Hand Manipulable Tool Patents (Class 62/293)
  • Patent number: 11567119
    Abstract: A stand-alone active thermal interposer device for use in testing a system-in-package device under test (DUT), the active thermal interposer device includes a body layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is operable to be disposed adjacent to a cold plate, and a plurality of heating zones defined across a second surface of the body layer, the plurality of heating zones operable to be controlled by a thermal controller to selectively heat and maintain respective temperatures thereof, the plurality of heating zones operable to heat a plurality of areas of the DUT when the second surface of the body layer is disposed adjacent to an interface surface of the DUT during testing of the DUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Advantest Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Samer Kabbani, Paul Ferrari, Ikeda Hiroki, Kiyokawa Toshiyuki, Gregory Cruzan, Karthik Ranganathan, Todd Berk, Ian Williams, Mohammad Ghazvini, Thomas Jones
  • Patent number: 11448633
    Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of test equipment, in particular to a test device for simulating pollutant migration and transformation in icing and melting processes of a water body. The device comprises: a transparent cylinder body with the top open and the bottom closed, used for holding a test water body; a transparent box body, wherein the top of the box body is provided with a through hole through which the cylinder body is provided in the box body; a first refrigerating system including a first evaporator provided in the cylinder body close to an opening of the cylinder body, wherein the first refrigerating system is used for controlling the temperature of a first space from a surface of a test water body in the cylinder body to the opening of the cylinder body through the first evaporator; and a second refrigerating system used for controlling the temperature in the box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences
    Inventors: Shuhang Wang, Bo Zhang, Xia Jiang, Wenwen Wang, Yunyan Guo, Li Zhao, Junyi Chen, Qing Cai
  • Patent number: 11376056
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pen for the treatment of dermatological disorders, such as warts and the like, by means of a coolant. The pen includes a distal part having a holder for the storage of a coolant and a proximal part with an applicator for the administration of the coolant to the dermatological surface for treatment. These parts extend axially and are in coolant communication by means of a coolant passage in the proximal part, in which a valve body is provided for closing off and/or opening the passage. The passage is provided with at least one bypass for the coolant. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the administration of the pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: OYSTERSHELL NV
    Inventor: Bart Rossel
  • Patent number: 10859290
    Abstract: A personal, portable, ambient air temperature modification heating or cooling device provides heated or cooled air flow from a modified ambient temperature source disposed inside a container configured to fit in a conventional cup holder. The device pulls in ambient temperature air into an internal chamber of the device where the ambient temperature air is cooled or warmed through heat transfer from thermal energy storage components in the internal chamber, then thermally concentrated prior to entering a motorized air movement mechanism via an air manifold, and the resulting cooled or warmed air is returned out from the internal chamber of the device and directed toward a user. The modified temperature air returned by the device provides a desired cooling or warming effect to the immediate environment nearby the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Airwirl, LLC
    Inventors: Steve A. Herweck, Dana Herweck, Michael McCarthy
  • Patent number: 10488081
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing temperature control. An apparatus for temperature control comprises a portable housing configured for delivery of items, an insulated storage compartment in the portable housing and configured to hold a plurality of items during a transport of the portable housing, a temperature control device configured to affect the temperature inside the insulated storage compartment, and a host coupler configured to couple with a host temperature control system to allow the host temperature control system to affect the temperature inside the insulated storage compartment. Wherein the temperature control device is configured to affect the temperature inside the insulated storage compartment without the host coupler being coupled to the host temperature control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, David C. Winkle
  • Patent number: 10180274
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for accelerating the cooling of a beverage can and/or ice tray utilizing at least one body that presents a density and thermal conductivity, defines a standard beverage can and/or ice tray receiving receptacle configured to form a minimum contact surface area of engagement with at least one can and/or tray, and preferably further defines a series of thru-holes, so as to promote accelerated cooling through conduction, convection within a compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: William J Jacob
  • Patent number: 9863713
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for protecting various products and materials that are sensitive to variations in temperature, during the time that such sensitive products and materials are in transit or in storage. Phase Change Materials (“PCM”) are used to absorb heat, and thereby protect the sensitive products and materials. Various systems and methods for measuring current levels, and changes in, the residual latent energy in the PCM, and thereby determining the expected duration of temperature control for the sensitive products and materials. Various systems and methods for aggregating the measurements of changes in the residual latent energy of the PCM, and for communicating such measurements by wireless or wireline communication to an outside receiver of such information. Various systems and methods for taking action, based on measurements of changes in residual latent energy of the PCM, for protecting the temperature sensitive products or materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CARTE-SENSE
    Inventor: Yaron Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9802806
    Abstract: An apparatus regulates a temperature of a fluid inside a container and dispenses the fluid from the container. The apparatus has a body with an axis, a cavity adjacent a distal end, a bore adjacent a proximal end, and a fluid inlet formed through the body to the bore. The body contacts the fluid inside the container. A second fluid may be located and sealed inside the cavity, and have a freezing point of about 10° C. or less. A nozzle may be mounted to the body. The nozzle has a channel in communication with the fluid inlet through which the fluid flows out of the container through the nozzle. A seal may be mounted to the body. The seal may have a radial seal to seal radially between the body and an interior of the container, and an axial seal to seal axially between the nozzle and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: HEWY WINE CHILLERS, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Hewitt, Roy Paul Prosise
  • Patent number: 9677714
    Abstract: Provided are cryogenic injection compositions, methods and systems to introduce a cryogenic injection composition into a fluid within a conduit such that at least a portion of the temperature of the fluid is reduced to a temperature below which at least a portion of the fluid becomes a solid thereby reversibly plugging the conduit. Also provided are methods and systems for cooling or freezing a conduit and a fluid therein using a pressurized fluid cryogen as a thermal transfer fluid for controlled removal of thermal energy from a thermal conducting metal conduit and a fluid contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: BIOFILM IP, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel X. Wray
  • Patent number: 9605911
    Abstract: A heat transfer member fabricated of a thermally conductive material has a curved exterior surface with a central axis and is formed with an axial aperture and annular exterior fins with parallel spaces between the fins. A handle member is fabricated of a thermally insulating material. A coupling member has a cylindrical configuration and has a first end removably received in the aperture of the heat transfer member and has a second end coupled to the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Jack G. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9021825
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the temperature of a fluid in a container includes a body having a cavity and a seal assembly adapted to engage and temporarily seal the container; a second fluid located and sealed in the cavity and having a freezing point below 0° C.; and the body and the seal assembly have no apertures through which the fluid or the second fluid flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Hewitt, Roy Paul Prosise
  • Patent number: 9010132
    Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems for controlled removal of thermal energy from a fluid within a thermally conducting metal conduit. The system allows for the in situ formation of a reversible plug that can stop the flow of fluid through the conduit, particularly without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit. The devices and systems include a thermal transfer device that can be adapted to be in thermal communication with a thermal conducting metal conduit containing a fluid, particularly a flowing fluid. The devices and systems allows for controlled re-heating of the conduit without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit to restore fluid flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Biofilm IP, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel X. Wray, Robert J. Wray
  • Patent number: 8844316
    Abstract: A dual chamber drink container system for chilling and containing quid in at least one chamber features a side wall interior surface having a first groove and a second groove located from a container top to a container bottom. A first liquid level window and a second liquid level window are located in the side wall. The system features a circular lid with a first pop up straw located in a first straw aperture and a second pop up straw located in a second straw aperture. The system features a planar divider adapted to be inserted into the first groove via a first tongue and the second groove via a second tongue. The divider is adapted to provide a chilling source for the system. The system features a cylindrical powder tube located on an exterior side wall adapted to store powdered drink mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Omotolani Ademola, Naomi Saint Cilien
  • Patent number: 8763411
    Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems for controlled removal of thermal energy from a fluid within a thermally conducting metal conduit. The system allows for the in situ formation of a reversible plug that can stop the flow of fluid through the conduit, particularly without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit. The devices and systems include a thermal transfer device that can be adapted to be in thermal communication with a thermal conducting metal conduit containing a fluid, particularly a flowing fluid. The devices and systems allows for controlled re-heating of the conduit without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit to restore fluid flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Biofilm IP, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel X. Wray, Robert J. Wray, Henry Cutbirth
  • Publication number: 20140116080
    Abstract: A system for providing upkeep and maintenance to piping system including in improved pipe freezing apparatus is disclosed and described herein. In a specific embodiment, the system is quite useful to replace worn valves that may require digging underground to expose enough of the pipe system. Novel tools for removing the valve are additionally provided by the present invention. The preferred embodiment further improves upon job safety when using CO2 (dry ice) evaporating and venting the chamber as a gas displacing oxygen. The novel design of the pipe freezing apparatus described herein can be installed by hand without tools. Said design further obviates a need for a specifically designed vent for the pipe freezing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: James M. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8429925
    Abstract: A device 1 for cooling hot liquid food items to drinking temperature comprising a cooling system 2 containing a coolant 19 with a cooling line 13 and an inflow for the hot liquid and an outflow for the cooled liquid. The device includes at least one filling vessel 3 connectable with its opening 5 to the end side of the cooling system containing the inflow to the cooling system. For connecting the filling vessel to the cooling system, each of the two parts includes complementarily cooperating connection elements 9, such that for the process of cooling a virtual unit can be formed, and as a function of the defined quantity of liquid flowing from the filling vessel into the inflow of the cooling system, and the temperature and of the quantity of the coolant, the liquid flows from the outflow of the cooling system at a temperature specified within narrow limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Dieter Marx
  • Publication number: 20130091875
    Abstract: A method for attaching a frozen specimen to a manipulator probe tip typically inside a charged-particle beam microscope. The method comprises cooling the probe tip to a temperature at or below that of the frozen specimen, where the temperature of the frozen specimen is preferably at or below the vitrification temperature of water; bringing the probe tip into contact with the frozen specimen, and bonding the probe tip to the frozen specimen by flowing water vapor onto the region of contact between the probe tip and the frozen specimen. The bonded probe tip and specimen may be moved to a support structure such as a TEM grid and bonded to it by similar means. The probe tip can then be disconnected by heating the probe tip or applying a charged-particle beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: OMNIPROBE, INC.
    Inventor: Cheryl Hartfield
  • Patent number: 8413458
    Abstract: A device (10) for retaining beverage cooling means (11) within a vessel (12) is disclosed. The device comprises a vessel engaging portion (14) and means (16) for engaging the beverage cooling means (11), wherein the means (16) for engaging the beverage cooling means (11) permits the beverage cooling means to move in sliding relation with respect to the vessel (14) engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: David Derek Grant Spratley
  • Patent number: 8240167
    Abstract: A kit is described for use in freezing liquid within a first pipe of a given first diameter and a second pipe of a given second diameter less than the given first diameter. The kit includes a multi-section refrigerant chamber adapted for attachment around a pipe, the chamber having end mounting walls with openings having a diameter greater than the first given diameter; a pair of first adapter plates attachable to the outer faces of the end walls of the chamber sections, the first adapter plates having central pipe receiving openings with a diameter equal to the first given diameter; and a pair of second adapter plates attachable to the outer faces of the end walls of the chamber sections, the second adapter plates having central pipe receiving opening with a diameter equal to the second given diameter. A compressible gasket can be inserted between the chamber sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Michael T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 8177827
    Abstract: A cooling device for locally and superficially anesthetizing an area on the surface of the body comprising a coolant fluid contacting a cooler. The cooler is moistened by a disinfection fluid. The cooling device is held in a refrigerator till use, then allowed to warm up to operation temperature. Then, the cooler is applied to the area on the surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Oleg Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8079411
    Abstract: A heat absorbing device usable to cool hot beverages includes a support rim for supporting the device on a brim of a container and a heat absorbing element extending away from the support rim in a first direction. The heat absorbing element includes a thermally conductive material for absorbing heat from a liquid in the container. A handle extends away from the support rim in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The handle is usable for positioning the heat absorbing element in the container and for removing the heat absorbing element from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Donna Lyn Cerra, Faisal Issa Yaquob El-Fanek
  • Patent number: 8033132
    Abstract: A self-cooling beverage container includes a container body having a container interior, a beverage provided in the container interior, a gas compartment provided in the container body, a cooling gas provided in the gas compartment, a cooling compartment disposed in fluid communication with the gas compartment and disposed in the container interior, a gas compartment seal disposed between the gas compartment and the cooling compartment, a detachable element carried by the container body and a gas release pin carried by the detachable element and adapted to rupture the gas compartment seal upon detachment of the detachable element from the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Anh V. Purser
  • Publication number: 20110192185
    Abstract: A kit is described for use in freezing liquid within a first pipe of a given first diameter and a second pipe of a given second diameter less than the given first diameter. The kit includes a multi-section refrigerant chamber adapted for attachment around a pipe, the chamber having end mounting walls with openings having a diameter greater than the first given diameter; a pair of first adapter plates attachable to the outer faces of the end walls of the chamber sections, the first adapter plates having central pipe receiving openings with a diameter equal to the first given diameter; and a pair of second adapter plates attachable to the outer faces of the end walls of the chamber sections, the second adapter plates having central pipe receiving opening with a diameter equal to the second given diameter. A compressible gasket can be inserted between the chamber sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Michael T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20110162390
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling an object with a cryogen having a critical point defined by a critical-point pressure and a critical-point temperature. A pressure of the cryogen is raised above a pressure value determined to provide the cryogen at a reduced molar volume that prevents vapor lock. Thereafter, the cryogen is placed in thermal communication with the object to increase a temperature of the cryogen along a thermodynamic path that maintains the pressure greater than the critical-point pressure for a duration that the cryogen and object are in thermal communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: PETER J. LITTRUP, Alexei V. Babkin, Robert Duncan, Sergey Boldarev
  • Patent number: 7886548
    Abstract: A portable cooling system for use in conjunction with child carriages incorporating a reservoir of ice and a water pump that directs chilled water through a dehumidifying radiator located in an air handler assembly is herein disclosed. The water continues to circulate through two (2) cooling radiators and returns to the ice and water reservoir by gravity. An electric fan blows air through the radiators where it is dehumidified by the first radiator and cooled by the next two (2) radiators. The air then continues through the air handler wherefrom it is directed toward the child through a flexible duct. A rechargeable battery system is used to power the operation of both the pump and the fan through separate switches. Such an arrangement allows the user to run just the fan for ventilation if cooling is not needed. The cooling system is carried upon the rear of a baby carriage in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel A. Graves
  • Patent number: 7866166
    Abstract: An method for converting tensile residual stress on an inner surface of a welded part of a pipe to compressive residual stress with use of ice plugs formed by cooling the pipe from the outer surface, comprises the steps of: placing refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs in the upstream and downstream of a butt-welded part; cooling the outer surface of the pipe to form the ice plugs; and then cooling the outer surface of the pipe with use of at least one refrigerant container for expanding the pipe arranged between the refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs. When the method is applied to a pipe with a large inside diameter, the method comprises forming the ice plugs at a curved pipe, an elbow or a branch pipe in the upstream and downstream of the butt-welded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Aoike, Masakazu Hisatsune
  • Patent number: 7841202
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat package wherein a surface of a generating heat element that generates heat when exposed to atmosphere is placed against or attached to a heat conductive member. The heat element is protected from atmosphere until use. The heat package may include a heat-generating element attached to an insulating member with one or more air spaced there between. An outer surface of the heat-generating element can be exposed to atmosphere to produce heat when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: Stephanie N. Madan, Paul S. Madan
  • Patent number: 7832225
    Abstract: A cooling device includes a cooling arrangement having a refrigerant dispenser. In an illustrated example, the dispenser includes an aerosol container containing the refrigerant and a dispensing valve fitted to a fixing cup which crimps onto the aerosol container. The aerosol container is at least partly housed inside an outer jacket, and a dispensing channel is engaged on the dispensing valve. A cover is mounted on top of the dispensing channel. The cover has an inside face that is impermeable to the refrigerant and at least part of the cover, preferably an outside face of the cover, is made of a material having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 1 Wm?1K?1. A method of applying a cosmetic product to a body surface is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Marcel Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20100275757
    Abstract: A clamp (1d) comprises a clamp bracket (3f) and an elastic cord (5) threaded through a pair of apertures (7b, 9b) in the clamp bracket (3f). The clamp bracket (3f) further comprises a pair of keyhole-shaped holes (19f) for receiving an end portion (31) of the cord (5). The shape of the keyhole-shaped holes (19f) is such that the cord (5) is insertable into part of the hole (19f) when the cord is tensioned and the cord (5) is gripped by inner walls of an adjoining part of the hole (19f) when the cord is untensioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Trevor Hallet, Michael Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20100216230
    Abstract: In systems and methods for freezing and subsequently thawing liquid samples containing biological components, a sample is fractioned into a very large number of small drops (10) having surface area to volume ratios of 1000 m-1 or greater. The drops are projected at a liquid cryogen (40) or at the solid surface of a highly thermally conducting metal cup or plate, where they rapidly freeze. The cold gas layer that develops above any cold surface is replaced with a dry gas stream (75). The environmental temperature experienced by the sample then abruptly changes from the warm ambient to the temperature of the cryogenic liquid or solid surface. To thaw drops with the highest warming rates, the frozen drops may be projected into warm liquids. The sample is projected with cold gas to the warm liquid, so that again there is an abrupt transition in the environmental temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: CORNELL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Thorne, Scott McFarlane, Matthew Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20100089069
    Abstract: A low temperature device has a low temperature container with an investigational opening. A material sample to that is to be examiner is mounted on a sample-holding device in the low temperature container. A sample that is fastened to the sample holding device can be cooled to the desired temperature using a cooling device, such as a pulse tube cooler, with a cold head that is inside the low temperature container. The sample holder is disposed in the low temperature container in such a way that the sample can be seen through the investigational opening. Because the investigational opening is flexible and not rigidly connected to the low temperature container, vibrations produced by the mechanical cooling device are prevented from being transferred to the investigational opening. Thus, a vibration-sensitive investigating and manipulating device can be coupled to the investigational opening without vibrations being transferred to the investigating and manipulating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Jens Hoehne, Matthias Buehler
  • Publication number: 20100089087
    Abstract: A chilled probe for quickly and conveniently cooling a liquid is positioned to permit a user to insert the probe into the liquid to be cooled. Feedback, in the form of an indication of a representative liquid temperature, is also provided to increase the value of the method and apparatus. Individual sleeves are conveniently provided on a roll to keep the chilled probe from coming into direct contact with the liquid, thereby avoiding contamination between liquid samples being cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: John Stelmach
  • Patent number: 7678066
    Abstract: A massage and/or dispensing device includes a body, and an applicator element intended to be placed in contact with a surface to be massaged and/or a surface to which a product is to be applied. The applicator element is movably retained in the body or mounted for movement relative to the body. The arrangement further includes a cooling arrangement which includes means of expanding a refrigerant liquefied gas directly in contact with the applicator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jacques Habatjou
  • Publication number: 20100057067
    Abstract: A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen. The cryogenic medical device promotes the subcooling to any external cryogenic instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Baust, John G. Baust, Roy Cheeks, Anthony Robilotto, Kristi Snyder
  • Patent number: 7621145
    Abstract: An automatic loading apparatus (12) for specimens (1) for high-pressure cryosubstitution is disclosed. The automatic loading apparatus (12) is connected to a high-pressure freezing device (40). Specimens (1) are inserted in a holder (2). By means of a slider (4), the specimens (1) and holders (2) are conveyed to the automatic loading apparatus (12). The guidance element (26) allows exact positioning of the holder (2) in the clamping element (14). The automatic loading apparatus makes possible rapid transfer of the holder (2) having the specimen (1) from, for example, an optical microscope to the high-pressure freezing device (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Plank, Andreas Hallady
  • Patent number: 7585410
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald de Strulle
  • Patent number: 7565812
    Abstract: An method for converting tensile residual stress on an inner surface of a welded part of a pipe to compressive residual stress with use of ice plugs formed by cooling the pipe from the outer surface, comprises the steps of: placing refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs in the upstream and downstream of a butt-welded part; cooling the outer surface of the pipe to form the ice plugs; and then cooling the outer surface of the pipe with use of at least one refrigerant container for expanding the pipe arranged between the refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs. When the method is applied to a pipe with a large inside diameter, the method comprises forming the ice plugs at a curved pipe, an elbow or a branch pipe in the upstream and downstream of the butt-welded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Aoike, Masakazu Hisatsune
  • Patent number: 7497087
    Abstract: A liquid cooler is disclosed that includes a housing and at least two heatsinks attached with the housing. The heatsinks each include a top wall with an inwardly facing wall, a bottom wall with an inner surface, interior sidewalls and an interior lower wall. The inner surface is formed to surround and contact a portion of an outer surface of a container. The inwardly facing wall, the interior sidewalls, and the interior lower wall define a cavity. The interior lower wall of the cavity includes at least one heat fin. An outer covering is included and surrounds the heatsink. A method of rotation is provided to rotate the heatsink and the outer covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Philip Molfese
  • Publication number: 20080196434
    Abstract: A device for cooling beverages comprises a body and a clip connected to the body via an articulated arm. In use, the clip is engaged with the rim of a drinking vessel such that the arm extends into the drinking vessel and holds the body near the bottom of the vessel. The body contains a material which absorbs heat and thereby cools the beverage. The arm and clip help to keep the body immersed and prevent it from floating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: David Derek Grant Spratley
  • Publication number: 20080119835
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a device for use in a surgical procedure. The device includes a first curved portion for holding a top portion of a surgical probe; a second curved portion for holding a handle of the surgical probe, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion are adjoined through a frame; and an attachment at a bottom of the device, wherein the attachment can attach the device to a tripod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: William Richard Salter, James Ryan Mujwid
  • Patent number: 7266955
    Abstract: In a disclosed modular freeze branding method, refrigerant is caused to flow through a first thermally conductive conduit having exposed, coplanar segments that are arranged in the shape of a set of characters. Then the exposed portions are applied to brand a specimen of livestock, after which the flow of refrigerant is stopped. The above acts are then repeated one or more times with different sets of thermally conductive conduit. The conduit of the different sets have exposed segments that form different sets of characters. An operator can employ the method to efficiently apply individual, multiple-digit freeze brands to each of a number of specimens of livestock. Variations and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: David P. Allard
  • Patent number: 7174723
    Abstract: A liquid cooler is disclosed that includes a housing and at least two heatsinks attached with the housing. The heatsinks each include a top wall with an inwardly facing wall, a bottom wall with an inner surface, interior sidewalls and an interior lower wall. The inner surface is formed to surround and contact a portion of an outer surface of a container. The inwardly facing wall, the interior sidewalls, and the interior lower wall define a cavity. The interior lower wall of the cavity includes at least one heat fin. An outer covering is included and surrounds the heatsink. A method of rotation is provided to rotate the heatsink and the outer covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Philip Molfese
  • Patent number: 7162881
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a clean, fragile object to be transported while protecting both front and back surfaces of the object are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a thermophoretic wand that is arranged to carry an object having a first temperature includes a first element, a contact surface, and an air supply. The first element has a first opening defined therein, and is maintained at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature such that when the first element is in proximity to the object, a thermophoretic forces may be such that particles present between the object and the first element are driven away from the object. The air supply applies a vacuum of a first level through the first opening to suction the object against the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Sogard
  • Patent number: 7055706
    Abstract: A drink bottle has a side wall and a floor together forming an interior drink space, an array of tubes extending away from the floor, defining an downwardly open compartment and a plurality of windows, having upper ends in fluid communication with the drink space at the floor, and having lower ends remote from the floor. A hollow base ring spaced from the floor is attached to the lower ends and in fluid communication through the tubes with the drink space. A container adapted to hold ice is fitted inside the compartment and removable from the compartment through the base ring. This container is visible from outside through the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Eisvogel Nutzeis GmbH
    Inventor: Ingo Kurs
  • Patent number: 7007497
    Abstract: A disclosed modular freeze branding device includes a frame and a number of character assemblies that are configured to be supported by the frame. Each assembly includes a substrate and a section of refrigerant conduit that is coupled to the substrate. The section of conduit has one or more thermally conductive segments arranged along a first side of the substrate to form the shape of a character. Variations and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: David P. Allard
  • Patent number: 6952934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-cooling liquid container for rapidly cooling the liquid in a container by evaporation of coolant gas. A self-cooling liquid container having a liquid cooling device for cooling a liquid in a container by evaporation of a coolant gas comprises a coolant gas bottle inside the liquid container containing a coolant gas stored under pressure, a nozzle tube communicating with the coolant gas bottle and rounding outside the coolant gas bottle, a mounting support for mounting and supporting the coolant gas bottle inserted into the liquid container, and having a switching portion for selectively releasing the coolant gas, and a cap coupled with the mounting support outside of the container and selectively opening and closing the switching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Jung Min Lee
  • Patent number: 6901947
    Abstract: A system for performing rapid charging and evacuation of systems that contain a fluid, such as cooling systems on refrigeration products. In addition, the invention relates to methods of accomplishing rapid charging and evacuation, as well as to tools that form part of the system and that are used to accomplish the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Fastest Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Danielson, Stanlee W. Meisinger
  • Patent number: 6889507
    Abstract: A self-cooling can comprising an evaporator unit within the can and an absorber unit provided outside the container body. A beverage within the can is cooled by means of vapor which passes from the evaporator to the absorber when these are connected so as to provide a vapor path between the two. The path for water vapor, for example, to pass from the evaporator to the absorber is formed by rupturing a pane between the evaporator and the absorber when the can and part or all of the absorber are rotated relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Charles Claydon, Paul Robert Dunwoody, Stephen Robert Arnell, Christopher Paul Ramsey, Michael Stephane Spottiswoode
  • Patent number: RE40049
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a secondary refrigerant to precool and liquefy a primary refrigerant, then vaporizing and expanding the primary refrigerant to cool a cold tip of a cryosurgical instrument for ablation of biological tissue, such as cardiovascular tissue, in particular endocardiac tissue and tissue inside a cardiac blood vessel. The secondary refrigerant has a critical temperature above the critical temperature of the primary refrigerant, and a cooling temperature below the critical temperature of the primary refrigerant, thereby facilitating the use of the precooling step to provide liquid primary refrigerant in an operating room environment in which the primary refrigerant could not otherwise be provided in the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Hong Li
  • Patent number: RE40815
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic operation of a refrigeration system to provide refrigeration power to a catheter for tissue ablation or mapping. The primary refrigeration system can be open loop or closed loop, and a precool loop will typically be closed loop. Equipment and procedures are disclosed for bringing the system to the desired operational state, for controlling the operation by controlling refrigerant flow rate, for performing safety checks, and for achieving safe shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ravikumar V. Kudaravalli, Hong Li