Patents Issued in January 16, 2007
  • Patent number: 7163548
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade, and an instrument, having a gain step. The blade body has, in any half wave length of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body, a first vibration antinode, a vibration node, a second vibration antinode, and a gain step. The gain step is located between the second vibration antinode and the first vibration antinode. The gain step is spaced apart from the vibration node by a gain-step distance greater than 5% of the distance between the second vibration antinode and the first vibration antinode. The instrument includes the blade, a handpiece having an ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic transmission rod whose proximal end is operatively connected to the ultrasonic transducer and whose distal end activates the blade. In one option, the first vibration antinode is the distal tip, and the gain step is located between the vibration node and the distal tip, resulting in an increased active length of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc
    Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, Steven K. Neuenfeldt, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 7163549
    Abstract: An embolic protection filter and method of making the same. An embolic protection filter may include a filter membrane or material having a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the filter membrane may be manufactured by spray coating a filter material onto a forming member or spray mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Crank, Narin Anderson, James G. Hansen, Horng-Ban Lin, Mark Smith, The Thomas Trinh Tran, Kinh-Luan D. Dao, Yem Chin, Sheng-Ping Zhong, James M. Anderson, Jeffrey H. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7163550
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices at least partially from linear elastic materials. The manufacturing methods may include cold-forming and/or low-temperature heat setting to construct medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Boismier
  • Patent number: 7163551
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided having a shaft, a surgical staple slidable longitudinally within the shaft, and a staple-firing mechanism for driving the staple towards the forward end of the housing, bending the staple to bring the free ends of the legs towards one another to close the staple, and releasing the closed staple. The device also includes a blood locator tube slidable longitudinally within the shaft between an initial extended position wherein a forward end of the tube projects beyond the forward end of the shaft to enter a puncture site in a liquid-carrying vessel in a human or animal, thereby to locate the forward end of the shaft at the puncture site, and a retracted position wherein the tube is retracted into the housing in coordination with the closure of the staple. The tube has a longitudinal slot extending rearwardly from its forward end and the back of the staple is accommodated transversely in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony, Christy Cummins, Paul Hooi
  • Patent number: 7163552
    Abstract: A hydraulic stent and stent graft delivery system utilizing at least two different structural materials to effectuate the easy retention and release of the stent and stent graft, while maintaining structural and sealing integrity for a pressurizable fluid chamber. An anti kinking spacer is disclosed which prevents buckling/kinking of the otherwise unsupported sheath containment section when the catheter assembly is bent such as for insertion a movement to the delivery site. A configuration according to the invention provides a flexible small or dual diameter delivery system that uses fluid pressure within the catheter to retract the stent/stent graft containment sheath and allow the delivery and deployment of the stent/stent graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Juan-Carlos Diaz
  • Patent number: 7163553
    Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Limon
  • Patent number: 7163554
    Abstract: A woven tubular endoprosthesis comprising means for locking the endoprosthesis in a deployed configuration is disclosed. The means for locking the endoprosthesis may comprise locking protrusions, notches, a chemical bond, a curable bond, or other mechanism. The woven fibers comprising the endoprosthesis may be hollow and comprise circumferentially oriented polymeric chains, and may be filled with a curable material. A method of treatment using an endoprosthesis according to the invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: SyneCor, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Williams, Richard A. Glenn, Jeffrey A. Smith, Kevin D. Holbrook, Joseph M. DeSimone
  • Patent number: 7163555
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stent for delivering drugs to a vessel in a body, including a stent framework with a plurality of reservoirs formed therein, a drug polymer positioned in the reservoirs, and a polymer layer positioned on the drug polymer. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a drug-polymer stent and a method of treating a vascular condition using the drug-polymer stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Q. Dinh
  • Patent number: 7163556
    Abstract: A bioprosthetic valve graft comprises a valve frame and valve flaps, the latter acting to open or close a valve aperture to directionally control fluid flow through the bioprosthesis. The bioprosthetic valve graft comprises a biomaterial suturelessly bonded to the valve frame, avoiding sutures and substantially reducing medical complications in implantations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Providence Health System - Oregon
    Inventors: Hua Xie, Lisa A. Buckley
  • Patent number: 7163557
    Abstract: A biodegradable auricular prosthetic device is described, particularly but not exclusively devised for the treatment of otitis media, comprising a tubular body having axially opposed ends and flanged at least at one of the opposed ends and at least a portion of which is produced from a material subject to biological degradation in the presence of organic liquids, wherein at least the portion made of material subject to biological degradation is produced from a polymeric material selected from the group of polyphosphazenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Riccardo D'Eredità
  • Patent number: 7163558
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprising a spacer for engaging between two spinous processes of two vertebrae of the spine. The spacer has two elements each presenting a first part suitable for being connected to a spinous process and bearing second parts opposite from the first part, the bearing second parts being situated facing each other. An elastically-compressible member is disposed between the bearing second parts. Links are provided which are distinct from the elastically-compressible member for linking together the two elements, the link member being suitable for blocking translation movement of the two elements relative to each other when the two elements are driven apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Abbott Spine
    Inventors: Jacques Senegas, Régis Le Couedic
  • Patent number: 7163559
    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 solid ball mounted to protrude from one of the baseplates. The ball is captured within a curvate socket formed in a peak of a convex structure integral with the other of the baseplates. The socket is formed by opposing curvate pockets, one on the convex structure and one on a cap secured to the other of the baseplates. While the ball angulates in the socket, its rotation in the socket has a limited range due to interference between a ball bearing and curvate recesses on the convex structure and 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: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Errico, Michael W. Dudasik, Rafail Zubok
  • Patent number: 7163560
    Abstract: A graftless spinal implant for mechanically attaching two adjacent vertebrae includes a body having first and second opposite surfaces. The first and second surfaces include at least one protruding member for securing the body to adjacent vertebrae, wherein the exterior surfaces of the body and the first and second protruding members include a bioactive coating. The bioactive coating can be selected from coatings such as for example, hydroxyapatite. The exterior bioactive coating facilitates the ongrowth/ingrowth of vertebral bone between the implantable spinal fusion device and adjacent vertebrae. Advantageously, spinal fusion may be achieved without the use of a bone graft and/or bone growth agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Mason
  • Patent number: 7163561
    Abstract: A flanged interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion at least in part between adjacent vertebral bodies has opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space, a leading end for insertion between the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end has a height greater than the maximum height of the disc space forming a flanged portion adapted to overlie a part of the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies adjacent and proximate the disc space to be fused. The flanged portion has at least two bone screw receiving holes, at least one each adapted to overlie each of the adjacent vertebral bodies at least in part. The implant has at least one locking element to lock one or more of the bone screws inserted in the bone screw receiving holes. Instrumentation for inserting the implant, forming screw holes in the vertebral body, and for locking the locking elements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 7163562
    Abstract: A biodegradable stent for implantation into a lumen in a human body. The stent in one embodiment is made from a biodegradable fiber having an inner core and an outer layer. The outer layer is a blend of two polymer components. The inner core has a first degradation rate, and the outer layer has a second degradation rate. The second degradation rate is slower than the first degradation rate. The fiber softens in vivo such that the stent is readily passed from the lumen as a softened fragment or filament after a pre-determined period of time through normal flow of body fluids passing through the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Arindam Datta, Shawn Thayer Huxel, Dennis D. Jamiolkowski, Yufu Li
  • Patent number: 7163563
    Abstract: Unitary surgical devices (10) are disclosed. One group of the illustrated devices has a pair of biocompatible, bioresorbable anchors (16,18) connected to fixed lengths suture. The anchors (16,18) and fixed length of suture are connected to each other prior to surgery. Another group of unitary surgical devices has a pair of fixating mechanisms (15,17) connected to a base (21) prior to surgery. The second group of illustrated devices generally includes extracellular matrix material either as part of the base (21) or supported on the base (21). The extracellular matrix material serves as tissue regenerating material. In the second group of unitary surgical devices, the fixating mechanisms illustrated generally comprise suture, anchors or pre-formed holes in the base. All of the illustrated unitary surgical devices are useful in repairing a damaged meniscus. The first group of unitary surgical devices can be used to approximate inner surfaces of a tear in the meniscus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Depuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert E. Schwartz, Prasanna Malaviya, Amit K. Singla, Pamela Lynn Plouhar, Mark Joseph Pelo
  • Patent number: 7163564
    Abstract: A method for brightening virgin mechanical pulp. The method comprises combining: (i) an aqueous solution comprising sodium borohydride and sodium hydroxide; and (ii) an aqueous solution comprising sodium bisulfite, in a chemical mixer and adding output of the chemical mixer to an aqueous slurry of virgin mechanical pulp. The ratio of (moles bisulfite?moles hydroxide)/moles borohydride is from 0 to 7.8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Jean Luc Sibiet, Sundar Chellappan Jaya Krishnan, Joseph Najim, Maurice Joseph Albert Hache
  • Patent number: 7163565
    Abstract: An electrode plate for a secondary battery is provided for reducing adverse influences caused by paste of an insulating sheet in an electrode body and a battery specification. Active material layers 22a to 22d and 22a? to 22d? are formed on at least one surface of an electrode sheet 20 over a wider range than a predetermined width of an electrode and over a predetermined length. An insulating sheet 13a is made to adhere to a possible short-circuit portion of the electrode sheet 20 which portion is opposed to another electrode. The electrode sheet 20 and an insulating member are simultaneously cut to form an electrode plate having a predetermined shape, wherein the insulating member has a low-temperature thermoplastic paste material applied on one side thereof, and is made to adhere to the electrode sheet 20 through heat adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshirou Yanagawa, Tadatoshi Fukuta, Hitoshi Tanaka, Yoshinobu Okumura, Ryuji Ohshita, Yoshikumi Miyamoto, Jun Okazaki
  • Patent number: 7163566
    Abstract: A method of operating a gas generating system for generating a hydrogen-rich product gas by partial oxidation or autothermal reforming includes operating a reactor approximately adiabatically. The ratio of the mole flow O2/mole flow C-atomsfuel (O2/C ratio) is controlled on the basis of the temperature of the educts and of the reaction temperature. For adjusting and maintaining an optimal O2/C ratio with respect to a high hydrogen yield, approximately an O2/C ratio corresponding of the present educt temperatures is adjusted and is corrected on the basis of the deviation of the reaction temperature from a desired reaction temperature. The O2/C ratio is then adjusted by controlling the oxygen-containing educt or the hydrocarbon-containing educt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: NuCellSys GmbH
    Inventors: Fabian Döling, Martina Fischer, Uwe Griesmeier, Jochen Nussbaumer
  • Patent number: 7163567
    Abstract: Air cleaner including a body forming an exterior, having an first inlet and a second inlet for drawing room air, and an outlet for discharging air having dust or odor removed therefrom, at least more than one dust collecting filters at the first inlet inside of the body, at least more than one deodorizing filters at the second inlet inside of the body, at least more than one discharge fan for providing a suction force so as to draw room air, pass the room air through the filters inside of the body, and discharge the room air through the outlet, and opening/closing means for opening/closing the inlets selectively, thereby operating the air cleaner proper to an environment of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ho Seon Choi
  • Patent number: 7163568
    Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Arnold L. Sepke, Joseph Muclahy, Joyce Thomas
  • Patent number: 7163569
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a low-alloyed steel powder for sintering that can yield a sintered compact with high density and uniform characteristics, and to provide a sintered compact having such characteristics. The present invention is a raw powder for sintering, comprising Fe as its primary component and also comprising 0.8 wt % or less of C, 0.05 to 1.0 wt % of Si, 1.0 wt % or less of Mn, and 1.0 to 10.0 wt % or less of Ni, wherein the mean grain size of the raw powder for sintering is 8.5 ?m or less; and is also a granulated powder for sintering obtained by granulating the raw powder for sintering by means of a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hisataka Toyoshima, Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7163570
    Abstract: A chromatographic separation method separates ruthenium from other platinum group metals in a feed solution, by converting the Ru to a nitrosyl complex, retaining the nitrosyl complex temporarily on the chromatography column and subsequently eluting Ru, for example using an oxidising or reducing eluent. FIG. 1 shows the elution profile obtained from a mixture of Rh chloro-complexes (Peak 1) and Ru nitrosyl species (Peak 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Anglo American Platinum Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Richard Alasdair Grant
  • Patent number: 7163571
    Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling and particulate scrubbing system for automobiles includes a first stage intercooler for initial, indirect cooling of the exhaust gas and a direct exhaust gas cooling and scrubbing device preferably positioned downstream in the exhaust system therefrom. The intercooler is designed to provide circulation of a liquid cooling medium by convection and has airflow ducts positioned within a surrounding jacket oriented to permit air to move therethrough during movement of the automobile. The a direct exhaust gas cooling and scrubbing device passes the exhaust gas through a liquid cooling medium whereby the exhaust gas is cooled in an effort to trap suspended particulates in the liquid cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Ying Gang Ruan
  • Patent number: 7163572
    Abstract: An air purifier for removing particles in air includes an outer casing, and an ionizer module. The ionizer module includes a power unit and an ionizing electrode unit, electrically connected to the power unit. The ionizing electrode unit includes a first electrode set as an electrode terminal disposed within the outer casing at an air inlet, a second electrode set disposed within the outer casing at an air outlet, and a third electrode set disposed within the outer casing at a position between the first and second electrode set, wherein a voltage of the third electrode set is higher than a voltage of the first electrode set for drawing the air from the first electrode set to the second electrode set via the second electrode set while dirt particles contained in the air is trapped on the second and the third electrode sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Foshan Shunde Nasi Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: ZhuHuan Liang, GuoSheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7163573
    Abstract: A chemical filter medium for removing ozone and nitrogen oxide includes a first ozone absorption layer for mainly removing ozone having a filtering base material for removing ozone, a first nitrogen oxide absorption layer for mainly removing nitrogen oxide formed on the first ozone absorption layer that includes a filtering base material for removing nitrogen oxide, and a second ozone absorption layer formed on the first nitrogen oxide absorption layer that includes a filtering base material for removing ozone. The chemical filter medium can simultaneously remove ozone and nitrogen oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Ham, Hoo-Kun Lee
  • Patent number: 7163574
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Bause, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Richard J. Berkey, Bryon W. Stremler, Robert L. Smith, Peter D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7163575
    Abstract: Improved combination eradicable ball-pen and re-write inks are disclosed. The combination eradicable and re-write ball-pen inks disclosed include water, glycerol, one or more acids and an eradicable dye. Glycerol is present in an amount greater than the water content, which is relatively low and the eradicable dye is provided in substantial amounts so that the glycerol and eradicable dye provide the requisite viscosity for a ball-pen ink. The combination of the high dye content and acid content also enables the eradicable ball-pen ink to be used as the re-write ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventors: Wing Sum Vincent Kwan, David Allen Godbout
  • Patent number: 7163576
    Abstract: A compound of Formula (1): wherein: A1 and A2 are each independently optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl; each Q independently is optionally substituted phenylene; each R1 independently is H or optionally substituted alkyl; R2 is H or optionally substituted alkyl; and R3 is alkyl carrying a sulpho group; provided that the compound of Formula (1) carries at least one carboxylic acid group; and provided the compound of Formula (1) is not of Formula (2): wherein: m is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; and x is 2 to 4. Also claimed are compositions and inks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Imaging Colorants Limited
    Inventors: Helen Ava Oshaughnessy, Maria Soteri Hadjisoteriou
  • Patent number: 7163577
    Abstract: Compositions, systems, and methods method of rapidly printing a black ink-jet image are provided. The composition can include a liquid vehicle including water, and from 15 wt % to 30 wt % organic solvent, wherein from 3 wt % to 10 wt % of the organic solvent is a methylated pentanetriol co-solvent; and from 1 wt % to 6 wt % of a dispersant-functionalized black carbon pigment. Obtaining firing frequencies from 15 kHz to 25 kHz are feasible with such compositions, provided the ink-jet architecture used with these pens is capable of firing at these very rapid rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul Tyrell
  • Patent number: 7163578
    Abstract: A composition for sealing at least one fluid leak in heat exchange systems comprises at least one solvent, and fibrillated fiber in an amount and of a size sufficient to become entrained in and seal the one leak. At least one corrosion inhibitor is present in an amount sufficient to aid in prevention of corrosion of at least two metals. The corrosion inhibitor is compatible with coolants having organic acid corrosion inhibiting agents therein, and with coolants having silicate corrosion inhibiting agents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Prestone Products Corporation
    Inventors: Laurie A. Gallagher, Filipe J. Marinho, Carol S. Jeffcoate, Aleksei Gershun
  • Patent number: 7163579
    Abstract: A method of using a water-based boron-containing suspension as a source of boron additive is disclosed. The method includes adding the suspension into a mixing or reaction zone during the preparation of starch-based adhesives. The suspension includes a boron compound and at least one suspension aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: H.B. Fuller Licensing & Financing Inc.
    Inventor: Mutombo J. Muvundamina
  • Patent number: 7163580
    Abstract: In order to provide an aluminum flake pigment having excellent metallic luster, fine-grainedness and a plating-like appearance presenting silvery classiness, an aluminum flake pigment, obtained by grinding aluminum powder in an organic solvent, having an average thickness (t) in the range of 0.025 ?m to 0.08 ?m and an average particle diameter (D50) in the range of 8 ?m to 30 ?m is provided. This aluminum powder is preferably prepared by an atomized method. A ball mill is preferably used as a grinder for performing this grinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Toyo Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Minami
  • Patent number: 7163581
    Abstract: A method for making a regenerated soil material for the production of a structural unit includes the steps of: a) obtaining a raw soil material containing aluminum and silicon from a natural source; b) adding an active mineral containing aluminum and silicon to the raw soil material; c) cleaving the raw soil material and the active mineral in a base so as to dissociate aluminum monomer and silicon monomer out of the mixture of the raw soil material and the active mineral; and d) polymerizing the aluminum monomer and the silicon monomer so as to form silicon-oxy tetrahedron and aluminum-oxy tetrahedron in the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Cheng-Feng Chang
  • Patent number: 7163582
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing Bisphenol-A (BPA) using direct crystallization of BPA in a single crystallization stage. In one embodiment the method comprises reacting Phenol and Acetone in the presence of a catalyst to form a product solution including Bisphenol-A and Phenol; removing a part of the Phenol from the product solution if required, and providing a selective amount of solvent, so as to obtain a product solution with the desired phase equilibrium behavior; and feeding the product solution with a selective composition to a crystallization stage operated at a selected temperature, so as to recover substantially pure Bisphenol-A in crystal form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Drow Lionel O'Young, Shan Tao Hsieh, Vaibhav Kelkar
  • Patent number: 7163583
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently and uniformly treating articles with two or more fluids without transferring the articles from one container to another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Allen Gilliard, Robert Allen Janssen
  • Patent number: 7163584
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying liquid liner to the interior of a rocket motor tube includes a horizontal surface; a rail mounted on the horizontal surface; a carriage that is movable along the rail; cartridge saddles and a bearing block mounted on the carriage; a cartridge gun disposed in the cartridge saddles, the cartridge gun including an extended tip that is longer that the rocket motor tube to be lined; a power supply connected to the cartridge gun; a rotary driven linear actuator mounted on the bearing block; a shaft drive mounted on the bearing block in operative association with the rotary driven linear actuator and in contact with a trigger of the cartridge gun; a weighing scale disposed on the horizontal surface; and a V-block disposed on the weighing scale, the V-block for holding the mask mounted rocket motor tube in axial alignment with the extended tip of the cartridge gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Harry L. Archer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7163585
    Abstract: The present invention presents an improved optical window deposition shield for optical access to a process space in a plasma processing system through a deposition shield, wherein the design and fabrication of the optical window deposition shield advantageously provides an optically clean access to the processing plasma in the process space while sustaining substantially minimal erosion of the optical window deposition shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shinya Nishimoto, Kouji Mitsuhashi, Hidehito Saigusa, Taira Takase, Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7163586
    Abstract: A vapor deposition apparatus for coating an item has a cleanroom side that is accessible from inside a cleanroom and a service side that is not accessible from inside the cleanroom. The apparatus has a vaporizer for vaporizing solid coating material and a pyrolysis furnace for heating the vaporized coating material to form a pyrolized gaseous coating material. A deposition enclosure defines a deposition chamber for receiving an item to be coated. The deposition enclosure has an inlet for flow of pyrolized gaseous coating material into the deposition chamber, an outlet for flow of pyrolized gaseous coating material from the deposition chamber, an access door for accessing the deposition chamber from the cleanroom side of the apparatus, and a service door for accessing the deposition chamber from the service side of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Specialty Coating Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis R. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7163587
    Abstract: A reactor assembly and processing method for treating a substrate generally includes a base unit, a chuck assembly, a process chamber, an inlet manifold assembly and an exit manifold assembly. The inlet manifold assembly is in fluid communication with a first opening of the process chamber, wherein the inlet manifold assembly comprises a flow-shaping portion adapted to laterally elongate a gas and/or a reactant flow into the process chamber. The exhaust manifold assembly in fluid communication with a second opening of the process chamber and is diametrically opposed to the inlet manifold assembly. The process includes flowing a gas and/or reactive species into the process chamber of the reactor assembly in a direction that is about planar with the substrate surface providing improved uniformity and increased reactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Kinnard, David Ferris
  • Patent number: 7163588
    Abstract: Contaminants such as photoresist are quickly removed from a wafer having metal features, using water, ozone and a base such as ammonium hydroxide. Processing is performed at room temperature to avoid metal corrosion. Ozone is delivered into a stream of process liquid or into the process environment or chamber. Steam may alternatively be used. A layer of liquid or vapor forms on the wafer surface. The ozone moves through the liquid layer via diffusion, entrainment, jetting/spraying or bulk transfer, and chemically reacts with the photoresist, to remove it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Bergman
  • Patent number: 7163589
    Abstract: Ultrasonic solvent cleaning processes can effectively decontaminate sensitive equipment. The disclosed decontamination liquids meet the following criteria: a. It is compatible with a wide range of sensitive equipment—the performance of electronic and optical equipment is not affected by immersion in decontamination liquid. b. The principal chemical warfare agents of concern are sufficiently soluble in decontamination liquid for it to be an effective decontamination medium. c. The principal chemical warfare agents of concern are quantitatively removed from solution in decontamination liquid by activated carbon. When agent contaminated decontamination liquid is passed through a bed of activated carbon, the agent adsorbs onto the activated carbon, resulting in agent free decontamination liquid that can be recycled and reused. d. It is nonflammable, nontoxic, and environmentally acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Argos Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7163590
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a water inlet connectable to a water source. A dishwasher element is operable on water received through the inlet. A flow sensor is in fluid communication with the inlet and is operable to generate a control signal indicative of water flow through the inlet. A control apparatus is connected between the dishwasher element and the flow sensor and is operable to inhibit operation of the dishwasher element in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael R. DuHack, Laurence S. Slocum, Andrew F. Schloot, Michael T. Clouser
  • Patent number: 7163591
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a micro-structured powder for bonded magnets having high coercivity, which is advantageous in terms of low preparation costs by recycling magnet scraps, simplified mass production, minimal environmental contamination by such a recycling process, and the preparation of stable anisotropic powders having high coercivity. Further, a magnet powder prepared by the above method is provided. The current method is characterized in that R—Fe—B type anisotropic sintered magnets or scraps thereof are crushed to prepare 50–500 ?m sized magnet powders, which are then mixed with 1–10 wt % of rare earth fluoride (RF3) powders and thermally treated at high temperatures (500–1100° C.) in a vacuum or an inert gas, to cause the change of matrix-near surface and grain boundary of the powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Jahwa Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Kim, Seok Namkung, Dong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7163592
    Abstract: A steel sheet for a tension mask excellent in the shielding properties from geomagnetism consists essentially of lower than 0.1% by weight of C, lower than 0.2% by weight of Si, 0.4 to 2% by weight of Mn, not higher than 0.1% by weight of P, not higher than 0.03% by weight of S, not higher than 0.01% by weight of sol. Al, 0.003 to 0.02% by weight of N and the balance of Fe, and has an anhysteretic magnetic permeability of 5,000 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Matsuoka, Yasushi Tanaka, Reiko Sugihara, Tatsuhiko Hiratani, Kenichiro Takayanagi, Masamichi Okada, Hiroaki Kato
  • Patent number: 7163593
    Abstract: An iron-based alloy comprises 1.5 to 2.5 wt % of C, 0.25 to 4.75 wt % of Ni, and W and V in quantities surrounded by the line L as shown in FIG. 1 of the attached drawings with a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The iron-based alloy is obtained by a first heat treatment for applying a solid solution treatment by rapidly cooling the iron-based alloy from a temperature of an austenite forming temperature or more to consequently obtain a mixed matrix comprising a base matrix of martensite and remaining austenite phases and a non-molten carbide, and a second heat treatment for cooling the iron-based alloy after precipitating an MC type carbide within an eutectoid transformation temperature range to consequently precipitate a low carbon content austenite phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Sugawara, Noriyuki Yamada, Makoto Asami
  • Patent number: 7163594
    Abstract: A gray iron alloy having a composition comprising about 4.10% to about 4.25% carbon equivalent, about 3.5% to about 3.65% carbon, about 0.4% to about 0.9% manganese, about 1.5% to about 1.9% silicon, less than about 0.12% phosphorous, less than about 0.17% sulfur, about 0.6% to about 0.8% molybdenum and about 0.3% to about 0.6% copper, and where said carbon is predominantly present as free carbon having a Type A flake graphite microstructure. The alloy is particularly useful in the manufacture of brake drums and other articles requiring a combination of high tensile strength and good thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Gunite Corporation
    Inventors: Laxmi C. Tandon, Reginal A. Pete, Omar J. Fakhoury
  • Patent number: 7163595
    Abstract: The thermal process for treating a metal to improve structural characteristics of the metal entails placing a metal within a thermal control apparatus; introducing a cryogenic material into the thermal control apparatus to decrease the metal temperature, while preventing over-stressing of the metal, to a first target temperature ranging from ?40 degrees F. and ?380 degrees F. at a first temperature rate ranging from 0.25 degrees per minute and 20 degrees per minute; stopping the introduction of the cryogenic material once the first target temperature is reached; increasing the chamber temperature to a second target, temperature ranging from 0 degrees F. and 1400 degrees F.; and increasing the metal temperature to the second target temperature at a second temperature rate ranging from 0.25 degrees per minute and 20 degrees per minute, resulting in a treated metal without fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel Watson
  • Patent number: 7163596
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the fabrication of features on a silicon wafer utilizing fibers or ribbons comprising organic polymer and inorganic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Alan Frederick Carroll, Christopher John Roach, Che-Hsiung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7163597
    Abstract: A heat-peelable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet which ensures an efficient contact area even in case where the area of an adherend to be adhered is decreased and thus makes it possible to avoid adhesion failures such as chip-scattering or chipping. The heat-peelable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet comprises a substrate and a heat-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer containing heat-expandable microspheres, formed on at least one side of the substrate, wherein the surface of the heat-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer before heating has a center line average roughness of 0.4 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Akihisa Murata, Toshiyuki Oshima, Yukio Arimitsu, Kazuyuki Kiuchi