriented at an angle with respect to the machine direction of the sanitary tissue product of from about 10° to about 80°. 5. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern further comprises a background design element. 6. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 5 wherein the background design element comprises line elements. 7. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 5 wherein the background design element comprises dot elements. 8. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 5 wherein the background design element is embossed. 9. The sanitary issue product according to claim 1 wherein the repeating design element comprises line elements. 10. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 9 wherein the repeating design element further comprises dot elements. 11. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern is wet-formed. 12. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern is dry-formed. 13. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern is embossed. 14. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the sanitary tissue product comprises filaments. 15. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the sanitary tissue product comprises fibers. 16. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 15 wherein the fibers comprise pulp fibers. 17. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 16 wherein the pulp fibers comprise wood pulp fibers. 18. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 16 wherein the pulp fibers comprise trichomes. 19. A method for making a sanitary tissue product according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:
a. providing at least one ply of a fibrous structure; and b. imparting a surface pattern to the fibrous structure to produce the sanitary tissue product, wherein the surface pattern has a repeating design element, wherein the repeating design element exhibits two opposing open termini and two opposing closed termini and wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are connected to one another through respective opposing open termini. 20. A method for making a sanitary tissue product according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:
a. depositing fibrous elements onto a patterned belt to form a fibrous structure comprising a surface pattern having a repeating design element, wherein the repeating design element exhibits two opposing open termini and two opposing closed termini and wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are connected to one another through respective opposing open termini; and b. removing the fibrous structure from the patterned belt to produce the sanitary tissue product. | Nonwoven sanitary tissue products having a woven surface pattern that provides the nonwoven sanitary tissue product with a woven appearance and a method for making such sanitary tissue products are provided.1. A sanitary tissue product comprising a surface pattern having a repeating design element, wherein the repeating design element contains two opposing open termini and two opposing closed termini and wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are connected to one another through respective opposing open termini. 2. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the connected respective opposing open termini form a channel. 3. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 2 wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are oriented such that their respective opposing closed termini sandwich the channel formed by the connected respective opposing open termini. 4. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 2 wherein the channel is oriented at an angle with respect to the machine direction of the sanitary tissue product of from about 10° to about 80°. 5. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern further comprises a background design element. 6. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 5 wherein the background design element comprises line elements. 7. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 5 wherein the background design element comprises dot elements. 8. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 5 wherein the background design element is embossed. 9. The sanitary issue product according to claim 1 wherein the repeating design element comprises line elements. 10. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 9 wherein the repeating design element further comprises dot elements. 11. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern is wet-formed. 12. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern is dry-formed. 13. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the surface pattern is embossed. 14. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the sanitary tissue product comprises filaments. 15. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 1 wherein the sanitary tissue product comprises fibers. 16. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 15 wherein the fibers comprise pulp fibers. 17. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 16 wherein the pulp fibers comprise wood pulp fibers. 18. The sanitary tissue product according to claim 16 wherein the pulp fibers comprise trichomes. 19. A method for making a sanitary tissue product according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:
a. providing at least one ply of a fibrous structure; and b. imparting a surface pattern to the fibrous structure to produce the sanitary tissue product, wherein the surface pattern has a repeating design element, wherein the repeating design element exhibits two opposing open termini and two opposing closed termini and wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are connected to one another through respective opposing open termini. 20. A method for making a sanitary tissue product according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:
a. depositing fibrous elements onto a patterned belt to form a fibrous structure comprising a surface pattern having a repeating design element, wherein the repeating design element exhibits two opposing open termini and two opposing closed termini and wherein two or more of the repeating design elements are connected to one another through respective opposing open termini; and b. removing the fibrous structure from the patterned belt to produce the sanitary tissue product. | 1,700 |
1,976 | 14,711,902 | 1,718 | A process for coating a component and a coating system including a bond coat on a superalloy substrate. A thermal barrier material may be applied to the bond coat and a rare earth apatite may be applied to the thermal barrier material via one of Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) and Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) to form an exposed surface. The rare earth apatite may be formed as Ca 2+y RE 8+x (SiO 4 ) 6 O 2+3x/2+y in which −2<y<2 and −2<x<2. | 1. A process for coating a component, comprising:
applying a bond coat on a substrate of an component; applying a thermal barrier material to said bond coat; and applying a rare earth apatite to said thermal barrier material. 2. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising forming said rare earth apatite as a layer with a thickness of about 0.05-20 mil (0.00127-0.508 mm). 3. The process as recited in claim 1, wherein said rare earth apatite is formed as Ca2+yRE8+x(SiO4)6O2+3x/2+y in which −2<y<2 and −2<x<2. 4. The process as recited in claim 3, wherein 0<y<2 and −2<x<0. 5. The process as recited in claim 1, whereas applying said rare earth apatite is formed via one of Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) and Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) to form an exposed surface. 6. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising applying a layer of rare earth zirconate onto said thermal barrier material prior to application of said rare earth apatite. 7. The process as recited in claim 6, wherein said layer of rare earth zirconate is formed as a layer with a thickness of about 1-20 mil (0.0254-0.508 mm). 8. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising mixing said rare earth apatite and said rare earth zirconate forming a randomly dispersed system. 9. The process as recited in claim 8, wherein said randomly dispersed system forms a ratio between 80%-20% rare earth apatite. 10. The process as recited in claim 8, wherein said randomly dispersed system forms a ratio between 60%-40% rare earth apatite. 11. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising, mixing said rare earth apatite and said rare earth zirconate forming a graded layer. 12. The process as recited in claim 11, wherein said graded layer is deposited as 100% rare earth zirconate at said thermal barrier material and gradually transition to 100% rare earth apatite at said exposed surface. 13. A gas turbine engine component, comprising:
a superalloy substrate; a bond coat on said substrate; a thermal barrier material on said bond coat; and a rare earth apatite on said thermal barrier material, said rare earth apatite is formed as a Ca2+yRE8+x(SiO4)6O2+3x/2+y in which −2<y<2 and −2<x<2. 14. The component as recited in claim 13, wherein the 0<y<2 and −2<x<0. 15. The component as recited in claim 13, wherein said rare earth apatite is formed as a layer with a thickness of about 0.05-20 mil (0.00127-0.508 mm). 16. The component as recited in claim 13, further comprising a layer of rare earth zirconate between said thermal barrier material and said rare earth apatite. 17. The component as recited in claim 15, wherein said layer of rare earth zirconate is formed as a layer with a thickness of about 1-20 mil (0.0254-0.508 mm). 18. The component as recited in claim 13, further comprising a rare earth zirconate mixed with said rare earth apatite to form a randomly dispersed system. 19. The component as recited in claim 13, further comprising a rare earth zirconate mixed with said rare earth apatite to form a graded layer. 20. The component as recited in claim 13, wherein said rare earth apatite is applied via one of Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) and Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS). | A process for coating a component and a coating system including a bond coat on a superalloy substrate. A thermal barrier material may be applied to the bond coat and a rare earth apatite may be applied to the thermal barrier material via one of Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) and Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) to form an exposed surface. The rare earth apatite may be formed as Ca 2+y RE 8+x (SiO 4 ) 6 O 2+3x/2+y in which −2<y<2 and −2<x<2.1. A process for coating a component, comprising:
applying a bond coat on a substrate of an component; applying a thermal barrier material to said bond coat; and applying a rare earth apatite to said thermal barrier material. 2. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising forming said rare earth apatite as a layer with a thickness of about 0.05-20 mil (0.00127-0.508 mm). 3. The process as recited in claim 1, wherein said rare earth apatite is formed as Ca2+yRE8+x(SiO4)6O2+3x/2+y in which −2<y<2 and −2<x<2. 4. The process as recited in claim 3, wherein 0<y<2 and −2<x<0. 5. The process as recited in claim 1, whereas applying said rare earth apatite is formed via one of Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) and Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) to form an exposed surface. 6. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising applying a layer of rare earth zirconate onto said thermal barrier material prior to application of said rare earth apatite. 7. The process as recited in claim 6, wherein said layer of rare earth zirconate is formed as a layer with a thickness of about 1-20 mil (0.0254-0.508 mm). 8. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising mixing said rare earth apatite and said rare earth zirconate forming a randomly dispersed system. 9. The process as recited in claim 8, wherein said randomly dispersed system forms a ratio between 80%-20% rare earth apatite. 10. The process as recited in claim 8, wherein said randomly dispersed system forms a ratio between 60%-40% rare earth apatite. 11. The process as recited in claim 1, further comprising, mixing said rare earth apatite and said rare earth zirconate forming a graded layer. 12. The process as recited in claim 11, wherein said graded layer is deposited as 100% rare earth zirconate at said thermal barrier material and gradually transition to 100% rare earth apatite at said exposed surface. 13. A gas turbine engine component, comprising:
a superalloy substrate; a bond coat on said substrate; a thermal barrier material on said bond coat; and a rare earth apatite on said thermal barrier material, said rare earth apatite is formed as a Ca2+yRE8+x(SiO4)6O2+3x/2+y in which −2<y<2 and −2<x<2. 14. The component as recited in claim 13, wherein the 0<y<2 and −2<x<0. 15. The component as recited in claim 13, wherein said rare earth apatite is formed as a layer with a thickness of about 0.05-20 mil (0.00127-0.508 mm). 16. The component as recited in claim 13, further comprising a layer of rare earth zirconate between said thermal barrier material and said rare earth apatite. 17. The component as recited in claim 15, wherein said layer of rare earth zirconate is formed as a layer with a thickness of about 1-20 mil (0.0254-0.508 mm). 18. The component as recited in claim 13, further comprising a rare earth zirconate mixed with said rare earth apatite to form a randomly dispersed system. 19. The component as recited in claim 13, further comprising a rare earth zirconate mixed with said rare earth apatite to form a graded layer. 20. The component as recited in claim 13, wherein said rare earth apatite is applied via one of Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) and Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS). | 1,700 |
1,977 | 14,279,590 | 1,792 | A capsule is provided for use in a machine for preparing product from capsules. The capsule includes a body that defines an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location. A soluble closure is disposed on an interior surface of the body to cover the aperture. Ingredients are disposed within the interior space for preparing a desired product. A cover is disposed over the opening and a removable cover is disposed over the aperture. The removable cover is removed from capsule prior to insertion of capsule into the machine. The soluble closure is adapted to dissolve upon exposure to fluid from the capsule machine in order to allow prepared product to exit capsule through aperture. In another embodiment, a delivery system such as a soluble pouch or a film containing ingredients is disposed in the capsule. | 1. A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said capsule comprising:
a body defining an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location; a soluble closure disposed in said body for closing said aperture; ingredients disposed in said interior space for preparing a desired product; a cover disposed over said opening; and a removable cover disposed on an exterior surface of said body over said aperture. 2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein said body includes a side wall that tapers inwardly from said opening to said aperture. 3. The capsule of claim 2, wherein said side wall has a first portion that extends from said opening to a second portion, said second portion tapering inwardly from said first portion to said aperture. 4. The capsule of claim 1 wherein said ingredients include insoluble consumable ingredients. 5. The capsule of claim 4 wherein said ingredients include noodles. 6. The capsule of claim 4 wherein said ingredients include dried vegetables. 7. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising a filter disposed in said body for filtering at least some of said ingredients. 8. The capsule of claim 7, wherein said filter defines a first chamber containing insoluble non-consumable ingredients. 9. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising an exit nozzle disposed in said aperture, said exit nozzle being adapted for directing the consumable product from said capsule to a desired receptacle without the consumable product contacting the machine. 10. The capsule of claim 9 wherein said exit nozzle is adapted to move from a retracted position to an extended position. 11. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising an insert disposed in said interior space, said insert being adapted for directing the consumable product to said aperture. 12. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising a soluble delivery system disposed in said body, said soluble delivery system containing at least some ingredients for preparing a desired product. 13. The capsule of claim 12 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble pouch containing at least some ingredients. 14. The capsule of claim 12 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble film comprising one or more layers containing at least some ingredients. 15. The capsule of claim 12 wherein said soluble film includes a protective layer adapted to protect certain ingredients disposed in said film from exposure to other ingredients disposed in said capsule. 16. A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said capsule comprising:
a body defining an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location; a soluble delivery system disposed in said body, said soluble delivery system containing ingredients for preparing a desired product; a cover disposed over said opening; and a removable cover disposed on an exterior surface of said body over said aperture. 17. The capsule of claim 16, wherein said body includes a side wall that tapers inwardly from said opening to said aperture. 18. The capsule of claim 17, wherein said side wall has a first portion that extends from said opening to a second portion, said second portion tapering inwardly from said first portion to said aperture. 19. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said ingredients contained in said soluble delivery system include soluble consumable ingredients. 20. The capsule of claim 16 further comprising a filter disposed in said body, wherein said filter defines a chamber containing insoluble non-consumable ingredients for preparing a desired product. 21. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble pouch containing at least some ingredients. 22. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble film comprising one or more layers containing at least some ingredients. 23. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said soluble film includes a protective layer adapted to protect certain ingredients disposed in said film from exposure to other ingredients disposed in said capsule. | A capsule is provided for use in a machine for preparing product from capsules. The capsule includes a body that defines an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location. A soluble closure is disposed on an interior surface of the body to cover the aperture. Ingredients are disposed within the interior space for preparing a desired product. A cover is disposed over the opening and a removable cover is disposed over the aperture. The removable cover is removed from capsule prior to insertion of capsule into the machine. The soluble closure is adapted to dissolve upon exposure to fluid from the capsule machine in order to allow prepared product to exit capsule through aperture. In another embodiment, a delivery system such as a soluble pouch or a film containing ingredients is disposed in the capsule.1. A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said capsule comprising:
a body defining an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location; a soluble closure disposed in said body for closing said aperture; ingredients disposed in said interior space for preparing a desired product; a cover disposed over said opening; and a removable cover disposed on an exterior surface of said body over said aperture. 2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein said body includes a side wall that tapers inwardly from said opening to said aperture. 3. The capsule of claim 2, wherein said side wall has a first portion that extends from said opening to a second portion, said second portion tapering inwardly from said first portion to said aperture. 4. The capsule of claim 1 wherein said ingredients include insoluble consumable ingredients. 5. The capsule of claim 4 wherein said ingredients include noodles. 6. The capsule of claim 4 wherein said ingredients include dried vegetables. 7. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising a filter disposed in said body for filtering at least some of said ingredients. 8. The capsule of claim 7, wherein said filter defines a first chamber containing insoluble non-consumable ingredients. 9. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising an exit nozzle disposed in said aperture, said exit nozzle being adapted for directing the consumable product from said capsule to a desired receptacle without the consumable product contacting the machine. 10. The capsule of claim 9 wherein said exit nozzle is adapted to move from a retracted position to an extended position. 11. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising an insert disposed in said interior space, said insert being adapted for directing the consumable product to said aperture. 12. The capsule of claim 1 further comprising a soluble delivery system disposed in said body, said soluble delivery system containing at least some ingredients for preparing a desired product. 13. The capsule of claim 12 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble pouch containing at least some ingredients. 14. The capsule of claim 12 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble film comprising one or more layers containing at least some ingredients. 15. The capsule of claim 12 wherein said soluble film includes a protective layer adapted to protect certain ingredients disposed in said film from exposure to other ingredients disposed in said capsule. 16. A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said capsule comprising:
a body defining an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location; a soluble delivery system disposed in said body, said soluble delivery system containing ingredients for preparing a desired product; a cover disposed over said opening; and a removable cover disposed on an exterior surface of said body over said aperture. 17. The capsule of claim 16, wherein said body includes a side wall that tapers inwardly from said opening to said aperture. 18. The capsule of claim 17, wherein said side wall has a first portion that extends from said opening to a second portion, said second portion tapering inwardly from said first portion to said aperture. 19. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said ingredients contained in said soluble delivery system include soluble consumable ingredients. 20. The capsule of claim 16 further comprising a filter disposed in said body, wherein said filter defines a chamber containing insoluble non-consumable ingredients for preparing a desired product. 21. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble pouch containing at least some ingredients. 22. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble film comprising one or more layers containing at least some ingredients. 23. The capsule of claim 16 wherein said soluble film includes a protective layer adapted to protect certain ingredients disposed in said film from exposure to other ingredients disposed in said capsule. | 1,700 |
1,978 | 13,206,088 | 1,714 | Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for using a cluster tool to pre-clean a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing a first gas prior to epitaxial film formation, transfer the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum, and form an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber without utilizing the first gas. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed. | 1. A method of epitaxial film formation comprising:
prior to epitaxial film formation, pre-cleaning a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing a first gas; transferring the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum; and forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber without utilizing the first gas. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising
transferring the substrate from the second processing chamber to a third processing chamber through the transfer chamber while maintaining a vacuum; and
forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the third processing chamber without utilizing the first gas. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is hydrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing a nitrogen carrier gas. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is nitrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing hydrogen. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is hydrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing helium. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is hydrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing argon. 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
activating a reactive species in the second processing chamber with an ultraviolet apparatus. 8. A method of epitaxial film formation comprising:
pre-cleaning a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing hydrogen gas prior to epitaxial film formation; transferring the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum; and forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber utilizing a carrier gas other than hydrogen. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
transferring the substrate from the second processing chamber to a third processing chamber through the transfer chamber while maintaining a vacuum; and
forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the third processing chamber utilizing a carrier gas other than hydrogen. 10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
activating a reactive species in the second processing chamber with an ultraviolet apparatus. 11. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
employing the hydrogen gas to remove at least one silicon dioxide layer from the substrate. 12. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
utilizing one of nitrogen, helium or argon as carrier gases and Cl2 as an etchant gas in the formation of the epitaxial layer. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein hydrogen is incompatible with Cl2 for an epitaxial formation process at a temperature below 700 degrees Celsius. 14. A method of epitaxial film formation comprising:
pre-cleaning a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing Cl2 prior to epitaxial film formation; transferring the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum; and forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber utilizing a hydrogen carrier gas. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
transferring the substrate from the second processing chamber to a third processing chamber through the transfer chamber while maintaining a vacuum; and
forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the third processing chamber utilizing the hydrogen carrier gas. 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
activating a reactive species in the first processing chamber with an ultraviolet apparatus. 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
etching contaminants from the substrate with Cl2. 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
etching silicon dioxide from the substrate with Cl2. 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
employing a substrate temperature of about 500 to 700 degrees Celsius in the first processing chamber. 20. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
utilizing HCl in the first processing chamber with the Cl2 to pre-clean the substrate in a first processing chamber prior to epitaxial film formation. | Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for using a cluster tool to pre-clean a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing a first gas prior to epitaxial film formation, transfer the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum, and form an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber without utilizing the first gas. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.1. A method of epitaxial film formation comprising:
prior to epitaxial film formation, pre-cleaning a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing a first gas; transferring the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum; and forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber without utilizing the first gas. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising
transferring the substrate from the second processing chamber to a third processing chamber through the transfer chamber while maintaining a vacuum; and
forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the third processing chamber without utilizing the first gas. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is hydrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing a nitrogen carrier gas. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is nitrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing hydrogen. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is hydrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing helium. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first gas is hydrogen and wherein forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate comprises utilizing argon. 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
activating a reactive species in the second processing chamber with an ultraviolet apparatus. 8. A method of epitaxial film formation comprising:
pre-cleaning a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing hydrogen gas prior to epitaxial film formation; transferring the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum; and forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber utilizing a carrier gas other than hydrogen. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
transferring the substrate from the second processing chamber to a third processing chamber through the transfer chamber while maintaining a vacuum; and
forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the third processing chamber utilizing a carrier gas other than hydrogen. 10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
activating a reactive species in the second processing chamber with an ultraviolet apparatus. 11. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
employing the hydrogen gas to remove at least one silicon dioxide layer from the substrate. 12. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
utilizing one of nitrogen, helium or argon as carrier gases and Cl2 as an etchant gas in the formation of the epitaxial layer. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein hydrogen is incompatible with Cl2 for an epitaxial formation process at a temperature below 700 degrees Celsius. 14. A method of epitaxial film formation comprising:
pre-cleaning a substrate in a first processing chamber utilizing Cl2 prior to epitaxial film formation; transferring the substrate from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber through a transfer chamber under a vacuum; and forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the second processing chamber utilizing a hydrogen carrier gas. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
transferring the substrate from the second processing chamber to a third processing chamber through the transfer chamber while maintaining a vacuum; and
forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate in the third processing chamber utilizing the hydrogen carrier gas. 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
activating a reactive species in the first processing chamber with an ultraviolet apparatus. 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
etching contaminants from the substrate with Cl2. 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
etching silicon dioxide from the substrate with Cl2. 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
employing a substrate temperature of about 500 to 700 degrees Celsius in the first processing chamber. 20. The method of claim 14 further comprising:
utilizing HCl in the first processing chamber with the Cl2 to pre-clean the substrate in a first processing chamber prior to epitaxial film formation. | 1,700 |
1,979 | 13,055,264 | 1,731 | Flexible, sheet-like substrates having an abrasive surface, which are obtainable by applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin to the top and/or bottom of a flexible, sheet-like substrate in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, crosslinking the precondensate and drying the treated substrate, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin comprises (i) a polymeric thickener selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, associative thickeners and wholly synthetic thickeners in an amount ranging from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight and optionally (ii) a curative that catalyzes further condensation of the heat-curable resin at from about 60° C. | 1.-17. (canceled) 18. A flexible, sheet-like substrate having an abrasive surface, obtainable by applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin to the top and/or bottom of a flexible, sheet-like substrate in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, crosslinking the precondensate and drying the treated substrate, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin comprises (i) a polymeric thickener selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, associative thickeners and wholly synthetic thickeners in an amount ranging from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight and optionally (ii) a curative that catalyzes further condensation of the heat-curable resin at from about 60° C. 19. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the precondensates of the heat-curable resins are selected from the group consisting of the melamine/formaldehyde precondensates, urea/formaldehyde precondensates, urea/glyoxal precondensates and phenol/formaldehyde precondensates. 20. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the heat-curable resin used is a precondensate of melamine and formaldehyde in which the molar ratio of melamine to formaldehyde is greater than 1:2. 21. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 20, wherein the heat-curable resin used is a precondensate in which the molar ratio of melamine to formaldehyde is from 1:1.0 to 1:1.9. 22. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of fibrous nonwoven webs (including so-called nonwovens), wovens (including so-called tissues), knits, paper, paperboard and cardboard. 23. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the substrate is paper or a fibrous nonwoven web (including so-called nonwovens) composed of cellulose fibers, or a woven (including so-called tissues) composed of cellulose fibers. 24. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate comprises at least one curative (ii). 25. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate comprises at least one surfactant. 26. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate comprises from 0.01 to 5% by weight of at least one polymeric thickener (i). 27. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate is applied to the whole surface of the substrate. 28. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of the precondensate is applied in the form of a pattern to the substrate. 29. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the substrate treated with an aqueous solution of a precondensate is cured and dried at a temperature in the range of from 20 to 150° C. 30. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the amount of the heat-curable resin, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, is from 0.5 to 50% by weight. 31. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, comprising active and benefit agents in addition to or instead of customary added substances. 32. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, comprising active and benefit agents in encapsulated form in addition to or instead of customary added substances. 33. A wiping cloth for cleaning surfaces in the household and in industry which comprises the flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18. 34. A process for producing the flexible, sheet-like substrate having an abrasive surface as defined in claim 18, which comprises applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin to the top and/or bottom of a flexible, sheet-like substrate in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, crosslinking the precondensate and drying the treated substrate, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin comprises (i) a polymeric thickener selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, associative thickeners and wholly synthetic thickeners in an amount ranging from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight and optionally (ii) a curative that catalyzes further condensation of the heat-curable resin at not less than about 60° C. | Flexible, sheet-like substrates having an abrasive surface, which are obtainable by applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin to the top and/or bottom of a flexible, sheet-like substrate in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, crosslinking the precondensate and drying the treated substrate, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin comprises (i) a polymeric thickener selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, associative thickeners and wholly synthetic thickeners in an amount ranging from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight and optionally (ii) a curative that catalyzes further condensation of the heat-curable resin at from about 60° C.1.-17. (canceled) 18. A flexible, sheet-like substrate having an abrasive surface, obtainable by applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin to the top and/or bottom of a flexible, sheet-like substrate in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, crosslinking the precondensate and drying the treated substrate, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin comprises (i) a polymeric thickener selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, associative thickeners and wholly synthetic thickeners in an amount ranging from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight and optionally (ii) a curative that catalyzes further condensation of the heat-curable resin at from about 60° C. 19. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the precondensates of the heat-curable resins are selected from the group consisting of the melamine/formaldehyde precondensates, urea/formaldehyde precondensates, urea/glyoxal precondensates and phenol/formaldehyde precondensates. 20. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the heat-curable resin used is a precondensate of melamine and formaldehyde in which the molar ratio of melamine to formaldehyde is greater than 1:2. 21. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 20, wherein the heat-curable resin used is a precondensate in which the molar ratio of melamine to formaldehyde is from 1:1.0 to 1:1.9. 22. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of fibrous nonwoven webs (including so-called nonwovens), wovens (including so-called tissues), knits, paper, paperboard and cardboard. 23. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the substrate is paper or a fibrous nonwoven web (including so-called nonwovens) composed of cellulose fibers, or a woven (including so-called tissues) composed of cellulose fibers. 24. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate comprises at least one curative (ii). 25. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate comprises at least one surfactant. 26. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate comprises from 0.01 to 5% by weight of at least one polymeric thickener (i). 27. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the solution or dispersion of the precondensate is applied to the whole surface of the substrate. 28. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of the precondensate is applied in the form of a pattern to the substrate. 29. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the substrate treated with an aqueous solution of a precondensate is cured and dried at a temperature in the range of from 20 to 150° C. 30. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, wherein the amount of the heat-curable resin, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, is from 0.5 to 50% by weight. 31. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, comprising active and benefit agents in addition to or instead of customary added substances. 32. The flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18, comprising active and benefit agents in encapsulated form in addition to or instead of customary added substances. 33. A wiping cloth for cleaning surfaces in the household and in industry which comprises the flexible, sheet-like substrate according to claim 18. 34. A process for producing the flexible, sheet-like substrate having an abrasive surface as defined in claim 18, which comprises applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin to the top and/or bottom of a flexible, sheet-like substrate in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, crosslinking the precondensate and drying the treated substrate, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin comprises (i) a polymeric thickener selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, associative thickeners and wholly synthetic thickeners in an amount ranging from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight and optionally (ii) a curative that catalyzes further condensation of the heat-curable resin at not less than about 60° C. | 1,700 |
1,980 | 14,411,212 | 1,741 | An apparatus for splicing and tapering optical fibers employing a feedback system for stabilizing the laser output is disclosed. The apparatus may include a laser illuminating a target-area of one or more optical fibers by a laser beam; one or more cameras receiving light from one or more areas of the fibers and forming images of the one or more areas; a beam sampler detector sampling the beam power; and a controller receiving images from the camera and a signal from the power sampler. The controller may use the images received from the camera and the signal received from the detector as feedback parameters and to control the laser output according to said signal and said images such as to stabilize the laser output. The controller may include an image analysis unit determining, based on the images, a brightness or temperature distribution over the areas of the fibers. | 1. An apparatus for splicing and tapering optical fibers, the apparatus comprising:
a laser configured to illuminate a target-area of one or more optical fibers by a laser beam; one or more cameras configured to receive light from one or more areas of the fibers and form images of the one or more areas; a beam sampler detector configured to sample the beam power; and a controller configured to receive images from the camera and to receive a signal from the power sampler; wherein the controller is configured to use the images received from the camera and the signal received from the detector as feedback parameters and to control the laser output according to said signal and said images such as to stabilize a brightness of the fibers. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to control the laser output according to said signal and said images such as to stabilize the laser power. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises an image analysis unit configured to determine, based on the received images, a brightness distribution over one or more areas of the fibers. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the image analysis unit is further configured to determine a fiber temperature distribution corresponding to each of the areas. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to stabilize the laser output based on:
a beam power determined via the signal received from the beam sampler; and a brightness distribution at one or more areas of the fiber. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:
determine a state of a splicing process or a tapering process; adjust the laser beam according to the determined state; and shut off the laser beam upon completion of the splicing or the tapering. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more camera comprises:
a first camera receiving images from a first area of the fiber; and a second camera receiving images from a second area of the fiber different from the first area; wherein the information received by the controller comprises both information concerning images collected by the first camera and images collected by the second camera. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a fiber positioning and force application unit; wherein the controller is configured to control the fiber movement and force application on the fiber as synchronized with controlling the laser output. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the laser output, according to said signal and said images, such as to stabilize a brightness distribution of the fibers or a temperature distribution of the fibers. 10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cameras, the detector, the image analysis unit, and the controller are configured to perform operations live or in real-time. 11. A method for splicing, tapering and heat processing optical fibers, the method comprising:
shining a beam of a laser on a target-area of one or more optical fibers; receiving light from one or more areas of the fibers by one or more cameras; forming images of the one or more areas; sampling the laser beam by a beam sampler in conjunction with a detector; and controlling the laser output, according to a signal received from the beam sampler and to said images received from the cameras, such as to stabilize the laser output. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining a brightness distribution over one or more areas of the fibers according to the formed images. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
determining a fiber temperature distribution corresponding to each of the areas according to the formed images. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the laser output is controlled according to:
a signal received from the beam sampler; and the brightness distribution at one or more areas of the fiber. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the brightness distribution is determined according to the light emitted by the fibers due to heat radiation of the fibers. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining a state of the splicing process, the tapering process or the heat processing process; adjusting the laser output according to the determined state; determining whether the splicing, tapering or heat processing is completed. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more camera comprises:
a first camera receiving images from a first area of the fiber; and a second camera receiving images from a second area of the fiber different from the first area; wherein the information received by the controller comprises both information concerning images collected by the first camera and images collected by the second camera. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
moving the one or more fibers in sync with controlling the laser output. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
applying forces to the one or more fibers in sync with controlling the laser output. 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
controlling the laser output, according to a signal received from the beam sampler and on said images, such as to stabilize a brightness distribution or a temperature distribution over the one or more areas. | An apparatus for splicing and tapering optical fibers employing a feedback system for stabilizing the laser output is disclosed. The apparatus may include a laser illuminating a target-area of one or more optical fibers by a laser beam; one or more cameras receiving light from one or more areas of the fibers and forming images of the one or more areas; a beam sampler detector sampling the beam power; and a controller receiving images from the camera and a signal from the power sampler. The controller may use the images received from the camera and the signal received from the detector as feedback parameters and to control the laser output according to said signal and said images such as to stabilize the laser output. The controller may include an image analysis unit determining, based on the images, a brightness or temperature distribution over the areas of the fibers.1. An apparatus for splicing and tapering optical fibers, the apparatus comprising:
a laser configured to illuminate a target-area of one or more optical fibers by a laser beam; one or more cameras configured to receive light from one or more areas of the fibers and form images of the one or more areas; a beam sampler detector configured to sample the beam power; and a controller configured to receive images from the camera and to receive a signal from the power sampler; wherein the controller is configured to use the images received from the camera and the signal received from the detector as feedback parameters and to control the laser output according to said signal and said images such as to stabilize a brightness of the fibers. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to control the laser output according to said signal and said images such as to stabilize the laser power. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises an image analysis unit configured to determine, based on the received images, a brightness distribution over one or more areas of the fibers. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the image analysis unit is further configured to determine a fiber temperature distribution corresponding to each of the areas. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to stabilize the laser output based on:
a beam power determined via the signal received from the beam sampler; and a brightness distribution at one or more areas of the fiber. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:
determine a state of a splicing process or a tapering process; adjust the laser beam according to the determined state; and shut off the laser beam upon completion of the splicing or the tapering. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more camera comprises:
a first camera receiving images from a first area of the fiber; and a second camera receiving images from a second area of the fiber different from the first area; wherein the information received by the controller comprises both information concerning images collected by the first camera and images collected by the second camera. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a fiber positioning and force application unit; wherein the controller is configured to control the fiber movement and force application on the fiber as synchronized with controlling the laser output. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the laser output, according to said signal and said images, such as to stabilize a brightness distribution of the fibers or a temperature distribution of the fibers. 10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cameras, the detector, the image analysis unit, and the controller are configured to perform operations live or in real-time. 11. A method for splicing, tapering and heat processing optical fibers, the method comprising:
shining a beam of a laser on a target-area of one or more optical fibers; receiving light from one or more areas of the fibers by one or more cameras; forming images of the one or more areas; sampling the laser beam by a beam sampler in conjunction with a detector; and controlling the laser output, according to a signal received from the beam sampler and to said images received from the cameras, such as to stabilize the laser output. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining a brightness distribution over one or more areas of the fibers according to the formed images. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
determining a fiber temperature distribution corresponding to each of the areas according to the formed images. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the laser output is controlled according to:
a signal received from the beam sampler; and the brightness distribution at one or more areas of the fiber. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the brightness distribution is determined according to the light emitted by the fibers due to heat radiation of the fibers. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining a state of the splicing process, the tapering process or the heat processing process; adjusting the laser output according to the determined state; determining whether the splicing, tapering or heat processing is completed. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more camera comprises:
a first camera receiving images from a first area of the fiber; and a second camera receiving images from a second area of the fiber different from the first area; wherein the information received by the controller comprises both information concerning images collected by the first camera and images collected by the second camera. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
moving the one or more fibers in sync with controlling the laser output. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
applying forces to the one or more fibers in sync with controlling the laser output. 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
controlling the laser output, according to a signal received from the beam sampler and on said images, such as to stabilize a brightness distribution or a temperature distribution over the one or more areas. | 1,700 |
1,981 | 14,593,763 | 1,774 | A container system for separately storing and mixing two or more substances. The container system comprises a mixing container having a main container that stores one or more first substances. The main container has a first upper opening. The container system also includes a storage repository coupled to main container, and which stores one or more second substances. The storage repository includes a lip defining a second upper opening, which has an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the first upper opening. Additionally, the container system includes a mixing blade having an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the first upper opening. The mixing blade also has a plurality of openings. The container system includes a releasable liner placed over the storage repository's lip, and the storage repository's lip forms a seal with a lower surface of the releasable liner. | 1. A method for separately storing and mixing two or more substances in a container system, the method comprising:
(a) holding one or more first substances in a main container; (b) holding one or more second substances in a storage repository coupled within said main container; (c) closing said storage repository with a liner to prevent said second substances from mixing with said first substances; (d) engaging said liner with a mixing blade to aid in sealing said second repository closed; and (e) when mixing of said first substances with said second substances is desired;
disengaging said mixing blade from said liner;
releasing said liner to open said storage repository;
closing said main container with a cap coupled to said mixing blade; and
shaking said container system to cause mixing of said first substances with said second substances, wherein said mixing blade aids in said mixing step. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more first substances are selected from the group comprising: water, dehydrated substances, preservatives, preservative free substances, dietary supplement mixtures, nutritional mixtures, protein mixtures, dairy based proteins, milk proteins, whey proteins, vegetable based proteins, soy based proteins, amino-acids, beta alanine, vitamins, minerals, creatine, glutamine, L-arginine, phenylalanine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-yaline, synephrine, yohimbe, ginseng, ascorbic acid, hydroxyl citric acid, aloe vera, dimethylamyamine, polysaccharide, monosaccharide, maltodextrin, dextrose, fructose, silicon, artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, sucralose, artificial or natural flavors, artificial or natural colors, tea, coffee, dairy products, or any combination thereof. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more second substances are selected from the group comprising: water, dehydrated substances, preservatives, preservative free substances, dietary supplement mixtures, nutritional mixtures, protein mixtures, dairy based proteins, milk proteins, whey proteins, vegetable based proteins, soy based proteins, amino-acids, beta alanine, vitamins, minerals, creatine, glutamine, L-arginine, phenylalanine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-yaline, synephrine, yohimbe, ginseng, ascorbic acid, hydroxyl citric acid, aloe vera, dimethylamyamine, polysaccharide, monosaccharide, maltodextrin, dextrose, fructose, silicon, artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, sucralose, artificial or natural flavors, artificial or natural colors, tea, coffee, dairy products, or any combination thereof. | A container system for separately storing and mixing two or more substances. The container system comprises a mixing container having a main container that stores one or more first substances. The main container has a first upper opening. The container system also includes a storage repository coupled to main container, and which stores one or more second substances. The storage repository includes a lip defining a second upper opening, which has an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the first upper opening. Additionally, the container system includes a mixing blade having an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the first upper opening. The mixing blade also has a plurality of openings. The container system includes a releasable liner placed over the storage repository's lip, and the storage repository's lip forms a seal with a lower surface of the releasable liner.1. A method for separately storing and mixing two or more substances in a container system, the method comprising:
(a) holding one or more first substances in a main container; (b) holding one or more second substances in a storage repository coupled within said main container; (c) closing said storage repository with a liner to prevent said second substances from mixing with said first substances; (d) engaging said liner with a mixing blade to aid in sealing said second repository closed; and (e) when mixing of said first substances with said second substances is desired;
disengaging said mixing blade from said liner;
releasing said liner to open said storage repository;
closing said main container with a cap coupled to said mixing blade; and
shaking said container system to cause mixing of said first substances with said second substances, wherein said mixing blade aids in said mixing step. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more first substances are selected from the group comprising: water, dehydrated substances, preservatives, preservative free substances, dietary supplement mixtures, nutritional mixtures, protein mixtures, dairy based proteins, milk proteins, whey proteins, vegetable based proteins, soy based proteins, amino-acids, beta alanine, vitamins, minerals, creatine, glutamine, L-arginine, phenylalanine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-yaline, synephrine, yohimbe, ginseng, ascorbic acid, hydroxyl citric acid, aloe vera, dimethylamyamine, polysaccharide, monosaccharide, maltodextrin, dextrose, fructose, silicon, artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, sucralose, artificial or natural flavors, artificial or natural colors, tea, coffee, dairy products, or any combination thereof. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more second substances are selected from the group comprising: water, dehydrated substances, preservatives, preservative free substances, dietary supplement mixtures, nutritional mixtures, protein mixtures, dairy based proteins, milk proteins, whey proteins, vegetable based proteins, soy based proteins, amino-acids, beta alanine, vitamins, minerals, creatine, glutamine, L-arginine, phenylalanine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-yaline, synephrine, yohimbe, ginseng, ascorbic acid, hydroxyl citric acid, aloe vera, dimethylamyamine, polysaccharide, monosaccharide, maltodextrin, dextrose, fructose, silicon, artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, sucralose, artificial or natural flavors, artificial or natural colors, tea, coffee, dairy products, or any combination thereof. | 1,700 |
1,982 | 14,584,296 | 1,745 | A method of preparing a tobacco material for use in a smoking article is provided, including (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof; (ii) heating the mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated mixture into a smoking article as a smokable material. A smoking article in the form of a cigarette is also provided that includes a tobacco material pre-treated to inhibit reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide in mainstream smoke. Upon smoking, the smoking article is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article. | 1-26. (canceled) 27. A method of preparing a tobacco product with reduced acrylamide content, comprising:
(i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and asparaginase to form a moist tobacco mixture; (ii) heating the moist tobacco mixture to form a heat-treated tobacco mixture, wherein the pH of the moist tobacco mixture during the heating step is less than about 10; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated tobacco mixture into a smoking article or into a smokeless tobacco product. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the asparaginase is present in an amount of between about 100 ppm to about 10 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the tobacco mixture. 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the asparaginase is present in an amount of between about 100 ppm to about 1,000 ppm, based on the dry weight of the tobacco mixture. 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the asparaginase is in the form of an aqueous dispersion containing less than 10 weight percent total organic solids. 31. The method of claim 27, wherein the number of asparaginase units (ASNU) per gram of asparaginase composition is in the range of 3000 to 4000. 32. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture comprises less than about 2000 ppb of acrylamide. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture comprises less than about 1500 ppb of acrylamide. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture comprises less than about 1000 ppb of acrylamide. 35. The method of claim 27, wherein the temperature of the heating step is greater than about 60° C. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the temperature of the heating step is greater than about 100° C. 37. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture has a moisture content of no more than about 10 weight percent. 38. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture includes one or more further components selected from flavorants, fillers, binders, pH adjusters, buffering agents, colorants, disintegration aids, antioxidants, humectants, and preservatives. 39. The method of claim 27, wherein the tobacco material is in a shredded or particulate form or in the form of an extract. 40. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture is incorporated into a cigarette. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the cigarette comprises a rod of smokable material circumscribed by a wrapping material and a filter attached to the rod at one end thereof, wherein the smokable material comprises the heat-treated tobacco mixture. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the cigarette, upon smoking, is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction by weight in mainstream smoke is at least about 10 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 30 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 50 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 60 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 47. A smoking article in the form of a cigarette prepared according to the method of claim 27. 48. A smokeless tobacco product prepared according to the method of claim 27. 49. A tobacco product comprising a tobacco material pre-treated to inhibit reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide, wherein the pre-treatment comprises heating the tobacco material at a pH of less than about 10 in the presence of water and asparaginase. 50. The tobacco product of claim 49, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a cigarette comprising a rod of smokable material circumscribed by a wrapping material and a filter attached to the rod at one end thereof, wherein the smokable material comprises the pre-treated tobacco material. 51. The tobacco product of claim 50, wherein the cigarette, upon smoking, is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article. 52. The tobacco product of claim 51, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction by weight in mainstream smoke is at least about 10 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 53. The tobacco product of claim 52, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 30 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 54. The tobacco product of claim 53, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 50 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 55. The tobacco product of claim 54, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 60 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 56. The tobacco product of claim 49, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smokeless tobacco product. 57. The method of claim 49, wherein the pre-treated tobacco material comprises less than about 2000 ppb of acrylamide. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the pre-treated tobacco material comprises less than about 1500 ppb of acrylamide. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the pre-treated tobacco material comprises less than about 1000 ppb of acrylamide. | A method of preparing a tobacco material for use in a smoking article is provided, including (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof; (ii) heating the mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated mixture into a smoking article as a smokable material. A smoking article in the form of a cigarette is also provided that includes a tobacco material pre-treated to inhibit reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide in mainstream smoke. Upon smoking, the smoking article is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article.1-26. (canceled) 27. A method of preparing a tobacco product with reduced acrylamide content, comprising:
(i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and asparaginase to form a moist tobacco mixture; (ii) heating the moist tobacco mixture to form a heat-treated tobacco mixture, wherein the pH of the moist tobacco mixture during the heating step is less than about 10; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated tobacco mixture into a smoking article or into a smokeless tobacco product. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the asparaginase is present in an amount of between about 100 ppm to about 10 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the tobacco mixture. 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the asparaginase is present in an amount of between about 100 ppm to about 1,000 ppm, based on the dry weight of the tobacco mixture. 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the asparaginase is in the form of an aqueous dispersion containing less than 10 weight percent total organic solids. 31. The method of claim 27, wherein the number of asparaginase units (ASNU) per gram of asparaginase composition is in the range of 3000 to 4000. 32. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture comprises less than about 2000 ppb of acrylamide. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture comprises less than about 1500 ppb of acrylamide. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture comprises less than about 1000 ppb of acrylamide. 35. The method of claim 27, wherein the temperature of the heating step is greater than about 60° C. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the temperature of the heating step is greater than about 100° C. 37. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture has a moisture content of no more than about 10 weight percent. 38. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture includes one or more further components selected from flavorants, fillers, binders, pH adjusters, buffering agents, colorants, disintegration aids, antioxidants, humectants, and preservatives. 39. The method of claim 27, wherein the tobacco material is in a shredded or particulate form or in the form of an extract. 40. The method of claim 27, wherein the heat-treated tobacco mixture is incorporated into a cigarette. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the cigarette comprises a rod of smokable material circumscribed by a wrapping material and a filter attached to the rod at one end thereof, wherein the smokable material comprises the heat-treated tobacco mixture. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the cigarette, upon smoking, is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction by weight in mainstream smoke is at least about 10 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 30 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 50 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 60 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 47. A smoking article in the form of a cigarette prepared according to the method of claim 27. 48. A smokeless tobacco product prepared according to the method of claim 27. 49. A tobacco product comprising a tobacco material pre-treated to inhibit reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide, wherein the pre-treatment comprises heating the tobacco material at a pH of less than about 10 in the presence of water and asparaginase. 50. The tobacco product of claim 49, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a cigarette comprising a rod of smokable material circumscribed by a wrapping material and a filter attached to the rod at one end thereof, wherein the smokable material comprises the pre-treated tobacco material. 51. The tobacco product of claim 50, wherein the cigarette, upon smoking, is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article. 52. The tobacco product of claim 51, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction by weight in mainstream smoke is at least about 10 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 53. The tobacco product of claim 52, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 30 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 54. The tobacco product of claim 53, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 50 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 55. The tobacco product of claim 54, wherein the amount of acrylamide reduction in mainstream smoke is at least about 60 percent as compared to an untreated control smoking article. 56. The tobacco product of claim 49, wherein the tobacco product is in the form of a smokeless tobacco product. 57. The method of claim 49, wherein the pre-treated tobacco material comprises less than about 2000 ppb of acrylamide. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the pre-treated tobacco material comprises less than about 1500 ppb of acrylamide. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the pre-treated tobacco material comprises less than about 1000 ppb of acrylamide. | 1,700 |
1,983 | 14,112,615 | 1,773 | A filter cartridge is provided that is designed to actuate a valve that controls fluid flow into an outlet for discharging filtered fluid. The valve receives a ball at a first position which is axially movable between the first position and a second position. If a filter cartridge is not installed or an inappropriately designed filter cartridge is installed, the ball is moved from the first position to the second position to seal an outlet opening of the outlet. If the described filter cartridge is installed, the ball is retained at the first position by a holding member and the valve allows filtered fluid flow into the outlet opening. | 1. A filter cartridge comprising:
filtering media defining an interior space, the filtering media having a first end and a second end; a first endcap coupled to the first end of the filtering media; a second endcap coupled to the second end of the filtering media; the second endcap including an annular perimeter portion secured to the second end of the filtering media, and a central portion extending axially from the annular perimeter portion into the interior space and defining a recess inside the interior space; the central portion including a side wall and a bottom closure, the side wall extending axially between the annular perimeter portion and the bottom closure and surrounding the recess together with the bottom closure; the side wall having at least one perforation such that the interior space is in fluid communication with the recess; and a seal mechanism connected to the bottom closure of the second endcap. 2. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the side wall includes a first section axially extending from the annular perimeter portion, a second section coaxial with the first section and extending to the bottom closure, and an annular connection section connecting the first and second sections. 3. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the bottom closure has an opening located at the center of the bottom closure and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by the opening of the bottom closure. 4. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the bottom closure is closed and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by a central recess located at the center of the bottom closure. 5. A filter apparatus, comprising:
a filter head defining an outlet having an outlet opening for discharging filtered fluid; a valve having a valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end with the first end connected to the filter head, the valve body having a first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening and the outlet opening; a ball receivable inside the valve body, the ball being axially movable between a first position at which filtered fluid flows into the outlet opening and into the outlet and a second position preventing fluid flow through the outlet opening into the outlet; and the valve further having a holding member between the side opening and the second end of the valve body, configured to releasably retain the ball at the first position. 6. The filter apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a shell body defining a filter cartridge space for receiving a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge space extending axially from the filter head to a closed end wall. 7. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the filter head has an annular skirt extending axially and being configured to connect the valve body to the filter head. 8. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first end opening of the valve body is axially facing the outlet opening, when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed adjacent the first end opening configured to seal the outlet opening from the first end opening. 9. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the filter head has a passageway fluidly connecting the outlet opening and the first end opening of the valve body; when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed inside the passageway to seal the outlet opening from the passageway. 10. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the holding member includes at least one spring strip disposed in a slot within the valve body, the spring strip extending axially from a base end to a free end. 11. The filter apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spring strip has an inwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to confine the ball at the first position. 12. The filter apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spring strip has an outwardly projecting protrusion at the free end. 13. A filter assembly, comprising:
a filter housing that includes:
a housing body defining a filter cartridge space, the filter cartridge space extending axially from a housing head to a closed end wall, the housing head defining an outlet having an outlet opening in fluid communication with the interior space for discharging filtered fluid;
a valve having a valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end with the first end connected to the housing head, the valve body having a first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening and the outlet opening;
a ball receivable inside the valve body, the ball being axially movable between a first position at which filtered fluid flows into the outlet opening and into the outlet and a second position preventing fluid flow through the outlet opening into the outlet; and
the valve further having a holding member adjacent the second end of the valve body configured to releasably retain the ball at the first position;
and
a filter cartridge received by the housing body inside the filter cartridge space, including:
a filtering media defining an interior space, the filtering media having first and second ends;
a first endcap coupled to the first end of the filtering media;
a second endcap coupled to the second end of the filtering media;
the second endcap including an annular perimeter portion secured to the second end of the filtering media, and a central portion axially extending from the annular portion into the interior space and defining a recess inside the interior space;
the central portion including a side wall and a bottom closure, the side wall extending axially between the annular perimeter portion and the bottom closure and surrounding the recess together with the bottom closure;
the side wall having at least one perforation such that the interior space is in fluid communication with the recess; and
a seal mechanism connected to the bottom closure of the second endcap. 14. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing head has an annular skirt extending axially and is configured to connect the valve body to the housing head. 15. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the first end opening of the valve body is axially facing the outlet opening, when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed adjacent the first end opening configured to seal the outlet opening from the first end opening. 16. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing head has a passageway fluidly connecting the outlet opening and the first end opening of the valve body; when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed inside the passageway to seal the outlet opening from the passageway. 17. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the holding member includes at least one spring strip received by a slot defined by the valve body, the spring strip extending axially from a base end to a free end. 18. The filter assembly of claim 17, wherein the spring strip has an inwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to confine the ball at the first position. 19. The filter assembly of claim 17, wherein the spring strip has an outwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to engage the side wall of the central portion of the second endplate of the filter cartridge. 20. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the side wall includes a first section axially extending from the annular perimeter portion, a second section coaxial with the first section and extending to the bottom closure, and an annular connection section connecting the first and second sections. 21. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the bottom closure has an opening located at the center of the bottom closure and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by the opening of the bottom closure. 22. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the bottom closure is closed and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by a central recess located at the center of the bottom closure. 23. A filter valve comprising:
a valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end, the valve body having a first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening; a ball receivable inside the valve body, the ball being axially movable between the first end and the second end; and a holding member adjacent the second end of the valve body, configured to releasably retain the ball between the side opening and the second end opening. 24. The filter valve of claim 23, wherein the holding member includes at least one spring strip received by a slot defined by the valve body, the spring strip extending axially from a base end to a free end. 25. The filter valve of claim 24, wherein the spring strip has an inwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to confine the ball at the first position. 26. The filter valve of claim 24, wherein the spring strip has an outwardly projecting protrusion at the free end. 27. A method for controlling fluid flow out of a filter apparatus, comprising:
positioning a ball inside a valve body at a first position, the valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end, the valve body having an first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end, and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening; the ball being axially movable inside the valve body and being releasably retained by a holding member at the first position between the side opening and the first end opening of the valve body; connecting the valve body to a filter head of the filter so that the side opening is in fluid communication with an outlet opening of an outlet defined by the filter head; allowing filtered fluid to flow through the side opening, through the outlet opening and into the outlet when a correct filter cartridge is installed, the first end opening of the valve body is sealed and the ball is retained at the first position by the holding member so that the side opening is in fluid communication with the outlet opening; and not allowing fluid to flow into the outlet by moving the ball from the first position to a second position where the ball seals the outlet opening from the side opening when no filter cartridge is installed or an incorrect filter cartridge is installed. | A filter cartridge is provided that is designed to actuate a valve that controls fluid flow into an outlet for discharging filtered fluid. The valve receives a ball at a first position which is axially movable between the first position and a second position. If a filter cartridge is not installed or an inappropriately designed filter cartridge is installed, the ball is moved from the first position to the second position to seal an outlet opening of the outlet. If the described filter cartridge is installed, the ball is retained at the first position by a holding member and the valve allows filtered fluid flow into the outlet opening.1. A filter cartridge comprising:
filtering media defining an interior space, the filtering media having a first end and a second end; a first endcap coupled to the first end of the filtering media; a second endcap coupled to the second end of the filtering media; the second endcap including an annular perimeter portion secured to the second end of the filtering media, and a central portion extending axially from the annular perimeter portion into the interior space and defining a recess inside the interior space; the central portion including a side wall and a bottom closure, the side wall extending axially between the annular perimeter portion and the bottom closure and surrounding the recess together with the bottom closure; the side wall having at least one perforation such that the interior space is in fluid communication with the recess; and a seal mechanism connected to the bottom closure of the second endcap. 2. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the side wall includes a first section axially extending from the annular perimeter portion, a second section coaxial with the first section and extending to the bottom closure, and an annular connection section connecting the first and second sections. 3. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the bottom closure has an opening located at the center of the bottom closure and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by the opening of the bottom closure. 4. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the bottom closure is closed and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by a central recess located at the center of the bottom closure. 5. A filter apparatus, comprising:
a filter head defining an outlet having an outlet opening for discharging filtered fluid; a valve having a valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end with the first end connected to the filter head, the valve body having a first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening and the outlet opening; a ball receivable inside the valve body, the ball being axially movable between a first position at which filtered fluid flows into the outlet opening and into the outlet and a second position preventing fluid flow through the outlet opening into the outlet; and the valve further having a holding member between the side opening and the second end of the valve body, configured to releasably retain the ball at the first position. 6. The filter apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a shell body defining a filter cartridge space for receiving a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge space extending axially from the filter head to a closed end wall. 7. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the filter head has an annular skirt extending axially and being configured to connect the valve body to the filter head. 8. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first end opening of the valve body is axially facing the outlet opening, when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed adjacent the first end opening configured to seal the outlet opening from the first end opening. 9. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the filter head has a passageway fluidly connecting the outlet opening and the first end opening of the valve body; when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed inside the passageway to seal the outlet opening from the passageway. 10. The filter apparatus of claim 5, wherein the holding member includes at least one spring strip disposed in a slot within the valve body, the spring strip extending axially from a base end to a free end. 11. The filter apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spring strip has an inwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to confine the ball at the first position. 12. The filter apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spring strip has an outwardly projecting protrusion at the free end. 13. A filter assembly, comprising:
a filter housing that includes:
a housing body defining a filter cartridge space, the filter cartridge space extending axially from a housing head to a closed end wall, the housing head defining an outlet having an outlet opening in fluid communication with the interior space for discharging filtered fluid;
a valve having a valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end with the first end connected to the housing head, the valve body having a first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening and the outlet opening;
a ball receivable inside the valve body, the ball being axially movable between a first position at which filtered fluid flows into the outlet opening and into the outlet and a second position preventing fluid flow through the outlet opening into the outlet; and
the valve further having a holding member adjacent the second end of the valve body configured to releasably retain the ball at the first position;
and
a filter cartridge received by the housing body inside the filter cartridge space, including:
a filtering media defining an interior space, the filtering media having first and second ends;
a first endcap coupled to the first end of the filtering media;
a second endcap coupled to the second end of the filtering media;
the second endcap including an annular perimeter portion secured to the second end of the filtering media, and a central portion axially extending from the annular portion into the interior space and defining a recess inside the interior space;
the central portion including a side wall and a bottom closure, the side wall extending axially between the annular perimeter portion and the bottom closure and surrounding the recess together with the bottom closure;
the side wall having at least one perforation such that the interior space is in fluid communication with the recess; and
a seal mechanism connected to the bottom closure of the second endcap. 14. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing head has an annular skirt extending axially and is configured to connect the valve body to the housing head. 15. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the first end opening of the valve body is axially facing the outlet opening, when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed adjacent the first end opening configured to seal the outlet opening from the first end opening. 16. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing head has a passageway fluidly connecting the outlet opening and the first end opening of the valve body; when the ball is at the second position, the ball is disposed inside the passageway to seal the outlet opening from the passageway. 17. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the holding member includes at least one spring strip received by a slot defined by the valve body, the spring strip extending axially from a base end to a free end. 18. The filter assembly of claim 17, wherein the spring strip has an inwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to confine the ball at the first position. 19. The filter assembly of claim 17, wherein the spring strip has an outwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to engage the side wall of the central portion of the second endplate of the filter cartridge. 20. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the side wall includes a first section axially extending from the annular perimeter portion, a second section coaxial with the first section and extending to the bottom closure, and an annular connection section connecting the first and second sections. 21. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the bottom closure has an opening located at the center of the bottom closure and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by the opening of the bottom closure. 22. The filter assembly of claim 13, wherein the bottom closure is closed and the seal mechanism includes an axially facing seal received by a central recess located at the center of the bottom closure. 23. A filter valve comprising:
a valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end, the valve body having a first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening; a ball receivable inside the valve body, the ball being axially movable between the first end and the second end; and a holding member adjacent the second end of the valve body, configured to releasably retain the ball between the side opening and the second end opening. 24. The filter valve of claim 23, wherein the holding member includes at least one spring strip received by a slot defined by the valve body, the spring strip extending axially from a base end to a free end. 25. The filter valve of claim 24, wherein the spring strip has an inwardly projecting protrusion at the free end configured to confine the ball at the first position. 26. The filter valve of claim 24, wherein the spring strip has an outwardly projecting protrusion at the free end. 27. A method for controlling fluid flow out of a filter apparatus, comprising:
positioning a ball inside a valve body at a first position, the valve body extending axially from a first end to a second end, the valve body having an first end opening at the first end, a second end opening at the second end, and at least one side opening between the first end and the second end, the first end opening and the second end opening axially facing each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the side opening; the ball being axially movable inside the valve body and being releasably retained by a holding member at the first position between the side opening and the first end opening of the valve body; connecting the valve body to a filter head of the filter so that the side opening is in fluid communication with an outlet opening of an outlet defined by the filter head; allowing filtered fluid to flow through the side opening, through the outlet opening and into the outlet when a correct filter cartridge is installed, the first end opening of the valve body is sealed and the ball is retained at the first position by the holding member so that the side opening is in fluid communication with the outlet opening; and not allowing fluid to flow into the outlet by moving the ball from the first position to a second position where the ball seals the outlet opening from the side opening when no filter cartridge is installed or an incorrect filter cartridge is installed. | 1,700 |
1,984 | 14,446,663 | 1,788 | Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer. | 1. A composite comprising at least one first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material adjacent to at least one second ply of fiber-containing material, wherein fibers from the at least one first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material are interlaced with fibers from the at least one second ply of fiber-containing material. 2. The composite of claim 1 wherein the second ply of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced foam composite or fiber-reinforced polymeric composite. 3. The composite of claim 1 wherein the first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material or the second ply of fiber-containing material comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 4. The composite of claim 1 further comprising a functional material that is radiation absorbing, radiation reflecting, radar blocking, thermally conductive or electrically conductive. 5. The composite of claim 1 wherein the second ply of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced aerogel. 6. The composite of claim 5 wherein the fiber-reinforced aerogel comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 7. The composite of claim 5 further comprising a functional material that is radiation absorbing, radiation reflecting, radar blocking, thermally conductive or electrically conductive. 8. The composite of claim 1 wherein the aerogel comprises inorganic materials chosen from Silica, Titania, Zirconia, Alumina, Hathia, Yttria, Ceria, Carbides, Nitrides or combinations thereof. 9. The composite of claim 1 wherein the aerogel comprises organic materials chosen from urethanes, resorcinol formaldehydes, polyimide, polyacrylates, chitosan, polymethylmethacrylate, members of the acrylate family of oligomers, trialkoxysilyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane, polyoxyalkylene, polyurethane, polybutadiane, melamine-formaldehyde, phenol-furfural, a member of the polyether family of materials or combinations thereof. 10. The composite of claim 1 wherein the aerogel comprises at least one organic material and at least one inorganic material. 11. The composite of claim 1 wherein the fiber in the first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material or the second ply of fiber-containing material is chosen from wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, ramie, and jute, acetate, acrylic, latex, nylon, polyester, rayon, spandex, fiberglass, quartz, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyphenylenebenzo-bisoxasole (PBO), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyarylate, polyacrylates, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poly-metaphenylene diamide, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), novoloid resins, polyacryolintrile(PAN), polyacrylonitrile-carbon, carbon fibers or combinations thereof. 12. The composite of claim 1 wherein fibers in the first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material are interlaced with fibers in the second ply of fiber-containing material by using at least one needle to interlace the fibers. 13. A laminate composite comprising at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material having a first surface and at least one second layer of fiber-containing material having a second surface; wherein the first surface of the at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material is adjacent to the second surface of the at least one second layer of fiber-containing material; and wherein fibers from said at least one first layer of fiber-containing aerogel material are interlaced with fibers of said at least one second layer of fiber-containing material. 14. The laminate composite of claim 13 wherein the first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material or the second layer of fiber-containing material comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 15. The composite of claim 14 wherein the second layer of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced foam composite or fiber-reinforced polymeric composite. 16. The laminate composite of claim 13 further comprising a functional material that is radiation absorbing, radiation reflecting, radar blocking, thermally conductive or electrically conductive. 17. The laminate composite of claim 13 wherein the second layer of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced aerogel. 18. The laminate composite of claim 17 wherein the fiber-reinforced aerogel comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 19. A laminate composite comprising at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material having a first surface and at least one second layer of fiber-containing material having a second surface; wherein the first surface of the at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material is adjacent to the second surface of the at least one second layer of fiber-containing material; wherein fibers from said at least one first layer of fiber-containing aerogel material are interlaced with fibers of said at least one second layer of fiber-containing material by using at least one needle to interlace the fibers. | Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.1. A composite comprising at least one first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material adjacent to at least one second ply of fiber-containing material, wherein fibers from the at least one first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material are interlaced with fibers from the at least one second ply of fiber-containing material. 2. The composite of claim 1 wherein the second ply of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced foam composite or fiber-reinforced polymeric composite. 3. The composite of claim 1 wherein the first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material or the second ply of fiber-containing material comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 4. The composite of claim 1 further comprising a functional material that is radiation absorbing, radiation reflecting, radar blocking, thermally conductive or electrically conductive. 5. The composite of claim 1 wherein the second ply of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced aerogel. 6. The composite of claim 5 wherein the fiber-reinforced aerogel comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 7. The composite of claim 5 further comprising a functional material that is radiation absorbing, radiation reflecting, radar blocking, thermally conductive or electrically conductive. 8. The composite of claim 1 wherein the aerogel comprises inorganic materials chosen from Silica, Titania, Zirconia, Alumina, Hathia, Yttria, Ceria, Carbides, Nitrides or combinations thereof. 9. The composite of claim 1 wherein the aerogel comprises organic materials chosen from urethanes, resorcinol formaldehydes, polyimide, polyacrylates, chitosan, polymethylmethacrylate, members of the acrylate family of oligomers, trialkoxysilyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane, polyoxyalkylene, polyurethane, polybutadiane, melamine-formaldehyde, phenol-furfural, a member of the polyether family of materials or combinations thereof. 10. The composite of claim 1 wherein the aerogel comprises at least one organic material and at least one inorganic material. 11. The composite of claim 1 wherein the fiber in the first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material or the second ply of fiber-containing material is chosen from wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, ramie, and jute, acetate, acrylic, latex, nylon, polyester, rayon, spandex, fiberglass, quartz, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyphenylenebenzo-bisoxasole (PBO), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyarylate, polyacrylates, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poly-metaphenylene diamide, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), novoloid resins, polyacryolintrile(PAN), polyacrylonitrile-carbon, carbon fibers or combinations thereof. 12. The composite of claim 1 wherein fibers in the first ply of fiber-reinforced aerogel material are interlaced with fibers in the second ply of fiber-containing material by using at least one needle to interlace the fibers. 13. A laminate composite comprising at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material having a first surface and at least one second layer of fiber-containing material having a second surface; wherein the first surface of the at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material is adjacent to the second surface of the at least one second layer of fiber-containing material; and wherein fibers from said at least one first layer of fiber-containing aerogel material are interlaced with fibers of said at least one second layer of fiber-containing material. 14. The laminate composite of claim 13 wherein the first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material or the second layer of fiber-containing material comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 15. The composite of claim 14 wherein the second layer of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced foam composite or fiber-reinforced polymeric composite. 16. The laminate composite of claim 13 further comprising a functional material that is radiation absorbing, radiation reflecting, radar blocking, thermally conductive or electrically conductive. 17. The laminate composite of claim 13 wherein the second layer of fiber-containing material comprises a fiber-reinforced aerogel. 18. The laminate composite of claim 17 wherein the fiber-reinforced aerogel comprises a felt, batting, lofty batting, mat, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or a combination thereof. 19. A laminate composite comprising at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material having a first surface and at least one second layer of fiber-containing material having a second surface; wherein the first surface of the at least one first layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel material is adjacent to the second surface of the at least one second layer of fiber-containing material; wherein fibers from said at least one first layer of fiber-containing aerogel material are interlaced with fibers of said at least one second layer of fiber-containing material by using at least one needle to interlace the fibers. | 1,700 |
1,985 | 14,594,558 | 1,742 | A package having an additive that does not adhere to a medical device enclosed therein. | 1-26. (canceled) 27. A method of reducing the adherence of a soft contact lens made from silicone elastomers or silicone hydrogels to its packaging, comprising storing said soft contact lens in a solution in a package comprising a molded base, wherein said molded base comprises an additive, provided that the soft contact lens is not a contact lens consisting of acqualfilcon A coated with polyHema, wherein said additive is PVP, and further comprising a cavity formed in said molded base wherein said cavity comprises an inner surface, wherein said inner surface has an average roughness of about 3.2 μm to about 20 μm. 28. (canceled) 29. (canceled) 30. (canceled) 31. (canceled) 32. The method of claim 27 wherein the additive is PVP KD90. 33. The method of claim 27 wherein the PVP is present at about 1% to about 5%. 34. The method of claim 27 wherein the soft contact lens comprises balafilcon A, or lotrafilcon A. 35. The method of claim 27 wherein the soft contact lens comprises Simma 2 36. The method of claim 27 wherein the molded base comprises polypropylene. 37. (canceled) 38. (canceled) 39. The method of claim 27 wherein the concentration of PVP is about 1%. 40-48. (canceled) | A package having an additive that does not adhere to a medical device enclosed therein.1-26. (canceled) 27. A method of reducing the adherence of a soft contact lens made from silicone elastomers or silicone hydrogels to its packaging, comprising storing said soft contact lens in a solution in a package comprising a molded base, wherein said molded base comprises an additive, provided that the soft contact lens is not a contact lens consisting of acqualfilcon A coated with polyHema, wherein said additive is PVP, and further comprising a cavity formed in said molded base wherein said cavity comprises an inner surface, wherein said inner surface has an average roughness of about 3.2 μm to about 20 μm. 28. (canceled) 29. (canceled) 30. (canceled) 31. (canceled) 32. The method of claim 27 wherein the additive is PVP KD90. 33. The method of claim 27 wherein the PVP is present at about 1% to about 5%. 34. The method of claim 27 wherein the soft contact lens comprises balafilcon A, or lotrafilcon A. 35. The method of claim 27 wherein the soft contact lens comprises Simma 2 36. The method of claim 27 wherein the molded base comprises polypropylene. 37. (canceled) 38. (canceled) 39. The method of claim 27 wherein the concentration of PVP is about 1%. 40-48. (canceled) | 1,700 |
1,986 | 14,117,497 | 1,742 | Provided is a method for molding a molded article without voids, porosity, and resin sinks on the surface or inside while maintaining a plate thickness accuracy even for a thick plate member having a plate thickness of 10 mm or more. A RTM method comprising a first temperature raising step comprising impregnating a thermosetting resin in a dry fiber preform disposed in a molding die comprising two or more separate die members, and thereafter raising temperature of any of the die members constituting the molding die to form a temperature gradient having a temperature difference of a predetermined value or more from one side of the dry fiber preform toward the other side; and a second temperature raising step of raising temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step. | 1. A RTM method comprising:
a first temperature raising step comprising impregnating a thermosetting resin into a dry fiber preform disposed in a molding die comprising two or more separate die members, and thereafter raising a temperature of any one of the die members constituting the molding die to form a temperature gradient from one side of the dry fiber preform toward the other side, the temperature gradient having a temperature difference equal to or more than a predetermined value; and a second temperature raising step comprising raising a temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step. 2. The RTM method according to claim 1, wherein the second temperature raising step comprises, after the first temperature raising step, raising the temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step so as not to be higher than the temperature of the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step. 3. The RTM method according to claim 1, wherein the thermosetting resin is impregnated into the dry fiber preform after an intermediate medium is disposed between the molding die and the dry fiber preform. 4. An RTM apparatus comprising:
a first heating control part for impregnating a thermosetting resin into a dry fiber preform disposed in a molding die comprising two or more separate die members, and thereafter raising a temperature of any one of die members by heating to form a temperature gradient from one side of the dry fiber preform toward the other side, the temperature gradient having a temperature difference equal to or more than a predetermined value; and a second heating control part for raising temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step so as not to be higher than the temperature of the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step. 5. The RTM apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an intermediate medium is disposed between the molding die and the dry fiber preform. 6. The RTM method according to claim 2, wherein the thermosetting resin is impregnated into the dry fiber preform after an intermediate medium is disposed between the molding die and the dry fiber preform. | Provided is a method for molding a molded article without voids, porosity, and resin sinks on the surface or inside while maintaining a plate thickness accuracy even for a thick plate member having a plate thickness of 10 mm or more. A RTM method comprising a first temperature raising step comprising impregnating a thermosetting resin in a dry fiber preform disposed in a molding die comprising two or more separate die members, and thereafter raising temperature of any of the die members constituting the molding die to form a temperature gradient having a temperature difference of a predetermined value or more from one side of the dry fiber preform toward the other side; and a second temperature raising step of raising temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step.1. A RTM method comprising:
a first temperature raising step comprising impregnating a thermosetting resin into a dry fiber preform disposed in a molding die comprising two or more separate die members, and thereafter raising a temperature of any one of the die members constituting the molding die to form a temperature gradient from one side of the dry fiber preform toward the other side, the temperature gradient having a temperature difference equal to or more than a predetermined value; and a second temperature raising step comprising raising a temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step. 2. The RTM method according to claim 1, wherein the second temperature raising step comprises, after the first temperature raising step, raising the temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step so as not to be higher than the temperature of the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step. 3. The RTM method according to claim 1, wherein the thermosetting resin is impregnated into the dry fiber preform after an intermediate medium is disposed between the molding die and the dry fiber preform. 4. An RTM apparatus comprising:
a first heating control part for impregnating a thermosetting resin into a dry fiber preform disposed in a molding die comprising two or more separate die members, and thereafter raising a temperature of any one of die members by heating to form a temperature gradient from one side of the dry fiber preform toward the other side, the temperature gradient having a temperature difference equal to or more than a predetermined value; and a second heating control part for raising temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step so as not to be higher than the temperature of the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step. 5. The RTM apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an intermediate medium is disposed between the molding die and the dry fiber preform. 6. The RTM method according to claim 2, wherein the thermosetting resin is impregnated into the dry fiber preform after an intermediate medium is disposed between the molding die and the dry fiber preform. | 1,700 |
1,987 | 14,638,105 | 1,715 | The invention provides a method for washing, with a water-based system, reusable molds for making silicone hydrogel contact lenses. The water-based washing system comprises a solvo-surfactant which is an alkyl (propylene glycol) n ether wherein alkyl is a linear alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and n is the integer 1, 2 or 3. The water-based system of the invention can effectively wash away silicone-containing components and other components of a lens formulation left behind on the molding surfaces of a reusable mold, after removing a silicone hydrogel contact lens cast molded in the reusable mold. | 1. A method for producing silicone hydrogel contact lenses, comprising the steps of:
(1) providing a reusable mold for making soft contact lenses, wherein the mold has a first mold half with a first molding surface defining the anterior surface of a contact lens and a second mold half with a second molding surface defining the posterior surface of the contact lens, wherein said first and second mold halves are configured to receive each other such that a cavity is formed between said first and second molding surfaces; (2) introduce a fluid polymerizable composition into the cavity, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises at least one silicone-containing lens-forming material selected from the group consisting of a siloxane-containing vinylic monomer, a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer, a polysiloxane-containing macromer, a polysiloxane-containing crosslinker, an actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymer, and a mixture thereof; (3) irradiating, under a spatial limitation of actinic radiation, the fluid composition in the mold for a time period of about 200 seconds or less, so as to form a silicone hydrogel contact lens, wherein the formed silicone hydrogel contact lens comprises an anterior surface defined by the first molding surface, an opposite posterior surface defined by the second molding surface, and a lens edge defined by the spatial limitation of actinic radiation; (4) opening the mold and removing the formed silicone hydrogel contact lens from the mold; (5) removing the silicone-containing lens forming material and other components of the fluid composition left behind on the first and second molding surfaces of the mold by washing the first and second molding surfaces of the reusable mold with a water-based solution containing from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of a solvo-surfactant, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is a linear alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and n is the integer 1, 2 or 3; and (6) repeating the steps (2) to (5). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is a linear alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms and n is the integer 1 or 2. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is linear butyl and n is the integer 1 having the chemical name propyleneglycol-n-butylether. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is linear propyl and n is the integer 1 having the chemical name propyleneglycol-n-propylether. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is linear butyl and n is the integer 2 having the chemical name di-propyleneglycol-n-butylether. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises a siloxane-containing vinylic monomer and a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer or crosslinker. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the siloxane-containing vinylic monomer is N-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-[tris(dimethyl-propylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-[tris(dimethylphenylsiloxy)silylpropyl]acrylamide, N-[tris(dimethylphenylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-[tris-(dimethylethylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethyl-silyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl)-2-methyl acrylamide; N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethylsilyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl) acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethylsilyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethylsilyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl)-2-methyl acrylamide; N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl)acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; N-[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N-[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; 3-methacryloxy propylpentamethyldisiloxane, tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate (TRIS), (3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)propylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane), (3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)propyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-methacryloxy-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-propyloxy)propylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane, N-2-methacryloxy-ethyl-O-(methyl-bis-trimethylsiloxy-3-propyl)silyl carbamate, 3-(trimethylsilyl)-propylvinyl carbonate, 3-(vinyloxycarbonylthio)propyl-tris(trimethyl-siloxy)silane, 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propylvinyl carbamate, 3-[tris(trimethyl-siloxy)silyl]propyl allyl carbamate, 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinyl carbonate, t-butyldimethyl-siloxyethyl vinyl carbonate; trimethylsilylethyl vinyl carbonate, trimethylsilylmethyl vinyl carbonate), or combinations thereof. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the siloxane-containing vinylic monomer is N-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, tris(trimethyl-silyloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, 3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)propyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane, or combinations thereof. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises an actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymer. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second molding surfaces is permeable to a crosslinking radiation. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the reusable mold comprises a mask which is fixed, constructed or arranged in, at or on the mold half having the radiation-permeable molding surface. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises a hydrophilic vinylic monomer selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA), N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide (DMMA), 2-acrylamidoglycolic acid, 3-acryloylamino-1-propanol, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-acrylamide, N-methyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-ethyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-methyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-ethyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 5-ethyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-n-propyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-n-propyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-isopropyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-isopropyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-n-butyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-tert-butyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), trimethylammonium 2-hydroxy propylmethacrylate hydrochloride, aminopropyl methacrylate hydrochloride, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), glycerol methacrylate (GMA), N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP), allyl alcohol, vinylpyridine, a C1-C4-alkoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate having a weight average molecular weight of up to 1500, methacrylic acid, N-vinyl formamide, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinyl isopropylamide, N-vinyl-N-methyl acetamide, N-vinyl caprolactam, and mixtures thereof. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises one or more hydrophobic comfort agents selected from the group consisting of phospholipid, monoglyceride, diglyceride, triglyceride, glycolipid, glyceroglycolipid, sphingolipid, sphingo-glycolipid, fatty alcohol, hydrocarbon having a C12-C28 chain in length, wax ester, fatty acid, mineral oil, silicone oil, and combinations thereof. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the hydrophobic comfort agents comprises a phospholipid. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises polyglycolic acid and/or a non-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymer having a weight-average molecular weight Mw of from 5,000 to 1,500,000, more preferably from 50,000 to 1,200,000, even more preferably from 100,000 to 1,000,000, Daltons. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises a bioactive agent selected from the group consisting of rebamipide, ketotifen, olaptidine, cromoglycolate, cyclosporine, nedocromil, levocabastine, lodoxamide, ketotifen, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, mandelic acid, citric acids, linoleic acid, gamma linoleic acid, vitamins and the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and combinations thereof. | The invention provides a method for washing, with a water-based system, reusable molds for making silicone hydrogel contact lenses. The water-based washing system comprises a solvo-surfactant which is an alkyl (propylene glycol) n ether wherein alkyl is a linear alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and n is the integer 1, 2 or 3. The water-based system of the invention can effectively wash away silicone-containing components and other components of a lens formulation left behind on the molding surfaces of a reusable mold, after removing a silicone hydrogel contact lens cast molded in the reusable mold.1. A method for producing silicone hydrogel contact lenses, comprising the steps of:
(1) providing a reusable mold for making soft contact lenses, wherein the mold has a first mold half with a first molding surface defining the anterior surface of a contact lens and a second mold half with a second molding surface defining the posterior surface of the contact lens, wherein said first and second mold halves are configured to receive each other such that a cavity is formed between said first and second molding surfaces; (2) introduce a fluid polymerizable composition into the cavity, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises at least one silicone-containing lens-forming material selected from the group consisting of a siloxane-containing vinylic monomer, a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer, a polysiloxane-containing macromer, a polysiloxane-containing crosslinker, an actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymer, and a mixture thereof; (3) irradiating, under a spatial limitation of actinic radiation, the fluid composition in the mold for a time period of about 200 seconds or less, so as to form a silicone hydrogel contact lens, wherein the formed silicone hydrogel contact lens comprises an anterior surface defined by the first molding surface, an opposite posterior surface defined by the second molding surface, and a lens edge defined by the spatial limitation of actinic radiation; (4) opening the mold and removing the formed silicone hydrogel contact lens from the mold; (5) removing the silicone-containing lens forming material and other components of the fluid composition left behind on the first and second molding surfaces of the mold by washing the first and second molding surfaces of the reusable mold with a water-based solution containing from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of a solvo-surfactant, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is a linear alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and n is the integer 1, 2 or 3; and (6) repeating the steps (2) to (5). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is a linear alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms and n is the integer 1 or 2. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is linear butyl and n is the integer 1 having the chemical name propyleneglycol-n-butylether. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is linear propyl and n is the integer 1 having the chemical name propyleneglycol-n-propylether. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the solvo-surfactant is an alkyl (propylene glycol)n ether wherein alkyl is linear butyl and n is the integer 2 having the chemical name di-propyleneglycol-n-butylether. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises a siloxane-containing vinylic monomer and a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer or crosslinker. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the siloxane-containing vinylic monomer is N-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-[tris(dimethyl-propylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-[tris(dimethylphenylsiloxy)silylpropyl]acrylamide, N-[tris(dimethylphenylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-[tris-(dimethylethylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethyl-silyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl)-2-methyl acrylamide; N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethylsilyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl) acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethylsilyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(bis(trimethylsilyloxy)methylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl)-2-methyl acrylamide; N-(2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl)acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; N-[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N-[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]-2-methyl acrylamide; N,N-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(3-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)propyloxy)propyl]acrylamide; 3-methacryloxy propylpentamethyldisiloxane, tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate (TRIS), (3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)propylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane), (3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)propyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-methacryloxy-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-propyloxy)propylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane, N-2-methacryloxy-ethyl-O-(methyl-bis-trimethylsiloxy-3-propyl)silyl carbamate, 3-(trimethylsilyl)-propylvinyl carbonate, 3-(vinyloxycarbonylthio)propyl-tris(trimethyl-siloxy)silane, 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propylvinyl carbamate, 3-[tris(trimethyl-siloxy)silyl]propyl allyl carbamate, 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinyl carbonate, t-butyldimethyl-siloxyethyl vinyl carbonate; trimethylsilylethyl vinyl carbonate, trimethylsilylmethyl vinyl carbonate), or combinations thereof. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the siloxane-containing vinylic monomer is N-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl](meth)acrylamide, tris(trimethyl-silyloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, 3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)propyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane, or combinations thereof. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises an actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymer. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second molding surfaces is permeable to a crosslinking radiation. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the reusable mold comprises a mask which is fixed, constructed or arranged in, at or on the mold half having the radiation-permeable molding surface. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises a hydrophilic vinylic monomer selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA), N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide (DMMA), 2-acrylamidoglycolic acid, 3-acryloylamino-1-propanol, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-acrylamide, N-methyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-ethyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-methyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-ethyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 5-ethyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-n-propyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-n-propyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-isopropyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-isopropyl-5-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-n-butyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 1-tert-butyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), trimethylammonium 2-hydroxy propylmethacrylate hydrochloride, aminopropyl methacrylate hydrochloride, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), glycerol methacrylate (GMA), N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP), allyl alcohol, vinylpyridine, a C1-C4-alkoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate having a weight average molecular weight of up to 1500, methacrylic acid, N-vinyl formamide, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinyl isopropylamide, N-vinyl-N-methyl acetamide, N-vinyl caprolactam, and mixtures thereof. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises one or more hydrophobic comfort agents selected from the group consisting of phospholipid, monoglyceride, diglyceride, triglyceride, glycolipid, glyceroglycolipid, sphingolipid, sphingo-glycolipid, fatty alcohol, hydrocarbon having a C12-C28 chain in length, wax ester, fatty acid, mineral oil, silicone oil, and combinations thereof. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the hydrophobic comfort agents comprises a phospholipid. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises polyglycolic acid and/or a non-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymer having a weight-average molecular weight Mw of from 5,000 to 1,500,000, more preferably from 50,000 to 1,200,000, even more preferably from 100,000 to 1,000,000, Daltons. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid polymerizable composition comprises a bioactive agent selected from the group consisting of rebamipide, ketotifen, olaptidine, cromoglycolate, cyclosporine, nedocromil, levocabastine, lodoxamide, ketotifen, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, mandelic acid, citric acids, linoleic acid, gamma linoleic acid, vitamins and the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and combinations thereof. | 1,700 |
1,988 | 13,521,148 | 1,794 | Provided is an Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target having Sb and Te as its main component and which contains 0.1 to 30 at % of carbon or boron and comprises a uniform mixed structure of Sb—Te-based alloy particles and fine carbon (C) or boron (B) particles, wherein the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is 3 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 1.00, the average grain size of C or B is 0.5 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 0.20, and, when the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is X and the average grain size of carbon or boron is Y, Y/X is within the range of 0.1 to 0.5. The present invention aims to improve the structure of the Sb—Te-based alloy sputtering target, inhibit the generation of cracks in the sintered target, and prevent the generation of arcing in the sputtering process. | 1. An Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target having Sb and Te as its main component and which contains 0.1 to 30 at % of carbon or boron and comprises a uniform mixed structure of Sb—Te-based alloy particles and fine carbon (C) or boron (B) particles, wherein the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is 3 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 1.00, the average grain size of C or B is 0.5 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 0.20, and, when the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is X and the average grain size of carbon or boron is Y, Y/X is within the range of 0.1 or more and to 0.5 or less. 2. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 1 containing, at a maximum, 30 at % of one or more types of elements selected from Ag, In, Si, Ge, Ga, Ti, Au, Pt, and Pd. 3. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 2, wherein the target is used for forming a phase-change recording layer formed from Ag—In—Sb—Te alloy or Ge—Sb—Te alloy containing carbon or boron. 4. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 3, wherein the average deflective strength as an index of the mechanical strength of ceramics is 100 MPa or higher. 5. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 1, wherein the target is used for forming a phase-change recording layer formed from Ag—In—Sb—Te alloy or Ge—Sb—Te alloy containing carbon or boron. 6. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 1, wherein an average deflective strength of the sputtering target as an index of mechanical strength of ceramics is 100 MPa or higher. | Provided is an Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target having Sb and Te as its main component and which contains 0.1 to 30 at % of carbon or boron and comprises a uniform mixed structure of Sb—Te-based alloy particles and fine carbon (C) or boron (B) particles, wherein the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is 3 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 1.00, the average grain size of C or B is 0.5 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 0.20, and, when the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is X and the average grain size of carbon or boron is Y, Y/X is within the range of 0.1 to 0.5. The present invention aims to improve the structure of the Sb—Te-based alloy sputtering target, inhibit the generation of cracks in the sintered target, and prevent the generation of arcing in the sputtering process.1. An Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target having Sb and Te as its main component and which contains 0.1 to 30 at % of carbon or boron and comprises a uniform mixed structure of Sb—Te-based alloy particles and fine carbon (C) or boron (B) particles, wherein the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is 3 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 1.00, the average grain size of C or B is 0.5 μm or less and the standard deviation thereof is less than 0.20, and, when the average grain size of the Sb—Te-based alloy particles is X and the average grain size of carbon or boron is Y, Y/X is within the range of 0.1 or more and to 0.5 or less. 2. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 1 containing, at a maximum, 30 at % of one or more types of elements selected from Ag, In, Si, Ge, Ga, Ti, Au, Pt, and Pd. 3. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 2, wherein the target is used for forming a phase-change recording layer formed from Ag—In—Sb—Te alloy or Ge—Sb—Te alloy containing carbon or boron. 4. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 3, wherein the average deflective strength as an index of the mechanical strength of ceramics is 100 MPa or higher. 5. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 1, wherein the target is used for forming a phase-change recording layer formed from Ag—In—Sb—Te alloy or Ge—Sb—Te alloy containing carbon or boron. 6. The Sb—Te-based alloy sintered compact sputtering target according to claim 1, wherein an average deflective strength of the sputtering target as an index of mechanical strength of ceramics is 100 MPa or higher. | 1,700 |
1,989 | 14,615,088 | 1,793 | The bulk density of food products with a center fill mat can be reduced by expanding the food strands making up the center fill mat. A method for producing food products with fillings having low bulk density includes preparing the food strands by passing dough through small holes, and enclosing the food strands by a first layer and a second layer. | 1.-18. (canceled) 19. A system for producing a food product comprising:
a first sheet forming unit for forming a first sheet; a conveyor belt for conveying the first sheet; a strand forming unit for forming strands by passing dough through small holes, wherein the strands are deposited randomly on the first sheet to form a center-fill mat thereon, and the conveyor belt conveys the first sheet below the strand forming unit; a second sheet forming unit for forming a second sheet, wherein the second sheet is deposited on the first sheet and the strands; and a scoring unit for scoring the first sheet and the second sheet to define a pattern of food products having fillings. 20. A food product comprising:
an outer shell having a center space therein; and a center-fill mat disposed in the center space, the center-fill mat comprising expanded food strands disposed randomly to form a food product having a lower bulk density than a food product in which the center-fill mat is formed by unexpanded strands, wherein the food strands are expanded prior to being disposed within the center space. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the holes are circular. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the holes comprises a diameter of about 0.02 inches. 23. The system of claim 19, wherein the holes are “S” shaped. 24. The food product of claim 20, wherein the food strands comprise cereal. 25. The food product of claim 24, wherein the food strands further comprise at least one of flavoring agents, coloring agents, sweeteners, salt, food stabilizers, vitamins, minerals and combinations thereof. | The bulk density of food products with a center fill mat can be reduced by expanding the food strands making up the center fill mat. A method for producing food products with fillings having low bulk density includes preparing the food strands by passing dough through small holes, and enclosing the food strands by a first layer and a second layer.1.-18. (canceled) 19. A system for producing a food product comprising:
a first sheet forming unit for forming a first sheet; a conveyor belt for conveying the first sheet; a strand forming unit for forming strands by passing dough through small holes, wherein the strands are deposited randomly on the first sheet to form a center-fill mat thereon, and the conveyor belt conveys the first sheet below the strand forming unit; a second sheet forming unit for forming a second sheet, wherein the second sheet is deposited on the first sheet and the strands; and a scoring unit for scoring the first sheet and the second sheet to define a pattern of food products having fillings. 20. A food product comprising:
an outer shell having a center space therein; and a center-fill mat disposed in the center space, the center-fill mat comprising expanded food strands disposed randomly to form a food product having a lower bulk density than a food product in which the center-fill mat is formed by unexpanded strands, wherein the food strands are expanded prior to being disposed within the center space. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the holes are circular. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the holes comprises a diameter of about 0.02 inches. 23. The system of claim 19, wherein the holes are “S” shaped. 24. The food product of claim 20, wherein the food strands comprise cereal. 25. The food product of claim 24, wherein the food strands further comprise at least one of flavoring agents, coloring agents, sweeteners, salt, food stabilizers, vitamins, minerals and combinations thereof. | 1,700 |
1,990 | 14,202,749 | 1,727 | In general, according to one embodiment, an active material for battery includes a monoclinic complex oxide. The monoclinic complex oxide is expressed by the general formula Li x M1M2 2 O (7±δ) (wherein M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, and Sn, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, Ta, Bi, and Mo, 0≦x≦5, and 0≦δ≦0.3), and has symmetry belonging to the space group C2/m (International tables Vol. A No. 12), and one element of the M2 or M1 being maldistributed in the occupied 2a and 4i sites in a crystal of the monoclinic complex oxide. | 1. An active material for battery comprising a monoclinic complex oxide which is expressed by the general formula LixM1M22O(7±δ) (wherein M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, and Sn, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, Ta, Bi, and Mo, 0≦x≦5, and 0≦δ≦0.3), and has symmetry belonging to the space group C2/m (International tables Vol. A No. 12), one element of the M2 or M1 being maldistributed in the occupied 2a and 4i sites in a crystal of the monoclinic complex oxide. 2. The active material for battery according to claim 1, wherein the monoclinic complex oxide shows the strongest peak at 2θ=26°±0.5° in the pattern of powder x-ray diffraction using a Cu-Kα line source. 3. The active material for battery according to claim 1, wherein the monoclinic complex oxide is TiNb2O7±δ. 4. A nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising:
a negative electrode comprising the active material for battery according to claim 1; a positive electrode; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. 5. A battery pack comprising one or more nonaqueous electrolyte batteries according to claim 4. 6. A method for manufacturing an active material for battery, comprising:
pulverizing and mixing a raw material compound containing at least one element M1 selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, and Sn, and a raw material compound containing at least one element M2 selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, Ta, Bi, and Mo to obtain a mixture; sintering the mixture at 1100 to 1500° C.; and annealing the sintered product at a temperature lower than 1000° C. to obtain an active material for battery comprising a monoclinic complex oxide which is expressed by the general formula LixM1M22O(7±δ) (wherein M1 and M2 are as defined above, 0≦x≦5, and 0≦δ≦0.3), and has symmetry belonging to the space group C2/m (International tables Vol. A No. 12), one element of the M2 or M1 being maldistributed in the occupied 2a and 4i sites in a crystal of the monoclinic complex oxide. | In general, according to one embodiment, an active material for battery includes a monoclinic complex oxide. The monoclinic complex oxide is expressed by the general formula Li x M1M2 2 O (7±δ) (wherein M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, and Sn, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, Ta, Bi, and Mo, 0≦x≦5, and 0≦δ≦0.3), and has symmetry belonging to the space group C2/m (International tables Vol. A No. 12), and one element of the M2 or M1 being maldistributed in the occupied 2a and 4i sites in a crystal of the monoclinic complex oxide.1. An active material for battery comprising a monoclinic complex oxide which is expressed by the general formula LixM1M22O(7±δ) (wherein M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, and Sn, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, Ta, Bi, and Mo, 0≦x≦5, and 0≦δ≦0.3), and has symmetry belonging to the space group C2/m (International tables Vol. A No. 12), one element of the M2 or M1 being maldistributed in the occupied 2a and 4i sites in a crystal of the monoclinic complex oxide. 2. The active material for battery according to claim 1, wherein the monoclinic complex oxide shows the strongest peak at 2θ=26°±0.5° in the pattern of powder x-ray diffraction using a Cu-Kα line source. 3. The active material for battery according to claim 1, wherein the monoclinic complex oxide is TiNb2O7±δ. 4. A nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising:
a negative electrode comprising the active material for battery according to claim 1; a positive electrode; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. 5. A battery pack comprising one or more nonaqueous electrolyte batteries according to claim 4. 6. A method for manufacturing an active material for battery, comprising:
pulverizing and mixing a raw material compound containing at least one element M1 selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, and Sn, and a raw material compound containing at least one element M2 selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, Ta, Bi, and Mo to obtain a mixture; sintering the mixture at 1100 to 1500° C.; and annealing the sintered product at a temperature lower than 1000° C. to obtain an active material for battery comprising a monoclinic complex oxide which is expressed by the general formula LixM1M22O(7±δ) (wherein M1 and M2 are as defined above, 0≦x≦5, and 0≦δ≦0.3), and has symmetry belonging to the space group C2/m (International tables Vol. A No. 12), one element of the M2 or M1 being maldistributed in the occupied 2a and 4i sites in a crystal of the monoclinic complex oxide. | 1,700 |
1,991 | 13,981,777 | 1,721 | Provided is a conductive adhesive composition which contains conductive particles (A) containing metal having a melting point of equal to or lower than 210° C., a thermosetting resin (B), and a flux activator (C), in which viscosity of the conductive adhesive composition is 5 to 30 Pa·s, and a content of the conductive particles (A) is 70 to 90% by mass with respect to the total amount of the conductive adhesive composition. | 1. A conductive adhesive composition comprising conductive particles (A) containing metal having a melting point of equal to or lower than 210° C., a thermosetting resin (B), and a flux activator (C), wherein viscosity of the conductive adhesive composition is 5 to 30 Pa·s, and a content of the conductive particles (A) is 70 to 90% by mass with respect to the total amount of the conductive adhesive composition. 2. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the metal of the conductive particles (A) contains at least one kind of component selected from bismuth, indium, tin, and zinc. 3. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein an average particle size of the conductive particles (A) is 2 to 95 μm. 4. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, further containing a curing agent or a curing accelerator. 5. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the thermosetting resin (B) is an epoxy resin. 6. A method for applying a Conductive adhesive composition, comprising applying the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1 onto a target binding surface by a non-contact-type dispenser. 7. A connected body in which a plurality of solar battery cells are connected via a metal wire,
wherein electrode surfaces of the solar battery cells and the metal wire are connected via the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1. 8. A method for producing a solar cell module comprising:
a step of applying the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1 onto electrode surfaces of solar battery cells by a non-contact-type dispenser; a step of laminating a sealing material on both surfaces of the solar battery cells, after disposing a wiring member on the conductive adhesive composition applied onto the electrode surfaces of the solar battery cells; a step of laminating glass on the sealing material on a light-receiving surface side of the solar battery cells, and a protection film on the sealing material on a rear surface of the solar battery cells; and a step of sealing the solar battery cells while electrically connecting and bonding the solar battery cells and the wiring member by heating the obtained laminated body. 9. A solar cell module in which electrodes of a plurality of solar battery cells and a wiring member are electrically connected via the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1. | Provided is a conductive adhesive composition which contains conductive particles (A) containing metal having a melting point of equal to or lower than 210° C., a thermosetting resin (B), and a flux activator (C), in which viscosity of the conductive adhesive composition is 5 to 30 Pa·s, and a content of the conductive particles (A) is 70 to 90% by mass with respect to the total amount of the conductive adhesive composition.1. A conductive adhesive composition comprising conductive particles (A) containing metal having a melting point of equal to or lower than 210° C., a thermosetting resin (B), and a flux activator (C), wherein viscosity of the conductive adhesive composition is 5 to 30 Pa·s, and a content of the conductive particles (A) is 70 to 90% by mass with respect to the total amount of the conductive adhesive composition. 2. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the metal of the conductive particles (A) contains at least one kind of component selected from bismuth, indium, tin, and zinc. 3. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein an average particle size of the conductive particles (A) is 2 to 95 μm. 4. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, further containing a curing agent or a curing accelerator. 5. The conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the thermosetting resin (B) is an epoxy resin. 6. A method for applying a Conductive adhesive composition, comprising applying the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1 onto a target binding surface by a non-contact-type dispenser. 7. A connected body in which a plurality of solar battery cells are connected via a metal wire,
wherein electrode surfaces of the solar battery cells and the metal wire are connected via the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1. 8. A method for producing a solar cell module comprising:
a step of applying the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1 onto electrode surfaces of solar battery cells by a non-contact-type dispenser; a step of laminating a sealing material on both surfaces of the solar battery cells, after disposing a wiring member on the conductive adhesive composition applied onto the electrode surfaces of the solar battery cells; a step of laminating glass on the sealing material on a light-receiving surface side of the solar battery cells, and a protection film on the sealing material on a rear surface of the solar battery cells; and a step of sealing the solar battery cells while electrically connecting and bonding the solar battery cells and the wiring member by heating the obtained laminated body. 9. A solar cell module in which electrodes of a plurality of solar battery cells and a wiring member are electrically connected via the conductive adhesive composition according to claim 1. | 1,700 |
1,992 | 14,934,534 | 1,735 | A method of providing a mould with a conformal cooling passage includes rough machining a mould cavity generally corresponding to a moulded part shape using CAD data. Conformal cooling slots are cut in the mould cavity using the CAD data. The conformal cooling slots are welded shut using the CAD data to provide conformal cooling passages. A class A surface is machined over the conformal cooling passage and corresponds to a finished mould part shape using the CAD data. | 1. A method of providing a mould with a conformal cooling passage comprising:
cutting conformal cooling slots into a mould cavity; shutting the conformal cooling slots to provide conformal cooling passages; laying weld beads in the conformal cooling slots until the weld beads are proud of an adjacent surface of the mould; and machining a surface over the conformal cooling passage corresponding to a finished mould part shape. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of shutting the conformal cooling slots includes welding shut the conformal cooling slots with a first number of weld beads that span the conformal cooling slots. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of laying weld beads in the conformal cooling slots includes laying additional weld beads on the first number of weld beads. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cut conformal cooling slot includes first and second widths, the second width greater than the first width, and wherein the conformal cooling slots are shut adjacent the intersection of the first and second widths. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein each of the cut conformal cooling slots includes a first depth and a second depth less than the first depth, the second depth including the second width. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the cut conformal cooling slots each include an angled surface providing the second width, the angled surfaces being angled relative to a centerline of a respective one of the cut conformal cooling slots. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein each angled surface is arranged at an obtuse angle relative to a true horizontal plane. 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising heating the mould after cutting the conformal cooling slots to relieve stress from the mould. 9. A part-producing mold, comprising:
at least one conformal cooling passage located subjacent to a molding surface to be cooled, said at least one conformal cooling passage formed from:
a series of interconnected open channels placed in a molding surface of said mold, said channels substantially conforming to the contour of said molding surface, the open channels being sealed at a distance from a bottom of each channel so as to form an enclosed cooling passage at the bottom thereof, and
a plurality of weld beads that substantially fill a volume of each channel above said distance, said weld beads shaped to conform to said molding surface of said mold surrounding that channel;
an inlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for receiving pressurized cooling fluid from a source thereof; and an outlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for expelling cooling fluid to a heat removal device after said cooling fluid has passed through said at least one conformal cooling passage. 10. The mold of claim 9, wherein said open channels have a first width below said distance and a second width greater than said first width above said distance. 11. The mold of claim 9, wherein said channels are sealed by a bridging weld located within each channel, said bridging welds comprising a series of connected weld beads, said bridging welds spanning each channel. 12. The mold of claim 9, wherein said mold is a plastic injection mold. 13. The mold of claim 9, wherein said inlet and outlet of said at least one conformal cooling passage are accessible from an exterior of said mold. 14. A method of producing a part, comprising:
providing a part-producing mold, said part-producing mold comprising:
at least one conformal cooling passage located subjacent to a molding surface to be cooled, said at least one conformal cooling passage formed from:
a series of interconnected open channels placed in a molding surface of said mold, said channels substantially conforming to the contour of said molding surface, the open channels being sealed at a distance from a bottom of each channel so as to form an enclosed cooling passage at the bottom thereof, and
a plurality of weld beads that substantially fill a volume of each channel above said distance, said weld beads shaped to conform to said molding surface of said mold surrounding that channel;
an inlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for receiving pressurized cooling fluid from a source thereof; and
an outlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for expelling cooling fluid to a heat removal device after said cooling fluid has passed through said at least one conformal cooling passage; and
molding a part using said part-producing mold. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said channels are sealed by a bridging weld located within each channel, said bridging welds comprising a series of connected weld beads, said bridging welds spanning each channel. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said open channels have a first width below said distance and a second width greater than said first width above said distance. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein said molding step includes plastic injection molding said part. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein said inlet and outlet of said at least one conformal cooling passage are accessible from an exterior of said mold. 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising establishing a flow of pressurized cooling fluid and directing said flow of pressurized cooling fluid to said inlet. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said flow of pressurized cooling fluid is directed to said inlet during said step of molding said part. | A method of providing a mould with a conformal cooling passage includes rough machining a mould cavity generally corresponding to a moulded part shape using CAD data. Conformal cooling slots are cut in the mould cavity using the CAD data. The conformal cooling slots are welded shut using the CAD data to provide conformal cooling passages. A class A surface is machined over the conformal cooling passage and corresponds to a finished mould part shape using the CAD data.1. A method of providing a mould with a conformal cooling passage comprising:
cutting conformal cooling slots into a mould cavity; shutting the conformal cooling slots to provide conformal cooling passages; laying weld beads in the conformal cooling slots until the weld beads are proud of an adjacent surface of the mould; and machining a surface over the conformal cooling passage corresponding to a finished mould part shape. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of shutting the conformal cooling slots includes welding shut the conformal cooling slots with a first number of weld beads that span the conformal cooling slots. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of laying weld beads in the conformal cooling slots includes laying additional weld beads on the first number of weld beads. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cut conformal cooling slot includes first and second widths, the second width greater than the first width, and wherein the conformal cooling slots are shut adjacent the intersection of the first and second widths. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein each of the cut conformal cooling slots includes a first depth and a second depth less than the first depth, the second depth including the second width. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the cut conformal cooling slots each include an angled surface providing the second width, the angled surfaces being angled relative to a centerline of a respective one of the cut conformal cooling slots. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein each angled surface is arranged at an obtuse angle relative to a true horizontal plane. 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising heating the mould after cutting the conformal cooling slots to relieve stress from the mould. 9. A part-producing mold, comprising:
at least one conformal cooling passage located subjacent to a molding surface to be cooled, said at least one conformal cooling passage formed from:
a series of interconnected open channels placed in a molding surface of said mold, said channels substantially conforming to the contour of said molding surface, the open channels being sealed at a distance from a bottom of each channel so as to form an enclosed cooling passage at the bottom thereof, and
a plurality of weld beads that substantially fill a volume of each channel above said distance, said weld beads shaped to conform to said molding surface of said mold surrounding that channel;
an inlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for receiving pressurized cooling fluid from a source thereof; and an outlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for expelling cooling fluid to a heat removal device after said cooling fluid has passed through said at least one conformal cooling passage. 10. The mold of claim 9, wherein said open channels have a first width below said distance and a second width greater than said first width above said distance. 11. The mold of claim 9, wherein said channels are sealed by a bridging weld located within each channel, said bridging welds comprising a series of connected weld beads, said bridging welds spanning each channel. 12. The mold of claim 9, wherein said mold is a plastic injection mold. 13. The mold of claim 9, wherein said inlet and outlet of said at least one conformal cooling passage are accessible from an exterior of said mold. 14. A method of producing a part, comprising:
providing a part-producing mold, said part-producing mold comprising:
at least one conformal cooling passage located subjacent to a molding surface to be cooled, said at least one conformal cooling passage formed from:
a series of interconnected open channels placed in a molding surface of said mold, said channels substantially conforming to the contour of said molding surface, the open channels being sealed at a distance from a bottom of each channel so as to form an enclosed cooling passage at the bottom thereof, and
a plurality of weld beads that substantially fill a volume of each channel above said distance, said weld beads shaped to conform to said molding surface of said mold surrounding that channel;
an inlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for receiving pressurized cooling fluid from a source thereof; and
an outlet associated with said at least one conformal cooling passage for expelling cooling fluid to a heat removal device after said cooling fluid has passed through said at least one conformal cooling passage; and
molding a part using said part-producing mold. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said channels are sealed by a bridging weld located within each channel, said bridging welds comprising a series of connected weld beads, said bridging welds spanning each channel. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said open channels have a first width below said distance and a second width greater than said first width above said distance. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein said molding step includes plastic injection molding said part. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein said inlet and outlet of said at least one conformal cooling passage are accessible from an exterior of said mold. 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising establishing a flow of pressurized cooling fluid and directing said flow of pressurized cooling fluid to said inlet. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said flow of pressurized cooling fluid is directed to said inlet during said step of molding said part. | 1,700 |
1,993 | 13,885,937 | 1,789 | A decorative or building product in which one or more constituents of the product include melamine cyanurate in an amount effective to provide or enhance opacity in the product. | 1-38. (canceled) 39. A decorative or building product in which one or more constituents of the product include melamine cyanurate in an amount effective to provide or enhance opacity in the product. 40. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the product is a substrate having a coating containing melamine cyanurate in a sufficient amount to provide or enhance opacity. 41. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the product is a laminate. 42. A decorative or building product according to claim 41 wherein the laminate includes an impregnated paper or non-woven component, preferably resin-impregnated, and optionally further includes a substrate supporting the impregnated paper or non-woven component. 43. A decorative or building product according to claim 42 wherein the one or more constituents that include melamine cyanurate comprise one or more of the constituents of the laminate or substrate comprising a paper or non-woven component, a coating, an impregnating resin, and a substrate. 44. A decorative or building product according to claim 42 wherein the melamine cyanurate is included in one or more of the matrix of the paper or non-woven component, the paper or non-woven component or on a substrate as a coating thereon, an impregnating resin, a coating on the impregnating resin, and the substrate as a coating on the substrate or by incorporation in a surface layer of the substrate. 45. A decorative or building product according to claim 42 wherein the laminate comprises a resin-impregnated paper or non-woven. 46. A decorative or building product according to claim 40 wherein the impregnation or coating material further includes one or more additives selected from TiO2, ZnS, CaCO3, kaolin, talcum, antistatic additives, antibacterial additives or abrasive resistant or scratch resistant additives. 47. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the decorative or building product is a panel or moulding, and optionally the melamine cyanurate is included in a coating on the panel or moulding or by incorporation in a surface layer thereof. 48. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the melamine cyanurate is present together with titanium dioxide effective to further enhance the opacity of the respective constituent relative to the presence of melamine cyanurate in the absence of titanium dioxide, and preferably the opacity of the respective constituent or of the product is similar to the opacity of the constituent arising from the presence of titanium dioxide in the absence of melamine cyanurate. 49. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the melamine cyanurate is present together with one or more other opacifying additives selected from TiO2, ZnS, CaCO3, talcum and kaolin. 50. A method of manufacturing a decorative or building product including providing one of more constituents of the product with melamine cyanurate in an amount effective to provide or enhance opacity in the product. 51. A method according to claim 50 wherein the product is a substrate having a coating containing melamine cyanurate in a sufficient amount to provide or enhance opacity. 52. A method according to claim 50 wherein the product is a laminate. 53. A method according to claim 52 wherein the laminate includes an impregnated paper or non-woven component and optionally further includes a substrate supporting the impregnated paper or non-woven component. 54. A method according to claims 52 wherein the one or more constituents that include melamine cyanurate comprise one or more of the constituents of the laminate or substrate comprising a paper or non-woven component, a coating, an impregnating resin, and a substrate. 55. A method according to claim 53 or further comprising impregnating with a resin, a paper or non-woven that includes the melamine cyanurate in the matrix of the paper or non-woven component, or as a coating on the paper or non-woven component. 56. A method according to claim 53 further comprising impregnating a paper or non-woven with a substance, preferably a resin containing melamine cyanurate. 57. A method according to claim 53 including providing the melamine cyanurate by applying a coating containing the melamine cyanurate to the paper or non-woven component or directly onto a substrate and/or by applying a coating containing the melamine cyanurate to one or more of the impregnating resin and to the substrate, and/or by including the melamine cyanurate in a surface layer of the substrate. 58. A method according to claim 50 wherein the decorative or building product is a panel or moulding, and the melamine cyanurate is optionally applied as a coating on the panel or moulding or by incorporation in a surface layer of the panel or moulding. 59. A method according to claim 50 including providing the melamine cyanurate together with titanium dioxide effective to further enhance the opacity of the respective constituent relative to the presence of melamine cyanurate in the absence of titanium dioxide, and optionally providing the melamine cyanurate by inclusion in a furnish mixture when forming the paper prior to impregnation. 60. A method according to claim 50 including providing the melamine cyanurate by providing melamine and cyanuric acid in water and allowing the melamine and cyanuric acid to react to form melamine cyanurate, and optionally wherein the melamine and cyanuric acid are dissolved in separate aqueous solutions which are then combined and stirred to allow said reaction to occur. | A decorative or building product in which one or more constituents of the product include melamine cyanurate in an amount effective to provide or enhance opacity in the product.1-38. (canceled) 39. A decorative or building product in which one or more constituents of the product include melamine cyanurate in an amount effective to provide or enhance opacity in the product. 40. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the product is a substrate having a coating containing melamine cyanurate in a sufficient amount to provide or enhance opacity. 41. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the product is a laminate. 42. A decorative or building product according to claim 41 wherein the laminate includes an impregnated paper or non-woven component, preferably resin-impregnated, and optionally further includes a substrate supporting the impregnated paper or non-woven component. 43. A decorative or building product according to claim 42 wherein the one or more constituents that include melamine cyanurate comprise one or more of the constituents of the laminate or substrate comprising a paper or non-woven component, a coating, an impregnating resin, and a substrate. 44. A decorative or building product according to claim 42 wherein the melamine cyanurate is included in one or more of the matrix of the paper or non-woven component, the paper or non-woven component or on a substrate as a coating thereon, an impregnating resin, a coating on the impregnating resin, and the substrate as a coating on the substrate or by incorporation in a surface layer of the substrate. 45. A decorative or building product according to claim 42 wherein the laminate comprises a resin-impregnated paper or non-woven. 46. A decorative or building product according to claim 40 wherein the impregnation or coating material further includes one or more additives selected from TiO2, ZnS, CaCO3, kaolin, talcum, antistatic additives, antibacterial additives or abrasive resistant or scratch resistant additives. 47. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the decorative or building product is a panel or moulding, and optionally the melamine cyanurate is included in a coating on the panel or moulding or by incorporation in a surface layer thereof. 48. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the melamine cyanurate is present together with titanium dioxide effective to further enhance the opacity of the respective constituent relative to the presence of melamine cyanurate in the absence of titanium dioxide, and preferably the opacity of the respective constituent or of the product is similar to the opacity of the constituent arising from the presence of titanium dioxide in the absence of melamine cyanurate. 49. A decorative or building product according to claim 39 wherein the melamine cyanurate is present together with one or more other opacifying additives selected from TiO2, ZnS, CaCO3, talcum and kaolin. 50. A method of manufacturing a decorative or building product including providing one of more constituents of the product with melamine cyanurate in an amount effective to provide or enhance opacity in the product. 51. A method according to claim 50 wherein the product is a substrate having a coating containing melamine cyanurate in a sufficient amount to provide or enhance opacity. 52. A method according to claim 50 wherein the product is a laminate. 53. A method according to claim 52 wherein the laminate includes an impregnated paper or non-woven component and optionally further includes a substrate supporting the impregnated paper or non-woven component. 54. A method according to claims 52 wherein the one or more constituents that include melamine cyanurate comprise one or more of the constituents of the laminate or substrate comprising a paper or non-woven component, a coating, an impregnating resin, and a substrate. 55. A method according to claim 53 or further comprising impregnating with a resin, a paper or non-woven that includes the melamine cyanurate in the matrix of the paper or non-woven component, or as a coating on the paper or non-woven component. 56. A method according to claim 53 further comprising impregnating a paper or non-woven with a substance, preferably a resin containing melamine cyanurate. 57. A method according to claim 53 including providing the melamine cyanurate by applying a coating containing the melamine cyanurate to the paper or non-woven component or directly onto a substrate and/or by applying a coating containing the melamine cyanurate to one or more of the impregnating resin and to the substrate, and/or by including the melamine cyanurate in a surface layer of the substrate. 58. A method according to claim 50 wherein the decorative or building product is a panel or moulding, and the melamine cyanurate is optionally applied as a coating on the panel or moulding or by incorporation in a surface layer of the panel or moulding. 59. A method according to claim 50 including providing the melamine cyanurate together with titanium dioxide effective to further enhance the opacity of the respective constituent relative to the presence of melamine cyanurate in the absence of titanium dioxide, and optionally providing the melamine cyanurate by inclusion in a furnish mixture when forming the paper prior to impregnation. 60. A method according to claim 50 including providing the melamine cyanurate by providing melamine and cyanuric acid in water and allowing the melamine and cyanuric acid to react to form melamine cyanurate, and optionally wherein the melamine and cyanuric acid are dissolved in separate aqueous solutions which are then combined and stirred to allow said reaction to occur. | 1,700 |
1,994 | 13,212,266 | 1,746 | The invention relates to a film for the lamination of graphic media, comprising an extruded plastic film core or substrate (I) which is coated with a liquid based dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane ( 2 ) having a milky white appearance, which dispersion can contain other chemical products such as other plastic resins (binders), hardening agents (crosslinkers) and/or adhesives (primers) in order to obtain the desired degree of hardness, adhesion and soft touch. | 1. A film for the lamination of graphic supports comprising a substrate or nucleus of plastic film (1) of bi-oriented polypropylene manufactured by extrusion with a thickness comprised of between 5 and 150 μm, and preferably between 10 and 40 μm, to which is added by coating a water-based aliphatic polyurethane dispersion having a milky white appearance (2) characterized in that the coating, when dry, has a thickness comprised of between 0.2 and 5 μm and preferably between 1 and 3 μm, and contains between 30% and 100% solids of polyurethane solids and preferably between 70% and 95%, depending on the degree of soft touch required. 2. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1, wherein the dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane incorporates in its composition a specific primer for plastic laminas for improving the adherence to the plastic substrate and/or the hardness of the film for lamination. 3. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1 wherein, besides the aliphatic polyurethane, the dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane incorporates into its composition a hardener of a type of polymer chains with crosslinkers and/or other plastic resins that act as binders, comprising between 0 and 70% in weight, and which function as a base and support of the polyurethane resin and make it possible to obtain desired degree of soft touch and matte. 4. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1 wherein it presents a dry finish that is obtained by the application of a self-adhesive laminated resin (3) on the non-matte face, based on polyethylene (PE), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and/or ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA), that is attached to the graphic support by means of adhesion by heat application. 5. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1, wherein it presents a wet finish that is obtained by the application on the non-matte face a corona or chemical treatment, leaving said face prepared for the application of adhesives and glues, without applying in this case any self-adhesive resin whatsoever on the surface of said face. 6. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1, wherein the dispersion is a water-based aliphatic polyurethane dispersion of the type Neorez R-1010 of DSM Neoresins. 7. A use of a film comprising a substrate or nucleus of plastic film (1) manufactured by extrusion with thicknesses comprising between 5 and 150 μm to which is added by coating a liquid base dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane having a milky white appearance (2), wherein the coating, when dry, has a thickness of between 0.2 and 5 μm and contains between 30% and 100% solids of polyurethane solids, depending on the degree of soft touch required, in the lamination of graphic supports. 8. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the substrate or nucleus of plastic film (1) is comprised between 10 and 40 μm. 9. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the coating, when dry, is comprised between 1 and 3 μm. 10. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the content of polyurethane solids in the dry coating is between 70% and 95%, depending on the degree of soft touch required. 11. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the liquid base dispersion further comprises an adhesive (primer) specific for plastic laminas, for improving the adherence to the plastic substrate and/or the hardness of the film for lamination. 12. The use according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive is a urethane aliphatic dispersion. 13. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the liquid base dispersion further comprises a hardener of a type of polymer chains with crosslinkers and/or other plastic resins acting as binders, comprising between 0 and 70% in weight, and which function as a base and support of the polyurethane resin and make it possible to obtain desired degree of soft touch and matte. 14. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein a self-adhesive resin (3) based on polyethylene (PE), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and/or ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA) is applied on the face of the film opposed to the coating, for its attachment to the graphic support by means of adhesion by heat application in such a manner that a dry finish is obtained. 15. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein a corona or chemical treatment is applied on the face of the film opposed to the coating, leaving said face prepared for the application of adhesives and glues for its attachment to the graphic support in such a manner that a wet finish is obtained. | The invention relates to a film for the lamination of graphic media, comprising an extruded plastic film core or substrate (I) which is coated with a liquid based dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane ( 2 ) having a milky white appearance, which dispersion can contain other chemical products such as other plastic resins (binders), hardening agents (crosslinkers) and/or adhesives (primers) in order to obtain the desired degree of hardness, adhesion and soft touch.1. A film for the lamination of graphic supports comprising a substrate or nucleus of plastic film (1) of bi-oriented polypropylene manufactured by extrusion with a thickness comprised of between 5 and 150 μm, and preferably between 10 and 40 μm, to which is added by coating a water-based aliphatic polyurethane dispersion having a milky white appearance (2) characterized in that the coating, when dry, has a thickness comprised of between 0.2 and 5 μm and preferably between 1 and 3 μm, and contains between 30% and 100% solids of polyurethane solids and preferably between 70% and 95%, depending on the degree of soft touch required. 2. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1, wherein the dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane incorporates in its composition a specific primer for plastic laminas for improving the adherence to the plastic substrate and/or the hardness of the film for lamination. 3. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1 wherein, besides the aliphatic polyurethane, the dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane incorporates into its composition a hardener of a type of polymer chains with crosslinkers and/or other plastic resins that act as binders, comprising between 0 and 70% in weight, and which function as a base and support of the polyurethane resin and make it possible to obtain desired degree of soft touch and matte. 4. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1 wherein it presents a dry finish that is obtained by the application of a self-adhesive laminated resin (3) on the non-matte face, based on polyethylene (PE), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and/or ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA), that is attached to the graphic support by means of adhesion by heat application. 5. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1, wherein it presents a wet finish that is obtained by the application on the non-matte face a corona or chemical treatment, leaving said face prepared for the application of adhesives and glues, without applying in this case any self-adhesive resin whatsoever on the surface of said face. 6. A film for the lamination of graphic supports in accordance with claim 1, wherein the dispersion is a water-based aliphatic polyurethane dispersion of the type Neorez R-1010 of DSM Neoresins. 7. A use of a film comprising a substrate or nucleus of plastic film (1) manufactured by extrusion with thicknesses comprising between 5 and 150 μm to which is added by coating a liquid base dispersion of aliphatic polyurethane having a milky white appearance (2), wherein the coating, when dry, has a thickness of between 0.2 and 5 μm and contains between 30% and 100% solids of polyurethane solids, depending on the degree of soft touch required, in the lamination of graphic supports. 8. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the substrate or nucleus of plastic film (1) is comprised between 10 and 40 μm. 9. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the coating, when dry, is comprised between 1 and 3 μm. 10. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the content of polyurethane solids in the dry coating is between 70% and 95%, depending on the degree of soft touch required. 11. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the liquid base dispersion further comprises an adhesive (primer) specific for plastic laminas, for improving the adherence to the plastic substrate and/or the hardness of the film for lamination. 12. The use according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive is a urethane aliphatic dispersion. 13. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein the liquid base dispersion further comprises a hardener of a type of polymer chains with crosslinkers and/or other plastic resins acting as binders, comprising between 0 and 70% in weight, and which function as a base and support of the polyurethane resin and make it possible to obtain desired degree of soft touch and matte. 14. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein a self-adhesive resin (3) based on polyethylene (PE), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and/or ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA) is applied on the face of the film opposed to the coating, for its attachment to the graphic support by means of adhesion by heat application in such a manner that a dry finish is obtained. 15. The use of a film according to claim 7, wherein a corona or chemical treatment is applied on the face of the film opposed to the coating, leaving said face prepared for the application of adhesives and glues for its attachment to the graphic support in such a manner that a wet finish is obtained. | 1,700 |
1,995 | 14,062,928 | 1,782 | An aqueous-based coating composition suitable as a container coating comprising:
(A) a resinous phase comprising
(i) an at least partially neutralized acid functional polymer containing reactive functional groups, (ii) a phenolic compound and an aldehyde or the reaction product thereof, (iii) a hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene; the resinous phase dispersed in
(B) aqueous medium. | 1. An aqueous-based coating composition comprising:
(A) a resinous phase of
(i) an at least partially neutralized acid functional polymer containing reactive functional groups,
(ii) a phenolic compound and an aldehyde or the reaction product thereof,
(iii) a hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene;
the resinous phase dispersed in
(B) aqueous medium. 2. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the phenolic compound is selected from the group consisting of phenol and an alkylated phenol. 3. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the aldehyde is formaldehyde. 4. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the acid functional polymer is a copolymer of (meth)acrylic monomers. 5. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the acid groups are carboxylic acid groups. 6. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the reactive functional groups are selected from hydroxyl and N-alkoxymethyl groups. 7. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which
(i) is present in amounts of 20 to 35 percent by weight,
(ii) is present in amounts of 40 to 60 percent by weight, and
(iii) is present in amounts of 2.5 to 10 percent by weight;
the percentages by weight being based on weight of resin solids in the coating composition. 8. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 containing an amine-terminated polyamide in the resinous phase. 9. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 containing a polysilicone resin in the resinous phase. 10. A coated article comprising:
(A) a substrate and (B) a coating deposited on at least a portion of the substrate from the composition of claim 1. 11. The coated article of claim 10 in which the substrate is a container. 12. The coated article of claim 11 in which the container is a food or beverage container. 13. The coated article of claim 12 in which the coating is on the interior surface of the container. | An aqueous-based coating composition suitable as a container coating comprising:
(A) a resinous phase comprising
(i) an at least partially neutralized acid functional polymer containing reactive functional groups, (ii) a phenolic compound and an aldehyde or the reaction product thereof, (iii) a hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene; the resinous phase dispersed in
(B) aqueous medium.1. An aqueous-based coating composition comprising:
(A) a resinous phase of
(i) an at least partially neutralized acid functional polymer containing reactive functional groups,
(ii) a phenolic compound and an aldehyde or the reaction product thereof,
(iii) a hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene;
the resinous phase dispersed in
(B) aqueous medium. 2. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the phenolic compound is selected from the group consisting of phenol and an alkylated phenol. 3. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the aldehyde is formaldehyde. 4. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the acid functional polymer is a copolymer of (meth)acrylic monomers. 5. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the acid groups are carboxylic acid groups. 6. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which the reactive functional groups are selected from hydroxyl and N-alkoxymethyl groups. 7. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 in which
(i) is present in amounts of 20 to 35 percent by weight,
(ii) is present in amounts of 40 to 60 percent by weight, and
(iii) is present in amounts of 2.5 to 10 percent by weight;
the percentages by weight being based on weight of resin solids in the coating composition. 8. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 containing an amine-terminated polyamide in the resinous phase. 9. The aqueous-based coating composition of claim 1 containing a polysilicone resin in the resinous phase. 10. A coated article comprising:
(A) a substrate and (B) a coating deposited on at least a portion of the substrate from the composition of claim 1. 11. The coated article of claim 10 in which the substrate is a container. 12. The coated article of claim 11 in which the container is a food or beverage container. 13. The coated article of claim 12 in which the coating is on the interior surface of the container. | 1,700 |
1,996 | 14,445,842 | 1,793 | The invention allows for the production of a savory food product with reduced sodium content. The savory food product is formed from a mixture of cooked food pieces selected from a first portion and a second portion at a predetermined application ratio. The first portion of food pieces is salted a first salt intensity and the second portion of food pieces is salted at a second salt intensity. Preferably, the first and the second salt intensities have an application amplitude of at least 20% so that sodium content can be reduced without sacrificing the perceived saltiness of the savory food product. | 1. A savory food product comprising:
a mixture of food pieces comprising a first portion of the food pieces and a second portion of the food pieces, wherein:
the first portion is salted at a first salt intensity;
the second portion is salted at a second salt intensity;
the first salt intensity differs from the second salt intensity; and
the first portion and the second portion are mixed at an application ratio. 2. The savory food product of claim 1, wherein the application ratio is about 1:1. 3. The savory food product of claim 1 further comprising:
an average salt concentration between about 0.5 and 1.5 weight percent. 4. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the average salt concentration is between about 0.7 and 1.2 weight percent. 5. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the average salt concentration is between about 0.8 and 1.0 weight percent. 6. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application amplitude of at least 20%. 7. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application amplitude between 0.3 weight percent and 0.8 weight percent. 8. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application range of at least 0.4 weight percent. 9. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application range of less than 1.0 weight percent. 10. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein an upper application amplitude is greater than a lower application amplitude. 11. The savory food product of claim 1, wherein the first salt intensity is greater than the second salt intensity, and wherein the application ratio of the first portion in relation to the second portion is 30:70. 12. The savory food product of claim 1, wherein the savory food product is one of potato chips, tortilla chips, corn chips, bagel chips, multigrain chips, pretzels, nuts, and seeds. 13. A method for creating a savory food product, the method comprising:
cooking a mixture of food pieces; salting a first portion of the mixture of the food pieces at a first salt intensity; salting a second portion of the mixture of food pieces at a second salt intensity that is different than the first salt intensity; and mixing the first portion and the second portion at an application ratio to form the savory food product. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the application ratio is about 1:1. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the cooking step comprises frying. 16. A system for creating a savory food product with reduced sodium content, the system comprising:
a cooking apparatus for cooking a mixture of food pieces; a first tumbler downstream from the cooking apparatus, wherein the first tumbler salts a first portion of the mixture of food pieces at a first salt intensity; a second tumbler downstream from the cooking apparatus, wherein the second tumbler salts a second portion of the mixture of food pieces at a second salt intensity that is different than the first salt intensity; and a mixing device downstream from the first tumbler and the second tumbler, wherein the mixing device mixes the first portion and the second portion at an application ratio to form the savory food product. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the mixing device is selected from one of a vibrating conveyor or a third tumbler. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the application ratio is about 1:1. | The invention allows for the production of a savory food product with reduced sodium content. The savory food product is formed from a mixture of cooked food pieces selected from a first portion and a second portion at a predetermined application ratio. The first portion of food pieces is salted a first salt intensity and the second portion of food pieces is salted at a second salt intensity. Preferably, the first and the second salt intensities have an application amplitude of at least 20% so that sodium content can be reduced without sacrificing the perceived saltiness of the savory food product.1. A savory food product comprising:
a mixture of food pieces comprising a first portion of the food pieces and a second portion of the food pieces, wherein:
the first portion is salted at a first salt intensity;
the second portion is salted at a second salt intensity;
the first salt intensity differs from the second salt intensity; and
the first portion and the second portion are mixed at an application ratio. 2. The savory food product of claim 1, wherein the application ratio is about 1:1. 3. The savory food product of claim 1 further comprising:
an average salt concentration between about 0.5 and 1.5 weight percent. 4. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the average salt concentration is between about 0.7 and 1.2 weight percent. 5. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the average salt concentration is between about 0.8 and 1.0 weight percent. 6. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application amplitude of at least 20%. 7. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application amplitude between 0.3 weight percent and 0.8 weight percent. 8. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application range of at least 0.4 weight percent. 9. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein the first salt intensity and the second salt intensity comprise an application range of less than 1.0 weight percent. 10. The savory food product of claim 3, wherein an upper application amplitude is greater than a lower application amplitude. 11. The savory food product of claim 1, wherein the first salt intensity is greater than the second salt intensity, and wherein the application ratio of the first portion in relation to the second portion is 30:70. 12. The savory food product of claim 1, wherein the savory food product is one of potato chips, tortilla chips, corn chips, bagel chips, multigrain chips, pretzels, nuts, and seeds. 13. A method for creating a savory food product, the method comprising:
cooking a mixture of food pieces; salting a first portion of the mixture of the food pieces at a first salt intensity; salting a second portion of the mixture of food pieces at a second salt intensity that is different than the first salt intensity; and mixing the first portion and the second portion at an application ratio to form the savory food product. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the application ratio is about 1:1. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the cooking step comprises frying. 16. A system for creating a savory food product with reduced sodium content, the system comprising:
a cooking apparatus for cooking a mixture of food pieces; a first tumbler downstream from the cooking apparatus, wherein the first tumbler salts a first portion of the mixture of food pieces at a first salt intensity; a second tumbler downstream from the cooking apparatus, wherein the second tumbler salts a second portion of the mixture of food pieces at a second salt intensity that is different than the first salt intensity; and a mixing device downstream from the first tumbler and the second tumbler, wherein the mixing device mixes the first portion and the second portion at an application ratio to form the savory food product. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the mixing device is selected from one of a vibrating conveyor or a third tumbler. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the application ratio is about 1:1. | 1,700 |
1,997 | 14,356,498 | 1,732 | A gas treatment apparatus, suitable for use in an air purifying apparatus for the production of breathable air, includes a catalyst including palladium and iron oxide and a source of a volatile nitrogen-containing compound. The apparatus is useful in gas masks, emergency escape hoods and static air treatment apparatus. | 1. An apparatus for the treatment of air, wherein air having a first concentration of carbon monoxide enters the apparatus and breathable air having a second concentration of carbon monoxide exits the apparatus, said first concentration being higher than said second concentration, the apparatus comprising a gas treatment means, comprising:
i) a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide comprising palladium and iron oxide and ii) a source of a volatile nitrogen-containing compound. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst comprises from 0.5 to 10% of palladium, by weight. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said catalyst is made by a method in which a mixed oxide and hydroxide containing iron and palladium is precipitated from an acid solution containing soluble iron and palladium compounds. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said iron oxide and palladium is supported on a porous support material. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst comprises particles having a size in the range from 300-1000 μm. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is present as a bed of particles and said catalyst bed has a maximum thickness in the direction of the air flow of less than 10 mm. 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is present in a coating. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said source of source of volatile nitrogen-containing compound comprises an absorbent material impregnated with amine, or ammonia. 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said absorbent material comprises an activated carbon in the form of a bed of particles, a cloth or foam. 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, containing no hopcalite. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein no guard bed for the removal of catalyst poisons is located between the catalyst and the source of volatile nitrogen-containing compound. 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, in the form of a filter assembly. 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, in the form of a gas filter, filter cartridge, gas mask, self-contained self-rescuer, escape hood, personal breathing apparatus or air scrubbing system. 14. An apparatus according to claim 1, capable of reducing the concentration of carbon monoxide in an oxygen-containing gas from 3600 ppm to less than 500 ppm over a continuous period of 10 minutes at 20° C. at a linear air flow rate of 9 cm/second. 15. A method of treating air to form breathable air comprising the step of passing a stream of air containing a first concentration of carbon monoxide through a gas treatment means comprising:
i) a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide comprising palladium and iron oxide and ii) a source of a volatile nitrogen-containing compound such that at least a portion of carbon monoxide contained in said air is oxidised and that the air downstream of said gas treatment means contains a second concentration of carbon monoxide which is less than said first concentration. 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein when the stream of air containing said first concentration of carbon monoxide is passed through said gas treatment means at 20° C. for 15 minutes and said first concentration of carbon monoxide is at least 3600 ppm the maximum instantaneous value of said second concentration of carbon monoxide is less than 500 ppm. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein, when the first concentration of carbon monoxide is 3600 ppm and the air stream is passed through the gas treatment apparatus for a continuous period of 15 minutes at a linear velocity of 9 cm per second, the CT value of CO in the air downstream of the gas treatment means is less than 6000 ppm minutes. 18. A method of treating air to form breathable air comprising the step of contacting a stream of air containing a first concentration of carbon monoxide with a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide comprising palladium and iron oxide such that at least a portion of carbon monoxide contained in said air is oxidised and that the air downstream of said gas treatment means contains a second concentration of carbon monoxide which is less than said first concentration, wherein said air is also brought into contact with a volatile nitrogen-containing compound. 19. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said catalyst is made by a method in which a mixed oxide and hydroxide containing iron and palladium is precipitated from an acid solution containing soluble iron and palladium compounds. 20. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said iron oxide and palladium is supported on a porous support material. | A gas treatment apparatus, suitable for use in an air purifying apparatus for the production of breathable air, includes a catalyst including palladium and iron oxide and a source of a volatile nitrogen-containing compound. The apparatus is useful in gas masks, emergency escape hoods and static air treatment apparatus.1. An apparatus for the treatment of air, wherein air having a first concentration of carbon monoxide enters the apparatus and breathable air having a second concentration of carbon monoxide exits the apparatus, said first concentration being higher than said second concentration, the apparatus comprising a gas treatment means, comprising:
i) a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide comprising palladium and iron oxide and ii) a source of a volatile nitrogen-containing compound. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst comprises from 0.5 to 10% of palladium, by weight. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said catalyst is made by a method in which a mixed oxide and hydroxide containing iron and palladium is precipitated from an acid solution containing soluble iron and palladium compounds. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said iron oxide and palladium is supported on a porous support material. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst comprises particles having a size in the range from 300-1000 μm. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is present as a bed of particles and said catalyst bed has a maximum thickness in the direction of the air flow of less than 10 mm. 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is present in a coating. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said source of source of volatile nitrogen-containing compound comprises an absorbent material impregnated with amine, or ammonia. 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said absorbent material comprises an activated carbon in the form of a bed of particles, a cloth or foam. 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, containing no hopcalite. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein no guard bed for the removal of catalyst poisons is located between the catalyst and the source of volatile nitrogen-containing compound. 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, in the form of a filter assembly. 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, in the form of a gas filter, filter cartridge, gas mask, self-contained self-rescuer, escape hood, personal breathing apparatus or air scrubbing system. 14. An apparatus according to claim 1, capable of reducing the concentration of carbon monoxide in an oxygen-containing gas from 3600 ppm to less than 500 ppm over a continuous period of 10 minutes at 20° C. at a linear air flow rate of 9 cm/second. 15. A method of treating air to form breathable air comprising the step of passing a stream of air containing a first concentration of carbon monoxide through a gas treatment means comprising:
i) a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide comprising palladium and iron oxide and ii) a source of a volatile nitrogen-containing compound such that at least a portion of carbon monoxide contained in said air is oxidised and that the air downstream of said gas treatment means contains a second concentration of carbon monoxide which is less than said first concentration. 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein when the stream of air containing said first concentration of carbon monoxide is passed through said gas treatment means at 20° C. for 15 minutes and said first concentration of carbon monoxide is at least 3600 ppm the maximum instantaneous value of said second concentration of carbon monoxide is less than 500 ppm. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein, when the first concentration of carbon monoxide is 3600 ppm and the air stream is passed through the gas treatment apparatus for a continuous period of 15 minutes at a linear velocity of 9 cm per second, the CT value of CO in the air downstream of the gas treatment means is less than 6000 ppm minutes. 18. A method of treating air to form breathable air comprising the step of contacting a stream of air containing a first concentration of carbon monoxide with a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide comprising palladium and iron oxide such that at least a portion of carbon monoxide contained in said air is oxidised and that the air downstream of said gas treatment means contains a second concentration of carbon monoxide which is less than said first concentration, wherein said air is also brought into contact with a volatile nitrogen-containing compound. 19. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said catalyst is made by a method in which a mixed oxide and hydroxide containing iron and palladium is precipitated from an acid solution containing soluble iron and palladium compounds. 20. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said iron oxide and palladium is supported on a porous support material. | 1,700 |
1,998 | 12,601,348 | 1,714 | The invention relates to a method for cleaning surfaces of polyolefin-based materials soiled with food, particularly dairy products. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for cleaning materials based on one or more halogenated or non-halogenated polyolefins and soiled with food, particularly dairy products, which method is particularly safe for the environment, but also for the soiled polyolefin-based material with minimal wear and tear. According to the invention, the soiled material is brought into contact with an aqueous composition based on alkane sulfonic acids having between 1 and 4 carbon atoms. | 1. A process for cleaning polyolefin-based equipment soiled with food, characterized by contacting the polyolefin-based equipment soiled with food with an aqueous cleaning composition containing one or more short-chain alkanesulfonic acids containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 2. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning compositions contain composition contains from 0.5% to 100% by weight of alkanesulfonic acid. 3. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the composition further contains an additive selected from the group consisting of one or more co-solvents, one or more water-miscible co-acids, one or more thickeners, one or more surfactants foaming agents, foam stabilizers and mixtures thereof. 4. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the polyolefin-based equipment contains polypropylene (PP). 5. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the process is performed at between 10 and 90° C. 6. The process of claim 1 wherein said contacting takes place for more than about one minute. 7. The process of claim 1 wherein said contacting is followed by rinsing followed by drying. 8. The process of claim 1 characterized in that said short-chain alkanesulfonic acid containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms is methanesulfonic acid (MSA). 9. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning composition contains from 0.5% to 20% by weight of alkanesulfonic acid. 10. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning composition contains from 0.5% to 5% by weight of alkanesulfonic acid. 11. The process of claim 1 wherein said food comprises-dairy products. | The invention relates to a method for cleaning surfaces of polyolefin-based materials soiled with food, particularly dairy products. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for cleaning materials based on one or more halogenated or non-halogenated polyolefins and soiled with food, particularly dairy products, which method is particularly safe for the environment, but also for the soiled polyolefin-based material with minimal wear and tear. According to the invention, the soiled material is brought into contact with an aqueous composition based on alkane sulfonic acids having between 1 and 4 carbon atoms.1. A process for cleaning polyolefin-based equipment soiled with food, characterized by contacting the polyolefin-based equipment soiled with food with an aqueous cleaning composition containing one or more short-chain alkanesulfonic acids containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 2. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning compositions contain composition contains from 0.5% to 100% by weight of alkanesulfonic acid. 3. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the composition further contains an additive selected from the group consisting of one or more co-solvents, one or more water-miscible co-acids, one or more thickeners, one or more surfactants foaming agents, foam stabilizers and mixtures thereof. 4. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the polyolefin-based equipment contains polypropylene (PP). 5. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the process is performed at between 10 and 90° C. 6. The process of claim 1 wherein said contacting takes place for more than about one minute. 7. The process of claim 1 wherein said contacting is followed by rinsing followed by drying. 8. The process of claim 1 characterized in that said short-chain alkanesulfonic acid containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms is methanesulfonic acid (MSA). 9. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning composition contains from 0.5% to 20% by weight of alkanesulfonic acid. 10. The process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning composition contains from 0.5% to 5% by weight of alkanesulfonic acid. 11. The process of claim 1 wherein said food comprises-dairy products. | 1,700 |
1,999 | 14,409,012 | 1,763 | Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic elastomer composition having improved uv and processability, comprising a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy (DVA) and a low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer, wherein the DVA comprises an isobutylene elastomeric component dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic resin. A method to produce the thermoplastic elastomer composition is also disclosed. | 1. A process to produce a thermoplastic elastomer composition, comprising:
dynamically vulcanizing an isobutylene elastomeric component dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic resin to produce a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy; and mixing of the post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy with a low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer to produce the thermoplastic elastomer composition. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the tensile strength of the composition after aging is greater than the tensile strength of the composition determined prior to said aging, or wherein the elongation at break of the composition after aging is greater than the elongation at break of the composition determined prior to said aging. 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the isobutylene elastomeric component comprises from 95 to 25 parts by weight, and the thermoplastic resin comprises from 5 to 75 parts by weight, wherein the total parts by weight of the isobutylene elastomeric component and the thermoplastic resin totals 100. 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is present at greater than or equal to 1.5 phr. 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has the general formula:
wherein R1 is a C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl group and R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, and R12 are individually H or C1-C20 hydrocarbyl groups. 6. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has a molecular weight of less than or equal to 500 g/mol. 7. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer comprises a diaryl-p-phenylene diamine. 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer comprises N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine. 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the at least one thermoplastic resin is at least one polyamide selected from the group consisting of Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 11, Nylon 69, Nylon 12, Nylon 610, Nylon 612, Nylon 48, Nylon MXD6, Nylon 6/66 and copolymers thereof. 10. A thermoplastic elastomer composition, comprising a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy and a low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer, wherein the dynamically vulcanized alloy comprises an isobutylene elastomeric component dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic resin. 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the isobutylene elastomeric component comprises from 95 to 25 parts by weight and the thermoplastic resin comprises from 5 to 75 parts by weight, wherein the total parts by weight of the isobutylene elastomeric component and the thermoplastic resin totals 100. 12. The composition of claim 10, wherein the stabilizer is present at greater than or equal to 1.5 phr. 13. The composition of claim 10, wherein the isobutylene elastomeric component comprises brominated poly(isobutylene-co-p-methylstyrene). 14. The composition of claim 10, wherein the thermoplastic resin is at least one polyamide selected from the group consisting of Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 11, Nylon 69, Nylon 12, Nylon 610, Nylon 612, Nylon 48, Nylon MXD6, Nylon 6/66 and copolymers thereof. 15. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has the general formula:
wherein R1 is a C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl group and R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, and R12 are individually H or C1-C10 hydrocarbyl groups. 16. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has a molecular weight of less than or equal to 500 g/mol. 17. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer comprises a diaryl-p-phenylene diamine. 18. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer is N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine. 19. The composition of claim 10, further comprising carbon black, a fatty acid, a wax, an antioxidant, a curative, calcium carbonate, clay, silica, a UV absorber, an antiozonant, a tackifier, ZnO, CuI, a scorch inhibiting agent, or a combination thereof. 20. A thermoplastic elastomer composition prepared by a process comprising:
dynamically vulcanizing a halogenated isobutylene elastomeric component, wherein the elastomeric component is blended with not more than 10 phr of a cross-linking agent, dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising a polyamide to produce a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy; and mixing of the post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy with 1.5 to 10 phr of a low molecular weight aromatic diamine stabilizer to produce the thermoplastic elastomer composition. | Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic elastomer composition having improved uv and processability, comprising a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy (DVA) and a low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer, wherein the DVA comprises an isobutylene elastomeric component dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic resin. A method to produce the thermoplastic elastomer composition is also disclosed.1. A process to produce a thermoplastic elastomer composition, comprising:
dynamically vulcanizing an isobutylene elastomeric component dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic resin to produce a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy; and mixing of the post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy with a low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer to produce the thermoplastic elastomer composition. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the tensile strength of the composition after aging is greater than the tensile strength of the composition determined prior to said aging, or wherein the elongation at break of the composition after aging is greater than the elongation at break of the composition determined prior to said aging. 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the isobutylene elastomeric component comprises from 95 to 25 parts by weight, and the thermoplastic resin comprises from 5 to 75 parts by weight, wherein the total parts by weight of the isobutylene elastomeric component and the thermoplastic resin totals 100. 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is present at greater than or equal to 1.5 phr. 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has the general formula:
wherein R1 is a C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl group and R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, and R12 are individually H or C1-C20 hydrocarbyl groups. 6. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has a molecular weight of less than or equal to 500 g/mol. 7. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer comprises a diaryl-p-phenylene diamine. 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer comprises N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine. 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the at least one thermoplastic resin is at least one polyamide selected from the group consisting of Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 11, Nylon 69, Nylon 12, Nylon 610, Nylon 612, Nylon 48, Nylon MXD6, Nylon 6/66 and copolymers thereof. 10. A thermoplastic elastomer composition, comprising a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy and a low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer, wherein the dynamically vulcanized alloy comprises an isobutylene elastomeric component dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic resin. 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the isobutylene elastomeric component comprises from 95 to 25 parts by weight and the thermoplastic resin comprises from 5 to 75 parts by weight, wherein the total parts by weight of the isobutylene elastomeric component and the thermoplastic resin totals 100. 12. The composition of claim 10, wherein the stabilizer is present at greater than or equal to 1.5 phr. 13. The composition of claim 10, wherein the isobutylene elastomeric component comprises brominated poly(isobutylene-co-p-methylstyrene). 14. The composition of claim 10, wherein the thermoplastic resin is at least one polyamide selected from the group consisting of Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 11, Nylon 69, Nylon 12, Nylon 610, Nylon 612, Nylon 48, Nylon MXD6, Nylon 6/66 and copolymers thereof. 15. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has the general formula:
wherein R1 is a C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl group and R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, and R12 are individually H or C1-C10 hydrocarbyl groups. 16. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer has a molecular weight of less than or equal to 500 g/mol. 17. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer comprises a diaryl-p-phenylene diamine. 18. The composition of claim 10, wherein the low molecular weight aromatic amine stabilizer is N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine. 19. The composition of claim 10, further comprising carbon black, a fatty acid, a wax, an antioxidant, a curative, calcium carbonate, clay, silica, a UV absorber, an antiozonant, a tackifier, ZnO, CuI, a scorch inhibiting agent, or a combination thereof. 20. A thermoplastic elastomer composition prepared by a process comprising:
dynamically vulcanizing a halogenated isobutylene elastomeric component, wherein the elastomeric component is blended with not more than 10 phr of a cross-linking agent, dispersed as a domain in a continuous phase comprising a polyamide to produce a post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy; and mixing of the post-vulcanized dynamically vulcanized alloy with 1.5 to 10 phr of a low molecular weight aromatic diamine stabilizer to produce the thermoplastic elastomer composition. | 1,700 |
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