Patents Issued in May 20, 2008
  • Patent number: 7374693
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for water purification has a stationary electrode opposing a movable electrode which are positioned about a passageway for the water to be purified. The stationary electrode and movable electrode form an arc gap, and the arc gap is fed with a voltage from a pulsatile power supply. The arc gap is reduced when the current is below a first threshold and increased when the current is above a second threshold, and the arc gap change is realized by controlling a motor attached to feeder rollers coupled to the movable electrode. The apparatus causes the formation of oxide nano-particles providing durable bactericidal action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Alexander F. Routberg (Rutberg), Victor Andreevich Kolikov, Rutberg Philip Grigorevich, Bzatsev Alexandz Nikolaevich
  • Patent number: 7374694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for treating water for human consumption, for an industrial process, for agricultural purposes or for other purposes. The method used to remineralize raw water comprises a stage in which carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base are injected. According to the invention, the method comprises the following stages: the flow Q of raw water is separated into a flow Q1 and a flow Q2; only flow Q1 is remineralized by injecting carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base, said remineralization being carried out in at least one remineralization basin; remineralized flow Q1 is mixed with untreated flow Q2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: OTV S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Gaudinot, Gaid Abdelkader
  • Patent number: 7374695
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a printer nozzle. The method includes the step of depositing a metal layer upon a semi-conductor wafer. The metal layer defines a pair of protruding portions which each form a respective electrical contact. The method further includes the step of etching the metal layer through to the wafer to form a nozzle region and to electrically isolate the electrical contacts. In one embodiment, the nozzle region is defined by a circular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Gregory John McAvoy
  • Patent number: 7374696
    Abstract: The invention provides for a method and integrated system for removing a halogen-containing residue from a substrate comprising etching the substrate, heating the substrate and exposing the heated substrate to a plasma that removes the halogen-containing residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark N. Kawaguchi, James S. Papanu, Scott Williams, Matthew Fenton Davis
  • Patent number: 7374697
    Abstract: Composition spray applied on fabrics to de-wrinkle and refresh while protecting colors which leaves no discernable residue. Quality water, one or more alcohol(s) and one or more surfactant(s) penetrate the fabric weave. One or more acids lower pH to stabilize sensitive dyes, thus ensuring color-safeness. Alcohols hasten drying and fragrances mask alcohol odor and help consumers identify the product. Mechanical action(s) by the user enhances wrinkle removal or imparts shape. Optional malodor-eliminating compounds keep fabrics fresh longer, or refresh malodorous garments. Optional specific quaternary ammonium compound reduces static cling but does not significantly increase residues. The composition de-wrinkles commercial fabrics, and clothing from casual to fine, spray applied using a pre-compression sprayer. The composition is environmentally friendly, safe for use on all types of fabrics, and safe for use at home or commercially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Kelley, Daniel Gwilliam
  • Patent number: 7374698
    Abstract: A nanometer heat-conducting water solution for use in a car cooling system is disclosed. The nanometer heat-conducting water solution is formed by mixing a AlO2 solution (1.1 vol %) having 3-10 nanometer scale materials with a TiO2 solution (1.1 vol %) having 3-10 nanometer scale materials, wherein the obtained solution is then mixed with a diluent (93 vol %), and dispersing agents (3.43 vol %) and an emulsifying agent (1.37 vol %) are thereafter added so as to disperse the AlO2 solution and the TiO2 solution in the diluent uniformly. When the obtained stable nanometer heat-conducting water solution is added to a water tank of the car, the TiO2 cleans limescale and the emulsifying agent adheres to wall surfaces of water jackets to allow AlO2 to release energy continuously. Moreover, the nanometer scale materials speed up the micro-explosion of the cooling water so as to optimum the cooling effect and increase the heat-dispersing efficacy significantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 7374699
    Abstract: A slurry rheology modifier comprises a first water-soluble low-molecular compound [referred to hereinafter as compound (A)] and a second water-soluble low-molecular compound [referred to hereinafter as compound (B)] being different from the compound (A), wherein the viscosity of an aqueous solution at 20° C. prepared by mixing an aqueous solution SA (with a viscosity at 20° C. of 100 mPa·s or less) of compound (A) with an aqueous solution SB (with a viscosity at 20° C. of 100 mPa·s or less) of compound (B) in the ratio of 50/50 by weight can be at least twice as high as the viscosity of either aqueous solution before mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hotaka Yamamuro, Koji Koyanagi, Daisuke Shiba
  • Patent number: 7374700
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystalline compound which has a large value of refractive index anisotropy, exhibits a liquid crystal phase in a wide temperature range, and is stable under use conditions. It is a liquid crystalline compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein the symbols in the formula have the following meanings: R1, R2: each independently, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom or a cyano group, wherein at least one hydrogen atom in each of the alkyl, alkenyl and alkoxy groups may be replaced with a chlorine or fluorine atom; ring A, ring B: each independently, a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group, wherein a hydrogen atom in each of these rings may be replaced with a chlorine atom, fluorine atom or methyl group; X1, X2: each independently, a hydrogen or fluorine atom; n: 0 or 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yuriko Kaida, Makoto Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7374701
    Abstract: A composition of (i) an organometallic precursor containing a hydrazine compound coordinating with a central metal thereof and (ii) an organometallic compound of a main group metal and a method of forming metal film or pattern using this composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Euk Che Hwang, Sang Yoon Lee, Young Hun Byun, Joon Sung Ryu, Hae Jung Son
  • Patent number: 7374702
    Abstract: The new fluorocarbon-functionalized and/or heterocycle-modified polythiophenes, in particular, ?,?-diperfluorohexylsexithiophene DFH-6T can be straightforwardly prepared in high yield and purity. Introduction of such modifications to a thiophene core affords enhanced thermal stability and volatility, and increased electron affinity versus the unmodified compositions of the prior art. Evaporated films behave as n-type semiconductors, and can be used to fabricate thin film transistors with FET mobilities ˜0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Tobin J. Marks, Antonio Facchetti
  • Patent number: 7374703
    Abstract: Novel, simple methods are presented directed to the synthesis of nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives. The production of these fibers is achieved via various methods by controlling the concentration of aniline monomer or substituted aniline derivatives or an oxidant in the reaction medium and maintaining said concentration at a level much lower than conventional polyaniline synthesis methods. Methods are disclosed relating to the use of a permeable membrane to control the release of a monomer and/or oxidant as well as a bulk polymerization method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Arthur J. Epstein, Nan-Rong Chiou
  • Patent number: 7374704
    Abstract: The present invention provides a production method of spherical oxide powder which includes a feeding step in which a granular powder composed of an oxide composition is fed into a combustion flame together with a carrier gas; a melting step in which said fed granular powder is melted in said combustion flame to obtain a melt; and a solidifying step in which said melt is solidified by being moved and placed outside said combustion flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Shenglei Che, Ikuka Chiba, Shigeo Okamoto, Tomohiro Sogabe
  • Patent number: 7374705
    Abstract: A method for installing a fiberglass or stainless steel liner into a steel casing which results in a reduction of strain on the casing. Conventional means are used to place the liner into the casing and to fill the annular space with cement. Thereafter, maximum design operating pressure on the liner is maintained while the pressure on the annular space is reduced; maintenance of those pressures keep the liner in an expanded state while the grout cures. As a result, the liner shares the load with the casing; pressure from the fluids contained in the system during operation is not transferred to the casing through the grout until the liner's preset internal pressure is reached. The use of the method greatly reduces the possibility of flowline failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Unisert Multiwall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Tierling
  • Patent number: 7374706
    Abstract: A method produces adhesive closure parts, where a partial segment of the surface of a support element (10) is provided with adhesive closure elements (3) which stand out from its plane by applying a plastic material that forms adhesive closure elements on the support element (1). The adhesive closure elements (3) are formed without any forming tools, at least in a given area, by depositing the plastic material in successively delivered droplets using an applicator (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Axel Schulte
  • Patent number: 7374707
    Abstract: A method forms adhesive closing parts from a plastic material. To produce at least one adhesive closing element (3) without a form tool in at least one partial area, the plastic material is deposited in the form of drops. The drops are successively delivered by at least one application device (9). The locations of the deposition of the drops are selected in a three-dimensional manner in view of the form of the adhesive closing elements (3) to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Axel Schulte
  • Patent number: 7374708
    Abstract: A method for constructing a three-dimensional laminar body of large dimensions is provided. Starting from a true-to-scale model of the three-dimensional laminar body to be obtained, which comprises the entirety of said body or parts thereof, one or several negative molds which unitarily or together comprise the entire working surface of the three-dimensional laminar body are shaped on the model, and then used to mold, with a fine finish, the entire three-dimensional laminar body or the different constituent parts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos Fradera Pellicer
  • Patent number: 7374709
    Abstract: A method of making high performance friction materials with tailored levels of a ceramic hard phase to achieve optimum thermal conductivity, friction coefficient and wear performance of composite brake materials. In accordance with one method of the invention specific end-use application friction requirements are satisfied by tailoring the level of carbon in a selected carbon/carbon preform, heat treating the carbon/carbon composite preform, thereby affecting thermal conductivity so as to optimize overall braking performance prior to ceramic processing and by selecting an optimum level of ceramic hard phase to achieve satisfactory friction disc wear life and friction characteristics of the braking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Dieter Bauer
  • Patent number: 7374710
    Abstract: A die arrangement has a die cavity. An insert is fed into the die cavity in advance of injection of a molding material into the die cavity after initiation of a die closing drive operation of the die arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Ito, Tamiya Sakaguchi, Hiroshi Tanimura, Naoki Hiraiwa, Tsuyoshi Arai
  • Patent number: 7374711
    Abstract: Thin-walled rubber articles for use contact with living tissue or with materials to be delivered to living tissue are prepared from aqueous latex of either natural rubber or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene by vulcanization to produce both carbon-carbon and carbon-(sulfur)n-carbon crosslinks, the vulcanization being performed in the absence of any compounding components that contain secondary amine groups or any components that have a tendency to produce nitrosamines. While sulfur activators may be included, it is preferable that no sulfur accelerators at all be included. Thin-walled rubber articles formed from the latex surprisingly exhibit a combination of high tensile strength, high ultimate percent elongation, and low 500% tensile modulus. The process is particularly effective in the manufacture of thin-walled articles from synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Apex Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. McGlothlin, Eric Schmid, Brian P. Watschke
  • Patent number: 7374712
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for building three-dimensional models by deposition modeling techniques from moisture-sensitive thermoplastics. A feedstock of thermoplastic modeling material is dried to a low moisture content and supplied to a dispensing head of a modeling apparatus. The dry thermoplastic material is heated in a liquifier and deposited in a predetermined pattern so as to build a three-dimensional model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Swanson, Minea A. Popa, Patrick W. Turley, William R. Priedeman, Jr., Paul E. Hopkins, Steve Brose, Daniel I. Kimm, David L. Pollard, Andrew M. Hahn
  • Patent number: 7374713
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing plastic containers. The method may comprise the steps of (1) forming a plastic container from a preform in a blow-molder, where the blow-molder comprises a plurality of molds and spindles; and (2) inspecting the plastic container after formation in the blow-molder. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The information may be visually displayed so as to provide feedback regarding the inspection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: AGR International, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Alan Birckbichler, Sudha Christy Jebadurai, Georg V. Wolfe, Ronald A. Puvak, William E. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7374714
    Abstract: A process for shaping a body with elongate structures on its surface, bodies produced using the process, and to apparatuses having these bodies are provided. For this purpose, a preform is provided, at the surface, with structures which are elongate along one direction, the preform is heated at least in one region and the preform is drawn in the heated state until at least part of the preform has adopted a cross section which substantially corresponds to the desired cross-sectional shape or final cross-sectional shape. The preform is heated by means of radiation which has a spectral distribution which is such that at most half of the radiation power is absorbed during a single pass through the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Frank Büllesfeld, Paul Kissl, Sabine Lehnicke, Martin Zimmermann, Christian Kunert, Bernd Hoppe, Volker Plapper
  • Patent number: 7374715
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a co-cured resin transfer molding manufacturing method includes providing a tool having one or more tooling details and disposing one or more preforms proximate the one or more tooling details. The one or more preforms are either dry or binderized. The method further includes disposing a high permeability medium outwardly from the one or more tooling details, disposing a prepreg skin panel outwardly from the high permeability medium, disposing the one or more tooling details and the prepreg skin panel within the tool, injecting a resin into the one or more preforms, and curing the one or more preforms and the prepreg skin panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher H. Husmann, Chi H. Sheu, Denise M. Shimazu
  • Patent number: 7374716
    Abstract: A metallurgical furnace has a cover (20) for a vessel (10) and a charging device (30) for charging material that will be melted in the vessel. The charging device has a rotatable retaining means (31) and a projection (40) is provided at a charging opening (42). The furnace has a maximum filling level (H2) and the rotatable retaining means is pivoted into the projection for the charging operation. The pivotable range of the retaining means does not extend below the maximum filling level (H2). At least two self-supporting material baskets (32) can be positioned in a removable manner above the projection (40), and each comprises an inner chamber that can be closed on the lower side thereof by the retaining means (31) and a volume (C) for receiving the charging materials. A change device (33) interchanges and positions the material baskets (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: VAI Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7374717
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently producing an intermetallic compound porous material. Specifically, the invention provides a porous material production method comprising molding a mixed powder of at least two inorganic powders and performing a combustion synthesis reaction of the resulting molded mixed powder; wherein (1) the porous material contains an intermetallic compound, (2) the intermetallic compound has a three-dimensional network skeletal structure, and (3) the porous material has a relative density of not more than about 80%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignees: Osu Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Yamada
  • Patent number: 7374718
    Abstract: A composition comprising an aromatic carbonate polymer and an amount of at least one solid cyclic aliphatic alcohol stabilizing compound sufficient to inhibit yellowing of the composition upon exposure to a sterilizing radiation, wherein said stabilizing compound is selected from the group consisting of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, and wherein said stabilizing compound is present in said composition in an amount of at least about 0.2 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said aromatic carbonate polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dibakar Dhara, Katherine C. Glasgow, Vikram Kumar
  • Patent number: 7374719
    Abstract: A multilayer test strip that measures concentrations of multiple analytes from a single whole blood sample. The test strip includes a test matrix of several layers held together in constant contact by a test strip holder. The invention is characterized in that it has no moving parts, which is made possible by the novel use of an elongate disbursement layer that spreads blood throughout its entire length, despite having layers with known wicking properties adjacent to and in contact with it. Since the invention relies primarily on a vertical flow format, the test strip is advantageously quite compact. With a single 35 microliter sample of blood applied thereto, the novel test strip can provide readings of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. From these, LDL can be calculated, thereby providing a full “lipid panel.” Other analytes such as glucose and ketones may be included in the test strip in addition to or in lieu of one or more of the other analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Polymer Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunil Anaokar, Michele Jeanne Crispino, Emanuel Paul Crabtree
  • Patent number: 7374720
    Abstract: In reagent reaction experiments using microplates, the operator cannot just set dispensing tips in all the fixing holes of the dispensing tip container. It is necessary to carry out the time-consuming task of deciding in advance on a suitable arrangement of positions for the dispensing tips. It is also necessary for the operator to carry out the time-consuming task of determining in advance the quantity of reagent used and how the reagent is to be arranged. These problems are solved by providing a control device that includes a dispensing tip arrangement calculator and reagent quantity and arrangement calculator, and that can inform the operator of these results. The dispensing tip arrangement, the reagent quantity used, and the reagent arrangement is calculated from the information set in advance on specific reagent, the quantity of reagent dispensed into one well of the microplate, the range of wells in the microplate into which reagent is dispensed, and the direction of dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Toi, Hidetaka Osawa, Kenji Yamada, Tadashi Ohkawara
  • Patent number: 7374721
    Abstract: A chip with measuring reliability and a method thereof are provided. The present invention serially connects a resistor having a resistance equal to or a little more than a maximum resistance of the chip itself to the resistor Rs of the chip so as to compensate the resistance differences among chips. A noise to signal (N/S) ratio of the chip is decreased, and a measuring reliability of the chip is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Transpacific IP, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yin-Chun Huang, Kuo-Jeng Wang
  • Patent number: 7374722
    Abstract: The sampling system of the invention includes a column comprising a first separator associated with a first collector so as to extract particles whose diameter is larger than a first diameter, and a second separator associated with a second collector which eliminates the finest particles and concentrates the other particles in the gas flow sucked up by the suction pipe of an analysis device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Proengin SA
    Inventors: Henri Lancelin, Gilles Guene, Patrick Bleuse, Pierre Clausin
  • Patent number: 7374723
    Abstract: A device, process and system are provided for collecting and releasing a liquid sample, especially saliva. A defined saliva sample, i.e., a filtered, approximately homogeneously mixed saliva sample of a predetermined volume is made available in the simplest possible manner. A sampling tip (2) is provided made of a dimensionally stable and porous material, which is moved with its mouthpiece (4) in the mouth of a test subject for one to two minutes and takes up saliva based on the capillary action. A reagent liquid enters the pores of the sampling tip (2), mixes with the saliva there and is subsequently fed from a reagent depot by the action of pressure. The saliva and the reagent liquid are finally discharged as a droplet (40) in the filtered and mixed state, either into the cavity (10) of the sample collector or into a filter mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Thomas Wuske, Torben Bauch, Rainer Polzius, Jessica Mahn
  • Patent number: 7374724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for processing samples (2), comprising a body (3) with a collecting chamber (4), which can be connected with a pump (5) for aspirating, or dispensing fluids and that acts on this collecting chamber, a separating chamber (6) adjoining the collecting chamber (4) for the solid phase extraction and elution of organic, or inorganic particles (7) separated from these samples (2), and an opening (8) for releasing these particles (7). The device in accordance with the invention relates to individual pipette tips, as well as to SPE microplates, and is distinguished in that the device (1) comprises a capillary (9), which is connected with the collecting chamber (4), or with the body (8), and has a packing (10) for the solid phase extraction of organic, or inorganic particles (7) separated from these samples (2) and is used as a separating chamber (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignees: Tecan Trading AG, Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolaus Ingenhoven, Dieter Lubda
  • Patent number: 7374725
    Abstract: A well plate and its supporting devices provide capabilities found in larger fermenters, such as controlling the oxygen level, the pH level, and temperature of the contents of the well. The well plate includes a plurality of wells, each of which can be independently controlled. Apertures in the wells, for example, provide access for a gas supply and sensors within each well provide data relating to, e.g., oxygen and/or pH level in the well. A control system controls the gas supply for each well based on the information provided by the sensor within the well. Similarly, temperature control elements, such as a heater or cooler, is placed in thermal contact with the interior of the well, as is a temperature measurement element. A control system can independently control the temperature of the contents of the well based on information provided by the temperature measurement element for that well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gener8, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Klein, Stephen G. Boyer, Gregory Andronaco
  • Patent number: 7374726
    Abstract: In a chemical reactor, a gas and a liquid which are in trace volumes are used to produce air bubbles and thus increase the interface area between the gas and liquid, substantially enhancing the efficiency of reaction between the gas and liquid. The chemical reactor comprises the following: a sheath flow forming block which forms a plurality of alternating sheath flows with two mutually unmixable fluids; a plurality of inlet ports through which said two fluids flow into the sheath flow forming block; a contraction zone which simultaneously contracts a plurality of sheath flows formed in the sheath flow forming block; and reaction flow channels each of which is connected with said contraction zone and is smaller in width than the sheath flow forming block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Sano, Ryo Miyake, Akira Koide, Takeshi Harada
  • Patent number: 7374727
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas purifying apparatus includes an outer cylinder, a plurality of cylinder-shaped supports, and a catalytic layer. The cylinder-shaped supports are disposed in the outer cylinder, and have an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. At least two of the neighboring cylinder-shaped supports contact with each other with the outer peripheral surfaces. The catalytic layer is loaded on at least one of the outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the cylinder-shaped supports. At least one of the cylinder-shaped supports has a ring-shaped cross-section with a cut-off, and is disposed in the outer cylinder in such an elastically deformed state that it expands in the centrifugal direction. Thus, the exhaust-gas purifying apparatus not only shows a high exhaust-gas purifying ability, but also is good in terms of the assemblage easiness. Moreover, the exhaust-gas purifying apparatus exhibits improved misfire resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Cataler Corporation
    Inventors: Masayasu Sato, Yasuo Kato, Kazuhiro Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7374728
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system that is equipped, from an upstream side toward downstream side through which an exhaust gas flows, with a plasma reactor and a NOx selective reduction catalyst unit having a NOx selective reduction catalyst layer acting on the exhaust gas, and which system provides a reducing agent adding means adding a reducing agent to the exhaust gas at an upstream side of the plasma reactor, wherein the NOx selective reduction catalyst layer comprises nickel and a NOx selective reduction catalyst or wherein the NOx selective reduction catalyst layer contains ?-alumina that supports magnesium or wherein the NOx selective reduction catalyst unit comprises a first purification unit where an exhaust gas via the plasma reactor is introduced, and a second purification unit where an exhaust gas via the first purification unit is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakanishi, Kenji Dosaka, Keizo Iwama, Shinya Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 7374729
    Abstract: Provided are an exhaust treatment catalyst and an exhaust article containing the catalyst. The catalyst comprises: (a) a carrier; (b) a first layer deposited on the carrier, said first layer comprising substantially only at least one refractive metal oxide; (c) a second layer deposited on the first layer, said second layer comprising substantially only at least one oxygen storage component and at least one binder therefor; and (d) a third layer deposited on the second layer, said third layer comprising at least one layer of one or more platinum group metal components supported on a refractory metal oxide support. Optionally, a fourth layer is deposited on the third layer wherein the fourth layer comprises one or more platinum group metal components supported on a refractory metal oxide support. As a further option, an overcoat layer may be deposited on the third or fourth layer wherein the overcoat layer comprises a catalyst poison sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Catalysts LLC
    Inventors: Shau-Lin Franklin Chen, Zhicheng Hu
  • Patent number: 7374730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for formation of carbon nanotubes. The process comprises laser ablation of a bulk metal catalyst within a hydrocarbon solution to produce a feedstock containing metal catalyst nanoparticles. The feedstock is atomizing to form a feedstock aerosol. The aerosol is heated to form naotubes. An apparatus for forming carbon nanotubes is also disclosed. Nanoparticles formed in the feedstock according to the invention can be controlled to achieve a narrow size distribution, which ultimately allows for good control over size and chirality of the nanotubes formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Benoit Simard, Michael Barnett, Stéphane Dénommée, Dean Ruth
  • Patent number: 7374731
    Abstract: A reaction apparatus for producing vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCF) and a continuous production system for producing VGCF are disclosed. The VGCF reaction apparatus is featured in installing a plurality of holes on the upper portion of inner tubes; and filling thermally conductive material in the areas between the inner tubes and the outer tube. The continuous production system includes the reaction apparatus, a product collection system and a carrier-gas collecting system, wherein carbon fibers produced by the reaction apparatus fall into the product collection system, and in the product collection system, a collection bin full-loaded with carbon fibers is pushed out and an empty bin is pushed into the collection chamber under PLC control as well as atmosphere replacement with inert gas, thereby continuously producing VGCF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Yonyu Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Shan Wang, Ya-Jen Huang, Yen-Chu Tan, Kai-Jen Ko, Shih-Peng Yang
  • Patent number: 7374732
    Abstract: A process for the oxidative leaching of sulphide mineral species, the method characterised by the method steps of: leaching a slurry containing the mineral species in one or more reaction vessels; circulating a stream of leach liquor to a flash cooler; flashing the liquor in the flash cooler at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure so as to dissipate heat; and recirculating the liquor to the or each reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Western Minerals Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gary Donald Johnson
  • Patent number: 7374733
    Abstract: A method for continuously removing mercury from a supply of combustion gas is provided. The method includes adjusting a power input to an electrostatic precipitator to control a quantity of fly ash emitted from the electrostatic precipitator. A turbulent flow of combustion gas is produced to suspend particulate matter including the quantity of fly ash contained in the supply of combustion gas. A substantial portion of the mercury is absorbed within the particulate matter including the quantity of fly ash. The supply of combustion gas is filtered to remove the particulate matter from the mercury. A quantity of absorption sites available for absorbing mercury is controlled by monitoring an emission of fly ash from the electrostatic precipitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Taylor, Vitali Victor Lissianski, William Randall Seeker
  • Patent number: 7374734
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an absorbent for removing acid gases from fluids. The absorbent contains at least one tertiary amine, an amine which is selected from hydroxyethylpiperazine, bis(hydroxyethylpiperazine) or a mixture of these and piperazine. The absorbent may optionally contain a physical solvent for the acid gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Grossman, Norbert Asprion
  • Patent number: 7374735
    Abstract: A method of decreasing the concentration of nitrogen oxides in a combustion gas flowing through a vessel including the steps of: generating a flue gas in a combustion zone of the vessel, the flue gas containing nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide; providing overfire air into a burnout zone of the vessel from a first injector of the overfire air to oxidize at least some of the carbon monoxide in the flue gas; injecting a selective reducing agent concurrent with the overfire air at a level in the burnout zone downstream of the first injector of overfire air and downstream of the oxidization of the carbon monoxide; and reacting the selective reducing agent with the flue gas to reduce the nitrogen oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry William Swanson, Wei Zhou, David Kelly Moyeda, Roy Payne
  • Patent number: 7374736
    Abstract: A method of decreasing the concentration of nitrogen oxides in a combustion flue gas in which a nitrogen reducing agent is introduced together with the overfire air to mixes with the products of primary combustion along with the overfire air. The nitrogen agent reduced NOx as it passes through the temperature regime that is optimum for the NOx reduction as overfire air and flue gas mix. The transition from low to high temperature effectively eliminates ammonia slip. Additionally, the nitrogen agent may be mixed with the overfire air stream in such a manner that it is optimally shielded from early mixing with the products of primary combustion, where a portion of the overfire air reacts initially with any residual carbon monoxide (CO) that would otherwise interfere with the NOx reduction chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roy Payne, Wei Zhou, Vitali Victor Lissianski, Vladimir M. Zamansky, Larry William Swanson
  • Patent number: 7374737
    Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a composition based on TiO2 as a catalyst for hydrolyzing COS and/or HCN in a gas mixture, said composition comprising at least 1% by weight of at least one sulphate of an alkaline-earth metal selected from calcium, barium, strontium and magnesium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Axens
    Inventors: Christophe Nedez, Jean-Louis Ray
  • Patent number: 7374738
    Abstract: Novel superhard dielectric compounds useful as gate dielectrics discovered. Low temperature methods for making thin films of the compounds on substrate silicon are provided. The methods comprise the step of contacting a precursor having the formula H3X—O—XH3, wherein X is silicon or carbon with a compound comprising boron or nitrogen in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber or with one or more atomic elements in a molecular beam epitaxial deposition (MBE) chamber. These thin film constructs are useful as components of microelectronic devices, and specifically as gate dielectrics in CMOS devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, acting for and on behalf of, Arizona State University
    Inventors: John Kouvetakis, Ignatius S. Tsong, Levi Torrison, John Tolle
  • Patent number: 7374739
    Abstract: Methods of making porous calcium phosphate bone replacement materials are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Richard J. Lagow
  • Patent number: 7374740
    Abstract: Phosphate rock is reacted with phosphoric acid to produce monobasic calcium phosphate. Monobasic calcium phosphate is reacted with ammonium carbonate to produce ammonium phosphate. Dibasic calcium phosphate is also produced as a by-product when monobasic calcium phosphate reacting with ammonium carbonate. The dibasic calcium phosphate is reacted with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid is used to react with phosphate rock. Ammonium sulfate or ammonium hydroxide may be used instead of ammonium carbonate. Phosphate other than ammonium phosphate can be produced if calcium phosphate is reacted with x-y to produce x-phosphate, where x is lithium, sodium, ammonium or potassium and y is carbonate, bicarbonate hydroxide or sulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiangsheng Meng, Paris Tsobanakis, Alan Peacock, Don Clark, Colin Weyrauch
  • Patent number: 7374741
    Abstract: In this method for growing a silicon single crystal, an ambient gas where a single crystal is grown contains a gas hydrogen-containing substance, and a silicon single crystal is grown at a pull rate to form a dislocation cluster defect occurrence region at least in a portion of a radial cross section of said silicon single crystal and at a pull rate which is slower than that to form an laser scattering tomography defect occurrence region, according to the Czochralski method. This silicon wafer is sampled from a straight body of the silicon single crystal grown using said method for growing a silicon single crystal, and the LPD density of LPD of 0.09 ?m or greater in the surface after 10 times of repetitions of the SC-1 cleaning is 0.1/cm2 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Sumco Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ono, Wataru Sugimura, Masataka Hourai
  • Patent number: 7374742
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing sulfur species from a gas stream without the use of a sulfur species removal process, such as an amine scrub. The sulfur species are removed by directly subjecting the gas stream to a sulfur recovery process, such as a Claus or sub-dewpoint Claus process at high pressure and moderate temperatures, wherein the sulfur recovery process comprises a catalyst which does not comprise activated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Bechtel Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Geosits, Charles Kimtantas