Patents Issued in March 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7186249
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus and process for freezing or cauterizing a particular infected body area employing a transparent sleeve insertable through a small slit in the flesh of a patient and wherein the inserted end of the sleeve is provided with a cone-shaped tip having a plurality of segments normally self biased to close to define a dull pointed end susceptible for expansion when a solid, rigid probe is inserted through the sleeve. The end of the probe includes a conical or cone-shaped tip with a small extension or projection that causes expansion of the flaps on the tip of the sleeve. The extension on the end of the probe is placed in alignment position to locate the infected organ or area to be removed. Monitoring of the sleeve and probe insertion and location of the infected area is achieved by video camera. After removing the solid and rigid probe, a fiber optic tube is inserted into the sleeve whereby ambient light is conducted through the tube to the advancing end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Alfiero Balzano
  • Patent number: 7186250
    Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for positioning diagnostic an therapeutic elements on the epicardium or other organ surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef V. Koblish, David K. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7186251
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cierra, Inc.
    Inventors: William Malecki, Dan Francis, Kenneth Horne, Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, Jose Alejandro
  • Patent number: 7186252
    Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for resecting tissue from the gastrointestinal tract are disclosed. The apparatus can include an RF tissue cutting device disposed inward of a side opening in the device. A tissue stop can be used to control the depth of tissue resected, and the tissue stop can include holes for communicating vacuum for drawing tissue into the side opening. The tissue stop can be electrically grounded with respect to the RF tissue cutting device, and the tissue stop can provide one pole of an RF electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph Nobis, Michael Clem, Christopher J. Hess
  • Patent number: 7186253
    Abstract: A working end of a surgical instrument that carries first and second jaws for delivering energy to tissue. In a preferred embodiment, at least one jaw of the working end defines a tissue-engagement plane that contacts the targeted tissue. The cross-section of the engagement plane reveals that it defines a surface conductive portion that overlies a variably resistive matrix of a temperature-sensitive resistive material or a pressure-sensitive resistive material. An interior of the jaw carries a conductive material or electrode that is coupled to an Rf source and controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the variably resistive matrix can comprise a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, such as a ceramic, that is engineered to exhibit a dramatically increasing resistance (i.e., several orders of magnitude) above a specific temperature of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: SurgRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Csaba Truckai, James Baker, Bruno Strul, John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 7186254
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for promoting fusion of vertebrae are provided. The apparatuses comprise interconnecting plates that fixate vertebrae to each other and provide for a predetermined amount of subsidence where the fusion occurs. Allowing for this predetermined amount of subsidence increases bone to bone contact at the graft, which promotes fusion without having excessive settling of the two vertebrae onto the graft. The predetermined amount of subsidence is achieved by the placement of a plate spacer between each of two interconnecting plates when the plates are attached to the vertebrae. The plate spacer has a height equal to the maximum amount of subsidence desired. After affixing the plates to the vertebrae, the plate spacer is removed, leaving a space between the plates, which allows the vertebrae to subside by a distance equal to the height of the plate spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Dzung H. Dinh, Marta L. Villarraga
  • Patent number: 7186255
    Abstract: A polyaxial screw is used to secure orthopedic appliances to bone, particularly the spine. The polyaxial screw has a shaft including a helical screw thread for securing the screw to bone. One end of the shaft has a reverse tapered head tapering toward and away from the shaft from an enlarged median. A spherical shaped swivel, having an opening smaller than the median, is snapped over the head to rotatably engage the shaft. A connector with a dome shaped cavity on one end and bifurcated tabs on the other is connected with the swivel and tightened in place with a set screw and guide ring. An appliance is held between the bifurcated tabs. The tabs are frangible to reduce the profile above the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Atlas Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret O. Baynham, G. Clay Baynham, Matthew G. Baynham, David R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7186256
    Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements for locking only one bone screw to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 7186257
    Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for inserting a pin into a broken bone enhances the precision of an orthopedic medical operation. The auxiliary apparatus includes a shaft including a drill chuck part installed at its outer front end, a handle mounting part disposed at its middle portion, and a tool joint part formed at its rear end, in which a pin inserting hole is formed through an inner side of the shaft, a staged portion and a locking groove formed at the handle mounting part, and a cap bolt inserted into the tool joint part. A support handle is rotatably mounted onto the handle mounting part of the shaft. A shaft inserting hole is formed through in the support handle. An engaging hole for receiving a release prevention bolt and a joint groove are formed at a radial outer side of the support handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jun Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7186258
    Abstract: A lenticular net instrument comprises an elongate handle coupled with a lenticular net movable to contracted and expanded configurations via an actuator of the handle. The net in the contracted configuration has a narrow profile for insertion in and removal from a lens capsule through a small incision in the eye. The net is movable to the expanded configuration within the lens capsule behind a cataractous nucleus. The net has a plurality of openings therein of a size to prevent fragments of the cataractous nucleus produced by fragmentation with a fragmenting instrument from passing therethrough such that the fragments do not pass into the vitreous cavity. A method of cataract surgery involves deploying a net behind a cataractous nucleus upon the occurrence of a rupture in the capsular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Sina J. Sabet
  • Patent number: 7186259
    Abstract: Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: PULMONx
    Inventors: Rodney A. Perkins, Peter P. Soltesz, Robert Kotmel
  • Patent number: 7186260
    Abstract: A device for treating pain in an injured body member includes a wrap having an interior section which can be loaded with medicament. The wrap also includes at least one inwardly extending nodule adapted to exert pressure on and compress a specific area of the injured member, having acupressure like effect in producing pain relief. The wrap has adjustable means for fastening the wrap around the body member, thereby enabling the wearer to extent a specific amount of pressure on the nodule to achieve the desired results. The combination of restricted movement imparted by the wrap along with the medicament and acupressure affords the wearer more rapid pain relief than any of the treatments applied separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Morton I. Hyson
  • Patent number: 7186261
    Abstract: A medical forceps is provided with a tubular outer shank, on whose distal end there is formed a forceps jaw with two jaw parts. The two jaw parts are each rotatably mounted on the outer shank at two sides opposite one another. A tubular inner shank for actuating the jaw parts is displaceably arranged in the inside of the outer shank in its longitudinal direction. The inner shank is coupled to the two jaw parts for their actuation via two lever systems. Each of the lever systems is linked to the two jaw parts, one lever system on each of the two opposite sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Prestel
  • Patent number: 7186262
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. Mechanical clips are implanted over the leaflets of a valve, e.g., in the heart, either alone or after thermal treatment to cause the valve to close more tightly. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. Alternatively, individual anchors with a tensioning element, like a suture, may be used to approximate the valves towards each other. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Vahid Saadat
  • Patent number: 7186263
    Abstract: A composite stent-graft tubular prosthesis includes an inner PTFE tubular structure, an outer PTFE tubular structure positioned about the inner PTFE tubular structure and a diametrically deformable stent interposed between the inner and outer PTFE tubular structures. The interposed stent is formed from an elongate wire helically wound with a plurality of longitudinally spaced turns into an open configuration. Each of the turns includes successive aligned upper and lower wave-like peaks. Selective ones of said upper and lower peaks are exposed exteriorly of the outer PTFE structure to render the composite prosthesis longitudinally flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen Golds, David Tseng, Jeff Boatman
  • Patent number: 7186264
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being adapted to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Viacor, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Liddicoat, Daniel C. Taylor, Richard B. Streeter, Steven B. Woolfson, William E. Cohn, Todd F. Davenport
  • Patent number: 7186265
    Abstract: Implantable prosthetic valve systems and methods for implanting them are provided. Magnets are employed within one or more components of the valve systems to facilitate anchoring of the prosthetic valve at a target implant site, delivery of the prosthetic valve to the target implant site or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Sharkawy, Mark Foley, Darin Gittings, David Cole, Sam Crews
  • Patent number: 7186266
    Abstract: An intraocular lens system for correcting vision in the eye, including a first lens adapted to be inserted into the eye substantially along the main optical axis and a second lens adapted to be inserted into the eye substantially along the main optical axis, spaced from and in series with the first lens, such that the first and second lenses form a teledioptic lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Teledioptic Lens System, LLC
    Inventor: Gholman A. Peyman
  • Patent number: 7186267
    Abstract: The invention relates to orthopaedic implant materials and devices comprising porous and or polycrystalline silicon. Such materials and devices may be used in the treatment of one or more of the following conditions: hip fracture, arthrosis of the hip and knee, vertebral fracture, spinal fusion, long bone fracture, soft tissue repair, and osteoporosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: pSiMedica Limited
    Inventors: Roger Aston, Leigh T Canham
  • Patent number: 7186268
    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 retaining cap that is secured to the other of the baseplates. The ball rotates and angulates in the socket. The ball and socket joint therefore permits the baseplates to rotate and angulate relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Errico, Michael W. Dudasik, Rafail Zubok
  • Patent number: 7186269
    Abstract: The invention is a modular composite shoulder prosthesis 64, whose construct incorporates a solid autogenous bone graft 50 to be used to replace the upper humerus in certain fracture types. The prosthesis comprises a stem 22 to be inserted in the canal of the humerus, an intermediary part reduced to a medial pillar 24 and a head which is a generally spherical cap 20 that is hollow. The head of the prosthesis being hollow and coated with an osteoconductive material, the lateral aspect of the medial pillar as well as the upper part of the stem being also coated with the same material, an epiphyso-metaphyseal space is delineated in which a solid autogenous bone graft is fitted. Union can be achieved between the coated parts of the prosthesis, the bone graft 50 and the tuberosities reattached to the humerus shaft, secured to holes 62 of the medial pillar and between themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Jean-Maxwell Cyprien, André Burdet, Jean-Dominique Demottaz, Jean-Claude Bonvin, Bernard Neuhaus
  • Patent number: 7186270
    Abstract: A practical control device having up to eight independent channels of communication for simultaneously operating a plurality of electromechanical devices or for simultaneously performing a plurality of independent functions on an electromechanical device, such as a prosthetic hand, includes a foot-operated controller and a microprocessor. The foot-controller includes a plurality of pressure sensors mounted at selected locations on a substrate. The microprocessor converts sensor inputs from the foot-operated controller into commands for a controllable electromechanical device such as a prosthetic hand. Commands may be communicated via a radio transmitter or via hard-wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Jeffrey Elkins 2002 Corporate Trust
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Elkins
  • Patent number: 7186271
    Abstract: When a security server detects an abnormality in the building by a sensor, the security server sends an abnormality notification mail that has embedded a link to image information shot by a supervision camera upon detection of an abnormality and a mail address of the security server to a portable telephone terminal and in case neither access from the portable telephone terminal to the image information nor a response mail is confirmed, determines that the abnormality mail is not confirmed by the user and notifies occurrence of the abnormality to a security center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Horikiri, Hitoshi Abe, Yusuke Kano, Hirotake Kudo
  • Patent number: 7186272
    Abstract: The invention relates to reaction products of glycols, diglycols, higher glycols or glycerol with ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids in a molar ratio of 1:2 or higher, especially conforming to the general formula (V) where R is hydrogen or a C1-3 alkyl group, preferably methyl, nx is from 1 to 5, preferably from 1 to 3, n is 1 or 2 and when n=1 the radical R? is C1-4 alkylene, preferably ethylene, x is defined as x? and y is not less than 1, preferably from 1 to 5, especially 1 or 2, and when n=2 the radical R? is a glycerol radical, x is defined as x? and y is =1. The invention further relates to the use of the (poly)hydroxycarboxylic acid (poly)glycol esters or (poly)hydroxycarboxylic acid glyceryl esters as acid donors and for controlling the pH in textile treatment processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Clariant Finance (BVI) Limited
    Inventor: Jürg Heller
  • Patent number: 7186273
    Abstract: A polymer adapted for the Shrink resist treatment of textile materials imparting water, stain and/or oil repellency. The polymer includes a fluorinated polyether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Devan-PPT Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: John Ellis, Susan Bamford, Claire Louise Balcomb
  • Patent number: 7186274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of organomodified metallic nanoparticles preferably bearing at their surface a self-assembled monolayer of organosulphur compounds. A preferred use is in suspension form for dyeing and/or treating human keratin fibers. The invention also relates to a process for dyeing and/or treating human keratin fibers, by the application to the keratin fibers of such a suspension, and also to compositions used to perform such a process. The invention includes the colouring and/or treating of human keratin fibers, in particular the hair, with the invention suspension. Compositions of the nanoparticles with cosmetic active principles, and uses thereof, also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Gabin Vic, Aude Livoreil, Franck Giroud
  • Patent number: 7186275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hair care compositions comprising an oxidizing agent and chelants having log ? ? K CuL log ? ? K CaL ratio calculated at pH 10 of at least 3.20 wherein log KCuL is the common logarithm of the Conditional Stability Constant of said chelant with Cu2+ and log KCaL is the common logarithm of the Conditional Stability Constant of said chelant with Ca2+. Suitable chelants are diamine-N,N?-dipolyacids or monoamine monoamide-N,N?-dipolyacids. The compositions according to the present invention contribute to reducing the oxidative damage sustained by a keratinous fiber such as hair during bleaching, dyeing, perming or other oxidative treatments. Especially preferred diamine dipolyacid is ethylenediamine-N,N?-disuccinic acid (EDDS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Henry Drummond Boswell, Jennifer Mary Marsh, John Scott Park, Michael Andrew Olshavsky
  • Patent number: 7186276
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dye composition for dyeing human keratin fibers, such as the hair, comprising a direct polycationic dye of formula (I) below: Col-Z-Col??(I) in which Col, which may be identical or different, is a monocationic dye chosen from azo dyes, methine dyes, azomethine dyes, and phenothiazine dyes; and Z is chosen from linear and branched, saturated and unsaturated C1–C20 hydrocarbon-based groups comprising at least one nitrogen atom and bearing at least two cationic charges, and also to processes for dyeing human keratin fibers using said composition, to the use of the dyes of formula (I) as direct dyes, and to multi-compartment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Alain Lagrange
  • Patent number: 7186277
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibres, for example, human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising at least one para-phenylenediamine derivative substituted with a diazacyclohexane or diazacycloheptane ring, the nitrogen in position 4 of which is a quaternary ammonium. The present disclosure may make it possible, for example, to obtain at least one of chromatic, strong, relatively unselective, fast coloration of keratin fibres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal SA
    Inventors: Alain Genet, Stéphane Sabelle
  • Patent number: 7186278
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising at least one soluble fluorescent dye and at least one compound comprising an acid functional group, and to processes using this composition. It likewise relates to a method of using compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one soluble fluorescent dye and at least one compound comprising an acid functional group for dyeing human keratin materials, such as artificially dyed and/or pigmented hair and dark skin, with a lightening effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventors: Grégory Plos, Luc Gourlaouen
  • Patent number: 7186279
    Abstract: The present invention provides a herbal black dye from natural materials comprising of Juglans regia, Indigofera tinctoria, Terminalia chebula, Acacia accocina, Lawsonia inermis, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Sapindus mukorossi, Eclipta alba, Embelica officinalis, Acacia catechu and Piper betle, the dye derived being safe, non toxic, anti-allergic, anti-dandruff and free from toxic symptoms like itching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Pushpangadan Palpu, Mahesh Pal, Bhagwan Shankar Dixit, Ranjan Banerji, Chandana Venkateswara Rao
  • Patent number: 7186280
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a leakage current of a dielectric layer on a substrate including a cell array region having a plurality of cell blocks including a patterned structure, the dielectric layer formed on the patterned structure, and a peripheral circuit region includes depositing a corona ion charge on a cell block selected from the plurality of cell blocks and measuring a variance of a surface voltage caused by a leakage current through the dielectric layer on the selected cell block. The variance of the surface voltage is compared with reference data to determine a leakage current characteristic of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Min Eom, Chung-Sam Jun, Yu-Sin Yang, Yun-Jung Jee
  • Patent number: 7186281
    Abstract: A dust-removing device for the dust-collecting tank of a dust-collecting machine includes a guide frame installed inside the dust collecting tank and having a central guide rod for a brush base to move up and down thereon. The brush base has its outer circumferential edge provided with numerous brushing bristles able to reach the folded grooves in the inner wall of the dust-collecting tank. A pull unit is provided with plural pulley bases for a pull rope to pass therethrough. Two handles are respectively fixed with two lines of the pull rope exposed to the outer side of the dust-collecting tank, and the pull rope has two ends fastened with the brush base. When the two handles are moved downward alternately and repeatedly, the brush base can be moved up and down to carry out cleaning of the dust-collecting tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: San Ford Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chieh yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 7186282
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle air cleaner provided with a check valve mechanism on the lower cap of the air cleaner for drainage and ventilation, and a protection disposed on the outer edge; the check valve being closed as the engine runs to prevent from taking in water vapor and dust; and check valve being opened to dismiss water logging and excessively dense air and fuel admixture; the protection is related to a protection cap to prevent the check valve mechanism from direct contact with the ambient air for keeping off water and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Yu Su
  • Patent number: 7186283
    Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner includes a separating unit for separating dirt and dust from a dirt-laden airflow which is drawn in by the cleaner. The separating unit has a chamber with a collection area for collecting dirt and dust which is separated from the airflow. A base of the separating unit is movable between a closed position in which the closure member seals the chamber and an open position by operation of a releasing means. The releasing means is inhibited from releasing the base when the unit is stowed on the chassis of the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Remco Douwinus Vuijk
  • Patent number: 7186284
    Abstract: A filter mounting system for use in a baghouse having a tubesheet with a plurality of openings. The filter mounting system includes filter media and a tubular mounting collar attached to the filter media to mount the filter media relative to the tubesheet. The filter mounting system also includes a gasket made of a flexible material. The gasket has a tubesheet receiving portion and a filter receiving portion extending from the tubesheet receiving portion. The mounting collar of the filter mounting system is adapted to be positioned within the filter receiving portion of the gasket and engaging the filter receiving portion to effect sealing engagement of the tubesheet receiving portion of the gasket against a portion of the tubesheet adjacent the opening. The filter receiving portion extends from the tubesheet receiving portion to force one portion of the gasket into sealing engagement with a surface of the tubesheet upon engagement with the mounting collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Thomas Clements
  • Patent number: 7186285
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor exposure apparatus which includes a chamber for accommodating therein a main unit of the exposure apparatus, a gas controlling unit for controlling a gas in the chamber, a chemical filter for attracting a chemical substance in a controlling gas, and a dust removing filter for catching a dust particle in a controlling gas, wherein a gas blowing area of the chemical filter is smaller than that of the dust removing filter wherein said chemical filter and said dust removing filter are disposed separately from each other. The chemical filter is mounted obliquely with respect to a direction of flow of a supplied gas. A gas rectifying device is disposed at a gas inlet side of the chemical filter and the dust removing filter. The chemical filter can be a pleat filter, and it is mounted so that the pleat thereof is orthogonal to the direction of flow of the supplied air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nakano, Kiyoshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7186286
    Abstract: A filter housing assembly having a leak testable aerosol injection port is a conduit coupled to an aerosol injection selectively traps aerosol port of the filter housing assembly after disconnecting an aerosol generator used to challenge a filter installed in the housing assembly. The trapped aerosol provides a high concentration challenge that facilitates leak testing of the aerosol injection port after the aerosol generator has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Morse
  • Patent number: 7186287
    Abstract: A fluid handling device having a support frame and a plurality of filter frames attached thereto. Each of the filter frames has an outer frame member that removably secures a filter; the filters being either a planar filter, pocket filter, or multiple pocket filter. The various filters can be arranged to correlate the change-out schedule of all of the filters across the fluid flow area. The filters with the highest particulate capacity can be arranged to be in the zone of the fluid flow area with the highest particulate concentration. The filters are easily constructed from a single piece of filtration media and collapsible to save space when storing or shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Scott B. Beier
  • Patent number: 7186288
    Abstract: A method of production of large Ingots of neutron attenuating composites using a vacuum-bellows system allows for large cross-sectional shapes to be extruded and rolled. This method uses a vacuum-bellows technology which allows the manufacturing of large 8–16 inch diameter ingots (50–450 lbs. each). A variety of primary metal matrix materials can be used in this technology. High specific strength and stiffness can be achieved because the technology allows for final densities of 99% and higher. The vacuum-bellows technology allows metals and ceramics to blend and mesh together at compression pressures of 800 tons with elevated temperatures. The controlled compression movement allows for any oxide layer, on the metal, to be broken up and consolidated with the chosen ceramic particulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robin A. Carden
  • Patent number: 7186289
    Abstract: There is provided a nickel powder suitable as conductive particles for use in conductive paste and conductive resin, that is inexpensive, has superior weather resistance, low resistivity when kneaded with resin, and is stable when used in the long-term, and a production method therefor. A nickel powder is produced by a two stage reduction and precipitation process from an aqueous solution containing a bivalent nickel salt, wherein an average primary particle diameter is 0.2 ?m to 2.0 ?m as measured with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), wherein an average secondary particle diameter is 8 ?m to 50 ?m according to laser particle size distribution measurement, wherein a tap density is 0.5 g/ml to 2.0 g/ml, wherein a cobalt content is 1 to 20 weight %. The cobalt may be contained in only the surface layer of the nickel powder at a content of 1 weight % to 40 weight %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sunitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kato, Shuji Okada, Shoji Futaki
  • Patent number: 7186290
    Abstract: A filter system includes a source of clean filter media adjacent a channel through which fluid passes. The filter media is automatically advanced from the source to the channel and eventually to a sealed container adjacent the channel. The filter media is automatically advanced through the channel, where it is replaced with clean filter media in the channel. A controller controls the advancement of the filter media based upon time or based upon a current condition of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheehan, Susan D. Brandes, Robert Chiang, Brad Reisfeld
  • Patent number: 7186291
    Abstract: Described is an additional filter element for a filter apparatus for reducing emissions from a motor vehicle tank venting system. The additional filter element is connected to a main activated carbon filter and has adsorbents which, to achieve a high working capacity, in particular at 42° C., has a high micropore volume. To retain a residual loading possibly present in the micropores the adsorbents further have a mesopore volume. The micropore volume is at least 0.4 cm3/g and the mesopore volume is at a maximum 0.95 cm3/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Helsa-Automotive GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Thomas Wolff
  • Patent number: 7186292
    Abstract: A coloring composition such as printing ink for inkjet printing or the like or electrophotographic color toner is provided, which can give a colored image or material excellent in the color hue and fastness, and also provide an inkjet recording method capable of forming an image having good color hue and high fastness to light and active gases in the environment, particularly ozone gas, and which is an inkjet ink comprising an azo dye having a specific structure containing an alkyl chain having 4 to more carbon atoms and not containing an ionic hydrophilic group; an inkjet recording method using the ink; and a color toner composition comprising the above-described azo dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Yabuki, Tomohiro Chino, Toshiki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7186293
    Abstract: Agglomerated starch compositions containing native starch and pre-compacted starch powder is disclosed. The agglomerated starch compositions have superior flow and less pH sensitivity than simple blends of the two components at equivalent ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: BPSI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7186294
    Abstract: A fast-setting, bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement is prepared by a process which can be carried out with a heat treatment up to 1000° C. on a mixture of a wetting solution and a calcium phosphate powder having a Ca to P molar ratio of 0.5–2.5. The wetting solution suitable for use in the process of the present invention includes water, an organic solvent, an acidic and basic solution. A setting solution for mixing with the heated powder to form the fast-setting, bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement may be water, an acidic or basic solution according to the process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Calcitec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiin-Huey Chern Lin, Chien-Ping Ju, Wen-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7186295
    Abstract: A single crystal of quartz thin film and a production method therefor are provided. A method for producing a quartz epitaxial thin film comprises the steps of vaporizing a silicon alkoxide as a silicon source under atmospheric pressure to introduce the silicon alkoxide to a substrate with hydrogen chloride as a reaction promoter, and reacting ethyl silicate with oxygen to deposit a quartz on the substrate. The single crystal of quartz thin film has excellent crystalinity, and optical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Humo Laboratory, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Takahashi, Takato Nakamura, Satoshi Nonaka, Hiromi Yagi, Yoichi Shinriki, Katsumi Tamanuki
  • Patent number: 7186296
    Abstract: A film formation apparatus by which a film thickness can be precisely measured and whether the film quality is good or bad can be confirmed in a process of performing film formation according to the aerosol deposition method. The film formation apparatus includes: an aerosol generating unit for generating an aerosol by dispersing a raw material powder by a gas; a holding unit for holding a substrate on which a structure is to be formed; a nozzle for injecting the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating unit toward the substrate; and a measurement unit for measuring an electric potential of a film formation surface on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7186297
    Abstract: The invention provides a wafer holding apparatus which enables ascertainment of gripping and presence/absence of a wafer through use of single detection means. The apparatus has drive means (2) having a pressing element (8) which advances or recedes in a longitudinal direction; and detection means (9) for detecting advancement/receding of the pressing element (8). When the detection means (9) has detected that the pressing element (8) has advanced to and come to a halt at a predetermined position, the wafer is determined to be properly held. When the detection means (9) has detected that the pressing element (8) has advanced in excess of the predetermined position, the wafer is determined not to be present on the wafer holding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Hiroshi Asano
  • Patent number: 7186298
    Abstract: A wafer support system comprising a segmented susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. A plurality of spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the segmented susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the segmented susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Halpin, Mark R. Hawkins, Derrick W. Foster, Robert M. Vyne, John F. Wengert, Cornelius A. van der Jeugd, Loren R. Jacobs