Patents Issued in April 20, 2004
  • Patent number: 6723122
    Abstract: Storage containers for expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The containers permit an expandable valve to be stored in its expanded configuration and then converted to its contracted configuration while still in the container. A mechanism incorporated into the container facilitates the conversion. For example, the container may have a base and a lid, and a crank manipulable from outside. The lid actuates a key within the container that engages the valve to perform the contraction. If the valve is a spirally wound type of expandable valve, the key may be attached to an inner side edge and rotated to wind the valve into a tight spiral. A drain in the container may facilitate removal of a preservative solution so that the valve can be seen during the contraction process, or so that the valve can be rinsed while still within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jibin Yang, Matthew Lane Pease, Brandon G. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6723123
    Abstract: A multi-leaflet cardiovascular valve having a generally annular valve body (1) and at least two leaflets (4, 5) mounted within the valve body such that the leaflets rotate around a central axis (11) and a transverse pivoting axis (12) between an open configuration wherein blood is permitted to flow through the annular valve body and a closed configuration wherein blood is prevented from flowing in at least one direction through the annular valve body. During the open configuration, the leaflets rotate around the flow axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Impsa International Incorporated
    Inventors: Lev Kazatchkov, Lucas Varela
  • Patent number: 6723124
    Abstract: An iris-supported intraocular lens having an optic portion and a plurality of fixation members coupled thereto. Each fixation member has a pair of pincer arms that separate outward of the optic and converge toward one another at aligned end tips. One or both of the end tips are covered with a soft sleeve or cap. The IOL is fixed in the anterior chamber of the eye by pinching the iris tissue between the end tips of each pair of pincer arms. The soft sleeves eliminate damage to the iris tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Brady
  • Patent number: 6723125
    Abstract: The device for conditioning an organic ligament to be implanted, in particular a ligament as a cruciate ligament replacement, is equipped with first and second receiving elements for receiving and tensioning the ligament at two spaced locations. The first receiving elements is connected to means for the periodic translatory adjustment of the first receiving element with respect to the ligament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Heckele, Eberhard Körner, Martin Seebach, Jürgen Göbel
  • Patent number: 6723126
    Abstract: A laterally expandable spinal implant includes a central body and two wings that are adapted to be received within an inner chamber formed within the central body. The wings have guide rails that fit into grooves defined in the central body. To ensure that the implant is properly secured, each guide rail has an outer end with a cutting surface that cuts into vertebral end plates when the wings are extended. The two wings are connected together through a central turnbuckle shaft that has geared teeth and threading on both ends that engage threaded cavities in the wings. Through the gear teeth, the turnbuckle shaft is able to be rotated so as to laterally extend the wings from the central member. A locking mechanism locks the turnbuckle shaft to prevent the wings from retracting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Bret Berry
  • Patent number: 6723127
    Abstract: An artificial disc having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by a wave washer having a circumferential extent surrounding a central bore. Various wave washer embodiments disclosed include circumferential extents that are ring-shaped, spiral-shaped, straight, bowed, grooved, wavy, thinning, thickening, and slotted. Various central bores disclosed include simple bores and bores that form a curvate socket. Various plate embodiments disclosed include plates having, on inwardly facing surfaces, a flat surface, a circular recess, or a ball-shaped protuberance that is mateable with the curvate socket. The wave washers are disposable between the plates, through various disclosed couplings, so that the plates compress, rotate and angulate freely relative to one another, enabling the artificial disc to mimic a healthy natural intervertebral disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Spine Core, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Stephen Tatar, Joseph P. Errico
  • Patent number: 6723128
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a prosthetic device for correcting deformity of the spine including a prosthetic device main body being inserted into an intervertebral disk, and having a variable height to correct deformity of the spine, and a control strip inserted into the prosthetic device main body, for controlling a height of the prosthetic device main body. A control strip insertion hole where the control strip is inserted and fixed is formed at the center portion of a height variable surface of the prosthetic device main body, an insertion hole is formed at the rear side portion of the prosthetic device main body which faces the variable surface, and an elastic cutting groove having a variable width is extended in a lateral direction from the control strip insertion hole to the rear surface, for dividing the variable surface into the upper and lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Jong Uk
  • Patent number: 6723129
    Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis includes a stem member adapted to be implanted into a medullary canal of a femur. The stem member has a continuously tapered elongated bore and a threaded aperture defined therein. A first end of the elongated bore defines a post-receiving opening. The post-receiving opening is defined in a proximal end surface of the stem member. The elongated bore extends between the post-receiving opening and a threaded aperture. The femoral prosthesis also includes a neck member having a neck body, a head-receiving support member secured to the neck body so as to extend outwardly therefrom, and a tapered post secured to the neck body so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The tapered post is adapted to be received into the elongated bore of the stem member. A method of performing a joint replacement procedure by use of a modular prosthesis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Dwyer, Larry G. McCleary, A. Fred DeCarlo
  • Patent number: 6723130
    Abstract: The present invention essentially relates to a hip joint endoprosthesis stem for cement-free or cemented anchoring in bones that is anchored in the femural neck and in the proximal metaphysis and preserves the internal spongiosa and compact structures that reinforce the femur, that gives the design element axial access to the medullary canal, and possesses parabolically curved outer surfaces to optimize the transfer of force to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Draenert, Klaus Blaesius
  • Patent number: 6723131
    Abstract: A composite bone marrow graft material is provided having an enriched population of uniformly distributed progenitor cells. The graft material includes clot material preferably derived from non-anticoagulated bone marrow aspirate, which significantly improves the efficacy of the graft. A method for preparing such bone graft material is also provided. A kit is also provided containing sterilized implements useful in preparing enriched composite bone marrow graft material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: George F. Muschler
  • Patent number: 6723132
    Abstract: An artificial lung for humans and other mammals inserted within the body or placed externally. The artificial lung comprises an electrically actuated three-way valve, a casing containing parallel loops of oxygenator tubes for oxygenation of blood by an atmosphere of circulating air, and an air circulation driving fan powered by an energizing system. As a safety factor in the event of leakage in the casing, a check valve is inserted in an effluent blood duct from the casing to the aerated effluent blood. Two artificial lungs can be utilized internally as left and right lungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Karim Salehpoor
  • Patent number: 6723133
    Abstract: A prosthesis is provide for repairing a defect in a muscle or tissue wall. The prosthesis has a preformed shape that conforms to the wall to facilitate placement and minimize shifting of the prosthesis when positioned on the wall. The prosthesis may include a body formed of a sheet of surgical mesh fabric having a flexible body surrounded by a peripheral edge that may be welded or fused so that the body is capable of resuming the preformed shape after being temporarily deformed to allow for implantation. In one embodiment, the body includes a first portion (1) configured with a substantially spherical shape and a second portion (6) connected to the first portion at an outer edge (2) thereof, wherein the first portion has a first radius of curvature and the second portion has a second radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the first radius of curvature along the outer edge (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Pajotin
  • Patent number: 6723134
    Abstract: A multi-component lacrosse stick head, made of at least two materials, including a base lacrosse head structure of one material and one or more overlays made of one or more other materials strategically located on the base structure. The base structure and overlays provide particular performance characteristics for the lacrosse head. An embodiment of the invention includes a base lacrosse head structure, and at least one of a ball stop overlay, a sidewall overlay, an edge overlay, a thread opening overlay, and a scoop overlay. The overlays are affixed to the base lacrosse head structure by, for example, insert molding, over molding, reaction injection molding, spray application, rotational molding, dual extrusion, casting, or an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard B. C. Tucker, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6723135
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition containing a surfactant system having: (a) an alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycoside; (b) from about 5 to 35% by weight of a fatty alcohol; and (c) up to 2% by weight water, all weights being based on the weight of the surfactant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Eskuchen, Ditmar Kischkel, Manfred Weuthen, Michael Koehler, Werner Leinemann
  • Patent number: 6723136
    Abstract: A composition for coloring keratin fibers comprises, a physiologically acceptable medium and an efficacious quantity of at least one coloring material precursor selected from the compounds containing at least one aromatic ring having at least two hydroxyl groups borne by two adjacent carbon atoms of the aromatic ring, an efficacious quantity of at least one oxidation base of the para or ortho type selected from the aromatic amines, and an efficacious quantity of a catalytic system comprising a first constituent selected from the group consisting of salts and oxides of Mn(II) and/or Zn(II) and their mixtures, and a second constituent selected from the group consisting of alkali hydrogen carbonates, alkaline earth hydrogen carbonates and their mixtures. Keratin fibers may be colored by the application of this composition thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Francis Pruche
  • Patent number: 6723137
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a textile printing process for dyeing a cloth black, the cloth comprising fibers dyeable with reactive dyes, the process comprising at least three steps of, (a) applying a black ink containing a black reactive dye and an orange ink containing an orange reactive dye to the cloth so as to at least partialy overlap each other by an ink-jet system, (b) heating or steaming the cloth, to which the inks have been applied in the step (a), and (c) washing the cloth resulted from the step (b), wherein the black and orange reactive dyes have reactive groups different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Hakamada, Shoji Koike, Koromo Shirota
  • Patent number: 6723138
    Abstract: A process for preparing diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments comprises conducting the elementary steps of pigment synthesis (reaction and hydrolysis) in a miniaturized continuous reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Clariant International Ltd.
    Inventors: Uwe Nickel, Leonhard Unverdorben, Joachim Weber, Erwin Dietz, Juergen Patzlaff
  • Patent number: 6723139
    Abstract: Process for recycling a composition comprising pulverulent calcium fluoride in the form of micrometric particles comprising: (i) a stage of mixing, in the presence of water, the said composition with pulverulent calcium fluoride (also known as natural spar), the particle size of which is suitable for feeding an HF furnace, in a ratio r of less than 75% by weight, preferably of less than 30%, then (ii) a stage of drying the mixture resulting from (i) until a residual water content is obtained which is also suitable for feeding an HF furnace; the stage (ii) optionally being carried out simultaneously with the stage (i).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Atofina
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Biragnet, John-David Murphy, Henri Kouache
  • Patent number: 6723140
    Abstract: A method for forming lithium electrodes having protective layers involves plating lithium between a lithium ion conductive protective layer and a current collector of an “electrode precursor.” The electrode precursor is formed by depositing the protective layer on a very smooth surface of a current collector. The protective layer is a glass such as lithium phosphorus oxynitride and the current collector is a conductive sheet such as a copper sheet. During plating, lithium ions move through the protective layer and a lithium metal layer plates onto the surface of the current collector. The resulting structure is a protected lithium electrode. To facilitate uniform lithium plating, the electrode precursor may include a “wetting layer” which coats the current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: May-Ying Chu, Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. De Jonghe
  • Patent number: 6723141
    Abstract: The invention provides an additive concentrate which comprises an oil soluble hydrocarbyl poly(oxyalkylene) aminocarbamate having a number average molecular weight (Mn) in the range 600 to 10,000 having at least one basic nitrogen atom wherein said hydrocarbyl group contains 1-30 carbon atoms, and an oil soluble hydrocarbyl amine of formula R—NH2 wherein R represents a group R′ or a group R′—CH2—, wherein R′ represents a hydrocarbyl group having a number average molecular weight (Mn)in the range 750 to 6,000; a gasoline composition containing such additive concentrate; and its preparation; and a method of operating a spark-ignition engine using such gasoline composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: David Roy Kendall
  • Patent number: 6723142
    Abstract: A non-woven abrasive article of interlaced fibers and abrasive particles and a binder which is preformed into a predetermined three dimensional shape and a method for manufacturing the same. The abrasive article is preformed by a thermal setting the abrasive article while it is maintained in a predetermined three dimensional shape or by heating the article to its glass transition temperature and then cooling the article below the glass transition temperature while it is maintained in a predetermined three dimensional shape. This method allows the manufacture of preformed abrasive articles in various three dimensional shapes, including, for example, a bull nosed shape suitable for finishing a concavely curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tepco Ltd.
    Inventors: Grahame Emerson, Michael Salyards
  • Patent number: 6723143
    Abstract: An aqueous metal oxide sol slurry has been developed for removal of low dielectric constant materials. The slurry is formed directly in solution utilizing non-dehydrated chemically active metal oxide sols which are formed in a colloidal suspension or dispersion. The oxide sols have not undergone any subsequent drying and the particles are believed to be substantially spherical in structure, dimensionally stable and do not change shape over time. The sol particles are mechanically soft and heavily hydrated which reduces surface damage even in the case where soft polymer or porous dielectric films are polished. The sol particles are formed of a chemically active metal oxide material, or combinations thereof, or can be coated on chemically inactive oxide material such as silicon dioxide or can be coformed therewith. The oxide sols can include a bi-modal particle distribution. The slurry can be utilized in CMP processes, with or without conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Towery, Michael Fury
  • Patent number: 6723144
    Abstract: A film formed on a surface of a wafer on which an integrated circuit is to be constructed can be planarized by using a fixed abrasive tool regardless of the width of elements of a pattern underlying the film. The fixed abrasive tool is liable to form scratches in the surface of the film. A planarizing process of the present invention employs a fixed abrasive tool containing substances harder than the film to be planarized in a content of 10 ppm or below and having a mean pore diameter of 0.2 &mgr;m or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Souichi Katagiri, Kan Yasui, Ryousei Kawai, Sadayuki Nishimura, Masahiko Sato, Yoshio Kawamura, Shigeo Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6723145
    Abstract: An under booth paint collection apparatus is positioned beneath a paint application booth that includes an air circulation system for painting a product with particulate paint. A plurality of discrete powder reclamation collectors are arranged in aligned rows beneath the booth. Continuously aligned air chambers are each positioned above one of the opposing rows of reclamation collectors. Each air chamber is defined by having opposed continuous side walls interconnecting said reclamation collectors. Each air chamber provides a continuous air plenum directing air and particulate paint not adhered to the product being painted from the application booth to the plurality of discrete reclamation chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dürr Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Cole
  • Patent number: 6723146
    Abstract: A blower apparatus for a vehicle for blowing air into a cabin. The blower apparatus including a case member, various units and airflow passages. The units include an air cleaning unit for cleaning the air, and a component-adding unit for adding air components such as ions to the air. The units have compatible external shapes and sizes for selective installation in almost the same positions in the airflow passages, thereby meeting user needs of changing the function of the blower apparatus simply by arranging the units to the desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ninomiya, Yukitaka Abe, Shinji Iwama, Kazutoshi Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 6723147
    Abstract: An air-permeable filter for an ink cartridge includes at least one porous material layer including at least one resin selected from the group including fluororesin and polyolefin resin, and at least one air-permeable substrate layer having a tensile strength of 1 MPa or more. In addition, an ink cartridge includes a space for receiving an ink and at least one air vent in which the air-permeable filter is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mashiko, Hiroyuki Nishii
  • Patent number: 6723148
    Abstract: An air induction system comprises flow body (32) and a filter housing (20). The filter housing (20) has a first housing portion (36) and a second housing portion (40) in communication with the air flow body (32). A filter (44) is disposed in the filter housing (20). A connector comprises a wing (54) mounted to a post (70) extending from the first housing portion (36) and a slot (56) on the second housing portion (40). (FIG. 4). The first housing portion (36) has at least one cutout (60) adjacent post (72). (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Arden Stass
  • Patent number: 6723149
    Abstract: A separator for liquid, in particular for removing oil from crankcase gases, having a cover (11) into which a mount (13) for a cylindrical separating cartridge (14) is incorporated. The separating cartridge is composed, for example, of a non-woven separating material (20) wound around a support body (22) having end plates (33) on the end faces (32) of the support body. The end plates (33) may be composed, for example, of a two-component synthetic resin material. This results in a stable component which can be sealed utilizing the elasticity of the end plate (33) when pushed into the mount (13). This results in a cost effective exchangeable part in which several seals are saved in the complete structural component and yields a structural unit having increased economic effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Ernst, Heinz Jawurek, Herbert Jainek
  • Patent number: 6723150
    Abstract: An air filter assembly comprises a plastic frame containing an air permeable filter media. The media is corrugated to provide a series of pleats. Some of the pleats can be folded more compactly than others, so that the media can fit in various size frames. This can reduce the inventory of filter manufacturers and dealers. The filter frame can be plastic injection molded with integral living hinges to enable the frame to fold from a relatively flat shape to a more box-like structure. The frame includes one or more flip-up saw tooth racks that help define a main series of chambers plus a storage chamber. The main series of chambers supports a portion of the media that is more loosely folded for filtering air. The storage chamber is adjacent the main air stream and holds the more compactly folded, excess pleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan P. Parker
  • Patent number: 6723151
    Abstract: A gas removal filter has an ion exchanger for adsorbing a gas and at least a pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger. By measuring a change in the electric resistance between at least the pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger, it is possible to estimate an ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger. The ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger can be detected in a short period of time, and a remaining adsorption capability of the ion exchanger can be known with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Tanaka, Yoko Suzuki, Takashi Kishi
  • Patent number: 6723152
    Abstract: A preferred gas separation membrane made from a blend of a copolymer of 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole (BDD) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) with a 2,2,4-trifluoro-5-trifluoromethoxy-1,3-dioxide based polymer is disclosed, the membrane exhibiting an advantageous combination of gas separation and permeation properties for a number of gas separation applications. In particular, the membrane formed from the blend of these polymers exhibits unexpectedly high gas separation factors for separation of volatile organic hydrocarbon vapors (VOC) from air, compared to the component polymers that form the blends. Fabrication of composite membranes formed from perfluoropolymer blends is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Bikson, Yong Ding, Johann Katz Leroux, Joyce Katz Nelson
  • Patent number: 6723153
    Abstract: Gas mixtures of SF6 and N2 which have been used as an insulating filler gas for underground cables can be separated by use of a membrane separation in order to recover the SF6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Pittroff, Thomas Schwarze, Heinz-Joachim Belt
  • Patent number: 6723154
    Abstract: Air in a compressed air system is cleaned by consecutively passing the air through a pre-filter, silica gel with large pores, silica gel with fine pores, a molecular sieve, and a fine filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventors: Mats Olsson, Mats-Orjan Pogen
  • Patent number: 6723155
    Abstract: A method for removing a first and a second minor component from a gas mixture comprising the first and second minor components and one or more major components. The method comprises providing a first adsorbent zone containing a first adsorbent material and a second adsorbent zone containing a second adsorbent material wherein the selectivity of the first adsorbent material for the first minor component relative to the second minor component is greater than the selectivity of the second adsorbent material for the first minor component relative to the second minor component. The average particle diameter of the first adsorbent material and the average particle diameter of the second adsorbent material preferably are substantially the same. The gas mixture is passed through the first adsorbent zone and subsequently through the second adsorbent zone. A purified gas containing the one or more major components and depleted in the first and second minor component is withdrawn from the second adsorbent zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Weyrich, Shyam Ramchand Suchdeo, Christopher James Raiswell, Elizabeth Helen Salter
  • Patent number: 6723156
    Abstract: Hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. The hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: IdaTech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 6723157
    Abstract: A material is provided for capturing a chemical substance comprising fibers which carry metal alkoxide particles on the surfaces thereof. The metal alkoxide particles are made from an oligosilica, an oligozirconia, an oligotitiania, or the like. The fibers may include inorganic fibers, regenerated fibers and/or synthetic fibers. The material for capturing a chemical substance is produced by a method comprising steps of subjecting the fibers to a surface treatment for facilitating adhesion of the metal alkoxide particles to the surfaces of the fibers, forming the metal alkoxide particles on the surfaces of the fibers, and fixing the metal alkoxide particles to the surfaces of the fibers. A chemical substance-capturing tube, capable of capturing a trace of a chemical substance in a liquid or a gas, can be produced by placing the fibers, i.e., the material for capturing a chemical substance, in a hollow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignees: Sun Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Tsuda, Motonori Munesue
  • Patent number: 6723158
    Abstract: A gas separator has a separator member that rotates with a shaft for separation of fluid components. A flow divider directs more dense fluid to the pump and less dense fluid into an annulus surrounding the pump. An impeller is located within the flow divider for urging fluid out of a downstream gas exit port. A single large gas exit port is used and may be combined with use of a single large fluid inlet. An auger may be located within the rotary separator member. Holes may be located in the sidewall of the rotary member or chamber. The holes are preferably located in a helical pattern above and adjacent the flights of the auger or are in vertical columns adjacent the baffles. The chamber may have a cylindrical or tapered profile. Alternatively, a series of sub-chambers may be used, each having a smaller radius than the preceding, upstream sub-chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6723159
    Abstract: An air filter capable of visual indication of a clogged condition thereof includes a housing, a filter unit, a fan unit and a signaling device. The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air passage extending from the air inlet to the air outlet. The signaling device includes a flap disposed to span the air passage, a horizontal pivot pin connected securely to the flap and pivotable relative to the housing, and a pointer connected to one end of the pivot pin and rotatable with the pivot pin relative to the housing. A reduction in air flow through the air passage attributed to a clogged condition of the air filter causes the flap to pivot and move the pointer relative to the housing so as to indicate the clogged condition of the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Meng-Chieh Cheng
  • Patent number: 6723160
    Abstract: Non-thermoplastic starch fibers having no melting point and having apparent peak wet tensile stress greater than about 0.2 MegaPascals (MPa). The fibers can be manufactured from a composition comprising a modified starch and a cross-linking agent. The composition can have a shear viscosity from about 1 Pascal·Seconds to about 80 Pascal·Seconds and an apparent extensional viscosity in the range of from about 150 Pascal·Seconds to about 13,000 Pascal·Seconds. The composition can comprise from about 50% to about 75% by weight of a modified starch; from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an aldehyde cross-linking agent; and from about 25% to about 50% by weight of water. Prior to cross-linking, the modified starch can have a weight average molecular weight greater than about 100,000 g/mol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Larry Neil Mackey, Gregory Charles Gordon, Lora Lee Buchanan, Stephen Wayne Heinzman, Paul Arlen Forshey
  • Patent number: 6723161
    Abstract: A method for oxidizing an organic pigment including dispersing the pigment in an aqueous medium and exposing the dispersed pigment to ultrasonic radiation, whereby the exposed pigment exhibits from 3 to 10 microequivalents of carboxylic acid, or salts thereof, per square meter of pigment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Eric Jon Langenmayr, Richard Shu-Hua Wu
  • Patent number: 6723162
    Abstract: A concrete includes organic fibers, dispersed in a cement matrix. The cement matrix includes elements having predetermined particle sizes. The organic fibers have predetermined lengths and diameters. The behavior of the concrete is improved both with respect to the occurrence of minute cracks and the propagation of large cracks as a result of a synergistic effect between the cement matrix and the organic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignees: Bouygues, Lafarge, Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Marcel Cheyrezy, Jerome Dugat, Sandra Boivin, Gilles Orange, Laurent Froin
  • Patent number: 6723163
    Abstract: An accelerating admixture for sprayed concrete comprises: (a) the reaction product of aluminium hydroxide with an organic acid; (b) aluminium sulphate; and (c) at least one alkanolamine. Concrete to which accelerator has been added sets rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: MBT Holding AG
    Inventor: Thomas Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6723164
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing an oxide-semiconductor interface, which is free from the formation of an interface layer (reactive layer) between a semiconductor and an interface oxide and which thereby allows satisfactory exhibition of performance capabilities of a functional oxide and achievement of the stability of oxide-semiconductor interface, yet independent of temperature; it also provides a stabilized semiconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Corporation, National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Toyohiro Chikyo, Mamoru Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 6723165
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a Group III nitride semiconductor substrate according to the present invention includes the steps of: (a) preparing a substrate; (b) forming, on the substrate, a first semiconductor layer composed of a Group III nitride semiconductor; (c) forming, on the first semiconductor layer, a heat diffusion suppressing layer lower in thermal conductivity than the first semiconductor layer; (d) forming, on the heat diffusion suppressing layer, a second semiconductor layer composed of a Group III nitride semiconductor; and (e) irradiating the first semiconductor layer through the substrate with a light beam transmitted by the substrate and absorbed by the first semiconductor layer to decompose the first semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ogawa, Masahiro Ishida, Satoshi Tamura, Shinichi Takigawa
  • Patent number: 6723166
    Abstract: A seed crystal holder holds a SiC seed crystal while a SiC bulk single crystal is grown on the front surface of the seed crystal. The holder includes a back surface body with a bearing surface for bearing against a back surface of the SiC seed crystal. The holder includes a lateral mount for receiving the back surface body and the SiC seed crystal. The lateral mount has a projection located on an end facing the SiC seed crystal. The SiC seed crystal rests on the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Harald Kuhn, Rene Stein, Johannes Voelkl, Wolfgang Zintl
  • Patent number: 6723167
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a sleeve that forms a hollowed cylinder to enclose a spindle. The sleeve has a thickness and a first length. A strut is mounted to the spindle to keep the sleeve from traveling up a shaft. The strut is slotted into a first slot on a top end of the hollowed cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Porter
  • Patent number: 6723168
    Abstract: A spin-coater for coating a liquid material on a wafer that is equipped with a self-cleaning coating cup and a method for self-cleaning a spin-coater are described. The spin-coater is constructed of a coating cup of circular shape, a wafer pedestal situated in the cup, a coating material dispensing nozzle over the pedestal, a motor means for rotating the pedestal, and a solvent dispensing means that is mounted juxtaposed to an upper rim of the sidewall of the cup for dispensing a cleaning solvent onto an interior surface of the sidewall to dissolve and rinse off any liquid coating material splattered thereon and to prevent the formation of solid contamination from the solidified coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Hwan Kao, Yi-Chuan Lo
  • Patent number: 6723169
    Abstract: An installation for coating objects with powder, in particular for powder painting, comprises a booth which is known per se and in which powder can be applied to the objects by an application device. Stray powder is entrained by an air stream directed through the interior of the booth from the top downwards. The mixture of air and powder is extracted via an extraction opening in the bottom of the booth and supplied to a movable filter unit which is situated beneath the extraction opening and in which the powder is separated from the air/powder mixture for reuse. A plurality of such movable filter units are movable while suspended from a supporting-rail system, it being possible for all of these filter units, which are each intended for separating off a particular type of powder in particular one powder paint color, to be selectively brought under the extraction opening of the booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eisenmann Maschinenbau KG
    Inventors: Erwin Hihn, Axel Halbmeyer, Johannes Palesch
  • Patent number: 6723170
    Abstract: Disclosed are a crystalline trehalose dehydrate which has an elongated crystalline structure with a proportion of the length in the c axis to that in the b axis less than 2.0, its preparation and uses. The crystal has insubstantial hygroscopicity and solidification, and satisfactory stability, free-flowing ability, and handleability; it can be easily processed without fracture in the drying and sieving steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ohashi, Hiroto Chaen, Toshio Miyake
  • Patent number: 6723171
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a process which involves safely and sanitarily extracting a solid material from a shell-and-tube reactor with good efficiency. The process comprises the step of extracting a solid material 90 that is packed in a reaction tube 20 of a shell-and-tube reactor 10, with the process further comprising: the step (a) of inserting an aspirating tube 30 from an end of the reaction tube 30 wherein the aspirating tube 30 is connected to an exhaust gas aspirator 70; and the step (b) of extracting the solid material 90 from the reaction tube 20 by aspirating the solid material 90 in the reaction tube 20 from a tip of the aspirating tube 30 together with a stream of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromi Yunoki