Patents Issued in September 11, 2018
  • Patent number: 10071346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of a hydroxyl polyimide-co-polyimide membrane, the fabrication of a thermally rearranged poly(benzoxazole-co-imide) membrane by thermally treating the hydroxyl polyimide-co-polyimide membrane, and the application of the thermally rearranged poly(benzoxazole-co-imide) membrane to membrane distillation. The thermally rearranged poly(benzoxazole-co-imide) separation membrane has high liquid entry pressure, low thermal conductivity, high permeate flux, and good long-term stability, as well as excellent thermal and chemical properties. Due to these advantages, the copolymer separation membrane can be applied to membrane distillation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: IUCF-HYU (INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY)
    Inventors: Young Moo Lee, So Young Lee, Ji Hoon Kim, Moonjoo Lee, Wonhyo Lee
  • Patent number: 10071347
    Abstract: A coffee densifier is disclosed. The coffee densifier comprises an elongated chamber, a densifier motor, a shaft, a plurality of densifier members, a discharge door actuator, a densifier motor load sensor, and a controller. The plurality of densifier members are fixed to the shaft and configured to polish a plurality of coffee particles of the ground coffee within the elongated chamber when the plurality of densifier members are rotated by the shaft through the ground coffee within the mixing chamber. The controller configured to signal the discharge door actuator to move the discharge door to increase or decrease a density of the ground coffee exiting the chamber through the discharge opening when the densifier motor load is outside a predefined densifier motor load operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Modern Process Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Ephraim, Christopher Martin Spatz
  • Patent number: 10071348
    Abstract: A mixing unit for mixing a flow of liquid product is provided. The mixing unit comprises a stator forming a hollow sleeve, and a rotor having a circular displacement plate with two opposite sides, wherein at least one side has at least two chambers formed by a plurality of vanes extending in a direction being parallel with a longitudinal axis of the stator, wherein the rotor is arranged within the stator for rotating liquid product arranged in said chambers relative the stator. The displacement plate is tilted relative a longitudinal axis of the stator such that said at least two chambers have different volumes, and a side wall of the stator has at least one exit area comprising at least one through hole for allowing liquid product to exit the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Frederik Larsen
  • Patent number: 10071349
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing compound dispersoids of hydrophobic nanoparticles and surfactants, comprises a water supply pipeline, a compounding mixing pipeline and an aggregating pipeline; the compounding mixing pipeline comprises an ultrasonic dispersion instrument and a liquid storage tank connected in series into a loop, and a second plunger pump allowing unidirectional circulation of materials is arranged between the ultrasonic dispersion instrument and the liquid storage tank; the water supply pipeline is connected to the top of the ultrasonic dispersion instrument; and the aggregating pipeline is connected to a discharge end of the liquid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM
    Inventors: Chao Zhang, Zhaomin Li, Peng Wang, Qian Sun, Quanwei Dong
  • Patent number: 10071350
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for three-dimensional ink deposition from an impeller-driven active mixing microfluidic printing nozzle. The device is configured to receive a material property associated with the plurality of fluids and receive a structure property of the printing nozzle. The device then determines a threshold relation between a rotating speed ? of an impeller in the nozzle and a volumetric flow rate Q of fluids that flow through the nozzle based on the material property of the plurality of fluids, the structure property of the printing nozzle. Based on the threshold relation, the device then determines an actual volumetric flow rate of the fluids and actual rotation speed of the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Lewis, Thomas J. Ober
  • Patent number: 10071351
    Abstract: An inner 11 for lining a mixing vessel 1 comprising a feed opening 4 on the upper side and a flange 5 projecting outward in the radial direction and on the lower side a discharge duct 8 with a discharge flap valve 23 that can be adjusted from an open position into a closed position and vice versa, which mixing vessel 1 with bulk material introduced into it for the process of blending can be connected onto a mixing head 18 of an industrial blender 19, said mixing supporting one or multiple mixing tool(s), which inner liner 11 bears a supporting flange joint 17 on the upper side projects outward in the radial direction, and, when inserted into the mixing vessel 1, comes to bear against the flange 5 of the mixing vessel 1 and on its bottom side comprises a discharge duct extension 14, projecting into the discharge duct 8 of the mixing vessel 1, which projects into the discharge duct 8 of the mixing vessel 1 with a length that is at least sufficient to reach the discharge flap valve 23 when it is the closed posit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DR. HERFELD GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rüberg, Ulrich Tölle
  • Patent number: 10071352
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least one rheological parameter related to a fluid containing Mature Fine Tailings (MFTs) flowing through a process pipe; and determine a dosing of a polymer to the fluid so as to cause a polymer induced agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor may be configured to provide corresponding signaling to control the dosing of the polymer to cause the polymer induced fine agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: CiDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC., SUNCOR ENERGY INC.
    Inventors: Alex M. Van Der Spek, Douglas H. Loose, Adrian Revington
  • Patent number: 10071353
    Abstract: An aqueous radiation curable dispersant formulation includes water and styrene acrylic resin stabilized thioxanthone derivative photoinitiator particles dispersed in the water. The styrene acrylic resin stabilized thioxanthone derivative photo initiator particles have a volume-weighted mean diameter of less than 40 nm. The styrene acrylic resin stabilized thioxanthone derivative photo initiator particles include a water-insoluble, thioxanthone derivative photoinitiator core having one, two, or three units. When the water-insoluble, thioxanthone derivative photoinitiator core includes two units or three units, the units are covalently bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Marcos A. Barreto Caban, Thomas W. Butler, Rodney David Stramel, Gregg A. Lane
  • Patent number: 10071354
    Abstract: A method of making a body of polycrystalline superhard material comprising placing an aggregated mass of grains of superhard material into a canister, placing a ceramic layer either in direct contact with the aggregated mass of grains of superhard material or in indirect contact therewith, the ceramic layer being spaced from the grains by an interlayer of material when present, the ceramic layer having a surface with surface topology, the surface topology imprinting a pattern in the aggregated mass of grains of superhard material complementary to the surface topology, the ceramic material and the material of the interlayer being such that they do not react chemically with the superhard material and/or a sinter catalyst material for the grains of superhard material. The aggregated mass of grains of superhard material and ceramic layer are subjected to a pressure of greater than 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: ELEMENT SIX ABRASIVES S.A., ELEMENT SIX LIMITED
    Inventors: Cornelis Roelof Jonker, Roger William Nigel Nilen, Maweja Kasonde, Stig Åke Andersin
  • Patent number: 10071355
    Abstract: A method of making a cutter structure (1) comprises placing a pre-formed body (4) of hard material having a surface topography in a canister, placing an aggregated mass of grains of superhard material (2) over said surface topography, placing a punch (10) in contact with the superhard material (2), the punch (10) having a surface with a surface topography inverse to that of the hard material body to imprint a pattern in the superhard material (2) complementary to the surface topography of the punch (10). The surface of the punch (10) contacting the superhard material (2) being formed of a ceramic material that does not react chemically with the superhard material (12) and/or a sinter catalyst for the superhard material (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: Element Six Abrasives S.A., Element Six Limited
    Inventors: Bo Christer Olofsson, Cornelis Roelof Jonker, Roger William Nigel Nilen, Stig Ake Andersin, John James Barry
  • Patent number: 10071356
    Abstract: The present invention describes a catalytic reactor operating as a moving bed to manage interruptions in the circulation of catalyst while at the same time avoiding mechanical damage to the contact means containing the catalyst. The invention also concerns a refining or petrochemicals process using the reactor in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: AXENS
    Inventor: Fabian Lambert
  • Patent number: 10071357
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for combusting coke from catalyst two stages is disclosed. Catalyst and flue gas from a lower chamber ascends to an upper chamber to be roughly separated by swirl ducts extending from a combustion conduit. The swirl ducts may discharge into a container in the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Mehlberg, Paolo Palmas, Michael A. Stine, Lev Davydov
  • Patent number: 10071358
    Abstract: Provided are a novel antibiotic preparation method and platform system based on the method, belonging to a novel drug development method. The method is based on a fixed structural formula: F—R, wherein F is an effect area, and R is an identification area. At the prior art level, the present invention can quickly develop a specific novel antibiotic for most pathogenic microorganisms or biological cells. Also provided is a platform for implementing the method, ensuring that the novel antibiotic is developed in an efficient streamlined process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: PROTEIN DESIGN LAB, LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaoqing Qiu
  • Patent number: 10071359
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation and/or merging of droplets in microfluidic systems are provided. In certain embodiments a microfluidic droplet merger component is provided that comprises a central channel comprising a plurality of elements disposed and spaced to create a plurality of lateral passages that drain a carrier fluid out of a fluid stream comprising droplets of a first fluid contained in the carrier fluid; and a deformable lateral membrane valve disposed to control the width of said center channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yu-Chun Kung, Pei-Yu E. Chiou, Ting-Hsiang S. Wu, Yue Chen, Michael A. Teitell
  • Patent number: 10071360
    Abstract: The electronic structure of nanowires, nanotubes and thin films deposited on a substrate is varied by doping with electrons or holes. The electronic structure can then be tuned by varying the support material or by applying a gate voltage. The electronic structure can be controlled to absorb a gas, store a gas, or release a gas, such as hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Avetik R. Harutyunyan
  • Patent number: 10071361
    Abstract: A filter material is for the selective removal of siloxanes from a gas. The filter material contains a titanium compound, which is an organotitanate and/or a compound, which can be obtained by hydrolysis of an organotitanate. A method for the production of the filter material is also provided to use the filter material for the selective removal of siloxanes from a gas. A gas sensor is provided which includes the filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DRÄGER SAFETY AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventor: Jürgen Osswald
  • Patent number: 10071362
    Abstract: A water absorbing material contains paper powder obtained by separating gypsum from a gypsum board as its raw material. The weight ratio of the gypsum adhering to the paper powder with respect to the paper powder is 5% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DAIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ito, Junji Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 10071363
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an absorbent material with powdered activated carbon which is substantially light-colored without using color masking agents or hiding. This invention addresses the need in the field for an absorbent material with improved odor-controlling properties, that maintains such properties for longer periods of time and where the absorbent material maintains a light-colored appearance without the addition of color-masking agents. Suitable methods for creating the absorbent materials include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a pan agglomeration process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a dry blending process, a spray coating process, an extrusion process, a pelletizing process and a fluid bed process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Dennis B. Jenkins, Smita S. Muddana
  • Patent number: 10071364
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of reducing bioburden of (e.g., sterilizing) a chromatography resin that include exposing a container including a composition including a chromatography resin and at least one antioxidant agent and/or chelator to a dose of gamma-irradiation sufficient to reduce the bioburden of the container and the chromatography resin, where the at least one antioxidant agent and/or chelator are present in an amount sufficient to ameliorate the loss of binding capacity of the chromatography resin after/upon exposure to the dose of gamma-irradiation. Also provided are reduced bioburden chromatography columns including the reduced bioburden chromatography resin, compositions including a chromatography resin and at least one chelator and/or antioxidant agent, methods of performing reduced bioburden column chromatography using one of these reduced bioburden chromatography columns, and integrated, closed, and continuous processes for reduced bioburden manufacturing of a purified recombinant protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Genzyme Corporation
    Inventors: Rahul Godawat, Veena Warikoo, Rohan Patil, Konstantin Konstantinov, Venkat Kishore Ryakala
  • Patent number: 10071365
    Abstract: There is provided a catalytic converter that offers high exhaust gas cleaning performance by effectively utilizing a whole catalyst that constitutes the catalytic converter. In a catalytic converter (10), catalytic layers (2A, 2B) made of a noble metal catalyst are formed on cell wall surfaces of a substrate (1) having a cell structure, and the catalytic layers (2A, 2B) extend in a longitudinal direction of the substrate (1) along which gas flows. The substrate (1) has a central region (1A) having a relatively high cell density and a peripheral region (1B) having a relatively low cell density. The length of each of the catalytic layers (2B) in the longitudinal direction in the peripheral region (1B) is longer than the length of each of the catalytic layers (2A) in the longitudinal direction in the central region (1A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Aoki, Hiromasa Suzuki, Hiroyuki Matsubara
  • Patent number: 10071366
    Abstract: A method is described for preparing a catalyst including the steps of: (i) impregnating a calcined support comprising a metal aluminate with a solution of nickel acetate at a temperature ?40° C. and drying the impregnated support, (ii) calcining the dried impregnated support, to form nickel oxide on the surface of the support and (iii) optionally repeating steps (i) and (ii) on the nickel oxide coated support. The method provides an eggshell catalyst in which the metal oxide is concentrated in an outer layer on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLC
    Inventors: Sebastian John Kipling Forrest, Jonathan Geoffrey Oliver, Samuel Arthur French, Mikael Per Uno Carlsson
  • Patent number: 10071367
    Abstract: Active catalysts for the treatment of a low temperature exhaust gas stream are provided for the direct decomposition removal of NOx from an exhaust gas stream. The catalyst system may include a mixed oxide composition including cerium oxide and nickel oxide CeO2—NiO. The exhaust gas stream may be provided at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 650° C. Methods for making the catalyst include co-precipitation techniques, using KOH as a precipitating agent. The catalyst system is configured to catalyze a decomposition of the NOx to generate N2 without the presence of a reductant. The catalyst may be a cubic structure, with nickel incorporated in a cubic lattice of cerium. The catalyst composition may be represented as Ce0.5Ni0.5O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna Gunugunuri, Charles Alexander Roberts, Torin C. Peck
  • Patent number: 10071368
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalyst capable of stably maintaining and exhibiting excellent catalytic performance includes a wall-flow-type substrate, a first catalytic layer and a second catalytic layer. The first catalytic layer is provided to an internal portion of a partition wall in contact with an entrance cell. The second catalytic layer is provided to an internal portion of a partition wall in contact with an exit cell. The ratio (D2/D1) of the coating density D2 of the second catalytic layer to the coating density D1 of the first catalytic layer is 1.01 to 1.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CATALER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Onoe, Shingo Sakagami, Yasutaka Nomura, Yuta Morishita, Junji Kuriyama, Hiroshi Sekine
  • Patent number: 10071369
    Abstract: A gel which contains a component of a catalyst is prepared. The gel and another gel are arranged in layers at a position which faces open ends of exhaust flow passages of a wall flow-type particulate filter. Next, a pusher is used to push and pack the gel and other gel through the open ends to the insides of the exhaust flow passages. Next, the particulate filter is made to dry to thereby make the partition walls carry the catalyst on their surfaces or in their micropores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Otsuki, Hiromasa Nishioka, Kazuhiro Ito, Daichi Imai, Yoshihisa Tsukamoto, Yasumasa Notake
  • Patent number: 10071370
    Abstract: Provided is a method of reactivating a used titania catalyst for hydrogenation treatment, capable of improving the catalytic activity of the used titania catalyst for hydrogenation treatment that is obtained by supporting a catalyst component on a titania support and exhibits reduced catalytic activity after having been used for hydrogenation treatment of a hydrocarbon oil, to a level comparable to that of a newly prepared fresh titania catalyst before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CHIYODA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Inoue, Yukitaka Wada, Akihiro Muto
  • Patent number: 10071371
    Abstract: Provided are ozone decomposing compositions comprising a solvent and a polymer. The polymer comprises a structural repeat unit comprising an unsubstituted or substituted carbohydrate moiety. Also provided are methods of decomposing ozone using the compositions, and spray coatings, items of clothing, fabrics, carpets, paints, sealants, finishes, air-filters, face-masks, cosmetics, creams, lotions and coatings incorporating the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher Duke
  • Patent number: 10071372
    Abstract: A pipette for volumetrically metering powder includes an outer metering casing enclosing a metering chamber. The metering casing defines a free end of the pipette whereat the metering casing forms an opening. The metering chamber has an opposite end lying opposite to the free end of the pipette and the opposite end of the metering chamber is delimited by an air-permeable retaining element. The retaining element is configured as a flexible filter defining a plane and having a back side facing away from the metering chamber. An air-permeable support core supports the filter at the back side thereof and is rigid transversely to the plane of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Harro Hoefliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Nitsch
  • Patent number: 10071373
    Abstract: A lateral-flow assay device includes a substrate having a sample addition zone and a wash addition zone downstream thereof along a fluid flow path through which a sample flows. The fluid flow path is configured to receive a wash fluid in the wash addition zone. A hydrophilic surface is arranged in the wash addition zone. Flow constriction(s) are spaced apart from the fluid flow path and arranged to define, with the hydrophilic surface, a reservoir configured to retain the wash fluid by formation of a meniscus between the hydrophilic surface and the flow constriction(s). The fluid flow path draws the wash fluid from the reservoir by capillary pressure. Apparatus for analyzing a fluidic sample and methods of displacing a fluidic sample in a fluid flow path of an assay device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ORTHO-CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Zhong Ding, Edward R. Scalice, Daniel P. Salotto
  • Patent number: 10071374
    Abstract: A microfluidic device, for use in separation systems, includes a substrate having a fluidic channel. One or more heaters made of a thick film material are integrated with the substrate and in thermal communication with the fluidic channel of the substrate. The one or more heaters produce a thermal gradient within the fluidic channel in response to a current flowing through the one or more heaters. A plurality of electrically conductive taps can be in electrically conductive contact with the one or more heaters. The plurality of electrically conductive taps provides an electrically conductive path to the one or more heaters by which an electrical supply can produce the current flowing through the one or more heaters. Alternatively, the thick film material can be ferromagnetic, and the electrical supply can use induction to cause the current to flow through the one or more heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph D. Michienzi, James P. Murphy, Michael O. Fogwill, Keith Fadgen, Geoff Gerhardt, Gary W. Bertone
  • Patent number: 10071375
    Abstract: A microfluidic device, including a substrate including a microchannel, an activation setup disposed in the microchannel, and a matrix array of controllable shape-changing micropillars connected to the activation setup. A shape of the controllable shape-changing micropillars changes based on an activation of the activation setup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jaione Tirapu Azpiroz, Peter William Bryant, Rodrigo Neumann Barros Ferreira, Ronaldo Giro, Ricardo Luis Ohta
  • Patent number: 10071376
    Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: HANDYLAB, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Williams, Kerry Wilson, Kalyan Handique
  • Patent number: 10071377
    Abstract: The disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the generation of encapsulated reagents and the partitioning of encapsulated reagents for use in subsequent analyses and/or processing, such as in the field of biological analyzes and characterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: 10X GENOMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Bharadwaj, Kevin Ness, Debkishore Mitra, Donald Masquelier, Anthony Makarewicz, Christopher Hindson, Benjamin Hindson, Serge Saxonov
  • Patent number: 10071378
    Abstract: A microchannel device includes: an upstream channel portion configured to allow an upstream liquid plug and a gas to flow therethrough; a downstream channel portion configured to allow a downstream liquid plug and a gas to flow therethrough; a liquid holding portion provided between a downstream end portion of the upstream channel portion and an upstream end portion of the downstream channel portion, the liquid holding portion being configured to hold a main liquid plug therein; and a gas bypass channel portion provided so as to bypass the liquid holding portion from the downstream end portion of the upstream channel portion to the upstream end portion of the downstream channel portion, the gas bypass channel portion being configured to allow the gas to flow therethrough in a state in which the liquid holding portion holds the main liquid plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA
    Inventors: Junji Fukuda, Hiroaki Suzuki, Anna Yamagishi, Junko Enomoto, Masatoshi Yokokawa
  • Patent number: 10071379
    Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids and reactions are provided. Such structures and methods may involve positioning fluid samples, e.g., in the form of droplets, in a carrier fluid (e.g., an oil, which may be immiscible with the fluid sample) in predetermined regions in a microfluidic network. In some embodiments, positioning of the droplets can take place in the order in which they are introduced into the microfluidic network (e.g., sequentially) without significant physical contact between the droplets. Because of the little or no contact between the droplets, there may be little or no coalescence between the droplets. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, surfactants are not required in either the fluid sample or the carrier fluid to prevent coalescence of the droplets. Structures and methods described herein also enable droplets to be removed sequentially from the predetermined regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Brandeis University
    Inventors: Seth Fraden, Galder Cristobal-Azkarate
  • Patent number: 10071380
    Abstract: A component for a storage container configured to receive vertically oriented articles. The component includes a tubular sidewall extending longitudinally from a base, and at least one spacer portion extending from an underside of the base and configured for engagement with an interior surface of a corresponding storage container. The component also includes at least one pair of retainer elements extending laterally from an inner surface of the tubular sidewall and inwardly into an interior region of the component, and with the retainer elements being oppositely oriented and configured to retain a vertically oriented article therebetween by frictional engagement with opposite longitudinal edges of the article, and wherein an insertion force for resilient deflection of the retainer elements during insertion of the article is less than a removal force for resilient deflection of the retainer elements during removal of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Chan
  • Patent number: 10071381
    Abstract: A holder rack has an array of tubular slots that cooperate with a holder to position an absorbent tip of the holder at a predetermined location. The racks fit over well plates to position each absorbent tip adjacent the bottom of a different well in the well plate to extract dried samples from the absorbent tips. The holders are transported in containers having a frame to receive the holders and a lid to keep them in the container. The absorbent tips can extend through a cap to dry, with the cap connected to the holder to enclose the absorbent tips for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Neoteryx, LLC.
    Inventors: Emmet Welch, Gene Zamba, Allen Bischofberger, Stuart Kushon
  • Patent number: 10071382
    Abstract: A device to reduce solid state drives (SSD) and the like digital media storage devices into particles less than 2 mm maximum edge length. The device is particularly adapted to disintegrating 1.8? and 2.5? solid state drives at a rate of about 360 HDD/hr or 720 SSD/hr with a throughput of about 10 seconds. A blade assembly is designed to provide multiple cutting angles while rotating at 520 rpm to maintain a low decibel rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Phiston Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Ali Ebadian, Raul Travieso, William Olliges
  • Patent number: 10071383
    Abstract: A flow chamber is provided through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate. The flow chamber comprises at least one multi-phase water inlet through which multi-phase water enters the flow chamber, a water outlet through which water exits the flow chamber, a solids outlet through which particles having a density at or above a pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber, and a low density outlet through which particles having a density below the pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber. Also provided are one or more ultrasonic transducers and one or more reflectors corresponding to each transducer to acoustically filter the fluid and cause particles/fluid to be selectively diverted to one of the outlets. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Dionne, Bart Lipkens, Edward Rietman
  • Patent number: 10071384
    Abstract: A dust collection system, a dust collection method, and a dust collector, can enhance dust-collecting efficiency while reducing the volume of the dust collector as a whole. A dust collector is provided with a casing having an inlet into which gas is introduced; a discharge electrode to which voltage is applied, the discharge electrode being disposed inside the casing and having a spike called discharge spike and mounting frames for supporting the discharge spike; and a collecting electrode having a planar member, disposed inside the casing facing the discharge electrode, the mounting frames being inclined with relation to the gas flow at the inlet. Two mounting frames are connected to each other on the downstream side of the gas flow, and are arranged so that, between the two mounting frames, the upstream side of the gas flow is wider than the downstream side of the gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Kojima, Kazutaka Tomimatsu, Masaya Kato, Takao Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10071385
    Abstract: A sample preprocessing system is capable of reducing centrifuging time, which accounts for the majority of time required for a preprocessing step, and at the same time, performing centrifuging under various conditions. A system management unit ascertains the states of a plurality of centrifuge devices, particularly comparing centrifuging start times and centrifuging termination times for the respective centrifuge devices, and selects the centrifuge device for which the processing time is shortest. Specifically, the system includes an adapter that forms a plurality of batches, a gripper to transfer a sample to the adapter, a plurality of centrifuge rotors that centrifuge the adapter in batch units, and a computer programmed to calculate, in advance, a start timing and a termination timing of the centrifuging in batch units, and the batch, into which samples are transferred, is controlled on the basis of at least one of the calculated start timing and termination timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Yano, Osamu Watabe, Kenichi Takahashi, Takahiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10071386
    Abstract: To provide a spout apparatus whereby expansion and deformation of the inner wall surface of the vortex generating portion such that a desired Karman vortex cannot be generated are prevented, even when the port portion is formed of an elastically deformable soft member. A spout apparatus for discharging hot or cold water with reciprocal motion, having a spout apparatus body and a vortex generating passage; whereby the oscillating element has a supply passage, a vortex generating passage, and a spout port passage, and the spout port passage is formed by an elastically deformable soft member, and is attached to the spout apparatus body so that a user can manipulate and deform the spout port passage, and the vortex generating passage is formed so as not to expand and deform even if internal pressure rises due to the supply of hot or cold water from the supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyotake Ukigai, Katsuya Nagata, Masateru Miyazaki, Yutaka Aihara, Shuhei Hayata, Kei Watanabe, Nao Tanizaki, Hiroshi Nishijima
  • Patent number: 10071387
    Abstract: A coat forming apparatus 100 includes a droplet supply unit 110 and an active species supply unit 120. The droplet supply unit 110 is adapted to spray or drop a droplet for coat forming toward an object 116. The active species supply unit 120 is adapted to supply an active species to be brought into contact with the droplet moving from the droplet supply unit 110 toward the object 116. The coating is formed on a surface of the object 116 by the droplet that has been brought into contact with the active species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: IMAGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Yuji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10071388
    Abstract: Liquid spray gun platforms, spray head assemblies and liquid spray guns including one or both of the spray gun platforms and the spray head assemblies are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John I. Escoto, Jr., Daniel E. Siltberg
  • Patent number: 10071389
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispensing device comprising a base unit and an articulated arm portion which extends from a part of the base unit, the base unit further comprises an actuation mechanism which includes a capacitive-type sensor for dispensing liquid and adapted to receive a refill unit insertible into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) Limited
    Inventors: Richard Brian Clough, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen
  • Patent number: 10071390
    Abstract: A fluidized bed coating apparatus for coating liquid onto the surfaces of particles directed into a coating chamber. A liquid spray nozzle assembly disposed below a hollow separator within the coating chamber includes an ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing coating liquid into a fine liquid particle cloud and a pressurized air directing air cap for forming the ultrasonically atomized fine liquid particle cloud into a cone shaped spray pattern and propelling the liquid particles through the separator into an upbed region of the coating chamber for recirculation in an outbed region, and through the separator. A cooling air passageway system is provided within the spray nozzle assembly for cooing the ultrasonic atomizer during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Filicicchia, David C. Huffman, Brian K. Smith, Joseph P. Szczap
  • Patent number: 10071391
    Abstract: An atomizing sprayer includes a vapor tube, a front washer, an ultrasonic chip, a porous plate holder, a porous plate, a rear washer, and a chip holder. The chip holder has an opening hole at its center. One side of the chip holder has an accommodating space and a circular groove. The rear washer is disposed in the circular groove and its outer surface leans against the edge of the central hole of the ultrasonic chip. The porous plate holder is disposed on the ultrasonic chip and the porous plate is disposed on the porous plate holder. The outer protrusion ring of the front washer leans against the porous plate holder and the inner protrusion ring of the front washer leans against the porous plate, so the assembly of the ultrasonic chip, the porous plate holder and the porous plate can be fixed between the front and rear washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: QUATEK HOLDING INC.
    Inventor: Neng-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 10071392
    Abstract: A flexible-electronic-device manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electronic device including a flexible base material and a plurality of functional layers provided thereon includes: an impression cylinder configured to hold and transport the base material; impression-cylinder driving means for rotating the impression cylinder; processing means for performing a plurality of processes for providing the plurality of functional layers by a printing method or a coating applying method on the base material held on the impression cylinder; impression-cylinder phase detecting means for detecting the phase of the impression cylinder; and controlling means for controlling the impression-cylinder driving means and the processing means based on the result of detection by the impression-cylinder phase detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KOMORI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ikuo Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10071393
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dispensing unit is used to dispense material on a substrate. The method includes connecting a solenoid coil of a pneumatically-driven pump to an amplifier output of a dispensing system, and driving the solenoid coil with the amplifier to a cause the pneumatically-driven pump to dispense material on a substrate. The method further may include commanding an idle current to flow in the solenoid coil during periods of inactivity. The idle current may be sufficient to cause warming of the solenoid coil, yet not sufficient to activate the solenoid to an engaged position. The method further may include commanding a first current level to flow in the solenoid coil to rapidly activate the solenoid, and commanding a second current level to flow in the solenoid coil after the solenoid is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 10071394
    Abstract: Transferring tool (1), which is an application product according to the present, is characterized by comprising: agglutinant (55) which is a material for application, containing a photochromic compound that exhibits color when an ultraviolet light which is a certain wavelength light having a certain wavelength is irradiated thereon and becomes colorless when a visible light is irradiated thereon, that enters a state of exhibiting color when the certain wavelength light is irradiated thereon and enters a decolorized state when a visible light is irradiated thereon; case (2) which is a container in which said agglutinant (55) is accommodated; and irradiation unit (34) that is attached to case (2) and enables agglutinant (55) to be in a state of exhibiting color by irradiating an ultraviolet light towards passage region (X) that agglutinant (55) passes through within case (2) upon being applied onto a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shogo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10071395
    Abstract: A disclosed digital media device operational at user premises to receive media signals from a media source for presentation via endpoint devices such as a television display. The digital media device can include gateway and digital media management functionality and can be referred to as a gateway and digital media device. The device offers application services obtained over a wide area network and a user premises network. The digital media device may form a composite signal from the media signal and application service information, for example, for a composite audio and/or video signal for television type presentation to the user. The digital media device may receive a selection signal based on the presentation, for transmission to the application service provider device or to the media source. The media device also offers a GUI presenting a moveable arrangement of icons for selectively accessing application services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KIP PROD P1 LP
    Inventors: Amir Ansari, George A. Cowgill, Leon E. Nicholls, Atousa Raissyan, Jude P. Ramayya, Ramprakash Masina, Alvin R. McQuarters