Patents Issued in September 14, 2004
  • Patent number: 6790209
    Abstract: Rod reducers for use in orthopedic surgery are disclosed that include a fastener engaging member and a reducing member coupled together by an actuator assembly. The fastener engaging member can be secured to a fastener engaged to bone or tissue of the patient. The actuator assembly moves the reducing member such that its distal end contacts a rod and moves it toward the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Beale, John Stewart Young
  • Patent number: 6790210
    Abstract: One or more curved axial bore is formed commencing from an anterior or posterior sacral target point and cephalad through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner. An anterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL) or a posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (PAIFL) that extends from the anterior or posterior target point, respectively, in the cephalad direction following the spinal curvature through one or more vertebral body is visualized by radiographic or fluoroscopic equipment. Generally curved anterior or posterior TASIF axial bores are formed in axial or parallel or diverging alignment with the visualized AAIFL or PAIFL, respectively. The anterior and posterior TASIF axial bore forming tools can be manipulated from proximal portions thereof to adjust the curvature of the anterior or posterior TASIF axial bores as they are formed in the cephalad direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: TranS1, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Jonathan Kagan
  • Patent number: 6790211
    Abstract: A tool tip for use with an ultrasonically driven osteotome, is described. The tool tip has a first curvature in a first plane and a second curvature in a second plane oriented ninety degrees from the first plane. The resulting curvature of the tool tip substantially corresponds to the medial curve of a femoral component of a hip replacement system. The tool tip provides easy access to the area in proximity to the medial curve of the femoral component, thus enabling the efficient softening and removal of cement therefrom during revision procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. McPherson, Mark V. Vandewalle
  • Patent number: 6790213
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle defect, that promotes tissue or muscle growth into the prosthesis and subsequently strengthens the area of the defect. At least one pocket and preferably two concentric pockets may be provided to aid with manipulating the prosthesis. Where two pockets are used, a barrier or partition exists between the pockets and the outer pocket allows manipulation of the outer periphery. The incidence of postoperative adhesions between a portion of the prosthesis and tissue, muscle or organs may be minimized with the use of a barrier layer. Reinforcing members may be attached to portions of the prosthesis to aid in positioning and deployment in the area of desired coverage without rendering the prosthesis unduly difficult to implant or uncomfortable for the patient. Typically, two concentric members are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Cherok, Stephen N. Eldridge, Roger E. Darois, Patrick J. Devlin, Matthew R. Fenton, Steven Palmer Ford, Philip A. Tessier
  • Patent number: 6790214
    Abstract: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation, and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral placement into a stomach, a tissue shaper carried on the longitudinal member that causes stomach tissue to assume a shape related to a gastroesophageal flap, and a tissue fixation device that maintains the shaped stomach tissue in a shape approximating a gastroesophageal flap. The tissue shaper may include a mold. The device may include the invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering esophageal tissue to aid restoration of the gastroesophageal flap, and may include the tissue fixation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: EsophyX, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan J. M. Kraemer, John M. Adams, Stephen T. Vincent
  • Patent number: 6790215
    Abstract: A method of removing material from a body lumen in a patient in need of such removal, comprising advancing a catheter-mounted device having a distal material removal tip including a hollow housing and a member rotatable therewithin, rotating the rotatable member, drawing the material into the housing, shearing the material in the housing between relatively rotating shearing members to reduce the clogging propensity of the material, and removing the sheared material from within said housing as the material removal tip is advanced through the vessel. In another embodiment, the rotatable member of the invention includes grinding member for grinding the material prior to the contact of the material with the shearing member. An article of manufacture that includes packaging material and instructions in the method of the invention contained within the packaging material is also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Findlay, III, James R. Madonia
  • Patent number: 6790216
    Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment appliance consists of: an ultrasonic transducer unit having an ultrasonic transducer, which produces ultrasonic waves, incorporated in a hand-held piece; a probe connected to a horn for amplifying ultrasonic waves produced by the ultrasonic transducer, and serving as a vibration transmission member; a treatment member located at the distal end of the probe, having an ultrasonic treatment surface that is parallel to the longitudinal axial direction of the probe and is flat, exhibiting a larger section modulus at the proximal end thereof than at the distal end thereof, and having ultrasonic waves transmitted thereto; a clamping member, opposed to the treatment member, for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the treatment member; and a clamping manipulation member for use in moving at least one of the treatment member and clamping member so as to clamp a living tissue between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6790217
    Abstract: A surgical instrument useful in harvesting blood vessels such as veins and arteries. The instrument has a pair of jaws and a central cutting element displaceable distally and proximally to dissect tissue contained between the jaws. The distal ends of the jaws form a dissecting tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Gary W. Knight, Christopher J. Hess
  • Patent number: 6790218
    Abstract: The present invention includes a coiled wire formed of a shape memory material for implantation into an anatomical defect. After implantation of one or more of the coiled wires according to the present invention, the defect is occluded and thereby corrected or treated. Prior to implantation, the coiled wire is generally elongated and thereafter it reverts to a predetermined shape that is suitable for occluding the defect. At least one clip having at least two prongs may be provided on the wire for attachment to body tissue. Preferably the wire is made of nickel-titanium. In an alternative embodiment, the coil includes a plurality of layers. At least one of these layers is formed of a shape memory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Swaminathan Jayaraman
  • Patent number: 6790219
    Abstract: An endoluminal device having an elongate tubular member and a filter slideably received within a lumen of the tubular member. An obturator tip is carried by the filter and shaped to rest against the distal end of the elongate tubular member when the filter is within the lumen of the tubular member. Methods of using the obturator and the introducer for introducing the filter into a vessel, such as an aorta, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Richard O. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6790220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sealing a puncture in a tubular tissue structure or the wall of a body cavity. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for sealing a puncture site in the wall of a tubular tissue structure, or in the wall of a body cavity with submucosal tissue or another extracellular or matrix-derived tissue capable of remodeling endogenous connective tissue in vivo. The submucosal tissue or another extracellular matrix-derived tissue is inserted into the puncture site as a sheet on an introducer element such as a needle, a cannula, a guide wire, an introducer element adapted for dialysis, an introducer element adapted for catheterization, a trocar, or any other introducer element used to access the lumen of a tubular tissue structure or used to access a body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Morris Innovative Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Morris, Andrew J. DeNardo
  • Patent number: 6790221
    Abstract: Methods for making a loaded catheter assembly for delivering a self-expanding stent where the self-expanding stent is carried in a compressed state and the compressed stent has an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the catheter distal tip. The methods can utilize catheter sub-assemblies lacking already attached tips or having partially formed distal tips. A stent can be proximally and co-axially slid over the distal end of the catheter shaft and constrained by a retractable sheath disposed co-axially about the compressed stent. The catheter distal tip can be added or more fully formed after the loading of the stent. Some catheters include a preformed distal conical tip held in position by a heat-shrink film. Other catheters have an elastomeric distal tip waist for slipping over and engaging an outward projection on the catheter shaft distal region. Some catheters are adapted to engage catheter shaft distal threaded regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Monroe, Andrew D. Bicek, Joel Phillips, Joel R. Munsinger, David Sogard
  • Patent number: 6790222
    Abstract: The invention provides an endovascular graft system for repair of aneurysms. The graft system includes a trunk component and first and second leg components. The graft components include graft material supported by a plurality of stents which are spaced apart and affixed to the graft material in a manner that allows articulation of the graft system without excessive wear of the graft material. The stents are formed by intersecting struts which may be tapered to relieve stress. A stabilizing mechanism is provided to stabilize the position of the legs with respect to the trunk when the graft system is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Chad J. Kugler, John R. Drontle, Matthew J. Olson, Thomas K. Heiland, Peter T. Keith
  • Patent number: 6790223
    Abstract: A delivery system for placement of a stent within a body of a patient includes a stent, a retaining structure, and an elongated member. The stent includes a coil which defines a lumen and has an initial length when in an expanded rest state. Adjacent turns of the coil are positioned to substantially prevent tissue ingrowth through the turns and into the lumen when the stent is placed within the body. The retaining structure is sized for insertion into the body and includes one or more pins. The pins collapse and deform the stent while the stent maintains substantially its initial length. The elongated member is coupled to the retaining structure and enables insertion of the retaining structure with the stent into the body such that the stent can be deployed from the retaining structure and placed into the body while maintaining substantially its initial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Reever
  • Patent number: 6790224
    Abstract: A medical device includes a catheter having an expandable balloon, an expandable endoprosthesis positioned on the balloon, and an expandable sleeve. The endoprosthesis has a first end and a second end, and the expandable sleeve extends over an end of the endoprosthesis and a portion of the balloon adjacent to the end of the endoprosthesis. The sleeve is configured to separate into a plurality of portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent C. Gerberding
  • Patent number: 6790225
    Abstract: Stented tubular grafts of expanded, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The stented PTFE grafts of the present invention include an integrally stented embodiment, an externally stented embodiment, and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Also, in each embodiment, the stent may be coated or covered with a plastic material capable of being affixed (e.g., heat fused) to PTFE. Manufacturing methods are also disclosed by the individual components of the stented grafts are preassembled on a mandrel and are subsequently heated to facilitate attachment of the PTFE layer(s) to one another and/or to the stent. Optionally, the stented graft may be post-flexed and post-expanded following it's removal from the mandrel to ensure that the stented graft will be freely radially expandable and/or radially contractible over it's full intended range of diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Donald T. Shannon, Chris Kuo, John McIntyre, Ronald L. Clinkenbeard, Yizi Chu, Benny Tu
  • Patent number: 6790226
    Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen to maintain luminal patency, including a support structure and a polymer component, which may be in the form of a wire member joined to a polymer cladding. The support structure may be formed of shape memory alloys, which exhibit either shape memory or pseudoelastic properties, or from an elastic material having an inherent spring tension such as spring steel, braided stainless steel wire, or composite materials, such as woven or braided carbon fibers. The polymer cladding may be formed from a variety of suitable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Tarun J. Edwin, Rajagopal R. Kowligi, Brendan J. McCrea, Christopher E. Banas
  • Patent number: 6790227
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a stent provides a folded strut section that provides both structural rigidity and reduction in foreshortening of the stent mechanism. A flexible section provides flexibility for delivery of the stent mechanism. In a second embodiment, flexible section columns are angled with respect to each other, and to the longitudinal axis of the stent. These relatively flexible sections are oppositely phased in order to negate any torsion along their length. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connector can take on an undulating shape (like an “N”), but such that the longitudinal axis of the connector is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent. Finally, a new method is disclosed for making stents. The method consists of performing a standard photochemical machining process of cutting, cleaning and coating the tube with a photoresist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Burgermeister
  • Patent number: 6790228
    Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed F. A. Hossainy, Stephen D. Pacetti, Keith E. Fong, Vinayak Bhat, Deborra Sanders Millare, Judy A. Guruwaiya, Daryush Mirzaee, Evgenia Mandrusov
  • Patent number: 6790229
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cardiac prosthesis fixing device made up of a tubular element that can be accommodated inside a valve annulus of a heart and is provided with a bottom flange and top flange, between which the valve annulus can be accommodated. According to the invention the bottom flange is bent, or can be bent, reversibly, against a resilient force, from a first outward-pointing position into a second position in which the projection of the bottom flange on a radial transverse surface of the tubular element is located essentially on and/or within the periphery of the tubular element and the bottom flange is fixed or can be fixed in said second position in such a way that the fixing can be released in order to bend back the bottom flange towards the first position under the influence of said resilient force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Eric Berreklouw
  • Patent number: 6790230
    Abstract: An anchoring element including a replacement heart valve for the purposes of intraluminal anchoring of the heart valve element to mammalian hearts, the anchoring element having a small enough initial volume prior to its placement that it can be brought to its point of use using a catheter through a blood vessel and can be expanded there to its functionally correct dimensions. The anchoring element is shaped differently from a cylindrical shape such that it is connected to the aorta at the point of use at least in areas in a form-locked manner. This facilitates an especially good seating of the anchoring element containing the replacement heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Universitatsklinikum Freiburg
    Inventors: Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Georg Lutter
  • Patent number: 6790231
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation, including a bendable elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the elongated body being adjustable between a first configuration adapted to be delivered into the coronary sinus and a second configuration adapted to exert a force onto the posterior annulus. The body includes a flexible spine having a proximal end and a distal end, and a flexible wire mounted on the spine and having a distal end fixed to the spine proximate to the distal end of the spine, and having a proximal portion extending from the proximal end of the spine. Axial movement of the wire causes a change in the spine from the first configuration to the second configuration to exert the force on the posterior annulus and thereby reduce mitral regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Viacor, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Liddicoat, Steven B. Woolfson, Richard B. Streeter, William E. Cohn
  • Patent number: 6790232
    Abstract: An intraocular lens for use in a mammalian eye having a natural lens, the intraocular lens including a lens body sized and adapted for placement in the eye, and having a baseline optical power and at least one optical add power. The at least one optical add power is reduced relative to the corresponding optical power of a similar intraocular lens adapted for placement in a similar eye in which the natural lens has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Lang
  • Patent number: 6790233
    Abstract: An improved ceramic bone graft is provided for human implantation, particularly such as a spinal fusion cage for implantation into the inter-vertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae. The improved spinal fusion cage includes a substrate block of high strength ceramic having a selected size and shape to fit the anatomical space, and a controlled porosity analogous to natural bone. The substrate block is coated with a bio-active surface coating material such as hydroxyapatite or a calcium phosphate to promote bone ingrowth and enhanced bone fusion. Upon implantation, the fusion cage provides a spacer element having a desired combination of mechanical strength together with osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity to promote bone ingrowth and fusion, as well as radiolucency for facilitated post-operative monitoring. The fusion cage may additionally carry one or more natural or synthetic therapeutic agents for further promoting bone ingrowth and fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Amedica Corporation
    Inventors: Darrel S. Brodke, Ashok C. Khandkar, Mahendra S. Rao, Ramaswamy Lakshminarayanan
  • Patent number: 6790234
    Abstract: A reverse shoulder prosthesis system has a humeral stem with a lower cylindrical portion, an upper cylindrical portion, an intermediate conical portion, and a central axis, a large flat with a small recess having an axis forming an angle of about 150 degrees to the central axis. A humeral socket has an upper surface machined as a hemisphere and an attached backing plate formed with a projection as a male Morse taper received in the small recess of the stem. A glenoid head is formed in a hemispherical configuration with a cylindrical pocket. A baseplate has a cylindrical central part, an exterior part, a long cancellous bone screw machined in the center of the exterior part, and an enlarged interior projection for assembly to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Frankle
  • Patent number: 6790237
    Abstract: Medical stents having valves and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. The valve may be basket-shaped and formed integral to a medical stent to prevent undesirable backflow across the valve. The valve can be formed by converting the braided wires of the stent, by providing elastomeric material onto a mold or fixture to form an elastomeric valve, or by attaching a gasket valve. The valve is normally closed but configured to allow easy opening in response to a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Stinson
  • Patent number: 6790238
    Abstract: Ultra low friction sheath for facilitating donning and wearing of a prosthesis on a residual limb. The sheath is configured to remain between the residual limb and the prosthesis during normal use of the prosthesis for its intended purpose. A low friction sheath can also be used to help don a shoe on a prosthetic foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Knit-Rite, Inc.
    Inventor: James Jay Martin
  • Patent number: 6790239
    Abstract: A coloring composition and a method of coloring keratin-containing fibers are provided. The coloring composition contains a mixture of and/or a reaction product of at least one aromatic aldehyde or ketone and at least one CH-active compound. In the method of the present invention, the aromatic aldehyde or ketone and the CH-active compound may be applied to keratin-containing fibers simultaneously or successively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Hinrich Moeller, Doris Oberkobusch, Horst Hoeffkes
  • Patent number: 6790240
    Abstract: A shaped body is provided for preparing coloring compositions and for coloring keratin fibers. The shaped body contains at least one dye precursor, at least one oxidizing agent, and at least one alkalinizing agent. The shaped body is placed in a composition containing water to form a coloring composition that can be applied to keratin fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft aug Aktien
    Inventors: Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, Britta Bossmann, Detlef Hollenberg, Michael Dreja
  • Patent number: 6790241
    Abstract: Mediator systems obtainable by mixing a salt of an electrochemically active complexing metal (M1) capable of forming a plurality of valence states with a hydroxyl-containing complexing agent, which may likewise be present as salt, and with a salt of an electrochemically inactive complexing metal (M2) in an alkaline aqueous medium, wherefor the molar ratio of metal ion M2 to metal ion M1 is from 0.8:1 to 2:1 are useful for reducing dyes and dyeing cellulosic textile material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co. Deutschland KG
    Inventors: Thomas Bechtold, Eduard Burtscher, Wolfgang Schrott, Norbert Grund, Peter Maier, Georg Schnitzer, Franz Sütsch
  • Patent number: 6790242
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a fullerene containing surface and process for manufacturing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: LAM Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6790243
    Abstract: A lithium-ion cell includes a carbonaceous anode and a lithiated metal oxide cathode, with a plastic spacer therebetween and liquid electrolyte containing lithium salts. The cell stands for a period of time aller electrolyte is added. The cell is then charged at a first current density of about ¼ mA/cm2 for at least an hour. Following the first charge, the cell stands open-circuited for at least an hour. The cell is again charged, at a current density significantly greater than the first current density, until the cell reaches a particular voltage which corresponds with the desired cell capacity, and gases are vented. After the second charge, the cell is discharged at a relatively high current density toward a particular voltage, so as to leave less active lithium ions in the anode structure. After discharge, the lithium ion cell is sealed and ready for charging by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Comsat Corporation
    Inventor: Hariharan Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 6790244
    Abstract: An improved stackable charcoal briquet has a convex bottom and a concave top and is packaged in a stacked compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Saunders, Lindsey Tufts, Jr., David J. Boll
  • Patent number: 6790245
    Abstract: A method for suppressing dust emanation from a dust-bearing material comprises applying to the material a dust suppressant that comprises molasses-derived protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Benetech, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Wolff, Joseph P. Pircon, Mark E. Freetly
  • Patent number: 6790246
    Abstract: Arrangement for understoichiometric gasification of spent liquor from chemical pulp production, comprising an upper reactor part (2), which upper reactor part is provided with a burner (5) for the spent liquor and with an internally clad reactor jacket (4), and a lower separating part (8), comprising at least one wall (18), for separating a phase of solid and/or molten material, formed on gasification, from a phase of combustible gaseous material, which separating part (8) is arranged to essentially convey the said phase of solid and/or molten material to a product liquid bath (11). According to the invention, the said separating part (8) also comprises means for creating a cooling and protecting liquid film along at least one side of the said wall (18), the said means comprising a supply line (19) for coolant liquid, which supply line, at its inlet end, is connected to a coolant liquid bath (10) which is separate from the said product liquid bath (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Chemrec Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Bengt Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6790247
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Childress, John R. Farrell, Wendell B. Leimbach, James W. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6790248
    Abstract: An exhaust gas filter is capable of suppressing the generation of an excessive pressure loss due to the particulates deposited. At least a part of a multiplicity of cells surrounded by partitioning walls of the honeycombed exhaust gas purification filter have plugs on one of their two end portions. At least a part of the cells to be arranged on the downstream side in the fluid path are partial plugs having openings allowing the fluid flow. The pressure loss caused when the fluid entering the cells passes through the partitioning walls is smaller than the pressure loss caused when the exhaust gas passes through the partial plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Mikio Ishihara, Mamoru Nishimura, Hirohumi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6790249
    Abstract: Improvements are provided to enable an air-curtain portal to be used for the triage and decontamination of persons who may have been exposed to toxic gas vapour or particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Smiths Detection-Toronto Ltd.
    Inventor: John H. Davies
  • Patent number: 6790250
    Abstract: An improved filter support structure for supporting filter media. The support structure includes two sections removably coupled together with an improved coupling assembly. The first section has a cross section presenting a first width spaced apart from a second width, the second width being less than the first width. The coupling assembly includes an element carried by the second section, and presents an engagement width that is greater than the second width and less than or equal to the first width such that the element may be shiftably received within the first section at the first width, and can be removably engaged at the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Air Cure, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Pipkorn, Kal Ugargol
  • Patent number: 6790251
    Abstract: A skull-shaped air filter housing comprising a housing removably attached to a fitting. A jaw is hingedly attached along a lower edge of a face on the housing. The face has eye intake(s), a nose intake, and a jaw intake. When the jaw is open, air enters a housing cavity through the jaw intake. Means of rotating the jaw are disclosed, including cable actuation, spring biasing, and pneumatic actuators. The housing may contain a light for aesthetic purposes. The fitting may incorporate a fitting lumen diameter reduction at its intake to cool and compress air sent to the carburetor. When ram air enters the skull-shaped air filter housing and is sent to the carburetor, it is compressed and therefore denser, and fuel in the carburetor bowl is also compressed, resulting in a power increase in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen H. Brady, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6790252
    Abstract: A process of making an article of a tungsten-carbide-cobalt alloy with or without an additive of one or more of tantalum, cobalt-nickel, nickel-tantalum, tantalum-carbide, titanium-carbide, niobium-carbide, chromium-carbide, titanium-nitride and diamond dust. The method includes forming a homogeneous mixture of polygonal-shaped powder tungsten-carbide-cobalt and a polygonal-shaped powder additive and a binder including wax and a high molecular weight polyolefin polymer and injecting the mixture under heat and pressure into a metal injection mold to form a green preform of the article. The green preform is immersed in a linear hydrocarbon or a halogenated hydrocarbon or mixtures to dissolve and remove the wax and convert the green preform into a brown preform which is sintered to remove the remainder of the binder and to densify the brown preform into an article having a density not less than 98%. Various tungsten-carbide articles are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hard Metals Partnership
    Inventors: David J. Smith, Thomas B. Shappie, Robert A. Sanford, Richard J. Liesz
  • Patent number: 6790253
    Abstract: A biaxially textured alloy article having a magnetism less than pure Ni includes a rolled and annealed compacted and sintered powder-metallurgy preform article, the preform article having been formed from a powder mixture selected from the group of mixtures consisting of: at least 60 at % Ni powder and at least one of Cr powder, W powder, V powder, Mo powder, Cu powder, Al powder, Ce powder, YSZ powder, Y powder, Mg powder, and RE powder; the article having a fine and homogeneous grain structure; and having a dominant cube oriented {100}<100> orientation texture; and further having a Curie temperature less than that of pure Ni.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Amit Goyal, Robert K. Williams, Donald M. Kroeger
  • Patent number: 6790254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal alloy, in which in a vessel at overpressure a certain desired content of an alloying constituent, which is gaseous in its normal state, is fed to said metal alloy. The method is designed such that precise addition by alloying of an alloying constituent which is gaseous per se, to a steel alloy subjected to overpressure in a pressure vessel, is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: VSG Energie - und Schmiedetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Feichtinger, Irina Hucklenbroich, Gerald Stein
  • Patent number: 6790255
    Abstract: An annular rail 6 is fixed on the lower surface of a moving hearth 2, and the rail 6 is supported from below by support rollers 7 provided with elevating devices 8. The moving hearth 2 is continuously or intermittently moved downward by the elevating devices 8 depending on the thickness of a metal oxide layer formed by the deposition of powder of metal oxide agglomerates mixed into the furnace together with the metal oxide agglomerates so that a gap is provided between the surface of the metal oxide layer and the edge of the blade of a discharge screw 4 during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumito Hashimoto, Hiroshi Uemura
  • Patent number: 6790256
    Abstract: A system for monitoring gas carry-under of a formation fluid exiting a gas separator by measuring a parameter of interest of the formation fluid exiting the gas separator is disclosed. The parameter of interest that can be correlated with the extent of gas entrained in the formation fluid exiting the separator can be the density of the formation fluid, or an absorbance spectrum of the formation fluid. A correlation of the measurement of the parameter of interest with a level of gas carry-under is made and a signal is transmitted to a device to control the supply of at least one additive to control the gas carry-under.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: C. Mitch Means
  • Patent number: 6790257
    Abstract: An airflow feedback control method and apparatus for fan filter unit (FFU) is proposed, which is designed for use with a fan filter unit that is widely used in semiconductor fabrication factories for dust-clearing purpose, for controlling the fan filter unit to generate a constant amount of airflow equal to a preset desired amount. The proposed FFU airflow feedback control method and apparatus is characterized by that it utilizes bell inlet as an airflow measuring nozzle and that airflow is used as feedback parameter to control the FFU, rather than utilizing motor speed as feedback parameter by prior art. This feature allows the fan filter unit to continuously generate a fixed amount of airflow equal to the preset desired amount even if there is a pressure change at the site of installation, thus lessening the problems of insufficient air change rate and sideward-going airflows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ming-Shan Jeng, Meen-Dau Hoo, Juhn-Jie Chen, Kuo-Hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 6790258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for trapping AlCl3 from an aluminum etch effluent includes a housing containing disposable trapping medium with a first trapping stage and a second trapping media positioned radially outward and axially downward, respectively, from the strap inlet at respective distances to take advantage of differences in heat exchange efficiencies between the trapping media and solid AlCl3 build-up on the trapping media and of resulting changes in partial vapor pressure of AlCl3 adjacent condensation surfaces as solid AlCl3 build-up occurs to initially induce condensation and build-up near the inlet, but then preferentially flow vapor to more distant trapping media as build-up occurs before the build-up clogs the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Youfan Gu
  • Patent number: 6790259
    Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for cleaning a flow of gaseous fluid, such as room air, from particles present in the fluid, the gaseous fluid being ionized, and using a conductive grid placed across and upstream of the filter for protecting the filter from being charged by free ions. An air purifier filter cartridge using the ion-intercepting grid of the invention is also disclosed. The grid may be connected to or electrically insulated from the ionizer ground potential, with equal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Blueair AB
    Inventors: Bengt Rittri, Johan Wennerstrom
  • Patent number: 6790260
    Abstract: High product recovery and low BSF are achieved for fast-cycle shallow adsorbers in VPSA gas separation enabled by the coupled effects of high intrinsic adsorption rate and proper particle size selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark William Ackley, James Smolarek
  • Patent number: 6790261
    Abstract: A rigid frame is provided for a conventional air filter as used in ductwork of air handling systems in homes, buildings and the like. The frame includes a first section having a series of apertures and a second section slideably mounted thereto. The second section likewise includes a series of apertures for air passage. The method describes placing a conventional filter in the filter frame and adjusting its length to accommodate the selected filter, the filter can then be placed within the air handling system in a usual seat without fear of dislodgement due to flexing or bending of the air filter when it becomes loaded with dust and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Glenwood Delts