Patents Issued in July 1, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040124116
    Abstract: Baby Pockets' multiple functions as a storage area for baby care products and toys, organizer, travel system, entertainment system, and decorative wall hanger make this invention unique. No other product serves all of these purposes combined. Its multiple functions makes diapering and grooming of babies and children easier than it has ever been.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Esther Hillary Long
  • Publication number: 20040124117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a receptacle comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Publication number: 20040124118
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to realize accurate positioning of a slotted plate. Disclosed is a thin plate supporting container having a container body for housing therein semiconductor wafers, a lid unit for closing the container body, and slotted plates for supporting the semiconductor wafers from both sides. There are provided an upper fitting portion for supporting an upper portion of the slotted plate, and a lower fitting portion for supporting a lower portion of the slotted plate. An upper fitting piece of the upper fitting portion has a contact face having a flat plane shape which comes into contact with the slotted plate side to thereby position the slotted plate in the front/rear direction while suppressing swing of the slotted plate, and a supporting face. The upper receiving piece has a face to be contacted having a flat plane shape, and a face to be supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: MIRAIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chiaki Matsutori, Tadahiro Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20040124119
    Abstract: Disclosed is a carrier tape for use in the parts-implanting machine for carrying parts therewith having means for being towed in the carrier tape and disposed in a longitudinal direction thereof and first means for capturing each of first parts, further comprising one or two longitudinally linear linings formed of hot-melt or sticky material and coated on one surface of the carrier tape such that each of the first part-capturing means is disposed in parallel with the linings, whereby after a cover tape is overlaid on the surface of the carrier tape, heat-staked or born down hard with each of the first parts captured by the first part-capturing means and disposed in between the carrier tape and the cover tape, and then fed into the machine by towing the means for being towed, each of the first parts is carried over to a place intended for the first parts and ready to be taken out in a cyclic manner as the carrier tape is peeled off the cover tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Seung Bae Ahn, Jin Sung Park
  • Publication number: 20040124120
    Abstract: A receptacle for a tray display for point-of-purchase display of articles for vending, is provided with an outer shell, and an article enclosing tray positioned against a back side of a front wall of the outer shell. Access to the articles is provided through an aperture in the front wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Robert Egresitz
  • Publication number: 20040124121
    Abstract: A method for preparing low toxicity Fischer-Tropsch fuels suitable for use in a diesel engine and Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel compositions having low toxicity suitable for use in diesel engines characterized by a boiling range distribution wherein the 5 weight percent point is at a temperature of 570 degrees F. or less and the 95 weight percent point is at or above a temperature of 680 degrees F.; a kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C. of less than 5.5 cSt; and a cloud point of less than −18 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Russell R. Krug, Stephen J. Miller, Russell D. White, David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, James Arthur Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20040124122
    Abstract: An aviation gasoline composition comprising at least one tri-methyl pentane hydrocarbon and at least one C4 or C5 alkane wherein the amount of the at least one tri-methyl pentane in said composition is 10 to 90 vol %, the composition is substantially free of any lead compounds and the composition has a motor octane number of at least 92 and less than 98. The composition of the present invention may be made by blending together one or more process streams and may be used in a spark ignition aviation engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Alisdair Quentin Clark
  • Publication number: 20040124123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-63 prepared using N-cyclodecyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-63 and processes employing SSZ-63 in a catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Saleh Elomari
  • Publication number: 20040124124
    Abstract: An apparatus for downflow fluid catalytic cracking is described, which comprises a regenerated catalyst riser carrying regenerated catalyst and a carrying fluid, those being directed through a crossover section to a distributor that will centrifuge gas and separate catalyst from carrying fluid, the catalyst being directed to a downflow reactor through a distributing basket provided with perforations. The upper part of the reactor is provided with feed injectors, which atomize the feed so that feed vaporization and feed and catalyst admixture is optimized. After the cracking reaction in downflow reactor, reaction products are separated and spent catalyst is directed to stripping and regeneration sections. The FCC process carried out in the apparatus is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Andrea de Rezende Pinho, Jose Geraldo Furtado Ramos, Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Claudio Fonseca Machado dos Santos, Mauro Silva, Aurelio Medina Dubois, Nelson Patricio Junior, Jorivaldo Medeiros, Paulo Sergio Freire, Walcondiney Pereira Nunes, Paulo Sergio Moreira Assumpcao
  • Publication number: 20040124125
    Abstract: A fuel processing method is operable to remove substantially all of the sulfur present in an undiluted hydrocarbon fuel stock supply which is used to power a fuel cell power plant in a mobile environment, such as an automobile, bus, truck, boat, or the like; or in a stationary environment. The power plant hydrogen fuel source can be gasoline, diesel fuel, or other like fuels which contain relatively high levels of organic sulfur compounds such as mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, thiophenes and the like. The undiluted hydrocarbon fuel supply is passed through a nickel reactant desulfurizer bed wherein essentially all of the sulfur in the organic sulfur compounds reacts with the nickel reactant, and is converted to nickel sulfide, while the now desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel supply continues through the remainder of the fuel processing system. The method involves adding hydrogen to the fuel stream prior to the desulfurizing step. The method can be used to desulfurize either a liquid or a gaseous fuel stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Roger R. Lesieur, Brian A. Cocolicchio, Antonio M. Vincitore
  • Publication number: 20040124126
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for sequential classification of a plurality of controllable components, to each of which a calibration resistor (11) is assigned for which the resistance value classifies the component in relation to at least one characteristics, comprises switching means through which each calibration resistor (11) can be connected individually into a calibration network which is suitable for creation of an electrical calibration voltage (14) dependent on the value of the calibration resistor (11). The calibration network comprises a constant current source (13) and a reference resistor (12) connected in parallel to this via which the output voltage (14) can be tapped off and can be connected in parallel in each case via the switching means to a calibration resistance (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Stephan Bolz
  • Publication number: 20040124127
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for filtering impurities and the like from a swimming pool or other body of water is provided. The filter cartridge is positioned in a receptacle for receiving water and for recirculating it back to the pool. The filter cartridge includes a core communicating with the recirculating system and having a plurality of openings therein communicating with a supporting frame located around the core and affixed thereto. The frame has a multiplicity of openings therein and a plurality of undulations extending therealong. A flexible sleeve is located around the frame and is of sufficient size to assume the contour of the frame when water is supplied from the exterior of the sleeve to the interior of the core, thereby providing a maximum filtering surface. The sleeve has elastic bands around both ends for drawing the ends together around the core beyond the ends of the frame. The sleeve can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Diane N. Fox, Matthew A. Fox
  • Publication number: 20040124128
    Abstract: In a trap flow path, two diluents are supplied by solvent pumps that can respectively determine the flow rates independently. One of the diluents is allowed to pass through a fraction loop so as to direct a fractioned component(s) held in the fraction loop to a trap column together with a mobile phase. The other diluent is allowed to join with a flow path that has passed through the fraction loop on the downstream side of the fraction loop, and flows to the trap column while diluting the mobile phase from the flow path. In the trap column, the sample component(s) is condensed while being trapped therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Yosuke Iwata
  • Publication number: 20040124129
    Abstract: A filter element assembly includes an outer filter member and an inner filter member. The filter assembly is also provided with a support cap having an outer ring, which is connected to the outer filter member, and an inner ring, which is connected to the inner filter member. The support cap also includes a plurality of connecting members connecting the outer ring to the inner ring, which is positioned substantially within the outer ring. Each of the connecting members is sized and shaped so as to allow the outer ring and the inner ring to move relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter A. Booth
  • Publication number: 20040124130
    Abstract: A protective cover for an engine filter having a cover upper portion and at least one cover sidewall attached to the cover upper portion, wherein the cover upper portion and the at least one cover sidewall form an enclosure, such that an inner perimeter of the enclosure has a size and a shape similar to a size and a shape of an outer perimeter of the engine filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Walker,
  • Publication number: 20040124131
    Abstract: A precursor delivery system includes a flow path from a precursor container to a reaction space of a thin film deposition system, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. A staging volume is preferably established between the precursor container and the reaction space for receiving at least one dose of the precursor material from the precursor container, from which a series of pulses is released toward the reaction space. The precursor material is typically vaporized after loading it in the precursor container by heating or reducing the pressure inside the precursor container. A vacuum line is preferably coupled to the precursor container and bypasses the reaction space for reducing pressure inside the precursor container without drawing particles into the reaction space. A high conductivity particle filter having inertial traps may be included, preferably between the precursor container and a staging volume, for filtering particles from the precursor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Bradley J. Aitchison, Jarmo Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Harkonen, Martti Sonninen
  • Publication number: 20040124132
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide, liberated by introducing fouling inhibiting bubbles into a tank containing an immersed membrane module, is captured and returned to the tank by way of the bubbles to minimize increases in pH in the tank water caused by carbon dioxide stripping. Minimizing the pH increase reduces the amount of acid required to produce a desired pH in the tank water or, with scaling feed water, reduces the rate of membrane fouling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Manwinder Singh, Scott Lenhardt
  • Publication number: 20040124133
    Abstract: A process for spiral membrane element production is disclosed which attains high productivity, eliminates the material “wrinkling” or “breakage” caused by material distortion or core tube distortion, and can increase the degree of tightening of the whole element. The process includes a step in which a multilayer structure including a feed-side passage material interposed between opposed membranes on their feed side and a permeation-side passage material interposed between opposed membranes on their permeation side is spirally wound on a perforated core tube, wherein the winding of the multilayer structure on the core tube is conducted by rotating the core tube 5 while pressing one or more rolls 15 against the periphery of the wound structure R1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaoru Irie, Tomohiro Inagaki, Tatsuya Ogurisu
  • Publication number: 20040124134
    Abstract: A process for spiral membrane element production is disclosed in which creases are stably and sufficiently formed to thereby enable the later step of winding or the like to be smoothly conducted while eliminating the “wrinkling” or “breakage” caused by the distortion of creased parts. The process comprises the step of forming a multilayer structure S2 comprising a membrane 1 which has been folded, a feed-side passage material disposed on the feed side of the folded membrane 1, and a permeation-side passage material disposed on the permeation side of the folded membrane 1 and the step of spirally winding at least the multilayer structure S2 on a perforated core tube 5, wherein the folded membrane 1 is obtained by forming beforehand in a membrane a folding initiation part L2 reduced in bending resistance along each of folding lines L1 for the membrane, folding the membrane 1 at the folding initiation parts L2, and heating and pressing the membrane 1 during and/or after the folding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaoru Irie, Tomohiro Inagaki, Tatsuya Ogurisu
  • Publication number: 20040124135
    Abstract: An at least two zone, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane is disclosed. The at least two zone, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane may include at least two different membrane pore size zones or the pore sizes may have about the same pore size. Apparatus and processes for fabricating at least a two zone unsupported, continuous, microporous membrane are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Sale, Eugene Ostreicher
  • Publication number: 20040124136
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating water or other liquid material and a guide plate for use in a tube An apparatus for treating water or other liquid material comprises a tubular element and a guide plate. The tubular element has an outer circumferential wall defining a through going passage therein and defining an inlet end and an outlet end. The guide plate is of an elongated configuration defining a longitudinal axe and is sidewise twisted one turn relative to the longitudinal axis. The guide plate is receivable within the passage for separating the passage into two parts for guiding water or other fluid material along the two parts of the passage from the inlet to the outlet end in one side wise turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jorgen Bak
  • Publication number: 20040124137
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating agricultural waste with an alkane substrate to stimulate bacterial digestion. The alkane treatment may also reduce odor of the agricultural waste material. The agricultural waste may include animal waste, vegetable material, leaf material, plant material, composting material or waste paper products. The alkane preferably includes butane, propane, methane and/or ethane, with butane being particularly preferred. Methods and apparatus are also provided for recovering plant growth-enhancing material from the treated agricultural waste and for treating soil with alkane-utilizing bacteria and/or an alkane substrate in combination with a carrier material to increase seed, bulb, plant and crop growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Felix A. Perriello
  • Publication number: 20040124138
    Abstract: A method and system for the treatment of wastewater is described herein. The system determines a quantity of fresh water entering a building and supplies a quantity of wastewater treatment solution on a basis of the quantity of entering fresh water. The system includes a conventional septic tank and two sanitization modules connected in series and automatically controlled by a controller. Compressed air and aseptic solution may also be supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gontran Veilleux, Blaise Begin
  • Publication number: 20040124139
    Abstract: A biofilter material for biofiltering a fluid is disclosed. This biofilter material comprises fragments of coconut mesocarp. A wastewater treatment system is also disclosed and comprises a filter bed and a water distribution system. The filter bed comprises fragments of coconut mesocarp as a biofilter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Pierre Talbot, Denis Pettigrew, Roger Lacasse, Ginette Belanger, Yves Arcand, Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Publication number: 20040124140
    Abstract: Reduced attrition of catalyst and extended operation of heterogenous catalyzed slurry reactions in draught tube reactors is facilitated by locating vertically oriented filter media within the draught tube reactor annular space to provide a product outlet stream substantially free of catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gary A. Sawyer, Mark A. Liepa, Prakash G. Balan
  • Publication number: 20040124141
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cyclic method for separating at least one chemical element E1 from at least one chemical element E2 from an aqueous solution containing said elements, which employs a mixture of two extractants operating in non-overlapping chemical fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Pascal Baron, Michael Lecomte, Xavier Heres, Bernard Mauborgne
  • Publication number: 20040124142
    Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: William Kopaciewicz, Phillip Clark, David Brewster
  • Publication number: 20040124143
    Abstract: A streamlined method for purifying alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) from an AAT-containing protein mixture, such as a Cohn fraction IV precipitate, is provided. In the method of the invention, contaminating proteins are destabilized by cleavage of disulfide bonds with a reducing reagent, such as a dithiol, which does not affect AAT. The destabilized proteins are then preferentially adsorbed on a solid protein-adsorbing material, without the addition of a salt as a precipitant. Separation of the solid adsorbent from the solution leaves a purified AAT solution that is directly suitable for chromatographic purification, without the need for extensive desalting as in prior art processes. A process incorporating this method, which provides pharmaceutical grade AAT in high yield on a commercial scale, is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Scott M. Kee, Paul I. Cook, James R. Smith, Robert Kling, Scott A. Fowler, David Weber
  • Publication number: 20040124144
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of N-carboxyanhydrides of amino acids which is characterized in that the N-carboxyanhydrides, in solution or in suspension in a nonpolar solvent medium, are brought into contact with silica.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Antoine Paris, Marc Lebon
  • Publication number: 20040124145
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a hydrophilic membrane to provide by the process of pervaporation through the membrane water suitable for agricultural irrigation, industrial use, hydrating or rehydrating of food or agricultural or pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also relates to a water purification apparatus which includes the hydrophilic membrane, comprising one or more layers of hydrophilic polymers, to purify water which may contain suspended or dissolved impurities and solids, including but not limited to seawater, brackish water and other kinds of polluted water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Christopher Tonkin, Mark Andrew Young, Olaf Norbert Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20040124146
    Abstract: A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 &mgr;m to about 250 &mgr;m, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kinh-Luan D. Dao, Yem Chin, Sheng-Ping Zhong, Kshitij Mohan, Liem Vu
  • Publication number: 20040124147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrafiltration. In particular, the present invention provides a compact ultrafiltration device and methods for generating an ultrafiltrate, both of which can be used for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to filtering blood, diagnostic applications, and as a bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: William H. Fissell, H. David Humes, Shuvo Roy, Aaron Fleischman
  • Publication number: 20040124148
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reverse osmosis membrane housing. The housing has a pressurizable cylindrical central pipe having a membrane opening end and an integral bottom end, an o-ring and a cap. The integral bottom end has at least a purified fluid outlet and somewhere on the cylindrical central pipe is a waste outlet. The waste outlet and the purified fluid outlet extend away from the pressurizable cylindrical central pipe. A ferrule extends from the membrane opening, and has a first alignment device to secure the o-ring in a desired position on the ferrule. The cap has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has second alignment device to secure the o-ring in a desired position on the cap, while the distal end has an inlet port so a fluid can flow through the inlet port. Once the fluid is within the housing it can take two paths. The first path is into a reverse osmosis membrane positioned in the pressurizable cylindrical central pipe and to the purified fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Santo Bozzo
  • Publication number: 20040124149
    Abstract: For certain mixed mode resins having anionic character, a ligand is joined to a solid support via a linkage that includes a mercapto-, ether- or amino-containing moiety. A suitable ligand comprises an aromatic group, a heteroaromatic group, or a heterocyclic group, optionally fused, that is sulfate-, sulfonate-, phosphonate- or phosphate-substituted and that is linked to such a moiety. These resins possess an anionic character under conditions prescribed for their use. Separation of a biological substance, such as a peptide or protein, can be accomplished with a resin of this type via a change in the pH of eluants, thereby effecting adsorption and desorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Egisto Boschetti, Pierre Girot, Pil-Je Um
  • Publication number: 20040124150
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the removal and disposal of chromium form an aqueous medium. The systems and methods include the removal of chromium from a source by contact with either natural or synthetic zeolite that has been modified with a ferrous ion or other like substance. The spent zeolite is disposed of and replaced with freshly modified zeolite. In some cases the systems and methods are performed under de-oxidizing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: John E. Litz
  • Publication number: 20040124151
    Abstract: A method of removing a heavy metal from a composition comprises: (1) providing a fibrous protein fiber; (2) agitating the fibrous protein fiber; (3) making a slurry of the agitated fibrous protein fiber; (4) contacting the agitated fibrous protein fiber slurry with a composition containing a heavy metal ion or a heavy metal ion complex; and (5) filtering a supernatant produced in step (4) to remove the heavy metal from the composition. The fibrous protein of the fibrous protein fiber can be selected from the group consisting of keratins, collagens, fibrins, and elastins. Typically, the fibrous protein of the fibrous protein fiber is a keratin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: MAXIM, LLC, a limited liability corporation
    Inventors: Carlo Licata, Rajendra Mehta, Manorangan Misra
  • Publication number: 20040124152
    Abstract: This application discloses a method for enhanced removal of chloramines from a chloramines-containing fluid media by contacting said media with a catalytic activated carbon characterized by having present in the graphene structure of the carbon from 0.01 to 10 wt % of aromatic nitrogen species. The catalytic activated carbons used in the present invention may be prepared from carbon materials that have been contacted or otherwise exposed to ammonia, with or without simultaneous exposure to an oxygen-containing vapor or gas at temperatures above 700° C. and, preferably, are in the form of a solid carbon block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick Stanley Baker
  • Publication number: 20040124153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for the removal of a contaminant from a fluid comprising said contaminant, in particular for the removal of heavy metals from water which is contaminated by heavy metals, which apparatus (1) comprises a reaction vessel (2) in which it is intended to treat the contaminated fluid with a particulate treatment agent (3), which reaction vessel (2), on its underside, is of substantially conical design and comprises an inlet (4) for the contaminated fluid which is to be treated and an outlet for the cleaned fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Franciscus Johannes Maria van de Weijer
  • Publication number: 20040124154
    Abstract: A process of flocculating and dewatering an aqueous suspension of suspended solids comprising, introducing into the suspension, (a) substantially linear polymer, (b) structured polymer, characterised in that the polymers are introduced into the substrate sequentially. The process brings about improvements in filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Weir, Michael Green, John Stephen Robinson, Tony Whittaker, Malcolm Skinner
  • Publication number: 20040124155
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing constituents from a fluid stream is provided. The apparatus includes a duct, a collection device, a sorbent injector, and an acoustic generator. The duct has a fluid passageway to receive a fluid stream having constituents. The collection device filters the fluid stream. The sorbent injector injects a sorbent in the fluid passageway of the duct. The acoustic generator generates an acoustic field in the fluid passageway of the duct to promote sorption of the constituents for collection by the collection device. Additionally, a method is provided for removing constituents from a fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: G. Douglas Meegan
  • Publication number: 20040124156
    Abstract: A system and method for processing waste material. A system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a grid system for separating waste material into a solid component, and a liquid and tissue component, and a centrifuge for separating the liquid and tissue component into a liquid component and a tissue component. The system further includes a mixer for mixing the solid component and the tissue component to form a solid and tissue mixture, and a hydrolizer for combining the solid and tissue mixture and superheated steam to form a cellulose material. The system further includes an extruder for extruding the cellulose material to form a construction material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: James G. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20040124157
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Briggs, Steve Gara, Tom Watters, Mike Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20040124158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to stationary cloth media filtration systems and devices, as well as processes and devices for uniform flow distribution and improved cloth media filter backwashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Smith, Paul A. Hughes, Lloyd W. Johnson, Peter G. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20040124159
    Abstract: A rack for holding a bicycle by either its front or back wheel in an upright position on a floor. The rack includes a bracket which is adapted to be fitted on an elongate support frame. A rotatable lower brace extends outwardly from the bracket and includes spaced-apart arms which terminate in a downwardly extending lip. An upper brace extends generally upwardly from the bracket and includes spaced-apart arms. A bicycle is held on the rack by rolling the bicycle wheel directly into the lip of the lower brace and into and between the arms of the upper and lower braces respectively. A plurality of racks can be slidingly fitted onto a single support frame for holding a plurality of bicycles in spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Colony Incorporated
    Inventor: Kent G. West
  • Publication number: 20040124160
    Abstract: A system including pluralities of tubular lengths and T-connectors couplable with said lengths in a package for assemblage into an orthogonal frame of width, length and depth not in excess of 24 inches, 80 inches and 5½ inch, respectively, for securement to one of a planar wall and planar door surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Steven J. Vitale
  • Publication number: 20040124161
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rack for digital media containers such as compact disc jewel boxes. The unit contains a base and opposed sides, between which a plurality of tubular members are provided to hold the containers. Dividers are provided between adjacent tubular members and have attachment means at at least one end formed from two arc like members, supported on a resilient support to the divider and having a pivotal connection between the points of support from the divider so as to be able to assume an open and a closed stable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sunhing Millennium Ltd.,
    Inventor: Wai Ming Lau
  • Publication number: 20040124162
    Abstract: A rack for contiguously storing and displaying a stack of symmetrical objects having parallel and planar opposite faces such as compact discs jewelcases. The rack comprises a toggling mechanism at the bottom of each storage location that raises the object above the adjacent others in response to a light pushing movement in order to facilitate pulling the object our of the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Su Yong Yi
  • Publication number: 20040124163
    Abstract: A slotwall panel storage system having a slotwall panel with a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots forming a plurality of generally “T” shaped slats and a hanger bracket for removably mounting a device on the slotwall panel. The hanger bracket includes a support portion, a first generally “J” shaped hook on one edge of the support portion and a second generally “J” shaped hook on an opposite edge of the support portion. A hook or storage device is attached to the support portion of the hanger bracket. The hanger bracket can have a spring arm for frictionally locking the hanger bracket on the slotwall panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Travis Michael Perkins, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Tyree Edward Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven Edward Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane A. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark Allen Stout
  • Publication number: 20040124164
    Abstract: A space-efficient workroom organization system comprising a slotwall panel with at least one repositionable slotwall-mounted storage cabinet, and a workbench system comprising a workbench having a work surface and defining a storage recess beneath the work surface, with at least one mobile storage cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Travis Michael Perkins, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Tyree Edward Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven Edward Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane A. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark Allen Stout
  • Publication number: 20040124165
    Abstract: The expandable shelf of the invention is formed of several telescoping tubular assemblies that are supported in parallel to one another between a pair of end plates. The end plates are mounted to opposed walls. A center bracket is provided to supportably mount between the end plates for embodiments having long or flexible tubes. In another embodiment, one end plate is mounted to a wall and a second end plate is supported on a floor-mounted column. A further embodiment has a removable end plate that is mounted to a wall surface and then the balance of the expandable shelf device is mounted to the removable end plate and the opposite end plate mounted to a second wall surface. An additional embodiment includes a solid surface platform that is adjustable in length to mount onto the expandable shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Miller, Jack Miller, David B. Jablow, Alan Kaufman