Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Testa, Hurwitz and Thibeault, LLP
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Patent number: 6737670Abstract: A process for producing monocrystalline semiconductor layers. In an exemplary embodiment, a graded Si1−xGex (x increases from 0 to y) is deposited on a first silicon substrate, followed by deposition of a relaxed Si1−yGey layer, a thin strained Si1−zGez layer and another relaxed Si1−yGey layer. Hydrogen ions are then introduced into the strained SizGez layer. The relaxed Si1−yGey layer is bonded to a second oxidized substrate. An annealing treatment splits the bonded pair at the strained Si layer, such that the second relaxed Si1−yGey layer remains on the second substrate. In another exemplary embodiment, a graded Si1−xGex is deposited on a first silicon substrate, where the Ge concentration x is increased from 0 to 1. Then a relaxed GaAs layer is deposited on the relaxed Ge buffer. As the lattice constant of GaAs is close to that of Ge, GaAs has high quality with limited dislocation defects.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Zhi-Yuan Cheng, Eugene A. Fitzgerald, Dimitri A. Antoniadis, Judy L. Hoyt
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Patent number: 6735715Abstract: A computer system includes a port duplex driver (PDD) that creates a “virtual SCSI adaptor,” to control the operations of one or more redundant SCSI adaptors. During boot-up operations or when the status of a device on a SCSI bus changes, the PDD identifies the virtual SCSI adaptor as the only adaptor that provides access to particular storage devices on the SCSI bus. System components then direct data transfer operations through the virtual SCSI adaptor to the storage devices. The PDD intercepts commands that are directed through the virtual SCSI adaptor, and redirects the commands to a selected one of the actual SCSI adaptors. The selected SCSI adaptor then operates in a conventional manner, to translate the generic commands from the system components to device-specific commands for the storage devices on the SCSI bus. If the selected SCSI adaptor fails, the PDD redirects the data transfer operations instead through one of the redundant SCSI adaptors.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Stratus Technologies Bermuda Ltd.Inventor: Simon P. Graham
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Patent number: 6733536Abstract: A stent for treatment of a body lumen through which a flow is effected on either side of a sphincter, said stent comprising one or more windings and having an inner core substantially covered by an outer core and including a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the segments. When the stent is positioned within a patient's urinary system, the first segment and second segments are located on either side of the external sphincter to inhibit migration of the stent while not interfering with the normal functioning of the sphincter. The outer coating comprises an absorbable material that provides temporary structural support to the stent. After absorption of substantially all the outer coating of the stent, the remaining relatively compliant inner core facilitates easy removal by the patient by pulling a portion of the stent that extends outside the patient's body for this purpose.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life SystemsInventor: Barry N. Gellman
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Patent number: 6730551Abstract: A structure and a method for forming the structure, the method including forming a compressively strained semiconductor layer, the compressively strained layer having a strain greater than or equal to 0.25%. A tensilely strained semiconductor layer is formed over the compressively strained layer. The compressively strained layer is substantially planar, having a surface roughness characterized in (i) having an average wavelength greater than an average wavelength of a carrier in the compressively strained layer or (ii) having an average height less than 10 nm.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Minjoo L. Lee, Christopher W. Leitz, Eugene A. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6730492Abstract: Cell-based screening methods for determining kinase activity are provided. The methods utilize existing cellular pathways that are regulated by kinases. In one embodiment, various components of a ubiquitin-mediated degradation pathway are modified to create an assay that can be used to screen for a molecule that modulates the activity of a kinase of interest that otherwise does not regulate the degradation pathway. In another embodiment, various components of a protein translocation pathway are modified to screen for a molecule that modulates the activity of a kinase of interest that otherwise does not regulate the translocation pathway.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Michael H. Cardone, Michael Yaffe
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Patent number: 6730490Abstract: In vitro methods for qualitative screening and/or quantitative determination of the functional activity of components of the Protein C anticoagulant pathway of blood coagulation are described. The methods entail measuring the conversion rate of a substrate by an enzyme, the activity of which is related to the Protein C anticoagulant activity, in a blood sample of a human comprising coagulation factors and said substrate, after at least partial activation of coagulation through the intrinsic, extrinsic or common pathway and triggering coagulation by adding calcium ions; and comparing said conversion rate with the conversion rate of a normal human blood sample determined in the same way. The methods include the addition of additional metal ions to the sample to enhance activity, sensitivity and resolution. Kits and reagents for use in the methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Instrumentation Laboratory, S.p.A.Inventors: Bert Steffen Rosén, Christina Maria Yvonne Hall
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Patent number: 6727881Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel electrophoretic displays and materials useful in fabricating such displays. In particular, novel encapsulated displays are disclosed. Particles encapsulated therein are dispersed within a suspending, or electrophoretic, fluid. This fluid may be a mixture of two or more fluids or may be a single fluid. The displays may further comprise particles dispersed in a suspending fluid, wherein the particles contain a liquid. In either case, the suspending fluid may have a density or refractive index substantially matched to that of the particles dispersed therein. Finally, also disclosed herein are electro-osmotic displays. These displays comprise at least one capsule containing either a cellulosic or gel-like internal phase and a liquid phase, or containing two or more immiscible fluids. Application of electric fields to any of the electrophoretic displays described herein affects an optical property of the display.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey, Joseph M. Jacobson, Libing Zhang, Andrew Loxley, Robert Feeney, Paul Drzaic, Ian Morrison
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Patent number: 6727787Abstract: A device for manipulating microwave radiation includes a substrate that defines the shape of a surface for reflecting microwave radiation. The device also includes a metal fitting. The fitting conforms to the defined shape, and provides the surface that reflects microwave radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Worth, Kaplesh Kumar
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Patent number: 6724310Abstract: Wireless tags have a plurality of non-equivalent current pathways, each of which responds differently to an interrogation signal and collectively represent encoded information. The element is subjected to the signal, stimulating the current pathways, each of which contributes to an overall element response. The individual contributions and, hence, the information may be recovered from this overall response. The response of each of the pathways to the signal may vary in terms of one or more of resonant frequency, amplitude, damping, and Q factor.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Neil Gershenfeld, Richard Fletcher
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Patent number: 6724805Abstract: Nonlinear dynamic systems for generating and acquiring a spread spectrum signal pseudo-random noise (PN) signal are disclosed. An actuating signal is delayed by a first and second period to produce delayed actuating signals. A continuous, nonlinear function is applied to input that corresponds to the delayed actuating signals to produce an output signal. The function has values that correspond to the binary integer values of the mod 2 addition function of a linear feedback shift register, and a non-zero slope at those values. The output signal becomes a PN signal over time when it is fed back to the actuating signal. The output signal synchronizes with a spread spectrum reference input signal when it is superposed on the reference input signal to produce the actuating signal. The system may be incorporated into a transmitter or a receiver, either of which may be part of a larger communication system.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Benjamin Vigoda
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Patent number: 6723661Abstract: Structures and methods for fabricating high speed digital, analog, and combined digital/analog systems using planarized relaxed SiGe as the materials platform. The relaxed SiGe allows for a plethora of strained Si layers that possess enhanced electronic properties. By allowing the MOSFET channel to be either at the surface or buried, one can create high-speed digital and/or analog circuits. The planarization before the device epitaxial layers are deposited ensures a flat surface for state-of-the-art lithography.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: AmberWave Systems CorporationInventor: Eugene A. Fitzergald
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Patent number: 6724519Abstract: An electrophoretic display having a protective electrode that reduces the degradation of the display caused by mechanical or electrochemical action. The electrode can include a protective layer that reduces the mechanical or electrochemical damage to a transparent conductive electrode. The protective electrode can be a vapor permeable electrode that is a reticulated electrically conductive structure, such as a metal screen or wire mesh, or a reticulated structure coated or impregnated with a conductive material. The protective electrode can include a layer that protects the display media from physical abrasion or removal by mechanical action, while allowing the application of an electric field to cause the display to be addressed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: E-Ink CorporationInventors: Barrett Comiskey, Ian Morrison, Paul Drzaic, Peter T. Kazlas, Russell Wilcox, Robert Feeney
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Patent number: 6724008Abstract: Structures and methods for fabricating high speed digital, analog, and combined digital/analog systems using planarized relaxed SiGe as the materials platform. The relaxed SiGe allows for a plethora of strained Si layers that possess enhanced electronic properties. By allowing the MOSFET channel to be either at the surface or buried, one can create high-speed digital and/or analog circuits. The planarization before the device epitaxial layers are deposited ensures a flat surface for state-of-the-art lithography. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a semiconductor structure including a planarized relaxed Si1−xGex layer on a substrate; and a device heterostructure deposited on said planarized relaxed Si1−xGex layer including at least one strained layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: AmberWave Systems CorporationInventor: Eugene A. Fitzergald
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Patent number: 6722058Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole, in particular for a sports shoe, where the sole includes a cartridge cushioning system that includes a load distribution plate arranged in a heel region of the shoe sole, at least one cushioning element for determining the cushioning properties of the shoe sole during the first ground contact with the heel, and at least one guidance element to guide the foot into a neutral position after the first ground contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: adidas International B.V.Inventors: Robert J. Lucas, Allen W. Van Noy, Vincent Philippe Rouiller, Wolfgang Scholz
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Patent number: 6719804Abstract: A medical stent is sized for placement in a ureter. The stent includes a first section which includes a first material, defines a lumen, and includes a first coil completing at least one revolution. A second section of the stent includes a second material, defines a lumen, and includes a second coil completing at least one revolution. A third section defines a lumen and is located between the first and second sections. The third section includes a co-extrusion of the first and second materials. One of the first or second sections is harder than the other section.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ernest J. St. Pierre
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Patent number: 6719449Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating a sample by selectively controlling sonic energy and/or selectively controlling the location of the sample relative to the sonic energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Covaris, Inc.Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison
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Patent number: 6721101Abstract: Lens systems and an array of lenses for reproduction, capture and display of three dimensional images. The arrays generally fall into two categories. The first type of array uses air as the low-index material. This type of array may be used, for example, in illuminated displays electronic image detection, machine vision, and real-time 3D video capture. A second type of array uses a fluoropolymer as the low-index material, and conveys a great preponderance all incident light to the image plane.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Zograph, LLCInventor: Stephen Daniell
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Patent number: 6719764Abstract: The present invention allows for the performance of surgical procedures that involve the passing of sutures through tissue in a location that is facilitated by the suturing instrument deploying the suture in a forward-facing direction in relation to the suturing instrument. In addition, this invention provides for the catching and retrieval of the suture after it is passed through the tissue. In particular, this suturing instrument may be placed or positioned in the body such that a suture may be passed into a tissue of the body while the face of the distal end of the instrument abuts the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Barry N. Gellman, Jozef Slanda
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Patent number: 6720518Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, John Sobr, William J. Connally
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Patent number: 6716208Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable device for delivering a pre-selected molecule, for example, a hormone, into a mammal's systemic circulation. The device comprises a blood permeable element that can be anchored to an inner wall of an intact blood vessel. The device also comprises a capsule that is held in place within the blood vessel by the anchored blood permeable element. The capsule encloses viable cells which produce and secrete the pre-selected molecule into blood passing the capsule. The invention also provides a minimally invasive method for percutaneously introducing into a preselected blood vessel the device of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Nephros Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: H. David Humes