Patents Issued in June 1, 2010
  • Patent number: 7727371
    Abstract: An electrode alignment apparatus may be used with a microfluidic device for accurate and repeatable alignment of electrode pins with reservoirs on the microfluidic device. The apparatus includes a base unit and an electrode block assembly that are moveable with respect to each other from an open position to a closed position. The electrode block assembly includes an interface array that is coupled to an interface array platform such that the interface array is moveable with respect to the interface array platform in three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin B. Kennedy, Evelio Perez
  • Patent number: 7727372
    Abstract: A method for anodizing valve metal structures to a target formation voltage is described. The valve metal structures are placed in an anodizing electrolyte and connected to a power supply that generates a source voltage to at least one current limiting device. If at least two current limiting devices are used, they are in series with the valve metal structures with the one current limiting device connected to at least one structure. The valve metal structures are then subjected to a current that decreases over time, a formation voltage that increases over time to a level below the voltage from the power supply and a power level that is self-adjusted to a level that decreases excessive heating in the structure. The invention also includes the components for the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Yanming Liu, Neal Nesselbeck, David Goad, Barry Muffoletto
  • Patent number: 7727373
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing, capturing and storing hydrogen in a hydrogen absorption rod. The hydrogen absorption rod comprises a zeolite core material surrounding a conductive rod, wherein the zeolite core material is suitable for releasing captured hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell. More specifically, the apparatus and method utilize solar-generated electric current to separate hydrogen from water, whereupon the released hydrogen is captured in the hydrogen absorption rod. The hydrogen absorption rod is configured to allow for ease and safety of transportation, storage, and use of hydrogen gas in hydrogen fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Curtin
  • Patent number: 7727374
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from a gas stream are provided. The methods include obtaining hydroxide in an aqueous mixture, and mixing the hydroxide with the gas stream to produce carbonate and/or bicarbonate. Some of the apparatuses of the present invention comprise an electrolysis chamber for providing hydroxide and mixing equipment for mixing the hydroxide with a gas stream including carbon dioxide to form an admixture including carbonate and/or bicarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Skyonic Corporation
    Inventor: Joe David Jones
  • Patent number: 7727375
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement (1) for determining an actual value of the gap (4) between the work piece (2) and the electrode (3) during a process of electrochemical machining. According to the invention first process control means (30) are arranged to supply a set of machining current pulses (Im) to the electrode and the work piece. Second process control means (32) are arranged to perform a measurement of an operational parameter (U) representing a value of the gap (4) in real time under operational conditions. The second process control means (32) comprise means to determine the actual value of the gap (55a) based on the measurement of the operational parameter and logical unit (55b) to actuate the positioning means (8) to translate the electrode (3) in case the measured value of the gap deviates from the preset value of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Alexandr Nikolaevich Zajcev, Igor Leonidovich Agafonov, Rafail Ramzisovich Muchutdinov, Nasich Zijatdinovich Gimaev, Viktor Nikolaevich Kucenko, Aleksandr Leonidovich Belogorsky
  • Patent number: 7727376
    Abstract: A process to prepare base oils from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis product by (a) separating the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis product into a fraction (i) boiling in the middle distillate range and below, a heavy ends fraction (iii) and an intermediate base oil precursor fraction (ii) boiling between fraction (i) and fraction (iii), (b) subjecting the base oil precursor fraction (ii) to a catalytic hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxing process to yield one or more base oil grades, (c) subjecting the heavy ends fraction (iii) to a conversion step to yield a fraction (iv) boiling below the heavy ends fraction (iii) and (d) subjecting the high boiling fraction (v) of fraction (iv) to a catalytic hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxing process to yield one or more base oil grades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Nicholas James Adams, Michiel Cramwinckel, Jan Lodewijk Maria Dierickx
  • Patent number: 7727377
    Abstract: A system 100 is described for the treatment of multiphase residues having unlimited content of water, oil and solids to obtain hydrocarbons and other products, said system comprising multiphase residue feed system 10, inert gas system 20 and reduced pressure system 30, tubular reactor 40 provided with three heating zones Z-1, Z-2 and Z-3 with a temperature gradient and transportation helicoid 42 to displace the residue mass throughout the reaction zones, the hydrocarbon products and water being collected in a system 60 of condensers 61, 62 and 63 linked to a system 70 of bubbling vessels 71, 72 and 73, reactor 40 being operated in the sealed mode and being provided with a multiphase residue inlet 43 and exit 44 of solid product. The solid product is collected in a system 50 comprising upper valve 51 and lower valve 52, and intermediate silo 53 and then directed to post-treatment system 90 for activation aiming at industrial utilization. The process using the system 100 of the invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras, Albrecht Equipamentos Industrials LTDA
    Inventors: Arilza de Castilho Pickler, Luis Fernando Piexoto Gallo, Carlos Alberto Dias da Silva, Waldir Albrecht, Christine Albrecht Althoff
  • Patent number: 7727378
    Abstract: A process to prepare a waxy raffinate product by performing the following steps: (a) subjecting a Fischer-Tropsch derived product having a weight ratio of compounds boiling above 540° C. and compounds boiling between 370 and 540° C. of greater than 2 to a hydroconversion step and (b) fractionating the effluent of step (a) to obtain products boiling in the fuels range and a waxy raffinate product boiling between 350 and 600° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jan Lodewijk Maria Dierickx, Arend Hoek, Lip Piang Kueh
  • Patent number: 7727379
    Abstract: Process to prepare simultaneously two or more base oil grades and middle distillates from a mineral crude derived feed, in particular a de-asphalted oil or a vacuum distillate feed or their mixtures, by performing the following steps: (a) hydrocracking the mineral crude derived feed, thereby obtaining an effluent; (b) distillation of the effluent as obtained in step (a) into one or more middle distillates and a full range residue boiling substantially above 340° C., (c) catalytically dewaxing the full range residue by contacting the residue with a dewaxing catalyst comprising a zeolite of the MTW type and a Group VIII metal, thereby obtaining a dewaxed oil; (d) isolating by means of distillation two or more base oil grades from the dewaxed oil obtained in step (c); and (e) isolating a dewaxed gas oil from the dewaxed-oil obtained in step (c); wherein the dewaxed oil as obtained in step (c) comprises between 10 and 40 wt % of a dewaxed heavy gas oil boiling for more than 70 wt % between 370 and 400° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Nicholas James Adams, Harmannus Julius Hegge, Laurent Georges Huve, Kevin John Anthony Polder, Wiecher Derk Evert Steenge
  • Patent number: 7727380
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for combusting dry gas to heat the air supplied to an FCC regenerator to increase its temperature and minimize production of undesirable combustion products. Preferably, the dry gas is a selected FCC product gas. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Xin X. Zhu, James P. Glavin
  • Patent number: 7727381
    Abstract: In a process of hydrocracking heavy oil with a catalyst in petroleum refining, asphaltene contained in heavy oil, and impurities including heavy metals such as nickel and vanadium, are efficiently removed with activated carbon, whereby the reduction in catalyst activity or formation of coke by the impurities can be prevented. The invention provides a hydrocracking catalyst comprising activated carbon extrudate as a carrier activated with steam and having a high distribution of pores having pore sizes in the range of 20 to 200 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetsugu Fukuyama, Satoshi Terai, Masayuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 7727382
    Abstract: A method for producing and removing coke which has bulk morphology such that at least about 30 volume percent is free-flowing under the force of gravity or hydrostatic forces from a delayed coker drum. At the completion of the fill cycle, the coker drum, filled with hot coke, is cooled by steaming and then flooding it with water, thereby producing a coke/water mixture. The coke/water mixture is released from the coke drum through one or more drum closure/discharge throttling systems near the bottom of the coker drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Steven W. Sparks, Te-Hung Chen, Christopher P. Eppig, Michael Siskin
  • Patent number: 7727383
    Abstract: A highly effective liquid-liquid extraction process to remove nitrogen compounds and especially basic nitrogen compounds from aromatic light petroleum oils with excellent recovery employs de-ionized water, which can be acidified, as the extractive solvent. The product is an aromatic hydrocarbon with ultra-low amounts of nitrogen poisons that can deactivate acidic catalysts. The extracted oils are suitable feedstock for the subsequent catalytic processes that are promoted with the high performance solid catalysts, which are extremely sensitive to nitrogen poison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: AMT International, Inc., CPC Corporation, Taiwan
    Inventors: Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen, Kuang-Yeu Wu
  • Patent number: 7727384
    Abstract: A bitumen recovery process is provided which includes the step of providing a bitumen froth or a component derived from the bitumen froth as a feed material, wherein the bitumen froth is produced in a primary separation process from a slurry comprising oil sand and water. Further, the process includes the step of subjecting the feed material to froth flotation in a column flotation cell in order to recover a bitumen product from the feed material. Preferably, the froth flotation cell includes an underwash zone, wherein a bitumen-rich fraction of the feed material is passed through the underwash zone as the bitumen-rich fraction rises within the column flotation cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bitmin Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Strand
  • Patent number: 7727385
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering bitumen as froth from a feed stream having solids, water and bitumen is provided using a separating vessel having mounted thereon a downpipe assembly, the downpipe assembly having at least one downpipe and a nozzle in fluid communication with each downpipe, for aerating a stream of middlings withdrawn from the separating vessel and reintroducing the aerated middlings back to the separating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Syncrude Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Siy, Jonathan Spence, Owen Neiman
  • Patent number: 7727386
    Abstract: A voraxial separation system having an auxiliary filter is disclosed for separating flowable composite media into components. The voraxial separation system receives a flowing stream of composite media and utilizes centrifugal force to separate the stream into component radial layers according to specific gravity whereafter one or more radial layers may be extracted from the stream. An auxiliary filtration apparatus includes a conduit having a flowable media input, a generally cylindrical filter disposed within the conduit, and filtered and unfiltered media outlets. An elongate spray tube is disposed within the tubular filter substantially adjacent to the radially inner surface of the filter. The spray tube is fluidly connected to a pressurized fluid source and defines a plurality of spray outlets disposed in a direction radially outward so as to direct pressurized fluid onto the cylindrical filter from the filter interior thereof to clean the filter of accumulated substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Alberto DiBella, Michael Anthony
  • Patent number: 7727387
    Abstract: A pool skimmer to operate independently of a pool filter pump. A pool skimmer has a bucket assembly similar to pool skimmers that use the filter pump to create a suction to draw and hold surface floating debris inside the pool skimmer where the debris can be removed from the bucket assembly and emptied. However, instead of using the pool filter pump, a sealed electrical pump assembly uses a rotatable magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. A magnetic impeller fits within the pump body and rotates in response to rotation of the magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. This creates a water flow forcing water out of the bucket assembly in contrast to using a filter pump to suck water through the bucket assembly as in conventional technology. Because each pool skimmer operates independently of others and of the filter pump, they may be located without regard to filter pump efficiencies. Moreover, the suction created is not enough to create a health hazard for users, especially small children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher M. Goggin
  • Patent number: 7727388
    Abstract: An underground system for distributing and filtering post-septic effluent includes an underground watertight basin containing a filter and conduit connecting a septic tank with the watertight basin for transporting the post-septic effluent into the watertight basin. A discharge pipe connected to the watertight basin transports filtered effluent from the watertight basin into a drainfield reserve for introduction into surrounding natural ground soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Randall J. Houck
  • Patent number: 7727389
    Abstract: A system for removing hydrocarbon and heavy metals from dirt, coal tar, sludge, slurries and aqueous particulates having three mobile units including: a hydrocarbon removal mobile unit, a heating and power support unit, and a clarifying mobile unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Green Intectuac Properties
    Inventors: Doug Mallonee, Edward Beverly Moe
  • Patent number: 7727390
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil filter device (1) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a support element (2) and a substantially cylindrical filter cartridge (3) which can be connected, especially screwed, to the support element (2). The invention is characterized in that the filter cartridge is arranged essentially in an upright position while an annular duct (4) which surrounds the filter cartridge (3) in the screwed-on state is embodied inside the support element (2). The duct (4) is fluidically separated from the interior of the filter cartridge (3) when the filter cartridge is screwed on while said separation is eliminated when the filter cartridge (3) is removed. Furthermore, the duct (4) is configured as a drainage duct and is fluidically connected to an oil reservoir when the filter cartridge (3) is removed such that the filter cartridge is easy to replace while no oil is spilled, preventing pollution of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Valentin Ruffet, Hans-Martin Ruppert
  • Patent number: 7727391
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment machine in which a blood circuit (3) is equipped with an inlet line leading to a filtration unit (2) and with an outlet line (3b) from the filtration unit; a fluid circuit comprises an inlet line (4a) leading to the filtration unit and an outlet line (4b) from the filtration unit so as to allow a fluid taken from a primary container (5) to circulate within the filtration unit, thus enabling the treatment of the patient's blood. There is further an infusion line (6) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit, which is supplied by an auxiliary fluid container (7). The inlet line of the fluid circuit is equipped with at least an infusion branch (8) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit so as to enable the intensive therapy machine to manage therapies with large exchange of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Annalisa Delnevo, Francesco Ribolzi, Claudio Tonelli, Vincenzo Baraldi, Massimo Zaccarelli, Jacques Chevallet, Jacques Duchamp, Aziz Aberkane, Gabriel Meyssonnier, Dominique Pouchoulin
  • Patent number: 7727392
    Abstract: A system for producing energy includes a solvent chamber, a pressure chamber and a semi-permeable barrier separating the solvent chamber from the pressure chamber. The solvent chamber for holds a solvent, and the pressure chamber hold a solute solution comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent. The semi-permeable barrier is permeable to solvent molecules and impermeable to solute molecules. Solvent molecules effuse across the semi-permeable barrier into the solute solution of the closed pressure chamber to increase the pressure of the pressure chamber, thereby generating energy in the form of hydrostatic pressure. A conversion device may convert the increased pressure in the pressure chamber to energy. The solute solution may be expelled and recycled after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Effusion Dynamics LLC
    Inventor: Irving W. DeVoe
  • Patent number: 7727393
    Abstract: Disclosed is a submerged hollow fiber membrane module which is easy to expand, has a small installation area, and exhibits excellent contamination prevention and durability. The submerged hollow fiber membrane module comprises: (I) a module body divided into two portions which has a permeated water collection space (5) and a permeated water outlet (3); (II) module support tubes (17) which are vertically connected to the upper and lower ends of the module body; (III) a plate type module header insertion layer which is provided with hollow fiber membrane spaces (10), and is inserted into the module body; (IV) a plate type diffusion layer which is provided with a diffusion port (4) and diffusion tubes (11) and is inserted into the module body subsequent to the module header insertion layer; and (V) module headers which are inserted into the module header insertion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kolon Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Kwang Jin Lee, Moo Seok Lee, Yong Cheol Shin, Seong Hak Choi, Young Tai Woo
  • Patent number: 7727394
    Abstract: A filter system and method of filtering a feed liquid utilizing a combined plurality of filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter cartridge and a spiral passageway for imparting secondary flow currents, particularly Dean-Flow currents, to fluid flowing within the spiral passageways to prevent particulate build-up on filter surfaces so as to extend filter life and duration between replacement. The filter system can be operated within positive or negative pressure filtration processes. A dual-stage filtration process utilizing a cap filter and a cylindrical depth filter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Dual Vortex Microfiltration, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton V. Kopp, Guanghua Yu, Chang-Wie Jen
  • Patent number: 7727395
    Abstract: A method for processing brewery waste that includes receiving spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater. The spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater is processed with a plug flow anaerobic digester to produce a first output. A portion of the first output is processed with an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket digester to produce a second output. A portion of the second output is processed with a fixed-film anaerobic digester to produce a third output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: PurposeEnergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric E. Fitch, David M. O'Keefe, David C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 7727396
    Abstract: An upflow anaerobic reactor includes an effluent outlet configured to direct effluent out of the reactor and a fluid-filled gas trap configured to prevent loss of biogas from the vessel. An auger assembly is operably coupled to the effluent outlet to prevent clogging of the effluent outlet by solid matter that tends to collect in the effluent outlet. The auger assembly includes at least one helical screw conveyor that rotates so as to remove solid material that collects in the effluent outlet. auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor. The auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Conly L. Hansen, Carl S. Hansen, Edward D. Watts, Kevin D. Pack, Jacob Shaun Dustin, John C. Milligan
  • Patent number: 7727397
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus having a fixed film media apparatus having insertable high surface area polymer cartridges providing growth surfaces for autotrophic or heterotrophic bacteria and a protective shielding surface which isolates the biofilm from turbulence within the wastewater treatment system. A method of placement of said media apparatus within the aeration and/or clarifier section of the wastewater treatment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cromaglass Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Gerardi, Henry Holcomb, Gene Wagner
  • Patent number: 7727398
    Abstract: Colored wastewater from industries, agriculture and the like is discolored by adjusting pH of the wastewater and filtering the wastewater through a mixture of acid-treated sawdust produced from sawdust which has been disposed of after being used for fungi production and charcoal thereby to remove a color component fraction from the wastewater and through a filter material, for example acid-treated rice husk charcoal, in which autochthonous microorganisms are embedded thereby to absorb color components remaining in the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Seisuke Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7727399
    Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian P. Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
  • Patent number: 7727400
    Abstract: A low water recovery rate desalination system and method. This system and method enables the purification of water in a more environmentally sustainable manner than conventional systems. The environmental benefit of this invention is derived from its ability to desalinate water and produce a brine byproduct that is less concentrated than that of conventional desalination systems. The system is composed of three elements. They are a water makeup element, a concentration element and a desalination system. The water makeup element and the concentration element can integrated with a conventional desalination technology to form a complete desalination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Flynn
  • Patent number: 7727401
    Abstract: A process for purifying monoterpenes, including the steps of: providing a monoterpene comprising alpha terpinene of about 90% or greater purity and comprising an oxygen-containing impurity compound selected from the group consisting of 1,8-cineole, 1,4,-cineole, and mixtures thereof; providing an activated silica gel preparative chromatographic column; contacting the monoterpene with the column, wherein the oxygen-containing impurity compounds are retained on the column; recovering monterpenes depleted of oxygen-containing impurity compounds from the column by applying a pressure above atmospheric from a gas source without the use of a solvent; and removing the oxygen-containing impurity compounds by contacting the column with an alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Heather Regina Bowen
  • Patent number: 7727402
    Abstract: A chromatography cartridge with a packed bed is manufactured from an inner and outer chamber, the inner chamber being in an insert that is slidable into the outer chamber with openings in each such that a slurry that is originally placed in the interior of the outer chamber flows into the inner chamber as the parts are being pressed into each other. During the assembly, the particles in the slurry are compressed to fill the smaller volume of the inner chamber and excess liquid is discharged through ports in both chambers. The construction allows for a highly precise and reproducible column filling process with a minimum of steps and operator intervention and thereby low cost and reduced error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 7727403
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an automated simultaneous separation system for radionuclides in multiple samples and a method for automatically separating uranium (U) using the same, which can automatically and simultaneously separate multiple samples. The automated simultaneous separation system includes: a solution distributor (30) for distributing a separation solution in seven directions; independent columns (80) of the same number as that of the samples, the columns (80) containing resin for chemical separation; a 8-channel tubing pump (60) for separately injecting the samples into the columns (80); first and second 3-way solenoid valves (50, 90) mounted at the front end and the rear end of the columns (80), and a digital pump speed controller (70) for freely controlling injection speed of the samples and solutions according to separation steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Insitute of Nuclear Safety
    Inventors: Cheol-Su Kim, Byung-uck Chang
  • Patent number: 7727404
    Abstract: A method for removal of dissolved materials and/or particles from a liquid stream comprising flocculation by vigorously mixing polysaccharides or hydrocolloids into the liquid stream and subsequent gelation of the polysaccharides or hydrocolloids with cations capable of gelling same. Large, strong gelled agglomerates of pollutant and polysaccharide or hydrocolloid are formed with the help of suitable cations. The gelled agglomerates are well suited to separation from a liquid stream by flotation, in a sieve, in a centrifuge, in a cyclone or via other conventional separation processes. Also described is a method for mixing of un-dissolved polysaccharide or hydrocolloid with a polluted aqueous stream by shearing the polysaccharide or hydrocolloid into the aqueous stream to improve logistics and provide economic savings in treatment of large volumes of water. Also described is the use of dilute solutions of polysaccharides for treatment of a variety of effluent streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sorbwater Technology AS
    Inventors: Atle Mundheim Ylikangas, Christian Klein Larsen
  • Patent number: 7727405
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and equipments for demineralizing condensate, aiming at achieving high-purity effluent quality with a low concentration of sulfate ions derived from organic impurities leaching from cation resins in the condensate treatment by condensate demineralizers in nuclear power plants. The present invention relates to a condensate demineralizer for demineralizing condensate in a nuclear power plant, comprising a mixed bed of a strongly acidic gel-type cation exchange resin and a uniform particle size strongly basic porous anion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Izumi, Masahiro Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7727406
    Abstract: There is provided a water sterilizer. The water sterilizer includes an ultraviolet light source electrically connected to an electrical power source, a light-protective housing encasing the lamp and having an inlet and an outlet, and a pump to draw the water into the housing to expose the water to ultraviolet light. Electric power supplied to the ultraviolet light source has an operating potential of not greater than 24 Volts. There is also provided a method for water sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Ka Duk Lam
  • Patent number: 7727407
    Abstract: There are provided a method of processing an amorphous material which is capable of forming surface projections of uniform height in desired positions on the amorphous material, and a magnetic disk substrate using the amorphous material. A predetermined pressure is applied to selected parts of a surface of an amorphous material using fine particles having a hardness higher than that of the amorphous material to form high-density compressed layers, and a surface layer of the amorphous material is removed using a treatment agent that has a different removal capacity in the compressed layers and a remaining uncompressed layer, thus making the compressed layers project out. For example, the treatment agent may be an etching solution having a different etching rate in the compressed layers and the uncompressed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Kurachi, Kazuishi Mitani, Yasuhiro Saito, Hiroyuki Inomata
  • Patent number: 7727409
    Abstract: A method of production of a magnetoresistance effect device is able to prevent or minimize a drop in the MR ratio and maintain the high performance of the magnetoresistance effect device even if forming an oxide layer as a surface-most layer constituting a protective layer by the oxidation process inevitably included in the process of production of microprocessing by dry etching performed in a vacuum. Two mask layers used for microprocessing are doubly piled up. This method of production of a magnetoresistivity effect device including a magnetic multilayer film including at least two magnetic layers includes a step of providing under a first mask material that is a nonorganic material a second mask material able to react with other atoms to form a conductive substance, and a device made according to the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Anelva Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Maehara, Tomoaki Osada, Mihoko Doi, Koji Tsunekawa, Naoki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7727410
    Abstract: A process for forming a three-dimensional photonic crystal comprises the steps of providing a base material having a first face and a second face adjoining to each other at a first angle, forming a first mask on the first face, dry-etching the first face in a direction at a second angle to the first face to remove a portion of the base material not protected by the first mask, forming a second mask on the second face, and dry-etching the second face in a direction at a third angle to the second face to remove a portion of the base material not protected by the second mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinan Wang, Kenji Tamamori, Haruhito Ono, Masahiko Okunuki
  • Patent number: 7727411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a substrate for an ink jet head including forming an ink supply opening to a silicon substrate, including (a) forming, at the back surface of the silicon substrate, an etching mask layer, which has an opening that is asymmetric with a center line, extending in the longitudinal direction, of an area on the surface of the silicon substrate where the ink supply opening is to be formed; (b) forming a non-through hole on the silicon substrate via the opening on the etching mask layer; and (c) forming the ink supply opening by performing a crystal anisotropic etching to the silicon substrate from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Yamamuro, Shuji Koyama, Kenji Ono, Toshiyasu Sakai
  • Patent number: 7727412
    Abstract: A dry etching method and the like that can process a layer to be processed in a fine pattern to have a peripheral portion of an angular shape, are described. This dry etching method forms a step portion 21 along a peripheral portion of a first mask layer 20 that corresponds to an outline of an etching pattern in such a manner that the step portion 21 projects toward an opposite side to a magnetic thin layer 18 (layer to be processed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi Okawa, Kazuhiro Hattori, Mitsuru Takai
  • Patent number: 7727413
    Abstract: A method of processing a workpiece in the chamber of a plasma reactor includes introducing a process gas into the chamber, simultaneously (a) capacitively coupling VHF plasma source power into a process region of the chamber that overlies the wafer, and (b) inductively coupling RF plasma source power into the process region, and controlling plasma ion density by controlling the effective frequency of the VHF source power. In a preferred embodiment, the step of coupling VHF source power is performed by coupling VHF source power from different generators having different VHF frequencies, and the step of controlling the effective frequency is performed by controlling the ratio of power coupled by the different generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Paterson, Valentin N. Todorow, Theodoros Panagopoulos, Brian K. Hatcher, Dan Katz, Edward P. Hammond, IV, John P. Holland, Alexander Matyushkin
  • Patent number: 7727414
    Abstract: A heat transfer fluid with carbon nanocapsules. The heat transfer fluid comprises a fluid and a plurality of carbon nanocapsules, uniformly dispersed in the fluid, in an amount of 0.05 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the heat transfer fluid. Particularly, the carbon nanocapsules are modified to bond with at least one kind of functional group, improving dispersiblity in the fluid. Thus, since the carbon nanocapsules are apt to disperse in fluid and have superior thermal conductivity, the heat conduction capability of the heat transfer fluid therewith is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Gan-Lin Hwang
  • Patent number: 7727415
    Abstract: A fine treatment agent according to the present invention is a fine treatment agent for the fine treatment of a multilayer film, including a tungsten film and a silicon oxide film comprising at least one from among hydrogen fluoride, nitric acid, ammonium fluoride and ammonium chloride. Thus, a fine treatment agent which makes fine treatment on a multilayer film, including a tungsten film and a silicon oxide film, possible by controlling the etching rate and a fine treatment method using the same can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Stella Chemifa Corporation
    Inventors: Hirohisa Kikuyama, Masahide Waki, Kanenori Ito, Takanobu Kujime, Keiichi Nii, Rui Hasebe, Hitoshi Tsurumaru, Hideki Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7727416
    Abstract: An optical device is disclosed. The optical device includes: a polymerizable liquid crystal monomer hybrid-aligned in the optical device; and a first polymerizable liquid crystal monomer aligned at a given angle to an alignment processed surface; and a second polymerizable liquid crystal monomer hybrid-aligned relative to the alignment processed surface; wherein viewing-angle dependence of a phase difference of the optical device is controlled by a ratio of the amount of the first polymerizable liquid crystal monomer to the amount of the second polymerizable liquid crystal monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 7727417
    Abstract: A liquid crystal medium is described, having a wide temperature range of a liquid crystal phase, a large optical anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy, and exhibiting an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase. The liquid crystal medium features including a chiral dopant and a liquid crystal compound with chloronaphthalene ring and exhibiting an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Chisso Corporation, Chisso Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Haseba
  • Patent number: 7727418
    Abstract: A thermoplastic composition is disclosed herein, comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a dye combination comprising a black dye, and a fluorescent dye, wherein a molded article having a thickness of 2.0 millimeters and consisting of the thermoplastic polymer, the black dye, and the fluorescent dye, has a percent transmission of infrared light according to ASTM D1003-00 of greater than or equal to 50%, when measured at a wavelength of 800 to 1,100 nm, and a percent transmission of visible light, according to ASTM D1003-00 of less than or equal to 15%, when measured at a wavelength of 400 to 650 nm. An article comprising the thermoplastic composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Masayuki Momose, Atsushi Todokoro
  • Patent number: 7727419
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for catalytic reforming of a hydrocarbon fuel to produce hydrogen, which may be used as a power source for a fuel cell. In some embodiments, hydrogen is produced by partial oxidation or autothermal reforming of fuel in an oxygen containing gas stream that is rich the majority of the time, with periodic conversion to a lean gas stream for short periods of time to maintain catalytic activity. In one embodiment, hydrogen peroxide is used as the oxidant in an autothermal reforming process. In some embodiments, hydrogen is produced by steam reforming at a low steam to carbon ratio, with a periodic increase in the steam to carbon ratio for short periods of time to maintain catalytic activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph A. Dalla Betta, Jacques F. Nicole
  • Patent number: 7727420
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibiting composition for use in aqueous or semi-aqueous stripping, cleaning, abrasive lapping and abrasive slurry compositions that form 5, 6, 7, or 8-membered chelating rings with a base metal together with a film forming polymeric chelation agent. Optionally there is included an oxygen scavenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: PPT Research
    Inventor: Irl E. Ward
  • Patent number: 7727421
    Abstract: There is provided an electrically conductive polymer composition, comprising a first electrically conductive polymer doped with an organic solvent wettable fluorinated acid polymer in admixture with a second electrically conductive polymer doped with an organic solvent non-wettable fluorinated acid polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company duPont Displays Inc
    Inventors: Che-Hsiung Hsu, Sunghan Kim, Ian Storms Moody