Patents Examined by Keith D. Hendricks
  • Polarizing plate and display device
    Patent number: 7550182
    Abstract: A polarization plate comprising a polarizer and polarizing plate protective films A and B provided on both surfaces of the polarizer, wherein (i) a thickness of each of the polarizing plate protective films A and B is 30 to 60 ?m; (ii) in-plate retardation value Ro of the polarizing plate protective film B is 20 to 100 nm; (iii) retardation value Rt in the thickness direction of the polarizing plate protective film B is 10 to 300 nm; (iv) a thickness of the polarizing plate is 80 to 160 ?m; (v) a stiffness of the polarizing plate of the polarizing plate under a condition of 23° C. and 55% RH is 20 to 80 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinji Inagaki, Noriyasu Kuzuhara, Hiroki Umeda
  • Chemical mechanical polishing process for forming shallow trench isolation structure
    Patent number: 7544305
    Abstract: A shallow trench isolation (STI) multistage chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) method for forming a shallow trench isolation structure is provided. The substrate comprising a dense region and an isolation region, a silicon nitride layer formed over the substrate, a plurality of trenches formed in the silicon nitride layer and the substrate, an oxide layer formed over the substrate, filling the trenches, wherein a width of the trenches in the dense region is smaller than that in the isolation region. A first polishing step is performed to remove a portion of the silicon oxide layer until a thickness of the remaining portion of the oxide layer reaches a predetermined thickness. A second polishing step is performed to remove a portion of the remaining portion of the silicon oxide layer until the silicon nitride layer is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Jung Hsu, Art Yu, Hsiao-Ling Lu, Teng-Chun Tsai
  • Optical film and optical compensatory film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display using same
    Patent number: 7541074
    Abstract: An optical film is provided and contains at least one of a polycarbonate copolymer and a blend containing the polycarbonate copolymer. The polycarbonate copolymer contains specific repeating units. The optical film satisfies the following formulae (1) to (4). 0.1<Re(450)/Re(550)<0.95??(1) 1.03<Re(650)/Re(550)<1.93??(2) 0.4<(Re(450)/Rth(450))/(Re(550)/Rth(550))<0.95??(3) 1.05<(Re(650)/Rth(650))/(Re(550)/Rth(550))<1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Nakayama, Yusuke Ohashi
  • Optical element and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 7531223
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element capable of improving the adhesive property between a refractive index anisotropic layer and an alignment property providing layer for providing alignment property to the refractive index anisotropic layer and further improving the endurance of each of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiko Tazaki, Runa Nakamura
  • Method for reducing acrylamide in corn-based foods, corn-based foods having reduced levels of acrylamide, and article of commerce
    Patent number: 7527815
    Abstract: A method for the reduction of acrylamide in corn-based food products, corn-based food products having reduced levels of acrylamide, and an article of commerce. In one aspect, the method comprises reducing the level of asparagine in a corn-based food material before final heating (e.g., cooking). In another aspect, the method comprises adding to a corn-based food material an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the amide group of free asparagine. In yet another aspect, an article of commerce communicates to the consumer that a corn-based food product has reduced or low levels of acrylamide or asparagine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lee Michael Teras, Stephen Paul Zimmerman, David Vincent Zyzak, Peter Yau Tak Lin, Marko Stojanovic, Robert Alan Sanders, Maria Dolores Martinez-Serna Villagran, John Keeney Howie, Richard Gerald Schafermeyer
  • Optical element and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 7527836
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element capable of improving the adhesion between the alignment property providing layer, for providing the alignment property to the refractive index anisotropic layer, and the refractive index anisotropic layer, as well as improving durability of each layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiko Tazaki, Runa Nakamura
  • Vertical aligned nano-scale diamond structure and process for fabricating the same
    Patent number: 7527860
    Abstract: A vertical aligned nano-scale diamond structure comprising diamond nanotip or nanotube is provided. More particularly, apparatus and method are disclosed for depositing such diamond structure on a rugged polycrystalline substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Ya-Ko Chih, Jenn-Chang Hwang, Chwung-Shan Kuo, Da-Jeng Yao, Chien-Hsun Chen, An-Ping Lee, Chi-Ming Hung
  • Metal pattern forming method
    Patent number: 7524432
    Abstract: A method of forming a metal pattern comprising forming a metal film having a lower layer made of a metal and an upper layer made of a metal different from the metal of the lower layer, forming a resist film having a predetermined pattern on the upper layer, and patterning the metal film by etching the metal film using the resist film as a mask. Here, patterning the metal film comprises etching the upper layer, immersing the resist film and the upper layer in a pretreatment liquid containing a nonionic surfactant after the first etching process, and etching the lower layer after the immersing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Momose, Kazushige Hakeda
  • Method for reducing acrylamide in foods, foods having reduced levels of acrylamide, and article of commerce
    Patent number: 7524519
    Abstract: A method for the reduction of acrylamide in food products, food products having reduced levels of acrylamide, and an article of commerce. In one aspect, the method comprises reducing the level of asparagine in a food material before final heating (e.g., cooking). In another aspect, the method comprises adding to a food material an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the amide group of free asparagine. In yet another aspect, an article of commerce communicates to the consumer that a food product has reduced or low levels of acrylamide or asparagine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignees: The Procter & Gamble Company, Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Vincent Zyzak, Marko Stojanovic
  • Pattern formation method
    Patent number: 7524772
    Abstract: After forming a resist film made from a chemically amplified resist material, pattern exposure is carried out by selectively irradiating the resist film with exposing light while supplying, onto the resist film, water that includes triphenylsulfonium nonaflate, that is, an acid generator, and is circulated and temporarily stored in a solution storage. After the pattern exposure, the resist film is subjected to post-exposure bake and is then developed with an alkaline developer. Thus, a resist pattern made of an unexposed portion of the resist film can be formed in a good shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Endo, Masaru Sasago
  • Method for reducing acrylamide in foods, foods having reduced levels of acrylamide and article of commerce
    Patent number: 7514113
    Abstract: A method for the reduction of acrylamide in food products, food products having reduced levels of acrylamide, and an article of commerce. In one aspect, the method comprises reducing the level of asparagine in a food material before final heating (e.g., cooking). In another aspect, the method comprises adding to a food material an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the amide group of free asparagine. In yet another aspect, an article of commerce communicates to the consumer that a food product has reduced or low levels of acrylamide or asparagine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Vincent Zyzak, Robert Alan Sanders, Marko Stojanovic, David Cammiade Gruber, Peter Yau Tak Lin, Maria Dolores Martinez-Sema Villagran, John Keeney Howie, Richard Gerald Schafermeyer
  • Method for producing koji of hot pepper paste (gochujang) with reduced hotness, koji produced by the method, and hot pepper paste prepared from the koji
    Patent number: 7514109
    Abstract: A method for producing a koji of a hot pepper paste with reduced capsaicin and/or dihydrocapsaicin content through action of enzymes secreted from a koji fungus includes adding a koji fungus to starting material for preparation of koji of hot pepper paste, and adding a predetermined amount of hot peppers one or more times to the material during the cultivating step performed by enzymes secreted from the koji fungus. The method can reduce the hotness of a hot pepper paste, while maintaining the intrinsic colors of traditional hot pepper pastes. Accordingly, it is possible to prepare various hot pepper paste products satisfying customer's diverse needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Haechandle Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Jin Lee, Min Su Han, Yeong Il Chang
  • Lens composition of light emission diode device, LED device, backlight unit and liquid crystal display comprising the same
    Patent number: 7510747
    Abstract: Provided herein is a lens composition of an LED device for an LCD having high transparency and high heat resistance, and an LED device, a backlight unit and an LCD comprising the lens composition. The lens composition includes a copolymer represented by the formula 1 and having a weight average molecular weight of about 5,000 to about 500,000: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or —COOR3 group in which R3 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R4 and R5 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the ratio n/n+m ranges from about 0.3 to about 0.995, and the ratio m/n+m ranges from about 0.005 to about 0.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-sung Choi, Jheen-hyeok Park, Sang-hoon Lee, Si-joon Song, Eun-jeong Kang
  • Part for protecting the leading edge of a blade
    Patent number: 7510778
    Abstract: A protection part comprising at least two layers including an outer layer and an inner layer has its outer layer made of an aluminum alloy that is reinforced with particles of SiC, the SiC particle content in said alloy lying in the range 15% to 40% by weight, while the inner layer is made of an aluminum alloy that is optionally reinforced with SiC particles, the SiC particle content within the layers increasing from the inner layer towards the outer layer. The part is for use in protecting the leading edge of a blade, in particular a blade or vane in a turbomachine, a helicopter blade, or a propeller blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jacques Bernard, Claude Marcel Mons, Isabelle Peslerbe, Thierry Thomas
  • Method of evaluating the extent of reaching the intestine of bifidobacterium in fermented milk food or drink
    Patent number: 7510735
    Abstract: A Bifidobacterium that is resistant to acid and bile and which retains at least 20% viability after acid and bile treatment. Foods and drinks containing an acid- and bile-resistant Bifidobacterium. Methods for providing viable Bifidobacteria to the intestine after ingestion of a food or drink containing an acid- and bile-resistant Bifidobacterium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yakult Honsha
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Shimakawa, Masaki Serata, Hirokazu Tsuji, Koichiro Sonoike, Akimitsu Takagi, Mika Miura, Fumiyasu Ishikawa
  • Unified polarizing plate and method for preparing the same
    Patent number: 7507426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unified polarizing plate, which employs, as a protection layer of a polarizing film, a transparent film that can simultaneously function as a negative C-plate and transparent protection layer of a polarizing film and has negative refractive index toward thickness direction, thereby simultaneously performing functions as a negative C-plate for optical compensation and as a polarizing plate, and a method for preparing the same. The unified polarizing plate has superior durability at high temperature and high humidity compared to those employing TAC as a protection layer, and improves wide view angle of liquid crystal display having positive refractive index toward thickness direction, when the liquid crystal display device is ON or OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-Kook Kim, Sung-Ho Chun, Sung-Cheol Yoon, Tae-Sun Lim, Heon Kim, Jung-Min Lee, Jeong-Su Yu, In-Seok Hwang, Beom-Seok Kim
  • Varnish for forming liquid crystal alignment layer and liquid crystal display element using the same
    Patent number: 7507450
    Abstract: A varnish for forming a liquid crystal alignment layer is prepared by formulating a polymer obtained by using a silsesquioxane derivative represented by the formula (1), and a solvent. In the formula (1), R independently represents an unsubstituted phenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or t-butyl group, and Y1 independently represents a group selected from the following formulae (a-1) to (a-6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Chisso Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Hattori, Keizo Iwatani, Nobuyuki Ootsuka, Takashi Katoh, Kenya Ito, Nobumasa Ootake, Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Natural red pigment and food product and food material containing the pigment
    Patent number: 7507428
    Abstract: The present inventors found that a natural red pigment can be obtained from hemoglobin and myoglobin whose metalloporphyrin moiety is zinc protoporphyrin, and made meat products, whale meat products, fish meat products and fish paste products that were colored with the natural red pigment. Consequently, it was possible to obtain food products stable to oxidation and exhibiting an excellent color tone without the need to use a color fixative, e.g. nitrite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Itoham Foods Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Numata, Junichi Wakamatsu
  • Liquid crystal display device
    Patent number: 7504138
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprises a color filter substrate and an array substrate. An optical compensation film is disposed on the color filter substrate and/or the array substrate, wherein the optical compensation film comprises a polyimide, comprising the following formula: wherein n is an integer greater than 1, and wherein when A is cyclo-aliphatic compound, B is aromatic compound or cyclo-aliphatic compound, and when A is aromatic compound, B is cyclo-aliphatic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chyi-Ming Leu, Horng-Long Tyan, Tzong-Ming Lee
  • Corrosion-resistant member and process of producing the same
    Patent number: 7504164
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant member comprising a base material having formed thereon a spayed coating having high corrosion resistance to corrosive gases or plasma, and a process of producing the same are disclosed. The corrosion-resistant member comprises a base material having formed thereon a sprayed coating, the sprayed coating being formed on the site of the base material to be exposed to corrosive gases or plasma and comprising Si, O, N, Group 2a element, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, B, Zr and Ti, or comprises a base material having formed thereon a sprayed coating, the sprayed coating being formed on the site of the base material to be exposed to corrosive gases or plasma and comprising Si, O, N, Group 3a element, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Zr and Ti.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Abe, Koyata Takahashi