Patents Examined by Robert J. Warden
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Patent number: 8017073Abstract: This document describes a high intensity air purifier (HAIP), a super oxidation purifier, and a controller for controlling operation of any of various purification systems. In some implementations, a HAIP includes an air purifier system coupled within a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air purifier system includes a pre-filter coupled to the air inlet, an axial fan for receiving and forwarding air from the air inlet. The air purifier system further includes a UV reaction chamber having a UV-light source for providing UV light to the forwarded air from the air inlet and a reflective lining to reflect the provided UV light, to provide UV purified air from the UV reaction chamber. The air purifier system further includes a chemical catalyst cartridge for receiving the UV purified air from the UV reaction chamber, for further purifying the UV purified air, and a post filter coupled to the air outlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Life Spring Limited PartnershipInventor: Rolf Engelhard
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Patent number: 8017380Abstract: A real-time PCR system for detecting gene expression levels includes plural reaction regions, a like plural number of heating portions arranged corresponding to the reaction regions and having heat sources, respectively, an optical unit capable of irradiating exciting light of a specific wavelength to all of the plural reaction regions, and a like plural number of fluorescence detecting portions arranged corresponding to the reaction regions, respectively. The heating portions are each provided with a temperature detector for detecting a temperature in a vicinity of the corresponding heat source and converting the temperature into an electrical signal and also with a controller for controlling a thermal dose from the corresponding heat source based on a correlation between electrical signals and calorific values of the heat source stored beforehand.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Toshiki Moriwaki, Tasuku Yotoriyama, Yuji Segawa
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Patent number: 8012741Abstract: The invention relates to a biogas measuring device comprising a bioreactor (9); a gas volume measuring appliance (2) which is connected to the bioreactor (9) in a communicating manner by means of a gas line (11) for biogas; a stirring machine (10) guided in the bioreactor in a gas-tight manner, and a measurement, control and evaluation unit for controlling the biogas measuring device and determining the gas volume (V) produced in the bioreactor according to gas volumes (?V) of consecutive measuring cycles, measured by means of the gas volume measuring appliance (2).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Clausthaler Umwelttechnik Institut (GmbH) (Cutec-Institut)Inventor: Ottmar Schlafer
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Patent number: 8007719Abstract: A device and a method for disinfecting a microtome cryostat with introduction of a disinfection agent (3) into the cryostat chamber (2), action of the disinfection agent on the cryostat chamber, removal of the disinfection agent (3) by precipitation in a colder area (6) and drainage away from there. To enable such a microtome cryostat (1) to be disinfected several times per day without prolonged interruption of operation, a disinfection agent is used (3) that is effective below 0° C. and is introduced as a mist into the cryostat chamber (2) at below 0° C., the disinfection agent (3) being effective as a frost deposit in the cryostat chamber, wherein the frost deposit is displaced into a colder area (6) by sublimation and is converted to liquid by sporadic defrosting phases of this area (6) and thus removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Microm International GmbHInventor: Dieter Teppke
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Patent number: 7980024Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Algae Systems, Inc.Inventors: Isaac Berzin, Javier de Luis, David Fair, Joe Parrish, Keith Richtman, Fan Chen, Benjamin F. Polito, Miles Walker, Ben Fowler, Kevin Lockwood, Miguel Olaizola
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Patent number: 7981361Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for circulating a carrier gas containing a chemical deactivating vapor or gas in a chamber. The apparatus includes a housing defining a flow path therethrough. The housing has an inlet end and an outlet end. A blower is provided for conveying a carrier gas containing a chemical deactivating vapor or gas along the flow path. A filter that includes a filter element is provided. The filter is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the filter element is fluidly isolated from the flow path when the filter is in the first position, and the filter element is disposed in the flow path when the filter is in the second position. An actuator is provided for moving the filter between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventor: Michael A. Bacik
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Patent number: 7086114Abstract: A wet floor wiping device includes a mop made of absorbent material and a mop frame exhibiting a center carrier piece (4) attached to a handle (3). Mounted pivotably at each hinge edge (5) at the center carrier piece (4) are two mop carrier wings (6), the inner surfaces of which, carrying the mop, can be pressed one against another by means of a squeeze feature. At least one of the two side edges (8, 9) extending from the hinge edge (5) is angled in relationship to the opposite side edge (9). Each mop carrier wing (6) forms a trapezoid including a right angle, the longer base line of which is the hinge edge (5).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventor: Gernot M. Hirse
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Patent number: 7028364Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning pad which can be used with various cleaning implement. The cleaning pad has an absorbent layer, attachment wings which can be attached to grippers located on the top surface of the mop head of a first cleaning implement and loop fasteners which can be attached to hook fasteners located on the bottom surface of the mop head of a second implement.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Preston James Rhamy
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Patent number: 6973694Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a handle and a brush member having a brush head, individual cylindrical bristle holders with tufts of bristles held rotatably in the brush head. They are set into an oscillatory rotating movement by means of a connecting rod executing a reciprocating sliding movement and simultaneously an oscillatory movement about its longitudinal axis, with transverse grooves, disposed therein. In addition, a bristle holder plate in the brush head is held so as to oscillate about a shaft running in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. Thus, during the oscillatory movement of the bristle holders the bristle holder plate swivels back and forth in synchronism with the connecting rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Gimelli Produktions AGInventors: Alfred Schütz, Andrea Ragazzo
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Patent number: 6968592Abstract: A self-running vacuum cleaner comprises a homing mode of following a back of a user with receiving a signal from a light emitting means or a transmitting means of a position indicator means held by the user, an instruction operation mode, in which the user instructs a cleaning area to the self-running vacuum cleaner, and an execution mode for cleaning up the cleaning area instructed. When the self-running vacuum cleaner operates under the homing mode or the instruction mode, a signal from the light-emitting means or the transmitting means is received by a receiver means attached on a periphery portion of a measuring means, which is provided in an upper portion of the vacuum cleaner. Comparing the signals from the two (2) receiver means in strength thereof determines the distance and the direction from the position indicated by the light-emitting means or the transmitting means up to the vacuum cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ikuo Takeuchi, Yutaka Arai, Yasuhiro Nemoto, Atsushi Koseki, Taiji Tajima
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Patent number: 6967002Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a sterile medical solution is disclosed. The method includes providing at least two components, a first component including bicarbonate ions and a second component including glucose or calcium ions, preheating the first component to a first temperature and the second component to a second temperature, heat sterilizing the first and second components separately to a third and fourth temperatures respectively, the third and fourth temperatures being sterilizing temperatures for the first and second components, maintaining the first and second components approximately at their respective third and fourth temperatures, so as to sterilize the first and second components, cooling the first and second components and delivering the first and second components to a mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventors: Raymond Anthony Edgson, Michael John Dunkley, Richard J. Hammond, Eric Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6957467Abstract: A toothbrush that provides, besides the conventional bristles for brushing the teeth, other basic periodontal components recommended by dentists for perfect cleaning, massaging and stimulating the gum tissue, all in one single, convenient artifact. The brush component is molded into one end of the handle, in conventional manner, and the opposite end of the handle contains two parallel cylinders for housing the two periodontal tools which are extended and retracted with buttons, one on each side of the handle, through a slit in each cylinder wall, establishing a means for this movement. The buttons engage two sliders, the ends of each hold extension tubes that capture and retain the dental tools and provide replacement capabililty. Each cylinder contains a hinged close-out cover for protection of the periodontal tools from contamination and loss of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Inventors: Maria R. Cabedo-Deslierres, John M. Deslierres
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Patent number: 6954960Abstract: A self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning a surface immersed in a liquid, includes a tranverse running member having two ends through which it is mounted rotatable on a frame about a tranverse axis of rotation, a device for driving in rotation the member and a frame-mounted guide borne by the frame. The guide is adapted to enable, without dismantling relative to the frame the frame-mounted guide and without dismantling the frame itself, at least the displacement of the running member between a working position and a maintenance position.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care EuropeInventor: Philippe Pichon
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Patent number: 6949219Abstract: A process is provided for the disinfection of activated carbon. The process comprises contacting contaminated carbon with peroxide-containing materials for a sufficient amount of time using enough peroxide to provide effective disinfection in a process that is relatively non-hazardous, convenient, and carbon-friendly.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Calgon Carbon CorporationInventor: Neal Megonnell
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Patent number: 6944907Abstract: A cleaning system for facilitating cleaning of a desired surface. The cleaning system comprising a base framework supporting a dust pan comprising a ramp area located adjacent a temporary collection receptacle, and the including a pivotal door to facilitate transfer of collected debris. The base framework also supporting a storage bin located adjacent the temporary collection receptacle. An actuation lever is connected to the base framework and operatively coupled to the dust pan to facilitate movement of the dust pan and transfer of any debris, temporarily stored in the temporary collection receptacle, to the storage bin once the pivotal door of the temporary collection receptacle opens.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: William R. Lynn
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Patent number: 6928686Abstract: A washing apparatus for an endoscope includes a wire brush, a region for housing the wire brush and a driver adapted to advance and retract the wire brush. The wire brush is received in a pipe section of the wire housing region so that the wire brush may be selectively advanced out or retracted in this pipe section which is, in turn, provided along its front end portion and a rear end portion with position sensors to detect a position of a wire component of the wire brush.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Koken Ltd.Inventors: Masashi Tomooka, Masao Suzuki, Yoshinobu Oyama, Taketo Suzuki
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Patent number: 6925671Abstract: The ability to pig a pipeline is considered necessary and vital to most pipeline operations. The present invention provides a pig inserting apparatus and method designed to satisfy the need to Insert pigs for large diameter gasoline pipelines that are made of concrete and weigh in excess of 400 pounds. In the past, the industry has used ineffectively manpower or motorized vehicles to insert the pigs. This pig launcher uses a means for propelling the pig that includes: a spool rotatably mounted. The pair of cables is connected to the spool and engage the ends of the cantilevered arms for propelling the pig a pair of cantilevered arms, and a pair of cables of sufficient strength to firmly fasten onto the end of a pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLCInventor: Kevin J. Mouton
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Patent number: 6923936Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Aaron J. Swanson, Jennifer M. Reynolds, Rajiv Shah
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Patent number: 6918153Abstract: An oral care system (1) comprising a sonic power toothbrush (2) which comprises a body (3), a brush member (4) mounted on the body (3), a brush head (5) which is supported by the brush member (4) at its end remote from the body (3) so as to be able to vibrate relative to the body (3) and which is provided with bristles (6) and an additive outlet (7), an additive container (8) connected to said additive outlet (7), driving means (9) for generating sonic frequency vibrations, and transmission means (29) for transmitting said sonic frequency vibrations to the brush head (5), wherein the toothbrush (2) comprises at least one further additive container (18). Instead of the user having to apply a first and a second additive manually to the brush head (5), these additives are already incorporated into the sonic-power toothbrush (2), which benefits the user-friendliness of the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Paul Gruber
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Patent number: 6910243Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for securing a wiper arm, which is driven via a lever mechanism (10) that has a drive lever, connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation to the drive shaft (12), and a steering lever (22, 24, 26) connected to an axle (16, 18, 20), which are pivotably connected to a wiper lever (112). It is proposed that the steering lever (22, 24, 26) is braced in the mounting direction (28) on a bearing shoulder (30, 32, 34) on the axle (16, 18, 20).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Joachim Zimmer