Patents Issued in February 13, 2007
  • Patent number: 7175656
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices and methods for replacing or repairing a malfunctioning heart valve. In particular, improved minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for percutaneous transcatheter implantation of expansible prosthetic heart valves within or adjacent a valved anatomic site within the heart. In one embodiment, an expansible prosthetic heart valve comprises an implantable structure, a flexible membrane, and a membrane support. The implantable structure is expansible from a first reduced diameter to a second enlarged diameter and has a flow path therethrough. The flexible membrane is positionable in the flow path for permitting flow in a first direction and substantially resisting flow in a second direction. The membrane support is positionable in the flow path and affixed to the implantable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Alexander Khairkhahan
  • Patent number: 7175657
    Abstract: An abdominal aortic aneurysm device having an anchoring portion with attached bifurcated legs for increasing the column strength thereof. The bifurcated legs comprise staggered stents so that nesting is possible during delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac J. Khan, Jin S. Park
  • Patent number: 7175658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial vascular grafts, methods for manufacturing and uses for them. The grafts are coated on their lumen with UP50. The grafts comprise an inner surface on which cells genetically altered to express or over-express one or more cell adhesion factors and one or more cell proliferation factors are seeded and cultured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Multi-Gene Vascular Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Flugelman
  • Patent number: 7175659
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, includes a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface. An annular lip is formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder. The apparatus further includes a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of the second cylinder, such that the second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage the first securing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: J. Donald Hill, Geoff Briggs, Michael Sims, Cameron Dale Hinman
  • Patent number: 7175660
    Abstract: A system for implanting a surgical device to control the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: MitralSolutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Cartledge, Leonard Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 7175661
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving vision including an intraocular lens, haptics extending outwardly from a periphery of the intraocular lens, a first anchor connected to the haptics and a second anchor connected to the haptics so as to position the intraocular lens in the anterior chamber of a cornea. Each of the first and second anchors is implanted into the cornea or into the sclera adjacent to the cornea. The intraocular lens has a truncated circular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Young Taek Chung, Mu Suk Lee, Byung Ki Ahn
  • Patent number: 7175662
    Abstract: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis includes at least one cover plate that is configured to be connected to one of its two adjacent vertebral bodies and a securing plate which secures this cover plate and is configured to be fastened to the ventral surface of the vertebral body. The securing plate may be a separate part that is unconnected to the cover plate and can be biodegradable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cervitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut D. Link, Paul C. McAfee
  • Patent number: 7175663
    Abstract: An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adapter. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adapter to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adapter to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adapter to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin T Stone
  • Patent number: 7175664
    Abstract: A multi-piece prosthetic component for use in joint arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a joint and engaged by a joint socket. The modular prosthetic component includes body which is at least partially implantable within a bone, said body having an external surface. A mechanism for coupling soft tissue to the exterior surface of the implant is provided. The mechanism has an attachment mechanism which is operable to prevent movement of the soft tissue attachment mechanism with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventor: Christina Lakin
  • Patent number: 7175665
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee system has a tibial component and a universal augment. A single augment can be used to support the tibial tray on either the medial or lateral side. The augment has reverse image sides and a through-bore with no threads. The tibial tray has a complementary threaded bore. The through-bore of the augment has a plane of symmetry perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Depuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah S. German, Jeffrey L. Koenneman
  • Patent number: 7175666
    Abstract: A modular implant is provided. The modular implant includes a first orthopaedic component, a second orthopaedic component coupled to the first orthopaedic component, and a micro-motion damper interposed between the first orthopaedic component and the second orthopaedic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Q. Yao
  • Patent number: 7175667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthesis for implantation at the proximal articular surface of a proximal phalange, of a human great toe. The prosthesis comprises a base portion having a generally concave bearing surface shaped to articulate with the distal articular surface of a metatarsal bone, and a flat surface opposite the bearing surface for emplacement against a resected surface of the proximal phalange of the great toe of the human subject. A stem extends distally from the flat surface of the base portion, for implantation in the intramedulary canal of a proximal phalange of the great toe of the human subject. The stem has a generally frustoconical shape, with a substantially oval wide end at the flat surface of the base portion, tapering to a substantially circular end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Gerald Anthony Briden Saunders, Charles Sorbie
  • Patent number: 7175668
    Abstract: Leaflike shaft (1) of a hip-joint prosthesis for anchoring in the femur, according to a towards a distal end (5), with a femur-anchoring section (1a, . . . 1i) having a long axis (A) and with a prosthesis neck (2), wherein the femur-anchoring section (1a, . . . 1i) has a substantially rectangular external contour in a plane perpendicular to the long axis (A), optionally with recesses in the side edges and/or at the corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Plus Orthopedics AG
    Inventor: Karl Zweymuller
  • Patent number: 7175669
    Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments is encased in an elastic membrane to form a thin-walled stent. The stent is sized to be snugly fitted in the proximate portion of the duodenum of a patient, to induce weight loss by limiting uptake of food passing through the stent. After a predetermined period, the stent degrades and passes from the body without surgical intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt Geitz
  • Patent number: 7175670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler of the 2,3,5-triaminopyridine type. This composition may be useful for dyeing keratin fibers, such as the hair. Also disclosed are a process for dyeing keratin fibers and a multi-compartment dyeing kit using the claimed dye composition. Such a composition can make it possible to obtain strong, uniform dyeing results between the end and the root, which are resistant to external agents, while at the same time being capable of giving varied shades, for example, in fundamental shades such as chestnut, grey or black shades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventors: Aziz Fadli, Laurent Vidal
  • Patent number: 7175671
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use for of compositions dyeing keratin materials containing, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one compound of formula (I) in which X and Y, independently of one another, are chosen from a CH group and a nitrogen atom, R is chosen from aromatic mono- or poly-cyclic groups with fused or non-fused rings, wherein the groups have at least 5 members and optionally comprise at least one hetero atom chosen from nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur and phosphorus. Processes and kits using these compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventors: Grégory Plos, Luc Gourlaouen
  • Patent number: 7175672
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, comprising at least one azodiazine direct dye aminated at the 7-position. The present disclosure also relates to a process for dyeing keratinous fibers using the direct dyes described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Alain Lagrange, Frédéric Guerin, Sylvain Kravtchenko
  • Patent number: 7175673
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ready-to-use composition for oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibres, and in particular human keratinous fibres such as hair comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, 3-methyl 4-amino phenol as oxidation base, and at least an enzyme such as laccase, as well as the dyeing method using said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Gérard Lang, Jean Cotteret
  • Patent number: 7175674
    Abstract: An oxidation dye composition for keratin fibres, for example, human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye precursor and at least one nonionic amphiphilic polymer containing at least one fatty chain and at least one hydrophilic unit. Also disclosed are processes and dyeing kits using the oxidation dye composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventors: Roland De La Mettrie, Françoise Boudy
  • Patent number: 7175675
    Abstract: In the method of the present invention a plastic article (e.g., a molded article of thermoplastic polycarbonate) is immersed at least partially in a dye bath which includes one or more dyes, water, at least one carrier, and at least one diol. The dye bath contains: (i) at least one dye (e.g., a static and/or photochromic dye); (ii) water; (iii) at least one carrier represented by the following general formula I, R—O—(CH2)n—OHI wherein R is a radical selected from linear or branched C1–C18 alkyl, benzyl, benzoyl and phenyl, and n is 2 or 3; and (iv) a diol selected from at least one of linear or branched C2–C20 aliphatic diols, poly(C2–C4 alkylene glycol), cycloaliphatic diols having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms in the cyclic ring, monocyclic aromatic diols, bisphenols and hydrogenated bisphenols. In an embodiment of the present invention, the carrier is ethyleneglycol butyl ether, and the diol is diethylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Pyles, Rick L. Archey, David M. Derikart
  • Patent number: 7175676
    Abstract: A process for producing high stability crystalline anodic aluminum oxide includes anodizing an anodic foil, hydrating the foil, and forming a barrier oxide layer on the foil. Anodizing the anodic foil produces nano-porous amorphous oxides which can then be converted to a crystalline precursor material by hydrating the foil. Next, an oxide layer formation step is utilized to form a barrier oxide layer on the surface of the anodized and hydrated foil. The resulting anodic oxides have very low levels of defects, voids and tensile stresses and have rise times as low as about 1 second to about 3 seconds after exposure of the formed samples to boiling water for 2 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Stevens, A. Corina Geiculescu, Thomas F. Strange
  • Patent number: 7175677
    Abstract: A button-type battery unit comprising an upper housing, a battery coupled to the upper housing, a printed circuit board and a lower housing. A positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal are reflow soldered to the printed circuit board. The upper housing is coupled to the lower housing to enclose printed circuit board. The positive battery terminal and the negative battery terminal are positioned on the printed circuit board such that the upper housing moves along a single axis of translational movement when being coupled to the lower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Miller, David Mossington, Michael J. Roller
  • Patent number: 7175678
    Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric a fuel composition comprising (i) a fuel; and (ii) a polymeric compound; wherein the polymeric compound comprises at least one monomer unit of Formula I wherein R1 is H or a C1-10 hydrocarbyl group; wherein L is an optional C1-30 hydrocarbyl linker group; and wherein heterocycle is an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Innospec Limited
    Inventors: Cyrus Pershing Henry, David Leonard Pinch, Andrea Sneddon, Derek Richard Green
  • Patent number: 7175679
    Abstract: The invention relates to the modulation of gene expression in a cell, also called gene control, in particular in relation to the treatment of anthrax. The invention provides a method for modulating expression of a gene in a cell comprising providing the cell with a signaling molecule comprising a peptide or functional analogue thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Biotempt B.V.
    Inventors: Nisar Asmed Khan, Robert Benner
  • Patent number: 7175680
    Abstract: Methods and solutions for forming self assembled organic monolayers that are covalently bound to metal interfaces are presented along with a device containing a self assembled organic monolayer. Embodiments of the present invention utilize self assembled thiolate monolayers to prevent the electromigration and surface diffusion of copper atoms while minimizing the resistance of the interconnect lines. Self assembled thiolate monolayers are used to cap the copper interconnect lines and chemically hold the copper atoms at the top of the lines in place, thus preventing surface diffusion. The use of self assembled thiolate monolayers minimizes the resistance of copper interconnect lines because only a single monolayer of approximately 10 ? and 20 ? in thickness is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Gracias
  • Patent number: 7175681
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fine particle removing apparatus which can efficiently burn collected fine particles in exhaust gas, has a simple configuration and can be readily controlled. In this fine particle removing apparatus, a filter unit which collects fine particles in the exhaust gas is arranged in a housing formed of a non-magnetic material through which the exhaust gas passes. By supplying a high-frequency current to a working coil wound around an outer peripheral section of the housing, support plates arranged in this filter unit are subjected to induction heating, and fine particles accumulated in the filter unit are burned with heat generated by this induction heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: National University Corporation, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 7175682
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner is equipped with a dust collection unit (20) that can be detachably installed in the air passage en route from a suction unit to an electric fan of the cleaner. The dust collection unit (20) comprises a dust collecting case (21) for accumulating dust sucked in, a lid member (32) that can be opened to discharge the accumulated dust; and a lock mechanism (clamp lever) (33) for locking the lid member 32 tightly closed. The electric vacuum cleaner is further provided with a lid opening mechanism (lid opening stick (35) for forcibly opening the lid member (32) in cooperation with the lock mechanism locking the lid member. Even when the sealing pressure of the packing is high or when the accumulated dust does not weigh on the lid member because the dust is compacted on the inner wall of the dust collecting case, the lid member can be opened without difficulty to discharge the dust, without opening it by hand. Thus, the user can avoid handling unsanitary dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Nakai, Atsuo Hamada, Kazumasa Kamatani, Kazuyoshi Yoshimi, Akihiro Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 7175683
    Abstract: A process for transforming sludge into npk type granulated fertilizer in which the energy consume is reduced a 90% thanks to the addition of a special filtration step in which the water content is reduced a 50% and the remaining water is evaporated by the exothermic reaction occurring in the process. Additionally, the process of the present invention includes mechanisms that allow some of the by products generated by some of the reactions such as gypsum, to adsorb crystallization water and reduce the humidity of the mass without using external energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Chemical Biosolids, Inc.
    Inventor: José Cabello-Fuentes
  • Patent number: 7175684
    Abstract: A prilling method comprising the steps of: providing a molten first component, mixing at least a second component with the molten first component, reacting the components to form a shear-thinnable mixture; and prilling the shear-thinnable mixture wherein the prilling comprises mechanically agitating in the prill head to shear thin the shear-thinnable mixture sufficiently to permit prilling. The inventive method can be used to produce fertilizer product comprising ammonium sulfate nitrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: James A. Kweeder, Arthur Ray Shirley, Jr., Keith D. Cochran, Timothy G. Holt
  • Patent number: 7175685
    Abstract: A bulk silicon material for making silicon ingots, consisting of silicon pellets, and a method for making the pellets from an agglomerate-free source of high purity silicon powder by feeding a controlled amount of silicon powder that is free of intentional additives and binders into a pellet die, and dry compacting the powder at ambient temperature with pressure to produce a pellet that has a density of about 50–75% of the theoretical density of elemental silicon, a weight within a range of about 1.0 gram to about 3.0 grams and preferably of about 2.3 grams, a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm and preferably of about 14 mm, and a height in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm and preferably of about 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: GT Solar Incorporated
    Inventors: Alleppey V Hariharan, Mohan Chandra, Kedar P Gupta
  • Patent number: 7175686
    Abstract: The invention includes a cermet composition represented by the formula (PQ)(RS) comprising: a ceramic phase (PQ) and a binder phase (RS) wherein, P is a metal selected from the group consisting of Si, Mn, Fe, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W and mixtures thereof, Q is nitride, R is a metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, S consists essentially of at least one element selected from Cr, Al, Si, and Y, and at least one reactive wetting aliovalent element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: ChangMin Chun, Narasimha-Rao Venkata Bangaru, Hyun-Woo Jin, Jayoung Koo, John Roger Peterson, Robert Lee Antram, Christopher John Fowler
  • Patent number: 7175687
    Abstract: A cermet composition represented by the formula (PQ)(RS) comprising: a ceramic phase (PQ) and binder phase (RS) wherein, P is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IV, Group V, Group VI elements, Q is boride, R is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, S comprises at least one element selected from Cr, Al, Si and Y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Narasimha-Rao Venkata Bangaru, ChangMin Chun, Neeraj Srinivas Thirumalai, Hyun-Woo Jin, Jayoung Koo, John Roger Peterson, Robert Lee Antram, Christopher John Fowler
  • Patent number: 7175688
    Abstract: A Ni—Fe based alloy powder of the present invention contains not less than 90% by a combined mass of Ni and Fe and homogeneously has particles having an average particle diameter from 0.1 to 1 ?m, and an average value of mass ratio Fe/(Fe+Ni) from 15% to 25% both inclusive, wherein the ratio of a maximum value X and a minimum value Y of Fe/(Fe+Ni), which are found at individual points in the region ranging from the center of any particle of the alloy powder to locations apart by 0.9 fold of the particle radius therefrom, X/Y is from 1 to 2. By producing a sintered part using this Ni—Fe based alloy powder as a raw material powder, it is possible to obtain electronic circuit parts which are homogenous and have high magnetic permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kawatetsu Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kensuke Matsuki
  • Patent number: 7175689
    Abstract: A process for producing a lightweight molded part, comprising introducing a gas into a particle-containing, molten metal to produce a metal foam having voids with a monomodal distribution of their dimensions, introducing the metal foam into a casting die and compressing it therein essentially under all-round pressure; and the molded part made by this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Huette Klein-Reichenbach Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Franz Dobesberger, Herbert Flankl, Dietmar Leitlmeier, Alois Birgmann, Peter Schulz
  • Patent number: 7175690
    Abstract: A pretreatment process for solid lump feed material for a gas and pellet/lump-based direct reduction process, comprising preheating feed material to a temperature of from about 200 C to about 500 C, without reduction, in a non-reducing atmosphere prior to charging the feed material to gas-based direct reduction furnace, thereby minimizing the formation of fines within the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Brasil
    Inventors: Stephen M. Potter, John Y. Clark
  • Patent number: 7175691
    Abstract: A method of producing stainless steel includes the steps of melting a raw material in an electric furnace to form molten steel, and then refining the molten steel by a refining furnace to produce stainless steel in a stainless steel producing process. In the method, a carbonaceous reducing agent is added to a zinc-containing waste material produced in the stainless steel producing process, the resultant mixture is agglomerated by a briquette press to form agglomerates incorporated with a carbonaceous material, the agglomerates incorporated with the carbonaceous material are heated in a rotary hearth furnace to reduce and evaporate zinc to form dezincified agglomerates, and then the dezincified agglomerates are charged as a coolant in an oxidation period of the refining furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sugitatsu, Itsuo Miyahara
  • Patent number: 7175692
    Abstract: An air separation system includes an ejector for controlling a pressure differential across an air separation module and a valve for controlling air flow through the ejector such that airflow through the ejector is discontinued when not required to maintain the desired pressure differential across the air separation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventor: Gregory Schwalm
  • Patent number: 7175693
    Abstract: A method for preventing fuel from migrating, i.e., infiltrating, into a mircoporous polymer membrane, such as that used in a fuel deoxygenator device of an aircraft to remove dissolved oxygen from the fuel, includes heating the membrane to reduce the size of micropores in the membrane from a first size to a second size that is large enough to allow migration of oxygen through the membrane and small enough to prevent migration of fuel into the membrane. The membrane is an amorphous fluoropolymer on a PVDF substrate and the micropores are reduced in size by heating the membrane at a temperature between 130° C. and 150° C. for 2 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Louis J. Spadaccini, He Huang, Foster Phillip Lamm
  • Patent number: 7175694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite gas separation module and to methods for fabricating a composite gas separation module. The present invention also relates to methods for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream. In one embodiment, the composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate porous metal layer, wherein the intermediate porous metal layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense hydrogen-selective membrane, wherein the dense hydrogen-selective membrane overlies the intermediate porous metal layer. The intermediate porous metal layer can include palladium and a Group IB metal. For example, the intermediate porous metal layer can contain alternating layers of palladium and a Group IB metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Yi Hua Ma, Ivan P. Mardilovich, Erik E. Engwall
  • Patent number: 7175695
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration enhancement apparatus and an associated method. The apparatus includes a number of electromagnetic grids that are placed in series. The first grid conditions ambient particles to generate particles with both a positive and a negative charge. These charged particles are then delivered to a second and third grid wherein a low, medium, and/or high frequency alternating current is employed to force the positive and negative charged particles to collide and conglomerate with one another. The conglomerated particles are then sent into the ambient environment for subsequent filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Don H. Hess
  • Patent number: 7175696
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method and an apparatus for preparing a highly purified gas from a crude liquid comprising the gas and one or more of a metal, particulates, water vapor, or a volatile impurity. The method comprises: (a) vaporizing the crude liquid, to yield (i) a first vapor stream comprising the gas and (ii) a first liquid stream comprising the gas; (b) removing water vapor, particulates, or both from the first vapor stream, to yield a second vapor stream comprising the gas; (c) condensing the second vapor stream, to yield a second liquid stream comprising the gas; and (d) sparging the second liquid stream with an inert gas, to yield (i) a third vapor stream comprising the gas and (ii) a third liquid stream comprising the highly purified gas. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an adsorbent to effectively remove water vapor from the gas, as well as an adsorbent so prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, Inc., Air Liquide America L.P.
    Inventors: Derong Zhou, John P. Borzio, Gregory M. Jursich, Earle R. Kebbekus
  • Patent number: 7175697
    Abstract: A device for protecting medical apparatus from contamination by infectious agents comprises a containment body having an inlet destined to be set in fluid communication with an extracorporeal circuit of blood, and an outlet destined to be connected to a fluid line operatively connected to a pressure gauge of a medical apparatus. The inlet is in gas communication with the outlet across an internal cavity of the containment body. Two hydrophobic membranes are predisposed in the containment body between the inlet and the outlet. The membranes each define an anticontamination barrier which is gas-permeable. The device transmits the pressure of the extracorporeal circuit to the pressure gauge, with no relevant loss of head, while at the same time protecting, with a high degree of security, the medical apparatus from risks of contamination by pathogens originating in the extracorporeal circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Roberto Neri
  • Patent number: 7175698
    Abstract: In a canister, an activated charcoal layer is placed in a fluid passage by which an air intake port is connected to a charge port or purge port, and a chamber dividing the charcoal layer into sections so as to traverse the fuel passage is defined by a grid and a filter pad placed on the surface of the grid. The grid has apertures uniformly formed on the surface of the grid contacting with the filter pad, so as to communicate with the chamber. Formation of the apertures on the surface of the grid prevents the filter pad from coming into the mesh of the grid, thus maintaining flatness of the filter pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Matsuura, Takashi Sakagami, Kazuhiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7175699
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter medium installed in at least one receptacle. The filter assembly includes a heating system to heat the filter medium. The filter medium includes metal fibers. The receptacle or receptacles are provided with at least one air inlet and with at least one air outlet and a device to eliminate the air and free space around and in the filter medium. The receptacles may include at least two deformable walls, which are membranes made of a polymeric or elastomeric material, and the filter medium may include at least one sintered, non-woven metal fiber web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventor: Bruno Aubert
  • Patent number: 7175700
    Abstract: A family of radiopaque glasses comprising silicon dioxide (15–30%), ytterbium oxide (5–35%), barium oxide (30–50%) and fluoride (5–20%), all by weight. The family of glasses all exhibit high radiopacity with refractive indices varying from 1.508–1.592 and translucency ranging from clear to moderately opaque. These glasses can be incorporated into dental composites to provide radiopaque dental restoratives with a desired translucence and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Den-Mat Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Chadwick, Rebecca K. Santiago
  • Patent number: 7175701
    Abstract: Disclosed is a foam comprising a matrix and cells included in the matrix. The matrix comprises denatured protein and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, salts thereof, and derivatives of alginic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yumiko Oyasato, Kentaro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7175702
    Abstract: Disclosed is disposable tableware which is completely degradable under environmental conditions without environmental contamination. The disposable tableware is prepared using environmentally friendly, completely degradable materials without additional chemical additives while maintaining the shape and function of general disposable tableware so that it is completely degraded under environmental conditions, thus not causing environmental contamination and problems associated with waste disposal such as separation from other wastes. Also, the present invention discloses a method of manufacturing such disposable tableware. The disposable tableware is prepared by compression-molding a composition including 1–30 wt % of crop residues, 1–30 wt % of corn flour, 1–10 wt % of paper mulberry bark, 1–10 wt % of a moss and 30–96 wt % of a grain flour mixture as the remaining part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Han Jung C.I.T. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Duk Kwon
  • Patent number: 7175703
    Abstract: A liquid composition, active curing additive for water or solvent borne surface coatings and sealants such: latex products, paints, putties, caulks, sports track and court construction, asphalt or coal tar seal coating, asphalt paving, micro-seal, roof tars, asphalt emulsions, crack sealants, and the like is provided. The additive functions to significantly reduce the amount of time required for the surface coating to cure and thereby allows the coated or sealed surface to be quickly returned to service. Preferably, the additive is composed of a composition of water; calcium chloride granules; citric acid granules; and an ammonium dispersing composition. Alternatively, aluminum sulfate may be utilized in place of calcium chloriade and citric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Rick Poole, Mark Lane
  • Patent number: 7175704
    Abstract: A method for removing defects at high pressure and high temperature (HP/HT) or for relieving strain in a non-diamond crystal commences by providing a crystal, which contains defects, and a pressure medium. The crystal and the pressure medium are disposed in a high pressure cell and placed in a high pressure apparatus, for processing under reaction conditions of sufficiently high pressure and high temperature for a time adequate for one or more of removing defects or relieving strain in the single crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Diamond Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Philip D'Evelyn, Thomas Richard Anthony, Stephen Daley Arthur, Lionel Monty Levinson, John William Lucek, Larry Burton Rowland, Suresh Shankarappa Vagarali
  • Patent number: 7175705
    Abstract: A process for producing compound semiconductor single crystal, comprises the steps of: putting a compound semiconductor raw material into a crucible, setting the crucible in a vertical type of heating furnace to heat and melt the raw material by a heater, promoting a nucleation on a surface of a raw material melt by leaving a solid raw material in a part of the raw material melt, solidifying the raw material melt gradually from the surface of the raw material melt without a seed crystal, and growing a crystal by using a nucleus generated by the nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeto Fujimura, Toshiaki Asahi, Kenji Sato