Patents Issued in May 31, 2011
  • Patent number: 7951314
    Abstract: A production apparatus for a tubular fuel cell, including a first extruder that supplies a first catalyst layer material to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrically shaped inner electrode that exhibits conductivity, thereby forming a first catalyst layer, a second extruder that supplies an electrolyte layer material to the outer peripheral surface of the first catalyst layer, thereby forming an electrolyte layer, and a third extruder that supplies a second catalyst layer material to the outer peripheral surface of the electrolyte layer, thereby forming a second catalyst layer, wherein by conducting supply of the first catalyst layer material, the electrolyte layer material and the second catalyst layer material in an intermittent manner, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner electrode is left exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichiro Hama, Masaki Terada
  • Patent number: 7951315
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fiber for artificial hair. The PVC fiber is manufactured by melt spinning a PVC resin composition with a nozzle, wherein the nozzle has a nozzle hole having a diameter D and a land length L, and a nozzle leading portion having a cone angle, and wherein a ratio of L/D is 1-3, a height of the nozzle leading portion is at least 4 mm, and the cone angle is 20°-90°. The resulting PVC fiber has an arithmetic mean roughness of 0.18-0.38 ?m and a maximum height of 0.5-3.5 ?m along a longitudinal direction, specified by JIS B 0601.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Sakurai, Akira Moroi
  • Patent number: 7951316
    Abstract: Process for forming an annular member by extruding a thermoplastic profiled strip at an elevated temperature. Prior to cooling the strip, the still-molten ends undergo in-line compression molding to form an annular member having a joint section. The cross-section of the annular member is continuous in the joint section and the remainder of the body. Preferably, the extrudate may contain a thermoplastic elastomer, more preferably a thermoplastic vulcanizate formed by a dynamic vulcanization process. During the extrusion and compression molding processes, the extrudate may be supported on a rotatable turntable, or alternately on a rotatable molding cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Smith, Duane E. Peterson, Harold H. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7951317
    Abstract: A method of producing a composite part formed of a thermoplastic matrix reinforced with long glass fibers is provided. The method includes supplying a thermoplastic resin and high density glass granules to an injection or injection-compression device containing a single screw. The high density glass granules include long chopped strands formed of glass filaments sized with a sizing composition. The chopped glass strands may have a length from 6 to 30 mm. In addition, the glass granules may have a glass density between 90 and 99.5% and may have a length to diameter ratio (L/D) ratio of less than L, which is expressed in mm. A composite part obtained using the disclosed method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: OCV Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Yohann Barnaud, Jean-Philippe Gasca, Ludovic Chichignoud
  • Patent number: 7951318
    Abstract: Tooling aids for applying pressure in laminating, and methods for their use, are described herein. In one embodiment, a caul for applying pressure in laminating includes a base portion positioned between first and second corner portions. The base portion can have a curved shape when it is in a relaxed state, but it moves to a flatter shape when subjected to pressure during lamination. Movement of the base portion to the flatter shape causes the first and second corner portions to move outwardly and away from the base portion. In this manner, the caul can be used to compact laminating materials into corner regions of a corresponding female mold surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven F. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7951319
    Abstract: Methods for changing the shape of a surface of an article are disclosed. The methods may include providing a liquid polymer precursor, casting the precursor against a first tool assembly, curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate, deforming one or more surfaces of the substrate, and mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface of the substrate from a deformed shape to a pre-set shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, William J Bryan, Robert K. Galkiewicz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, James R. Starkey, Wendi J. Winkler, Haiyan Zhang, Jeffrey M. Olofson
  • Patent number: 7951320
    Abstract: A method of using an injection mold assembly to fabricate a bulkhead fitting. The method includes using a core plate, aperture plate and a pair of slide blocks to form the mold assembly which contains the mold cavity. The aperture plate, which has an opening through the plate, is positioned within the assembly such that the fitting, which is molded within the mold cavity, does not contain a parting line across the sealing surface and o-ring groove of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Kitisis Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Swanson, Mark Brosius
  • Patent number: 7951321
    Abstract: Apparatus and method whereby coinjection molding shooting pot actuation structure is configured to be installed in a coinjection hot runner with a coinjection nozzle, the coinjection nozzle having at least two melt channels ending at the same gate. The shooting pot is preferably disposed in one of a mold cavity half and a mold core half. A shooting pot piston is configured to discharge a melt from the shooting pot. A transmission structure is configured to (i) extend through one of the mold cavity half and the mold core half, and (ii) to transmit a force to the shooting pot piston. Actuation structure is disposed on the opposite side of the mold cavity half from the coinjection hot runner, and is configured to provide the force to the transmission structure. This configuration conserves space in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Roberto D. Sicilia
  • Patent number: 7951322
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding and assembling a composite part assembly in, for example, a plastic injection-molding machine. Complementary mold portions associated with a mold plate and rotatable turret form plural parts. Assembly apparatus associated with the turret assembles the plural parts into an assembly. A further turret may be provided to add a complementary part to the assembly to make a final assembly. The method includes manufacture of composite part assemblies and final assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Electroform Company
    Inventor: Wade L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7951323
    Abstract: The invention relate to a process for forming a cured, partially cured or uncured thermosetting material, comprising: an irradiation step wherein the thermosetting material is exposed to electromagnetic radiation which to a significant extent is within the neat-infrared range in such a way that the temperature of the irradiated thermosetting material is brought to between 40° C. and 400° C., and a forming step wherein the irradiated thermosetting material is brought into a desired shape, whereby the forming step is executed during and/or subsequent to the irradiation step. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the said process and to a thermosetting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Rudolfus Antonius Theodorus Maria Van Benthem, Jan Jacob Hendrik Nusselder, Hubertus Marie Christine Stijnen
  • Patent number: 7951324
    Abstract: The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes preparing a material composition containing at least a silicon carbide powder, a binder and an additive; molding the material composition to form a pillar-shaped honeycomb molded body in which a number of cells are placed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween; carrying out a degreasing treatment on the honeycomb molded body; and carrying out a firing treatment on the honeycomb degreased body to manufacture a honeycomb fired body. The additive contains at least one kind selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia, magnesia, and a chemical composite containing any of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia and magnesia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Naruse, Daniel Merle, Koji Shimato, Kazutomo Matsui
  • Patent number: 7951325
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved burner panels and related methods for the introduction of various energy sources, such as, for example, chemical energy and particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Christopher K. Higgins, Serban Cantacuzene, Yury Eyfa
  • Patent number: 7951326
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing a phase of a Pr5Co19 type crystal structure having a composition defined by a general formula A(4?w)B(1+w)C19 (A denotes one or more element(s) selected from rare earth elements including Y (yttrium); B denotes an Mg element; C denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al; and w denotes a numeral in a range from ?0.1 to 0.8) and having a composition as a whole defined by a general formula R1xR2yR3z (15.8?x?17.8, 3.4?y?5.0, 78.8?z?79.6, and x+y+z=100; R1 denotes one or more element(s) selected from rare earth elements including Y (yttrium); R2 denotes an Mg element, R3 denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al; the numeral of Mn+Al in the z is 0.5 or higher; and the numeral of Al in the z is 4.1 or lower).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: GS Yuasa International Ltd., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Manabu Kanemoto, Tadashi Kakeya, Minoru Kuzuhara, Masaharu Watada, Tetsuo Sakai, Tetsuya Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7951327
    Abstract: A photocatalytic air purifier is disclosed. The photocatalytic purifier includes filter structures coated with a catalytic material such as titanium dioxide. One or more UV lamps are interposed between the filter structures. The catalytic layer reacts with airborne VOCs and bioaerosols when activated by the UV lamps to thereby oxidize the VOCs and destroy the bioaerosols. The photocatalytic air purifier does not need to be replaced or regenerated after a period of continuous usage. The photocatalytic purifier of the present invention substantially eliminates odors, VOCs, and bioaerosols from air directed through the fan coil. The photocatalytic air purifier includes a control system that optimizes operating costs. Because of these features, service, maintenance, and filter replacement are reduced to a minimum. At the same time, the well being of persons living in the space conditioned by the photocatalytic air purifier is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley Reisfeld, Robert Hong Leung Chiang, Olivier Josserand, Kevin B. Dunshee, Thierry Jomard, Thomas E. Drago, Stephen O. Hay, Timothy N. Obee, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Robert J. Hall, Allen Murray
  • Patent number: 7951328
    Abstract: A device for automatically analyzing blood samples includes an extraction station (I), where blood can be extracted from a storage vessel (40) by an extraction device (15); a measuring station (II), where the extracted blood can be passed via a head part (46) through an aperture (26) of an aperture holder (30) arranged in a measuring part (9), the measuring part (9) being connected to the head part (46); a receiving station (III), for receiving measuring parts (9) configured as disposable parts; and a device (3) for moving the extraction device (15) and the head part (46) between the extraction station (I), the measuring station (II) and the receiving station (III).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: VDG-Von der Goltz GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kratzer, Volker Freiherr Von Der Goltz
  • Patent number: 7951329
    Abstract: A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Malyarov, Thomas Palmieri
  • Patent number: 7951330
    Abstract: The clinical specimen processing apparatus is provided with a discharge pipette and supply pipette for staining in conjunction a blood smear sample preparation operation, a top sensor for detecting whether or not the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are performed normally, and a controller for re-executing the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette based on the top sensor detecting that the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are not performed normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Mizuho Nishikiori, Masayasu Sento, Mitsuo Yamasaki, Hideyuki Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7951331
    Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of an analysis system and to a method for analyzing a sample on an analytical test element, with the analysis system comprising a test element receptacle for receiving and positioning a test element in an analysis position. In an exemplary embodiment, the test element receptacle contains a guide part and a lock part, the guide part having means for guiding a test element into and out of the analysis position, the lock part comprising a frame and a bolt element, which frame and bolt element are connected to one another by a hinge. The bolt element can be pivoted about the hinge between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame. The bolt element comprises a latching lug for engaging in a recess in test element when the bolt element is in the first position and when the test element is positioned in the analysis position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Roesicke, Stefan Kalveram, Frederic Wehowski, Michael Goetz
  • Patent number: 7951332
    Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force based microfluidic device which can automatically perform a dilution operation and a microfluidic system including the same. The centrifugal force based microfluidic device for dilution includes a rotatable disk type platform, a mixing chamber disposed on the platform; a buffer solution storage disposed on a portion of the platform which is closer to a center of the platform than the mixing chamber, connected to the mixing chamber through a channel to supply a predetermined amount of buffer solution to the mixing chamber at least one time, and a plurality of diluted solution chambers which are disposed on a portion of the platform which is farther from the center of the platform than the mixing chamber, are each connected to the mixing chamber through flow paths extended from a middle exit corresponding to a predetermined water level, and sequentially receiving a solution which is serially diluted in the mixing chamber at least one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park, Young-sun Lee
  • Patent number: 7951333
    Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for the detection of a target biomolecule and a microfluidic system including the same are provided. The device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution including chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structures transmitting fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and beads disposed in the microfluidic structures, the beads having capture probes on the surfaces thereof which are selectively bonded with target protein; and a detection probe disposed in the microfluidic structures and selectively bonded to the target protein, and which includes a material required to express an optical signal, wherein the microfluidic structure mixes the beads, biological samples, and the detection probe to react and washes and separates the beads after the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Beom Seok Lee, Yoon Kyoung Cho, Jeong Gun Lee, Jong-myeon Park
  • Patent number: 7951334
    Abstract: The use of direct-write nanolithography to generate anchored, nanoscale patterns of nucleic acid on different substrates is described, including electrically conductive and insulating substrates. Modification of nucleic acid, including oligonucleotides, with reactive groups such as thiol groups provides for patterning with use of appropriate scanning probe microscopic tips under appropriate conditions. The reactive groups provide for chemisorption or covalent bonding to the substrate surface. The resulting nucleic acid features, which exhibit good stability, can be hybridized with complementary nucleic acids and probed accordingly with use of, for example, nanoparticles functionalized with nucleic acids. Patterning can be controlled by selection of tip treatment, relative humidity, and nucleic acid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Chad A. Mirkin, Linette Demers, David S. Ginger
  • Patent number: 7951335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a reaction vessel liquid introducing device, a liquid introducing and reaction measuring device, and a liquid introducing device, and is directed to being able to perform temperature control of a liquid stored within the reaction vessel with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction vessel comprises: a storage chamber in which a liquid is storable, that has an opening part; a reaction chamber that is formed thinner or narrower than the storage chamber; and at least one flow passage that communicates between the storage chamber or the exterior and the reaction chamber. The reaction vessel is formed such that it is connectable to a liquid introducing section provided externally, and the liquid can be introduced into the reaction chamber by connecting to the liquid introducing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 7951336
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a reaction vessel liquid introducing device, a liquid introducing and reaction measuring device, and a liquid introducing device, and is directed to being able to perform temperature control of a liquid stored within the reaction vessel with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction vessel comprises: a storage chamber in which a liquid is storable, that has an opening part; a reaction chamber that is formed thinner or narrower than the storage chamber; and at least one flow passage that communicates between the storage chamber or the exterior and the reaction chamber. The reaction vessel is formed such that it is connectable to a liquid introducing section provided externally, and the liquid can be introduced into the reaction chamber by connecting to the liquid introducing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 7951337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized microtiter plate which has a body made of plastic and a base made of glass, 1000 to 4000 vessels (wells) (3), and a cover (4) which prevents evaporation. The diameter of the vessels (wells) (d) is approximately 1.0 to 1.8 mm. The base of the microtiter plate (2) has a layer thickness ranging from 0.07 to 0.2 mm and the distance of the outermost vessels (wells) from the edge of the glass base ranges from 4 to 11 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Sanopi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Henning Vollert
  • Patent number: 7951338
    Abstract: A catalytic converter having an excellent purification efficiency and small pressure loss and a method for producing the same is provided. A catalytic converter comprises a catalyst coating layer which is coated on the surface of the partition walls of the honeycomb structural body having partition walls which divide and form a plurality of cells functioning as fluid passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Miyairi, Naomi Noda
  • Patent number: 7951339
    Abstract: A closed cycle Brayton direct contact reactor/storage tank uses an afterburner to assist in removing metal vapors from the working fluid. The direct contact reactor/storage tank operates by bubbling an inert gas through liquid metal fuel. The inert gas picks up metal vapors from the fuel. The afterburner comprises a predetermined amount of oxygen, O2, being fed to a filter cavity within the reactor/storage tank and having the metal vapors react directly with the O2 forming a solid oxide that remains and does not circulate as part of the working fluid throughout the external parts of the Brayton cycle outside of the reactor/storage tank causing damage to system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul M. Dunn
  • Patent number: 7951340
    Abstract: Atmospheric and/or vacuum resid fractions of a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil are added to a blend of crude oil to prevent fouling of crude oil refinery equipment and to perform on-line cleaning of fouled refinery equipment. The HSDP resid fractions dissolve asphaltene precipitates and maintain suspension of inorganic particulates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Glen B. Brons, Chris A. Wright, George A. Lutz, Mark A. Greaney
  • Patent number: 7951341
    Abstract: A moving bed of catalyst loses activity as it moves through the reactor. Creating multiple passes for the process fluid moving across a catalyst bed, increases the utilization of the catalyst and creates a pseudo-counter current flow of catalyst and process fluid. The flow improves the temperature profile of the bed and allows higher temperature fluid contacting the less active catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G. Stewart, Mark G. Riley, Peter M. Bernard
  • Patent number: 7951342
    Abstract: A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Benning, Michael J. Coyle, Ronald A. Gatchell, Richard L. Jones, Philip Marc Stewart
  • Patent number: 7951343
    Abstract: A toothbrush holder includes an outer body with a bottom section coupled thereto. A seal is intercalated therebetween and extends along the circumference of the outer body. An inner body is seated within the outer body and includes a plurality of chambers equidistantly aligned with a center thereof. The inner body has a diameter less than a diameter of the outer body and has a vertically oriented central shaft formed with the chambers. A top plate is attached to the chambers and is provided with a plurality of apertures counter-sunk therein and vertically aligned above the chambers. A dome-shaped lid is connected to an outer perimeter of the outer body, and disposed adjacent to the top plate. The apparatus includes a mechanism for automatically locking the lid to the outer body after the lid is adapted to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Annie Davis
  • Patent number: 7951344
    Abstract: An apparatus main body is loaded with a cartridge that contains a sensor and is capable of processing liquid contained in it without moving it from the inside to the outside of the cartridge. The cartridge is loaded into the apparatus main body in such a way that the direction of feeding liquid in the span of the flow channel where the sensor is arranged is vertical and the cartridge can be accessed from the apparatus main body from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Kazuo Kusakabe
  • Patent number: 7951345
    Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Lary Research & Development, LLC
    Inventors: Todd P. Lary, Banning Gray Lary
  • Patent number: 7951346
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing emissions of particulate matter from a gaseous stream are provided. The subject systems include a catalyst that reduces the amount of particulate matter emissions in the gaseous stream. Embodiments of the subject systems may also reduce the amount of particulate matter precursor emissions in the gaseous stream. In some cases, the subject systems and methods include a sorber that facilitates the reduction in particulate matter and particulate matter precursors in the gaseous stream. The subject methods and systems find use in a variety of applications where it is desired to reduce particulate matter emissions from a gaseous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Emerachem, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Girdlestone, Steven De Cicco, William S. Epling, Jerald A. Cole, Gregory J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7951347
    Abstract: A sour gas sweetening solution comprises an aqueous solution of a silicon-containing compound and an amine-containing compound. The silicon-containing compound is preferably maintained at a concentration less than or equal to 500 parts per million (“ppm”) more preferably less than or equal to 400 ppm, and most preferably between about 100 ppm and 300 ppm as SiO2. The silicon-containing compound can be MxSiyOz, wherein “M” is a metal and “x”, “y” and “z” are numbers greater than zero. The amine-containing compound can be selected from the group consisting of primary amines, secondary amines and tertiary amines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Novum Energy Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Marvin Johnson
  • Patent number: 7951348
    Abstract: A facile, low temperature and low pressure method for the preparation of a wide range of phase pure ABO2 compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Dean Y. Shahriari, Antoine Barnabé, Thomas O. Mason, Kenneth R. Poeppelmeier
  • Patent number: 7951349
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and generating hydrogen. The method comprises generating hydrogen and heat from the reaction of a metal or metal compound with water. The heat generated from this reaction may then be converted to other forms of energy such as by passing the heat through a thermal electric device to recover electrical energy for storage in a battery. In an alternative and preferred embodiment, the heat is used to drive additional reactions for generating more hydrogen and is preferably used to drive an endothermic dehydrogenation reaction resulting in increased hydrogen generation and consumption of the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andrew Kindler, Sri R. Narayanan, Yuhong Huang
  • Patent number: 7951350
    Abstract: A process and system for producing an effluent gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is presented. The process includes introducing a fuel gas including a hydrocarbon and a reformer gas into a reactor system. The reformer gas may include steam, CO2, or a mixture thereof. Under steam reforming temperatures and pressures, the gases are reacted in the presence of reactant solids. The reaction process produces a carbon monoxide and hydrogen containing effluent, which may be withdrawn from the reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: West Biofuels, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Taylor
  • Patent number: 7951351
    Abstract: Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes from a metal catalyst having deposited thereon fullerenes are provided. Fullerenes are deposited onto a metal catalyst precursor or metal catalyst. In the presence of a carbon containing gas, the metal catalyst precursor/fullerene composition is then exposed to conditions suitable for reducing the metal catalyst precursor, for subliming the fullerene and for growing single walled carbon nanotubes. The fullerenes form the end caps for the resulting single walled carbon nanotubes, which are uniform in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Ma, Howard Tennent
  • Patent number: 7951352
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing alpha-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from calcium dihydrate. Said method has the following features: a) calcium dihydrate is fed to an agitated autoclave (1); b) the agitated autoclave (1) is indirectly heated; c) water is added and incorporated in a controlled manner; d) the feedstock is prevented from adhering to surfaces of the reaction chamber by means of moved chains (3) that are mounted on the paddles and/or the drive shaft (16) of the agitated autoclave (1); e) the pressure in the reaction chamber is regulated at intervals or in a continuous manner by discharging vapor when a certain pressure has been reached in the interior, the vapor being conducted via a centrifugal separator (17) and a control valve (18); f) cold air is delivered for residual drying purposes; g) the process material is removed. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Grenzebach-BSH GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Jäger, Alfred Brosig
  • Patent number: 7951353
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of contacting a liquid with different gases sequentially in separate mass transfer zones within a single vessel, the mass transfer zones operatively in fluid communication with each other, including intimately contacting the liquid with a process gas in co-current flow in a downstream mass transfer zone to effect mass transfer between the liquid and the process gas, and introducing the liquid into an upstream mass transfer zone with a second gas, different from the process gas, thereby effecting mass transfer between the liquid and the second gas. The rate of flow of the liquid from the upstream mass transfer zone to downstream mass transfer zone is controlled by the controlled addition of a third gas into one or more downcomers separating each mass transfer zone such that the specific density of the liquid in the downcomers provides a driving force that controls flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventor: David Alan Hobson
  • Patent number: 7951354
    Abstract: Ozonated manganese dioxide is prepared by an ozonation process and utilized as a cathode active material. An ozone containing gas stream contacts manganese dioxide and produces ozonated manganese dioxide with high efficiency. After preparation, ozonated manganese dioxide is stored for a limited time at a low temperature and incorporated into a cathode active material for alkaline batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Stuart M. Davis, Gary A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7951355
    Abstract: A process for producing a purified synthesis gas stream from a contaminated feed synthesis gas stream is disclosed. A part of the feed synthesis gas stream is subjected to a water gas shift step. The water gas shift step is used in combination with bulk contaminant removal followed by polishing to thereby remove the contaminants from the synthesis gas stream so as to provide the purified synthesis gas stream having a desired low level of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jan Lodewijk Maria Dierickx, Maarten Hesselink, Cornelis Jacobus Smit
  • Patent number: 7951356
    Abstract: The invention embodies the surprising discovery that Tissue Factor (TF) compositions and variants thereof specifically localize to the blood vessels within a vascularized tumor following systemic administration. The invention therefore provides methods and compositions comprising coagulant-deficient Tissue Factor for use in effecting specific coagulation and for use in tumor treatment. The TF compositions and methods of present invention may be used alone, as TF conjugates with improved half-life, or in combination with other agents, such as conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted immunotoxins, targeted coaguligands, and/or in combination with Factor VIIa (FVIIa) or FVIIa activators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Philip E. Thorpe, Steven W. King, Boning Gao
  • Patent number: 7951357
    Abstract: A protein is provided, including a glucose binding site, cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). The protein is configured such that binding of glucose to the glucose binding site causes a reduction in a distance between the CFP and the YFP. Substance monitoring apparatus (210) is also provided, including a semi-permeable barrier (212), adapted to be implanted in a body of a subject and to allow passage therethrough of a substance, while inhibiting passage therethrough of immune cells; and microorganisms (214), disposed within the semi-permeable barrier (212) so as to produce a measurable response to a level of the substance. A sensor (220) is adapted to measure the measurable response and not to measure a response of any mammalian cells that may be disposed within the semi-permeable barrier (212).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Glusense Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Ben-Tsion Williger, Tehila Hyman, Tova Neufeld
  • Patent number: 7951358
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, antiperspirant concentrate compositions are disclosed comprising particulates of antiperspirant active agent and a silicone component, wherein: (a) the particulates of antiperspirant active agent are the only particulates in the antiperspirant concentrate composition; (b) the silicone component comprises one or more silicones, the or each silicone in the silicone component is inert in relation to the antiperspirant active agent. According to a second aspect, an antiperspirant aerosol composition is provided comprising the antiperspirant concentrate composition according to the first aspect and a propellant. According to a third aspect of the invention, packaged antiperspirant aerosol compositions according to the first aspect are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Scott Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 7951359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of IL-6 in compositions and methods for therapy or prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN). More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a low dose of IL-6 for the treatment and/or prevention CIPN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Merck Serono SA
    Inventors: Michel Dreano, Pierre-Alain Vitte
  • Patent number: 7951360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to IL-2 mutants with increased affinity for the IL-2 alpha-receptor subunit (IL-2R?). The invention thus includes IL-2 mutants with improved biological potency. The invention also includes methods for directed evolution of IL-2? using yeast surface display to generate mutants with increased affinity for IL-2R?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: K. Dane Wittrup, Balaji M. Rao, Douglas A. Lauffenburger
  • Patent number: 7951361
    Abstract: A bacterial cell which expresses three or more coli surface (CS) antigens and methods of making such a cell. The cell is useful in making vaccines against diarrhea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Acambis Research Limited
    Inventors: Arthur Keith Turner, Judith Greenwood, Jonathan Clive Stephens, Juliet Claire Beavis, Michael James Darsley
  • Patent number: 7951362
    Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides for placenta or adipose tissue. In certain embodiments, the targeting peptides comprise part or all of SEQ ID NO:5-11, SEQ ID NO:13-22 or SEQ ID NO:144. The peptides may be attached to various therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Adipose-targeting peptides may be used in methods for weight control, inducing weight loss and treating lipodystrophy syndrome. Adipose-targeting may also be accomplished using other binding moieties selectively targeted to adipose receptors, such as a prohibitin receptor protein complex. Placenta-targeting peptides may be used to interfere with pregnancy, induce labor and/or for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to placenta and/or fetus. In other embodiments, receptors identified by binding to placenta-targeting peptides may be used to screen compounds for potential teratogenicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents, the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Renata Pasqualini, Wadih Arap, Mikhail G. Kolonin
  • Patent number: 7951363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ecological protected material, comprising a base material (4) provided with a water-insoluble substance, a growth substrate and a microorganism layer. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a material according to the invention, comprising providing a base material with a water-insoluble substance, a growth substrate and a microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Michael Fritz Sailer