Patents Issued in March 6, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080053449
    Abstract: A patient respiratory mask having a shell and a patient cushion for supplying oxygen during an endoscopic or bronchoscopic procedure. The mask has a first port for accepting an endoscope, a second port for accepting oropharyngeal suction, and an optional third port for carbon dioxide monitoring. The first and second ports are covered by preferably flexible, perforated diaphragms for maintaining the seal integrity during oxygen therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: ENDOMASK, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Lindblom, Thomas Pope, Thomas Pacicco
  • Publication number: 20080053450
    Abstract: A patient interface for a breathing assistance system may include a facial seal releasably coupled to a seal support. The seal support may include an opening and a first connection portion extending at least substantially around the opening. The facial seal may include a first side having a first seal opening and configured to provide a seal against a patient's face, a second side having a second seal opening, and a passageway extending between the first and second seal openings for delivering breathing gas to the patient. The facial seal may further include a second connection portion extending at least substantially around the second seal opening. The second connection portion may be deformed to mate with the first connection portion to releasably couple the facial seal to the seal support and to form a seal between the facial seal and the seal support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Jacobus Van Kerkwyk, Mahmoud Janbakhsh, Himanshu J. Chokshi
  • Publication number: 20080053451
    Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, David Markovich, Laurel Brandt, Mark Weimholt, Amy Raatikka
  • Publication number: 20080053452
    Abstract: Apparatus for randomly varying the breathing resistance applied to human and animal subjects to improve their performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISES LTD.
    Inventors: Roger Leslie Brown, David Paul Sumners
  • Publication number: 20080053453
    Abstract: A tool for assisting a medical professional in inserting an endotracheal tube in the trachea of a patient comprises a relatively rigid rod in the shape of an offset spiral. The tool has a mandrel section, a curved arc section smoothly transitioning from the mandrel section, and a tip section smoothly transitioning from the arc section. The arc section is an arc of a three dimensional spiral, and angularly and spatially offsets the tip section with respect to the mandrel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Lauer
  • Publication number: 20080053454
    Abstract: A medical device may include a tubular body configured to communicate gas, and an inflatable cuff coupled to the tubular body at least by a collar. The collar may include a fold such that a first portion of the collar overlies a second portion of the collar in a concentric manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Pedro Velazco Pasillas, Joel Colburn, Michael Vannier
  • Publication number: 20080053455
    Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes an inflatable cuff and an airway tube. The inflatable cuff defines a central opening at least when inflated. The cuff is insertable through a mouth of a patient to an inserted location within the patient. The cuff surrounds a glottic opening of the patient when the cuff is inflated and at the inserted location. The airway tube extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The airway tube defines an internal passage, an anterior portion, a posterior portion, a left portion, and a right portion. An airway passage extends from the proximal end of the tube through the internal passage to the glottic opening when the cuff is inflated and at the inserted location. The anterior portion is characterized by a thinner wall thickness than the left and right portions. The posterior portion is characterized by a thinner wall thickness than the left and right portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: LMA International
    Inventor: Archibald Brain
  • Publication number: 20080053456
    Abstract: A pulsed breathing device has a base unit containing a motor and control circuit and a detachable head unit containing a valve, driven by the motor, which can interrupt the flow of air being breathed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISES LTD.
    Inventors: Roger Leslie Brown, David Paul Sumners
  • Publication number: 20080053457
    Abstract: An oxygen delivery system for a patient, the system comprising: (a) an elongated support having ends and constructed to be releasably securable with respect to the patient's head, this support, when in position, extending from side to side with respect to the patient's head; (b) a support arm; (c) means to secure the support arm to one end of the support, for universal relative movement of the arm with respect to the support, and securely positioning the support arm with respect to the support at a desired location; (d) an oxygen delivery tube; (e) patient oxygen delivery means attached to a first end of said oxygen delivery tube; (f) means releasably to attach the oxygen delivery tube and patient oxygen delivery means to the support arm; and (g) means releasably to attach a second end of the oxygen delivery tube to an oxygen source; when the elongated support is in position, the support arm to support the oxygen delivery tube and patient oxygen delivery means in proper position for supplying oxygen to the pa
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20080053458
    Abstract: A nasally introduced catheter (nasal catheter) has a portion in which a user's breath (breathing air) air travels internally and a portion in which the breath travels externally. The portion in which air flow travels internally preferably includes a mesh or a whisk-like portion that expands and contracts, and the portion in which air flow travels externally preferably comprises a proximal tubular element having a sufficiently small cross-sectional area that at least 50% of the breathing air flows externally to the proximal portion. A sheath can optionally be positioned about the distal portion, and pulled back along the proximal portion to allow the distal portion to expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Bertrand De Silva, Brian McIntee, Michael D. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20080053459
    Abstract: An inter-lip device for regulating mouth airflow to prevent snoring while sleeping. A canoe shaped horizontal pocket is formed by hinge-ably attaching two resilient panels together by three common edges, sized to fit between the lips without protruding into the mouth. An adhesive covering is applied to both outer faces of the pocket and a slit is cut in the middle of the front edge hinge. The pocket opens to the rear into the mouth. The lips are sealed to the adhesive about the pocket opening, holding the mouth closed while directing mouth breathing through the device and out the front slit opening. With the jaw consciously flexed, resting mouth airflow is comfortably allowed, however, a relaxed sleeper's jaw or a forced inhalation will collapse the slit opening, reducing or stopping airflow, causing the user to breath through their nose, thereby preventing the necessary mouth airflow needed to support snoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Neil Bradley Silker
  • Publication number: 20080053460
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are effective in treating snoring behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed treatment apparatus include a mouthpiece, a first chamber in communication with the mouthpiece, and a displaceable member mounted with respect to the first chamber for applying a resistive force as gas is withdrawn from the first chamber. A second, substantially airtight chamber is generally defined on the opposite side of the displaceable member. The evacuation force required to deflect, deform or otherwise is increased due to the force required to displace the displaceable member positioned within the disclosed treatment apparatus. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, the displaceable member may take the form of a flexible membrane, piston or diaphragm that is mounted with respect to the inner wall of the first chamber or the second chamber. Use of the treatment apparatus is effective in reducing and/or eliminating snoring behavior for extended periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: John K. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080053461
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. In some embodiments, a glossal suspension system includes a tissue tensioner that includes a suture loop made of one or more sutures configured to suspend the tongue with at least one portion configured to extend laterally through the tongue, and a securement mechanism configured to be attached to a patient's mandible that includes one more adjustment assemblies for engaging the one or more sutures and adjusting tension on the suture loop. Various tethers and anchors that can be used with the glossal suspension system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Aspire Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Damien Shulock, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen
  • Publication number: 20080053462
    Abstract: An apparatus for a heated surgical drape device including a surgical drape with an integral convective heat therapy portion. The surgical drape is attached to the convective heat therapy portion. In various embodiments, the surgical drape includes a surgical drape with removable sections that allow access to the body of the patient during surgery, at least one pocket, and an integral window adjacent the head of the patient to allow viewing of the head of the patient. The convective heat therapy portion is a tubular device formed of sheets joined together and sized to allow the patient to rest within a pair of tube sections. The convective heat therapy portion has a plurality of exhaust openings that exhaust heated air toward the patient. In one embodiment, the tubular device has wing sections that are adjacent the outstretched arms of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Leonides Y. Teves, Steven D. McCarus, Scott Gammons
  • Publication number: 20080053463
    Abstract: A one piece mouthpiece with a mandibular re-positioning extension for reducing snoring, and in particular, to a dental orthosis for easy engagement with the upper dentition of a person and intended to eliminate snoring. The mouthpiece is made from a deformable material with a shape complementary to a person's upper teeth and dental arch. The mouthpiece generally has an arched channel which embraces the upper teeth of a person. The mouthpiece includes an attached downward anterior mandibular extension located at the back of the top of the arch of the mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Harold Enoch
  • Publication number: 20080053464
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is to prevent voluntarily or involuntarily arm movement that could be harmful to a medical patient during the patient's treatment using the patient's body weight to restrain the arms from movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Anne Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080053465
    Abstract: A filter holder used for smoking has a tubular body (12), which includes a socket portion (14) for receiving a cigarette (C) at one end thereof, a dilution chamber (18) located adjacently to the socket portion (14) in the inside, a chamber (22) for containing a charcoal filter (26), a chamber (24) for containing a flavor generation element (32), an annular groove (42) formed in the outer circumferential surface of the body (12), and a plurality of vent holes (44) formed in the bottom of the annular groove (42) and introduces outside air into the dilution chamber (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Masafumi Tarora, Michihiro Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20080053466
    Abstract: A disposable pipe comprising an elongated body having a draw end and a pack end, said body being comprised of one of paper or cardboard, including a non-flammable coating or impregnate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Barbara Nathanson
  • Publication number: 20080053467
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cigarette filter material useful for selectively and efficiently reducing formaldehyde while maintaining a palatable component such as nicotine or tar. The cigarette filter material is obtained by coating-treating a substrate (such as a cellulose acetate fiber) with a solution (particularly, an aqueous solution) containing a polysaccharide having an amino group (e.g. chitosan) and a polar solvent (e.g., water) [and optionally an acid such as a hydroxy acid (e.g., lactic acid)]. A cigarette filter of such a cigarette filter material can efficiently and selectively reduce formaldehyde. For example, the cigarette filter ensures a retention of formaldehyde of not more than 65% while maintaining retentions of nicotine and tar of not less than 80%, respectively, in main stream smoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroki Taniguchi, Takashi Hibi
  • Publication number: 20080053468
    Abstract: A cigarette making apparatus includes a cooling-water passage which allows a coolant to circulate along a flavoring-material supply path which connects an application nozzle for applying a flavoring material to a wrapping-paper web and a pump for supplying the flavoring material to the application nozzle, to thereby cool the flavoring material. A cooling unit controls the temperature of the coolant supplied to the cooling-water passage. Specifically, the cooling unit controls the temperature of the flavoring material by selectively activating a first control system for detecting the temperature of the coolant supplied to the cooling-water passage and controlling the temperature of the coolant, and a second control system for detecting the temperature of the flavoring material supplied to the application nozzle and controlling the temperature of the coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Syuji Wada, Takahiro Oba, Takafumi Izumiya, Junichi Nagai, Narimasa Kaneda, Manabu Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080053469
    Abstract: A smoking article such as a cigarette comprises a tobacco rod and a filter component having a cavity filled with spherical beaded carbon. As mainstream tobacco smoke is drawn through the filter component, targeted gas phase smoke constituents are removed as the smoke passes through the carbon. During the filter manufacturing process the spherical beaded carbon flows like a liquid and substantially completely fills the cavity. Point-to-point contact between the spherical beads together with substantially complete filling of the cavity produces minimal channeling of ambulatory gas phase as well as maximum contact between the gas phase and the carbon surface of the spherical beads during smoking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: John Paine, Zuyin Yang, Kent Koller, Jay Fournier, Charles Thomas, Timothy Sherwood, Zhaohua Luan, Shuzhong Zhuang, Jose Nepomuceno, Diane Gee, Georgios Karles
  • Publication number: 20080053470
    Abstract: The invention is related to an environmentally friendly cigarette replacement, which is mainly made of the skin or mixture of skin and flesh from natural fruits, such as oranges—tangerines—Sunkist—lemons. After the dehydration, the material is added to cigarette manufacturing process to replace nicotine as the main ingredient in the cigarette replacement. It reduces the harm of smoking and maintains smoker's health. The product is easy to burn. When the cigarette replacement is burning, it releases natural fruit odor and eliminates bad odors of the environment. Besides, the fruit skin contains citric acid, vitamin P (hesperidin), vitamin C, Synephrine, and flavonoids that are beneficial to health in weight control, skin care and anti-aging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Wu-Ming Tzung
  • Publication number: 20080053471
    Abstract: The applicator (1) intended for the application of a cosmetic product, such as mascara, on a part (20) of the human body (2), has an axial direction (10) and comprises: a) a manual prehension means (3), b) an axial rod (4) oriented according to said axial direction (10), c) an applying means (5), said axial rod (4) being fixedly connected to said manual prehension means (3) at its so-called upper end (40), and to said applying means (5) at its so-called lower end (41), and is characterized in that it comprises a device (6) for transferring said cosmetic product towards said part (20) of said human body, said device (6) being manually operable and allowing to produce an electrical field between said applying means (5) and said part of the human body (20) when applying said cosmetic product on said part (20) of the human body, said transfer device (6) being disposed at least in part in said manual prehension means (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: William BAILEY, Fabrice DIEUDONAT
  • Publication number: 20080053472
    Abstract: An invention which allows the user to apply beauty products on a standing base applicator. The invention consists of a feather puff glued/clamped into a standing base. The top of the feather puff is held together with an ornate tie or clamp depending on the base material. Some bases are crystal, other bases are metal. The puff may be ostrich or marabou feathers. The feather puff is inserted into a standing base. The standing applicator and puff provide a new utility for beauty product applicators. The user may wash the feathers in cold water using baby shampoo and blown dry with a hair dryer to renew and freshen the feathers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Sherry Lynn Hadden
  • Publication number: 20080053473
    Abstract: A compact hair brush comprises a fixing body, an elastic fixing plate, an elastic means and a cover body. The fixing body is coupled with the cover body which is freely opened and closed by a hinge. The elastic fixing plate on which a plurality of bristles is fixedly disposed is elastically fixed to the fixing body and can be protruded from the fixing body by the elastic means. The elastic fixing plate can be protruded from the fixing body by opening the cover body. When using the hairbrush, the bristles are lined up by only opening the cover body. Therefore, a user can easily use and carry the hairbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-Bae Lee
  • Publication number: 20080053474
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable materials such as hair color to a surface such as the surface of strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise coloring the hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges are disclosed, wherein each edge creates a different affect when used for hair highlighting. Furthermore, a hair colorist may select one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for the particular hair colorist, personal preference, and/or the type of hair to be colored and/or highlighted. The applicators disclosed herein may be used to paint color on the hair, however, such applicators retain their rigidity during use, are faster-drying, and easier to clean than highlighting brushes known in the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Hair Artists Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Castagno, William Coleman
  • Publication number: 20080053475
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable materials such as hair color, relaxers, and the like to a surface such as the surface of strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise processing hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges, surfaces, tapers, and dimensions are disclosed, wherein each applicator configuration creates a different effect when used for hair processing. Furthermore, a hair stylist may select one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for the particular hair stylist, personal preference, and/or the type of hair to be processed. The applicators disclosed herein retain their rigidity during use, are fast-drying, create less waste, and are easy to clean. In one embodiment, a user may tailor the applicator's head design to meet his or her personal needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Hair Artists Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Castagno, William Coleman
  • Publication number: 20080053476
    Abstract: A cosmetics applicator is provided for applying each of a plurality of different cosmetic materials to different facial features on a face of an individual. The cosmetic applicator includes a film layer having the cosmetic materials disposed on a first side of the film layer and a backing layer disposed on a second side of the film layer to support the film layer. The cosmetic materials are arranged on the film layer relative to each other with each of the cosmetic materials arranged to correspond to a facial feature on a face of an individual to mimic the face of the individual. The cosmetic materials are applied to the face of the individual by aligning the cosmetic applicator with the face of the individual and then pressing the cosmetic applicator against the face of the individual to transfer the cosmetic materials to the facial features of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Richard LaHood, Richard LaHood
  • Publication number: 20080053477
    Abstract: A dental implement comprising a botanic fiber is disclosed. The dental implement can be a dental floss. A floss formed of a blend of botanic fiber and silk is also disclosed. In one aspect, the botanic fiber is soybean protein fiber. Various blends of soybean protein fiber and silk are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: W.E. LeGrande, Ali Evazynajad
  • Publication number: 20080053478
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic device includes dipping a substrate in a solution containing sulfuric acid, which is accommodated in a processing vessel. An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide supplies the sulfuric acid accommodated in the processing vessel for generating peroxomonosulfuric acid (Caro's acid). Therefore, an organic material present on the surface of the substrate is removed by the action of Caro's acid within the processing vessel. The time for supplying the aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide into the processing vessel is set on the basis of the change with time in the concentration of Caro's acid measured in advance so as to permit the peak in the concentration of Caro's acid to appear while the substrate is kept dipped in the processing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yukihiro Shibata, Naoya Hayamizu
  • Publication number: 20080053479
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool has a housing having a connecting socket for effecting flow communication to a vacuum device of a vacuum cleaning device. The housing has a suction opening through which a working air flow enters the housing. The housing has an outlet opening through which the working air flow exits from the housing. A cleaning tool is rotatably supported in the housing. An air turbine is rotatably supported in a turbine chamber of the housing and drives the cleaning tool in rotation. A control device controls the drive power for driving the cleaning tool based on a pressure existing in the vacuum cleaning tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: DUPRO AG
    Inventor: Peter Worwag
  • Publication number: 20080053480
    Abstract: An automated cleaning device for dental drill bits, also called dental burrs. The cleaning device includes an enclosed cleaning compartment that houses two rotating, circular brushes. The dental burr is guided through a small opening in the cleaning compartment and forced in between the two rotating brushes. The dental burr is rotated while between the brushes and moved in and out of the brushes during the cleaning process. A switch attached to the opening in the cleaning compartment allows the brushes to start rotating when a dental burr is inserted into the compartment, and stop when the burr is removed. The device includes an electric motor that can be powered by batteries or by plugging into a traditional electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: J. Dennis Hancock, Shawn Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20080053481
    Abstract: An installation for and a method for driving a submarine pipeline scraper, wherein one of the ends of the pipeline has a launch device and the other end has a receiving device. The scraper defines an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. It can be launched inside the pipeline from the launch device in the direction of the receiving device, allowing water to enter through the launch device in order to subject the upstream chamber to hydrostatic pressure. The receiving device is identical to the launch device, such that water can enter through the receiving device in order to balance the pressure of the two chambers, and also enables a fluid to be injected into the downstream chamber to drive the scraper toward the launch device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Franqueville
  • Publication number: 20080053482
    Abstract: A horizontal solid-bowl centrifuge with cleaning-in-place jet nozzles for cleaning the bowl in a manner complying with good manufacturing procedure is provided. The bowl is cleaned by a defined arrangement of the cleaning jet nozzles, as the bowl rotates at a speed insufficient to produce a centrifugal force equal to gravitational acceleration, where gravitational acceleration is equal to 1.0 g. The cleaning liquids are then removed after the bowl stops rotating at the lowest point of the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Achim Astheimer, Peter Kraemer, Wolfgang Sittig, Bernhard Unger, Frank Zwilling
  • Publication number: 20080053483
    Abstract: To provide a method for removing an acidic deposit containing a sulfur compound, whereby the terminal point of the cleaning state can be ascertained simply and efficiently without necessity to visually directly observe the cleaning state or to observe the behavior of the pH value of the cleaning fluid. A method for removing an acidic deposit containing a sulfur compound, which comprises contacting the acidic deposit with a prescribed amount of an aqueous cleaning fluid, characterized in that the concentration of sulfate ion (SO42?) in the aqueous cleaning fluid is measured, and the contact with the aqueous cleaning fluid is terminated after the increase per hour of the measured value becomes not more than 10%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shigeru Sakurai, Masaharu Emoto
  • Publication number: 20080053484
    Abstract: A method and system for removing solid materials from an oil production tank containing a liquid hydrocarbon portion and a solid portion is provided. The system includes an intake for drawing off a portion of the liquid hydrocarbon and a solid portions from the tank. A rotational particle separator receives the portion of the liquid hydrocarbon and the solid portions from the intake. A collector is provided for collecting the separated solid portion, and a return returns the separated liquid hydrocarbon portion to the tank. The system and method avoid the wasteful disposal of oil with the solid material from the oil production tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Roy Smith
  • Publication number: 20080053485
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and drying a substrate in order to restrain formation of minute defects on a substrate surface when the substrate is dried by supplying the vapor of an organic solvent such as IPA. The method comprises the steps of: rinsing a surface of the substrate in a rising bath with pure water after wet processing of the substrate surface with liquid chemicals; lifting the substrate from the rinsing bath at a speed determined in advance by making a substrate surface hydrophobic, after rinsing the substrate; and removing moisture from the substrate surface by supplying an organic solvent to the substrate for a specified time, after lifting the substrate, the organic solvent being water soluble and lowering surface tension of the pure water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Takayuki Yanase, Yasuyuki Deguchi, Takeshi Uragami, Akihiko Komori
  • Publication number: 20080053486
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate processing apparatus and a method for processing semiconductor substrates are provided. The semiconductor substrate processing apparatus may include a liquid container where a semiconductor substrate may be immersed in a semiconductor processing liquid. The semiconductor substrate may then be removed from the semiconductor processing liquid while vapor is directed at a surface of the semiconductor substrate where the semiconductor substrate contacts a surface of the processing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jianshe Tang, Wei Lu, Zhiyong Li, Bo Xie, Alexander Ko
  • Publication number: 20080053487
    Abstract: A method capable of eliminating occurrence of a development failure when a DI water discharge nozzle 20 is scanned to dry a substrate by spinning is provided. A substrate W is held in a horizontal posture by a spin chuck 10 and rotated about a vertical axis by a rotation motor 14, and when an outlet of the nozzle 20 is scanned from a position opposed to a center of the substrate W to a position opposed to a circumferential edge while a cleaning solution being discharged, immediately after the nozzle 20 has started to move, only one dried core is produced in the vicinity of the center of the substrate W, and thus production of not less than two dried cores in the vicinity of the center of the substrate W is prevented. The dried region is spread all over the surface of the substrate W.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Tomohiro Goto, Masakazu Sanada, Kazuhito Shigemori, Osamu Tamada, Shuichi Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20080053488
    Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes: a substrate holding unit which holds a substrate; a push-pull plate to be positioned in spaced opposed relation to one surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit, the push-pull plate having a plurality of outlet ports which discharge a treatment liquid and a plurality of suction ports which suck the treatment liquid discharged from the outlet ports, the outlet ports and the suction ports being provided in a surface of the push-pull plate to be opposed to the one surface of the substrate; and a relative rotation unit which rotates the substrate held by the substrate holding unit and the push-pull plate relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroaki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20080053489
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the amount of film fragments discharged into a processing liquid circulation system during removal of films from wafers, thereby reducing the frequency of filter cleaning or filter placement. The method includes exposing a wafer containing a film formed thereon in a process chamber of a substrate processing system to a processing liquid, where the wafer is not rotated or is rotated at a first speed and the processing liquid is discharged from the process chamber to a processing liquid circulation system. Subsequently, exposure of the wafer to the processing liquid is discontinued and the wafer is rotated at a second speed greater than the first speed to centrifugally remove fragments of the film from the wafer. Next, the wafer is exposed to the same or a different processing liquid and the processing liquid is discharged from the process chamber to a processing liquid drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shogo Mizota, Minami Teruomi, Kenji Yokomizo, Taira Masaki
  • Publication number: 20080053490
    Abstract: The method involves filling a well containing a contact lens with aqueous solution. Multiple injection nozzles inject streams of the aqueous solution into the well. The multiple injection nozzles are arranged to prevent non-centering of the contact lens in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Stuart Clark, Scott Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080053491
    Abstract: Semiconductor wafers have ashed photoresist residue and/or post-etch residue thereon to be cleaned through the chemical wet station, and a pattern of exposed metal layer. Post-etch residue removing solvent such as EKC-270 is fed into the solvent tank through a first solvent valve and first liquid feeding conduit that connected to bottom of the solvent tank. A circulation conduit connects the solvent tank with the first liquid feeding conduit for circulating the post-etch residue removing solvent. A liquid feeding pump is connected with the first liquid feeding conduit. A liquid drain conduit and a drain valve are connected with bottom of the solvent tank. Replacement solvent such as EKC-800 is fed into the solvent tank through a second solvent valve and second liquid feeding conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: San-Lung Chen, Ying-Fang Chen, Kuo-Zhang Chu, Mei-Lun Tseng
  • Publication number: 20080053492
    Abstract: A system and method for the collection of waste water generated in the course of maintenance or washing of a large object in an open-air, outdoor environment. The system, in its simplest form, includes a wash deck having a drain located within a valley of the deck, an interceptor drain for separation of particulates and sludge from the wash fluid, an actuator, that is responsive to changes in hydraulic pressure of wash water supply, for opening and closing a waste stream control valve and a waste steam control valve intermediate between the interceptor drain and a sanitary sewer connection. The system of this invention operates independent of elaborate controls and any external power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Roles
  • Publication number: 20080053493
    Abstract: A processing liquid stored in a recovery tank is stored in a purification tank after passing through an impurity removal filter and an ion component removal filter via a pipe by a suction operation of the pump. In the impurity removal filter, impurities (e.g., water, an etching residue, particles, or the like) included in the processing liquid are removed. In the ion component removal filter, an ion component (mainly anions) in the processing liquid including an acid liquid, HFEs, and a hydrophilic organic solvent is removed. In a case where hydrofluoric acid (HF) is used as the acid liquid, fluorine ions (F?) are removed by the ion component removal filter. The ion component removal filter also removes water, a hydrophilic organic solvent, metal ions, or the like included in the processing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Masahiro Kimura
  • Publication number: 20080053494
    Abstract: A description is given of a washing agent dispenser device suitable for use in dishwashers, comprising a first body (1A) which in turn comprises a container or reservoir (3) for washing agents to be dispensed, a device (2) for metering/dispensing said washing agents, and an actuating mechanism (10) associated with said metering/dispensing device (2) for metering and/or dispensing the washing agents. The main feature of the device is that it comprises connection and/or integration means suitable for associating said first body (1A) with at least one accessory component (1B; 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) of said dishwasher, for the main purpose of providing optimal flexibility and efficiency of the washer, which employs the dispenser device according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.
    Inventors: Marco Moro, Giovanni Perucca
  • Publication number: 20080053495
    Abstract: A fluid cleaning system includes a fluid source connected to a pump that is used to increase the pressure of the fluid. A two-way valve selectively allows the higher pressure fluid to flow back into the tank, or to flow to a rotary union. The union has a nozzle attached to it to provide a fluid stream to contact an object, such as a workpiece, to be cleaned of dirt, debris, or surface irregularities. The union is attached to a robot arm, and contains locating features which allow the fluid stream to be accurately located relative to the workpiece. This allows the entire system to be automated, thereby providing advantages such as speed and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: EMP ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: James D. Franks, Robert James Stenfors, Gabe Robert Kluka, Jeremy Scott Carlson
  • Publication number: 20080053496
    Abstract: An outdoor umbrella for electrical appliances includes a supporting frame, an awning frame, and an electro-control panel. The awning frame includes a functional umbrella hub suspendedly supported by the supporting frame for supporting the electrical appliances in position, a plurality of awning frames radially and outwardly extended from the functional umbrella hub, and an awning supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the awning. The electro-control panel includes a control circuitry and a control device. The control circuitry has an input terminal adapted for electrically connecting to a power source, and a plurality of control terminals for selectively connecting to the electrical appliances respectively. The control device is electrically connected to the control circuitry for selectively controlling each of the electrical appliances in an on-and-off manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Publication number: 20080053497
    Abstract: The present invention is an umbrella that is opened by pulling down on ropes connected to each of its arms. Since ropes are used to both open the umbrella and to keep it from opening too wide, there are no rigid parts that can break other than the central pole and each arm. The central pole and each arm can be easily replaced since the parts are held together by ropes and knots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Reza Jalili
  • Publication number: 20080053498
    Abstract: A sunshade includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a control tube, an upper seat, a plurality of ribs, a canopy, and a plurality of spreaders. Thus, the control tube is movable downward relative to the outer tube to expand the canopy and movable upward relative to the outer tube to fold the canopy, so that the canopy is expanded and folded easily and quickly by operation of the control tube, thereby facilitating the user expanding and folding the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Ching-Feng Liu, Shi-Hsiao Chen, Pan-Chao Lin