Abstract: A method for producing a collagen meniscus implant by obtaining a freshly excised non-human meniscus, rinsing it in an aqueous solution, drying the rinsed meniscus, shaping it to approximate in dimension an average-sized human meniscus, extracting non-collagenous material from the shaped meniscus, cross-linking, and sterilizing it, yielding a collagen meniscus implant containing at least 90% by weight of type I collagen, less than 0.5% by weight of native glycosaminoglycan, and less than 600 ppm DNA. Also disclosed is a collagen meniscus implant prepared by the above method. Further provided is a biocompatible and bioresorbable porous implant for meniscus repair. The implant includes a three-dimensional network of collagen fibers oriented in a direction approximating the collagen fiber orientation of a human meniscus. The implant has a size and a contour substantially equivalent to a human meniscus, and has a chemical composition similar to the above-described collagen meniscus implant.

Abstract: A density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant is disclosed. The implant includes a first homogeneous matrix layer and a second homogeneous matrix layer having a density different from that of the first homogeneous matrix layer. Biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the first homogeneous matrix layer are physically in contact with and cross-linked to the biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the second homogeneous matrix layer. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant that includes a first homogeneous matrix surrounding a second homogeneous matrix having a different density. Biopolymeric fibers at an inner surface of the first homogeneous matrix are physically in contact with and cross-linked to biopolymeric fibers at an outer surface of the second homogeneous matrix. Furthermore, methods for preparing the density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant and the three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant are provided.

Abstract: An implantable drug-delivery device for repairing a severed peripheral nerve. The drug-delivery device includes a matrix formed of a biopolymer and an erythropoietin (EPO) entrapped in the matrix. After in vivo implantation of the drug-delivery device, the EPO elutes over a period of 1 day to 12 weeks. Also disclosed is a method for repairing a severed peripheral nerve using the implantable drug-delivery device.

Abstract: A carbonate apatite prepared from natural bone. The carbonate apatite has a protein content of 2000-8000 parts per million and a surface area of 15 to 70 m2/g. Also provided is a method for preparing the carbonate apatite from cancellous bone particles.

Abstract: A collagen-coated tissue based membrane that is smooth on both sides so as to inhibit cell and tissue adhesion. Also disclosed are methods for making a collagen-coated tissue-based membrane.

Abstract: A method for producing a collagen meniscus implant by obtaining a freshly excised non-human meniscus, rinsing it in an aqueous solution, drying the rinsed meniscus, shaping it to approximate in dimension an average-sized human meniscus, extracting non-collagenous material from the shaped meniscus, and sterilizing it, yielding a collagen meniscus implant containing at least 90% by weight of type I collagen, less than 0.5% by weight of glycosaminoglycan, and less than 600 ppm DNA. Also disclosed is a collagen meniscus implant prepared by the above method. Further provided is a biocompatible and bioresorbable porous implant for meniscus repair. The implant includes a three-dimensional network of collagen fibers oriented in a direction approximating the collagen fiber orientation of a human meniscus. The implant has a size and a contour substantially equivalent to a human meniscus, and has a chemical composition similar to the above-described collagen meniscus implant.

Abstract: A collagen-coated tissue based membrane that is smooth on both sides so as to inhibit cell and tissue adhesion. Also disclosed are methods for making a collagen-coated tissue-based membrane.

Abstract: A collagen-coated tissue-based membrane that is smooth on both sides so as to inhibit cell and tissue adhesion. The tissue-based membrane is a serous membrane having a fibrous surface and a smooth surface and the collagen is coated on the fibrous surface. Also provided are methods for making the collagen-coated tissue-based membrane.

Abstract: A density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant is disclosed. The implant includes a first homogeneous matrix layer and a second homogeneous matrix layer having a density different from that of the first homogeneous matrix layer. Biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the first homogeneous matrix layer are physically in contact with and cross-linked to the biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the second homogeneous matrix layer. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant that includes a first homogeneous matrix surrounding a second homogeneous matrix having a different density. Biopolymeric fibers at an inner surface of the first homogeneous matrix are physically in contact with and cross-linked to biopolymeric fibers at an outer surface of the second homogeneous matrix. Furthermore, methods for preparing the density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant and the three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant are provided.

Abstract: A lithography apparatus includes a plurality reticle edge masking assemblies (REMAs), wherein each REMA of the plurality of REMAs is positioned to receive one of a plurality of light beams, and each REMA of the plurality of REMAs comprises a movable slit for passing the received light beam therethrough. The lithography apparatus includes a controller for controlling a speed of the movable slit based on a size of the movable slit, an intensity of the one or more collimated light beams, or a material to be patterned. The lithography apparatus further includes a single mask having a single pattern, wherein the mask is configured to receive light from every REMA of the plurality of REMAs. The lithography apparatus includes a projection lens configured to receive light transmitted through the single mask, wherein the lithography apparatus is configured to introduce an immersion liquid into a space adjacent to the projection lens.

Abstract: A carbonate apatite prepared from natural bone. The carbonate apatite has a protein content of 2000-8000 parts per million and a surface area of 15 to 70 m2/g. Also provided is a method for preparing the carbonate apatite from cancellous bone particles.

Abstract: An immersion lithography apparatus includes a lens system, an immersion hood, a wafer stage, an inspection system and a cleaning fluid supplier. The lens system is configured to project a pattern onto a wafer. The immersion hood is configured to confine an immersion fluid between the lens system and the wafer, and includes a peripheral hole configured to suck up the immersion fluid. The wafer stage is configured to position the wafer under the lens system. The inspection system is configured to detect whether there is contamination in the peripheral hole. The cleaning fluid supplier is coupled to the inspection system and configured to supply a cleaning fluid through the peripheral hole to remove the contamination, in which the inspection system and the cleaning fluid supplier are coupled to the wafer stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device having an ultra-shallow junction layer. In the method, a crystalline silicon substrate is cleaned and a first doped semiconductor layer with 1.12 eV bandgap and 5˜80 nm of thickness is grown on the crystalline silicon substrate by high density plasma electron cyclotron resonance CVD in a preparation condition of a temperature of the crystalline silicon substrate ranging from 50° C. to 250° C. , about 500W of microwave power, deposition pressure below 50 mTorr, about 20 sccm of argon and hydrogen flow rate, SiH4 flow rate ranging from 1 sccm to 2 sccm, and 2% boroethane flow rate ranging from about 5 seem to 15 sccm. The photovoltaic device of the present invention has advantages of abrupt homo-junction, ultra-thin high-crystallinity silicon-based thin film, highly-doped concentration, high conductivity and high short-circuit current, thereby having improved efficiency.

Abstract: An implant for the repair of bone and cartilage that includes a cell conductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and an osteoconductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and calcium-containing mineral particles. The biopolymeric fibers from one zone overlap with the fibers in the other zone forming a stable physical and mechanical integration of the two zones, thus conferring in vivo stability to the implant.

Abstract: A releasing mechanism usable for a toner supply container, includes a plate having a first groove and a second groove; a releasing member slidably sleeved on a front end of the container, and having an opening in fluid communication with the container, an urging section, and a fixing structure; an elastic member having two ends respectively urging the container and the urging section; and a hook member having a first end movably fixed to the fixing structure, a first pin slidably received in the first groove, and a second pin slidably received in the second groove. The releasing member receives a pressing force from an apparatus and an elastic force from the elastic member. The cooperation of the pressing force, the elastic force, the hook member, the first groove, and the second groove enables the first pin and the second pin moving in a one-way direction only.

Abstract: A releasing mechanism usable for a toner supply container includes a groove fixable to the toner supply container, a releasing portion slidably fixable to the toner supply container, and a hook member. The releasing portion has an opening for releasing toner, and a fixing structure disposed over the groove. The hook member is disposed between the groove and the fixing structure, and has a first hook received in the groove, and a fixing portion fixable to the fixing structure. By operations of first and second forces pushing the releasing portion toward or away from the toner supply container, the first hook is slidable along the groove and is stoppable at first and second positions of the groove that are close to or away from the toner supply container, such that the releasing portion is movable relative to the toner supply container to provide or stop providing the toner.

Abstract: A flat self-curling permeable sheet membrane containing a matrix formed of crosslinked biopolymeric fibers. The matrix self-curls into a predetermined shape upon absorption of an aqueous fluid and is permeable to molecules having molecular weights not greater than 1×106 daltons. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a flat self-curling permeable membrane.

Abstract: A lithography apparatus includes a plurality reticle edge masking assemblies (REMAs), wherein each REMA of the plurality of REMAs is positioned to receive one of a plurality of light beams, and each REMA of the plurality of REMAs comprises a movable slit for passing the received light beam therethrough. The lithography apparatus includes a controller for controlling a speed of the movable slit based on a size of the movable slit, an intensity of the one or more collimated light beams, or a material to be patterned. The lithography apparatus further includes a single mask having a single pattern, wherein the mask is configured to receive light from every REMA of the plurality of REMAs. The lithography apparatus includes a projection lens configured to receive light transmitted through the single mask, wherein the lithography apparatus is configured to introduce an immersion liquid into a space adjacent to the projection lens.

Abstract: A carbonate apatite prepared from natural bone. The carbonate apatite has a protein content of 2000-8000 parts per million and a surface area of 15 to 70 m2/g. Also provided is a method for preparing the carbonate apatite from cancellous bone particles.

Abstract: An immersion lithography apparatus includes a lens system, an immersion hood, a wafer stage, an inspection system and a cleaning fluid supplier. The lens system is configured to project a pattern onto a wafer. The immersion hood is configured to confine an immersion fluid between the lens system and the wafer, and includes a peripheral hole configured to suck up the immersion fluid. The wafer stage is configured to position the wafer under the lens system. The inspection system is configured to detect whether there is contamination in the peripheral hole. The cleaning fluid supplier is coupled to the inspection system and configured to supply a cleaning fluid through the peripheral hole to remove the contamination, in which the inspection system and the cleaning fluid supplier are coupled to the wafer stage.