Patents Issued in May 15, 2007
  • Patent number: 7217336
    Abstract: A method and system (1) for utilizing shaped orifices (e.g., sonic and simple orifices, and divergent nozzles) in the gas inject system (20) as part of a plasma process system. By utilizing the shaped orifices, directionality of gas flow (25) can be improved. This improvement is especially beneficial in high aspect ratio processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Eric J. Strang
  • Patent number: 7217337
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma process chamber, which includes: an upper housing having a gas inlet connected to a gas source, and a gas shower head placed in the upper housing; and a lower housing having a gas outlet connected to a vacuum pump, and a substrate provided on the inner bottom of the lower housing. On the substrate is placed a wafer. A plasma reactor is provided between the upper housing and the lower housing of the plasma process chamber. The plasma reactor is provided on the outer circumference of its main body with at least one reactor tube of horseshoe shape. A closed magnetic core is attached to the reactor tube, and a coil is wound on said magnetic core. The coil is connected electrically to an A.C. power. The plasma reactor is placed in the middle area of the plasma process chamber and a plurality of the reactor tubes are provided on the outer circumference of the plasma reactor so that plasma reaction is generated and distributed evenly in the plasma process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Dae-Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 7217338
    Abstract: The process is for continuously cooking chemical pulp in a digester system consisting of at least one vessel for impregnating and cooking comprising an inlet into which a mixture of chips and process liquid is fed. The chips are impregnated at a predetermined impregnation temperature, Timp, and cooked at a predetermined cooking temperature, Tcook, after which dissolved pulp is fed out at the outlet of the digester system. The process liquid which is continually extracted is retained outside the digester system during a dwell time, t, of at least 30 min, without any heating above 140°, and thereafter returned to the digester system to a position which is substantially at the same level as the extraction, or downstream thereof, and thereby constitute part of the process liquid in the subsequent treatment zone. The process results in improved tear strength, beatability, bleachability and reduced color reversion, and increased yield across the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Catrin Gustavsson, Mikael Lindstrom, Krister Olsson, Vidar Snekkenes
  • Patent number: 7217339
    Abstract: Fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures, more particularly to fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products that exhibit improved wet strength properties, especially temporary wet strength properties, as compared to fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products that contain conventional wet strength additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Khosrow Parviz Mohammadi, Robert Lee Barcus, Angela Marie Leimbach, Stephen Robert Kelly
  • Patent number: 7217340
    Abstract: A chemical softening composition includes a amide-substituted quaternary imidazolinium salt, a nonionic surfactant, and a polyhydroxy compound for use in treating cellulosic materials including papers, textiles and fabrics. The chemical softening composition can be applied to papermaking fibers during a papermaking process to provide a softened paper web and product possessed of sufficient tensile strength for its regular employment. A chemical softening composition according to the invention can also be applied to fabric to soften the fabric, provide easier handling of the fabric, and also reduce the tendency of the fabric to generate and store static electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventor: Duy T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7217341
    Abstract: The invention relates to treatment equipment, including a beam, for a paper machine. The beam (12) is equipped with a shaft (15), which has a bearing assembly (16) adapted to allow the beam (12) to pivot in relation to the bearing assembly (16) as well as move in the axial direction. The treatment equipment (10) further comprises a support device (18) and an oscillator (17). The support device (18) comprises a swing arm (19) and an actuator (20) connected thereto. In connection with the bearing assembly (16) there is an auxiliary arm (21), which is adapted free in the radial direction and locked in the axial direction in relation to the bearing assembly (16). In addition, there is a connection (22) between the swing arm (19) and the auxiliary arm (21), allowing the swing arm (19) to move in the axial direction in relation to the auxiliary arm (21) without a radial distortion of the swing arm (19). The invention also relates to similar treatment equipment without an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Pentti Luoma, Olli Tuominen
  • Patent number: 7217342
    Abstract: A process that can utilize current paper manufacturing facilities by adding consecutive spray apparatuses that can make and/or enhance the manufacture of a multitude of specific paper products on-line, or improve the properties of already formed paper products with consequent spraying steps on-line or off-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Martti Y. O. Kangas, Marjatta F. Kangas
  • Patent number: 7217343
    Abstract: A compact, energy efficient, continuous-flow point of use distillation system utilizes stacked, vertically-arranged components to provide a compact and energy efficient distillation process and a device which is quick and easy to service and maintain. A housing contains a double-walled boiler vessel to which water is supplied from an external source through suitable filters. A heating source is provided to boil water in the vessel, producing steam which is supplied through a condenser to a storage container located below the boiler. A noninvasive liquid level sensor maintains the water level in the boiler and the controller is provided to activate the boiler when water is required for the storage reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Environmental Technology Enterprises, LLC.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Land
  • Patent number: 7217344
    Abstract: Substrates having films are used to produce flat panel displays and similar devices. Various embodiments of transparent conductive films and methods for the same for flat panel displays and similar devices are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Streaming Sales LLC
    Inventors: Yukihiko Sasaki, Xiao-Ming He
  • Patent number: 7217345
    Abstract: Production of pure metals through electro-winning and electro-deposition is accomplished by electrolytic deposition of metal over a reusable stainless-steel plate (cathode). Metal is deposited on both faces of the cathode, as well as on its edges, creating problems when removing the deposited metal. Breaking the deposited edges to remove the metal deposited on both faces produces irregular edges, folding and damages to the surface of the cathode, requiring re-processing, increasing costs of the deposited metal, as well as repairs or replacement of the cathodes. This invention includes a structure made of insulating material to which are fixed electrically energizable cathode guidance profiles with a cross-section similar to an omega and which house the edges of the cathodes, holding them in position during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: New Tech Copper S.A.
    Inventor: Manuel Rafael Umana Casanova
  • Patent number: 7217346
    Abstract: There is provided a water treating method which can not only improve an effect of eliminating microorganisms in water intended for cooking and drinking or waste water but also prevent a reduction in trace amounts of nutritional elements. In the method, at least a pair of carbon fibers capable of collecting at least microorganisms are immersed in for-treatment water, potentials of opposite polarities are applied to the carbon fibers, and the polarities of the potentials are switched at a predetermined time interval so as to adsorb the microorganisms on the carbon fibers. After the microorganisms are adsorbed, a positive potential is applied to one of the carbon fibers, and a negative potential is applied to the other so as to cause electrolysis. Then, an alternating voltage is applied to the carbon fibers so as to heat the for-treatment water and the carbon fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Yasuhito Kondo
  • Patent number: 7217347
    Abstract: A diamond electrode having a prolonged life by combining a conventional diamond electrode having a relatively short life with other components is provided. A diamond electrode for electrolysis includes an electrode substrate, at least the surface of which comprises Magneli phase titanium oxide, and conductive diamond supported as an electrode catalyst on a surface of the electrode. The electrode catalyst may contain a titanium oxide powder. Magneli phase titanium oxide improves conductivity without forming a stable oxide layer on the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Hosonuma, Miwako Nara, Masaharu Uno, Yoshinori Nishiki, Tsuneto Furuta, Tateki Kurosu, Osamu Fukunaga, Tetsuro Tojo
  • Patent number: 7217348
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and efficient means for identifying kinetically stable proteins. As used herein the term “kinetically stable protein” means a protein that is trapped in a specific conformation due to an unusually high unfolding barrier that results in very slow unfolding rates. The present inventors are the first to discover the existence of a correlation between kinetic stability and SDS-induced denaturation. Thus, the invention provides methods for identifying kinetically stable proteins comprising the step of testing the proteins for resistance to denaturation by SDS. In one embodiment, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is one simple method for quickly identifying and selecting kinetically stable proteins. In another embodiment a two-dimensional SDS-PAGE provides a high throughput method for quickly identifying kinetically stable proteins in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Wilfredo Colón, Marta Manning
  • Patent number: 7217349
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of separating multivalent ions and lactate ions from a fermentation broth comprising a multivalent ion lactate salt by using an electrodialysis or electrolysis apparatus, comprising the steps of introducing the broth wherein the multivalent ion concentration is at least 0.1 mole/l, the lactate ion concentration is less than 300 g/l, and less than 10 mole % of the lactate ion are other negatively charged ions, into a first compartment of the electrodialysis or electrolysis apparatus, which compartment is limited by an anion-selective or non-selective membrane and a cathode, and wherein the multivalent ion is converted to obtain a residual stream comprising the hydroxide of the multivalent ion, and the lactate ion is transported through the anion-selective or non-selective membrane into a second compartment limited by the anion-selective or non-selective membrane and an anode, after which the lactate ion is neutralized to lactic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Purac Biochem B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Baets, Willem Jacob Groot
  • Patent number: 7217350
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, automatically determining an electric charge—related characteristic or derived parameter of particles in a dispersion or of a cell wall, comprises having a particle—containing dispersion provided in a cell. The dispersion is illuminated with light from a light source and detecting from a detection volume light scattered from the particles. An electric field is applied to the dispersion at a first frequency of change of direction of the electric field and an electric field is subsequently applied to the dispersion at a second frequency of change of direction of the electric field. First signals detected from the scattered light when the first frequency electric field is applied are used to provide first values related to the velocity distribution of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Malvern Instruments Limited
    Inventors: Fraser Keith Mc.Neil-Watson, Malcolm Trevor Connah
  • Patent number: 7217351
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of a primary fluid in a primary flow channel comprises a valve fluid channel, and a membrane of a porous dielectric material located in the channel so as to divide the channel into an inlet part and an outlet part and so that valve fluid flowing between the inlet and outlet parts flows through the said membrane. First and second electrodes are located for electrical communication with valve fluid in the inlet and outlet parts respectively of the valve fluid channel for application of an electric potential across the membrane in order to promote electro-osmotic flow of valve fluid through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Beta Micropump Partners LLC
    Inventor: John Krumme
  • Patent number: 7217352
    Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed that is capable of reducing waves occurring in a fluid in which the capillary tips of a capillary assay are immersed. A plurality of partition plate members can be provided in a container containing the fluid to divide the surface of the fluid into several sections. The container can be transported at a high speed, and the capillary tips can be immersed in the fluid quickly, thereby preventing resolution degradation caused by a long period of exposure of the capillary tips to air. Throughput of sample analysis can also be improved because it is not necessary to wait until waves disappear before conducting an analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Taisaku Seino, Tomoyuki Sakai, Miho Ozawa, Masaya Kojima, Eric S. Nordman
  • Patent number: 7217353
    Abstract: After bubbles adsorbed to a substrate are removed by rotating the substrate in a plating solution at a higher speed or after the wettability of the surface of the substrate to be plated is improved before the substrate is immersed in the plating solution, the substrate is rotated in the plating solution at a lower speed so that a plating process is performed with respect to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Hirao
  • Patent number: 7217354
    Abstract: The present invention is a gas detector and method for using the gas detector for detecting and identifying volatile organic and/or volatile inorganic substances present in unknown vapors in an environment. The gas detector comprises a sensing means and a detecting means for detecting electrical capacitance variance of the sensing means and for further identifying the volatile organic and volatile inorganic substances. The sensing means comprises at least one sensing unit and a sensing material allocated therein the sensing unit. The sensing material is an ionic liquid which is exposed to the environment and is capable of dissolving a quantity of said volatile substance upon exposure thereto. The sensing means constitutes an electrochemical capacitor and the detecting means is in electrical communication with the sensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Shannon Mark Mahurin, Sheng Dai, Josip Caja
  • Patent number: 7217355
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for measuring the total NOx concentration in a gas stream utilizing the principles of a NOx sensor, i.e., mixed potential sensor. The exhaust gas is first conditioned by a catalyst assembly that converts the various species of nitrogen oxide gases present to a fixed steady state concentration ratio of NO2/NO, where NO2 is approximately 0–10% of the total NOx concentration present in the gas exhaust, thereby enabling the NOx sensor to generate a meaningful and reproducible determination of the concentration of total NOx present in the gas being measured. The catalyst assembly also functions to oxidize any unburned combustibles such as CH4, CO, etc., and remove potential contaminants such as SO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Balakrishnan G. Nair, Jesse A. Nachlas, Michael Middlemas
  • Patent number: 7217356
    Abstract: A biological suspension processing system is disclosed that may include a suspension treatment device for treating one or more components of a biological suspension, a first fluid flow path for introducing a suspension into the treatment device and a second fluid flow path for withdrawing a constituent of the suspension from the device. At least one microelectromechanical (MEM) sensor communicates with one of the fluid flow paths for sensing a selected characteristic of the fluid therewith. The MEM sensor may be located elsewhere, such as on a container or bag and communicate with the interior for sensing a characteristic of the fluid contained therein. A wide variety of characteristics may be sensed, such as flow rate, pH, cell type, cell antigenicity, DNA, viral or bacterial presence, cholesterol, hematocrit, cell concentration, cell count, partial pressure, pathogen presence, or viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Cork, James J. Ulmes, Richard L. West, Ying-Cheng Lo, Mark C. Weber, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 7217357
    Abstract: Oil filter for engines, transmissions or automatic transmissions, said oil filter being integrated in an oil pan, at least one bypass valve being arranged on the oil filter, the bypass valve containing a spring whose spring resistance increases with increasing temperature, said spring opening and closing an opening of the bypass valve with the aid of a closing lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: IBS Filtran Kunststoff-/Metallerzeugnisse GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Rosendahl, Markus Beer
  • Patent number: 7217358
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for killing or inhibiting growth of undesired microorganisms using ultraviolet radiation. A vortex turbulated flow of water is established within a vertical tube through which is transmitted ultraviolet radiation. In a preferred embodiment the dwell time of water within the tube may be varied to achieve optimum exposure. The method can be used to treat water alone or to treat objects suspended in water. In a particularly preferred embodiment freshly cut pieces of fruit may be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Lionel Evans
  • Patent number: 7217359
    Abstract: The present invention provides a column for a liquid chromatograph having a honeycomb substrate including holes through which a sample flows and a separation phase filled in the holes. The separation phase is a porous bone structure composed of an inorganic material having open pores formed therein, and the porous bone structure is generated by a sol-gel transition process accompanied by a phase transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Nakanishi, Shigeru Hanzawa, Yousuke Sato
  • Patent number: 7217360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for chromatographically analyzing each of a plurality of samples in detector, comprising an autosampler to contain a plurality of samples for chromatographic analysis and a plurality of chromatographic systems, each system comprising one or more pumps and one or more chromatography columns. A detector is included for detecting compounds in the samples from each of the chromatography systems along with a valve positioned between the detector and the plurality of chromatography systems, the valve permitting each sample to reach the detector in sequence. A computer control device is included which adjusts the introduction of samples from the autosampler into the plurality of chromatography systems as well as the position of the valve to sequentially separate and deliver compounds within the samples to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Cohesive Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: John Brann
  • Patent number: 7217361
    Abstract: A filter includes first and second axially spaced end caps having filter media extending axially between the end caps and extending in a closed-loop around a perimeter defining a hollow interior communicating with an axial flow opening through one of the end caps. One or more columns extend axially in the hollow interior between the end caps and are laterally spaced from the axial flow opening and have hollow sub-interiors for receiving one or more posts extending axially thereinto from a base for mounting the filter to the base in axial compression and with a wiper seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Connor, Rebecca Beier, Jessie Alan Knight, Michael E. Yost, Edwin A. Castellanos, Gary L. Rickle
  • Patent number: 7217362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water filter including an outer connector, an inner connector, a flow control sheet and a strainer. A flange extends from the periphery of the upper surface of the outer connector with at least two protrusions extending therefrom. A plurality of guiding ribs is formed at the inner surface of the sidewall of the outer connector near the bottom surface of the outer connector and radiating from the center of the outer connector. A board is formed at the inner surface of the sidewall of the outer connector connecting with upper ends of the guiding ribs. A plurality of puncturing posts projects from the upper surface of the board. A rim extends from the periphery of the upper surface of the inner connector with at least two positioning cutouts being defined therein. The inner connector is received in the outer connector with the positioning cutouts respectively engagingly receiving the protrusions of the outer connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Hao-Yao Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7217363
    Abstract: A filtration system for cleaning a fluid, typically water, that is contained in a tank having a rounded base and which cleans, during the backwash cycle, the filter media and, in particular, cleans the media in a usually stagnant area found in the rounded base of the tank. Most filtration system include a first pipe array located above the rounded base which provide for backwashing of the upper portion of the tank, but leaves the base area below the first pipe array stagnant and subject to the growth of harmful bacteria. The present invention adds a second array which is located in the base area and therefore is able to clean during the backwash cycle, an area that is left stagnant in most other systems. The second array is configured to follow the contours of the base of the tank to give it a greater cross sectional area than a flat array. This configuration results in greatly improved effectiveness over that provided by the conventional single flat array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Mulvey
  • Patent number: 7217364
    Abstract: A filter device has a housing in the shape of a tubular section, with at least two chambers separated from one another by membranes, and with at least one connection for each flow chamber. The device has two filter caps, with one of each of the filter caps being located on each of the two end regions of the housing, and connected directly or indirectly thereto. All connections for the flow chambers are positioned on the tubular section in order to avoid tolerance variations that frequently occur during installation of the filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Lauer, Uwe Hahmann, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Patent number: 7217365
    Abstract: Methods wherein a blood cell concentration gradient is formed in a pooling unit in which blood is pooled before or after introducing the blood into a filter for eliminating leukocytes followed by the filtration are disclosed. By the first method comprising forming a blood cell concentration gradient in the pooling unit before introducing blood into the filter for eliminating leukocytes followed by the filtration, leukocytes can be efficiently eliminated from a whole blood preparation or a high platelet collection ratio can be established while maintaining a high leukocyte elimination ratio. By the second method comprising forming a blood cell concentration gradient in the pooling unit after introducing blood into the filter for eliminating leukocytes followed by the filtration, leukocytes can be efficiently eliminated from a whole blood preparation or a platelet preparation and platelets can be collected at a high ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Fukuda, Morikazu Miura
  • Patent number: 7217366
    Abstract: A process for reducing the content of alkali metal impurities (e.g., potassium) in ammonium metallate solutions is described. The process involves subjecting a feed solution containing ammonium metallate and alkali metal impurities to membrane filtration. The membrane filtration results in the formation of a retentate having a reduced level alkali metal relative to the feed solution, and a permeate containing substantially the balance of alkali metal. The permeate may also be further treated, to remove alkali metal there from, by passage through a cation exchange column, thereby forming a cation exchange treated permeate that may be combined with the retentate of the membrane filtration step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: H. C. Starck GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Viktor Stoller, Juliane Meese-Marktscheffel, Armin Olbrich, Michael Erb, Gerhard Gille
  • Patent number: 7217367
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microfluidic chromatography apparatus comprising a microfabricated fluid delivery system and a chromatography column which is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system, and a method for producing and using the same. Preferably, the chromatography column comprises an OTLC, PCLC, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Jiang Huang, Hou-Pu Chou, Marc A. Unger
  • Patent number: 7217368
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating dirty water or other liquids containing particles of varying size includes a magnetic treatment unit and a centrifugal separator through which the liquid flows as a stream in sequence. The magnetic treatment unit causes very small sized particles to agglomerate, nucleate or otherwise to be amassed into larger particles which are then more easily separated by the centrifugal separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Clearwater Systems Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Lane
  • Patent number: 7217369
    Abstract: A meso-electromechanical system (900, 1100) includes a substrate (215), a standoff (405, 1160) disposed on a surface of the substrate, a first electrostatic pattern (205, 1105, 1110, 1115, 1120) disposed on the surface of the substrate, and a glass beam (810). The glass beam (810) has a fixed region (820) attached to the standoff and has a second electrostatic pattern (815, 1205, 1210, 1215, 1220) on a cantilevered location of the glass beam. The second electrostatic pattern is substantially co-extensive with and parallel to the first electrostatic pattern. The second electrostatic pattern has a relaxed separation (925) from the first electrostatic pattern when the first and second electrostatic patterns are in a non-energized state. In some embodiments, a mirror is formed by the electrostatic materials that form the second electrostatic pattern. The glass beam may be patterned using sandblasting (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jovica Savic, Manes Eliacin, Junhua Liu, Aroon V. Tungare
  • Patent number: 7217370
    Abstract: A wiring board with microstrip structure has: a first conductor layer that is provided with conductor wirings to be connected to a semiconductor chip in its external terminal (bonding pad); a second conductor layer that is provided with a conductor pattern connected through a via to a ground wiring, for supplying a power supply of ground potential to the semiconductor chip; and a third conductor layer that is provided with a power supply terminal connected through a via to a power supply wiring for supplying an operation power supply of a potential other than the ground potential to the semiconductor chip, a signal terminal connected through a via to a signal wiring for transmitting an electric signal, and a ground terminal connected through a via to the conductor pattern in the second conductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sugimoto, Tatsuya Ohtaka, Shigeharu Takahagi
  • Patent number: 7217371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to interfacing new sensors to incumbent controls. In particular, it relates to optically interfacing a new sensor, such as a spectrometer with plasma generator, to an incumbent electro-optical sensor. Logic and resources to control activation of the incumbent electro-optical sensor may be included. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Lightwind Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert E. Litvak
  • Patent number: 7217372
    Abstract: The invention provides a magnetorheological device employing narrow design gap and containing a magnetic-responsive composition exhibiting reduced off-state forces and good performance. Specifically, this invention is directed to a magnetorheological device of defined gap, and employing a magnetic-responsive composition characterized by comprising non-sperical magnetic-responsive particles of average number diameter distribution (d50) from 6 to 100 microns and at least one friction-reducing additive that reduces the interparticle friction between the magnetic-responsive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: K. Andrew Kintz, Teresa L. Forehand
  • Patent number: 7217373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions comprising a fluorocarbon, an oxygenated lubricant, a non-oxygenated lubricant, and a compatibilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Barbara Haviland Minor
  • Patent number: 7217374
    Abstract: To provide a resistance element having an electric resistance body with excellent stability and a method of manufacturing the same. The resistance element includes an electric resistance body, on a base body surface, consisting of a carbon nanotube structure layer 14, which configures a mesh structure in which at least plural carbon nanotubes are cross-linked to one another. The method of manufacturing the resistance element includes: an applying step of applying the base body surface 12 with a liquid solution containing carbon nanotubes having functional groups; and a cross-linking step of forming the carbon nanotube structure layer 14, used as an electric resistance body, that configures a mesh structure in which the plural carbon nanotubes are cross-linked to one another through curing of the liquid solution after application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miho Watanabe, Masaki Hirakata, Kazunori Anazawa, Chikara Manabe, Kentaro Kishi, Taishi Shigematsu, Takashi Isozaki, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Shigeki Ooma, Shinsuke Okada
  • Patent number: 7217375
    Abstract: An optical wavefront correction plate incorporates a unique, three-dimensional spatial retardation distribution utilizing the index of refraction change of resin mixture in its cured state. The optical wave plate comprises a pair of transparent plates, containing a layer of a monomers and polymerization initiators, such as resin mixture. This resin mixture exhibits a variable index of refraction as a function of the extent of its curing. Curing of the resin mixture may be made by exposure to light, such as ultraviolet light, and may be varied across and through the surface of the resin mixture to create a particular and unique three-dimensional wavefront retardation profile. The optical wave plate provides improved performance in large area mirrors, lenses, telescopes, microscopes, and ophthalmic diagnostic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Ophthonix, Inc.
    Inventor: Shui T. Lai
  • Patent number: 7217376
    Abstract: A separation wall transfer mold adaptive to form separation walls on a substrate, includes a main body. A separation wall concave section has concaves for separation walls and is formed in a surface of the main body for a material of the separation walls to be spewed into the separation wall concave section when the separation wall transfer mold is pressed to a substrate. A spew preventing concave section is formed in the surface of the main body for an excess portion of the material to be spewed in the spew preventing concave section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Ikarashi
  • Patent number: 7217377
    Abstract: An optical waveguide based on a photochromic diarylethene polymer dispersed in a polymeric matrix, and a method for preparing such waveguide is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Pirelli & C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Colombo, Antonio Zaopo, Yuri A. Dubitsky, Giuseppe Zerbi, Chiara Bertarelli, Maria Carla Gallazzi
  • Patent number: 7217378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and efficient process for the preparation of pencil lead from the spent or waste pot liners of aluminum industries, said process comprising steps of crushing the liners into small sizes, adding chromic acid to the crushed liners, washing the reacted product with distilled water, thermally shock-treating the dried mass to obtain a fine flowing graphite powder, mixing the powder with binder(s), moistening the mixture with requisite amount of water to form a stiff dough, extruding the dough under pressure to obtain product in the form of a discs, heating the dried discs in an inert/reducing atmosphere in a furnace at temperature ranging between 400–1200° C. for time duration ranging between 1 to 6 hours, and obtaining the pencil lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventor: Bimanranjan Mazumder
  • Patent number: 7217379
    Abstract: A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded by means of an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, the tube section coming out of the extruder die downstream of the extruder die being internally cooled by means of an internal cooling member and externally cooled by means of an external cooling device. Immediately after the tube section leaves the extruder die, the internal cooling member brings about internal cooling of the tube. The external cooling device is positioned downstream of the internal cooling member, so that the external cooling of the tube section is brought about after the internal cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Wavin B.V.
    Inventors: Arjan Dirk van Lenthe, Jan Hendrik Prenger, Jan Visscher
  • Patent number: 7217380
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Longo
  • Patent number: 7217381
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, injection molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via a transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms. The injection molding module having at least one mold shell with an interior surface capable of producing non-uniform coatings over compressed cores or molded inserts contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry S. Sowden
  • Patent number: 7217382
    Abstract: An improved dough sheeting system and method which allow for improved selection of sheeter gap size and which provide a quick release mechanism to prevent damage to sheeter rollers. Hydraulic actuators, attached to a movable roller, hold the roller in a fixed position relative to an opposing roller. The actuators are engaged with a closing force in excess of the force exerted by the sheeted material against the rollers thereby ensuring that the rollers maintain a gap of fixed width. Thermal expansion blocks mounted to the frame or housing of the opposing roller provide a means for fine adjustments in the sheeter gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Alan Graham, Andrew Cecil Harvey, Ponnattu Kurian Joseph, Edward Leon Ouellette
  • Patent number: 7217383
    Abstract: A mold height adjustment device for modifying the distance between the stationary mold carrier and a support element by means of a drive mechanism is provided in a plastic injection molding machining. A locking device locks the support element in its respective position. A release position is provided in the area of movement of the moving mold carrier, which unlocks the locking device when the moving mold carrier is in the release position, thereby providing a mold height adjustment device and a method for actuating the device, which advantageously uses the elements moving on the machine for its actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 7217384
    Abstract: A runner-less molding device for thermosetting resins and rubbers, characterized by a movable runner bush (15), through which an uncured or unvulcanized fluid material kept at a low temperature supplied from a pouring nozzle (31) can flow, is slidably arranged in a temperature controlling bush (13) communicating with a gate (4) of a cavity (1); an insulation space (A) is formed by moving the movable runner bush (15) apart from the gate (4) during heating; a valve pin (18) is movably inserted into said movable runner bush (15); and the valve pin (18) is arranged so as to open and close the gate (4) in accordance with a pouring operation of the fluid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Seiki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tanaka, Masaaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7217385
    Abstract: A method of preparing a plasticised particulate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composition is provided, comprising: mixing, in a mixer, at a mixer speed and for a time sufficient that the mixture attains a temperature of at least 50° C.: particulate PVA resin in an amount from 80% to 90% by weight of the mixture; and plasticiser in an amount from 10% to 20% by weight of the mixture, wherein at least a portion of the plasticiser is water; monitoring the apparent viscosity of the mixture during mixing and continuing mixing until the apparent viscosity of the mixture has peaked to a maximum and dropped off to a substantially constant level, thereby to obtain a plasticised particulate mixture having a moisture content in the range from 7% to 14%; preferably adding an anti-caking agent in an amount from 0.05% to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Polyval plc
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Taylor, Kevin Mark Goninan, Thomas Vivian Simpkins, Michael Thomas Williams, Anthony Cyril Soden