Patents Represented by Attorney Kagan Binder, PLLC
  • Patent number: 7913706
    Abstract: Tool for treating microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment materials, including liquids, gases, fluidized solids, dispersions, combinations of these, and the like. The invention provides an approach for rapid, efficient rinsing of wetted surface(s), and is particularly advantageous when used to rinse the lower surface of moveable barrier structures such as a barrier plate that overlies a workpiece being treated in such a manner to define a tapering flow channel over the workpiece. Rather than spray rinsing liquid onto the surface in a manner that generates undue splashing, droplet, or mist generation, the liquid is flowingly dispensed, preferably under laminar flow conditions, onto a surface that is in fluid communication with the surface to be rinsed. A smooth, uniform wetting and sheeting action results to accomplish rinsing with a significantly reduced risk of generating particle contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: FSI International, Inc.
    Inventors: David DeKraker, Jimmy D. Collins, Tracy A. Gast, Alan D. Rose, Richard E. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7879697
    Abstract: Methods of growing Group-III nitride thin-film structures having reduced dislocation density are provided. Methods in accordance with the present invention comprise growing a Group-III nitride thin-film material while applying an ion flux and preferably while the substrate is stationary or non-rotating substrate. The ion flux is preferably applied as an ion beam at a glancing angle of incidence. Growth under these conditions creates a nanoscale surface corrugation having a characteristic features size, such as can be measured as a wavelength or surface roughness. After the surface corrugation is created, and preferably in the same growth reactor, the substrate is rotated in an ion flux which cause the surface corrugation to be reduced. The result of forming a surface corrugation and then subsequently reducing or removing the surface corrugation is the formation of a nanosculpted region and polished transition region that effectively filter dislocations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Philip I. Cohen, Bentao Cui
  • Patent number: 7862755
    Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding thermoplastic materials to produce a sheet of substantially uniform thickness, the extrusion die having a manifold width that increases from the centerline toward the die exit or lip. The increasing width manifold arms, with the preland portion, provide a constant shear rate at all areas of the die and a constant residence time, so that every fluid particle path through the die has the same residence time. By having the increasing width manifold arms, the preland area of the extrusion die is decreased, usually by about 30%, often about 40-60%, compared to a Winter die, thus decreasing clam-shelling effect and allowing design and extrusion of wider sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Mohamed B. Elgindi
  • Patent number: 7856755
    Abstract: Described is a planter system, comprising: at least one water retaining vessel; a bedding material layer disposed above the at least one water retaining vessel; a structure surrounding the at least one water retaining vessel and the bedding material layer; and at least one fill tube extending from above the bedding material layer, through the bedding material layer, and into the at least one water retaining vessel, through which water is supplied to the at least one water retaining vessel to a predetermined level. Also, a method of making such a planter system having an elevated bedding material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Donald L. Riesterer
  • Patent number: 7845927
    Abstract: An extrusion die or extruder having a flexible lip that is moveable by a geared mechanism. A shaft is operably connected to at least one gear, which in turn is operably connected to a movable lip of the extruder. Rotation of the shaft results in movement of the extruder lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Premier Dies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Druschel, Steven D. Jonjak
  • Patent number: 7839284
    Abstract: A detection device is provided for alerting a cashier to the presence of an object located on the lower tray of a shopping cart. The detection device uses a combination of a weight sensor and a presence sensor to trigger a signal, all of which are mounted on the cart. The signal is positioned so as to be visible by the user of the cart and store personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Oossite Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Smith Rosebush
  • Patent number: 7824704
    Abstract: The invention provides retrievable devices for sustained delivery of bioactive agent to a site within a patient, the devices including a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension; a cap at the proximal end of the body member; and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Aron B. Anderson, Laurie R. Lawin, Byron C. Shen, Eugene de Juan, Signe E. Varner, Ralph A. Chappa
  • Patent number: 7818941
    Abstract: A method of forming a safer and more secure containment for the removal or isolation of harmful and/or noxious particulate materials. The containment is formed using adhesive coated plastic sheeting to form an isolated enclosure. The adhesive holds the sheeting under negative pressure and is removable with minimal damage or transfer to wall and floor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bearacade Products LLC
    Inventors: Christopher F. Freudenberg, William J. Freudenberg, David E. LeVasseur, Eugene L. Baratto, Curtis L. Larson, John A. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7820158
    Abstract: Initiator polymers having an initiator group and a ligand group are provided. The initiator polymers are capable of specifically binding to a receptor on a surface. Using a macromer system, the initiator polymers are useful for the formation of a polymeric matrix on the surface of a material. In particular, initiator polymers are provided that have specificity to pancreatic ? cells and can be used to encapsulate cells for transplantation and the treatment of diabetes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Chudzik, Dale G. Swan
  • Patent number: 7811660
    Abstract: A non-thermoplastic polyimide film exhibits high adherability without expensive surface treatment and is made from a precursor solution having high storage stability. The non-thermoplastic polyimide film comprises a non-thermoplastic polyimide resin having a block component derived from a thermoplastic polyimide. Preferably, the block component of the thermoplastic polyimide is present in an amount of 20 to 60 mol % of the entire polyimide so that the precursor solution thereof exhibits high storage stability and that the film can exhibit high adherability, in particular, high adherability to polyimide adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Hisayasu Kaneshiro, Hiroyuki Tsuji, Takashi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7807750
    Abstract: A thermally-reactive polymer that forms a polymer-coupled reactive species upon heating is described and useful for forming coated surfaces. The polymer-coated surface has improved lubricity and passivity. A thermally-reactive quaternary amine-containing polymer was produced that provides passivity and anti-microbial activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin S. Taton, Patrick E. Guire
  • Patent number: 7800066
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermal detectors having an optical cavity that is optimized to couple light into a sensor. Light that is on resonance is coupled with the sensor with as high as 100% efficiency, while light off resonance is substantially reflected away. Light that strikes the sensor from the sides (i.e. not on the optical cavity axis) only interacts minimally with sensor because of the reduced absorption characteristics of the sensor. Narrowband sensors in accordance with the present invention can gain as much as 100% of the signal from one direction and spectral band, while receiving only a fraction of the normal radiation noise, which originates from all spectral bands and directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota Office for Technology Commercialization
    Inventor: Joseph J. Talghader
  • Patent number: 7776382
    Abstract: A method for coating a rollable device including a device rotator having a pair of rollers and spray nozzle is described. The spray nozzle produces a spray of coating material that is directed towards a gap that is between the rollers of the pair. The majority of any spray not deposited on the rollable device during a coating process passes through the gap between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Mark F. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7764387
    Abstract: An optical measurement device for determining at least two parameters of a measurement location of a surface of at least one workpiece positioned in a known coordinate system is described. The device comprises a first light source providing a first measurement beam. The first measurement beam is directed at a first surface of a workpiece. The device also comprises a second light source providing a second measurement beam. The second measurement beam is directed at a second surface of a workpiece facing opposite the first surface. Further, the device comprises a first system of receiving optics. The first system of receiving optics detects the incoming position of the first measurement beam. The first system of receiving optics is positioned on an opposite side of a workpiece from the first light source. Further still, the device comprises a second imaging system. The second system of receiving optics detects the incoming position of the second measurement beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Girard, Joseph P. Tracy, Ryan A. Jurgenson, David R. Swift
  • Patent number: 7757728
    Abstract: A funnel with a shut-off valve terminates the flow of fluid from a reservoir to a spout passageway upon activation of the shut-off valve. The flow of fluid is terminated when a float contacts a seal mounted within the spout passageway. An upper magnet is mounted above the seal and a lower magnet is attached to the float, a portion of which extends over the lower magnet. In the open position, the force provided between the magnets serves to provide lift to the float. When the fluid level in the container rises, additional lift is provided until the lower magnet comes sufficiently within the range of the upper magnet causing the lower magnet to be drawn to the upper magnet. The force between the magnets is sufficient to provide compression of the seal by the float. A ball joint is provided between a control rod and the float to correct misalignment between the float and the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Inspired Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jennifer Gruber
  • Patent number: 7717994
    Abstract: The invention relates to coating material comprising a water-soluble salt as a filler. Such materials are especially suitable as core washes for salt cores for using in foundry technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Ashland-Sudchemie-Kernfest GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Pitamitz, Gernot Lederer
  • Patent number: D615405
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: DB Design GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Bakic
  • Patent number: D618885
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mavig GmbH
    Inventors: Barbara Ballsieper, Christine Jäger
  • Patent number: D618886
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mavig GmbH
    Inventors: Barbara Ballsieper, Christine Jäger
  • Patent number: D630445
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Inspired Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Crawford