Patents Issued in January 20, 2004
  • Patent number: 6679992
    Abstract: A nutrient solution is reduced with a reducing agent, and introduced into a contaminated object. Alternatively, groundwater reduced with a reducing agent is introduced into the contaminated object. Groundwater is contacted with the reducing agent while being circulated between an aquifer and a housing. A nutrient source for heterotrophic anaerobic microorganism may also be introduced into the contaminated object. The contaminated object contaminated with halogenated organic compounds can be purified efficiently and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kitagawa, Tatsuo Shimomura, Shunji Oya
  • Patent number: 6679993
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for treating waste water in a reactor in order to remove contaminants, including: mixing the waste water with a biomass, the biomass for consuming a quantity of the contaminants or adsorbing the contaminants; dosing the waste water with a micronized zeolitic material; mixing the zeolitic material with the biomass; allowing solids to settle from the waste water; and discharging resultant effluent, wherein a significant portion of the micronized zeolite material has a grain size less than or equal to 100 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Zeolite Australia Limited
    Inventors: Leonid Charuckyj, Peter Cooksey
  • Patent number: 6679994
    Abstract: A method dealing with an overflow capacity of a fluid screening system is disclosed, the system (20) including a first screen (22) for screening objects of a first predetermined size from a fluid channel (21) the method comprising the step of: providing an ancillary screening system (23) upstream of the screen (22) and operational upon fluid within the channel (21) reaching a predetermined limit, the ancillary screening system screening objects of a second predetermined size from the fluid channel (21). The second predetermined size can be less than the first predetermined size. The ancillary screening system preferably can include a screen (23) placed substantially tangentially to the main flow of fluid within the fluid channel and includes a raking mechanism for cleaning objects lodged substantially adjacent the ancillary screening system. The output of the ancillary screening system can be interconnected to the fluid channel downstream of the first screen (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Joe Turco, Eugene Turco, Ross Douglas Vernon King
  • Patent number: 6679995
    Abstract: A method of micromechanically manufacturing fixed and movable layer-like electrodes of a semiconductor element, for example, a capacitive acceleration sensor, which are exposed over a substrate over a certain area is provided. A sacrificial layer may be arranged between the substrate and the fixed and movable electrodes being removed in an etching step in order to expose the electrodes with respect to the substrate. The thickness of the sacrificial layer located in the area of the fixed electrodes may be less than the thickness of the sacrificial layer located in the area of the movable electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Branko Banjac, Frank Fischer, Doris Schielein, Dirk Bueche
  • Patent number: 6679996
    Abstract: In a pattern forming method for selectively forming an oxide layer on a substrate surface, the substrate surface is selectively coated with a coating layer. On the coating layer and an exposed part of the substrate surface, an oxide layer is formed by the use of a predetermined solution. Subsequently, the oxide layer on the coating layer is removed together with the coating layer to selectively leave the oxide layer on the substrate surface. Thus, a pattern is formed. The coating layer is removed in a liquid phase or optically together with the oxide layer on the coating layer. The oxide layer is formed by the use of, as the predetermined solution, an aqueous solution or a hydrofluoric acid solution of a fluoro metal complex compound and/or metal fluoride of at least one element selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal, transition metal, gallium, indium, silicon, tin, lead, antimony, and bismuth in the presence of an fluoride ion capturing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignees: Hoya Corporation, Takeshi Yao
    Inventor: Takeshi Yao
  • Patent number: 6679997
    Abstract: The present invention enables reduction of a film thickness of a protection film so as to eliminate destruction caused by stress of the protection film; to increase a film thickness of an organic insulation film so as to exhibit the function of the organic insulation film sufficiently; and to reduce irregularities of the protection film thickness. In the organic insulation film 18 formation method according to the present invention, an organic insulation film 18, a protection film 20, and a metal film are successively formed in this order on a substrate 10. On the metal film, a patterned photo-resist is formed so as to be used as a mask for etching the metal film. The remaining metal film is used as a mask when etching the protection film 20 and the organic insulation film 18. The protection film 20 can significantly reduce its thickness because the protection film 20 need not be used as a mask. The organic insulation film 18 can be set to an arbitrary thickness regardless of the protection film 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihisa Kohno
  • Patent number: 6679998
    Abstract: A method of forming a pattern in a layer of material on a substrate, comprising providing a plurality of spheres, covering the layer on the substrate with the plurality of spheres to form a mask, reducing the diameter of at least one sphere of the plurality of spheres, etching the layer on the substrate using at least one sphere having a reduced diameter as a mask, and etching the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Knappenberger, Aaron R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6679999
    Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid formulation exhibiting consistently high yield stress during use. The MR fluid comprises martensitic or ferritic stainless steel particles prepared by a controlled water or inert gas atomization process. The stainless steel particles are resistant to corrosion and oxidation, are generally smooth and spherical, and maintain their shape and size distribution throughout their use under an applied magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vardarajan R. Iyengar, Robert T. Foister, James C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6680000
    Abstract: A polyamide plastic magnetic material excellent in fluidity is provided, and a plastic magnet made of the same is highly flexible with no deterioration in strength and does not crack during fabrication. The polyamide plastic magnetic material consists of: magnetic powder; polyamide resin; and a predetermined amount of bis unsaturated fatty acid amide represented by the formula: R1—CONH—R3—NHCO—R2 where R1 and R2 is an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having at least one double bond and R3 is a hydrocarbon group. The three components are kneaded into a final magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Sasazawa, Yoshimichi Sakama
  • Patent number: 6680001
    Abstract: A composition for lubricating, preventing mineral deposit buildup, and expelling any standing water from the internal parts of a pressure washer, as well as a pressurized container for applying such composition across the internal parts of the pressure washer through the water inlet valve is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: David J. Krueger
  • Patent number: 6680002
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition for connectors that is excellent in fluidity at the time of molding and is therefore capable of producing connectors with further suppressed degree of warpage. The object is achieved by providing a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition for connectors comprising a liquid crystalline polyester resin mixture which comprises a liquid crystalline polyester (A) having a specific flow beginning temperature and a liquid crystalline polyester resin (B) having a specific flow beginning temperature and the flow beginning temperature between the liquid crystalline polyester resin (A) and the liquid crystalline polyester resin (B) is from 20° C. to 60° C., and from 15 to 180 parts by weight of a fibrous and/or plate-shaped inorganic filler; wherein both of the liquid crystalline polyester resin (A) and the liquid crystalline polyester resin (B) are produced by the specific method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Yamauchi, Satoshi Okamoto, Satoshi Nagano
  • Patent number: 6680003
    Abstract: The present invention concerns chiral doping agents allowing a modification to be induced in the spiral pitch of a cholesteric liquid crystal, said doping agents including a biactivated chiral unit at least one of whose functions allows a chemical link to be established with an isomerisable group, for example by radiation, said group possibly having a polymerisable or co-polymerisable end chain. These new chiral doping agents find application in particular in a color display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Thierry Chuard, Robert Deschenaux, Rolf Klappert, Séverine Meyer
  • Patent number: 6680004
    Abstract: A method of producing an aluminate fluorescent substance, a fluorescent substance and a device containing a fluorescent substance. The method includes the steps of mixing an &agr;-alumina powder having an average primary particle size of from about 0.05 &mgr;m to less than 0.3 &mgr;m with a metal salt, and calcining the resulting mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited
    Inventors: Keiji Ono, Susumu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6680006
    Abstract: A process is described for converting gaseous lower alkanes, e.g. methane, into synthesis gas. In the process, a mixture of the alkanes and oxygen is subjected to partial oxidation in a reaction zone in the presence of a catalyst comprising a mesoporous aluminosilicate solid catalyst having the structure of MCM-41 with a silica-to-alumina ratio of about 5:1 to 1000:1 pore diameters of at least 5 Å and a nickel loading of about 5-20% by weight. This provides a high level of conversion of the alkanes as well as a high selectivity to formation of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Natural Resources Canada
    Inventor: Pierre D. Chantal
  • Patent number: 6680007
    Abstract: A conductive resin composition comprising (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a phenolic resin, (C) a curing accelerator, and (D) a conductive filler is provided wherein component (A) and/or (B) is a copolymer obtained by reacting an epoxy resin or phenolic resin with an organopolysiloxane, the organopolysiloxane component in the cured composition does not form a phase separation structure, and a weight ratio of (D) to (A) plus (B) is in the range: 300/100≦D/(A+B)≦1500/100. It possesses adhesion, heat resistance, moisture resistance, flexibility and impact resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Honda, Toshio Shiobara
  • Patent number: 6680008
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel compound of materials, which solves the problem of metal diffusion into glass layers during the formation of electrodes on a glass substrate. The invention provides a compound which comprises a powder of a conducting metal or alloy and a powder of a meltable metal or alloy. The use of a metal compound furthermore makes it possible to eliminate a firing step in the electrode formation process. Depending on various embodiments, the compound may furthermore include an adhesion promoter, in order to bond the electrodes to the substrate, a resin and/or a photosensitive substance. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a plasma panel using the said compound, and to a plasma panel obtained by the said process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Plasma
    Inventor: Guy Baret
  • Patent number: 6680009
    Abstract: An optical filter comprises a transparent support and a filter layer. The filter layer has at least three absorption maximums in the wavelength region of 750 to 1,100 nm. Each of the three absorption maximums is in the wavelength regions of 750 to 850 nm, 851 to 950 nm, and 951 to 1,100 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Harada, Takumi Ando, Masaki Noro
  • Patent number: 6680010
    Abstract: A lightguide having either a built-in prism sheet or a built-in diffuser sheet is disclosed. The lightguide includes: a prism sheet having a plane surface and a surface with a plurality of patterned microlens; a transparent wedge having a cross-section of trapezoid; and a binder layer sandwiched between said plane surface of said prism sheet and said transparent wedge. A method for manufacturing the lightguide is also disclosed here.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Guang-Tau Sung, Chen-Hua Liu
  • Patent number: 6680011
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded article comprises injecting a quantity of molding material sufficient for the preparation of the molded article into a cavity of a mold, injecting a first portion of fluid into the mold cavity, creating a gas channel within the molding material, and forming the molded article within the mold cavity. At least a portion of the first portion of fluid is exhausted through a gas port, a second portion of fluid is injected into the mold material, and the molded article is cooled within the mold cavity to a temperature beneath a softening point of the molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Infiltrator Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Moore, Jr., Daniel J. Swistak
  • Patent number: 6680012
    Abstract: Injection moulding method in which plastic material contained under pressure in an antechamber is injected into a mould cavity and fills said mould cavity under pressure, by expansion of the plastic material. After closing of the entrance to the antechamber the position of the piston and the pressure in the antechamber are monitored, and the final position of the piston is determined by a calculation which takes account of at least one value of the measured pressure and of the position of the piston at which said pressure was measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Peter Pokorny
  • Patent number: 6680013
    Abstract: The present application discloses a method of forming an inorganic macroporous material. In some embodiments, the method includes: providing a sample of organic polymer particles having a particle size distribution of no greater than about 10%; forming a colloidal crystal template of the sample of organic polymer particles, the colloidal crystal template including a plurality of organic polymer particles and interstitial spaces therebetween; adding an inorganic precursor composition including a noncolloidal inorganic precursor to the colloidal crystal template such that the precursor composition permeates the interstitial spaces between the organic polymer particles; converting the noncolloidal inorganic precursor to a hardened inorganic framework; and removing the colloidal crystal template from the hardened inorganic framework to form a macroporous material. Inorganic macroporous materials are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Andreas Stein, Brian T. Holland, Christopher F. Blanford, Hongwei Yan
  • Patent number: 6680014
    Abstract: A method for making a candle out of jelly wax includes the following steps: disposing a wick and ornaments in a container; pouring heated liquid jelly wax into the container to form a first layer, and waiting 1 to 2 hours for the liquid wax to become solid; pouring heated liquid jelly wax into the container to form a second layer with air bubbles, and waiting 30 to 40 minutes for same to change to a semi-coagulate state before beginning next step; pouring liquid jelly wax heated to between 100° C. and 150° C. into the container to form a third layer. The jelly wax of the third layer will partially mix with the second layer in semi-coagulated state to form several layers of jelly wax with colors slightly changing one to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chun-Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 6680015
    Abstract: A net-shape molded heat sink is provided which includes a thermally conductive main body and a number of thermally conductive fins integrally connected to and emanating from the main body. The heat sink is formed by overmolding a carbon-carbon matrix core plate with a thermally conductive polymer composition that is filled with thermally conductive filler material. The molded heat sink is freely convecting through the part which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Patent number: 6680016
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a polymeric material with carbon nanofibers is provided in which carbon nanofibers are combined with a polymer and a solvent for the polymer to form a substantially homogeneous mixture, followed by removal of the solvent by evaporation or coagulation. The resulting conductive polymeric nanocomposite material exhibits high electrical and thermal conductivity, enhanced mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: University of Dayton
    Inventors: Chyi-Shan Wang, Max D. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6680017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous production of plastics/metal composite panels, in particular those having hollow chambered sections, from thermoplastic polymers (3) and continuous metal sheets (6, 7), consisting of at least one plastics melting control system (1), calibrators (4, 5), feeds for the metal sheets (10, 11) and a draw-off unit (9), with the feeds for the metal sheets (10, 11) being arranged respectively above and below the melting control system (1) and the calibrators (4, 5) being immediately adjacent to the feeds (10, 11) and the melting control system (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer AG
    Inventors: Boris Koch, Hubert Goldbach, Frank Krause, Jürgen Röhner
  • Patent number: 6680018
    Abstract: A method of producing a stain-resistant and soil-resistant polyamide yarn comprises the steps of (a) melt compounding a sulfonated aromatic acid with a thermoplastic polyester or polyamide carrier resin to form a concentrate; (b) adding said concentrate to a fiber-forming polyamide to form a fiber-forming polyamide composition; (c) melt extrusion spinning said fiber-forming polyamide composition to form a yarn; and (d) drawing said yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Prisma Fibers, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew B. Studholme
  • Patent number: 6680019
    Abstract: A planking technique for producing, in a workshop, floors of required length with straight or curved boards having planar or curved shape. The technique restricts the period for which the object is immobilized to the time during which the prefabricated panels are being glued. The technique is particularly adapted for producing the skirts of swimming pools, boat decks, saunas, thalassotherapy installations and, more particularly, floors with complex shapes. A template is produced based on the surface to be covered in a material which will be subsequently eliminated. The boards are glued with their upper surface on the template lower surface with edge bending corresponding to the bending desired for the final production. The sealant between the boards can be produced at this stage of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Techmar Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Dominique Crassous
  • Patent number: 6680021
    Abstract: A meltblowing method and system for dispensing first and second fluids from corresponding first and second orifices of a die assembly to form a meltblown first fluid filament. The die assembly directs the first and second fluid flows parallelly, or divergently, or directs two second fluid flows convergently toward a common first fluid flow, whereby the first and second fluids are dispensed from orifices at equal first fluid flow rates and equal second fluid flow rates. The die assembly is compressably retained between opposing end plates coupled to an adapter for further coupling to a main manifold having a fluid metering device for supplying first fluid to the die assembly. The meltblown filaments are depositing onto a moving substrate by vacillating the filament non-parallel to a direction of substrate movement, whereby vacillation a first fluid flow is controllable by an angle between the first fluid flow and one or more flanking second fluid flows, among other variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Toolworks Inc.
    Inventors: Kui-Chiu Kwok, Edward W. Bolyard, Jr., Leonard E. Riggan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6680022
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Roehm GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Meier-Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6680023
    Abstract: A container for molten metal which uses heat of solidification for heating the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: C. Edward Eckert
  • Patent number: 6680024
    Abstract: A process for powder metallurgic manufacture of a coupling body (1) with a crown (2) of coupling teeth (3) is described, whose flanks (5) going out from wedge-shaped end faces (4) are in relief, such that a formed body with coupling teeth (3), which have wedge-shaped end faces (4), but flanks (5) parallel to axis, is pressed out of a sintering powder and sintered to a molded blank, whose coupling teeth (3) for forming the flank reliefs are subjected to axial compression molding between two form tools (9, 10) on the one hand for the wedge-shaped end faces (4) and on the other hand for the flank reliefs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Miba Sintermetall Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alois Grundner
  • Patent number: 6680025
    Abstract: A device containing a light source, a sample support and a temperature control compartment. The sample support is positioned to support multiple sample vessels for irradiation by the light source. The temperature control compartment maintains the temperature of the sample vessels within a desired range. The light source, sample support and temperature control compartment are all contained within an opaque housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Cerus Corporation
    Inventors: David Paul Hearst, George D. Cimino, John Eugene Hearst, Stephen T. Isaacs
  • Patent number: 6680026
    Abstract: “Plug-in” fluid flow diverters are disclosed. Additionally disclosed is water purification equipment adapted to communicate with the diverters. Such equipment is especially (although not solely) useful in connection with circulating streams of water present in systems associated with swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, as the circulating nature of the water permits more of its volume ultimately to be diverted into the equipment for purification. The diverters, furthermore, may have entrances oriented to receive fluid travelling in only one direction through a conduit and be keyed to one or more components of the equipment for purposes of identification, inventory control, or otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr., Alvin Costa, Daniel J. Nelsen, Michael C. Pereira, Justin W. Sirotin, Michael Vieira, Aidan J. Petrie
  • Patent number: 6680027
    Abstract: A collection and testing cup for fluid characterization is disclosed. The cup has a lid assembly with a tamper evident closure; a cylinder that extends into the fluid in the collection cup, also with a tamper evident closure; a piston with a conduit and one-way valve through which a portion of the fluid can be forced into an isolation chamber separate from the main collection cup for testing. The lid assembly cylinder is configured with an aperture or passage near the bottom of the cylinder to allow a small portion of fluid to enter the lower portion of the cylinder from the collection cup chamber and a piston with a central conduit and valve initially positioned near the top of the cylinder adjacent to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Princeton BioMeditech Corporation
    Inventors: Jemo Kang, Kyung-ah Kim, Arthur Weber, In Jung Kim, Larry Porter, Won Bae Yoon
  • Patent number: 6680028
    Abstract: A portable air purifier system and apparatus which includes a multi-element filter pack that is replaceable as a single unit, thus facilitating health safety of maintenance personnel. By serially disposing filter elements in order of descending sizes of particulates, filtering is improved. Selectably includable within the filters are materials that are particularly efficacious in removing contaminants such as acetone, ammonia, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethanol, methane, ethane, methanol, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and other hazardous substances. By including an ultra-violet light source directed onto an activated charcoal layer, germicidal action is facilitated, and noise is abated through the advantageous employment of an expanded plenum and multiple right angle bends in air passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Clean Air Research & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Harris
  • Patent number: 6680029
    Abstract: An incense device is provided and comprises an elongated incense stick that in one embodiment includes an opening. An ignition device including a head portion and a shaft portion is secured to the incense stick. In another embodiment, an ignition head is secured directly to an end portion of the incense stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Virgil E. Stanley, III
  • Patent number: 6680030
    Abstract: A baffle-style stripping arrangement for an FCC process having substantially horizontal stripping baffles is disclosed. The stripping baffles comprise a perforated section and a downcomer section which generates transverse movement of catalyst across the baffle to ensure adequate vertical movement of stripping media. The perforated section is covered with stripping openings to provide improved stripping efficiency and catalyst flux through the stripping vessel. The perforated section may comprise a grate. Baffles may also include an imperforate section which is vertically aligned with a downcomer section of a superjacent baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Koebel, Brian W. Hedrick, Kalidas Puppala
  • Patent number: 6680031
    Abstract: A fluid bed processing system with a spraying apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes an expansion chamber and at least one spraying apparatus which extends into the expansion chamber. The spraying apparatus has a plurality of single nozzles which are spaced along the spraying apparatus and has at least one fluid passage connected to each of the single nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Bisgrove, Ryszard Braun, Robert I. Christensen, Jr., Robert C. Fewkes, Alfred L. Gaertner, John Reynold, David R. Wight, Antti Kosola
  • Patent number: 6680032
    Abstract: A new process for continuously preparing granules having narrow grain size distribution, comprising a) spraying the product to be granulated in liquid form into a fluidized bed, b) separating the proportions of fine material escaping from the fluidized bed from the off-gas and returning said fine material to the fluidized bed as nuclei for granule formation, c) setting the fluidizing gas flow such that granules are formed which are of a predetermined size, and d) removing the completed granules solely by way of at least one countercurrent gravity classifier inserted into the outflow bottom of the fluidized-bed vessel. A new apparatus for carrying out the process according to the invention and new granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer AG
    Inventors: Hans Uhlemann, Burkhard Braun, Heinz Hausmann, Gerhard Stopp, Horts Karkossa
  • Patent number: 6680033
    Abstract: A large amount of treated gas containing odor components is efficiently deodorized by performing ozone deodorization after water molecule deodorization, and thereafter performing ion deodorization. A composite deodorization system is provided with a first chamber for performing the water molecule deodorization connected with a fermentation system by a gas introduction opening supplied with the treated gas containing odor components from the fermentation system, a second chamber for performing ozone deodorization connected with the first chamber by a flow passage tube, a third chamber for performing ion deodorization connected with the second chamber by a connection tube, an ozone filter incorporated at a connection position of the second chamber and the connection tube, and a third chamber having a gas discharge opening for discharging the treated gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Asahi Environmental System Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Ishii
  • Patent number: 6680034
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, metal-containing pregnant leach solutions from pressure leaching operations need not be significantly diluted to facilitate effective metal recovery using solvent extraction and electrowinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Phelps Dodge Corporation
    Inventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, Wayne W. Hazen, Philip Thompson, David R. Baughman
  • Patent number: 6680035
    Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process is provided for leaching nickeliferous laterite ores at temperatures below the boiling point of the pulp and at atmospheric pressure. The high iron fraction of the laterite, referred to as limonite, is first contacted with concentrated sulfuric acid to partially or completely dissolve the iron and nickel into solution. A reducing agent is used to keep the redox potential in solution below 1000 mV to enhance cobalt dissolution and more advantageously between 1000 and 900 mV to avoid reduction of ferric iron. Further mixing of the leach slurry in the presence of sodium, potassium, or ammonium allows formation of iron jarosite at ambient pressure. The resulting acid from iron hydrolysis is neutralized with the low iron fraction of the laterite ore (saprolite), thereby dissolving nickel into solution. The resulting final leach slurry can then be treated with conventional methods to recover nickel and cobalt from solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: BHP Minerals International Inc.
    Inventors: J. Carlos Arroyo, David A. Neudorf
  • Patent number: 6680036
    Abstract: New three-way catalysts for vehicles contain, as an oxygen storage component, mixed oxide MnZr. These components are less expensive than state-of-the-art ceria/zirconia, and generally offer improved capacity even after exposure to high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Janet Mary Fisher, Timothy Ian Hyde, Torquil George Spenser Landen, David Thompsett
  • Patent number: 6680037
    Abstract: A canister (1) contains a catalyst for generating NO2 and a filter (8) for trapping PM, e.g. from diesel engines. The filter is thermally isolated from the canister, and preferably is surrounded by an annular monolith comprising the NO oxidation catalyst or a SCR catalyst. The invention facilitates the combustion of PM even at low exhaust gas temperatures, in a compact device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Ronny Allansson, Anders Klas Andreasson, Guy Richard Chandler, James Patrick Warren
  • Patent number: 6680038
    Abstract: Chlorosilanes are continuously removed from a gas stream in an apparatus in which the gas stream is treated in a first stage with water vapor in the gas phase, and in a second stage with a liquid, aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Hartwig Rauleder, Franz-Michael Bollenrath, Harald Seiler, Mieczyslaw Kuzma, Christoph Koopmann
  • Patent number: 6680039
    Abstract: A method of treating metal-contaminated spent foundry sand, or other industrial waste, by combining the sand with a sulfite to produce insoluble metal sulfur oxide complexes that do not leach from the sand. The treated waste may also be processed to reducing “clumping,” thereby rendering the treated waste appropriate for use in another industrial process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Edward Carroll Hale, III, John E. Wildey
  • Patent number: 6680040
    Abstract: The porous composite oxide particle is coated with a porous silica-based inorganic oxide layer, and also a substrate has a coating film with the fine particles thereon, which has a low refractive index and excellent in adhesion with a resin or the like, strength, the ability to reduce reflection and the like. The fine particles include porous composite oxide with silica and an inorganic oxide other than silica, wherein the fine particles are coated with a porous silica-based inorganic oxide layer having a thickness from 0.5 to 20 nm. The fine particles include preferably an organic group directly bonded to silicon, and SR/ST, the ratio of the molar amount of silicon having the organic group directly bonded thereto (SR) vs the molar amount of the total silicon (ST), is preferably in the range from 0.001 to 0.9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Catalysts & Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Nishida, Mitsuru Nakai, Michio Komatsu, Hiroo Yoshitome
  • Patent number: 6680041
    Abstract: Manganese oxide particles have been produced having an average diameter less than about 500 nm and a very narrow distribution of particle diameters. Methods are described for producing metal oxides by performing a reaction with an aerosol including a metal precursor. Heat treatments can be performed in an oxidizing environment to alter the properties of the manganese oxide particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: NanoGram Corporation
    Inventors: Sujeet Kumar, James T. Gardner, Xiangxin Bi, Nobuyuki Kambe
  • Patent number: 6680042
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for rapidly carrying out a hydrogenation of a material capable of absorbing hydrogen. It was discovered that when a powder of a material capable of absorbing hydrogen is ground under a hydrogen pressure, not at room temperature but at a higher temperature (about 300° C. in the case of magnesium) and in the presence of a hydrogenation activator such as graphite and optionally a catalyst, it is possible to transform completely the powder of this material into a hydride. Such a transformation is achieved in a period of time less than 1 hour whereas the known methods call for periods of time as much as 10 times longer. This is an unexpected result which gives rise to a considerable reduction in the cost of manufacture of an hydride, particularly MgH2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Robert Schulz, Salim Bouaricha, Jacques Huot, Daniel Guay
  • Patent number: 6680043
    Abstract: A process for enhancing the kinetics of hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of complex chemical hydrides using mechanomixing and/or mechanomilling. The mechanomixing makes hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of complex chemical hydrides reversible at much reduced temperature and pressure. The mechanomilling reduces particle size or grain size of the decomposition byproducts, further increasing surface area and intimate contact of the byproducts. In the process of the present invention, complex chemical hydrides can be utilized as a reversible hydrogen storage media for various applications such as transportation, including fuel cells. The process is simple and inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bouziane Yebka, Gholam-Abbas Nazri