Patents Issued in September 30, 2014
  • Patent number: 8845941
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GrandNano, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander B. Lemaire, Charles A. Lemaire, Leif T. Stordal, Dale J. Thomforde
  • Patent number: 8845942
    Abstract: A compact production apparatus includes a main body having at least one molding die in which a cavity is formed, a first flow passage member for supplying powder into the cavity, an upper compaction member having an upper punch surface, a lower compaction member having a lower punch surface which is allowed to compress the powder in the cavity in cooperation with the upper punch surface to thereby obtain a compact of the powder, and a second flow passage member from which the compact separated from the cavity is to be discharged. Further, at least 80% or more of a total surface area of an upper surface of the main body, an inner circumferential surface defining the cavity, an inner circumferential surface of the first flow passage member, an inner circumferential surface of the second flow passage member, the upper punch surface of the upper compaction member and the lower punch surface of the lower compaction member is made of a nonmetallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Company Limited
    Inventors: Shigehisa Ueda, Kazuo Noda
  • Patent number: 8845943
    Abstract: A method of making a structured surface and a mechanical fastener precursor are disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with spaced-apart, upstanding posts with base portions attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal tips; deforming the distal tips to form caps on at least some of the spaced-apart, upstanding posts to provide capped posts, wherein at least some caps upon forming touch at least one adjacent cap; and separating the capped posts. Typically, the at least some caps upon forming are shaped at least partially by the at least one adjacent cap. The mechanical fastener precursor includes a thermoplastic backing and upstanding male fastening elements with bases attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps larger in area than the cross-sectional area of the bases, wherein the bases of the male fastening elements are spaced apart, wherein at least some of the distal caps touch at least one adjacent distal cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas Hertlein, Leigh E. Wood
  • Patent number: 8845944
    Abstract: A method of forming includes the steps of: placing a first mold member and a second mold member in contact with one another; injecting a first material into a first recess in the first mold member to form a first portion of a midsole while the first mold member is maintained at a temperature below an ambient temperature; removing the first portion of the midsole from the first recess; positioning the first portion of the midsole in the second recess in the third mold member of the second mold assembly; placing a second material into the second recess in contact with the first portion of the midsole; placing the third mold member and the fourth mold member in contact with one another; and subjecting the second material and the first portion in the second mold assembly to heat and pressure to form a midsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig K. Sills, Hien Cong Le, Nalinrat Charoonsak
  • Patent number: 8845945
    Abstract: A method of forming a fan blade includes the step of positioning a piece of low density filler in a cavity of an inner exposed surface of a fan blade body. An upper surface of the piece of low density filler is located above the inner exposed surface of the fan blade body, and the low density filler has a density lower than a density of a material of the fan blade body. The method further includes the steps of positioning the fan blade body in a lower die of a press and applying pressure to the inner exposed surface of the fan blade body with an upper die of the press to compress the low density filler such that the upper surface of the piece of low density filler is approximately flush with the inner exposed surface of the fan blade body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Parkin
  • Patent number: 8845946
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber composite component having an integral structural design includes positioning a sheet-like fibrous semi-finished product in a mold that defines an outer contour of the fiber composite component. Dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished products, each having dimensions corresponding to a respective portion of the manufactured fiber composite component, are arranged on the sheet-like fibrous semi-finished product. The dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished products are stabilized and fixed in place using mold cores. The semi-finished products are resin infiltrated using one of a first or a second gating process so as to form a construct. The first gating process includes gating via the mold cores at a head of each dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished product and performing extraction in an area of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Lonsdorfer, Hauke Seegel, Klaus Rode, Andreas Pau
  • Patent number: 8845947
    Abstract: A method of molding a composite article includes providing a first floating mold that has a fluid backing, wherein the fluid defining the fluid backing is stored in a fluid chamber positioned beneath the first floating mold, providing a second non-floating mold that does not include a fluid backing, and sealing the first floating mold to the second non-floating mold to define a molding chamber thereinbetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: VEC Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Wirt, Jay Hood
  • Patent number: 8845948
    Abstract: Three-dimensional microstereolithographic objects fabricated by microstereolithography are exposed to UV light for one hour to accelerate hardening. The structures are then heated at 175° C. or above for at least 6 hours. The heating temperature may exceed the glass transition temperature, which is the index of thermal softening temperature of materials. The present invention relates to three-dimensional microstructures formed by microstereolithography. Deformation due to a structure's own weight, which generally poses a problem in heat treatment, is reduced with microstructures due to the size effect. As a result, the dimensions of the three-dimensional structure fabricated by the present invention remain almost unchanged before and after the heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Koji Ikuta, Yoshinori Inoue
  • Patent number: 8845949
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved stereolithography method and system for generating a three-dimensional object by forming successive, adjacent, cross-sectional laminae of that object, thereby providing an object being specially processed to reduce differential shrinkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventor: Sam Coeck
  • Patent number: 8845950
    Abstract: A method to manufacture a carbon fiber electrode comprises synthesizing polyamic acid (PAA) as a polyimide (PI) precursor from pryomellitic dian hydride (PMDA) and oxydianiline (ODA) as monomers and triethylamine (TEA) as a catalyst, adding dimethylformamide (DMF) to the polyamic acid (PAA) solution to prepare a spinning solution and subjecting the spinning solution to electrostatic spinning at a high voltage to obtain a PAA nanofiber paper, converting the PAA nanofiber paper into a polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper by heating, and converting the polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper into a carbon nanofiber (CNF) paper by heating under an Ar atmosphere. Also, the method to manufacture a polyimide carbon nanofiber electrode and/or a carbon nanotube composite electrode may utilize carbon nanofibers having diameters that are lessened by optimizing electrostatic spinning in order to improve spinnability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae Wook Park, Hyong Soo Noh, Hideo Nojima, Thi Xuyen Nguyen, Chul Ho Song, Young Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8845951
    Abstract: Rapid sintering techniques for densifying zirconium dioxide based ceramic materials employing electromagnetic induction heating or inductive coupled plasma, reducing processing time from hours to minutes. In one embodiment a water-cooled coil is connected to a radio frequency power supply. The coil surrounds a susceptor body which in turn surrounds the ceramic to be sintered. The susceptor heats up in response to a magnetic field emanating from the coil as the coil receives electric power. The heat in turn is radiated from the susceptor and heats the ceramic. In another embodiment, the coil is connected to a radio frequency power supply of sufficiently high frequency and power to establish a plasma in the gas which surrounds the ceramic. The plasma then heats the ceramic. The method is especially useful for sintering ceramic dental appliances, in minutes which can lead to in situ fabrication of such appliances while a dental patient waits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Maginnis, George Paskalov
  • Patent number: 8845952
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure including a honeycomb unit includes causing inorganic particles to contain water. The inorganic particles have a specific surface area of approximately 50 m2/g or more. Raw material paste for the honeycomb unit is prepared. The raw material paste includes a molding aid, water, and the inorganic particles containing water. The raw material paste is molded into a honeycomb molded body. The honeycomb molded body is fired to obtain the honeycomb unit. The honeycomb unit have a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face of the honeycomb unit along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit and is separated by a plurality of cell walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Fujita, Koichi Uemura
  • Patent number: 8845953
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of preparing a ceramic precursor article, the ceramic precursor made thereby, a method of making a ceramic article and an article made by that method. It also includes a method of replicating a ceramic shape. Also included is a method of making a ceramic precursor, and the finished ceramic article therefrom, involving a compression step, and a compression-capable printer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tethon Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Balistreri, Sebastien Dion
  • Patent number: 8845954
    Abstract: To provide a zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact capable of being colored to white appropriate for a dental prosthesis while maintaining its mechanical and physical properties, and also provide a method for producing the same. The method for producing the zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact includes semi-sintering a zirconia-alumina composite ceramic containing an alumina particle and a zirconia particle comprising of tetragonal zirconia containing ceria of 8 to 12 mol %, forming the composite ceramic; dipping the formed composite ceramic in a neodymium ion solution or complex solution; drying the dipped composite ceramic; and finally sintering it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Kariya, Akio Takahashi, Go Mashio
  • Patent number: 8845955
    Abstract: A heating section 20 having heating elements using carbon which generates heat when a high-frequency electric current is fed to a coil whose pitch can be adjusted as desired is arranged in a heating chamber 10. A cooling chamber 80 configured to cool metal is disposed below the heating chamber 10 in communication with the heating chamber 10 via a connection section 60. A water-cooled vertically movable shaft 90 which is capable of supporting the metal to be heat-treated and entering the heating chamber 10 is disposed so as to penetrate through the bottom portion of the cooling chamber 80. A gas introducing pipe 81 configured to introduce gas for cooling heated metal to be heat-treated supported by the water-cooled vertically movable shaft 90 and moved from the heating chamber 10 to the cooling chamber 80 is disposed in the cooling chamber 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: National Institute for Materials Science, Nissin Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Kobayashi, Hiroshi Harada, Katsunori Kikuchi, Jun Tasaki
  • Patent number: 8845956
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for production of a component, such as a contact piece, for a switchgear assembly. To introduce a slot and apply a contact outer contour directly during the powder-metallurgical production process of the contact material, contouring in the form of a slot or slots is introduced into the powder-metal material, which is located in a mold, essentially in a direction parallel to a normal to a surface of the component, to form the component with a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Gentsch, Guenter Pilsinger
  • Patent number: 8845957
    Abstract: A method for producing a magnetizable metal shaped body comprising a ferromagnetic starting material that is present in powder and in particulate form, using the following steps: (a) first compaction of the starting material (S3) such that adjoining particles become bonded to each other by means of positive adhesion and/or integral bonding in sections along the peripheral surfaces thereof and while forming hollow spaces, (b) creating an electrically isolating surface coating on the peripheral surfaces of the particles in regions outside the joining sections (S4), and (c) second compaction of the particles (S5) provided with the surface coating, such that the hollow spaces are reduced in size or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: ETO Magnetic GmbH, Kennametal Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Guempel, Stefan Glaeser, Beat Hofer
  • Patent number: 8845958
    Abstract: Provided is an Ni-base alloy excellent in strength, ductility and other properties through the resolution of micro-segregation. Also provided is a process for manufacturing an Ni-base alloy containing by mass C:0.15% or less, Si:1% or less, Mn:1% or less, Cr:10 to 24%, Mo+(1/2)W (where Mo may be contained either alone or as an essential component):5 to 17%, Al:0.5 to 1.8%, Ti:1 to 2.5%, Mg:0.02% or less, and either B:0.02% or less and/or Zr:0.2% or less at an Al/(Al+0.56Ti) ratio of 0.45 to 0.70 with the balance consisting of Ni and impurities, which comprises subjecting, at least one time, an Ni-base alloy material which is prepared by vacuum melting and has the above composition to homogenization heat treatment at 1160 to 1220° C. for 1 to 100 hours. The Mo segregation ratio of the alloy is controlled to 1 to 1.17 by the homogenization heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuya Aoki, Toshihiro Uehara, Takehiro Ohno
  • Patent number: 8845959
    Abstract: Alloys and dental copings or abutments formed of alloys include 50-60 wt % gold, 5-14 wt % platinum, 0.1-3.0 wt % iridium and the remainder palladium. Other alloys and dental copings or abutments formed of alloys include 58 wt % gold, 10 wt % platinum, 1.0 wt % iridium, and 31 wt % palladium. The alloys are capable of withstanding temperature profiles during casting and multiple high temperature exposures of porcelain firing without excessive softening. The alloys also exhibit advantageous shear strain properties giving the alloys improved manufacturability characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deringer-Ney, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hale, Edward F. Smith, III, Arthur S. Klein
  • Patent number: 8845960
    Abstract: A crystalline AlH3 is ball-milled in a hydrogen atmosphere while applying a force of 10 G to 30 G (in which G is gravitational acceleration). The milling time is more than 10 minutes and less than 60 minutes. The hydrogen storage material thus produced has a structure containing a plurality of matrix phases and a grain boundary phase disposed between the matrix phases. The matrix phases comprise Al and have a side length of 1 to 200 nm, and the grain boundary phase comprises an amorphous phase and contains hydrogen in the state of a solid solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuya Hosoe, Terumi Furuta, Hiroshi Sakai, Izuru Kanoya
  • Patent number: 8845961
    Abstract: There is disclosed various devices and articles comprising phosphors for converting electromagnetic energy to radiation having a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength (A) to an electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength (B) comprising UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength. There is also a method of sterilizing such devices and articles by exposing it to UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when the composition is in an implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Phase Shield LLC
    Inventor: Eirc F. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 8845962
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the sterilization of natural products without negatively effecting the properties of the system having a sterilization chamber; a sample area within the sterilization chamber to hold one or more steam permeable containers; a heater source connected to the sterilization chamber for heating the sterilization chamber to a predetermined temperature; a heater control unit connected to the heater source for controlling the predetermined temperature; a pressure source connected to the sterilization chamber for pressurizing the sterilization chamber to a predetermined pressure; a pressure control unit connected to the pressure source for controlling the predetermined pressure; a steam aperture for supplying steam to the sterilization chamber; a steam control unit connected to the temperature and duration of the steam; and an interface connected to the heater control unit, pressure control unit, and steam control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ActiTech, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Bishop, John LaBonte, Joseph F. McCoy, Steven F. Schnittger
  • Patent number: 8845963
    Abstract: Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Meso Scale Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Eli N. Glezer, Kent Johnson, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker, Alan Kishbaugh, Charles M. Clinton
  • Patent number: 8845964
    Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section; a transportation section; an identification data obtainer; and a system controller; is disclosed. The system controller is configured to acquire a result of determination regarding whether a sample needs a re-measurement for a sample based on a result of a measurement of the sample. When the system controller recognizes a presence of the washing fluid tube transported by the transportation section before a determination result regarding a necessity of re-measurement is obtained for an already aspirated sample, the system controller prohibits the supply of the washing fluid in the washing fluid tube to the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Daigo Fukuma, Keisuke Kuwano
  • Patent number: 8845965
    Abstract: The present application relates to a sensor (1) for use in detecting an analyte comprising: a transducer (10) composed of a pyroelectric or piezoelectric polymer substrate e.g. PVDF (3) and a transparent electrode layer (4) on a surface of the substrate; a layer of parylene (12) on the transparent electrode layer; and a reagent (17) immobilised on the transducer, the reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a derivative of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vivacta Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross, Timothy Stuart Dwyer
  • Patent number: 8845966
    Abstract: The measurement device comprises a sensor holder to which is removable to a biosensor. The sensor holder has measurement-use connection terminals that are in contact with the electrode system in the biosensor and are used to take off signals required for measuring the specific component, and thermocouple-use connection terminals that are in contact with the thermocouple in the biosensor and are used to take off the thermoelectromotive force signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Fujii, Yoshifumi Takahara, Noriyoshi Terashima
  • Patent number: 8845967
    Abstract: The present relates to a container and to a device for indirect material cooling and to a method for producing the container according to the invention. Through the present invention a much more efficient indirect heat transfer is facilitated from the exterior of the container into the interior of the container. The improvement of the heat conductivity and of the heat transfer of centrifuge containers yields a reduction of the necessary power of the refrigeration system for cooled centrifuges. Through the higher performance of the centrifuge a higher speed can be run for identical centrifuge temperatures and/or at the same centrifuge temperature and speed, the input power of the refrigeration unit can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Bert-Olaf Grimm, Peter Zehnel, Kai Marschner
  • Patent number: 8845968
    Abstract: The present application provides apparatus (300, 400) and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator (108, 109, 110). Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Highland Biosciences Limited
    Inventor: Richard Day
  • Patent number: 8845969
    Abstract: A multilayer material is described herein that includes at least one signaling layer configured to propagate at least one electromagnetic signal; and a flexible layer configured to enclose the at least one signaling layer, wherein the flexible layer is substantially impermeable to an environment and to the at least one electromagnetic signal. The multilayer material including the at least one signaling layer is configured to transmit a change in the at least one electromagnetic signal upon exposure of the signaling layer to the environment. A system, an article of clothing, or a method is described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Michael H. Baym, Roy P. Diaz, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Erez Lieberman, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8845970
    Abstract: A product disposal apparatus includes a bin for receiving discarded products, a cover assembly including a lid positioned at least partially over the bin, a power module receiving pocket situated in the cover assembly for receiving one of a power module and a power shell module, and a fragrance receiving pocket situated in the cover assembly for receiving one of a fragrance module and a fragrance shell module. The lid is rotatably secured to the cover assembly and has a partial cylindrical shape having a front portion and a back portion, and wherein a back portion of the lid is positioned to at least partially cover the bin opening as the lid is rotated into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Xela Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderick, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 8845971
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying and neutralizing toxic gases such as odors, fumes or various volatile organic compounds generated by research laboratories, chemical processing factories or hospitals where medicinal products are handled, comprises a main body having an intake, an exhaust and a control panel; a pre-filter, a first filter, first and second neutralizing pellet beds, and a second filter which are mounted in the apparatus main body and are placed from the intake to the exhaust in that order; and a blower and a driving device placed between the first and second neutralizing pellet beds. The apparatus effectively purifies and neutralizes toxic gases and collects fine particles or dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GT Scien Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeon Kyun Kang
  • Patent number: 8845972
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for recovering dichlorohydrins from a hydrochlorination reactor effluent stream comprising dichlorohydrins, one or more compounds selected from esters of dichlorohydrins, monochlorohydrins and/or esters thereof, and multihydroxylated-aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds and/or esters thereof, and optionally one or more substances comprising water, chlorinating agents, catalysts and/or esters of catalysts. The reactor effluent stream is distilled to produce a dichlorohydrin-rich vapor phase effluent stream. The dichlorohydrin-rich vapor phase effluent stream is cooled and condensed in two unit operations conducted at two different temperatures and a portion of the liquid phase effluent stream produced by the first unit operation is recycled to the distillation step for reflux. Product streams produced by the process and apparatus are suitable for further processing in a further unit operation, such as dehydrochlorination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Anil Mehta
  • Patent number: 8845973
    Abstract: A particle filter includes channels that are formed by porous walls and run between a first end face and a second end face of the particle filter. The first end face has a hydrolysis coating outside the channels. A device includes at least one exhaust gas line through which an exhaust gas can flow in a flow direction, a nozzle for introducing a reducing agent containing or forming ammonia, and the aforementioned particle filter. The first end face of the particle filter is oriented towards the nozzle. A motor vehicle having the particle filter or the device, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventor: Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 8845974
    Abstract: Catalyzed soot filters comprising a wall flow monolith having porous walls, a first washcoat permeating the porous walls and a second washcoat on the porous walls are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing catalyzed soot filters and diesel engine exhaust emission treatment systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Yuejin Li, Stanley A. Roth, Alfred H. Punke, Gary A. Gramiccioni
  • Patent number: 8845975
    Abstract: A plant and process for producing alkylene oxides to control the production of silver chloride on a high efficiency silver catalyst is disclosed and described. The process involves reacting an alkylene and an organic chloride gas phase promoter with oxygen over the high efficiency silver catalyst. The sulfur concentration in the alkylene oxide reactor feed is controlled to reduce the production of silver chloride which acts as a catalyst poison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: William H. Henstock, Juliana G. Serafin, Albert C. Liu, Hwaili Soo, Yujun Liu, Manuk Colakyan, Sagar Petkar
  • Patent number: 8845976
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, which can be part of a pre-treatment system in a plant for the production of fuels, e.g. bio-ethanol, derived from plant biomass, e.g. first generation crops, such as grain, sugarcane and corn or second generation crops such as lignocellulosic biomass. The invention relates to an apparatus for processing, such as fluffing and mixing, at least two media, such as a solid, e.g. biomass, and a fluid, e.g. steam, so as to rendering the first medium susceptible to efficient receiving of energy and/or mass which is provided by localized release of the second medium. Although the description of the present invention focuses on biomass, it is envisaged that the invention is generally applicable to control the mixing of at least two media by crossing their stream of while dispersing at least one of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Biogasol ApS
    Inventors: Finn Beldring, Dragan Lukic, Troels Hilstrom
  • Patent number: 8845977
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting objects and in particular containers, having a first conveyor which transports the objects along a specified transport path (P), including a sterile room, within which the objects are transported, and including a second conveyor which follows on from the first conveyor. According to the invention, the first conveyor is positioned completely inside of the sterile room and the second conveyor is positioned completely outside of the sterile room, wherein both the first conveyor and the second conveyor are preferably positioned in a specified transitional area (B) along the transport path (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Manfred Schmid, Juergen Soellner
  • Patent number: 8845978
    Abstract: A detection kit comprises a plurality of swabs, each of the plurality of swabs having the form of a stick, being bundled together in a single test kit for detection of a plurality of chemical compounds. A user opens a detection kit, swabs a surface or surfaces with the bundled sticks, collecting chemical constituents to be tested on detection surfaces of each of the plurality of sticks. Liquids, mists, vapors and powders may be tested in one method, utilizing one or more dry reagents on the detection surfaces. The sticks may comprise a volume of fluid, releasably contained within the sticks, such that when activated, a fluid, such as a reagent or solvent, is wicked by a wicking tip to the detection surface of the stick. For example, a mechanism is provided that is capable of breaking a vial or ampoule containing the fluid, when activated by a twisting motion or compression. Adhesive may be present on one or more of the detection surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Field Forensics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Richard Johnson
  • Patent number: 8845979
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a blood-clot microvalve by heating blood in a capillary tube of a microfluidic device. Also described are methods of modulating liquid flow in a capillary tube by forming and removing a blood-clot microvalve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Wendian Shi, Luke Guo
  • Patent number: 8845980
    Abstract: Provided is a sample packing device for packing a sample with respect to a microchip for performing reaction of a micro component contained in the sample, the microchip at least including: a sample reservoir; a reaction reservoir; and a channel connected between the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir, in which a package including a sample chamber packed in advance with the sample is mounted on the microchip so as to pack the sample in the sample chamber into the sample reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Asogawa, Hisashi Hagiwara, Tohru Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 8845981
    Abstract: A device for volumetric metering a liquid biologic sample is provided. The device includes an initial chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a first valve, a second valve and a third valve. The chambers are each configured so that liquid sample disposed in the respective chamber is subject to capillary forces. Each chamber has a volume, and the volume of the initial chamber is greater than the volume of either the second or the third chambers. The valves each have a burst pressure. The burst pressure of the first valve is greater than the third burst pressure. The first valve is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The second valve is disposed between, and is in fluid communication with, the initial chamber and the third chamber. The third valve is in fluid communication with the third chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Manav Mehta
  • Patent number: 8845982
    Abstract: A method for fixation of organic tissue samples includes immersing a tissue sample in a solution of Formalin at a temperature of between 2° C. and 10° C. for a first time period (A), and immersing the tissue sample in a cold fixation dehydrating agent for a second time period (B) following the first time period. An automated tissue fixation system for fixating organic tissue samples in Formalin is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Milestone S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bussolati Giovanni, Visinoni Francesco
  • Patent number: 8845983
    Abstract: There is described a heating system for independently heating at least one sample recipient containing a sample, the sample recipient provided in a sample holder, comprising: a heating chamber having at least one opening and adapted to receive the sample holder; at least one microwave generator for generating microwaves; at least one microwave applicator inside the heating chamber connected to the at least one microwave generator, the at least one microwave applicator comprising an oven cavity portion for creating a mini microwave cavity around a single sample recipient in the sample holder, and for applying microwaves generated by the at least one microwave generator directly to the single sample recipient; and a control unit for controlling the at least one microwave generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: SCP Science
    Inventors: George Feilders, Arthur Ross, Raymond Guay, Ramin Deban, Jules Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8845984
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Amshey, Daniel Bezdek, Espir Kahatt, Alexander Khorlin, Lance Parsons, Todd Peterson, Timothy Powers, Michael Thacker, Timothy Updyke, Kornelija Zgonc
  • Patent number: 8845985
    Abstract: A rack for a plurality of capped tubes, including a frame having a longitudinally extending bottom base member having a row of spaced open top recesses adapted to receive the capped tubes. Vertical supports at the ends of the row of recesses fix a cover member above the base member. The cover member has openings therethrough smaller than the capped tubes. A wall is along one longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member, with the other longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member being open. The base member and cover member are vertically spaced a distance sufficient to permit tipped capped tubes to be moved into the frame with the tipped tubes then dropped into the recesses and tipped back to an upright vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Stephen L. Herchenbach, E. Kim Pavlovic
  • Patent number: 8845986
    Abstract: A flue gas additive is provided that includes both a nitrogenous component to reduce gas phase nitrogen oxides and a halogen-containing component to oxidize gas phase elemental mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ADA-ES, Inc.
    Inventors: Constance Senior, Gregory M. Filippelli, Cynthia Jean Bustard, Michael D. Durham, William J. Morris, Sharon M. Sjostrom
  • Patent number: 8845987
    Abstract: Synergized Platinum Group Metals (SPGM) catalyst system for TWC application is disclosed. Disclosed SPGM catalyst system may include a washcoat with a Cu—Mn spinel structure and an overcoat that includes PGM supported on carrier material oxides, such as alumina. SPGM catalyst system shows significant improvement in nitrogen oxide reduction performance under stoichiometric operating conditions and especially under lean operating conditions, which allows a reduced consumption of fuel. Additionally, disclosed SPGM catalyst system also enhances the reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon within catalytic converters. Furthermore, disclosed SPGM catalyst systems are found to have enhanced catalyst activity compared to commercial PGM catalyst system, showing that there is a synergistic effect among PGM catalyst and Cu—Mn spinel within the disclosed SPGM catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. (CDTI)
    Inventors: Zahra Nazarpoor, Stephen J. Golden
  • Patent number: 8845988
    Abstract: A low-pressure multifunctional filter separates CO2 and other air pollutants from flue, coal, natural and other gas mixtures. The separation agent is a solid carbon-rich sorbent, such as coke, charcoal, coal or activated carbon, that captures CO2 and other air pollutants at lower temperatures and liberates them at higher temperatures. The sorbent is regenerated by heating with direct steam, hot CO2 or other source of thermal energy. The recovered CO2-rich product can be used for enhanced oil recovery, enhanced methane recovery, and subsequent storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Wyoming Research Products Center
    Inventors: Maciej Radosz, Youqing Shen
  • Patent number: 8845989
    Abstract: A method and system of fixing carbon dioxide is provided. After metal ion components are extracted from, e.g., natural mineral or steel slag through acid treatment, carbon dioxide is injected to fix carbon dioxide by carbonating the same. Since the procedure of pH adjustment is unnecessary, the reaction is carried out effectively and a continuous process is enabled. Accordingly, the disclosed method of fixing carbon dioxide enables effective removal of carbon dioxide produced from the steelmaking industry, thereby significantly reducing greenhouse gas emission and allowing recycling of the discarded steel slag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Company, Hyundai Steel Company
    Inventors: Sung Yeup Chung, Ki Chun Lee, Min Ho Cho, Seok Gyu Sonh, Dong Cheol Park
  • Patent number: 8845990
    Abstract: A method and device for producing polyphosphoric acid burns a fuel in combustion air in a combustion chamber, sprays a spray fluid comprising substantially pure orthophosphoric acid and undertakes polymerization-condensation of the pure orthophosphoric acid. A polyphosphoric acid in the form of an acid mist accompanied by formation of gases which mix with combustion gases resulting from burning of the fuel is formed to reach a predetermined temperature, wherein the mixture causes sudden lowering of combustion gas temperature. The acid mix is separated from the gas mixture and the polyphosphoric acid is collected at a bottom of the combustion chamber and the gas mixture is outputted via a lower part of the combustion chamber separate from the collection of polyphosphoric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Prayon Technologies
    Inventors: Alain Germeau, Bernard Heptia