Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
  • Patent number: 8663338
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitate intermittent and/or partial obstruction of a pyloric valve. Devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve and a tissue engagement portion for contacting tissue adjacent the pyloric valve to obstruct the valve. Some embodiments also include a positioning member extending from the tissue engagement portion for helping position the device for obstructing the valve. A retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining a position of the device in the stomach. Some embodiments are deliverable into the stomach through the esophagus, either by swallowing or through a delivery tube or catheter. Some embodiments are fully reversible. Some embodiments self-expand within the stomach, while others are inflated or otherwise expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAROnova, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Rogers Burnett, Gregory W. Hall, Roxanne Richman, David A. Gallup, Annette Campbell-White
  • Patent number: 8663339
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device for a prosthetic device, having a drive (1) for adjusting at least one first component of the prosthetic device relative to a second component, wherein the drive (1) is designed as a permanent magnet electric motor and comprises a stator (4) having exciter coils (3) and a rotor (2) having at least one permanent magnet is an armature magnet (5). At least one holding magnet (6) in the form of a permanent magnet is arranged on the stator (4) to form a cogging torque for the rotor (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare Products GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Inschlag, Marcus Eder
  • Patent number: 8663340
    Abstract: A hair colorant composition comprises a 2,6-dihydroxyethylaminotoluene coupler in combination with a 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene developer. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Matthew Charles Sutton, Bryan Patrick Murphy, Margaret Ann Popp, Stephen Robert Schofield
  • Patent number: 8663341
    Abstract: A hair colorant composition comprises 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene developer in combination with other p-phenylenediamine developers and selected couplers. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Matthew Charles Sutton, Bryan Patrick Murphy, Margaret Ann Popp, Stephen Robert Schofield, Uwe Thomas Hirsch, John Peter Lankhof
  • Patent number: 8663342
    Abstract: The invention provides a process comprising: a crystallization step of concentrating and crystallizing the ammonium salt of sulfuric acid from an aqueous solution that contains the ammonium salt of sulfuric acid; a solid-liquid separation step of solid-liquid separating the ammonium salt of sulfuric acid obtained in the crystallization step, and a crystallization mother liquid recycling step of recycling a crystallization mother liquid obtained in the solid-liquid separation step to at least one step selected from the crystallization step and one or more steps that precede the crystallization step, in which not all of the crystallization mother liquid is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Mori, Gou Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8663343
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an emulsifier package is disclosed. The method comprises blending a flow of fuel soluble product, a flow of stabilizer, and a flow of water in a mixing vessel to form a mixture. Mixing the mixture in the mixing vessel and recirculating the mixture through the mixing vessel. Lastly, shearing the mixture with a shearing device at a rate of about 27,500 shears per second to about 87,500 shears per second. A method for manufacturing an aqueous fuel emulsion is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Talisman Capital Talon Fund, Ltd.
    Inventors: Vaughn M. Moncrieff, Jack L. Waldron, Patrick Grimes, Rudolf W. Gunnerman
  • Patent number: 8663344
    Abstract: This invention provides stabilized biodiesels comprising (1) biodiesel, such as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), (2) mono- or bis-hindered phenolic derived from 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, and (3) N,N-di-substituted para-phenylene diamine. Also methods of stabilizing biodiesel are provided involving adding (2) and (3) to (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Emily R. Schneller, William E. Moehle, Gangkai Zhao
  • Patent number: 8663345
    Abstract: A system and method for the conversion of free fatty acids to glycerides and the subsequent conversion of glycerides to glycerin and biodiesel includes the transesterification of a glyceride stream with an alcohol. The fatty acid alkyl esters are separated from the glycerin to produce a first liquid phase containing a fatty acid alkyl ester rich (concentrated) stream and a second liquid phase containing a glycerin rich (concentrated) stream. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then subjected to distillation, preferably reactive distillation, wherein the stream undergoes both physical separation and chemical reaction. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then purified to produce a purified biodiesel product and a glyceride rich residue stream. Neutralization of the alkaline stream, formed during the alkali-catalyzed transesterfication process, may proceed by the addition of a mineral or an organic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Seneca Landlord, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John P. Jackam, Joel M. Pierce, Jeffrey D. Jones
  • Patent number: 8663346
    Abstract: A diesel fuel formulation is provided containing (i) a fatty acid alkyl ester (FAAE), in particular a fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), (ii) diethyl carbonate (DEC) and (iii) an additional diesel fuel component. Also provided is a diesel fuel supplement containing a FAAE and DEC. The inclusion of DEC, in a FAAE or in a diesel fuel formulation containing a FAAE, increase the stability of one or more glycerides present in the FAAE, and/or reduce the concentration of a stability-enhancing additive in the FAAE or fuel formulation, and/or reduce the amount of glyceride precipitates in the FAAE or fuel formulation. The glycerides are in particular saturated monoglycerides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Mark Lawrence Brewer, Caroline Nicola Orlebar, Richard John Price, Garo Garbis Vaporciyan
  • Patent number: 8663347
    Abstract: A fire log is provided which is comprised of a mixture of ground mature sweet corn kernels and water. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground corn cobs and water. A third embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground sweet corn cobs and chopped or ground sweet corn stalks mixed with water. A fourth embodiment of the fire log is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, water and conventional combustible petroleum materials such as used in conventional fire logs. The mixture is pressed, formed or extruded to form cylindrical fire logs or block fire logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 8663348
    Abstract: A method of assembling an injection device for use in a reactor injector feed assembly includes extending the injection device at least partially into a cavity. The injection device includes a plurality of substantially concentric conduits coupled to a modular tip that includes a plurality of cooling channels and a plurality of substantially annular nozzles defined therein. The method also includes coupling at least one coolant distribution device in flow communication with the plurality of cooling channels to facilitate removing heat from an outer surface of the injection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi, Robert M. Saxelby, David R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8663349
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond tables and PDCs in a manner that facilitates removal of metal-solvent catalyst used in the manufacture of polycrystalline diamond tables of such PDCs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammad N. Sani, Jair J. Gonzalez, Andrew E. Dadson, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 8663350
    Abstract: A particle separator for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The particle separator includes flow dividers operable to divide flow in a gas turbine engine particle separator and flow scavengers operable to scavenge flow in a gas turbine engine particle separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Harold Snyder
  • Patent number: 8663351
    Abstract: A suction unit of a vehicle's air conditioning system has an air flow canal (16), which features a suction opening (18) for fresh air as well as a fan housing (28), which possesses an air inlet (29) and an air outlet (31). The air outlet ending (33) of a water separation chamber (42) is directly limited by an air filter (34), which is positioned upstream from the fan housing (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Klimasysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Koch
  • Patent number: 8663352
    Abstract: A system for purifying as includes at least one housing (2) having a first chamber (6) into which the gas to be purified can flow, and a second chamber (10) forming a filter chamber, out of which the purified gas exits and with a filter device through which the gas can flow. The filter device has filter media (54) for separating out solid particles and for dehumidifying the gas for precipitating coalesced fluid. The first chamber (6) has a cyclone (60) for pre-dehumidifying the gas, from which dirt particles and fluids can be discharged into a third chamber (14) of the housing (2). The housing (2) is composed of an upper housing part (8) with the second chamber (10) forming the filter chamber, a middle housing part (4) with a first chamber (6) having the cyclone (60), and a lower housing part (12) forming the third chamber (14), that can be clamped together by at least one tensioning bolt (32), forming a closed pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hydac Process Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Sczesny, Manfred Deutschmeyer, Bernhard Schlichter
  • Patent number: 8663353
    Abstract: A filter including multiple tanks connected in series by connecting ducts. In the filter a flow of gaseous flows encounters multiple obstacles in it, an effect of which is efficiently to block constituents with heaviest molecular weight, without substantially hindering diffusion of lighter constituents. This may be obtained by internal baffles, or by a bank of finer ducts, for example at an inlet of the filter. Such a filter may find application to separation of hydrogen and radon produced by nuclear waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pierre De Coninck, Christophe Brenneis, Guillaume Ranc
  • Patent number: 8663354
    Abstract: An air filter (111) comprising a duct (118, 120) forming a passageway extending between an inlet (116) and an outlet (113) of the air filter, the duct comprising bristles (310) extending from a wall of the duct across at least a portion of the passageway so as to remove entrained particles from air passing through the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: 4Energy Ltd
    Inventors: Patrick Arthur Tindale, Stuart Peter Redshaw
  • Patent number: 8663355
    Abstract: Air cleaner assemblies and components therefor are described. An example first or main filter cartridge is described which includes a media pack comprising strips of fluted material secured to facing sheets, oriented in a stack. The media pack defines opposite inlet and outlet flow faces, with flutes extending in a direction therebetween. The media pack is non-removably secured within a filter cartridge housing, at a location between opposite sections of a shell, typically secured thereto with an adhesive. The shell also defines a closed end, spaced from, but in overlap with, the outlet end face of the media pack. The closed end is typically curved and the shell typically provides either a d/b-shape or a u-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny Nelson, John Kuhn, Donald Larson, David Nelson
  • Patent number: 8663356
    Abstract: A honeycomb structure wherein the thickness of each partition wall is 50.8 ?m inclusive to 161.5 ?m exclusive, the cell density is 15.5 to 62.0 cells/cm2, the cell opening ratio of the honeycomb structure body is 76 to 91%, the porosity of the partition walls is 35 to 45%, the average pore diameter of the partition walls is 2 ?m inclusive to 10 ?m exclusive, the material for the partition walls includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of cordierite, aluminum titanate, silicon carbide, alumina and mullite, and the value obtained by dividing the average pore diameter of the partition walls by the thickness of the partition walls is larger than 0.04 but smaller than 0.065.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chika Goto, Masataka Yamashita, Yukio Miyairi
  • Patent number: 8663357
    Abstract: A holding sealing material includes a plurality of mats and at least one belt-shaped body. The plurality of mats include inorganic fibers and are layered. The plurality of mats are bundled by the at least one belt-shaped body. The at least one belt-shaped body has no fixing force which fixes the plurality of mats to the at least one belt-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Mitani, Takahiko Okabe
  • Patent number: 8663358
    Abstract: Filter media are provided having improved conductivity to enhance filtration efficiency and/or dissipate static charge, and methods for making the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the filter media can include a filtration substrate, and at least one conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of the filtration substrate. In use, the conductive coating is coupled to an energy source and it is effective to emit ions when energy is delivered thereto to increase the efficiency of the filtration substrate and/or to dissipate or eliminate static charge generated during filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hollingsworth & Vose Company
    Inventors: Wai M. Choi, Karin N. Soper
  • Patent number: 8663359
    Abstract: Methods of forming larger sintered compacts of PCD and other sintered ultrahard materials are disclosed. Improved solvent metal compositions and layering of the un-sintered construct allow for sintering of thicker and larger high quality sintered compacts. Jewelry may also be made from sintered ultrahard materials including diamond, carbides, and boron nitrides. Increased biocompatibility is achieved through use of a sintering metal containing tin. Methods of sintering perform shapes are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dimicron, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Harding, Mark E. Richards, Richard H. Dixon, Victoriano Carvajal, Bao-Khang Ngoc Nguyen, German A. Loesener, A. Ben Curnow, Troy J. Medford, Trenton T. Walker, Jeffery K. Taylor, Bill J. Pope
  • Patent number: 8663360
    Abstract: A floating entrainment metallurgical process includes injecting a reaction gas and powdery materials into a reaction furnace, aiming to obtain a controllable highly rotating and floating state and reach the ignition point under the high-temperature radiation of the reaction furnace to combust intensely. Meanwhile, a rotating fluid injected in the reaction furnace will drive the furnace gas, and forms a relatively low-temperature circular backflow protection area around the rotating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yanggu Xiangguang Copper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Songlin Zhou, Weidong Liu
  • Patent number: 8663361
    Abstract: Approaches for alkali metal extraction, sequestration and recovery are described. For example, a method of recovering alkali metals includes providing a CST or CST-like (e.g., small pore zeolite) material. The alkali metal species is scavenged from the liquid mixture by the CST or CST-like material. The alkali metal species is extracted from the CST or CST-like material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Krumhansl, Mark J. Rigali
  • Patent number: 8663362
    Abstract: An HVAC system having an air cleaner, a fan configured to selectively generate an air flow, wherein at least a portion of the air flow is passed through the air cleaner, and a controller configured to control the air cleaner in response to at least one of a setting for controlling the fan and an operation characteristic of the fan is disclosed. A method of controlling an air cleaner by determining an air flow related criterion value, wherein the air flow is associated with an air flow through an air cleaner, comparing the determined air flow related criterion value to a threshold criterion value, and controlling the air cleaner as a function of a result of comparing the determined air flow related criterion value to the threshold criterion value is disclosed. A method of controlling an ozone concentration outputted by an air cleaner is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: John Mark Hagan
  • Patent number: 8663363
    Abstract: A CO2 recovering apparatus includes: a CO2 absorber that brings flue gas containing CO2 into contact with CO2 absorbent to reduce the CO2 contained in the flue gas; a regenerator that reduces CO2 contained in rich solvent that has absorbed CO2 in the CO2 absorber to regenerate the rich solvent, so that the CO2 absorbent that is lean solvent having CO2 reduced in the regenerator is reused in the CO2 absorber; and a controller that controls to detect the absorbent concentration in the CO2 absorbent, to increase the volume of CO2 absorbent to be circulated based on a decrease in the absorbent concentration, and to adjust the volume of steam to be supplied in the regenerator based on the volume of the CO2 absorbent to be circulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Hiroshi Tanaka, Yoshiki Sorimachi, Masahiko Tatsumi, Yasuyuki Yagi, Kouki Ogura
  • Patent number: 8663364
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining carbon dioxide from a CO2-containing gas mixture. The methods combine the benefits of gas membrane separation with cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Étude et l'Éxploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: David J. Hasse, Sudhir S. Kulkarni, Edgar S. Sanders, Jr., Jean-Pierre Tranier, Paul Terrien
  • Patent number: 8663365
    Abstract: A method for recovering carbon dioxide from acidified seawater using a membrane contactor and passing seawater with a pH less than or equal to 6 over the outside of a hollow fiber membrane tube while applying vacuum or a hydrogen sweep gas to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane tube, wherein up to 92% of the re-equilibrated [CO2]T is removed from the natural seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Heather D. Willauer, John Barile, Felice DiMascio, Dennis R Hardy, Frederick Williams
  • Patent number: 8663366
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device that removes humidity/moisture from a container or enclosed area. The device includes a plastic housing having a cavity chamber. A silica desiccant is in the cavity chamber. A color indicator indicates if the silica desiccant is active. A polyester screen/filter is heat welded to the raised circles on the bottom inside of the cavity chamber of the plastic housing. The polyester screen/filter ensures that the silica desiccant stays inside the housing even when the device is reactivated in a microwave or oven. A cover with a number of holes may be placed over the screen/filter and the screen/filter may be welded to the cover. The cover and housing may be made out of food safe polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Brent Collins
  • Patent number: 8663367
    Abstract: A system for isolating a greenhouse gas from an exhaust gas includes a vessel having an inlet to receive an exhaust gas, and an outlet to discharge a process stream, an adsorbent contained in the vessel to selectively adsorb the greenhouse gas from the exhaust gas under suitable conditions, and a heat source to heat the adsorbent and desorb the adsorbed greenhouse gas therefrom to produce a process stream of greenhouse gas for release through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Bhupender S. Minhas, Ian A. Cody
  • Patent number: 8663368
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Bret Hettinger Wolz, John Mayer Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8663369
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system for separating gas components of a combustion gas. A compressible feed stream derived from a combustion gas that contains at least one target compressible component and at least one non-target compressible component is mixed in a substantially co-current flow with an incompressible fluid stream comprising an incompressible fluid in which the target component(s) is/are capable of being preferentially absorbed. Rotational velocity is imparted to the mixed streams, separating an incompressible fluid in which at least a portion of the target component is absorbed from a compressible product stream containing the non-target compressible component(s). The compressible feed stream may be provided at a stream velocity having a Mach number of at least 0.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Frederik Arnold Buhrman, Jingyu Cui, Mahendra Ladharam Joshi, Stanley Nemec Milam, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 8663370
    Abstract: An engine crankcase breather for oil segregation, from blow-by gases, in an engine. The engine crankcase breather includes a housing with an inlet located in a downstream direction of the blow-by gases and an outlet. The breather also includes a baffle within the housing which poses a tortuous path for the blow-by gases, in order to segregate oil particles from the blow-by gases. The baffle includes a hook-shaped portion, in which the oil segregation takes place. The engine crankcase breather further includes a trough extending within the housing. The trough is aligned with the hook-shaped portion of the baffle, to collect the segregated oil from the blow-by gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Seth E. Slaughter, Arthur S. Lindell, Kathleen Nackers, Ronald P. Maloney
  • Patent number: 8663371
    Abstract: A frac truck is provided for the portable metering and dispensing of sand into a fractionation fluid system. Hopper vessels for powder, sand or other aggregate have a discharge vent for releasing air that is displaced during the filling of the hoppers. Venting is required to prevent over pressurization; conventionally, this vented gas entrains a significant amount of solids that would subsequently be released into the atmosphere. A dust collector is mounted for receiving the vented air displaced when powdered material is loaded into the hoppers. The dust collector is connected through a vent tube communicating between the hoppers and the dust collector. Air vented from the hoppers is drawn though the dust collector and past and through a filter media, where clean air is discharged and solids collected. A low profile rotary airlock is used to discharge solids from the bottom of the dust collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeremiah Wann
  • Patent number: 8663372
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ilyess H. Romdhane, Mikhail S. Mezhirov
  • Patent number: 8663373
    Abstract: A free radical injection ionizer for flue gas treatment with corona discharge includes an injection device for releasing free radical source substances and an electrode device for producing corona, wherein the injection device and the electrode device are arranged separately, wherein the electrode device includes a conductive pole, and discharge tips arranged on the upper and lower sides of the conductive pole at equal intervals, and the injection device includes nozzles symmetrically arranged on two sides of the electrode device, and two lines of holes axially arranged on the walls of the nozzles nearby the electrode device, the axial lines of the holes directing the discharge tips nearest the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Xiang Gao, Zhongyang Luo, Kefa Cen, Mingjiang Ni, Zuliang Wu, Yi Zhong, Yongxin Zhang, Dian Xu, Weihong Wu, Zhenglun Shi, Jinsong Zhou, Mengxiang Fang, Chunjiang Yu, Shurong Wang, Leming Cheng, Qinhui Wang
  • Patent number: 8663374
    Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating aerosol particles can include: a sample air inlet; an enriched aerosol outlet; an aerosol lean outlet; a flow path connecting the air inlet and aerosol rich and aerosol lean outlets; and a plurality of alternately energized and grounded electrode pairs along the flow path. The aerosol rich outlet can be in fluid communication with an aerosol particle capture device. The apparatus can include a sheath air inlet providing a flow of aerosol free air over surfaces of the alternately energized and grounded electrode pairs. The apparatus can include an elongate focusing chamber having a cylindrical shape containing the alternately energized and grounded electrode pairs that are configured as circular rings. The apparatus can include one or more structures configured to impart tangential, spiral or helical flow to a stream entering through the sample air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: CFD Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kapil Pant, Shivshankar Sundaram, Yi Wang
  • Patent number: 8663375
    Abstract: An oil suppressing structure in an air drying device for removing oil which rises in an interior of the air drying device used in a vehicle compressed air brake system includes an outer case 21, a drying case 22 in an interior of the outer case 21, a base plate 23 fixed to a lower end portion 21a of the outer case 21, and an outer cover 24 fixed to a lower end portion 21a of the base plate 23. The drying case 22 has a large-diameter long cylindrical body portion 22A and a small-diameter long cylindrical body portion 22B. A particulate desiccating agent 25 is filled in an interior of the large-diameter cylindrical body portion 22A. An oil adsorbing material 27 is inserted in a space S3 between an inner wall of the outer case 21 and the small-diameter long cylindrical body portion 22B of the drying case 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nabtesco Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Minato, Hiroyuki Murakami, Hiroki Hasebe, Takeo Shimomura, Takuya Sugio
  • Patent number: 8663376
    Abstract: A surface treatment solution for autodeposition coating treatment of a metallic material, which is an aqueous solution comprising at least one tannin, at least one crosslinking agent having a crosslinking group capable of thermosetting reaction with a phenolic hydroxyl group and/or a phenolic nucleus, ferric ions, soluble type elemental fluorine, and an oxidizing agent, wherein the solids mass concentration ratio of the tannin to the crosslinking agent is in the range of from 1:1 to 1:10, the molar concentration of the soluble type elemental fluorine is at least 3-fold the molar concentration of the ferric ions, and the pH of the solution is from 2 to 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Henkle AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Takaomi Nakayama, Hideki Takakuwa, Takahiro Fujino
  • Patent number: 8663377
    Abstract: A method that includes applying a color enhancing composition to a substrate and drying the color enhancing composition, where the color enhancing composition includes a carrier fluid; chromatically selective scattering particles having a particle size distribution as measured by (weight average diameter)/(number average diameter) of less than or equal to 1.1; and an absorber of visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy D. Klots, David D. Schatz
  • Patent number: 8663378
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an asphalt mix comprising: heating aggregate; introducing RAP to the aggregate; dry mixing the RAP and aggregate; forming a coating of AC on all aggregate during the step of dry mixing by extending the length in time of the dry mixing step; separately blending AC, biodegradable solvents, and anti-stripping agent to produce a blend; and wet mixing the blend into the RAP and aggregate mix. The biodegradable solvents are capable of making the asphalt mix workable at ambient temperatures and comprise pine extract and biodiesel. The length of the dry mixing is extended to at least about 35 seconds. The aggregate comprises coarse and fine virgin aggregate. RAP is about 40% of the final product. The asphalt mix is stockpiled and bagged. The method further comprises manipulating encrusted material on the outside of the stockpiled cold asphalt mix back into the stockpile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Green Product Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Luccarelli, Dario Amicucci, Warren Day
  • Patent number: 8663379
    Abstract: A composition used for coating machine parts used in the production of pig iron or steel may include aluminum nitride (AlN) in a proportion of from 10% by weight to 40% by weight, one or more metal-oxidic substances in a proportion of from ?2 to 10% by weight, of which at least one comes from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and LD converter dust, and an inorganic binder in a proportion of up to 70% by weight, where the % by weight are based on the total weight of the composition. A suspension based on the composition, and the use of the composition or the composition suspension for coating machine parts used in the production of pig iron or steel, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Lechner, Marinko Lekic-Ninic
  • Patent number: 8663380
    Abstract: A flame spray pyrolysis process for the preparation of ultrafine titania particles coated with a smooth, homogeneous coating of one or more metal oxides is provided. The metal oxide coating is achieved by contacting the titania particles with a metal oxide precursor downstream of the titania formation zone, after the titania particles have formed. The process provides titania particles with a high rutile content and a smooth and homogeneous coating of a metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cristal USA Inc.
    Inventors: M. Kamal Akhtar, Sotiris Emmanuel Pratsinis, Martin Christian Heine, Alexandra Teleki Harsanyi, Reto Strobel
  • Patent number: 8663381
    Abstract: A pigment is dispersed in a solvent by mixing the pigment nanoparticles with clay in a layered or platelet form and mixing the resultant mixture with the solvent. The method is based on geometric inhomogeneity and mutually exclusive aggregation. The layered or platelet clay having a high aspect ratio is provided to hinder aggregation of the pigment nanoparticles. The pigment nanoparticles can be stably dispersed in a matrix containing an organic solvent and water without aggregation again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Jiang-Jen Lin, Yi-Fen Lan, Yen-Chi Hsu
  • Patent number: 8663382
    Abstract: A mixture for making a high strength phosphate cement includes monopotassium phosphate, a Group IIA metal oxide in amounts of about 20 to about 100 parts per 100 parts of the monopotassium phosphate and monocalcium orthophosphate in amounts of from about 3 to about 30 parts per 100 parts of the monopotassium phosphate. Products made from the phosphate cement have a pH of less than about 9 and the product develops a compressive strength greater than 2000 psi in 24 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Ashish Dubey
  • Patent number: 8663383
    Abstract: The invention provides an expansive material that allows for large expansion of concrete at a material age of 2 to 7 days after pouring and permits concrete to have higher initial compressive strength and makes sure good storage stability, and a process for preparing that expansive material. The invention provides an expansive material and a process for preparing that expansive material, characterized in that clinker or pulverized clinker containing free lime, a hydraulic compound and calcium sulfate anhydrite is heat treated in a carbon dioxide gas atmosphere to form calcium carbonate in it. Preferably, the expansive material contains a particle in which the free lime, hydraulic compound, calcium sulfate anhydrite and calcium carbonate are all present; the content of calcium carbonate is 0.5 to 10% by mass; and the expansive material has a Blaine's specific surface area of 1,500 to 90,000 cm2/g. The expansive material is blended with cement into a cement composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Higuchi, Taiichiro Mori, Hideaki Ishida, Ryoetsu Yoshino, Minoru Morioka
  • Patent number: 8663384
    Abstract: The invention provides a cement admixture that improves the ability of concrete to bring about high initial strength, works in favor of enhancing the effect on hexavalent chromium reductions, and is less likely to decrease in the effect on hexavalent chromium reductions even upon storage as well as a method for reducing hexavalent chromium. The invention is embodied as (1) A cement admixture, characterized by comprising an expanding material containing free lime, a hydraulic compound and calcium sulfate anhydrite, and a tin sulfate-containing substance; (2) The cement admixture according to (1), characterized in that the tin sulfate-containing substance is contained in an amount of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Higuchi, Tsutomu Kida, Ryoetsu Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8663385
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water-resistant gypsum product including forming an aqueous mixture of gypsum, water and a wax mixture, wherein the wax mixture includes a hydrocarbon wax, and a substitute material selected from the group consisting of (a) an asphaltite, (b) a polyolefin homopolymer, (c) a polyolefin copolymer, and (d) combinations thereof; and forming the mixture into a structure, and drying the structure while permitting hydration of the gypsum to form a gypsum product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: T.I.P. Ltd.
    Inventors: Amnon Shoshani, Iris Glazer, Daphna Halevy, Shai Yosifon
  • Patent number: 8663386
    Abstract: A dry cement mix based on a hydraulic binder and a glass aggregate for forming light concretes with low thermal conductivity, characterized in that said glass aggregate comprises a fine fraction consisting of granulated aggregate with a particle size from 0.5 to 2 mm, and a coarse fraction consisting of crushed aggregate with a particle size from 4 to 20 mm, obtaining for said glass aggregate a well-defined overall particle size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Italcementi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Cangiano, Alessandro Morbi
  • Patent number: 8663387
    Abstract: A method and system for processing at least one portion of a thin film sample on a substrate, with such portion of the film sample having a first boundary and a second boundary. One or more first areas of the film sample are successively irradiated by first beamlets of an irradiation beam pulse so that the first areas are melted throughout their thickness and allowed to re-solidify and crystallize thereby having grains grown therein. Thereafter, one or more second areas of the film sample are irradiated by second beamlets so that the second areas are melted throughout their thickness. At least two of the second areas partially overlap a particular area of the re-solidified and crystallized first areas such that the grains provided in the particular area grow into each of the at least two second areas upon re-solidification thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventor: James S. Im