Patents Issued in March 18, 2008
  • Patent number: 7344635
    Abstract: Process for desulfurization of an effluent for cracking or steam-cracking hydrocarbons, more particularly a gasoline for example for catalytic cracking that comprises the elimination of thiophenic compounds by alkylation of these compounds, followed by a distillation, a hydrocracking of said alkyl-thiophenic compounds, then a hydrodesulfurization of the effluent that is obtained from the hydrocracking zone. In a preferred embodiment, this process comprises a preliminary stage for separating the cracking or steam-cracking effluent into three fractions, and proposes sending to the alkylation stage only the intermediate fraction that is low in heavy basic nitrogen-containing compounds that are initially present in the effluents that are to be alkylated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Patrick Briot, Pierre Boucot, Alain Forestiere, Nathalie Marchal-George, Florent Picard
  • Patent number: 7344636
    Abstract: A separator comprises a gully chamber 2 having inlet and outlet ducts 10, 12. Inlet and outlet housings 20, 22 are disposed within the separator and are connected by a bypass duct 24 which extends around the wall of the chamber 2. Flow enters the chamber through an inlet which is oriented to create a circulating flow. Flow exits from the chamber through an outlet opening provided in the outlet housing 22. The outlet opening is oriented in the direction of the circulating flow so that liquid has to reverse from that flow to pass through the outlet opening. The inlet and outlet housings 20, 22 are made from identical mouldings in which appropriate openings are formed. The bypass duct can be cut to length to position the inlet and outlet housings 20, 22 opposite existing inlet and outlet ducts 10, 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hydro International PLC
    Inventors: Michael Guy Faram, Mark Richard Bowditch, Paul Lecornu, Pam J. Deahl, Jeremy Fink, Mark P. Wogaman, Robert Yaw Gwamfi Andoh
  • Patent number: 7344637
    Abstract: An apparatus serves for removing fine material to be screened from waste water. The apparatus includes a sieve grate (6) and a detaching device (16). The sieve grate (6) is cylindrical, and it is rotatingly driven. The sieve grate (6) allows for waste water to flow from its interior towards its exterior. The sieve grate (6) includes a supporting body (13) and a mesh sieve (7). The supporting body (13) is located at the exterior of the sieve grate (6). The supporting body (13) is made of a perforated sheet metal including comparatively large openings (37). The supporting body (13) provides for resistance and stability of the sieve grate (6). The mesh sieve (7) is located in the interior of the sieve grate (6). The mesh sieve (7) forms a separation surface (14) for the material to be screened. The mesh sieve (7) includes meshes of a comparatively small size. The mesh sieve (7) is fixedly connected to the supporting body (13). The detaching device (16) is arranged outside of the sieve grate (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hans Huber AG Maschinen-und Anlagenbau
    Inventor: Christian Frommann
  • Patent number: 7344638
    Abstract: A filter apparatus separates fine particles such as pine needles, threads, hairs and seeds from a liquid influent. A rotating grid assembly has multiple grid sections mounted by top-to-bottom connected links, supporting a filter media having specified openings sufficient for entrainment of miniscule particles. Grid sections are interchanged for collection and discharge of various sized particles using the same apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hydro-Dyne Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Ryan Conroy
  • Patent number: 7344639
    Abstract: A swimming pool water circulation system includes up to two sets of at least two active main drains connected to a “Y” or a “double Y” connector and then, via a single line, to a single canister filter. Jet nozzles arranged in at least one bank on the pool walls use return water to sweep sediment down the pool walls and to cause a vortical flow of the water above the drains. The additional main drains can be deployed closer to the pool walls where they can better intercept sediment from the jet nozzles. Up to two pumps can service each canister filter. Additional suction may be obtained by diverting a portion of the water from the pressure side of the filter through a venturi in the canister filet housing. Additional components and valves managed by a controller can facilitate sequential cleaning of the pool by zones during normal operation without unduly affecting normal filtration of pool water and can provide for additional cleaning via robotic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Meincke
  • Patent number: 7344640
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention enable efficient and appropriate treatment of Urban Water Runoff, so that the treated Urban water Runoff can be can be introduced into public waterways without contaminating such waterways. The system apparatus utilizes adsorptive Organoclay media, mechanical filtration and ultraviolet sterilization. The methods and apparatus of the present invention remove contaminants from Urban Water Runoff to a level which enable the resulting effluent to meet appropriate standards for introducing the treated Urban water Runoff in to public waterways. The method and apparatus of water treatment of the present invention does not utilize chlorine containing compounds which, when combined with organic compounds can produce THM's that can become problematic when re-introduced to the downstream environment. The systems of the present invention can be made sufficiently compact so as to enable their use in remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Clear Creek Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Timothy Gannon, Joseph Charles Gannon
  • Patent number: 7344641
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of residential wastewater which comprises a septic tank, a holding tank in fluid communication with the septic tank and a reactor containing a plurality of media on which the wastewater is sprayed, and cyclonic clarification means. The system is designed to treat the wastewater such that it does not need to be passed to a drainage field for final disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Société Systèmes Ecobox
    Inventor: Edward Gresko
  • Patent number: 7344642
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the filter assembly having an filter having a metal-ion sequestering agent for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Joseph F. Bringley, Richard W. Wien, John M. Pochan, Yannick J. F. Lerat
  • Patent number: 7344643
    Abstract: Contaminated wastewaters comprising biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrogen and phosphorus are treated by an activated sludge process. The process utilizes an activated sludge tank, a solid-liquid separator, and a bioreactor to significantly reduce, or eliminate, waste activated sludge (WAS) within a sludge stream. A sidestream reactor is employed downstream from the bioreactor to remove soluble phosphates left in the sludge stream by the low WAS process. Within the sidestream reactor, a source of multivalent metal ions is added to a slightly alkaline sludge stream to precipitate the phosphates. The solid phosphates have a specific gravity higher than that of the organic matter in the sludge stream and may be separated from the sludge stream based upon differential settling velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Elefritz, Jr., Dennis J. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7344644
    Abstract: The disclosed methods and systems of water purification relate to burying an underdrain in situ under a filter media bed such as a particulate material bed, within a natural body of water. A pump is provided for withdrawing water from the underdrain at a sufficient rate to cause a complex biological matrix filter to proliferate on top of the filter media bed forming a portion of the floor of the body of the water. The filter media bed is positioned at a depth d of water between the water body surface and the water body floor so that the upper surface of the particulate material bed remains substantially undisturbed by wave motion or tidal action at the surface of the body of water to facilitate the proliferation of the biological matrix filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Chris Haudenschild
  • Patent number: 7344645
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effect of integrity loss in a hollow fiber membrane module, said module including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (5), at least one end of the fiber membranes (5) being supported in a pot (6), the method including the step of increasing flow resistance of the liquid through the lumen (8) of the fiber membrane (5) in the region of the pot (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas William Beck, Warren Thomas Johnson
  • Patent number: 7344646
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a container containing a liquid, and a magnetic treatment device therefor. The magnetic treatment device may include an elastic band removably fastened around the container and urged thereagainst by elastic deformation of the elastic band, the elastic band being deformable to accommodate containers having different sizes. The magnetic treatment device may also include at least one permanent magnet carried by the elastic band for magnetically treating the liquid in the container. Alternately, the magnetic treatment device may include a band with a joint therein or a drawstring removably fastened around the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7344647
    Abstract: Recycled waste water is treated to remove contaminants and produce a sludge cake with a high percentage of solids and to produce a treated recycled waste water that can be discharged into a municipal sewer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Stewart Water Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7344648
    Abstract: A method for causing or facilitating the flow of dispersions of solid particulates in liquids, having characteristics of high viscosity or resistance to flow, with particular reference to sludges from purification plants of civil or industrial wastes, which method comprises the addition to the dispersions of silicones of formula wherein R and R? are identical or different and represent a radical chosen between C1-C5 alkyl and aryl; x is an integer comprised between 3 and 2000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Vomm Chemipharma S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppina Cerea
  • Patent number: 7344649
    Abstract: A method for removal of dissolved oxygen from organic liquids by use of a solid state catalyst. In doing so the dissolved oxygen is converted by the action of a reducing agent into water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Hubert Redlingshöfer, Andreas Dörflein, Christoph Weckbecker
  • Patent number: 7344650
    Abstract: Alkaline waste waters formed in the washing of crude nitrobenzene which has been prepared by the adiabatic nitration of benzene with nitrating acid, washed in an acidic washing process, and then washed in an alkaline washing process are treated. The alkaline waste water being treated generally contains benzene in a concentration of from about 100 to about 3000 ppm and nitrobenzene in a concentration of from about 1000 to about 10,000 ppm. In the process of the present invention, undissolved benzene and/or nitrobenzene are separated from the alkaline waste water, residual benzene and/or nitrobenzene is/are then optionally stripped out of the alkaline waste water, and the alkaline waste water from which benzene and/or nitrobenzene has been removed is heated to a temperature of from 150 to 500° C. under excess pressure with the exclusion of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Thomas Knauf, Franz-Ulrich Von Gehlen, Wolfgang Dohmen, Jörg Schmiedler
  • Patent number: 7344651
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for selective removal of materials present on an object A in one or more layers B by surface abrasion by projection onto the surface of the object A of a moving fluid composed of a gas and solid particles conveyed in the gas. The apparatus comprises at least two reservoirs (11,13,15) for solid particles (21,22,23) of at least two different sizes communicating with a single reservoir 30 trough conduits (24,25,26). Each conduit (24,25,26) has an obturator (27,28,29) movable between open and closed positions and the single reservoir (30) is connected to a further conduit (36) provided with a nozzle (37) situated in the proximity of the surface layer B to be stripped. Particles (31) are mixed in “T” joint(34) with gas from an air compressor (35) and directed out of the nozzle (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Workinter Limited
    Inventor: Yvon Georges Jean-Pierre Jaubertie
  • Patent number: 7344652
    Abstract: An etching method for forming a recess (220) having an opening dimension (R) of millimeter order in an object (212) to be etched such as a semiconductor wafer. A mask (214) having an opening corresponding to the recess (220) is formed on the object (212). The object (212) with the mask (214) is placed in a processing vessel for plasma etching and etched in it using a plasma. The material of the portion around the opening of the mask (214) is the same as the material, for example, silicon of the object (212). Hence, the recess (220) can be so formed as not to form a sub-trench shape (a shape formed by etching the periphery of which is deeper than the center) substantially in the bottom (222).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kazuya Nagaseki, Takanori Mimura, Hiroki Miyajima
  • Patent number: 7344653
    Abstract: A bitumen film containing magnetic powder is heated prior to magnetization to a temperature enabling the magnetic powder particles to be oriented according to the effect of the magnetic field. The bitumen film is sufficiently cooled after magnetization in order to preserve the magnetization, whereby the orientation of the magnetic powder particles, which is adjusted during magnetization, is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: CWW-Gerko Akustik GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Polak, Christoph Freist, Gerd Mannebach, Ernst Hotz, Joachim Oster
  • Patent number: 7344654
    Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition has the composition formula (Pb(a-b)Meb){(Ni(1-c)/3Znc/3Nb2d/3)zTixZr(1-x-z)}O3, wherein Me represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca; a, b, d, and x satisfy the inequalities 0.975?a?0.998, 0?b?0.05, 1<d?1.3, and 0.39?x?0.47; and c and z are located in a region surrounded by lines connecting Point A (z=0.25, c=0.1), Point B (z=0.25, c=0.85), Point C (z=0.1, c=0.6), Point D (z=0.075, c=0.5), Point E (z=0.05, c=0.2), and Point F (z=0.05, c=0.1) or located on the lines in the z-c plane. Therefore, the piezoelectric ceramic composition is effective in achieving a large piezoelectric constant, a small dielectric constant, and a high Curie point. A piezoelectric actuator contains the piezoelectric ceramic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Ogiso, Atsushi Yamamoto, Koichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7344655
    Abstract: A coolant used for cooling down a stack of fuel cells includes: a solution mixture of water and a glycol as base material; and a rust-preventive additive that functions to keep an electric conductivity of the coolant at a low level and to maintain a hydrogen ion exponent of the coolant in a substantially neutral level. The rust-preventive agent includes at least one of an alkaline ethanolamine additive, such as triethanolamine, diethanolamine, or monoethanolamine, and an acidic additive selected among the group consisting of triazole compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, and organophosphoric acid compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikito Nishii, Masamine Tanikawa, Hisanori Watanabe, Yoshihisa Kurokawa, Satoshi Sugiyama, Kazuhito Yaeda
  • Patent number: 7344656
    Abstract: Stable oxidizing compositions and a method of preparing such compositions are presented. The compositions include a peroxygen, for example, a potassium monopersulfate or, percarbonate particle suspended in an alcoholic gel. The alcohol content in the gel is such that the peroxygen particle is prevented from coming into contact with water during storage, thereby helping maintain a high available oxygen level. When the alcoholic gel is mixed with water, it becomes less viscous and exposes the peroxygen particle to the water. The peroxygen is ready for use when it dissolves in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Truox, Inc.
    Inventor: Perry L. Martin
  • Patent number: 7344657
    Abstract: An aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester composition is provided, which comprises at least one compound selected from an aliphatic carboxylate aryl ester and an aromatic carboxylic anhydride; an aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester; and a solvent containing at least 30% by weight of a halogen-substituted phenol compound. Using the composition, an aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester film with a low viscosity in melting state can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Okamoto, Shiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 7344658
    Abstract: The present invention provides radioprotective materials and products produced using the materials, the materials and products being easily usable for blocking the effects of radiation, exposure to which occurs unconsciously in daily life or in the working environment. Specifically stated, the present invention provides radioprotective materials comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of collagens, keratins, silk fibroins and their derivatives. The present invention also provides radioprotective products produced using the radioprotective materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Allmighty Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirosige Nakatsuka, Akihito Tsuchiya, Quang Huy Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7344659
    Abstract: The present invention concerns electrode materials capable of redox reactions by electrons and alkaline ions exchange with an electrolyte. The applications are in the field of primary (batteries) or secondary electrochemical generators, super capacitors and light modulating system of the super capacitor type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: ACEP, Inc., CNRS, Universite de Montreal
    Inventors: Nathalie Ravet, Simon Besner, Martin Simoneau, Alain Vallee, Michel Armand, Jean-Francois Magnan
  • Patent number: 7344660
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a sputtering target having mainly oxychalcogenide containing La and Cu by sintering at least one or more powders selected from an elementary substance of a constituent element, oxide or chalcogenide as the raw material, characterized in including a reaction step of retaining the [material] at a temperature of 850° C. or less for 1 hour or more during the sintering step, wherein this [material], after the reaction step, is subject to pressure sintering at a temperature that is higher than the reaction step temperature. In addition to increasing the density of a P-type transparent conductive material target having mainly oxychalcogenide containing La and Cu and enabling the enlargement of the target at a low manufacturing cost, the existence of unreacted matter in the target can be eliminated, the production yield can be improved by suppressing the generation of cracks in the target, and the quality of deposition formed by sputtering this kind of target can also be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Hosono, Kazushige Ueda, Masataka Yahagi, Hideo Takami
  • Patent number: 7344661
    Abstract: The invention discloses an electromagnetic energy adaptation material, which can absorb electromagnetic energy, the material including a mixture of at least one liquid with at least one surfactant. The liquid may be a dipolar molecular liquid, and may be pressurized by means of a gas. Further the use of an electromagnetic energy adaptation material in the form of a foam for covering an object to prevent detection thereof by an electromagnetic energy detection apparatus, such as radar equipment, is disclosed. Finally a method of minimizing or altering detection of an object by means of electromagnetic energy detection apparatus is suggested, which includes the steps of coating such an object or a zone spaced away from such an object at least partially by means of a foam of an electromagnetic energy adaptation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Allan Kuehl
  • Patent number: 7344662
    Abstract: A reverse synthetic strategy for making organic non-linear optical chromophores involves building up the chromophore from the electron-withdrawing end toward the electron-donating end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng Li
  • Patent number: 7344663
    Abstract: The present invention provides a granulation method with increased drying effect while assuring the pressure for spraying the aqueous solution and the necessary number of nozzles equivalent to those of conventional design. Specifically, the granulation method uses a granulator structured by a fluid bed which fluidizes the granulating-particles, an air feed pipe to introduce air, a nozzle for spraying the raw material aqueous solution being located at center part of the air feed pipe, and a perforated plate to feed a fluidization air to the fluid bed, thus granulating the raw material aqueous solution by spraying thereof from the nozzle into a granulation part, wherein a multi-nozzle in a specified shape having a plurality of nozzle ends thereon is used as the nozzle for spraying the raw material aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Genshi Nishikawa, Eiji Sakata
  • Patent number: 7344664
    Abstract: An injection pressure waveform for use as a target value for injection pressure feedback control is set based on the actual injection pressure waveform detected when a conforming molded article is obtained. Alternatively, the target injection pressure waveform may be set by modifying a previously retained injection pressure waveform or an actual injection pressure waveform. The previously retained injection pressure waveform or actual injection pressure waveform is displayed on a screen of a display device (T1). Two points on the displayed injection pressure waveform are assigned, and the pressure waveform is modified into a line connecting these two points (T3, T6, T8). Further, two points on the injection pressure waveform and one point between these two points are assigned, and the pressure waveform is modified into a circular arc connecting these three points (T4, T7, T8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Masao Kamiguchi, Noriaki Neko
  • Patent number: 7344665
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a die having at least one application slot. The slot is in fluid communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the die cavity and changes volume in response to changes in pressure within the expansible chamber device. Another aspect of the invention is a method of translating a liquid through a die. A coating die is provided. The die comprises at least one applicator slot in fluid communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the cavity. The expansible chamber device is actuated by changes in the fluid pressure within the expansible chamber device. The liquid is translated through the die and delivered from the application slot at intervals corresponding to actuation of the expansible chamber device. Another aspect of the invention is a method for forming a die. An apparatus comprising a die having at least one applicator slot in fluid communication with the die cavity is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Joan M. Noyola, Scott L. Ciliske
  • Patent number: 7344666
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include interior vehicle trim panel having a sprayed expanded polyurethane layer and method of making same. In at least one embodiment, the method of making the vehicle interior trim panel comprises providing a skin layer on a spray tool, spraying expandable polyurethane reactive components onto the skin layer to form a resilient layer, and securing a rigid substrate on the resilient layer, such that the resilient layer extends between and connects the skin layer with the substrate to form the vehicle interior trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Robert J. Adams, Kenneth W. Shaner, Randy S. Reed, Nelson E. Williams, Jr., Joseph T. Donatti
  • Patent number: 7344667
    Abstract: This invention provides a prepreg excellent in productivity, having the drapability to allow easy shaping according to a mold, excellent in resin impregnation, and excellent in handling convenience. This invention also provides a molded article with excellent mechanical properties obtained by molding the prepreg. The prepreg of this invention is a prepreg including reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin, characterized in that an air-permeable layer (B) composed of the thermoplastic resin is laminated on a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle (A), and that the reinforcing fiber bundle (A) and the layer (B) composed of the thermoplastic resin are bonded at their interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: TORAY Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masato Honma, Yasunori Nagashima, Soichi Ishibashi, Yuji Kojima, Atsuki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7344668
    Abstract: A process for drawing essentially diluent-free gel-spun polyethylene multi-filament yarns in a forced convection air oven and the drawn yarns produced thereby, The process conditions of draw ratio, stretch rate, residence time, oven length and feed speed are selected in specific relation to one another so as to achieve enhanced efficiency and productivity. The drawn yarns are useful in armor, composites, fishing line, ropes, sutures, fabrics and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Y-T. Tam, Chok Bin Tan, Lori L. Wagner, Charles R. Arnett
  • Patent number: 7344669
    Abstract: A plural color component film laminate part and method for insert-molding a plural color film laminate part comprises preforming a film laminate and subsequently insert-molding a plastic substrate against the preformed film laminate. An improvement in traditional insert molding techniques is provided by use of a specific mold cavity structure which facilitates positioning of the film laminate transition line(s) between colors within longitudinally extending groove(s) in the part show face. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with a re-entrant edge portion which is positioned within the mold cavity such that the edge of the plastic substrate will be substantially covered. The insert molding step involves positioning the preformed film laminate in a specially configured mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold' cavity against the film laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7344670
    Abstract: A method of producing a molded article includes the steps of positioning an insert within a first mold, and filling the first mold with a low melt allow to form a lost core assembly. The lost core assembly includes an external shape corresponding to the desired cavity formed within the molded article. The inserts are supported within the lost core and form a part of the surface of the cavity of the completed molded article. The lost core assembly is over-molded with a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The alloy material is removed leaving the inserts within the molded article to form specific portions of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Build A Mold Limited
    Inventor: Horst Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7344671
    Abstract: The invention is specially directed towards intermittent motion packaging machines where the packages are momentarily immobilized at a forming station for the time duration of the package sealing and cutting. The polymeric sheets or films are sealed and cut after being exposed to a laser beam in a controlled and optimized manner. The laser beam is shaped with appropriate optical elements to provide a desired intensity profile in the section of the films to be sealed or sealed and cut. With this method, a package can be sealed and cut simultaneously in one exposure step. An optical clamp holds the films together while they are being sealed by the laser. The optical clamp can reflect back to the films, partially or totally, the laser beam intensity that has not been previously absorbed. The optical clamp further allows to monitor the sealing and cutting process while the process is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Glopak Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Basque, Alain Cournoyer, Marc Levesque
  • Patent number: 7344672
    Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: David W. Schroeder, Jordan H. Freedman, James E. Gunter, Brian D. Salyer, H. Gene Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7344673
    Abstract: A preform for a multi-layered hollow vessel has excellent moldability and productivity and is free from the deterioration of the characteristic properties of the vessel even when a recycled material is filled in large quantities. A molded product is produced by filling a first material and a second material into the cavity of an injection mold in a single molding step including (i) the substep of injecting the first material, (ii) the substep of injecting the first material and the second material at the same time and (iii) the substep of injecting the first material which are carried out continuously in this order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: Teijin Limited, Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hodaka Yokomizo, Jitsuo Oda, Yasuhiko Takeuchi, Hiromitsu Miyajima
  • Patent number: 7344674
    Abstract: For making orthotic braces and prosthetic devices, vacuum shaft mandrels and foam workpiece blanks are pre-fabricated to a standard design for repeatable assembly and disassembly. A mandrel is easily installed in a workpiece blank, or reinstalled in a previously made mold body. The mandrel is likewise easily removed from the mold body and returned to stock after the mold is made and the required brace is completed. Mold bodies are storable for reuse with a mandrel of the same design for the next vacuum forming brace making operation. A limited supply of standard size mandrels can thus be used for making and serving any number of mold bodies. One mandrel size accommodates a range of mold sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Atlantc Rim Brace Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph P Williams
  • Patent number: 7344675
    Abstract: A method of producing high strength nanophase metal alloy powder by cryomilling metal powder under conditions which cause the formation of intrinsic nitrides, and of producing high strength metal articles by subjecting the nitrided cryomilled powder to thermo-mechanical processing. The intrinsic nitrides present within the alloy significantly reduce grain growth during thermo-mechanical processing, resulting in formed metal products of high strength and improved ductility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Van Daam, Clifford C. Bampton
  • Patent number: 7344676
    Abstract: A BCC phase hydrogen storage alloy capable of storing approximately 4.0 wt. % hydrogen and delivering reversibly up to 3.0 wt. % hydrogen at temperatures up to 110° C. The hydrogen storage alloys also possess excellent kinetics whereby up to 80% of the hydrogen storage capacity of the hydrogen storage alloy may be reached in 30 seconds and 80% of the total hydrogen storage capacity may be desorbed from the hydrogen storage alloy in 90 seconds. The hydrogen storage alloys also have excellent stability which provides for long cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Michael A. Fetcenko, Taihei Ouchi, Jun Im, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Feng Li, Melanie Reinhout
  • Patent number: 7344677
    Abstract: A reversible hydrogen storage alloy for electrochemical and thermal hydrogen storage having excellent kinetics and improved performance at low temperatures and excellent cycle life. The compositions of the hydrogen storage alloy is modified to achieve excellent performance at low temperatures and excellent cycle life via non-stoichiometric hydrogen storage alloy compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Taihei Ouchi, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Patent number: 7344678
    Abstract: A sensor may include a membrane to deflect in response to a change in surface stress, where a layer on the membrane is to couple one or more probe molecules with the membrane. The membrane may deflect when a target molecule reacts with one or more probe molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Arun Majumdar, Srinath Satyanarayana, Min Yue
  • Patent number: 7344679
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for providing point of care testing for osmolarity of a bodily fluid. An apparatus is disclosed as having a fluid pathway passing through it for receiving and testing a sample fluid. The invention permits osmolarity testing of a sample fluid wherein the sample fluid has a volume of less than approximately 30 nL, and implements a method and device to measure fluid osmolarity in a clinical setting quickly and accurately, while also reducing evaporation of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Govindarajan Natarajan, James N. Humenik, Scott D. Partington, Srinivasa S. N. Reddy
  • Patent number: 7344680
    Abstract: A pipette has a preferably thermoplastic pipette shaft, for slipping on a likewise preferably thermoplastic pipette tip, has a slip-on section which opens at least slightly conically, and an attachment section which is formed on the lower end of the pipette shaft and onto which the slip-on section of the pipette tip is slipped. A sealing section which is made of an elastically-flexible plastic material which seals well with low withdrawal forces is provided on the attachment section. Furthermore, preferably, a fixing section is formed on the plastic material of the attachment section of the pipette shaft at a location that is axially offset relative to the sealing section. The sealing section of elastic-flexible plastic material is molded directly, retentively, on the preferably thermoplastic material of the pipette shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Brand GmbH + Co KG
    Inventors: Peter Mahler, Renate Rempt, Peter Prokopp
  • Patent number: 7344681
    Abstract: The present embodiment describes a laminar-mixing embodiment that utilizes simple, three-dimensional injection. Also described is the use of the embodiment in combination with wide and shallow sections of channel to affect rapid mixing in microanalytical systems. The shallow channel sections are constructed using all planar micromachining techniques, including those based on isotropic etching. The planar construction enables design using minimum dispersion concepts that, in turn, enable simultaneous mixing and injection into subsequent chromatography channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Fiechtner, Anup K. Singh, Boyd J. Wiedenman
  • Patent number: 7344682
    Abstract: An improved oxidizer for liquid reduction-oxidation desulphurization processes uses a hollow fiber membrane contactor. A pressurized, oxygen containing gas stream is introduced into the interior of the hollow fiber membrane while a liquid reduction-oxidation catalyst solution contacts the exterior of the membrane. Oxygen diffuses through the membrane into the liquid reduction-oxidation catalyst solution whereby the solution is oxidized and can be recycled for further us in a desulphurization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventors: Gary J. Nagl, Myron Reicher, Derek McManus
  • Patent number: 7344683
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to ensure the improvement in catalytic performance of an exhaust gas catalytic converter, which is an essential performance thereof, ensure the thermal resistance thereof and downsize the converter, i.e., improve the arrangeability thereof. The exhaust gas catalytic converter has an upstream catalyst and a downstream catalyst which are arranged in upstream and downstream sides of an engine exhaust passage through which exhaust gas flows. Each of the upstream catalyst and the downstream catalyst contains an oxygen storage component. The oxygen storage component in the upstream catalyst has a structure in which Rh atoms are placed at or between crystal lattice points of a mixed oxide containing Ce and Zr and has a larger amount of oxygen storage than the oxygen storage component in the downstream catalyst under the same temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Miyoshi, Hiroshi Yamada, Akihide Takami
  • Patent number: 7344684
    Abstract: There is provided an exhaust emission purifying catalyst device which is comprised of a carrier disposed in an exhaust passage and including through holes passed through the carrier in an axial direction (flowing direction), and supporting layers made of fire-resistance inorganic oxide formed on inner surfaces of the through holes. The supporting layers support noble metal and NOx trapping agents which occlude NOx in exhaust gas when the exhaust air-fuel ratio is lean, and emits and reduces the occluded NOx when the exhaust air-fuel ratio is stoichiometric or rich. The amount of the supported noble metal is set to be smaller in an exhaust passage upstream area of the carrier than in an exhaust passage downstream area of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kikuchi, Kinichi Iwachido, Hiroaki Ohhara