Patents Issued in January 9, 2007
  • Patent number: 7160303
    Abstract: A medical implant has a secured bone screw which is guided through a bore of the implant. The bore has a thread matching the thread of the bone screw. Between the head of the bone screw and the thread thereon, there is an unthreaded portion whose diameter is not greater than the free inside diameter of the threaded bore. These threads prevent axial passage of the bone screw through the bore without turning. Turning is inhibited or excluded by an arrangement preventing turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cervitech, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Keller
  • Patent number: 7160304
    Abstract: A device and method for use in a human spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies and into the vertebral end plates to receive an implantable insert. The device includes a handle, a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. An abrading element is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the abrading element in at least one degree of freedom to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 7160305
    Abstract: Osteochondral sockets are formed using a retrograde drill assembly. The retrograde drill assembly includes a guide pin having a fluted tip and an externally threaded portion. A removable cutter head has internal threads that engage the threads of the guide pin. The guide pin is drilled through bone, exposing the external threads in a joint space requiring repair. The cutter is threaded onto the guide pin, and the assembly is retrograded with rotation to form a socket in the bone. The cutter is disengaged from the guide pin for disassembly and removal from the bone, making way for an implant to be installed in the pocket. The implant can be drawn into the socket using an attached strand threaded through the bone socket and out of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhold Schmieding
  • Patent number: 7160306
    Abstract: Various surgical instruments for use in the treatment of vertebral body compression fractures, used respectively for: widening a working path; reducing deformity; inserting a filler; and impacting a filler are provided. A set of surgical instruments including these instruments makes it possible to treat collapsed vertebral bodies easily and reliably are provided. The set includes a guide rod 1 (an instrument for widening a working path), a vertical elevator 2 (an instrument for reducing deformity), a horizontal elevator 3 (an instrument for reducing deformity), an inserter 4 (an instrument for inserting a filler), and an impactor 5 (an instrument for impacting a filler). The guide rod 1 is used for widening a path 93 formed in a collapsed vertebral body 91. The vertical elevator 2 is used for returning the upper anterior portion of the collapsed vertebral body 91 to a substantially original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignees: Pentax Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromi Matsuzaki, Yoshie Tominaga
  • Patent number: 7160307
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing hip replacement surgery are described. According to one embodiment, a method comprising providing an incision locator comprising a first wing and a second wing, the first wing adapted to be oriented generally along the femoral axis of a femur forming the hip on which the surgery is being conducted, positioning a proximal portion of the first wing adjacent to the greater trochanter, positioning other portions of first wing generally parallel to the femoral axis, indicating a proper placement of an incision based at least in part on the position of the second wing of the incision locator, performing an incision using at least one incision guide in at least one of the first and second wings, and completing the surgical procedure is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: David Harwood, Phillip Frederick, Russell Walter
  • Patent number: 7160308
    Abstract: A surgery equipment holding device comprises a holder for holding surgical equipment, a bar connected to the holder, a brake which operatively engages the bar for stopping movement of the bar, and a pair of switches for switching being an active state and an inactive state of the brake. The surgery equipment holding device is characterized in the operation thereof at the time of disengaging the fixation state, and exhibits excellent operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Otsuka, Toru Shinmura, Kenji Omachi
  • Patent number: 7160309
    Abstract: A system for securing a device in tissue, having a sheath having a plurality of side openings; a rotatable element disposed within the sheath; and a plurality of curved projections extending from the rotatable element, wherein rotation of the rotatable element within the sheath pushes distal ends of each of the curved projections outwardly through one of the plurality of openings and into the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Laveille Kao Voss
  • Patent number: 7160310
    Abstract: To avoid a maximum displacing force being exceeded in the case of a device for pushing together a thread loop which is formed by a slip knot at the distal free end of the thread which can be displaced along the thread, with a displacing element which can be displaced on the thread in the direction of the loop, it is proposed that the displacing element or the proximal portion of the thread disposed at the end of the displacing element remote from the loop has connected to it a gripping element which releases the connection between itself and the displacing element or the proximal portion of the thread when a specific holding force is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Nesper, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Patent number: 7160311
    Abstract: Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates have locking components such as snap-fit components to maintain the plates together. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an eternally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The appparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Integrated Vascular Interventional Technologies, L.C. (IVIT LC)
    Inventors: Duane D. Blatter, Kenneth C. Goodrich, Mike C. Barrus, Bruce M. Burnett
  • Patent number: 7160312
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for partitioning a gastro-intestinal lumen by intraluminally reducing a local cross-sectional area thereof. The apparatus comprises a plurality of anchors adapted for intraluminal penetration into a wall of the gastro-intestinal lumen to prevent migration or dislodgement of the apparatus, and a partition, which may include a drawstring or a toroidal balloon, coupled to the plurality of anchors to provide a local reduction in the cross-sectional area of the gastro-intestinal lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Vahid Saadat
  • Patent number: 7160313
    Abstract: A skin incision device has a casing having a bottom surface with a slot formed therein, a cover positioned on the casing and slidable in a direction toward the bottom surface, a blade positioned in the casing adjacent the slot, an actuator cooperatively positioned between the cover and an interior of the casing, and a carriage element. The actuator engages the blade by its horizontal displacement triggered by the slidable movement of the cover toward the bottom surface of the casing. The carriage element guides the movement of the blade between a pre-actuated position and a post-actuated position. The blade moves outwardly through the slot, cuts with a horizontal movement, and returns inwardly through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Helena Laboratories
    Inventors: Edward L. Galloway, Eric Petersen, Tipton Golias
  • Patent number: 7160314
    Abstract: A fastener including at least an element to be anchored in an anatomical support, at least a stop element relative to a planar prosthetic component to be fixed, and a linking rod is characterised in that the linking rod is rectilinear and the junction zones of the anchoring element and the stop element with the linking rod enable the fastener to adopt: a non-stressed stripping configuration; a maximum stress configuration, doubled up on itself, for example in a tubular configuration by complete insertion of the fastener into a tube, and a minimum stress configuration, wherein the respective directions of the stop element and the anchoring element form between them, for example in the same plane, an angle not greater than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sofradim Production
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Sgro, Michel Therin, Francois-Regis Ory, Pierre Bailly
  • Patent number: 7160315
    Abstract: A thermal therapy device mainly contains a handle member, a burning member, and an ashes storage member, cascaded together into a rod-like heat source suitable for hand gripping. A ventilating section is configured between the handle member and the burning member surrounded by an anti-leaking ring. A supporting member is installed inside the burning member to hold a fuel bar. A portion of heat produced by the burning of the fuel bar radiates to the wall of the burning member while another portion of the heat is stored in a heat storage element of the supporting member surround by a thicker wall of the burning member so that the heat could be maintained for an extended period of time. The ashes storage member is at the bottom of the device to collect the ashes from the burning of the fuel bar. The ashes storage member has an axial through hole for smooth air circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Tzu-Chen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7160316
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature are provided. The apparatus comprises an appendage chamber that is adapted to be disassembled from a heat exchange element. In one aspect, the appendage chamber is disposable. The appendage chamber provides a negative pressure environment for a patient's appendage placed therein. An appendage is heated and exposed to a negative pressure environment within the apparatus to efficiently raise or maintain the body core temperature of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Dynatherm Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Hamilton, John Roy Kane, H. Lawson Fisher, Loren D. Titsworth, Barry Hickerson
  • Patent number: 7160317
    Abstract: Method and system for reducing the damage to a coated medical implant during the expansion of the coated implant is provided. The method may include providing a coated medical implant, providing a balloon catheter having a multi-wing balloon, the multi-wing balloon having at least four expandable folds, and crimping the medical implant onto the multi-wing balloon. The system may include a coated medical implant and a multi-wing balloon catheter having at least four expandable wings, the expandable wings in contact with the coating of the medical implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Mc Hale, Jan Weber, Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7160318
    Abstract: A modular stent graft assembly (10) for repairing a ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm (90) and having an aortic section tubular graft (12) and an iliac section tubular graft (14). The aortic section graft has a proximal attachment stent (32) thereon for suprarenal attachment of the assembly (10) to the aorta. A proximal end portion (50) of the iliac section graft (14) underlies the distal end portion (28) of the aortic graft (12) and presses outwardly thereagainst forming a a friction fit, at a telescoping region (64). The assembly (10) can be selected from an inventory (300) containing a set of delivery systems (100) of four size aortic section grafts (12) and a set of delivery systems (200) of four size iliac section grafts (14), that together accommodate a large majority of aneurysm sizes, and delivery systems (250) containing four standard sizes of occluders (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cook Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy K. Greenberg, Jason A. Mead
  • Patent number: 7160319
    Abstract: A multi-section filamentary stent comprises a braided section, which is a cylindrical mesh of a first set of filaments, connected to at least one wound section comprising a second set of one or more filaments having a repeating configuration with a bent portion. The two sections are preferably connected by at least one continuous filament extending into both sections. The two sections may be connected by a weld, a suture, a common graft, an overlapping portion of the two sections, or one or more filaments of one section looping through portions of the other section. The stent may comprise a first section, having a braided first stent architecture with a first flexibility and a first radial force, and a second section, having a non-braided second stent architecture with a second flexibility less than the first flexibility and a second radial force greater than the first radial force, in which at least one continuous filament is integral to both the first and second sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Chouinard, Patrick A. Haverkost
  • Patent number: 7160320
    Abstract: A multi-leaflet valve adapted to serve as a prosthesis for diseased native valve of a mammal is constructed of biologic membrane or of biocompatible synthetic membrane. The valve has the shape of a truncated cone that has an inflow and an outflow orifice with leaflets forming the outflow orifice and forming a plurality of commissures. A first flexible stent is removably affixed in a substantially circular fashion around the truncated cone in proximity of the inflow orifice, and a second flexible stent is removably affixed at the location of the commissures to form a circle around the truncated cone in proximity of the outflow orifice. The stents maintain the shape of the valve during the surgical implantation procedure. Each stent independently can be left in the valve or can be removed during the implantation procedure based upon the judgement of the cardiac surgeon performing the implantation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The International Heart Institute of Montana Foundation
    Inventor: Carlos Duran
  • Patent number: 7160321
    Abstract: An expandable medical device includes elongated struts which are joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device. The device is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. Each of the struts has a width in a circumferential direction and a thickness. At least one of the struts includes at least one opening that extends at least partially through the strut's thickness. A beneficial agent may be loaded into the opening within the strut. The expandable medical device may also include ductile hinges, formed between the elongated struts, which deform to allow the cylindrical device to be expanded or compressed from the first diameter to the second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Conor Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Shanley
  • Patent number: 7160322
    Abstract: An apparatus helps improve operation of a heart valve. The apparatus includes an arcuate base portion having a central axis and a buttress extending from the base portion axially relative to the base portion. The buttress has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface is dimensioned and configured to be engaged by a first leaflet of the heart valve when the apparatus is implanted in the heart valve. The second surface is dimensioned and configured to be engaged by a second leaflet of the heart valve when the apparatus is implanted in the heart valve. The buttress permits flow of blood adjacent both the first surface of the buttress and the second surface of the buttress when the first and second leaflets are not engaging the buttress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Shlomo Gabbay
  • Patent number: 7160323
    Abstract: A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: EndoVascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergei Appolonovich Pulnev, Andrei Vladimirovich Karev, Sergei Vladimirovich Schukin
  • Patent number: 7160324
    Abstract: A method for prevention of migration of epithelial cells in a capsular bag of an eye of a mammal is provided. The method comprises removing the natural lens of the eye from the capsular bag; introducing an object with at least one sharp edge into the capsular bag, in such a way that said sharp edge contacts the inside of the capsular bag to form a barrier preventing migration of epithelial cells across said barrier; and injecting a lens-forming composition into the capsular bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: AMO Groningen, B.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Terwee
  • Patent number: 7160325
    Abstract: A medical balloon, implantable in human tissue, of unitary silicone construction. The balloon is self-sealing upon removal of an inflation implement. The balloon device comprises a molded valve portion which is dip-coated in a silicone dispersion to create a balloon wall around and integral with the valve portion. Preferably, both the valve portion and the balloon wall are comprised of the same silicone material. The dipping process, combined with a vulcanizing process, creates a laminar wall which is strong and resistant to separation during inflation. The balloons may be used in for the treatement of urinary incontinence or vesicoureteral reflux, alternative procedures such as emboliztion or blocking of veins or arteries to accomplish the treatement of enlarged blood vessels in the brain or for treating severe uterine bleeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Randy L. Morningstar
  • Patent number: 7160326
    Abstract: A method of securing a soft tissue implant to damaged tissue of a patient is provided. The method includes preparing a layer of extracellular matrices (ECM) for surgery. The method further includes stretching the layer on a frame and securing the layer to the frame. The method includes placing a top surface of the layer adjacent the damaged tissue, drilling multiple holes generally simultaneously through the layer and tissue, and simultaneously inserting a fastener into each drilled hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ball
  • Patent number: 7160327
    Abstract: An artificial disc having a pair of opposing baseplates, for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by a ball and socket joint that includes a ball compression locked to a post extending from one of the baseplates. The ball is captured within a curvate socket formed in a peak of a convex structure attached to the other of the baseplates. The socket is formed by opposing curvate surfaces, one on the convex structure and one on the other of the baseplates. While the ball angulates freely in the socket, the rotation of the ball in the socket has a limited range due to interference between a protrusion on the convex structure that extends into the socket and a curvate recess on the ball. The ball and socket joint therefore permits the baseplates to rotate relative to one another through a limited range and also angulate relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Errico, Michael W. Dudasik, Rafail Zubok
  • Patent number: 7160328
    Abstract: A medical procedure includes providing a prosthesis which includes (i) a body portion having a rear surface and a bearing surface, and (ii) an anchor peg including a shaft extending from the rear surface of the body portion, wherein the anchor peg includes a plurality of outwardly extending fins secured to the shaft, and further wherein the plurality of outwardly extending fins each possesses a first diameter. The medical procedure further includes creating an anchor hole in a natural bone, the anchor hole possessing a second diameter which is less than the first diameter. In addition, the method procedure includes positioning the anchor peg within the anchor hole so that each of the plurality of outwardly extending fins deforms so as to possess (i) a concave side which faces an open end of the anchor hole, and (ii) a convex side that faces a closed end of the anchor hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: DePuty Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Rockwood, Jr., Michael A. Wirth, Thomas S. Camino, Jack F. Long, Jeffrey M. Ondrla
  • Patent number: 7160329
    Abstract: A radial-capitellar implant for surgical replacement of the capitellum of the humerus and, optionally, the head of the radius. The radial-capitellar implant includes a capitellar implant or surface replacement arthroplasty of the capitellum and a radial prosthesis for replacement of the head of the radius. In one embodiment the radial prosthesis includes an articular head which moveable articulates with a stem implantable in the radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Research and Education
    Inventors: William P. Cooney, III, Bernard F. Morrey, David A. Leibel
  • Patent number: 7160330
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis and method for emulating movements, during flexion, of a natural knee joint replaced by the knee prosthesis, by enabling engagement and relative movement between the femoral component and the tibial component of the knee prosthesis along arcuate tracks, including rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of rotation, during flexion about a transverse axis of rotation, and maintaining the transverse axis of rotation essentially in a generally medial-lateral longitudinal plane maintained in close proximity with a generally coronal plane passing through the centers of curvature of the arcuate tracks during flexion within at least a prescribed range of flexion extending from about 0° of flexion to a predetermined degree of flexion, preferably about 60° of flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Stuart L. Axelson, Jr., Damon J. Servidio, Marcus A. Kester
  • Patent number: 7160331
    Abstract: A sigmoid notch resurfacing prosthesis for application to the sigmoid notch of the distal radius. The sigmoid notch prosthesis generally includes a saddle and a radius portion for attachment to the distal radius. The saddle may be formed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or another durable self-lubricating material. The saddle includes an at least partially concave contoured depression having rounded edges that is securable to the radius portion. The saddle may be secured by a sliding notch snap fit design. The prosthesis may be adapted for articulation with the natural head of the ulna or with an ulnar head prosthesis that has replaced the ulnar head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Research and Education
    Inventors: William P. Cooney, III, Richard A. Berger, David A. Leibel
  • Patent number: 7160332
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices related to prosthetic implants, including a device for preventing prosthetic components from separating from each other, and more specifically to an assembly for adapting a prosthetic component to receive a device for preventing an implant stem head from dislocating from a prosthetic component. Methods, systems and devices according to this invention seek to provide improved orthopedic prosthetic components and more specifically, improved constrained components that may be utilized with existing implanted prosthetic components. Liner assemblies and systems according to various embodiments of this invention may include an adapter component designed to link current prosthetic cup geometry to a constrained liner, while providing optimal range of motion and sufficient lever out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Frederick, Jeff Shea, Brian McKinnon, David Kelman
  • Patent number: 7160333
    Abstract: Bioprosthetic devices for soft tissue attachment, reinforcement, or construction are provided. The devices comprise a sheet of naturally occurring extracellular matrix and a sheet of synthetic mesh coupled to the naturally occurring extracellular matrix portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela L. Plouhar, Prasanna Malaviya, Joe W. Ferguson, Mora C. Melican
  • Patent number: 7160334
    Abstract: A water-free composition for the bleaching and brightening of human hair at the same time with a simultaneous conditioning effect is disclosed. The particularly exceptional effects of the bleaching agent is that improvement of shine and elasticity. The bleaching agent comprises a) at least one compound with a bleaching or brightening effect, in particular a peroxide and/or an ammonium salt, and b) 0.001% to 10% by weight, calculated to the total composition, of at least one ubiquinone of the formula (I) wherein n is a number from 1 to 10, and at least one sphingolipid of the formula II where R1 and R2 are independent from each other alkyl- or alkenyl group mit 10 to 22 carbon atoms, R3 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl group and n is a number between 1 to 6, preferably 2 or 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: KPSS-Kao Professional Salon Services GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Noecker, Katrin Blumenschein
  • Patent number: 7160335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula I wherein R1 and R3 are each independently of the other —NHR5, NHSO2R5, —NHCOR5, —OR6 or —SR7, R2 and R4 are each independently of the other —OR6 or —SR7, with the proviso that not all of the substituents R1 to R4 are —SR7, R5 is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or a group of formula —(CnH2nX)m—H wherein X is —O—, —S—, —SO2—, —NH—, —NR8—, —CONH— or —CONR8— and R8 is alkyl or aryl, n is a number from 2 to 6 and m is a number from 1 to 10, R6 is aryl or heteroaryl and R7 is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or a group of formula —(CnH2nX)m—H wherein X is —O—, —S—, —SO2—, —NH—, —NR8—, CONH— or —CONR8— and R8 is alkyl or aryl, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof in a method of producing mass-coloured plastics or polymeric colour particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Lauk, Patric Nowack, Alfons Arquint
  • Patent number: 7160336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous liquid formulation comprising ?5–25% by weight of a dye composition comprising 20–100% by weight of Direct Yellow 11 or of a dye obtainable by reduction or thermal treatment of Direct Yellow 11 ?0–30% by weight of a blue direct dye, ?0–30% by weight of a red direct dye, and ?0–60% by weight of a brown direct dye all based on the dye composition, and ?1–25% by weight of poly-N-vinylformamide and/or of a polymer obtained by polymerization of a mixture of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers and >50% by weight of N-vinylformamide based on total monomers, based on the total weight of the aqueous liquid formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gero Nordmann, Helmut Reichelt, Ingo Klopp, Gunter-Rudolf Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7160337
    Abstract: Described is a transparent syneresis-free candle which is substantially hydrocarbon-free, e.g., mineral oil-free and paraffin wax-free; substantially stearic acid-free and consistently-maintained functional compositional integrity on use thereof. The candle composition contains a gellant that is an ester-terminated polyamide or a tertiary amide-terminated polyamide, a non-hydrocarbon solvent which is a vegetable-derived fatty acid ester, and a system-compatible functional fragrance composition, an insect repellent composition and/or an air freshener composition. The candle can be a pillar candle which is free-standing or a container candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. G. Williams, Craig M. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 7160338
    Abstract: A jet fuel and jet fuel additive are provided that include a plant oil extract, ?-carotene, and jojoba oil. The jet fuel additive may be added to any jet fuel to reduce emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel, or to reduce the smoke point of the jet fuel. A method for preparing the jet fuel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Oryxe Energy International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick L. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7160339
    Abstract: A gasoline additive is provided that includes a plant oil extract, ?-carotene, and jojoba oil. The additive may be added to any gasoline to reduce emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel. A method for preparing the additive is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Oryxe Energy International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick L. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7160340
    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 a common reaction chamber. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel to the fuel processor so that as the fuel reacts and forms the hydrogen rich gas, the intermediate gas products pass through each reaction zone as arranged in the reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis L. Krause, Jennifer L. Phan, Vijay Deshpande, Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 7160341
    Abstract: A temperature control system and method controls temperatures of front and back ends of a shift reactor. Front and back end temperature sensors sense temperatures of the front and back ends of the shift reactor and generate front and back end temperature signals. An actuator injects fluid into the front end of the shift reactor. A controller communicates with the front end temperature sensor, the back end temperature sensor and the actuator and controls the temperature of the front end and the back end. The controller includes primary and secondary control loops. The secondary control loop communicates with the back end temperature sensor. The primary control loop communicates with the front end temperature sensor. The secondary control loop generates a temperature setpoint for the primary control loop. The secondary control loop has a slower response time that the primary control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Manish Sinha, Paul T Yu, Bruce J Clingerman
  • Patent number: 7160342
    Abstract: A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer in order to heat the main reformer. At least a portion of the heated reformate is burned in the main reformer. A second supply of fuel and a second supply of air is introduced into the main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: M. James Grieve, Karl Haltiner, Jr., Peter Hendler, John Noetzel
  • Patent number: 7160343
    Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack and a carbon monoxide clean-up system in communication with the fuel cell stack. The carbon monoxide cleanup system comprises a first water gas shift reactor, a first hydride heat exchanger, and a second water gas shift reactor. The first water gas shift reactor comprises a first water gas shift catalyst. The first hydride heat exchanger comprises a first metal hydride, and is in communication with the first water gas shift reactor. The second water gas shift reactor comprises a second water gas shift catalyst, and is in communication with the first heat exchanger. The first hydride heat exchanger, and the second water gas shift reactors are disposed such that a reactant stream may pass through the first water gas shift reactor prior to passing through the first heat exchanger, and then pass through the second water gas shift reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Julia Margaret Rowe, Beverley Sowerby
  • Patent number: 7160344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for the continuous production of carbon monoxide-free hydrogen from methane or methane-rich hydrocarbons using a solid catalyst comprising at least one group VIII metal in two parallel catalytic reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Vasant Ramchandra Choudhary, Amarjeet Munshiram Rajput
  • Patent number: 7160345
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to a guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus (single and/or multiple formation) for the nacelle/air inlet for numerous jets, turbojet, turboprop and turboshaft engines—(Helicopters and other VTOL/VSTOL aircraft) such as power plants or the like. This apparatus contains the rotational system(s) as well as the engine shaft attached apparatus and/or pole that allows the mechanism to function by auto induced movement, without limiting engine thrust. Additional security measures have been introduced to the guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus, which includes a centrifuge chamber/manifold for particle collector without limiting engine thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Marina Ellen Marinella Pavlatos
  • Patent number: 7160346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust and dirt collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner capable of simultaneously performing a primary cyclonic dust collection and a secondary filter dust collection. According to the present invention, there is provided a dust and dirt collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner, which is mounted to one side of a main body of the vacuum cleaner to filter sucked air containing foreign substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Do Park
  • Patent number: 7160347
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for separating and collecting waste driven by an air stream, comprising an intake duct (52) emerging along a tangential direction in a waste separating chamber (53) defining an internal volume having substantially the shape of a cylinder, in the central part of said chamber (53) is arranged at least an opening (61, 63) emerging onto a duct connected to a suction unit, said chamber (53) having a channel (68) for evacuating waste along a radial direction, said channel (68) being connected to a sealed pan (76) collecting centrifuged waste, the air intake channel (52) and the waste evacuating channel (68) being arranged substantially at the same height in the waste separating chamber (53). The invention is characterized in that the diametrical section of the chamber (53) ranges between twice and ten times the smallest cross-section of the channel carrying waste from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Fabien David, Paul Dancer
  • Patent number: 7160348
    Abstract: A mist elimination device in the form of a hood for the removal of moisture from a gas stream treated by a WESP includes a series of gutters on the outer surface of the hood to trap liquid droplets and direct the moisture to channels to drain to the lower region of a housing. Gutters are also provided on the interior surface of the hood to catch liquid droplets carried by the gas stream into the interior of the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Turbosonic Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Allan
  • Patent number: 7160349
    Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Carol J. Lovatt
  • Patent number: 7160350
    Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Carol J. Lovatt
  • Patent number: 7160351
    Abstract: A method of fabricating clutch races for one-way clutch mechanisms includes compacting and sintering a ferrous-based powder metal to near-net shape to produce a core density of between about 6.8 to 7.6 g/cc and a race surface that is near-net shape. The cam surface is cold worked in a manner that locally increases the density at the surface to develop a highly densified layer of essentially fully densified material and with a final surface finish that, after heat treatment, is ready to use in a one-way clutch application without further working. Both the inner and outer clutch races of one-way clutch mechanisms can be formed in this fashion and yield races that exhibit excellent strength, toughness, fatigue strength and wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: PMG Ohio Corp.
    Inventors: Juan R. L. Trasorras, Salvator Nigarura
  • Patent number: 7160352
    Abstract: A powder material for forming an abradable coating, the material comprising a metal powder based for the most part on aluminum and containing manganese or calcium. The material is applicable to seals of a turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: SNECMA Moteurs
    Inventors: Philippe Le Biez, Philippe Perruchaut, Karim Larabi, Pierre Bertrand, Christian Coddet