Patents Issued in December 23, 2014
  • Patent number: 8915958
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with implanting a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve in a patient by means that are less invasive than traditional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The apparatus may include a one-way valve for preventing blood from escaping from the patient's circulatory system when that system is entered to implant the prosthetic heart valve. The apparatus may include various forms of cutters for gaining access to the patient's circulatory system. The apparatus may include various forms of devices for quickly closing the access to the patient's circulatory system after the prosthetic heart valve has been implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Nicholas Braido
  • Patent number: 8915959
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: a prosthetic valve device, a valve introducer device, an intraluminal procedure device, a procedure device capsule, and a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Heartport, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8915960
    Abstract: A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid valve repairs to provide annular support after reconstructive valve surgery. The ring maintains an optimal annular dimension to prevent excessive dilatation of the natural valve annulus while adapting to the dynamic motion of the tricuspid annulus during the cardiac cycle. An exemplary ring features a waveform contour and may be constructed of a titanium core having a varying cross-section for selective flexibility for good Z-axis or out-of plane movement. The “waveform” contour and selective flexibility of the different segments of this ring are designed to adapt to the complex motion of the annulus. This reduces the stress on the anatomical structures and therefore minimizes the risk of arrhythmia and ring dehiscence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Alain F. Carpentier, William C. Brunnett, Louis A. Campbell, Da-Yu Chang, Steven Ford, John F. Migliazza, Anand Rao
  • Patent number: 8915961
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring graft to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a bone cavity is created in bone, a graft is partially advanced into the bone cavity, and a hardenable filler material is inserted into the cavity. The hardenable filler material can change from a viscous first state to a harder second state, compressing the graft against the walls of the bone cavity and thereby anchoring the graft within the cavity. The hardenable filler material can be inserted in an open sac, a closed sac, other carriers or housings, or directly into the bone cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Z. Sengun, Eduard Grinberg, Michael S. Varieur, Dennis M. Burke
  • Patent number: 8915962
    Abstract: A device for fixing the positions of proximate bone elements including an inter-bone implant adapted to be implanted between suitably prepared proximate bone elements, the inter-bone implant having an internally threaded aperture, a bone fixation apparatus including a base having an eyelet and a means connected to the base for mechanically fixing the positions of the proximate bone elements relative to each other, the eyelet being substantially aligned with the internally threaded aperture, and a screw having a head and a threaded shaft extending therefrom, wherein the shaft is operatively arranged to extend through the eyelet and threadingly engage the internally threaded aperture, and the screw is operatively arranged to secure the bone fixation apparatus to the inter-bone implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Loubert S. Suddaby
  • Patent number: 8915963
    Abstract: A multi-piece disc replacement implant for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between the two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction and a provided with protrusions to be received in one or more channels cooperatively formed in the vertebrae and secured in place by a bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Kamran Aflatoon
  • Patent number: 8915964
    Abstract: A flexible dampening intervertebral spacer (100) to replace a spinal disc comprising upper and lower plates (101,103), an articulation element (102) and optional intermediate members (804,805). The articulation element has a plurality of interposed, concentric ring shaped segments (202) separated by one or more spaces (201) and one or more bridging elements (203) connecting the interposed segments. A first portion of the articulation element, preferably an innermost segment, is preferably fixedly connected to the upper plate while a second portion of the articulation element, preferably the outermost segment, is preferably connected to the lower plate to permit relative movement of the endplates by elastic deflection or flexing of the articulation element without opposed surfaces rubbing against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Overes, Beat Lechmann, Silas Zurschmiede, Cyril Voisard, Urs Hulliger, Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 8915965
    Abstract: A posterior cruciate ligament retaining knee implant prosthesis comprising a femoral component including a medial condyle and a lateral condyle separated from one another by an intercondylar channel adapted to accommodate throughput of a native cruciate ligament, both the medial condyle and the lateral condyle posteriorly terminate individually, the medial condyle including a medial condyle bearing surface and the lateral condyle including a lateral condyle bearing surface, the femoral component including an anterior cam, and a tibial component including a medial condyle receiver having a medial condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including a lateral condyle receiver having a lateral condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including an anterior post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy (Ireland)
    Inventor: Richard David Komistek
  • Patent number: 8915966
    Abstract: An embodiment of a bone stabilization and distraction system of the present disclosure includes a light-sensitive liquid; a light source for providing light energy; a light-conducting fiber for delivering the light energy from the light source to cure the light-sensitive liquid; a delivery catheter having a proximal end in communication with the light-conducting fiber and the light-sensitive liquid, an inner lumen for passage of the light-conducting fiber, and an inner void for passage of the light-sensitive liquid; and an expandable body removably engaging a distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the expandable body has a closed end, a sealable open end, an inner cavity for passage of the light-sensitive liquid, an external surface and an internal surface, and wherein the expandable body has an insertion depth with a fixed dimension, a width with a fixed dimension, and a thickness with a changeable dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: IlluminOss Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Rabiner, Anthony W. O'Leary, Narissa Y. Chang, Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, Lionel C. Bainbridge
  • Patent number: 8915967
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system and method for preventing or substantially reducing the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux in a human or animal, in particular by the fixation of a valve based device (10) within the stomach of such a human or animal, about the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, which device supersedes the operation of said lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, in particular in situations when the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Leahy
  • Patent number: 8915968
    Abstract: Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: David Langlois, Matheson Rittenhouse, Yves Roy
  • Patent number: 8915969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units (35), generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby to enable movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in attempting to achieve a realistic movement is to provide a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. Indeed, one of the more important characteristics of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait correspond with those of a so called stabilized knee, i.e. a knee which resists flexion when under load, that is when it is bearing at least some of the weight of the amputee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob Quintus Laurens Anthony Boender
  • Patent number: 8915970
    Abstract: A transdermal implant assembly including a transdermal bone fixator configured for anchoring into a bone. The fixator includes a longitudinally extending shaft configured to be received into a recess of the bone, and a spindle defining a cavity. A compliant biasing member is disposed within the cavity and an end cap is removably coupled to the spindle to seal the cavity. The compliant biasing member is accessible for adjustments from the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Porter, Troy W. Hershberger
  • Patent number: 8915971
    Abstract: A lock and modular system for securing an electronic device. The system includes a device security module that couples to an electronic device and secures the electronic device to its location. A monitor module ensures that the device security module is coupled to the electronic device before a data security module allows the electronic device to operate. The monitor module may also require that the device security module be recognized before the electronic device will operate. If the device security module is coupled and recognized, the user is prompted to provide an encryption key. If the key is correct, the electronic device will operate. The user may have a limited number of attempts to provide the encryption key. If the user makes too many attempts, the electronic device is disabled and the data thereon destroyed. If the device security module is uncoupled during operation, the electronic device is shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Hutzler, William M. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8915972
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber for holding laundry and a motor for rotating the treating chamber based on a monitored torque signal from the motor of the laundry treating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Marcelo Campos Silva, Alvaro Vallejo Noriega
  • Patent number: 8915973
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an agent and process for altering the color of keratin fibers wherein the agent comprises: (A) a color base composition containing from about 50% to about 80% by weight of a fatty substance comprising a high viscosity fatty substance and optionally, an additional fatty substance; a rheology-modifying polymer; an alkalizing agent; a short alkyl chain hydroxy compound chosen from monoalcohols and polyols; and an oxidative dye precursor; and (B) an oxidizing composition comprising an oxidizing agent; and wherein the pH of the agent for altering the color of keratin fibers is greater than 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Mark Benn
  • Patent number: 8915974
    Abstract: A capacitor element is obtained by chemically converting an anode body comprising a niobium or niobium alloy in an electrolyte solution, which is obtained by dissolving an oxygen supply agent such as hydrogen peroxide, a freezing point depressant such as ethylene glycol, and an electrolyte such as phosphoric acid in water, at a solution temperature lower than the freezing point of a solution having the composition of the electrolyte solution excluding the freezing point depressant, for forming a dielectric layer in the surface of the anode body or repairing a dielectric layer formed in the surface of the anode body. An electrolytic capacitor is obtained by forming a cathode on the dielectric layer of the capacitor element, electrically connecting the anode body and the cathode respectively to external terminals, and then sealing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shibuya, Akihiko Shirakawa, Masahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8915975
    Abstract: Method for the preparation of a composite electrode and accumulator or battery including at least one composite electrode, the method includes a step of pouring a medium including at least one ionic liquid, a lithium, sodium or magnesium salt with at least one inorganic molecular precursor or a polymerizable monomer, the medium being in excess, and an in situ polycondensation or polymerization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite Montpellier 2—Sciences et Techniques, Universite de Nantes
    Inventors: Jean Le Bideau, Jean-Baptiste Ducros, Dominique Guyomard, Patrick Soudan
  • Patent number: 8915976
    Abstract: Fuel efficiency can be increased in a diesel engine by adding a diesel fuel additive mixture. The diesel engine fuel additive mixture is made up of the following elements: tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and a Polyetheramine (PEA) dissolved in a Glycol ether. Adding one ounce of the diesel engine fuel additive mixture per five U.S. gallons of diesel fuel can increase miles per gallon and hours of operating time while reducing the emission of nitrous oxides, sulfur, and other pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Haydn Lowery
  • Patent number: 8915977
    Abstract: A fuel soluble additive for a gasoline engine, a method for improving performance of fuel injectors and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for a gasoline engine. The fuel soluble additive includes a quaternary ammonium salt derived from an amido amine containing at least one tertiary amino group and an epoxide, in the presence of a proton donor selected from a carboxylic acid and an alkyl phenol. The amido amine is made in a reaction medium that is substantially devoid of an acylating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Afton Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Xinggao Fang, Scott D. Schwab
  • Patent number: 8915978
    Abstract: A method comprising applying a chemical change reagent to coal prior to combustion of the coal is provided. In some instances, the chemical change reagent can include an effective amount of a material to reduce NOx emissions, SOx emissions, or both from combustion of the coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Melvin A. Richardson, James E. Lester, Joseph W. Hundley
  • Patent number: 8915979
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The first fuel component is introduced into the second fuel component through a conduit which punctures a septum separating the reaction chamber and the first fuel component reservoir, and the fuel conduit introduces the first fuel component to different portions of the second fuel component to produce hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
  • Patent number: 8915980
    Abstract: A process for the discharge of slag and ash from a gasification reactor is disclosed. These solids are directed from the gasification reactor into a water bath housed with the gasification reactor in a pressure vessel. There are at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath which are fed with a stream of water/solids via a pipe and a flow divider element, it being possible to supply the lock hoppers individually and in a controlled manner with a stream of water/solids via shut-off devices. The filling is performed in a manner that encourages the sett-ling process by withdrawing a stream of liquid from the lock hopper being filled, the filling time being controlled so as to prevent the solids settling above the valves and lock hoppers. Also disclosed is an apparatus with at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath of a gasification reactor, there being, in an advantageous embodiment, a flow divider element and shut-off devices between the water bath and the lock hoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: UHDE GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Hanrott
  • Patent number: 8915981
    Abstract: A multi-stage method and apparatus for producing methane from biomass in which the biomass is hydropyrolyzed in a reactor vessel containing molecular hydrogen and a deoxygenating catalyst, the output of which is hydrogenated using a hydroconversion catalyst. The output from the hydroconversion step is provided to a water-gas-shift process providing a mixture of H2O and product gases including CO2, H2, and methane. The mixture components are separated, resulting in a product stream comprising substantially only methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Terry L. Marker, Larry G. Felix, Martin B. Linck, Howard S. Meyer, Dennis Leppin
  • Patent number: 8915982
    Abstract: An extraction apparatus includes at least one filter and a grease collection channel, wherein the grease collection channel has a number of removable troughs, which support the at least one filter. The troughs can be arranged flush with one another in a holder Each of the troughs has a handle, which has at least one air through-flow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Haefele, Jochen Klemm, Ulmar Neumann
  • Patent number: 8915983
    Abstract: A range extractor hood includes a screen, at least one filter element and at least one pivot bearing which swingably supports the at least one filter element on the screen. At least one locking member retains the at least one filter element to the screen. Located on the screen is a releasing device for, at least partially, releasing the locking member and retention of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Anna Broβmann, Julia Ehrensberger, Andrzej Goczol, Michael Hegendörfer, Robert Hibelt, Thomas Kotlinski, Daniel Metz, Stefan Panten, Klaus-Heiner Rutsch, Ilka Schneider, Julia Wellhausen, Thomas Wilde
  • Patent number: 8915984
    Abstract: An isolator device having a work chamber, air supply means for supplying air of a unidirectional airflow traveling from an upper part to a lower part in the work chamber, and air discharge means for discharging air of the unidirectional airflow from a lower part of the work chamber are provided, and moreover, a bulkhead provided in parallel with a peripheral wall portion of the work chamber along the air of the unidirectional airflow and longitudinal air outlets opened along a width direction of a lower end portion in a lower part of the lower end portion of the bulkhead and attached so as to oppose an air inlet portion by a filter unit for air purification is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Airex Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Koji Kawasaki, Minoru Miyamoto, Toshinaga Toda
  • Patent number: 8915985
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a media pack having first and second opposite flow faces; the media pack comprising flutes extending in a direction between the inlet flow face and the outlet flow face; a frame mounted on the second flow face of the media pack; a seal support section extending from the base member; and first and second opposite and spaced blades extending from the base member and in a different direction from the base member as the seal support section. The first and second blades are embedded within the media pack through the second flow face. A seal member is oriented against the seal support section. The filter cartridge can be removably oriented in a cassette. The cassette and filter cartridge are removably oriented in an air cleaner housing. The cassette may include lugs to help position the cartridge in sealing engagement with the air cleaner housing. In another embodiment, the filter cartridge is cassette-free and includes a cartridge-handle projecting therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Donaldson Company, Inc., Deere & Company
    Inventors: Johan G. Dewit, Johnny Craessaerts, Andreas Hoeniges, Bernd Helferich
  • Patent number: 8915986
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering air in residential and commercial applications is described herein. The air filter may have a support frame which secures to the intake grille of an HVAC system. A filter media may be placed in the support frame to filter air as it passes through the air filter. The filter media may be replaced when the filter media becomes too dirty to effectively filter air. The dirty filter media may be removed from the frame and a new clean media may be replaced in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 8915987
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide is removed from a source gas stream by admission to a vessel containing a quantity of a material preferentially absorbing carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide content of an escaping gas stream is monitored. When the carbon dioxide content of the escaping gas stream indicates that absorbent is saturated with carbon dioxide, an inlet valve is closed, and a vacuum applied, causing the carbon dioxide to be desorbed for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence V. Dressler
  • Patent number: 8915988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Romico Hold A.V.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Johannes Hubertus Brouwers, Thomas Brunner, Melissa Hoijtink
  • Patent number: 8915989
    Abstract: The porous coordination polymer of the invention contains metal complexes formed by coordination bonding between a trivalent metal ion and an aromatic tricarboxylic acid represented by formula (1). The porous coordination polymer also has a pore structure formed by integration of a plurality of the metal complexes. [In formula (1), n represents an integer of 0 to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Watanabe, Shinji Oshima, Rudy Coquet, Susumu Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8915990
    Abstract: A refining system for refining a feed gas comprising hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide having a first concentration of hydrogen sulfide including a first part for producing a stream of a first processed feed gas, and a second part for producing a second stream of a second processed feed gas from the stream of the first processed feed gas using a separation process for H2S removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Twister B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Robert Petrus van Bakel, Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink
  • Patent number: 8915991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid separator 40 having first and second inlets, a turbine and a separation chamber having a centrifugal separation member. The first inlet is in direct fluid communication with a turbine inlet, and in use delivers high pressure vent air flow from a first gas turbine engine bearing housing to the turbine. The second inlet is in direct fluid communication with the centrifugal separation member, and in use delivers low pressure vent air flow from a second gas turbine engine bearing housing to the centrifugal separation member. An outlet of the turbine is in direct fluid communication with the centrifugal separation member. The centrifugal separation member is driven by the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Peter Frederick William Foster
  • Patent number: 8915992
    Abstract: A system for providing a high purity acetylene comprising 100 ppm or less solvent to a point of use comprising a storage vessel that houses an acetylene feed steam comprising acetylene and solvent; a cooling system that maintains the storage vessel and provides the acetylene feed stream at a temperature ranging from 20° C. to ?50° C.; and a purifier in fluid communication with the storage vessel wherein the acetylene feed stream is introduced into the purifier at a temperature ranging from ?50° C. to 30° C. to remove at least a portion of the solvent contained therein and provide the high purity acetylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy John Maykut, Suhas Narayan Ketkar, Benjamin James Arthur Inman, John Irven, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr., Neil Alexander Downie
  • Patent number: 8915993
    Abstract: A solid or phase change inkjet ink incorporating a polar acidic wax is described. The use of polar waxes as an ink additive improves the polarity of the ink and adhesion of the ink to paper. A method for applying the solid or phase change ink incorporating an acidic polar wax additive to form an image is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan V. Drappel, Peter G. Odell, Marcel P. Breton, Caroline M. Turek, Paul J. McConville, Mojgan Rabbani, Jennifer J. Rea, James R. Larson
  • Patent number: 8915994
    Abstract: [Problem to be solved] A non-aqueous ink, which has excellent pigment dispersion stability and can achieve reduction or elimination of print-through, thereby achieving high print density, is disclosed. [Solution] The non-aqueous ink contains at least a pigment and an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent contains a five-membered heterocyclic compound having a C?O bond in an amount of 50 mass % or more of the organic solvent, and the content of a polymer component in the ink is 20 mass % or less relative to the pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Endo, Tetsuo Hosoya
  • Patent number: 8915995
    Abstract: The invention relates to coated material for the base layer of road pavement, made up of aggregate coated with a hydrocarbon binder, wherein the aggregate is more than 95 wt % of the coated material; wherein the aggregate includes a granular structure, which includes a plurality of granular fractions d/D; one intermediate fraction of which is less than 15% of the granules; wherein the hydrocarbon binder is less than 5 wt % of the coated material; wherein the coated material includes, after compacting, a void fraction of less than 8%; wherein the hydrocarbon binder is a hydrocarbon binder modified by adding polymers or oil, or modified by foaming or by emulsion, by means of which the modulus of rigidity of the coated material, once compacted, is higher than 9000 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Eiffage Travaux Publics
    Inventors: Serge Krafft, Francois Olard
  • Patent number: 8915996
    Abstract: A filler composition for use in a casting formulation, where the filler composition includes a mineral filler, hollow plastic microspheres, and a food grade and non-flammable liquid, and where when the filler composition is mixed with a casting resin an OSHA 8-hour Permissible Exposure Limit set for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated is not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Cultured Stone Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Novak, John P. Simmons, II, Stephen Gleason
  • Patent number: 8915997
    Abstract: A concrete mix for producing freeze-thaw durable concrete having enhanced strength properties, like compressive strength, abrasion resistance, impact strength, toughness, is disclosed. The novel concrete mix contains deformable solid elements in place of 4-8% entrained air for good durability of concrete under freeze-thaw cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: NAVS, LLC
    Inventor: Ashok H. Shah
  • Patent number: 8915998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pigment granulate which contains 40 to 65% by weight of pigment and at least 10% by weight of a compound of general formula (I) CH3—(CH2)n—CH2—O—[(CH2)p—O]m—H, wherein n=8-18, p=1-4 and m=35-100, the weight ratio of the compound of general formula I to the pigment being ? the STSA surface area of the pigment in m2/g multiplied by 0.0021 g/m2 and the mass-weighted particle size of the pigment granulate being <20 ?m. The pigment granulate can be produced by dispersing the pigment and the compound of formula I in a solvent and then drying the dispersion obtained. The pigments according to the invention can be used for dying and/or the antistatic finishing in water-based paints and lacquer systems, dispersion on paints, printing inks, ink systems and coating systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Evonik Carbon Black GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Götz, Gerd Tauber, Ralph McIntosh, Werner Kalbitz, Frank Stenger, Rüdiger Mertsch, Mandy Mühlbach
  • Patent number: 8915999
    Abstract: A shower plate is disposed in a processing chamber in a plasma processing apparatus, and plasma excitation gas is released into the processing chamber so as to generate plasma. A ceramic member having a plurality of gas release holes having a diameter of 20 ?m to 70 ?m, and/or a porous gas-communicating body having pores having a maximum diameter of not more than 75 ?m communicating in the gas-communicating direction are sintered and bonded integrally with the inside of each of a plurality of vertical holes which act as release paths for the plasma excitation gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, National University Corporation Tohoku University
    Inventors: Masahiro Okesaku, Tadahiro Ohmi, Tetsuya Goto, Takaaki Matsuoka, Toshihisa Nozawa, Atsutoshi Inokuchi, Kiyotaka Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8916000
    Abstract: A system for producing carbon nanotubes includes a reaction chamber in which a process is performed for producing a carbon nanotube on a synthetic substrate; a station part disposed at one side of the reaction chamber and provided with a first transporter for loading/unloading the synthetic substrate to/from the reaction chamber; a first transporter installed inside the station part for loading/unloading synthetic substrates to/from the reaction chamber; a substrate accommodating part in which a substrate to be loaded to the reaction chamber is accommodated or a synthetic substrate unloaded from the reaction chamber waits; a retrieve part for drawing out a synthetic substrate from the substrate accommodating part to retrieve a carbon nanotube produced on the synthetic substrate; a catalyst coating unit configured for coating a synthetic substrate with a catalyst before the synthetic substrate is accommodated in the substrate accommodating part of the station part; and a second transporter for transporting a s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Soo Kim, Ho-Soo Hwang, Hyung-Seok Kim, Suk-Won Jang, Suk-Min Choi
  • Patent number: 8916001
    Abstract: Molds that have coated mold surfaces, as well as methods and components associated with such molds, are provided. The mold surface coatings may be formed of a polymeric material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and may be very thin (e.g., 50 microns or less). The coatings may facilitate the release of articles formed in the mold and may also reduce, or eliminate, the build up of contaminants on mold surfaces during processing which, thus, increases mold lifetime. The coatings may be formed in a chemical vapor deposition process with process conditions selected to enable formation of uniform, conformal coatings, even on mold features having small dimensions and/or high aspect ratios. The coatings are particularly well suited to be used in connection with rubber tires molds, though also can be used in other types of molds and articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GVD Corporation
    Inventors: Hilton G. Pryce Lewis, Aleksandr J. White, Michael E. Stazinski
  • Patent number: 8916002
    Abstract: A portable vacuum includes a container having a sidewall, an open bottom portion, an opposing, open top portion and an attachment opening in the sidewall. A bucket is detachably coupled to the container. A vacuum unit is detachably coupled to and closes off the top portion of the container, the vacuum unit having at least one air inlet and at least one air exhaust port. The vacuum unit is operable to selectably generate an air stream entering the air inlet and exiting the air exhaust port. The portable vacuum also includes an elongate, generally hollow suction tube having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being detachably coupled to the attachment opening of the container. The air stream generates a vacuum at the second end of the suction tube operable to draw waste material into the suction tube, the waste material being deposited in the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James Landolt
  • Patent number: 8916003
    Abstract: A wafer scrubber is disclosed, including a chamber, and a holder connecting to a spindle disposed in the chamber, wherein the holder supports a wafer, and the wafer spins to remove water on the wafer, and a meshed inner cup comprising a plurality of through holes disposed between the holder and a wall of the chamber, wherein the meshed inner cup receives water from a surface of the wafer and rotates around the spindle to release the water through the through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeng-Hsing Jang, Yi-Nan Chen, Hsien-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 8916004
    Abstract: A component of an implantable medical device comprises a body comprising at least one external surface, the body comprising at least one of titanium, titanium-based alloys, and composites thereof, and a corrosion-resistant surface region at the at least one external surface, the corrosion-resistant surface region comprising at least one of titanium nitride, dititanium nitride, and a solid solution of nitrogen dissolved in the body, wherein the corrosion-resistant surface region is formed by thermal nitridation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Hintz, Peter D. Yurek, Brad C. Tischendorf, William J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8916005
    Abstract: A slurry and slurry coating process for forming a diffusion aluminide coating on a substrate, including internal surfaces within the substrate. The process involves preparing a slurry of a powder containing a metallic aluminum alloy having a melting temperature higher than aluminum, an activator capable of forming a reactive halide vapor with the metallic aluminum, and a binder containing an organic polymer. The slurry is applied to surfaces of the substrate, which is then heated to burn off the binder, vaporize and react the activator with the metallic aluminum to form the halide vapor, react the halide vapor at the substrate surfaces to deposit aluminum on the surfaces, and diffuse the deposited aluminum into the surfaces to form a diffusion aluminide coating. The process can be tailored to selectively produce an inward or outward-type coating. The binder burns off to form an ash residue that can be readily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Cavanaugh, Canan Uslu Hardwicke, Matthew James OConnell, Todd Steven Moran
  • Patent number: 8916006
    Abstract: A metal surface treatment method for a metal base material in order to improve the uniformity of a cathodic electrodeposition coating film, the method including: a surface treatment step for forming a chemical conversion film on a metal base material by contacting the metal base material with a metal surface treatment composition including zirconium and/or titanium ions and an adhesive imparting agent characterized in being at least one selected from the group consisting of (A) silicon-containing compound, (B) adhesive imparting metal ion, and (C) adhesive imparting resin; and a heating/drying step to heat and dry the metal base material, on which the chemical conversion film is formed, at 60° C. to 190° C. for at least 30 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Inbe, Kazuhiro Makino, Hiroshi Kameda, Masanobu Futsuhara
  • Patent number: 8916007
    Abstract: The object of this present invention is to provide novel means for inhibiting elution of hexavalent chromium from a chemical conversion coating. A composition for chemical conversion treatment comprises at least 0.1 g/L of a polyphenol and at least 1.5 g/L in chromium ion equivalent of an aqueous trivalent chromium compound and has a pH of 6 or less. A chemical conversion coating formed on a metallic surface of a member by contacting the surface with the composition for chemical conversion treatment has a hexavalent chromium content of 0.04 ?g/cm2 or less after exposure to an environment having a temperature of 80 degrees C. and a relative humidity of 100% for 120 hours. The content of hexavalent chromium is measured by a method compliant with EN15205. A composition containing at least 0.1 g/L of a polyphenol can be used as a composition for post-coating treatment of a chemical conversion coating obtained by conventional chemical conversion treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yuken Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naruhiko Nojima