Patents Issued in April 6, 2010
  • Patent number: 7691214
    Abstract: An iron-containing heat-resistant aluminum-based alloy product consisting essentially of, in weight percent: up to 0.15% chromium, 0.80-1.20% copper, 0.80-1.20% iron, 2.20-2.80% magnesium, up to 0.10% manganese, 0.80-1.20% nickel, up to 0.15% silicon, up to 0.15% titanium, 5.50-7.00% zinc, up to 0.25% zirconium, and up to 0.25% scandium, with the balance being aluminum. Also, a manganese-containing heat-resistant aluminum-based alloy product consisting essentially of, in weight percent: up to 0.25% chromium, 0.80-1.20% copper, up to 0.30% iron, 2.30-2.90% magnesium, 2.70-3.10% manganese, 2.85-3.25% nickel, up to 0.15% silicon, up to 0.15% titanium, 6.10-7.10% zinc, up to 0.25% zirconium, and up to 0.25% scandium, with the balance being aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Ullman
  • Patent number: 7691215
    Abstract: The invention relates to inorganic intermetallic compounds having a PMR effect (combined GMR/CMR effect), which are characterized in that they contain at least two elements per formula unit and have a field sensitivity of less than 10% per 0.1 T at temperatures greater than 290 K. The invention also relates to composites consisting of these compounds, to a method for the production thereof an to their use, in particular, as magnetic field sensors or in the domain of spin electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Claudia Felser
  • Patent number: 7691216
    Abstract: A melt of a hydrogen storage alloy having an arbitrary composition is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified. Alternatively an alloy having an arbitrary composition, after heating to a temperature equal to or more than a melting point thereof, is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified. Thereby a homogeneous alloy reduced in segregation, precipitates, or inclusions is obtained. The homogeneous alloy is excellent in the hydrogen storage amount, in the plateau property and in durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Arashima, Takashi Ebisawa, Hideaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 7691217
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a tire includes providing an elastomeric layer on an outer surface of a toroidal support, manufacturing the tire on the toroidal support provided with the elastomeric layer, introducing the tire supported on the toroidal support into a moulding cavity, introducing a fluid under pressure into a space defined between the toroidal support and an inner surface of the tire in order to press an outer surface of the tire against walls of the moulding cavity, and curing the tire. The elastomeric layer forms an inner circumferential surface of the tire. The process further includes causing an electrical current to flow in at least one heating element provided to the outer surface of the toroidal support so as to obtain at least partial precuring of the elastomeric layer. A toroidal support for carrying out the process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pierangelo Misani, Guido Riva, Cèline Almonacil
  • Patent number: 7691218
    Abstract: A label with top, bottom and edge surfaces is attached to a thermoplastic substrate by a method comprising the steps of: A. Placing the bottom surface of the label in contact with a surface of the substrate; B. Melting a portion of the substrate beneath the label or adjacent to an edge of the label; C. Drawing a portion of the melted substrate over an edge of and onto the top surface of the label such that the portion of the melted substrate on the top surface of the label is continuous with the substrate; and D. Solidifying the melted substrate. The attachment does not require adhesive or mechanical fasteners, and the label and thermoplastic substrate can be made of any material that will withstand the conditions of the environment to which they will be exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Seiders
  • Patent number: 7691219
    Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a body, a device for implementing the method, and products obtained by the method. In the method, at least a first heated composite strip is introduced into at least one die, and at the same time, at least one molten material is introduced into the die in contact with the first composite strip, to obtain at least one second composite strip, and the second composite strip is wound around a support rotating about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: OCV Intellectual Capital LLC
    Inventors: Guy Zanella, Christophe Ducret, Jacques Voiron
  • Patent number: 7691220
    Abstract: A method of depositing at least one functional film on at least one part of one or two faces of flat or curved substrates. The substrates are conveyed individually to a film-coating station and are advanced therein along the plane or neutral plane thereof. The film-coating station includes a film-applicator assembly including at least one axis perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the substrate and parallel to the advancement plane, at least one reel of film being mounted to the assembly. The method: conveys the leader of the film from each of the reels, which is to be applied to, and held against one face of, the substrate at a selected position, into the film-coating station; unwinds the reels such that the film can be applied in at least one strip to the advancing substrate; and cuts the film at a selected moment. Moreover, the new film leader is held to be ready to be applied at the selected position on the same substrate on a subsequent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Demars Yves, Douche Jean-Pierre
  • Patent number: 7691221
    Abstract: Method for gluing decorative stones (1) with a tapered off backside, in particular of faceted glass, onto leather (2), wherein in the fastening region of each stone (1) a recess (5) is punched out of the leather (2), which recess is smaller than the greatest diameter of the stone (1). The end of the recess (5) facing the stone (1) is expanded by stamping corresponding to the contour of the stone (1). The stone (1) is subsequently glued in the expansion (6) to the base layer (4) of the leather (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: D. Swarovski & Co.
    Inventor: Helmut Swarovski
  • Patent number: 7691222
    Abstract: A molding apparatus comprises an upper molding box, a lower mold box, an upper flexible membrane covering an opening of the upper mold box, a lower flexible membrane covering an opening of the lower mold box, a heating system located in the upper mold box, a set of ports located between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane capable of being used to draw a vacuum between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane, and a displacement system located in the lower mold box under the lower flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Kuntz, Mark L. Younie
  • Patent number: 7691223
    Abstract: An apparatus for making SMC comprising a conveyor belt assembly having a feed end and a transfer end. The conveyor belt assembly including a belt having an outer surface and an inner surface. A cutting support structure disposed between the feed end and the transfer end, and in contact with the inner surface. A cutting wheel having a perimeter surface and disposed adjacent to the cutting support structure. A feed tension member proximate the outer surface and disposed between the feed end and the cutting wheel. The feed tension member positions the fiber rovings onto the outer surface to be cut by the cutting wheel. The feed tension member, cutting wheel and belt cooperate to feed the fiber rovings at a feed rate, cut the fiber rovings into a plurality of parallel discontinuous fibers, and convey the fibers at substantially the same rate as the feed rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dahl, Glen L. Smith, Raymond Silva, Carl Johnson
  • Patent number: 7691224
    Abstract: A thermal polymer-bonding method includes initially placing into contact certain polymer-based first and second solid media at a first junction. A first superficial portion of the first solid medium is liquefying through the application of thermal energy to the first junction. The liquefied first superficial portion is superficially or topically applied to the second solid medium whereafter the topical application may be solidified via the action of cooling or withdrawal of thermal energy from the first junction. The solidification of the liquid elements, having maximized surface area contact between opposing media, bonds the first solid medium to the second solid medium. A third polymer-based solid medium may then be placed into contact with the first solid medium at a second junction, whereafter certain select second superficial portions of the first and third solid media may be liquefied, and re-solidified to bond the third solid medium to the first solid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Kip D. Weller, Michael J. Badera
  • Patent number: 7691225
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal-release double-coated pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet which includes a substrate, a foaming agent-free pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (A) arranged on one side of the substrate, and a foaming agent-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (B) arranged on the other side. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (A) contains 5 to 30 parts by weight of a plasticizer and 100 parts by weight of a base polymer and has a tensile adhesive strength of 1 N/20 mm in width or less with respect to a poly(ethylene terephthalate) film as determined at a peel angle of 180 degrees, a rate of pulling of 300 mm/minute, a temperature of 23±2° C., and a relative humidity of 65±5%. The weight loss of plasticizer is 2 percent by weight or less when the tape or sheet is heated at a temperature of 165° C. and a pressure of one atmosphere for one hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Kishimoto, Yukio Arimitsu
  • Patent number: 7691226
    Abstract: An electron temperature measurement method that enables an electron temperature as a plasma parameter to be measured precisely. A plasma is produced in a chamber 11 such that a wafer W is subjected to reactive ion etching therein. An ion energy distribution in the chamber 11 is measured. An ion energy distribution in the chamber 11 is simulated based on a set electron temperature. The measured ion energy distribution and the simulated ion energy distribution are compared. The electron temperature of the plasma is estimated based on results of the comparison mentioned above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Kazuki Denpoh
  • Patent number: 7691227
    Abstract: This invention relates to bleached mechanical paper pulps, based on fibrillated fibers of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, containing calcium carbonate, in which calcium carbonate is crystallized and at least partly covers the fibrillated fibers of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin to which the calcium carbonate is mechanically bonded, papers made from these pulps and their preparation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Claude Raymond Riou
  • Patent number: 7691228
    Abstract: An improved process for making sheet from a fibrous furnish includes: depositing the furnish on a foraminous support; compactively dewatering the furnish to form a nascent web; drying the web on a heated cylinder; creping the web therefrom and throughdrying the web to a finished product. The microstructure of the web is controlled so as to facilitate throughdrying. The product exhibits a characteristic throughdrying coefficient of from 4 to 10 when the airflow through the sheet is characterized by a Reynolds Number of less than about 1. The novel products of the invention are characterized by wet springback ratio, hydraulic diameter and an internal bond strength parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Steven L. Edwards, Greg A. Wendt, Robert J. Marinack, Michael J. Vander Wielen, Stephen J. McCullough, Jeffrey C. McDowell, Guy H. Super, Gary L. Worry
  • Patent number: 7691229
    Abstract: A web-making fabric for producing a high caliper fibrous web and the fibrous web produced thereby. The web-making fabric comprises a reinforcing structure and a framework joined to the reinforcing structure. The framework defines a plurality of deflection conduits, at least one deflection conduit is a negatively radiused deflection conduit, and at least one deflection conduit is a positively radiused deflection conduit. The positively radiused deflection conduits are sized, shaped, and arranged to maximize fiber deflection along the periphery of the conduits. The web comprises three regions, a first region a second region and a third region. The first region is immediately adjacent to at least one of the second region and the third region. The second region comprises a plurality of negatively radiused domes. The third region comprises a plurality of positively radiused domes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Douglas Vinson, John Allen Manifold, Jonathan Andrew Ficke, Yanping Zhang
  • Patent number: 7691230
    Abstract: A device for producing a fibrous web and, in particular, a web of tissue including a press zone through which the fibrous web together with an endless permeable structured band and an unstructured permeable supporting band is fed while lying between the structure band and the supporting band, a press nip provided on a drying cylinder through which the fibrous web together with the structured band is fed while lying between the structured band and the drying cylinder, and after which the fibrous web is led from the drying cylinder through a calender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Scherb, Luiz Carlos Silva, Rogerio Berardi, Danilo Oyakawa
  • Patent number: 7691231
    Abstract: Newsprint for offset printing having sufficient water absorption resistance to provide a clear printing image with less color registration problems upon offset printing is manufactured by coating base paper, to which aluminum sulfate (a 50% by weight Al2O3.14H2O product) is added at a ratio of less than 3.0% by weight upon paper making, with a surface treating agent mainly comprised of (A) a water-soluble macromolecular substance selected from starches, PVAs, polyacrylamides, and cellulose derivatives, (B) a copolymer obtained by the copolymerization of a styrene monomer and a cationic monomer, a water-soluble copolymer obtained by the copolymerization of a styrene monomer, a cat ionic monomer and a hydrophobic monomer, or a water-soluble copolymer obtained by treating one of these copolymers in which a tertiary amine-containing vinyl monomer is used as a cationic monomer, with a quaternizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ono, Satoshi Ishioka, Fuminari Nonomura, Yasunori Nanri
  • Patent number: 7691232
    Abstract: A method and a device for treating a web, wherein the web is coated by a coating device. The coated web is calendered, and a steam application device applies steam to the coated web before the coated web is calendered. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Ruediger Kurtz, Joerg Rheims
  • Patent number: 7691233
    Abstract: Temporary wet strength additives, more particularly, temporary wet strength additives comprising a polymer backbone, wherein the polymer backbone has an internal homo-crosslinking monomeric unit, a co-crosslinking monomeric unit and a cationic monomeric unit, wherein the homo-crosslinking monomeric unit is derived from a monomer having the following structure: and X is —O—,—NH—, or —NCH3—; and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic groups; and Y3 is —H, —CH3, or a halogen, fibrous structures including such temporary wet strength additives, sanitary tissue products containing such fibrous structures and processes for making such fibrous structures and/or such sanitary tissue product are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Lee Barcus, Khosrow Parviz Mohammadi, Angela Marie Leimbach, Stephen Robert Kelly
  • Patent number: 7691234
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising anionic organic polymeric particles and colloidal anionic silica-based particles. The anionic organic polymeric particles are obtainable by polymerizing one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers together with one or more polyfunctional branching agents and/or polyfunctional crosslinking agents. The anionic organic polymeric particles and the colloidal anionic silica-based particles in the aqueous composition are present in an amount of at least 0.01% by weight based on the total weight of the aqueous composition. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of the aqueous composition, uses of the aqueous composition and a process for the production or paper, in which the aqueous composition is added to a cellulosic suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Duncan Carr, Michael Sigman
  • Patent number: 7691235
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating steam from a mixture of steam and fibers is disclosed, comprising an elongated feeding compartment having an inlet and a feeding device for feeding a mixture through the inlet. The feeding device comprises a tubular section which is curved such that the mixture in the tubular section is separated under the influence of centrifugal forces in a heavy steam-less fraction of fibers in a outer layer and in a light fiber-free fraction of steam in a inner layer. The tubular section is arranged in such a way that a heavy fraction of fibers is fed through the inlet peripherally. The separated light fraction of steam is fed against the center of the compartment and removed through an outlet of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Baltsar Lundgren
  • Patent number: 7691236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a doctor blade comprising: a body having a thickness, a sharp leading side, a trailing side, and working end comprising a bevel surface, wherein the bevel surface is defined by a leading edge and a trailing edge, and wherein the Ra of the bevel surface is from about 1 ?-in to about 7 ?-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter + Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Harvey Conn, Robert Charles Dreisig
  • Patent number: 7691237
    Abstract: This invention relates to a belt for transferring an in-production fibrous web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, in a machine area of a machine producing the fibrous web, in particular a paper machine or paperboard machine, including at least one textile substrate and a coating, which is applied to the substrate and touches the in-production fibrous web, for obtaining a partial or complete impermeability of the belt. The inventive belt has at least one continuously differencing characteristic in at least one region across its overall width. Also, this invention relates to a machine, in particular a paper machine or paperboard machine, for producing a fibrous web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, as well as to a use of a belt for transferring an in-production fibrous web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, in one machine area or between two machine areas of a machine producing the fibrous web, in particular a paper machine or paperboard machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Paper GmbH
    Inventor: Arved Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 7691238
    Abstract: A spiral-link fabric for use in a papermaking machine or the like. The spiral-link fabric may include a plurality of spiral coils arranged in a predetermined manner such that adjacent ones of side-by-side spiral coils are interdigitated with each other so as to form a channel and interconnected by a pintle extending through the channel. At least some of the plurality of spiral coils have a coil width of approximately 12 mm or larger, as measured in machine direction of the spiral-link fabric. The ratio of the diameter of the monofilament forming the spiral coils to the coil width may be approximately 0.07 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventor: Alan L. Billings
  • Patent number: 7691239
    Abstract: A differential vapor pressure (DYP) cell is disposed in a divided wall column that receives a feed comprising a first, second, and third component. A separation section on the feed side of the divided wall column separates the feed in a vapor comprising the first and second component, and a liquid comprising the second and third component. The DYP cell is disposed in the divided wall column at a level below the point where the feed enters the column, and the DYP cell measures the concentration of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Kister, Walt Stupin
  • Patent number: 7691240
    Abstract: The invention includes backing plates having coolant deflectors with at least a portion of each of the deflectors being nonlinear. Projections projecting from the backing plate are configured to insert into openings within a sputtering target. The invention includes targets having at least one opening to receive a fastener extending into the target through a back surface. The invention includes a target assembly having projections projecting from the backing plate and insertable within openings within the target. The invention includes a target assembly having a plurality of coolant deflectors disposed between the target and the backing plate. A segment of each of the deflectors is nonlinear. The invention includes methods of cooling a target. Coolant deflectors are disposed within a gap between the target and a backing plate with coolant deflectors being nonlinear along at least a portion of their length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Werner H. Hort, Scott R. Sayles, Vince Speziale, Stephane Ferrasse, Harold A. Detlaff, Stuart D. Wright, Frank Alford, Andrew N. A. Wragg
  • Patent number: 7691241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for partial etching or pattern etching using an electrolysis reaction, wherein, conventionally, there was the problem that an etching line could not be finely formed on a cell edge because of apparatus problems concerning alignment accuracy. The present invention provides a method and apparatus with which fine line etching is possible and which can form a line on a cell edge. Provided is a an electrolytic etching method of a substrate which is formed having a subject etching layer on a surface, having the steps of providing a fixed gap from a substrate end surface which is external to an end surface of the substrate for placing a working part of a working electrode and passing current between the substrate and the working electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Murakami, Koji Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 7691242
    Abstract: The present invention describes an electrochemical half-cell, comprising a gas space, an electrolyte space and a gas diffusion electrode in the form of a cathode or anode. The gas diffusion electrode separates the gas space from the electrolyte space and comprises an electrically conductive substrate and an electrochemically active coating. The gas diffusion electrode includes a coating-free edge region and is connected to a support structure in the coating-free edge region via an electrically conductive plate, which covers at least the coating-free edge region as well as a coated edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Fritz Gestermann, Peter Fabian
  • Patent number: 7691243
    Abstract: A plasma processing system and method provide an internal coil in a vacuum chamber for maintaining a high density plasma therein in a manner that may have a less restrictive requirement on metal flux shielding than when the shield protects a dielectric window. The shield also shields the coil from plasma heat load. The coil need not be actively cooled. Some metal is allowed to pass through the shield and deposit on the coil. This leads to a thinner shield with less complicated slots than for shields in external coil configurations. Good RF transparency of the shield is a result of the much simpler shield shape. The coil is not sputtered and is thus not consumable. The coil is enclosed in a small conductive space, reducing its inductance, resulting in reduced coil current and voltage, in turn simplifying the design and construction of the tuning network and RF connectors. Stiffeners support the coil and are profiled to avoid formation of conductive paths forming from metal deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Mirko Vukovic
  • Patent number: 7691244
    Abstract: This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for the mixing and pumping of relatively small volumes of fluid. Such devices utilize nonlinear electrokinetics as a primary mechanism for driving fluid flow. Methods of cellular analysis and high-throughput, multi-step product formation using, devices of this invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jeremy Levitan, Martin Z. Bazant, Martin Schmidt, Todd Thorsen
  • Patent number: 7691245
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electrolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Manz, D. Jed Harrison, Carlo S. Effenhauser
  • Patent number: 7691246
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises a filter and at least one electrodeionization (EDI) unit for chemical recovery. The filter is adapted to receive a fluid and to remove a selected chemical element or contaminant from the fluid. The EDI unit is coupled to the filter and adapted to recover a chemical element from the fluid and to separate the recovered chemical element from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Exergy Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Fred P. Reinhard
  • Patent number: 7691247
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a capillary column with one or more excitation fibers and with one or more optical lens elements for Capillary Electrophoresis. The apparatus includes two identical blocks having a plurality of grooves for positioning and aligning the capillary column with the one or more excitation fibers, and a plurality of lens seats for optically coupling the lens element with the capillary column. Each block includes a male and female part for mating the two identical blocks together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Biocal Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Varouj Amirkhanian, Paul Mooney
  • Patent number: 7691248
    Abstract: A system (apparatus and process) for producing an electrophoretic (display) device is provided for allowing production of such a device wherein electrophoretic particles in the dispersion liquid are easily and evenly distributed to respective cells (pixels) between two substrates of the device even in the case of a very small gap between the two substrates or the case of using a flexible substrate. The system includes a storage unit for a dispersion liquid containing the charged phoretic particles dispersed therein, a stiffer for stirring the dispersion liquid, a substrate-holder for holding the substrate in the dispersion liquid, and a voltage source for applying a voltage to the electrodes formed on the substrate thereby depositing the electrophoretic particles on the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ikeda, Nobutaka Ukigaya
  • Patent number: 7691249
    Abstract: An insulating end cap for a cylindrical electrolysis cell the type comprising at least two tubular electrodes with a cylindrical membrane arranged co-axially between them, comprises a first annular section with first and second axial ends, having at its first axial end a circular seating or one end of an outer cylindrical electrode and at its second end a circular aperture, of smaller diameter than the circular seating and co-axial therewith, to accommodate one end of the membrane. A second annular section of the end cap is detachably secured to the first and has a central circular aperture of smaller diameter than the central aperture of the first section and co-axial therewith, to accommodate one end of the inner cylindrical electrode. The two part construction of the end cap facilitates the assembly of the cell, and reduces the likelihood of breakage of the fragile ceramic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Clenox, LLC
    Inventors: James Daly, Michel van Schaik
  • Patent number: 7691250
    Abstract: This invention provides membrane-mediated electropolishing (MMEP) processes for polishing and/or planarizing metal work pieces using topographically patterned membranes. The processes can be used for both pure metals and alloys, and provide advantages over conventional electropolishing processes and known MMEP processes using smooth membranes. This invention also provides a cathode half-cell and an apparatus useful in membrane-mediated electropolishing processes. The invention also provides processes for electroengraving and electromachining topographic patterns, holes and/or grooves into the surface of a metal work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Stephen Mazur, Charles E. Jackson, Gary W. Foggin
  • Patent number: 7691251
    Abstract: Sharps are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the sharps with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize sharps and the biological waste on the sharps and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7691252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Amy Hines, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 7691253
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
  • Patent number: 7691254
    Abstract: The functioning of an amperometric electrochemical sensor having an electrochemical cell is monitored by the electrochemical cell. A perturbation quantity is imposed on the sensor, which is operated with voltage control at a given polarization voltage. The response to the perturbation is measured and a check value is calculated, using the response under the perturbation as an input value. The check value is compared to a system-dependent limit value. If the check value is larger than the system-dependent limit value, the initial polarization voltage is changed by a predefined voltage increment and the process is repeated, until an optimal polarization voltage has been found, i.e., until the calculated check value is smaller than the system-dependent limit value. A measuring system that serves to carry out the method is also described. An automated embodiment utilizes a computer-supported control- and processing-unit with a data memory and a data-evaluating program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Rene Oberlin
  • Patent number: 7691255
    Abstract: A sensor capable of measuring a plurality of measuring items quickly and accurately, a measuring device, and a measuring method are provided. The sensor includes a sample-holding unit for holding a sample containing an analyte; a sample-supplying port for supplying the sample to the sample-holding unit; a detecting unit for carrying out an electrochemical measurement, the unit being provided in the sample-holding unit; an optical measuring unit for carrying out an optical measurement, the unit being provided in the sample-holding unit; and a reagent-holding unit for holding a reagent for the optical measurement, the unit being provided in the sample-holding unit; wherein in the flowing direction of the sample supplied from the sample-supplying port in sample-holding unit, the sample-supplying port, the detecting unit, and the reagent-holding unit are positioned in the order recited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Fumihisa Kitawaki, Akihito Kamei, Tatsurou Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7691256
    Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon charges are converted in a deasphalting section in the presence of solvents and obtaining two streams, one consisting of deasphalted oil and the other one containing asphaltenes, mixing the deasphalted oil stream with a hydrogenation catalyst and passing the thus obtained mixture to a hydroprocessing section containing hydrogen or hydrogen/H2S, mixing the stream consisting of asphaltenes discharged from the deasphalting section with an appropriate hydrogenation catalyst and passing the obtained mixture to a second hydroprocessing section where it is reacted with hydrogen or a mixture of hydrogen and H2S, passing both the stream containing the reaction product with dispersed catalyst from the hydroprocessing section and the stream containing the reaction product with dispersed catalyst from the second hydroprocessing section, to one or more distillation or flash stages, whereby the more volatile fractions are separated from the distillation residue (tar) or from the liquid discharged from the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., SNAMPROGETTI S.p.A., ENITECNOLOGIE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Romolo Montanari, Mario Marchionna, Sergio Rosi, Nicoletta Panariti, Alberto Delbianco
  • Patent number: 7691257
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing low sulfur diesel by hydrotreatment of suitable feed in the presence of a bulk metal catalyst. The feed is exposed under effective hydrotreating conditions to a catalyst including at least one Group VI metal, at least one Group VIII metal, and Niobium. Treatment of the feed results in production of a liquid diesel product, which is separated from a gas phase product that is also produced during the hydrotreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Stuart S. Shih, Stuart L. Soled, Sabato Miseo
  • Patent number: 7691258
    Abstract: A process for treating a hydrocarbon liquid composition to improve its storage and/or transportation stability, comprises contacting the hydrocarbon liquid composition with a polar trap, wherein the conductivity of the hydrocarbon liquid composition is not reduced by said contacting with a polar trap. The polar trap may be a clay treater containing attapulgus clay. The process may include sequentially passing the hydrocarbon liquid composition through a dehydrator and a clay treater at a flow rate of between about 100 and about 1000 m3 per hour. Advantageously, the hydrocarbon liquid composition is refined and in particular, may be a Merox™-treated jet fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Emirates National Oil Company Limited (ENOC) LLC
    Inventor: Maharajapuram Subramanian Venkateshan
  • Patent number: 7691259
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Alex Stoian, Lewis J. Dutel, Cory C. Melancon, Richard Bingham, Paul Newman
  • Patent number: 7691260
    Abstract: The present invention provides method for recovering fossil-based materials from oil sources using multifunctional, multipolymeric continuous composition spectrum surfactant mixtures. The invention also provides methods for reducing the loss of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from oil storage containers using multifunctional, multipolymer surfactants. The multifunctional, multipolymer surfactants are characterized by a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part. The hydrophobic part of the polymer surfactants includes functionalities that impart a polarity of greater than 0 Debye to the hydrophobic part. The polymer surfactants are further characterized by molecular weights that are above their entanglement weights. The result is polymer surfactants and their continuous composition surfactant-thickener mixtures with demulsifying characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nanochemical Oil Company
    Inventor: Gerard Caneba
  • Patent number: 7691261
    Abstract: A granular filter media dry cell (or filter or bed) for dewatering a liquid composition of water and particulate solids. The liquid composition is applied to the granular filter media to remove water from the liquid composition by passing through the granular filter media with the particular solids collecting on top surface of granular filter media. Water is first allowed to fill from below to just above the top layer of the filter media. A non-porous liner is located on the inner, bottom surface of the container. A drain pipe, having small openings, is located on top of the liner in the valley. A porous layer of large filter media, with the drain pipe therein, is located in the bottom of the container. A grid having open passageways, with fine filter media therein, is located on top thereof. A layer of fine filtrate sand is located on top of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Franklin David Deskins
  • Patent number: 7691262
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a biological reactor is disclosed. At least one controlled-reaction-volume module is provided to the biological reactor. The at least one controlled-reaction-volume module includes a fixed-film media for supporting a biological growth. At least one mixer, such as, for example, a high momentum mixer, for communicate a fluid to the at least one controlled-reaction-volume module so that wastewater and the biological growth communicate to thereby treat the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Entex Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Pehrson, Wayne J. Flournoy, Sarah B. Hubbell
  • Patent number: 7691263
    Abstract: A monolith for liquid chromatography is disclosed that involves a reaction product of; a (1) crosslinker having at least three adjacent groups, selected from ethylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, and mixtures thereof, and two or more pendent vinyl groups, and (2) monomer having the formula, CH2?CR—Y—Z, where R is H or CH3, where Z is a functional group selected to impart a desired interaction property to the monolith, and where Y is nothing, or any group that will not materially affect or compete with the function of the functional group (Z) in the monolith, or the reactivity of vinyl groups in the crosslinker or monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Binghe Gu, Milton L. Lee