Patents Examined by Daniel L. Robinson
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Patent number: 8022341Abstract: An improved oven is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and delivering an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to conventional high-speed cooking ovens. The oven includes tubes that generate plume arrays of a heated gas and introduce them into a cooking chamber of the oven. The tubes may be removably located at the bottom of the cooking chamber of the oven. The tubes are dimensioned for hot air impingement to tighten impingement plume arrays, subject to the space constraints of the oven's cooking chamber. With the optimized cooking efficiency provided by the present invention, high-speed cooking technology may now be extended to ovens operating on a power supply based on a voltage less than 220 volts, preferably between 110 and 125 volts, with more productive results, so that the high-speed cooking technology may find wider applicability and a broader customer base.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Appliance Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Philip R. McKee, Earl R. Winkelmann, Scott Stuart Smith, Lee Thomas VanLanen
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Patent number: 8017888Abstract: The description discloses a glow plug system for a Diesel engine of a motor vehicle having a glow plug (RG1, RG2) which comprises a positive terminal for connecting a supply voltage (U1) and a ground terminal for connecting to a ground potential (GND), a controlling device (1) for controlling the electric power supplied to the glow plug (RG1, RG2) in operation, whereby the controlling device (1) comprises a measurement input (ADC1) and a ground input (ADC2) in order to determine, in operation, a measured value of the supply voltage (U1) in relation to a reference potential (GND?) applied to the ground input (ADC2).Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Bern AutiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Blanc, Peter Schäfer, Gerd Bräuchle
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Patent number: 8017892Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reactor having a reaction zone and a conductive susceptor positioned in the reaction zone. The method includes the steps of transporting a gas mixture having an aerosolized catalyst, a feedstock and a carrier gas into the reaction zone of the reactor, inductively heating the reaction zone, and regulating a flow rate of the gas mixture to allow the catalyst to spend a sufficient amount of time in the reaction zone for the growth of nanostructures.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Board of Turstees of the University of ArkansasInventors: Alexandru Sorin Biris, Alexandru Radu Biris, Dan Lupu, Jon Gardner Wilkes, Dan Alexander Buzatu, Dwight Wayne Miller, Jerry A. Darsey
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Patent number: 8014846Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering an electric field to a body by delivering a first magnetic field from a first coil in a first orientation to a body and directed at a desired target within the body, and delivering a second magnetic field from a second coil in a second orientation directed at the desired target within the body to induce an electric field across the desired target, wherein only one magnetic field is delivered to the body at any one time.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: The Catholic University of AmericaInventor: Theodore A. Litovitz
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Patent number: 7895938Abstract: A method and apparatus using steam to sterilize liquid dispensers. This is achieved by injecting steam into a drained dispenser machine equipped with a cover having a safety valve that matches the top of the dispenser to provide sealing. The steam is generated by a steam generator physically integrated with the new liquid dispenser machine. The steam circulates through the fluid compartment of the liquid dispenser and continues through its conduits and exits at the taps which are held open by a stepped boss. The sanitizing period can be adjusted and controlled. After sterilizing the machine, the cap of the dispenser is removed and its taps are released in order to return the machine back to its normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventors: Chung Chang, Tung-Sheng Chang, Alexander Chang, Chung-Hsing Chris Lee, Jean Saint Germain
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Patent number: 7890177Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s) with at least one infusion outlet and/or at least one electrode, is implanted with the outlet(s) and/or electrode(s) located adjacent to a pudendal nerve(s) and potentially other nerve(s) innervating the reproductive organs, such as the cavernous nerve(s). Stimulation of such nerve(s) is provided via stimulating drugs and/or electrical stimulation as a therapy for erectile dysfunction. The stimulator uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a battery is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The stimulator provides means of stimulating a nerve(s) when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power. The system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Todd K Whitehurst, James P McGivern
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Patent number: 7865243Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s) with at least one infusion outlet and/or at least one electrode, is implanted with the outlet(s) and/or electrode(s) located adjacent to a pudendal nerve(s) and potentially other nerve(s) innervating the reproductive organs, such as the cavernous nerve(s). Stimulation of such nerve(s) is provided via stimulating drugs and/or electrical stimulation as a therapy for erectile dysfunction. The stimulator uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a battery is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The stimulator provides means of stimulating a nerve(s) when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power. The system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Todd K Whitehurst, James P McGivern
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Patent number: 7795562Abstract: A dual coil induction cooking system and method for heating ferrous and non-ferrous cooking vessels. The system includes a first resonant circuit for inducing a current in a ferrous metal cooking vessel at a first frequency and a second resonant circuit, wired in a parallel combination with the first resonant circuit, for inducing a current in a non-ferrous metal cooking vessel at a second frequency. The system also includes a power source for powering the parallel combination, so that one of the first and the second resonant circuits is coupled to supply power through the parallel combination to a respective one of the cooking vessels. A method for coupling power to a load includes sweeping a parallel combination of resonant circuits with a variable frequency power, detecting a resonant frequency response corresponding to a metallic composition of the load, and simultaneously powering the parallel combination of resonant circuits at a frequency corresponding to the detected resonant frequency.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Andrew de Rooij, John Stanley Glaser
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Patent number: 7767940Abstract: A device for at least partially drying the outer coating on a stick electrode in the form of a generally straight center welding wire of magnetic metal with an axis and surrounded by an extruded pliant mass with a settable binder. The device comprises a conveyor to transport a succession of the electrodes along a given path, a multi-turn induction heating coil extending along the path and spaced from the moving electrodes and a power source for passing an alternating current through the coil to induce an alternating voltage difference in the wire to cause AC current flow in the wire to heat the wire.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.Inventor: Gregory A. Gerth
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Patent number: 7759610Abstract: The invention relates to a heating assembly comprising at least one PTC element, in particular for a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the PTC element (2) is positioned between metal sheets (3, 4), which are used to make electrical contact, said sheets (3, 4) and the PTC element (2) are bonded by means of an adhesive (5) and the adhesive (5) has a minimum specific electrical resistance of 50 ohms×cm and a maximum specific electrical resistance of 500 ohms×cm. In addition, solder can be used as an alternative to the adhesive (5).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Behr France Rouffach SASInventors: Michel Brun, Christophe Schmittheisler, Pascal Miss, Maxime Mundel, Mathieu Mougey
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Patent number: 7759619Abstract: Sterilisation of airflow in a duct may be achieved by irradiating the air with light in the ultraviolet spectrum. Electrodeless bulbs may be enclosed in part of a duct and fed with RF energy in order to energize the bulb. The RF energy may be contained using grids dimensioned to be opaque to the selected RF wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: JenAct LimitedInventors: Richard Little, David Briggs
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Patent number: 7759612Abstract: A glow plug (1), includes a pressure sensor (90), suitable for measuring the internal pressure of a motor cylinder in which the plug (1) is housed, a body (10) to be secured to the motor and a finger (20) in which a heater electrode is housed. The sensor (90) is firmly secured to the body (10) by the upper face thereof and rests on the finger (20), so that the pressure exerted on the finger (20) presses the sensor against the body (10).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Continental Automotive FranceInventors: Bernd Last, Michel Boucard, Cyrille Patri, Alain Ramond
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Patent number: 7755010Abstract: A non-invasive microwave analysis method determines scattered phase and/or amplitude data for a liquid in a container. A transmitter antenna transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the liquid in the container. One or more receiver antennas convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to determine the scattered phase and/or amplitude data. Another non-invasive microwave screening method includes placing a container of an unknown liquid in a tank. The container is separated by a membrane from coupling liquid in the tank. Microwave radiation transmits from a transmitter antenna and scatters from the container and the unknown liquid. One or more receiver antennas convert the microwave radiation into microwave electronic signals. The microwave electronic signals are processed to determine scattered phase and/or amplitude data. A pass result or a fail result is determined based on the scattered phase and/or amplitude data.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward M Godshalk, Timothy Raynolds, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Greg Burke
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Patent number: 7755008Abstract: An electrical energy generating apparatus includes a hollow pipe, permanent magnetic fluid held in the hollow pipe, a ferrite film wrapped around the hollow pipe, a heat source receiving device joined to a portion of the hollow pipe, and an induction coil wound around the hollow pipe; the induction coil being connected to a storage battery; in use, the heat source receiving device will receive heat energy from heat sources so that a portion of the fluid is heated, and temperature and pressure difference comes into existence in the fluid, and convection in the liquid happens to circulate the nano-chip permanent magnets around the hollow pipe; therefore, there is change in a magnetic field between the nano-chip permanent magnets and the ferrite film, and in turn the induction coil produces electric field, and electrical energy is produced, and next stored in the storage battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Hua-Hsin Tsai
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Patent number: 7750274Abstract: A frozen food package and method of producing and using the same is disclosed. The food package includes a bag which is freezable, ovenable and microwaveable. A frozen food assembly within the bag includes uncooked food, preferably an entree. Typically, the food assembly includes a meat, a fruit or vegetable, and a flavoring liquid such as a broth or stock, and may include infused oil or a dairy product. The uncooked food is typically embedded in the frozen liquid to facilitate handling and shipping and to align the frozen food with a display window of the bag. Chemical preservatives are not necessary and sauces may be omitted although sauces are not burned in the cooking process. The method typically includes sealing the frozen uncooked food in the liquid-impermeable bag and cooking the food in the sealed bag. The resulting dish is a substantial improvement over the well-known precooked frozen meals.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Amazing Food Creations, LLCInventor: Eric A. Carré
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Patent number: 7745765Abstract: An apparatus and method for altering characteristics, such as can include structural, magnetic, electrical, optical or acoustical characteristics, of an electrically-conductive workpiece utilizes a magnetic field within which the workpiece is positionable and schemes for thermally treating the workpiece by heating or cooling techniques in conjunction with the generated magnetic field so that the characteristics of the workpiece are effected by both the generated magnetic field and the thermal treatment of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Roger A. Kisner, John B. Wilgen, Gerard M. Ludtka, Roger A. Jaramillo, Gail Mackiewicz-Ludtka
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Patent number: 7730830Abstract: Water draining means (a water drain pipe and a water drain valve (54)) is provided that drains water out of a pot. A control device (80) makes the water draining means drain the water inside the pot when one of the following conditions is fulfilled: [1] the retention time counted by a first time counter (101a) has reached a predetermined time; [2] the total time, as counted by a second time counter (101b), that has elapsed after the water started to be fed has reached a predetermined time; [3] the total amount of water, as detected by a fed water amount detector (102), that has been fed into the pot has reached a predetermined amount; [4] the total water feed time, as counted by a third time counter (101c), for which the water has been fed into the pot has reached a predetermined time; and [5] an instruction to drain the water is entered via an operation panel (13).Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fuminori Kaneko, Yoshikazu Yamamoto, Takao Murai
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Patent number: 7723654Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-site microwave consolidation of planetary regolith, soil and dust is disclosed. Such particulate materials may be converted into useful products such as roadways and other construction materials. In one embodiment, a portable microwave generator and waveguide system is used to generate and direct microwaves to a lunar surface containing fine iron-containing particles to sinter and/or melt the particles. The portable system may be provided in the form of a lunar paver with a single or multiple waveguides arranged to direct sufficient microwave energy to the lunar surface to heat, sinter, melt, or otherwise consolidate the lunar soil into a solid mass suitable for use as a road or path. Other applications of this in-situ microwave heating process include the release of solar-wind implanted gases, extraction of polar water-ice, and production of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignees: Tranquility Base Incorporated, Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventors: Lawrence August Taylor, Donghwa Shin Taylor, Richard Franklin Perez, Michael A. DiGiuseppe
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Patent number: 7723655Abstract: A microwave oven cooking food using a bar code, and a method controlling same. The microwave oven comprises a bar code scanner for obtaining bar code data from the bar code attached to the food; and a controller for obtaining cooking data corresponding to the microwave oven from the bar code data, setting cooking conditions based on the obtained cooking data, and performing the cooking of the food according to the set cooking conditions. Accordingly, it is possible to develop cooking sets regardless of the manufacturing times of foods, and food producers can put foods applied compatibly to plural cooking sets on the market and easily control inventory.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kwang Keun Kim
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Patent number: 7725012Abstract: A semiconductor processing apparatus including a processing chamber and a plurality of radiant heat sources. The radiant heat sources heat a workpiece within the chamber. At least one of the radiant heat sources is movable during processing in an oscillatory motion along a path less than about 10 mm from a geometric center of the oscillatory motion.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: ASM America, Inc.Inventors: Ravinder Aggarwal, Jeroen Stoutjesdijk