Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP
  • Patent number: 6623569
    Abstract: A duplex stainless steel includes less than, in weight percent, 3 percent nickel and 1.5 percent molybdenum. In one embodiment, the duplex stainless steel includes, in weight percent, up to 0.06 percent carbon; 15 to 25 percent chromium; 1 to less than 2.5 percent nickel; greater than 2 percent up to 3.75 percent manganese; greater than 0.12 up to 0.35 percent nitrogen; up to 2 percent silicon; up to 1.5 percent molybdenum; up to 0.5 percent copper; up to 0.2 percent cobalt; up to 0.05 percent phosphorous; up to 0.005 percent sulfur; 0.001 to 0.0035 percent boron; iron and incidental impurities. The duplex stainless steel provided may be provided in the form of an article of manufacture, such as strip, bar, plate, sheet, casting, tubing or piping. A method for making the duplex stainless steel of the invention also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Bergstrom, John J. Dunn, John F. Grubb, William A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6625064
    Abstract: A circuit, for controlling a write operation during which data from data lines is written to a memory cell, is used with a memory cell of the type that is connected to a row line and a first column line. An amplifier is connected across the first column line and a column line complimentary to the first column line. The column lines have a capacitance associated therewith. The circuit includes a control circuit for generating switching control signals. Switches are provided which are positioned in the column lines and are responsive to the switching control signals for selectively isolating at least a portion of the column lines during a predetermined portion of the write operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Morgan, Loren L. McLaury
  • Patent number: 6624697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a folded differential amplifier having very high output impedance capable of being operated at frequencies of the order of gigahertz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Jennic Limited
    Inventor: Clive Roland Taylor
  • Patent number: 6624262
    Abstract: The present invention describes preparation of nanocomposite particles and structures by polymerizing monomers onto a functional inorganic colloid comprising a polymerization initiation site. The polymerization process is preferably a controlled/living polymerization process, including but not limited to, atom transfer radical polymerization and stable free radical polymerization. The nanocomposite particles can self-organize in solution, on surfaces or in films forming nanocomposite structures. Tethered AB block nanocomposite particles bring size control, solubility control and control over micro- and macro-functionality to the particles. The process may be catalyzed by a transition metal complex which participates in a reversible redox cycle with at least one of the group and a compound having a radically transferable atom or group, to form a nanocomposite particle with a tethered polymer chain. The process may be continued to form tethered copolymer chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Carnegie Melon University
    Inventors: Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Nicolay Tsarevsky
  • Patent number: 6621700
    Abstract: A power controller generally includes a switching device and a heat sink in contact with the switching device for dissipating heat generated by the switching device. The heat sink may include a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The power controller may include a fan for forcing cooling air toward the heat sink and an air guide mounted to the heat sink for dividing the cooling air such that cooling air flows over the top of the heat sink and cooling air flows through the fins of the heat sink. The power controller may include multiple heat sinks and one or more temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Chromalox, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred R. Roman, Michael Hardy, Wayne Estes, Daniel White, Jerry Black
  • Patent number: 6620170
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for inducing fibrin growth in tissue to promote revascularization of that tissue. The devices and methods are useful in ischemic tissue occurring anywhere in the body, and are particularly useful in treating ischemic myocardial tissue of the heart. The device may comprise a frame configured to foster a fibrin growth and configured to permit communication between the fibrin and the tissue into which the frame is implanted. The fibrin may be positioned internally or externally on the frame. The implant should be capable of becoming anchored in the tissue to prevent the formed fibrin from dislodging from the tissue. A fibrin producing substance may be associated with the implant device to help promote and sustain the fibrin growth. Alternatively, a thrombophilic or fibrin producing substance may be introduced into ischemic tissue alone, without an associated device, to induce fibrin growth in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Ahern
  • Patent number: 6616054
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing an external electrical power supply to a proximity smart card for driving the internal electronics of the smart card. The external electrical power supply is separate from a power source of a smart card reader or an internal battery. The external power supply energizes the smart card by way of magnetic induction by radiating power over an electromagnetic link between the external power supply and the smart card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Norton
  • Patent number: 6616697
    Abstract: An implant and method for replacement of the proximal portion of a femur, and specifically for replacement of the natural femoral head is provided. The implant includes a body member for insertion, in use, through the natural femoral neck and in substantial alignment therewith; a head member with a spherical portion for engagement with a natural or a prosthetic hip socket; a joining portion for joining the head member to the body member; and a rod for insertion, in use, through the transverse passage of the body member. The rod is designed such that it has a cross-sectional configuration that contacts the cortical surfaces in the bone and inhibits micro-motion within the bone. In addition, the transverse passage of the body member is configured to complement the configuration of the rod such that the need for stabilizing screws toward the distal end of the rod is eliminated when the implant is assembled within the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas G. Sotereanos
  • Patent number: 6615701
    Abstract: A cutting device, such as a beveling miter saw, includes a base, a work table supported on the base, and a cutting unit operably connected to the base. The work table includes a workpiece support surface and a stop portion. The cutting unit is selectively rotatable about a first axis between leftward and rightward bevel positions relative to the workpiece support surface. A rotatable stop member is coupled to the cutting unit and is selectively rotatable relative to the cutting unit to selectively contact the stop portion to thereby prevent rotation of the cutting unit in one direction about the first axis. The rotatable stop member and the stop portion may be positioned so that those elements contact when the cutting unit is at a predetermined bevel position, such as a vertical (0°) bevel position, relative to the workpiece support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Delta International Machinery Corp.
    Inventors: David N. Hollinger, Stephen O. Sutton, Ronald E. Young
  • Patent number: 6613035
    Abstract: An autotransfusion system for collecting blood from a patient and reinfusing the blood back into the patient is disclosed. The system includes a collection unit, a manually operable portable suction evacuator removably connected to the collection unit, and a blood reinfusion bag removably connected to the collection unit. The collection unit includes a collection chamber that is oversized relative to the volume of blood that the unit is intended to contain, and an airflow port located and oriented in the collection chamber to prevent blood from leaking into the port when the collection unit is oriented upright or on its side. When connected to the patient, the collection unit and portable suction evacuator are maintained free of blood by enclosing them within a substantially transparent, flexible envelope. The envelope enables the unit and evacuator to be connected and set-up for proper operation while preventing blood from contacting the outer surfaces of the unit and evacuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Longo, John Uhoch, Dennis Cherok, Roger Darois, Robert Sakal
  • Patent number: 6612800
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for transferring ordered articles between carriers. Generally, an empty partitioned carrier is aligned in a generally opposing relationship with partitions in a carrier containing at least one article to be transferred to the empty carriers. The carriers are aligned to perform the transfer of the articles, while maintaining the relative order, or arrangement, of the articles in the carrier. The aligned carriers are then rotated through a gravitational field to exert a sufficient force to transfer the articles between the carriers. An apparatus of the present invention for transferring articles preferably includes a fulcrum and a lever arm having a transfer end. The lever arm is attached to the fulcrum to allow the lever arm to be rotated about the fulcrum. The transfer end includes a clamp having first and second adjacent carrier retaining portions configured to retain two carriers in an opposing relationship to allow for the transfer of articles between the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Brown
  • Patent number: 6611972
    Abstract: A sink comprising a basin and a faucet assembly foldably mounted relative to the basin. The faucet assembly is rotatable between an upright position wherein the faucet assembly protrudes out from the basin and a folded position wherein the faucet assembly is received within the basin. Another embodiment comprises a sink assembly including a sink housing including a conduit rack and a receptacle for a sink with such a foldable faucet assembly. The sink assembly may further include one or more slidable table portions or a pivotable lid for covering the sink when the faucet assembly is in the folded position. A serving cart, a gardening cart and a barbecue station, each including a sink with a foldable faucet assembly and a slidable table portion or pivotable lid for covering the sink when the faucet assembly is in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Spang & Company
    Inventors: John Underbrink, Peter C. Hill
  • Patent number: 6606791
    Abstract: A method of attaching a component having a fiducial marker to a substrate is provided. The method includes detecting alignment of the fiducial marker, aligning the component such that the fiducial marker matches a predetermined fiducial alignment, and attaching the component to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl L. Gamel, Kreg W. Hines
  • Patent number: 6607652
    Abstract: A conveyorized electroplating device having an anode positioned proximate to a plurality of absorptive applicator assemblies that apply a plating solution to a substrate and a conveyor device that grips the substrate thereby isolating the electrical contact from the plating solution. The conveyorized electroplating device has a fluid bed assembly with a manifold and an anode, a conveyor device adjacent to the fluid bed assembly, and a plurality of absorptive applicator assemblies, wherein the plurality of absorptive applicator assemblies are adjacent and in close proximity to the anode and in fluid communication with the fluid bed assembly. The conveyor device isolates the electrical contacts from the plating solution and is able to handle various sizes and thicknesses of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph M. Webb, Jerome R. Faucher
  • Patent number: 6604685
    Abstract: Disclosed are an optical smart card and an optical smart card reader, each including an optical interface for communicating information therebetween by way of an optical communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Norton
  • Patent number: 6604397
    Abstract: A rollforming machine includes an apparatus for adjusting a forming roll for forming components from materials of different thicknesses. The rollforming machine further includes an apparatus structured and arranged for overbending the component being rollformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred C. Patty, John M. Pacalo, III, Norman J. Hedman, Larry E. Stimpert, II, Joseph A. Jinkens
  • Patent number: 6605602
    Abstract: Provided are oligonucleotides for the quantitation of BK virus (BKV) viral loads in a sample and methods for the diagnosis and management of BKV-associated nephropathy using PCR or QPCR methods. In addition, a PCR method for quantitating the BKV viral load in urine, serum and tissue using the described nucleic acid primers is also disclosed. Furthermore, a method for the management of BKV-associated nephropathy in renal transplant recipients using cidofovir is disclosed. Lastly, a kit is provided containing the described PCR for use in diagnosing and managing BKV-associated nephropathy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Abhay N. Vats
  • Patent number: 6603243
    Abstract: Pixels for a large video display which employs solid-state emitters, such as colored light emitting diodes, as light source are formed by outfitting each colored solid state emitter within the pixel with an individually tailored miniature intensity-enhancing optical system. Each of these miniature optical systems comprises a set of four wide field-of-view Lambertian reflectors 34, a pair of narrow field-of-view Lambertian reflectors 36, and a beam-shaping lens 38. The miniature intensity-enhancing optical system can be specifically designed to restrict emission in the vertical field-of-view, while providing a Lambertian intensity dependence throughout an unrestricted horizontal view. For example, the field-of-view in the vertical direction may be limited to about ±30° while the field-of-view is about ±90° in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: William A. Parkyn, David G. Pelka
  • Patent number: 6601482
    Abstract: Recessed head fasteners are provided with a configuration by which the force applied by the blades of the driver to the recessed wings is applied at the radially outer regions of the wings. The wings of the fastener recess may be provided with torque pads at the outer regions of the wings adapted to engage the outer portions of the driver blades. The torque pads may be defined by relieved regions on the drive walls of the recess wings. The relieved regions are formed to avoid contact with the driver blades. Stabilizing ribs also may be defined at the radially inward regions of the drive walls. A recess engageable driver may include a plurality of radially extending ribs configured to promote engagement of the ribs with the most radially outward regions of the recess drive walls. The driver and the recess are compatible with each other as well as with otherwise corresponding conventional recesses and drivers that do not incorporate the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Screw Company
    Inventors: Barry J. Hughes, Michael L. Mowins
  • Patent number: 6602974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10−8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Richard D. McCullough, Jinsong Liu, Paul C. Ewbank, Elena E. Sheina