Patents Issued in March 2, 2004
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Patent number: 6699271Abstract: A therapeutic wrap designed to be applied to various portions of an individual, such as the neck and shoulders. The wrap contains a plurality of narrow channels into which a filler material, such as Basmati rice, is provided. Various herbs such as chamomile or lavender are also provided within each of the channels to allow for aromatherapy.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Neva A. Clayton
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Patent number: 6699272Abstract: A novel process for paving or sealing the interior surface of a tissue lumen by entering the interior of the tissue lumen and applying a polymer to the interior surface of the tissue lumen. This is accomplished using a catheter which delivers the polymer to the tissue lumen and causes it to conform to the interior surface of the lumen. The polymer can be delivered to the lumen as a monomer or prepolymer solution, or as an at least partially preformed layer on an expansile member.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Endoluminal Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Marvin J. Slepian, Anton Schindler
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Patent number: 6699273Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least one sleeve and at least one collar. At least a portion of the catheter shaft having a medical balloon mounted thereon. The medical balloon defines at least one waist which comprises a first waist portion and a second waist portion. The at least one sleeve has an upper surface and a lower surface. A first portion of the lower surface is engaged to the first waist portion. The at least one collar comprises a first collar portion and a second collar portion. The first collar portion is engaged to at least a portion of the upper surface of the at least one sleeve and the second collar portion is welded to the second waist portion of the medical balloon.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Raymond Langan
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Patent number: 6699274Abstract: Stent delivery system and method of manufacturing same. In one embodiment, the stent delivery system comprises an inner catheter. A handle is disposed at the proximal end of the inner catheter, and an enlarged tip is disposed at the distal end thereof. A stent engaging sleeve coaxially surrounds and is secured to a portion of the inner catheter proximally contiguous to the tip. The stent engaging sleeve is used to frictionally engage a stent mounted thereover in such a way as to prevent the stent, during deployment, from sliding proximally relative to the inner catheter. The system additionally comprises a self-expandable stent of the type comprising a knitted mesh of nitinol wire flexible in both the radial and longitudinal axes. The stent is mounted over the stent engaging sleeve in a longitudinally stretched state and is maintained, until deployment, in the stretched state by a stent restraining sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan S. Stinson
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Patent number: 6699275Abstract: An intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. When the tube is at the un-deployed diameter, the tube has cell-defining portions with opposing surfaces defining an open cell bounded by the cell-defining portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.Inventors: Mark B. Knudson, John P. Sopp, Timothy R. Conrad
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Patent number: 6699276Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure/membrane composite device which includes a support structure, such as a radially expandable stent, a porous non-textile polymeric membrane adjacent to said stent and a thermoplastic anchor means attaching said stent to said porous non-textile polymeric membrane. The porous non-textile polymeric membrane is preferably made from expandable fluoropolymer materials. The anchoring means is a thermoplastic material which is dissolvable at the interface between the support structure and membrane by a suitable solvent which wets the membrane surface and deposits the thermoplastic material within the pores of the membrane. Methods of preparing the device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Sogard, Susan Shoemaker, Scott R. Smith
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Patent number: 6699277Abstract: A stent suitable for maintaining the patency of a bodily lumen, generally comprising a tubular body configured to facilitate connection of a cover thereto. A stent assembly of the invention generally comprises a stent having cover connectors in contact with a cover to secure the cover to a surface of the stent. The invention also comprises methods of securing a cover to a stent. In a first embodiment, the cover connector on an expandable tubular body has a first section, a second section, and a third section between the first and second sections. The connector has an open configuration, and a closed configuration in which the first section has at least one bend and the second section has at least one bend, so that the first and second sections are bent together and are directed towards the third section therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Diseno y Desarrollo Medica, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Carlos Vonderwalde Freidberg, Daniel Capuano
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Patent number: 6699278Abstract: A stent in the form of a thin-walled, multi-cellular tubular structure is provided. The tubular structure has a longitudinal axis and the stent includes a plurality of circumferential sets of strut members. Each set of the strut members is longitudinally displaced from each other and connected to each other by longitudinally extending links. Each set of the strut members forms a closed and cylindrical portion of the stent. Further, each set of the strut members includes a plurality of connected curve sections and diagonal sections. The sets of the strut members further include end sets of strut members located at each end of the stent and central sets of strut members located between the end sets of the strut members. The diagonal sections of the end sets of the strut members have a center portion and two ends.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Cordis CorporationInventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Janet Burpee
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Patent number: 6699279Abstract: An expandable space frame is manufactured by linking a plurality of flexible joints through spacing arms to form a closed structure. The spacing arms are sterically offset, linking the bottom of one joint to the top of the next joint in an stepwise fashion. The offset allows the frame to be collapsed with minimal steric hindrance between the centered joints. This lack of steric hindrance permits a very high ratio of the expansion to compression diameters for the frame. The space frame forms the basis for different types of stents. A spiral frame, or a series of individual frames are linked to each other to form a luminal stent, or are linked to longitudinal struts to form the support structure for a stent. The stents formed from the expandable space frame can be designed to have a number of additional features as set forth herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Walter J. Stevens, George S. Springer
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Patent number: 6699280Abstract: A stent includes a first stent section, a second stent section, and at least one connecting member. The connecting member has a first end attached to the first stent section, a second end attached to the second stent section and a physically separable portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: Allan R. Camrud, David R. Holmes, Jr., Robert S. Schwartz, Timothy D. Argo
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Patent number: 6699281Abstract: A stent for use at an implant site in a vessel having recesses containing one or more active agents. The stent is a tubular body having a plurality of sinusoidal shaped annular elements and connection elements. The recesses are formed so as to leave substantially unaltered the bending moments of these elements. The recesses may be continuous or discontinuous and may be distributed uniformly or nonuniformly.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Sorin Biomedica Cardio S.p.A.Inventors: Franco Vallana, Giovanni Rolando, Maria Curcio, Paolo Gaschino
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Patent number: 6699282Abstract: An implanted device such as a stent is provided which is capable of holding an induced charge or sufficient magnitude that the device may, by electrostatic means, attract the bioactive material to itself. The charge, either positive or negative, or relative to the bioactive material sufficiently positive or negative, is deposited into the implantable device via an exterior induction coil. The implantable device itself becomes an introduced “dosage form”, becoming part of a biologically closed electric circuit, through which the bioactive material is attracted to the implanted device.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Gelsus Research and Consulting, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas A. Sceusa
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Patent number: 6699283Abstract: A mechanical heart valve prosthesis has a generally rectangular orifice and two leaflets that move between a closed position nearly perpendicular to blood flow and an open position nearly parallel to blood flow. Due to the uniform dimension of a rectangle, the leaflets are hinged at the periphery of the orifice, and present a single large central flow region to the blood when opened. The base provides several means of constraining the leaflet rotation during opening and closing.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Daniel Clarke Mazzucco, Christopher Allan Hartemink, Seth Owen Newburg
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Patent number: 6699284Abstract: An intraocular lens to be placed in an anterior chamber of a patient's eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens includes a lens part with a predetermined refractive power, including a front lens surface facing toward a cornea side and a back lens surface facing toward a fundus side when the intraocular lens is placed in the anterior chamber, a support part provided in an edge of the lens part and with an end positioned opposite to the edge, the end being insertable into an iris to penetrate to a fundus side thereof and back to a cornea side thereof to hold the lens part in the anterior chamber, and a hook provided in the end of the support part for preventing the support part from coming off the iris.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Sunada
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Patent number: 6699285Abstract: A band that can be implanted into an eye to re-attach a retina. The implanted band exerts a pressure that presses the retina into a globe of the eye. The band has a length that is at least 100 degrees of the circumference of the globe of the eye. The band may be injected into the eye with a syringe type injector.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Scieran Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ulises Zertuche Zapata
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Patent number: 6699286Abstract: A method and apparatus of making repairs with graft ligaments. In one form, the method for graft ligament reconstruction comprises (i) harvesting a graft ligament consisting entirely of soft tissue; (ii) compacting the graft ligament through compression so as to significantly reduce the cross-sectional area and increase the density of the collagen material of the graft ligament; and (iii) deploying the compressed graft ligament in the human body. In another form, the apparatus for graft ligament reconstruction comprises a graft ligament having a given diameter and a given cross-sectional area; and a compacting instrument having at least one surface to contact the graft ligament and to decrease the given cross-sectional area of the graft ligament to a reduced cross-sectional area, whereby the graft ligament with the decreased cross-sectional area may be positioned within a bone tunnel having a cross-sectional area smaller than the given cross-sectional area of the graft ligament in its original state.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Joseph H. Sklar
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Patent number: 6699287Abstract: Disclosed are a dermal scaffold comprising alkaline pre-treated free amine-containing chitosan matrix, alkaline pre-treated free amine-containing chitosan and alkaline pre-treated collagen mixed matrix, or alkaline pre-treated free amine-containing chitosan and alkaline pre-treated collagen mixed matrix containing chitosan fabrics, which has excellent wound healing effect by constituting microenvironments suitable for migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and vascular cells surrounding the wound to be extremely useful as wound healing dressings, and a bioartificial dermis comprising the dermal scaffold and human fibroblasts, particularly useful for healing broad wound sites such as burns.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research InstituteInventors: Young-Sook Son, Yong-Ha Youn, Seok-Il Hong, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yong-Jae Gin, Kyu-Bo Han, Chun-Ho Kim
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Patent number: 6699288Abstract: The invention relates to a cage-type intervertebral implant that is made up of a dished side wall (1), a cambered side wall (2), a front part (3), a rear part (4) and at least one intermediate wall (5, 6), thus comprising at least two cavities (7, 8, 9). An upper and a lower cage surface (10, 11) include a first lordosis angle (&agr;1) in the direction front part—rear part and a second lordosis angle (&agr;2) perpendicular thereto, said cage surfaces (10′, 11) intersecting outside the cage. The cage structure is characterized by a double-wedge geometry (double-wedge-shaped cage) that is defined by the two lordosis angles (&agr;1) and (&agr;2) and that advantageously adapts itself to the anatomical conditions in the intervertebral area. The cage is further characterized by a high moment of tilt that effectively counteracts a tipping of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Scolio GmbHInventor: Olivier Moret
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Patent number: 6699289Abstract: A glenoid component for securement to a glenoid surface of a scapula so as to provide a bearing surface for a head portion of a humerus includes a body having a first surface configured to contact the glenoid surface of the scapula and a second surface configured to receive the head portion of the humerus. The glenoid component also includes an interruption such as a buttress extending from the body. The interruption is configured to be received in a like-configured notch formed in the glenoid surface of the scapula. The interruption helps prevent movement of the glenoid component relative to the glenoid surface of the scapula after implant. The body also may include anchoring extending from the body for penetrating the glenoid surface of the scapula so as to help secure the body to the glenoid surface of the scapula. The glenoid component is used in one application to help correct bone defects and in another application for wear.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Iannotti, Gerald R. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 6699290Abstract: A modular elbow prosthesis includes a humeral and ulnar components and three bearing components. The ulnar component includes a stem and a body including a slot. Two of the three bearing components include flanges that mate with the slot of the ulnar component. The humeral component includes a stem and two arms extending from one end of the stem. An opening is formed in each arm and in two of the three bearing components. The modular elbow may be used in an unconstrained mode by attaching one bearing component to the ulnar component and the other to the humeral component by inserting a pin through the openings in the arms and the bearing component. The two bearing components are then placed adjacent each other such that they articulate about their bearing surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Wack, Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, D. Steven Block, Austin W. Mutchler
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Patent number: 6699291Abstract: A prosthesis, such as a knee prosthesis, for the lower limb including a femur prosthetic element having a block presenting a lug running into the trochlea and adjacent to a notch from which a convex bearing surface extends, and a tibia prosthetic element having an insert with a sagittally oriented elevation defining a projection for antero-postero stabilization engaged in the notch when the prosthesis is in the extended position and which runs into a concave sliding ramp that extends to the rear edge of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Merck Biomaterial FranceInventors: Marc Augoyard, Gerard Bascoulergue, Maurice Basso, Rene Bertocchi, Philippe Charret, Philippe Courcelles, Jean-Louis Debiesse, Laurent Dupre La Tour, Guy Eyraud, Jean-Philippe Fayard, Paul-Henri Hulin, Francois Lecuire, Gilles Melere, Joseph Millon, Jean-Paul Passot, Jacques Peyrot, Marc Relave, Gerard de Witte, Michel Vernizeau
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Patent number: 6699292Abstract: First and second elements that have mating heads form an interphalangeal joint prosthesis that allows smooth articulation dorsal to volar. The first element head has a proximal surface defined by two intersecting planes, a stem portion that extends longitudinally therefrom and a convex bicondylar articulating surface having a central valley. The second element has a biconcave articulating proximal surface which mates with the first element articulating surface and a stem portion that extends longitudinally from the distal surface thereof, with a notch being formed in a dorsal surface of the head at a location that does not disturb attachments to the dorsal tubercle or the function of the median band of the extensor expansion. Sets of such joint prostheses of varying sizes are provided which are designed so that adjacent sizes interfit. A method for treating a deteriorated PIP joint is described.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: William F. Ogilvie, Charles W. Mumme, John K. Stanley
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Patent number: 6699293Abstract: A modular orthopedic prosthesis has a body with a generally triangular cross-section near one end, allowing its angular corners to bite or incise into the surrounding bone cavity for rotational stability. A stem, which may be either unitary or modular in structure, is received within a through-bore of the body, having a proximal neck and distal shaft. A connecting sleeve receives the stem and is, in turn, received within the bore of the body, then actuated to lock the stem and body together.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SCT IncorporatedInventor: Patrick Michel White
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Patent number: 6699294Abstract: A method for tissue augmentation in a mammal is provided comprising injecting a polymer at a tissue site in need of augmentation and having a tissue temperature, the polymer comprising repeating peptide monomeric units selected from the group consisting of nonapeptide, pentapeptide and tetrapeptide monomeric units, wherein the monomeric units form a series of &bgr;-turns separated by dynamic bridging segments suspended between the &bgr;-turns, wherein the polymer has an inverse temperature transition Tt less than the tissue temperature, and wherein the polymer is injected as a water solution at coacervate concentration in the substantial absence of additional water. A kit containing the injectable bioelastic polymer and a syringe is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Bioelastics Research, Ltd.Inventor: Dan W. Urry
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Patent number: 6699295Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle includes a bottom component connected to a prosthetic foot, a lower leg connection component connected to a prosthetic lower leg, an elastomeric material securely connecting the bottom component with the lower leg connection component, and a mechanical device suspended in the elastomeric material. The mechanical device is formed of a first bracket connected to the bottom component and a second bracket connected to the lower leg connection component. The first and second brackets interlockingly float in the elastomeric material, and are not in direct contact with one another, thereby permitting relative movement of the bottom component and the lower leg connection component by deformation of the elastomeric material. At least one mechanical stop is positioned to prevent the relative angular movement of the ankle from deforming the elastomeric material beyond the elastic limit thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Ohio Willow Wood CompanyInventors: Chi L. Lee, James M. Colvin, Robert E. Arbogast
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Patent number: 6699296Abstract: p-Diaminobenzene derivatives of general formula (I) or physiologically tolerated water-soluble salts thereof and their use as developers in oxidation colorants for keratin fibers.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Wella AktiengesellschaftInventor: Laurent Chassot
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Patent number: 6699297Abstract: A method for preparing lithium manganate having spinel structure which comprises contacting a manganese halide and lithium compound at a temperature of 100° C. or less in a liquid phase to react with each other; a lithium manganate which is prepared according to the method, is represented by the formula LixMnOy, wherein x represents a real number satisfying 0<x≦0.8, and y represents a real number satisfying 1.8≦y≦2.4, and has an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 &mgr;m and a specific surface area of 10 to 15 m2/g; a positive electrode for a lithium secondary cell comprising the lithium manganate as an active material; and a lithium secondary cell using the positive electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Toho Titanium Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Yamawaki, Hideki Sakai
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Patent number: 6699298Abstract: Hindered amine compounds which are substituted by a long hydrocarbon chain are useful in a number of applications where the solubility or compatibility afforded by said substitution is needed. This is seen particularly for example with white, dyed, dipped, unscented and/or scented candle wax which is effectively stabilized against discoloration and fading by the incorporation therein of a long chain hindered amine alone or in combination with a UV absorber and/or an antioxidant.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals CorporationInventors: Mervin G. Wood, Andrea R. Smith, James P. Galbo
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Patent number: 6699299Abstract: A composition is provided in the present invention for polishing a composite semiconductor structure containing a metal layer (such as tungsten, aluminum, or copper), a barrier layer (such as tantalum, tantalum nitride, titanium, or titanium nitride), and an insulating layer (such as SiO2). The composition comprises an aqueous medium, an oxidant, an organic polymer that attenuates removal of the oxide film. The composition may optionally comprise a complexing agent and/or a dispersant.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Rodel Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Vikas Sachan, Elizabeth A. (Kegerise) Langlois, Qianqiu (Christine) Ye, Keith G. Pierce, Craig D. Lack, Terence M. Thomas, Peter A. Burke, David Gettman, Sarah Lane
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Patent number: 6699300Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying compressed air comprising a substantially cylindrical, innerly hollow, container (19), provided, above, with an inlet hole (2) for the compressed air and with an outlet hole (24) for the compressed air, and at the bottom, with a chamber (21) for collecting condensed air and with means for extracting the same, at least an expansion chamber (3), communicating with said inlet hole (2), at least a laminating flange (4, 5), provided, downward said expansion chamber (3), with holes (6) for the passage of the compressed air, at least a spiral conical expander (10), provided with fins, and an inner canalization (23) for the rising of the compressed dehumidificated air toward the outlet hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Seco Engineering SrlInventor: Marco Bocale
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Patent number: 6699301Abstract: The invention relates to a filter ventilator that can be installed within an aperture in a wall, in particular the wall of a switch cabinet, circuit box, device housing or the like. The filter ventilator includes at least one ventilator motor (16, 50) with fan blades and a filter (14), which is positioned ahead of the ventilator motor (16) in the airstream. In accordance with the invention a build-in frame (10) with attachment means (24) and an insertion frame (12) are provided. The build-in frame (10) can be permanently fixed within the aperture. The insertion frame (12) is removably inserted into the build-in frame (10), the ventilator motor (16) is releasably connected to the insertion frame (12) and the filter (14) is removably set into the insertion frame (12). In addition, an exhaust filter is provided, which is constructed like the filter ventilator but includes no ventilator motor (16).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Stego-Holding GmbHInventor: Hartmut Eisenhauer
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Patent number: 6699302Abstract: A process for treating a metal sulphide concentrate which includes the steps of: a) roasting the concentrate to reduce the sulphide content of the concentrate, to a negligible value and b) melting the concentrate, under reducing conditions, in an electrically stabilized open-arc furnace, in particular a DC arc furnace.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: MintekInventors: Rodney T Jones, Nicholas A. Barcza, Gary Kaiura, Gary O'Connell, Anthony Hannaford
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Patent number: 6699303Abstract: The invention concerns a non-stick coating (4) for cooking utensils (1) characterized in that it is selected among the group comprising (a) ceramics alone selected among titanium oxynitride, titanium suboxides, titanium subnitrides, spinels, mixed spinels; and (b) ceramo-metallic mixtures wherein the ceramics are selected among titanium oxynitrides, titanium suboxides, titanium subnitrides, spinels, cerium fluoride, silicon carbide, pyrolitic carbon, boron carbide, and the metal is titanium.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: DJA Dodane Jean et Associes DJA CristelInventors: Bernard Hansz, Christophe Malavolta, Emmanuel Brugger, Paul Dodane, Christian Coddet
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Patent number: 6699304Abstract: Provided are palladium-containing powders and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the palladium-containing particles of high quality, of a small size and narrow size distribution. An aerosol is generated from liquid feed and sent to a furnace, where liquid in droplets in the aerosol is vaporized to permit formation of the desired particles, which are then collected in a particle collector. The aerosol generation involves preparation of a high quality aerosol, with a narrow droplet size distribution, with close control over droplet size and with a high droplet loading suitable for commercial applications. Powders may have high resistance to oxidation of palladium. Multi-phase particles are provided including a palladium-containing metallic phase and a second phase that is dielectric. Electronic components are provided manufacturable using the powders.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Superior Micropowders, LLCInventors: Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Toivo T. Kodas, Quint H. Powell, Daniel J. Skamser, James Caruso, Clive D. Chandler
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Patent number: 6699305Abstract: Method for producing powdered metallic products by reacting aluminum subchloride vapor with a powdered oxide reactant such as Iron oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide and boron oxide to form a solid metallic powder product mixed with aluminum oxide, together with aluminum trichloride vapor byproduct.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: James J. Myrick
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Patent number: 6699306Abstract: This method controls a copper density in a dip solder bath holding a molten solder alloy containing at least copper as an essential composition thereof during a dip soldering step of one of a printed circuit board with a surfaced copper foil and a component part having a copper lead attached thereto. The method includes a step of introducing a replenished solder containing no copper at all or a copper content having a density lower than that of the molten solder in the bath prior to the supply of the replenished solder to the bath so that the copper density in the bath is controlled to a predetermined constant density or lower. The molten solder alloy in the bath contains tin, copper and nickel as the major compositions thereof, and the replenished solder contains nickel and balanced tin, for example. Alternatively, the molten solder alloy in the bath contains tin, copper, and silver as the major components thereof, and the replenished solder contains silver and balanced tin.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignees: Nihon Superior Sha Co., Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuro Nishimura, Masuo Koshi, Kenichirou Todoroki
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Patent number: 6699307Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process including the step of separating a gas mixture by absorbing a gas component in adsorbent beds provided within vessels, where the separating step has at least a two-stage pressure equalization and is performed with no more than five valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels. The process includes an adsorption step, a first pressure equalization step having at least two stages where the pressure decreases, a purge step, and a second pressure equalization step having at least two stages where the pressure increases. A pressure swing adsorption system is provided with vessels each having a first opening connected to a source manifold via a fist valve and connected to a waste manifold via a second valve, and a second opening connected to a product manifold via a third valve and connected to an equalization conduit via a fourth valve and a fifth valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: H2gen Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Franklin D. Lomax, Jr.
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Patent number: 6699308Abstract: A system for removing water from natural gas which comprises: bringing the natural gas into contact with a liquid including an absorbent for the water; subjecting the natural gas and liquid to turbulent mixing conditions thereby causing the water to be absorbed by the absorbent; and separating a natural gas phase with reduced water content and a liquid phase including the absorbent and absorbed water. The mixing is conducted in a turbulent contactor (11) including a gas inlet (15), a liquid inlet (16), an outlet (104) leading to a venturi passage (105) and a tube (106) extending from the outlet (104) back upstream. The tube (106) may be perforated and/or spaced from the periphery of the outlet (104).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Statoil ASAInventors: Finn Patrick Nilsen, Harald Linga
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Patent number: 6699309Abstract: A delivery system for carbon dioxide absorption material includes a container for the storage of carbon dioxide absorption material, and a receptacle capable of receiving carbon dioxide absorption materials. The receptacle has a contact limiting membrane that substantially prohibits the passage of particulate matter from the carbon dioxide absorption material and allows the passage of gases therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: James T. Worthington, II, Mark J. Koenig, Clifford N. Dodson, Rodney D. Jenkins
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Patent number: 6699310Abstract: An HC adsorbing sheet inside an air cleaner is disposed such that a large amount of activated carbon is contained on the side of an engine and that a small amount of activated carbon is contained on the other side of the engine. Thus, the HC adsorbing sheet can efficiently adsorb evaporative fuel. That is, by changing the amount of activated carbon contained in accordance with differences in concentration of evaporative fuel, it becomes possible to prevent the pressure loss in an intake system from increasing. On the other hand, one end of a second intake pipe extends to a region where the amount of activated carbon contained in the HC adsorbing sheet is large, whereby it becomes possible to concentratively supply activated carbon with intake air in the region where the large amount of activated carbon is contained. Therefore, the efficiency in purging evaporative fuel can be prevented from declining.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignees: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Kouichi Oda, Takanobu Kawano, Masaki Takeyama, Naoya Kato
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Patent number: 6699311Abstract: A fluid circuit for raising and lowering an implement including a quick drop valve member movable between at least a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a non-quick drop hydraulic fluid flow path of the fluid circuit and the second position corresponding to a quick drop hydraulic fluid flow path of the fluid circuit, the quick drop valve member being movable between at least the first and second positions based on pressures in the fluid circuit produced by hydraulic fluid. The fluid circuit further including a control system configured to selectively apply a biasing force against the quick drop valve member biasing the quick drop valve in the first position, the control system providing the biasing force independent of pressures in the fluid circuit produced by the hydraulic fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: David P. Smith, Rudy V. Mills, Robert A. Aarestad, Chad T. Brickner
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Patent number: 6699312Abstract: A W/O emulsion ink for stencil printing contains, in its water phase, a material which reacts with oxygen dissolved in the water phase and reduces the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Riso Kagaku CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Hayashi, Yoshifumi Watanabe
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Patent number: 6699313Abstract: A flake-based pigment is provided having improved specular reflectance characteristics in the visible wavelength range. The flake-based pigment has a plurality of composite reflective flakes each formed of a support layer and a reflector layer on one or both opposing sides of the support layer. This flake structure exhibits a uniaxial compressive strength much greater than a corresponding uniaxial tensile strength. The structure of the flakes provides the benefits of rigidity and brittle fracture during manufacture and application processes, which ultimately provides favorable planar and specular reflectance characteristics to the pigment in the visible wavelength range. A variety of outer coating layers can be formed around the composite reflective flakes, such as various dielectric and/or absorber layers, to produce desired optical characteristics in the pigment.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Flex Products, Inc.Inventors: Kent E. Coulter, Thomas Mayer, John S. Matteucci, Roger W. Phillips
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Patent number: 6699314Abstract: A mold releasing agent suitable for easily casting a cylindrical cast member which is superior in adhesion on cast parts at low cost, is provided. A mold releasing agent for a centrifugal casting mold comprises a binder, a heat insulating agent, and a foaming component having a foaming property, is dissolved in a solvent so as to form a slurry having a specific viscosity, and a mold releasing agent layer having crater shaped concave portions is formed by coating on the inside of an integral centrifugal casting mold.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Arai Takeo, Murakami Manabu, Yokoyama Kouriki, Nakaya Shoichi, Miyanishi Masahiro, Suzuki Sadahiro
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Patent number: 6699315Abstract: An edible, hardenable coating composition is disclosed which comprises high levels of low viscosity propylene glycol alginate and a surfactant, which may additionally contain a filler, a pigment, and optionally a small amount of a secondary film former and/or a strengthening polymer. The coating composition of the present invention may be applied to pharmaceutical and veterinary solid dosage forms, confectionery, seeds, animal feed, fertilizers, pesticide tablets, and foods and provides an elegant prompt release coating which does not retard the release of active ingredients from the coated substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Michael Augello, Eric Bliefernich
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Patent number: 6699316Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of nano-zinc oxide dispersions stabilized by hydroxyl group-containing inorganic polymers.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Bayer AtiengesellschaftInventors: Thiemo Marx, Michael Mager, Volker Wege, Steffen Hofacker
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Patent number: 6699317Abstract: Improved methods for producing titanium dioxide slurries. The output from a micronizer is passed through a condenser to condense the steam and form an aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide, which can in most cases then be further concentrated as desired or which can be sold or used without further concentration, instead of passing the micronizer output to apparatus for separating the TiO2 from the steam, as is currently practiced in the art. The resultant slurry from the condenser is in a further refinement preferably sent to an agitated storage tank together with dispersant and anti-settling compounds to aid in preventing settling of the titanium dioxide solids out of the slurry. To help facilitate condensation of the steam/pigment mixture sent to the condenser, a portion of the condensed slurry is in yet a further refinement pumped from the slurry storage tank to a heat exchanger. The output from the heat exchanger is then fed to the condenser to facilitate the condensing of the steam in the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical, LLCInventors: Thomas Ian Brownbridge, Jeffrey Austin Engle
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Patent number: 6699318Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for preparing calcium carbonate pigment from calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide in the presence of water. According to the invention, the starting materials are reacted in fluid state containing at least 20 parts of volume of gas for each part by volume of suspension formed by water and solid substances, and the amount of water is essentially equivalent to the amount which is evaporated during the reaction together with the amount left in a calcium carbonate product which behaves like a powder. By means of the present invention, PCC in powder form can be prepared without the product first having to be separated from a slurry.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: FP-Pigments OyInventor: Pentti Virtanen
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Patent number: 6699319Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer-modified pigment comprising the step of: combining, in any order, at least one pigment having attached at least one nucleophilic group, at least one polymer comprising at least one carboxylic acid group or salt thereof, and at least one coupling agent. At least one mediator compound may also be used. The modified pigments can be used in applications such as inkjet ink applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Cabot CorporationInventors: Curtis E. Adams, Ronald J. Gambale
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Patent number: 6699320Abstract: A method includes steps for forming an intermediate composition. The intermediate composition is to be added to a polymer, or to a polymer precursor, in a process of manufacturing a low permeability container formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The method includes forming an intermediate composition which, if added to the polymer or polymer precursor, will inhibit the permeability of the low permeability container subsequently formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The forming step includes mixing a solid dispersant with clay to form the intermediate composition as a solid.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: PolyOne CorporationInventor: Daniel M. Martelli