Patents Issued in September 6, 2011
  • Patent number: 8012405
    Abstract: A method for regulating metal melt throughflow through a melt throughflow aperture in a bottom nozzle of a metallurgical vessel is provided. The bottom nozzle has an upper nozzle arranged in a floor of the metallurgical vessel and a lower nozzle arranged below the upper nozzle. The method includes introducing inert gas through at least one inert gas inlet aperture into the melt throughflow aperture in the bottom nozzle, arranging a temperature sensor on or in the lower nozzle for determining a temperature in a wall of the bottom nozzle, and regulating an inert gas supply into the bottom nozzle using measurement signals from the sensor. A decrease in the temperature signals an increase of metal clogging and an increase in the temperature signals a decrease of metal clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Martin Kendall
  • Patent number: 8012406
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooling a hot steel plate which is processed and constrained by constraining rolls and a method of arranging and setting spray nozzles enabling uniform cooling in a direction perpendicular to processing. In the apparatus and method of the invention, the spray nozzles are arranged so that a value of n power of the impact pressure of the cooling water on the cooling surface integrated in the processing direction between pairs of constraining rolls becomes within ?20% of the highest value in the direction perpendicular to processing, where 0.05?n?0.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuji Yamamoto, Yoshihiro Serizawa, Shigeru Ogawa, Hironori Ueno, Masahiro Doki, Yasuhiro Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8012407
    Abstract: A water box for use in cooling a hot rolled product in a rolling mill comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged sequentially along a first axis. The nozzles are subdivided into base and top sections, with the top sections being adjustable between closed positions coacting with the base sections to define tubular enclosures through which the product is directed, and open positions. A clamp support extends in parallel relationship to the first axis, and carries clamp members. An operating mechanism adjusts the clamp support between an open setting at which the clamp members are separated from the nozzle top sections and the nozzle top sections are adjustable to their open positions, and a closed setting at which the top sections are in their closed positions and the clamp members are in contact with and urge the top sections into their closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Palfreman, Brian Vallimont
  • Patent number: 8012408
    Abstract: A metal powder manufacturing device for manufacturing a metal powder includes a feed for supplying a molten metal, a fluid spout unit, and a course modification unit. The fluid spout unit further includes a channel and an orifice. The channel is provided below the feed, allowing passing of the molten metal supplied from the feed. The orifice is opened at a bottom end of the channel, spouting a fluid into the channel. The above course modification unit is provided below the fluid spout unit, and forcibly changes the traveling direction of a dispersion liquid. This dispersion liquid is composed of multiple fine droplets dispersed into the fluid. The above droplets are a resultant of a breakup caused by a contact between the molten metal and the fluid ejected from the orifice. Here, the dispersion liquid is transported so that the droplets is cooled and solidified in the dispersion liquid in order to manufacture the metal powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8012409
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting particulate and/or gaseous material into a metallurgical vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a duct through which to inject the material, inner and outer water inflow and outflow passages extending through a wall of the duct and an annular duct tip disposed at the forward end of the duct. The duct tip is of annular formation and includes an annular inner end component, an annular outer end component, and an annular central component located between the inner and outer components. The duct tip also includes a plurality of radially extending dividers to divide a space between the outer end component and the central component into discrete radial passages to serve as the internal water flow passages of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Eric Tierney, George Cingle, III, Todd Smith
  • Patent number: 8012410
    Abstract: An iron-based high-silicon alloy contains (in weight percent) 2.6-3.5% carbon, 3.7-4.9% silicon, 0.45-1.0% niobium, up to 0.6% manganese, up to 0.02% sulfur, up to 0.02% phosphorus, up to 0.5% nickel, up to 1.0% chromium, up to 0.1% magnesium, and the balance iron and up to 0.2% of other elements. The alloy is heat resistant and is suitable for use in producing, among other things, turbochargers, center housings, back plates, exhaust manifolds, and integrated turbo manifolds that are used in the automotive and truck manufacturing industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Grede LLC
    Inventor: Bipin H. Shah
  • Patent number: 8012411
    Abstract: Methods and systems for knockdown and neutralization of toxic clouds of aerosolized chemical or biological warfare (CBW) agents and toxic industrial chemicals using a non-toxic, non-corrosive aqueous decontamination formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Rita G. Betty, Mark D. Tucker, John E. Brockmann, Daniel A. Lucero, Bruce L. Levin, Jonathan Leonard
  • Patent number: 8012412
    Abstract: Described is an air and surface purifying device having a purifying cell structured for maximizing the realized photocatalytic reaction at a photocatalytic surface without using an additional ultraviolet bulb. The purifying cell positions at least three photocatalytic surfaces about a single ultraviolet bulb such that the photocatalytic surfaces substantially encompass the ultraviolet bulb and are saturated by ultraviolet light radiating from the ultraviolet bulb. Because the photocatalytic surfaces are saturated, the potential photocatalytic reaction at the photocatalytic surfaces is fully realized. Stated differently, the realized photocatalytic reaction is maximized. Because the purifying cell maximizes the realized photocatalytic reaction, the purifying cell maximizes the purifying capacity of the photocatalytic surface and, thus, the purifying cell itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Vollara, LLC
    Inventors: James Normark, Neal Morris, Allen Johnston
  • Patent number: 8012413
    Abstract: A gas-impervious container having a gas-permeable porous insert, wherein the insert contacts a flowable biomedical material, for improving access of the sterilant gas to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fischer, Gary Mitchel, Michael J O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8012414
    Abstract: A sterilization method for drugs to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores is effective by subjecting the drugs to a chemical additive-containing carbon dioxide sterilant fluid at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions and controlling the pressurization and depressurization rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Novasterilis
    Inventors: David C. Burns, Rebecca J. Humphrey, Anthony R. Eisenhut, Tim W. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8012415
    Abstract: An object to be sterilized is disposed inside a vacuum chamber, and the inside of the vacuum chamber is evacuated. When the pressure inside the vacuum chamber reaches 3 Pa, a cutoff valve disposed between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump is closed. High-frequency power is supplied to an electrode. Oxygen gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber for 0.1 sec. Thereafter, the pressure is held constant for 3 sec. Until the pressure inside the vacuum chamber reaches 10 kPa, introduction of oxygen gas into the vacuum chamber is repeated. When the pressure reaches 10 kPa, the cutoff valve is opened to evacuate the inside of the vacuum chamber and the supply of the high-frequency power is stopped. Introducing the oxygen gas and determining pressure inside the vacuum chamber is repeated, and after 90 min, the pressure inside the vacuum chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Elk Corporation, Saga University
    Inventors: Yasushi Hanada, Nobuya Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8012416
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for thawing and heating biological material such as plasma, bone marrow or stem cells. The apparatus includes a housing containing a fluid-filled, sealed bladder for receiving a bag of the biological material. An agitator is provided which is operable to inflate an actuator pillow causing a support plate to compress the fluid-filled bladder, thereby promoting movement of the fluid within the bladder to agitate the biological material. A heater is provided which heats the fluid while contained in the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: CytoTherm, L.P.
    Inventor: Roman Kuzyk
  • Patent number: 8012417
    Abstract: A microinjection device includes a pressure pump and a regulator that is connected to the pressure pump and that maintains constant pressure. A regulating chamber is connected to the regulator and an internal pressure of the regulating chamber is maintained to a predetermined pressure. A valve is connected to the regulating chamber and a hollow capillary is connected to the valve. An operator opens/closes the valve in the process of injecting material in a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Taninaka, Jun Sasaki, Akihiko Yabuki
  • Patent number: 8012418
    Abstract: A specified time is determined which is a worst-case (or the longest) time period assumed as a time interval required between the instant at which an interface block receives an exposed substrate from an exposure unit and the instant at which a post-exposure bake process of the substrate starts in a heating part. A waiting time is calculated by subtracting a transport time from the specified time. The transport time is a time interval actually required between the instant at which the interference block receives the substrate from the exposure unit and the instant at which the substrate reaches the heating part. The post-exposure bake process of the substrate starts in the heating part after a lapse of the above-mentioned calculated waiting time since the arrival of the substrate at the heating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Hamada
  • Patent number: 8012419
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8012420
    Abstract: Compositions for sensor films used for detecting chemical analytes within sensors, such as polymer-absorption chemiresistors (i.e., conductometric sensors) are provided. Robust sensor film compositions that have low resistance, high conductivity, and greater temperature stability and sensitivity to chemical analytes are provided, as well as methods of making these sensor films. Such sensor film compositions include a matrix having a polymer resin and a plurality of conductive particles comprising an axial-geometry conductive particle. Exemplary axial-geometry conductive particles comprise graphene, such as a carbon nanotube. Blends of conductive particles are also contemplated, including blends of axial-geometry conductive particles, such as carbon nanotubes, and carbon black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Praveen C Ramamurthy, Blase S Amadio
  • Patent number: 8012421
    Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge, Quang Van Dao
  • Patent number: 8012422
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: George Yaluris, Lenny Lee Albin, Alfred Ferdinand Jordan
  • Patent number: 8012423
    Abstract: A recycling apparatus for spent protective atmosphere gas contaminated with fouling organic decomposition byproduct materials. The recycling apparatus includes a compressor having an inlet connected to a spent protective atmosphere gas supply line, and a solvent supply configured to supply solvent to a gas passage at or upstream of the compressor. The recycling apparatus also includes a first chamber connected to an outlet of the compressor, where the first chamber is configured to receive compressed gas from the compressor and to collect a mixture including the solvent and any contaminants entrapped or dissolved in the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Jr., Richard S. Todd, Milan J. Skarka, Edward T. McCullough, Ronak Patel, Christopher P. Heinrichs
  • Patent number: 8012424
    Abstract: A container for holding items to be microbially deactivated in a reprocessor. The container is comprised of a generally cup shaped tray having a bottom wall and a continuous side wall extending to one side from the periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side wall defining a cavity for receiving instruments and items to be microbially deactivated. A lid is attachable to the tray. The lid is dimensioned to cover the cavity. An inlet port is formed in the tray to communicate with the cavity. An outlet port is formed in the tray to communicate with the cavity. A barrier element is disposed within one of the ports. The barrier element controls flow through the one port. The barrier element is comprised of a material that is permeable to gas and water vapor but impermeable to liquid, bacteria and organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Christopher A. Jethrow, Karl Ludwig, Alan M. Solomon, Phillip Mallory, Jeffrey R. Horacek, Jude A. Kral
  • Patent number: 8012425
    Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices comprised of a deactivation chamber movable between a loading position and a deactivation position. A circulation system is provided to circulate a deactivating fluid through the deactivation chamber. The circulation system is connectable to the deactivation chamber when the deactivation chamber is in the deactivation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Horacek, Donald A. Sargent, Alan M. Solomon, John J. Mayer, Christopher A. Jethrow, Karl Ludwig, Jude A. Kral
  • Patent number: 8012426
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a knife locker and sanitizing system consisting of a unique combination of one or more knife storage lockers that can individually be locked with a pad lock by the person using that set of knives. The incorporation of a locking bar that is attached to the knife locker by the means of a locking fixture and having a separate padlock facilitates a means where by a knife maintenance employee can open all the locker doors at one time to service the knives. Adjacent to the knife lockers will be located a sanitizing chamber where the knife blades and handles along with other food processing implements can be immersed in a sanitizing liquid. An alternate embodiment of the sanitizing chamber will incorporate ultraviolet lights on either side of the unit for the sanitizing process, enabling the ultraviolet light to not only disinfect the implement blades, but also the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Mario J. Bonapace
  • Patent number: 8012427
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a valve, a frame, and a plurality of housing segments. The valve may be actuated to adjust a flow path and flow rate through the housing segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: G. Marco Bommarito, Larry H. Dodge, Brinda B. Lakshmi, Triet M. Lu, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8012428
    Abstract: An electrochemical-based analytical test strip includes an electrically-insulating substrate, a patterned conductive layer disposed over the electrically-insulating substrate, a patterned insulating layer disposed over the patterned conductive layer, an enzymatic reagent layer disposed over the patterned conductive layer, a patterned adhesive layer disposed above the enzymatic reagent layer and a top layer disposed over the enzymatic reagent layer. In addition, the test strip has a sample-receiving chamber defined by the electrically-insulating substrate, the patterned conductive layer, the patterned insulating layer, the enzymatic reagent layer, the patterned adhesive layer and the top layer. The sample receiving chamber of the test strip has a working portion and a non-working portion and the top layer has a first portion and an opaque second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: LifeScan Scotland, Ltd.
    Inventors: John William Dilleen, Lynsey Whyte, Robert Hamish MacLeod, Ramsay Raymond Donald Darling
  • Patent number: 8012429
    Abstract: There is provided a simplified analyzer including a see-through hermetic container having powdery or granular color reaction reagent, and a tap member partially inserted in the hermetic container in an extractable state. The tap member is provided at one end with a finger stopper larger in diameter than another portion, so as to be drawn out while holding the finger stopper with user's fingers to form a through hole for letting air out of the hermetic container and applying suction to the testing liquid to be analyzed. By using the tap member prepared in advance, the through hole having a suitable diameter for applying suction to the testing liquid to be analyzed can be formed at the appropriate point in the container. According to the analyzer of the invention, differences among individuals in performing an analyzing test do not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kyoritsu Chemical-Check Lab., Corp.
    Inventors: Kanji Okauchi, Takao Kawarabayashi
  • Patent number: 8012430
    Abstract: The methods for producing microchannel chips of the present invention comprise the steps of shielding substrate surfaces on which groove-like channels have been formed, using a mask that exposes the channels, and then forming polymer membranes on the exposed surfaces of the substrates; and the step of laminating cover materials onto the side of the substrate surfaces on which the channels have been formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Katayanagi Institute, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yokoyama, Satoshi Koide, Koji Sakairi, Kazuyoshi Yano, Isao Karube
  • Patent number: 8012431
    Abstract: A microfluidic manipulation system is provided that includes a blade for manipulating deformable material and at least one movable support that is capable of moving the blade into contact with a microfluidic device including a deformable feature. When the microfluidic device is operatively held by a holder, a movable support can position the distal end of the blade relative to the microfluidic device and move the contact tip surface of the blade such that it deforms the deformable feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Cox, Zbigniew T. Bryning
  • Patent number: 8012432
    Abstract: A disposable apparatus for use in blood testing and being adapted for simultaneous dilution of a blood sample into two different dilution ratios, said apparatus including a block-shaped housing having integrated therein a first and a second receptacle, one of which as a first blood sample receiver being adapted to receive a blood sample; a first and a second container, each containing a defined volume of a diluting agent; a valve including a valve body having three valve body channels extending therethrough and being positionable in three distinct positions, one of which putting the receptacles in simultaneous communication with a respective one of the containers through pairs of the channels; and displacers for displacing the diluting agent and the diluted sample through said channels between said containers and said receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Boule Medical AB
    Inventor: Ingemar Berndtsson
  • Patent number: 8012433
    Abstract: A device for dispersing a sample of dry powder onto a surface in a dispersion chamber. The device includes a dispersion chamber situated in an environment, and a pressure source that provides a pressure difference between the environment and an inside of the dispersion chamber. The surface is positioned in the dispersion chamber. The sample of dry powder is introduced into the dispersion chamber through a membrane that is interposed between the environment and the inside of the dispersion chamber and on which the sample is disposed. The membrane is rupturable so as to open into the dispersion chamber when a predetermined pressure difference across the membrane is exceeded. This permits entry of a fluid in the environment through the ruptured membrane, and movement of the dry powder sample in an evenly dispersed manner without producing an ordered movement of powder grains in the dispersion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Occhio Parc Scientifique Du Sart Tilman
    Inventors: Vincent Chapeau, Christian Godino
  • Patent number: 8012434
    Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum. The device also reduces or eliminates overflowing of a well in the event a drain becomes clogged during automated operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Clark, Chris A. Scott, Marc Emerick, William Kopaciewicz, Donald B. Rising
  • Patent number: 8012435
    Abstract: A system and method for producing natural gas is provided. a gas dynamic laser is powered by a gas, such as carbon dioxide, while the same gas is converted by a catalytic converter heated by the beam of the laser. Other gases can be formed simultaneously in other catalytic converters heated by the laser beam. The resulting converted gases can be used to produce a fuel gas. Excess heat and/or by-products of the process can be used to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Merritt
  • Patent number: 8012436
    Abstract: A quenching vessel being, in use, vertically elongated and provided with an inlet for gas at its upper end, an outlet for cooled gas at its lower end defining a pathway for a gas flow directed downwardly, the vessel being provided at its upper end with a first internal tubular wall part which wall part has an opening fluidly connected to the inlet for gas and wherein the tubular wall part is connected at its lower end with a divergent conical part having walls which are inclined outwardly in the direction of the pathway for gas, wherein an arrangement of more than one nozzle for atomisation and spraying a liquid quench medium in a downward direction into the pathway for the gas flow are present in the space enclosed by the divergent conical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Van Den Berg, Wouter Koen Harteveld, Hans Joachim Heinen, Thomas Paul Von Kossak-Glowczewski
  • Patent number: 8012437
    Abstract: The invention is a method of separating metals such as zinc, lead and cadmium from iron in secondary feed stocks such as EAF Dust, BOF Sludge, mill scale, iron fines, tire dust and other iron and zinc containing residues and dusts. The method includes the steps of reduction roasting the feed stocks at a volatizing temperature sufficient to volatilize the zinc and other metals into metal fumes but insufficient to volatize iron and then collecting the metal fumes as a metal dust. The metal dust is then leached with a leaching liquid to form a leach liquor and a leach residue. The leach liquor is then purified by zinc dust cementation to form a purified liquor and a zinc dust cement residue. The purified liquor is then separated from the zinc dust cement residue, and a zinc recovery step is then performed on the purified liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: George Puvvada
  • Patent number: 8012438
    Abstract: A method for controlling multipollutant (e.g., SO2, NOx, Hg0 and Hg2+) emissions from a gas stream of a stationary combustion source, an apparatus for controlling multipollutant emissions, and a wet scrubber additive composition for controlling multipollutant emissions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Nick D. Hutson, Ravi K. Srivastava, Renata Krzyzynska, Yongxin Zhao
  • Patent number: 8012439
    Abstract: A filter for filtering particulate matter (PM) from exhaust gas emitted from a positive ignition engine, which filter comprising a porous substrate having inlet surfaces and outlet surfaces, wherein the inlet surfaces are separated from the outlet surfaces by a porous structure containing pores of a first mean pore size, wherein the porous substrate is coated with a washcoat comprising a plurality of solid particles wherein the porous structure of the washcoated porous substrate contains pores of a second mean pore size, and wherein the second mean pore size is less than the first mean pore size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Louise Clare Arnold, Robert James Brisley, David Robert Greenwell, Christopher Gough Morgan
  • Patent number: 8012440
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a device having at least one electrically heatable honeycomb body through which an exhaust gas can flow. The electrically heatable honeycomb body has at least one current distribution structure to which a plurality of short, successive voltage pulses are initially applied during activation, before a constant heating voltage is applied to the current distribution structure to heat the honeycomb body. A suitable device for the catalytic conversion of exhaust gases in an exhaust system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jan Hodgson, Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 8012441
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating hydrogen sulphide from coke-oven gas with the subsequent recovery of elemental sulphur in a Claus plant. The hydrogen sulphide is eliminated from the coke-oven gas by gas washing using an absorption liquid. During the regeneration of the loaded absorption liquid, hydrogen sulphide is accumulated in concentrated form and is fed to the Claus plant. Said Claus plant comprises a Claus boiler, a waste-heat boiler, in addition to a reactor, which forms an additional catalyst stage. According to the invention, the Claus plant is operated with a single reactor, which operates at a working temperature of below 250° C. The process gas that exits the reactor is returned after the deposition of elemental sulphur with a non-reacted residual concentration of hydrogen sulphide to the coke-oven gas that is to be cleaned, prior to the gas washing stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Uhde GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Thielert
  • Patent number: 8012442
    Abstract: A method is provided for depositing a gate dielectric that includes at least two rare earth metal elements in the form of a nitride or an aluminum nitride. The method includes disposing a substrate in a process chamber and exposing the substrate to a gas pulse containing a first rare earth precursor and to a gas pulse containing a second rare earth precursor. The substrate may also optionally be exposed to a gas pulse containing an aluminum precursor. Sequentially after each precursor gas pulse, the substrate is exposed to a gas pulse of a nitrogen-containing gas. In alternative embodiments, the first and second rare earth precursors may be pulsed together, and either or both may be pulsed together with the aluminum precursor. The first and second rare earth precursors comprise a different rare earth metal element. The sequential exposing steps may be repeated to deposit a mixed rare earth nitride or aluminum nitride layer with a desired thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Robert D. Clark
  • Patent number: 8012443
    Abstract: When spherical calcium carbonate is produced by blowing a carbon dioxide gas or a carbon dioxide-containing gas into an aqueous suspension containing calcium hydroxide to react them, after start of the reaction, an aqueous solution or suspension of a water-soluble phosphoric acid compound or a water-soluble salt thereof is added to the reaction mixture when carbonation ratio reaches 2 to 10%, and the reaction is further allowed to continue at a low gas blowing rate of 1.0 NL/minute or lower (step (a)). Subsequently, an aqueous suspension containing calcium hydroxide and an aqueous solution or suspension of a water-soluble phosphoric acid compound or a water-soluble salt thereof are added to the reaction mixture, and a carbon dioxide gas or a carbon dioxide-containing gas is introduced to allow to react and thereby produce spherical calcium carbonate having a mean particle diameter of 10 ?m or larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Okutama Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshiro Makino, Kazuo Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8012444
    Abstract: A solution is to be created, with a method and a device for generating hydrogen, in which silicon and/or an alloy that contains silicon is reacted in a reaction vessel (1), with an alkaline solution as a catalyst, so that the process, after starting, runs continuously and catalytically in the presence of silicon dioxide as a nucleating agent, without further addition of lye and without using higher pressures and temperatures (hydrothermal conditions). This is achieved in that the alkaline solution is used in a strongly sub-stoichiometric amount with reference to the entire reaction, whereby the silicon dioxide that is formed is precipitated onto crystallization nuclei.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: SPAWNT Private S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Christian Bauch, Norbert Auner, Birgit Urschel
  • Patent number: 8012445
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a calcium carbonate product formed of small <100 ?m sized separate calcium carbonate particles. Calcium hydroxide is fed through a disintegration and spraying apparatus (14), operating on the principle of a pin mill, into a gas which contains carbon dioxide for precipitating calcium carbonate particles and which is inside a precipitation reactor (10). The temperature in the precipitation reactor is maintained at <65° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: FP-Pigments Oy
    Inventors: Mikko Maijala, Roope Maijala, Bj{hacek over (o)}rn Lax, Jarmo Tolonen, Jeuvo Tjurin
  • Patent number: 8012446
    Abstract: NO2 may be removed from a carbon dioxide feed gas comprising NOx and at least one “non-condensable” gas as contaminants by passing the feed gas at a first elevated pressure through a first adsorption system that selectively adsorbs at least NO2 to produce at least substantially NO2-free carbon dioxide gas. The adsorption system is at least partially regenerated using a carbon dioxide-rich gas recovered from the substantially NO2-free carbon dioxide gas after purification. The invention has particular application in removing NOx and water from flue gas generated by oxyfuel combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew David Wright, Kevin Boyle Fogash, Vincent White, Jeffrey William Kloosterman, Timothy Christopher Golden, Paul Higginbotham
  • Patent number: 8012447
    Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition processes. In some aspects, single-walled carbon nanotubes having narrow distribution of diameters are formed by contacting a carbon precursor gas with a catalyst on a support, wherein the catalyst has an average diameter of less than about 2 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Avetik Harutyunyan, Toshio Tokune, Elena Mora Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8012448
    Abstract: A method of synthesizing metal chalcogenide nanocrystals involving the steps of combining an organodichalcogenide, a metal salt and a ligand compound to form a mixture; degassing the mixture to remove air and water from the mixture; heating the mixture at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the organodichalcogenide for a period of time sufficient to form a metal chalcogenide nanocrystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Richard L. Brutchey, Matthew A. Franzman, David H. Webber
  • Patent number: 8012449
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a complex metal oxide powder, the method including: preparing a raw material composition for forming a complex metal oxide; mixing an oxidizing solution including an oxidizing substance into the raw material composition to produce complex metal oxide particles to obtain a liquid dispersion of the particles; and separating the particles from the liquid dispersion to obtain a complex metal oxide powder. The complex metal oxide is shown by a general formula AB1?xCxO3, an element A including at least Pb, an element B including at least one of Zr, Ti, V, W, and Hf, and an element C including at least one of Nb and Ta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kijima, Hidemichi Furihata, Setsuya Iwashita, Satoshi Kimura, Toshihiko Kaneda
  • Patent number: 8012450
    Abstract: A method for making the mesoporous material includes the following steps: dissolving a nanocrystal powder in an organic solvent, and achieving a solution A with concentration of 1-30 mg/ml; dissolving a surfactant in water, and achieving a solution B with an approximate concentration of 0.002-0.05 mol/ml; mixing the solution A and the solution B in a volume ratio of 1:(5-30), and achieving a mixture; stirring and emulsifying the mixture, until an emulsion C is achieved; removing the organic solvent from the emulsion C, and achieving a deposit; washing the deposit with deionized water, and achieving a colloid; and drying and calcining the colloid, and eventually achieving a mesoporous material. The mesoporous material has a large specific surface area, a high porosity, and a narrow diameter distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ya-Dong Li, Ding-Sheng Wang, Feng Bai, Zi-Yang Huo, Li-Ping Liu, Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 8012451
    Abstract: A highly photosensitivity titanium oxide composition includes a plurality of nanosize particles including titanium dioxide and titanium suboxide. The particles are substantially non-stoichiometric (TiO2-x, wherein 0.1<x<0.3 at a surface of the particles, and in the bulk of the particles x is less than at the surface), provide a magnetic susceptibility value (X) of at least 0.8 10?6 cm3/g at 300 K, and are least 30% by weight rutile. A related method of forming a high photosensitivity titanium oxide composition includes the steps of providing a titanium chloride compound, such as titanium tetrachloride, an oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen, wherein a concentration of the hydrogen is in a stoichiometric excess (H2:O2) from 2.02:1 to 2.61:1. The titanium chloride compound is burned in the presence of oxygen from the oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen to form plurality of ultrafine particles comprising titanium dioxide and titanium suboxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Worthington Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihor M. Kobasa, Wojciech J. Strus, Mykhaylo A. Kovbasa
  • Patent number: 8012452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparation of a material adapted to reversible storage of hydrogen, including steps consisting of providing a first powder of a magnesium-based material, hydrogenating the first powder to convert at least part of the first powder into metal hydrides, mixing the first hydrogenating powder with a second powder additive, the proportion by mass of the second powder in the mix obtained being between 1% and 20% by mass, wherein the additive is formed from an alloy with a centred cubic structure based on titatnium, vanadium and at least one other metal chosen from chromium or manganese, and grinding the mix of first and second powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Daniel Fruchart, Patricia De Rango, Jean Charbonnier, Salvatore Miraglia, Sophie Rivoirard, Nataliya Skryabina, Michel Jehan
  • Patent number: 8012453
    Abstract: This invention describes a complete sequestration of carbon (CO2 and CO) from coal burning plants. In this process, hydrogen can be generated which in turn permits the reduction in the cost of hydride synthesis. The hydrides store hydrogen for on-board application for automobiles and fuel cells. Hydrogen generation and synthesis of hydrides is accomplished by using an integrated approach in which coal is used as a fuel and carbon is sequestered in the process. The CO and or CO2 produced in coal burning power plants and the heat is used when available for producing hydrogen and hydrides. Carbon is used both as a reactant and as a fuel. Economically hydrogen production cost is comparable to or less than the current price of hydrogen produced from fossil-fuel with the added benefit of carbon sequestration and reducing global warming. Specific processes for synthesizing important hydrogen storage materials, hydrides are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Surendra Saxena
  • Patent number: 8012454
    Abstract: A particle includes a ferromagnetic material, a radiopaque material, and/or an MRI-visible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Thomas V. Casey, II, Janel L. Lanphere