Patents Issued in August 21, 2007
  • Patent number: PP17928
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dianthus plant named ‘Wesnavi’, characterized by its large white-colored flowers with red-colored picotee petal margins and random spots and streaks; good postproduction longevity with flowers maintaining good substance and color for about two days as a cut flower; and resistance to Fusarium oxysporum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: West Select B.V.
    Inventor: Gijsbertus van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: PP17929
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘KLEVE04334’, characterized by its outwardly spreading to trailing and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; and large red purple-colored flowers with flowers held above and beyond the foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Klemm + Sohn GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Ruijun Li
  • Patent number: PP17930
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘KLEVE04341’, characterized by its outwardly spreading to trailing and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; large and numerous violet-colored flowers with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and resistance to Powdery Mildew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Klemm+ Sohn GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Ruijun Li
  • Patent number: PP17931
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘KLEVE04336’, characterized by its outwardly spreading to trailing and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; large purple-colored flowers with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and resistance to Powdery Mildew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Klemm + Sohn GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Ruijun Li
  • Patent number: PP17932
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum frutescens plant, substantially as herein illustrated and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by its compact rounded plant habit, good field performance, dark green colored leaves, freely flowering with numerous inflorescences per plant, and daisy-type inflorescences with pink double flowered inflorescences, organized in a crumpled way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Syngenta Seeds B.V.
    Inventor: Anna M. W. P. Houbraken
  • Patent number: PP17933
    Abstract: A new Penstemon plant particularly distinguished by medium sized, deep violet flowers with white throats, long, many-flowered inflorescences, early flowering, medium-green foliage with relatively narrow lanceolate leaves, fairly vigorous growth, and an upright plant habit with medium to long steady stems and very good branching ability is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Jandrew
  • Patent number: PP17934
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Heuchera villosa, ‘Citronelle’, a sport of Heuchera villosa ‘Caramel’, characterized by its uniquely colored yellow-green foliage, its cordate-shaped leaves on rosy red petioles, its vigorous growth habit and its resistance to disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Sandrine Delabroye
  • Patent number: PP17935
    Abstract: A new and distinct Torenia plant named ‘DANMOON14’ characterized by having shiny green foliage, doted with plenty of delicate, funnel form, cup-shaped flowers with petals in shades of violet, purple and light purple with a yellow blotch on lower petal; vigorous growth habit; densely, compact branching habit which gracefully semi-cascading from hanging baskets; early flowering response and stays in full bloom in moderate climate; suitable as an annual for hanging pots outdoors under partial shade; and good weather tolerance with a preferred temperature range of 15° C. to 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm
    Inventor: Gabriel Danziger
  • Patent number: PP17936
    Abstract: The new Viburnum dilatatum cultivar is provided that was discovered as a chance seedling of unknown parentage. The plant displays an upright and rounded configuration. The plant is freely branching and forms a dense and bushy growth habit. The attractive medium green foliage is relatively less susceptible to marginal scorching than other plants of the species. Attractive white flowers are formed in large hemispherical cymes. The attractive large creamy-yellow fruit persists until later spring. The new cultivar is well suited to provide colorful ornamentation in gardens and in the landscape over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: CP Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon R. Morris, Jr.
  • Patent number: PP17937
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant named ‘Balfiestarsa’, characterized by its double-type salmon-colored flowers with light red-colored mottling, dark green-colored foliage, and vigorous, upright mounded growth habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ball Horticultural Company
    Inventor: Michael S. Uchneat
  • Patent number: PP17938
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach, Prunus persica, tree having the following unique combination of desirable features. 1. Producing a very firm fruit having a resilient flesh texture. 2. Blossoms are non-showy when in full bloom. 3. A substantially spherical fruit with yellow flesh having a 3/16? wide then red flesh area that extends from the suture to the pit. 4. A mid-season peach ripens 3 days after ‘Redhaven’ (non-patented) which as large size and good storage and shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Jan Friday
  • Patent number: PP17939
    Abstract: A new petunia plant particularly distinguished by medium, deep burgundy-purple flowers, medium-green foliage with elliptical to ovate leaves, a small to medium, round, bushy, tight and compact plant habit with moderately vigorous growth, an initially spreading to decumbent to semi-trailing plant habit with an early and continuous flowering response, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Hanes
  • Patent number: PP17940
    Abstract: A new petunia plant particularly distinguished by medium to large, deep-blue flowers, medium-green foliage with elliptical leaves, a medium, round, bushy, moderately tight plant habit with moderately vigorous growth, an initially low, spreading and creeping to trailing plant habit with an early and continuous flowering response, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Hanes
  • Patent number: PP17941
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Sedum, Sedum ‘Crazy Ruffles’, a sport of Sedum ‘Matrona’, characterized by its unique foliage with leaf margins that are dentated and wavy for a ruffled effect. ‘Crazy Ruffles’ exhibits pink tinged stems, a compact plant habit, and blooms with cymes of light pink flowers in late summer through early fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Th. Langeveld B.V.
    Inventor: Marc van Kesteren
  • Patent number: PP17942
    Abstract: A new and distinct ground cover rose plant having very robust growth and high resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Rosen Tantau Mathias Tantau Nachfolger
    Inventor: Hans Jurgen Evers
  • Patent number: PP17943
    Abstract: A Scaevola plant particularly distinguished by light pink flowers in a tight cluster, a mid-season and continuous flowering response, medium green foliage with fleshy leaves, a vigorous growth habit and a medium-sized plant habit, an initially spreading to decumbent to trailing plant habit, a rounded, bushy and well-branched plant habit, and good heat tolerance, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Jandrew
  • Patent number: RE39775
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Kato, Kouji Nishihata, Tsuenhiko Tsubone, Atsushi Itou
  • Patent number: RE39776
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Kato, Kouji Nishihata, Tsunehiko Tsubone, Atsushi Itou
  • Patent number: RE39777
    Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented central beam structure. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a top chord mounted to run between two end bulkheads. The deck has a central portion and end portions. The end portions of the deck are carried at a greater height than the center portion, the difference in height corresponding to the height of a bundle of lumber. The car has a center sill having a depth corresponding to the depth of the step in the deck. The end portion of the center sill has an internal plate defining a draft gear pocket upper wall. The medial portion of the center sill is narrower than the end portion, and of deep section, such that it has a high aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventors: James W. Forbes, Mohamed A. Khattab
  • Patent number: RE39778
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing, with high reproducibility, a carbon-doped group III-V compound semiconductor crystal having favorable electrical characteristics and having impurities removed therefrom, and in which the amount of doped carbon can be adjusted easily during crystal growth. This method includes the steps of: filling a crucible with compound raw material, solid carbon, and boron oxide; sealing the filled crucible within an airtight vessel formed of a gas impermeable material; heating and melting the compound raw material under the sealed state in the airtight vessel; and solidifying the melted compound raw material to grow a carbon-doped compound semiconductor crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kawase, Masami Tatsumi
  • Patent number: RE39779
    Abstract: A method for recovering postage for metered mail pieces that have not been posted, the method includes: placing information that uniquely identifies the mail piece in a postal indicia ; storing the information that uniquely identifies each metered mail piece at a remote site; requesting a refund for a mail piece that has not been posted; determining if the information in the postal indicia that appears on the face of the mail piece that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site; and refunding the postage if the information in the postal indicia that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Kovlakas
  • Patent number: RE39780
    Abstract: A photoelectric converter of a high signal-to-noise ratio, low cost, high productivity and stable characteristics and a system including the above photoelectric converter. The photoelectric converter includes a photoelectric converting portion in which a first electrode layer, an insulating layer for inhibiting carriers from transferring, a photoelectric converting semiconductor layer of a non-single-crystal type, an injection blocking layer for inhibiting a first type of carriers from being injected into the semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer are laminated in this order on an insulating substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kaifu, Hidemasa Mizutani, Shinichi Takeda, Isao Kobayashi, Satoshi Itabashi
  • Patent number: RE39781
    Abstract: A magnetic device mounts on a flat spoke of a wheel. This magnetic device can comprise a magnet and a housing. The housing is coupled to the magnet, and has a spoke-receiving recess with a non-circular cross section, and at least one detent. The detent extends from the housing into the spoke-receiving recess to secure a flat spoke within the spoke-receiving recess via a snap-fit. The magnetic device communicates with a sensing device, which is adapted to be coupled to a portion of the bicycle that is adjacent to a wheel of the bicycle. A display unit, adapted to be mounted on handlebars of the bicycle, displays the speed information obtained from the sensing device. In a second embodiment, the housing is made of a more elastic material, and the detents become optional. In a third embodiment, the spoke-receiving recess of the housing has a projection that engages a concavity form in the connecting portion of the spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Muraoka, Kozo Kitagawa, Kazuo Wada
  • Patent number: RE39782
    Abstract: A monolithic O-plate optical compensator device, in accordance with the invention, comprises a plurality of thin-film compensation layers which are deposited on a single substrate. As used herein, the term “monolithic” is meant to imply that the O-plate and other thin-film compensator layers are formed by depositing (e.g., via solvent casting or vacuum deposition) one layer on top of another layer; with or without the use of surface modification treatments such as adhesion layers, alignment layers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Winker
  • Patent number: RE39783
    Abstract: A sensitive particle distribution probe uses special processing including a modified Twomey/Chahine iterative convergence technique and a specially constructed sample cell to obtain particle size distribution measurements from optically dense slurries, such as the slurries used in the semiconductor industry for chemical mechanical planarization. Spectral transmission data is taken over the spectral range of 0.20-2.5 microns, utilizing specially constructed, chemically resistant sample cells of 50-2000 microns thickness, and miniature, fixed grating, linear detector array spectrometers. At wavelengths greater than one micron, the preferred design utilizes InGaAs linear detector arrays. An ultrasonic disrupter can be employed to breakup harmless soft agglomerates. In addition to direct particle size distribution measurement, the invention described here could be used to detect other fundamental causes of slurry degradation, such as foaming and jelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Cerni, Scott Waisanen, Dennis J. Knowlton
  • Patent number: RE39784
    Abstract: A removable cooler on the memory module wherein the PC board is able to attach on the memory module without any modification. The cooler contains a heat sink module and a cooler module. The heat sink module is combined by two heat conductive heat sinks placed oppositely and screwed or tenoned on the memory module to stimulate heat exchange above the extension part of the heat sinks. The cooler module could be a fan or heat conductive tube. As a fan, it could be buckled on the memory module socket for the extension part of the heat sinks to stimulate heat exchange. As a heat conduction tube screwed or tenoned against the extension part of the heat sinks, it stimulates heat exchange and provides heat dispensation function to assure the performance of the memory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ma Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hsueh
  • Patent number: RE39785
    Abstract: In an optical transmission system, a multiplexer frequency-division-multiplexes a plurality of signals, and outputs the resultant signal to an FM modulator. The FM modulator converts the frequency-division-multiplexed signal into an FM modulated signal through frequency modulation using the frequency-division-multiplexed signal as an original signal. A frequency-divider converts the FM modulated signal into a frequency-divided FM modulated signal whose frequency is ½n (n is an integer of not less than 1) the frequency of the FM modulated signal. An optical modulator has a predetermined input-voltage vs. output-optical-power characteristic, and is biased at the minimum point (voltage) about the output optical power. The optical modulator modulates an unmodulated light fed from a light source with the applied frequency-divided FM modulated signal to produce an optical signal whose optical carrier component is suppressed, and sends the optical signal to an optical transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Fuse
  • Patent number: RE39786
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus, for use with an actuator, has a housing with a guide track mounted on or formed in the housing. A roller or cam operably engages with the guide track such that the cam can be moved and positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator. At least one pivoting arm is pivotally mounted on the housing adjacent to and spaced from the guide track. Each pivoting arm has an elongate slot adjacent to the shoulder. The elongate slot has two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to each other and has two end surfaces joining the arcuate surfaces to define a closed loop surface. The cam is positioned within the elongate slot of each pivoting arm to pivot each pivoting arm between a clamped position and a released position as the cam is moved along the guide track and driven against the arcuate surfaces of each pivoting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Norgren Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Dellach
  • Patent number: RE39787
    Abstract: A blower with the improved P-Q characteristics is provided. A blower comprising a shaft rotatably supported in a tubular casing, a cup shaped motor yoke 11 fixed to the shaft, and a body portion 15 of an impeller 14 comprising a large number of blades 13 on an outer peripheral portion is fixed to the motor yoke 11, wherein the blower is characterized in that substantially ring-like openings 15b are provided at a portion where the blades 13 of the body portion 15 are mounted and on a circumference around the shaft. Since air flow is facilitated by the openings 15b, the P-Q (pressure—flow rate) characteristics are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Matsumoto
  • Patent number: RE39788
    Abstract: Primary human cells which are genetically engineered with DNA (RNA) encoding a marker or therapeutic which is expressed to be expressed in vivo. Such engineered cells may be used in gene therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: W. French Anderson, R. Michael Blaese, Steven A. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: RE39789
    Abstract: Neoplasia is treated by administering to a mammalian host a composition comprising ligands for the NKG2D receptor. In addition, other NKG2D ligands, proteins specific for the neoplastic cells and cytokines may be included to enhance the immune response. The composition may be cells comprising expression constructs for the ligands, liposomes or combinations of protein molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: David H. Raulet, Andreas Diefenbach
  • Patent number: RE39790
    Abstract: Reflectors, for example, for lamps used for technical lighting purposes, having a surface which is resistant to mechanical and chemical attack and has high total reflectivity. The body (10) of the reflector, which is, for example, a rolled aluminum product such as a foil, a strip of a sheet, has a surface layer in the form of a layer system containing (a) a pretreatment layer (11), onto which is deposited (b) a functional layer (12) with silanes, having organo-functional groups, of a metal compound, and onto which is deposited (c) a metal-containing reflective layer (13). Layer (a) is deposited on the reflector body and increases the strength of bonding to the above lying layers (a) and (b). Layer (b) effects a flattening and increase in the mechanical strength of the above lying layer (c). The pretreatment layer can be a layer produced by anodic oxidation. The functional layer (b) can be a sol-gel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Roman Fuchs, Gerhard Schottner, Johannes Martin Sandrock
  • Patent number: RE39791
    Abstract: An infant simulator capable of emulating the care requirements of an infant and recording the quality of care and responsiveness of a person caring for the infant simulator and/or signaling the person caring for the infant simulator when care is required. The infant simulator is capable of (i) sensing the environmental conditions of position, temperature and comparison to which the infant simulator is subjected, and (ii) periodically demanding that the care-provider change the diaper, rock the infant, feeding the infant, or burp the infant simulator. The infant simulator is also programmed with the ancillary features of providing positive feedback when the proper interaction is provided in a timely fashion, an escalating demand signal when the proper interaction is not provided in a timely fashion, an identification system requiring the assigned care-provider to be present in order to satisfy a demand event, an unsatisfiable fussy period, and multiple behavior modes (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Realityworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Jurmain, Mary M. Jurmain, Larry P. Blackledge, Sheila Oium, Adrian Pelkus, Mary Gensen
  • Patent number: RE39792
    Abstract: A biochemically defined culture medium for culturing engineered Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, which is essentially free from protein, lipid and carbohydrate isolated from an animal source, having water, an osmolality regulator, a buffer, an energy source, amino acids including L-glutamine, an inorganic or recombinant iron source, and a synthetic or recombinant growth factor, and optionally non-ferrous metal ions vitamins and cofactors. Also cells adapted to grow in such a culture medium. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination request no. 90/006656, filed Jun. 2, 2003 have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e), for ex parte reexaminations, or the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 316 as provided in 37 CFR 1.997(e) for inter partes reexaminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Keen, Nicholas T. Rapson
  • Patent number: RE39793
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of tracking, identifying, and/or sorting classes or subpopulations of molecules by the use of oligonucleotide tags. Oligonucleotide tags of the invention each consist of a plurality of subunits 3 to 6 nucleotides in length selected from a minimally cross-hybridizing set. A subunit of a minimally cross-hybridizing set forms a duplex or triplex having two or more mismatches with the complement of any other subunit of the same set. The number of oligonucleotide tags available in a particular embodiment depends on the number of subunits per tag and on the length of the subunit. An important aspect of the invention is the use of the oligonucleotide tags for sorting polynucleotides by specifically hybridizing tags attached to the polynucleotides to their complements on solid phase supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Solexa, Inc.
    Inventor: Sydney Brenner
  • Patent number: RE39794
    Abstract: A process is described for the co-production of maleic anhydride and at least one C4 compound selected from butane-1,4-diol, ?-butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran in which maleic anhydride is produced by partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock selected from C4 hydrocarbons and benzene to yield a vaporous reaction effluent stream comprising maleic anhydride, water, unconverted hydrocarbon feedstock, and carbon oxides. A part of the maleic anhydride present in the vaporous reaction effluent stream is condensed to form a crude maleic anhydride stream and leave a residual vaporous stream containing residual amounts of maleic anhydride. Further maleic anhydride is absorbed from the residual vaporous stream by absorption in an organic solvent, water or an aqueous solution. Maleic anhydride is then recovered from the loaded liquid absorptions medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Davy Process Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Mark Sutton, Andrew George Hiles, Adrian Francis Backes
  • Patent number: 7257845
    Abstract: A convertible hat that can be used as a cap or fanny pack includes a concave crown portion and brim. A zipper has one portion around the bottom of the crown portion and a second portion around the outside edge of the brim to allow for the formation of a pack. An elastic cord is attached inside the crown portion and stored inside when the hat is used as a cap and located outside when used as a belt to support the hat when used as a pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: William P. Conner, IV
  • Patent number: 7257846
    Abstract: A protective garment is disclosed that is used in sporting games to protect the wearer from projectiles fired by the other participants. The garment may be of a unitary construction or have a plurality of components. Additionally, the garment may only cover selected portions of the wearer's body, to protect those areas needing protection. The padding used to protect the wearer may be removed or enhanced by the wearer before, during, and after the games. The garment also includes a number of vents to allow body heat to escape and securing elements to minimize the risk of the garment catching on bush and brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Field Armor, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracy James Paciorkowski
  • Patent number: 7257847
    Abstract: A Buttocks Support Device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a support device that comprises an abdominal element and a pair of thigh support elements each of which can be but is not limited to be formed as a ring shaped element. Each thigh support element has a buttock section and a midriff or abdominal section, the buttock section being configured to lift and restrain the wearer's buttock. The preferred device includes a sleeve there over for permitting the “rings” to be tightened without pulling on the wearer's skin. It is a further aspect that the device anchor about the wearer's midriff from below the chest to the widest part of the hips or at either the waist or the hips, depending upon the wishes of the wearer. Still further, the thigh support element include adjustment means for adjusting the length of the thigh rings. Furthermore, the preferred abdominal element includes means for attaching and detaching the device from around the wearer's waist as well as adjustment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Karin Hart
  • Patent number: 7257848
    Abstract: Swimming goggles comprise a frame, eyeglasses, a pad and compressing devices. The eyeglasses are received in the pad, and the compressing devices are mounted on opposite outer sides of the frame for compressing the eyeglasses and the pad, wherein each compressing device includes a first cover and a second cover which are assembled together and receive a head strip. The frame has an upper frame, a lower frame and a nose support. Cracks are defined on both sides of the upper frame and the lower frame. The upper frame forms a gap in a middle of an inner edge thereof for making the frame flexible to bend inwardly thereby fitting for various users who have different face profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 7257849
    Abstract: Adapter for attaching a patient positioning plate of a patient transport cart or gurney to a diagnosis and/or treatment table, in particular of a medical examination modality, has attachment elements for detachable attachment to the diagnosis and/or treatment table, and the shape of the top side of the adapter in the attachment region for the patient positioning plate is substantially adapted to the underside of the patient positioning plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Jährling
  • Patent number: 7257850
    Abstract: An articulating bed frame includes a main frame; a back section; first and second linkage assemblies, each being pivotally connected at spaced apart first and third ends to the back section and pivotally connected at opposing, spaced apart and respective second and fourth ends to the main frame; an upper leg section; a third linkage assembly pivotally connected at opposing fifth and sixth ends to the upper leg section and the main frame; a support link assembly connecting the upper leg section for sliding and pivotal movement with the main frame; a seat section pivotally connected at opposing ends to the back section and the upper leg section; a lower leg section pivotally connected to the upper leg section and freely supported atop a forward end of the main frame; a drive assembly connected between the back section and the third linkage assembly and operable to extend and retract to articulate the bed frame between a fully reclined position and a fully inclined position; and, a side rail assembly connected t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Med-Mizer, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Tekulve
  • Patent number: 7257851
    Abstract: A pillow book with flexible fabric sheets disposed between to pillow covers. A first pillow includes a first pillow interior edge portion and a second pillow includes a second pillow interior edge portion. The second pillow interior edge portion is connected to the first pillow interior edge portion. The pillow book includes a plurality of leaves connected to the first and second pillows and disposed between the first and second pillows when the pillow book is in a closed position. Each of the plurality of leaves has a leaf interior edge portion disposed between and connected to the first pillow interior edge portion and the second pillow interior edge portion. The leaves are formed from a single folded fabric sheet. Each of the plurality of leaves defines a pocket containing a nonwoven support sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Senario, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7257852
    Abstract: A suction unit for use in an electric vacuum cleaner and an electric vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle and a mini nozzle detachably secured to the floor nozzle. When a suction head of the mini nozzle is secured to the floor nozzle, an air communication is provided therebetween. Further, the mini nozzle is provided with an ion generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Shibuya, Koichi Fujita, Masakuni Soejima
  • Patent number: 7257853
    Abstract: Disclosed is a butterfly mop having an elongate shaft with a mop element disposed at one end of the shaft and a wringer connected to the shaft and the mop element. In preferred embodiments, the wringer includes a channel body having first and second leg portions defining a channel therebetween. The mop element includes a foldable, compressible, liquid-absorbent member, a mounting element having first and second support portions connected by a flexible member, and a scrubber mounted to the mounting element. The mop element and channel body are movable relative to one another, whereby the mop element may be drawn into the channel causing the mop element to fold along a central transverse axis and to become compressed between the channel body leg portions. The wringer includes a handle and an actuator link connecting the handle to one of the mop element and channel body for effecting relative hinged movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Chris Boyer, Miroslav Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 7257854
    Abstract: A reversible cleaning bonnet has a unitary central body member with first and second face surfaces. The body is encompassed by a cover which has two cleaning surfaces, i.e. either two scrubbing, polishing, dusting, mopping, etc. surfaces, or any combination of these surfaces The cover also has an elastic band which permits the bonnet to be attached to the cleaning head of a cleaning implement. The elastic band also permits the cover to be changed from one position in which one of the cleaning surfaces is exposed for use, to a second position which permits the second cleaning surface of the cover to be exposed and used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Robert E. Petner
  • Patent number: 7257855
    Abstract: A side window washing device has a washing unit positioned on each side of the side window and coupled to an interior section of a door frame of the vehicle. The washing unit is capable of dispensing a liquid and moving to clean the side window. A driving unit is coupled to the washing unit. The driving unit is used for dispensing the liquid through the washing unit and for moving the washing unit. A drying unit is positioned above each washing unit and coupled to the interior section of a door frame. The drying unit is used for removing any liquid remaining on the side window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin R. Mayo
  • Patent number: 7257856
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device is shown, in particular for a motor vehicle, which features a wiper arm (18), which is able to support at least one wiper blade (22) and is fastened so that it can move in a rotating fashion at a minimum of one first coupling point (A) by means of a first crank (30) and at a second coupling point (B) that is different from the first coupling point (A) by means of a second crank (32). In addition, the cranks (30, 32) are linked at two fastening points that are different from the coupling points (A, B), whereby means (34) are provided to modify the distance between the two coupling points (A, B). In addition, a windscreen wiper device with a four-bar linkage is shown, whereby both cranks driving the wiper arm are causally driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7257857
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and cleaning a circuit board array, which comprise a fixture having a generally elongated connecting surface and one or more terminating open ends, which may optionally integrate a hollow element, creating an aperture in the fixture adjacent to a tab on the circuit board array, wherein the terminating open ends extend toward a machine component having at least one cavity extending through the topside of the machine component, and a vacuum system connected to the cavity, wherein the vacuum system applies suction through the cavity and the terminating open ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Steven Stanard
  • Patent number: 7257858
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the collection of leaves and/or yard debris using a portable vacuum device is provided. The apparatus includes a top surface and side walls defining an open-bottom chamber. An intake hose leading to the open-bottom chamber receives materials expelled from an exhaust outlet of the portable vacuum device and routes the expelled materials into the open-bottom chamber. The apparatus can be positioned within a yard waste disposal bag. When the apparatus has been filled with yard waste, it can be removed from the disposal bag, leaving the collected yard waste behind in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Giacomo S. Palazzolo