Patents Issued in October 2, 2007
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Patent number: 7276355Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant protein expression system using a host and cell-free translation system, and is capable of universally expressing a large amount of any protein as soluble protein, while preventing toxicity in hosts, formation of inclusion bodies, and decomposition with proteases. Such may be achieved by expressing the desired protein as a fusion protein with chaperonins, such as about 60 kDa molecular chaperones, 60 kDa heat shock proteins, or thermosomes, and accommodating the desired protein inside of a stereostructure of a chaperonin. The present invention provides a process for producing a protein, which comprises transcribing and translating a gene containing a gene encoding the linked chaperonin subunits and a gene encoding a desired protein thereby synthesizing a fusion protein having the desired protein linked via a peptide linkage to the linked chaperonin subunits.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignees: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Marine Biotechnology Institute Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Furutani, Junichi Hata, Akiko Togi
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Patent number: 7276356Abstract: Recombinant negative-strand viral RNA templates are described which may be used with purified RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cells and/or to rescue the heterologous gene in virus particles. The RNA templates are prepared by transcription of appropriate DNA sequences with a DNA-directed RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA templates are of the negative-polarity and contain appropriate terminal sequences which enable the viral RNA-synthesizing apparatus to recognize the template. Bicistronic mRNAs can be constructed to permit internal initiation of translation of viral sequences and allow for the expression of foreign protein coding sequences from the regular terminal initiation site, or vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: MedImmune Vaccines, Inc.Inventors: Peter Palese, Mark Krystal, Jeffrey Parvin
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Patent number: 7276357Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing PCR and other polynucleotide replication reactions are disclosed. These comprise the addition of low molecular weight organic amides, sulfones or sulfoxides to PCR or other replication reaction mixtures.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Trustees of Princeton UniversityInventors: Raj Chakrabarti, Clarence E. Schutt
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Patent number: 7276358Abstract: A set of primer pairs for amplifying a nucleic acid of a butyric acid-producing bacteria, each primer containing an oligonucleotide selected from the buk gene region of the butyric acid-producing bacteria. The primers are particularly suitable for amplifying the nucleic acid of butyric acid-producing bacteria present in gas and oil production operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventor: Xiangyang Zhu
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Patent number: 7276359Abstract: A lyophilized polynucleotide composition contains at least one polynucleotide and at least one cryoprotectant, wherein the ratio of the polynucleotide to cryoprotectant is from about 0.001 to about 1.0 part by weight polynucleotide per 1.0 part by weight of the cryoprotectant. This composition also contains from about 0.5 weight percent to about (6) weight percent water, based on the total weight of the final lyophilized polynucleotide composition. The polynucleotide composition of this invention is characterized by enhanced stability, in that it retains at least 90% supercoil over a time period of at least (10) days at a temperature of about 37° C. The lyophilized polynucleotide composition also has improved solubility. An improved process for lyophilization of polynucleotides employs a specific primary drying cycle, that results in the above-described stable, lyophilized polynucleotide composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: WyethInventors: Shankar Musunuri, Patrick P. DeLuca
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Patent number: 7276360Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Cambrex Kariskoga ABInventors: Sachin Pannuri, Sanjay Venkatesh Kamat, Abraham Rogelio Martin-Garcia
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Patent number: 7276361Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a biodegradable polyester capable of controlling various physical properties of the biodegradable polyester. A poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) biosynthetic enzyme is altered by an evolutionary-engineering technique, and the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) biosynthetic enzyme is expressed in a host to synthesize various copolymers in the host.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: RikenInventors: Yoshiharu Doi, Seiichi Taguchi, Tomoyasu Kichise
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Patent number: 7276362Abstract: The invention relates to a modified IMPDH polypeptide wherein the IMPDH polypeptide has a histidine tag and where the subdomain of the IMPDH polypeptide is modified so that the rate stability of the histidine-tagged, modified IMPDH polypeptide is maintained relative to the wild-type IMPDH polypeptide. The invention also relates to a method, nucleic acid molecules, vectors, and host cells for producing such a histidine-tagged, modified IMPDH polypeptide, and to kits comprising the histidine-tagged, modified IMPDH polypeptide.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Allan R. Dorn, Janice E. Rugaber
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Patent number: 7276363Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules which code for luciferases able to produce the green bioluminescence of Phrixotrhix vivianii and red bioluminescence of Phrixothrix hirtus are described. The nucleic acid molecules and the luciferases encoded thereby can be used in applications such as diagnostic methods and molecular biology tools.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Vadim R. Viviani, Yoshihiro Ohmiya
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Patent number: 7276364Abstract: Provided herein are endotheliases and portions, particularly, the protease domains, and nucleic acids that encode the endotheliases. The endotheliases are transmembrane proteases expressed in endothelial cells. The nucleic acids and encoded proteins and protease domain portions thereof are used in a variety of prognostic, diagnostic, therapeutic and screening methods, including methods for screening for compounds that modulate angiogenesis.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Dendreon CorporationInventors: Edwin L. Madison, Edgar O. Ong
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Patent number: 7276365Abstract: Peptides including HisGlyTrpSerTyrGlyGlyPheLeu; LeuAspGluAsnValHisPhePhe; GluArgHisSerIle Arg and PheValIleGlnGluGluPhe which show peptidase ability and have substrate specificity for at least one of the compounds H-Ala-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA and H-Arg-Pro-pNA are disclosed. Nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and hybridoma cells are also claimed with reference to the above sequences and their abilities.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: The University of SydneyInventors: Catherine Ann Abbott, Mark Douglas Gorell
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Patent number: 7276366Abstract: A system and method for the purification and biodeodorizing of a gas are disclosed. The system is highly adaptable and capable of operating in a variety of modes to tailor performance of the system to specific odor control applications. The scrubber stages of the system may each be maintained at different conditions to selectively promote bacterial activity that targets a variety of odorous constituents. The pH level of the irrigation fluid provided to each scrubber stage may be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp.Inventors: Richard D. Parker, Eric C. Davis, Roop C. Jain
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Patent number: 7276367Abstract: An apparatus and process for monitoring migratory cell proliferation with restricted migration on a substrate includes providing a substrate, coating the substrate with extracellular matrix, plating cells suspended in cell culture media on extracellular matrix, and placing intersecting channels across the extracellular matrix components by removing the extracellular matrix components from the channels to isolate islands of the extracellular matrix components on the substrate. When the cells are immersed with a fluid, migration of the cells is confined to the isolated islands of the extracellular matrix components, permitting long-term observation of a migratory population.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Rea Ravin, James V. Sullivan, Daniel Hoeppner, David W. Munno, Ron McKay
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Patent number: 7276368Abstract: The present invention provides an optical assay apparatus that includes a light source module and an optical sensor. The light source module produces light having a range of propagation angles. The sensor includes a light adjusting portion and an assay sensing portion. The light adjusting portion receives the light produced by the light source module and provides light having a propagation angle that is substantially constant to the assay sensing portion. In one embodiment, the sensor may be coupled with the light source module by an interrogation module which includes a window in which a waveguide is integrated. In another embodiment, the sensor and interrogation module are mounted in an automated assay platform that provides two-dimensional or three-dimensional movement of the sensor so that it can be sequentially immersed in solutions required to perform a particular assay protocol.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Research International, Inc.Inventor: Elric W. Saaski
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Patent number: 7276369Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte A in a liquid, comprising the following steps: (a) a solution containing an analytical reagent N is provided in a container B; (b) the analyte A is added to the solution, (c) an electrical field eF which acts upon the solution is applied by means of electrodes disposed outside the container B, whereby a modification occurs in the concentration of a substance which is specific with respect to the presence of the analyte A in a region M of the container B and (d) the modification of said concentration is optically detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventor: Hans Kosak
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Patent number: 7276370Abstract: A method of activating the rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) promoter in vivo is disclosed. The RTBV promoter is activated by exposure to at least one protein selected from the group consisting of Rf2a and Rf2b.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterInventors: Roger N. Beachy, Silvana Petruccelli, Shunhong Dai
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Patent number: 7276371Abstract: Methods, compositions, and devices for stimulating the number and/or differentiation of hematopoietic cells in vitro are provided. The methods involve contacting the hematopoietic cells with an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPIV) in the absence of exogenously provided cytokines.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Point Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: William Bachovchin, Barbara P. Wallner
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Patent number: 7276372Abstract: GPR64 antibody compositions are provided. These antibodies may be used for diagnosis or treatment of cancer, especially ovarian cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, uterine cancer, and other GPR64 expressing tumor types.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: PDL Biopharma, Inc.Inventors: Debbie Law, Qi Wang, Robert DuBridge, Vinay Bhaskar
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Patent number: 7276373Abstract: The present invention concerns the development of a cell-based assay system having improved sensitivity to HCV NS3 protease activity when compared to known assays, which is useful for screening test compounds capable of modulating (particularly inhibiting) HCV NS3 protease activity. This system provides a first construct comprising a transactivator domain joined downstream of the NS3–5 domains of HCV under the control of a non-cytopathic viral promoter system. A second construct is also provided that comprises a reporter gene under the control of an operator sensitive to the binding of the transactivator. The NS3–5 domains encodes the NS3 polyprotein which comprises: the NS3 protease, followed by the NS4A co-factor, the NS4B and NS5A proteins (including any derivative, variant or fragment thereof), terminated by the NS5B protein (including any derivative, variant or fragment thereof) sufficient to constitute a NS5A/5B cleavage site.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.Inventors: Charles Pellerin, Daniel Lamarre
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Patent number: 7276374Abstract: Adding at least one gene involved in plant host cell T-DNA integration enhances transformation by Agrobacterium. The histone H2A gene encoded by the Arabidopsis RAT5 gene increases transformation frequencies of plants, most likely by causing overexpression of a product needed for T-DNA integration. Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring a portion of the bacterial Ti-plasmid, designated the T-DNA, to the plant, and integrating the T-DNA into the plant genome. However, not all plants are transformable by Agrobacterium and transformation frequencies may be too low to be useful. Little is known about the T-DNA integration process, and no plant genes involved in integration have been identified prior to the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: Stanton B. Gelvin, Kirankumar S. Mysore
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Patent number: 7276375Abstract: A novel monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) but does not cross-react with structurally similar phospholipid antigens is advantageous for PIP3-specific immunoassay. The gene in the variable regions of the monoclonal antibody has been identified, which enables producing recombinant antibodies.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignees: Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Fukui, Satoshi Nagata, Ryuichi Shirai
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Patent number: 7276376Abstract: An analyzing method of a blood coagulation reaction by detecting an optical change of a blood sample with an elapse of time, the method includes: setting at least one checkpoint or check region between a starting point of the blood coagulation reaction and the endpoint thereof; and monitoring a reaction state of the blood coagulation reaction at the checkpoint or in the check region to detect an abnormality of the blood coagulation reaction.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignees: Sysmex Corporation, Dade Behring Marburg GmbHInventors: Masayuki Katayama, Susumu Hoshiko, Takayoshi Izumi, Yoshihiro Mishima, Wilfried Meyers, Norbert Zander
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Patent number: 7276377Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining a new anticoagulant therapy factor (nATF) for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy to help prevent excessive bleeding or deleterious blood clots that might otherwise occur before, during or after surgery. In one embodiment, the new anticoagulant therapy factor is based upon a determination of a new fibrinogen transformation rate (nFTR) which, in turn, is dependent on a maximum acceleration point (MAP) for fibrinogen (FBG) conversion. The new anticoagulant therapy factor quantity is also based upon the time to maximum acceleration from the time of reagent injection (TX) into a plasma sample, but does not require the difficulty of obtaining prior art International Normalized Ratio (INR) and International Sensitivity Index (ISI) parameters. Other embodiments provide methods and apparatus for determining an anticoagulant therapy factor without requiring use of a mean normal prothrombin time determination or ISI.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Wada, Inc.Inventors: Wallace E. Carroll, R. David Jackson
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Patent number: 7276378Abstract: A system for the analysis of polyionic molecules by mass spectrometry is provided. The polyionic molecule is attached to a charged tag which neutralizes some of the charge on the polyionic analyte. The formed adduct with a reduced net charge is then analyzed by mass spectrometry, and the determined molecular weight of the adduct can be used to calculate the molecular weight of the analyte. Mass spectrometric analyses of polynucleotides and proteins are particularly amenable to this method.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Joel Myerson
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Patent number: 7276379Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of detecting hydrogen radicals present in water or an aqueous solution, characterized in adding sodium salt of 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid (DBNBS) to a sample for detecting the hydrogen radicals by coloring resulting from absorption characteristics thereof, and further characterized in blowing hydrogen gas into a solution of 1,1-diphenyl-2-piclylhydrazyl (DPPH) having absorption in the vicinity of 517 nm and a solution of sodium salt of 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid (DBNBS) at a constant speed in the presence of platinum black for quantitatively analyzing the concentration of the hydrogen radicals from a calibration curve C of a graph of correlation between absorbance in the vicinity of 450 nm derived from a DBNBS azo compound and the concentration of the formed hydrogen radicals.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignees: Nihon Trim Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sanetaka Shirahata, Kazumichi Otsubo
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Patent number: 7276380Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent liquid inspection apparatus capable of identifying a boundary between a transparent liquid applied on a base material which provides a multi-piece product and the base material, and automatically inspecting an applied condition of the transparent liquid without influence of a background of the base material. A projected image of an illumination source (2) is reflected on a surface of the transparent liquid as a mirror, the projected image is picked up by cameras (41 to 44), and the image is analyzed by an image processing unit (8), thereby inspecting an amount of displacement of the transparent liquid from a predetermined application position and expansion of the surface of the transparent liquid.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Teruaki Fukuyama
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Patent number: 7276381Abstract: The present invention provides polymerizable monomers that incorporate moieties derived from energy absorbing molecules (EAM). The invention also provides polymers that are based on the monomers. The polymers have unique properties that make them ideally suited for use in diverse analyses, including desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of analytes. The invention also provides a device that incorporates the polymeric compositions of the inventions, methods of using the device to detect, quantify and identify analytes, and a method of preparing a device of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Naotaka Kitagawa
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Patent number: 7276382Abstract: A blood test method including (a) centrifuging a mammalian blood sample into a plasma and blood cells; (b) removing buffy coats from the blood cells to obtain red blood cells containing solutes confined therewithin; (c) washing the red blood cells with a buffered physiological saline solution and isolating the washed blood cells; (d) mixing the washed red blood cells with a buffered physiological saline solution to obtain a suspended liquid; (e) centrifuging the suspended liquid to remove a supernatant and to obtain a red blood layer; (f) mixing the red blood layer with a hypertonic solution and maintaining the resulting suspension at a temperature of 25 to 40° C.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventors: Noboru Horiguchi, Hiroshi Horiguchi
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Patent number: 7276383Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Mordi I. Iheme, Daniel L. Kacian, Mark R. Kennedy
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Patent number: 7276384Abstract: A magnetic tunnel element that can be used, for example, as part of a read head or a magnetic memory cell, includes a first layer formed from an amorphous material, an amorphous tunnel barrier layer, and an interface layer between the first layer and the tunnel barrier layer. The interface layer is formed from a material that is crystalline when the material is in isolation from both the first layer and the tunnel barrier layer. Alternatively, the thickness of the interface layer is selected so that the interface layer is not crystalline. The first layer is formed from at least one material selected from the group consisting of amorphous ferromagnetic material, amorphous ferromagnetic materials, and amorphous non-magnetic materials. The interface layer is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a ferromagnetic material and a ferrimagnetic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Stuart Stephen Papworth Parkin, Mahesh Govind Samant
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Patent number: 7276385Abstract: Methods for repairing an electrical circuit; compositions, inks and equipment for making such repairs; and repair structures formed by the methods. The method generally includes the steps of: (a) depositing a composition comprising nanoparticles of an electrically functional material such that it contacts first and second elements of the circuit; and (b) sufficiently irradiating at least part of the composition with light to fuse or bind the nanoparticles to each other. The composition and ink generally comprise such nanoparticles and a sensitizer having a light absorption maximum at a wavelength different from that of the nanoparticles. The apparatus comprises: (1) a deposition apparatus configured to deposit a liquid film of an electrically functional material on the circuit; (2) a light source configured to irradiate at least part of the thin film; and (3) a table configured to secure the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Kovio, Inc.Inventors: J. Devin MacKenzie, Ikuo Mori
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Patent number: 7276386Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming barrier metals on first electrodes provided on a chip of the semiconductor device, implementing a predetermined test on the semiconductor device by applying a signal to the semiconductor device via at least one of the barrier metals, and forming second protruded electrodes on the barrier metals. The predetermined tests are implemented before forming second protruded electrodes on the barrier metals.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Katsumi Miyata, Eiji Watanabe, Hiroyuki Yoda
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Patent number: 7276387Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging integrated circuit chips in castellation wafer level packaging are provided. The active circuit areas of the chips are coupled to castellation blocks and, depending on the embodiment, input/output pads. The castellation blocks and input/output pads are encapsulated and held in place by an encapsulant. When the devices are being fabricated, the castellation blocks and input/output pads are sawed through. If necessary, the wafer portion on which the devices are fabricated may be thinned. The packages may be used as a leadless chip carrier package or may be stacked on top of one another. When stacked, the respective contacts of the packages are preferably coupled. Data may be written to, and received from, packaged chips when a chip is activated. Chips may be activated by applying the appropriate signal or signals to the appropriate contact or contacts.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Boon Suan Jeung, Chia Yong Poo, Low Siu Waf, Eng Meow Koon, Chua Swee Kwang, Huang Shuang Wu, Neo Yong Loo, Zhou Wei
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Patent number: 7276388Abstract: Methods and systems for authenticating the operation of electronic devices, such as RFID tags are provided. In accordance with the method, a web of substrates having a plurality of devices attached thereto are received. The operation of a first set of the plurality of devices is authenticated. If it is determined that one or more devices is not operating properly, the location of each device is determined. The web of substrates is then moved incrementally to expose a second set of the plurality of devices. Each device that does not operate properly is indicated by applying ink to the substrate containing the device or by removing the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Arneson, William R. Bandy
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Patent number: 7276389Abstract: This invention discloses novel field emitters which exhibit improved emission characteristics combined with improved emitter stability, in particular, new types of carbide or nitride based electron field emitters with desirable nanoscale, aligned and sharped-tip emitter structures.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-Wook Kim, Sungho Jin, In-Kyung Yoo
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Patent number: 7276390Abstract: An InAsP active region for a long wavelength light emitting device and a method for growing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises placing a substrate in an organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) reactor, the substrate for supporting growth of an indium arsenide phosphide (InAsP) film, forming a quantum well layer of InAsP, and forming a barrier layer adjacent the quantum well layer, where the quantum well layer and the barrier layer are formed at a temperature of less than 520 degrees C. Forming the quantum well layer and the barrier layer at a temperature of less than 520 degrees C. results in fewer dislocations by suppressing relaxation of the layers. A long wavelength active region including InAsP quantum well layers and InGaP barrier layers is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP Pte LtdInventors: David P. Bour, Michael R. T. Tan, William H. Perez
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Patent number: 7276391Abstract: A method of fabricating the active region of a semiconductor light-emitting device, in which the active region comprises a plurality of barrier layers (11,13,15,17) with each pair of barrier layers being separated by a quantum well layer (12,14,16), comprises annealing each barrier layer (11,13,15,17) separately. Each barrier layer (11,13,15,17) is annealed once it has been grown, and before a layer is grown over the barrier layer. A device grown by the method of the invention has a significantly higher optical power output than a device made by a convention fabrication process having a single annealing step.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Stewart Hooper, Valerie Bousquet, Katherine L. Johnson, Jonathan Heffernan
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Patent number: 7276392Abstract: A floating body germanium (Ge) phototransistor with a photo absorption threshold bias region, and an associated fabrication process are presented. The method includes: providing a p-doped Silicon (Si) substrate; selectively forming an insulator layer overlying a first surface of the Si substrate; forming an epitaxial Ge layer overlying the insulator layer; forming a channel region in the Ge layer; forming a gate dielectric, gate electrode, and gate spacers; forming source/drain (S/D) regions in the Ge layer; and, forming a photo absorption threshold bias region in the Ge layer, adjacent the channel region. In one aspect, the second S/D region has a length, longer than the first S/D length. The photo absorption threshold bias region underlies the second S/D region. Alternately, the second S/D region is separated from the channel by an offset, and the photo absorption threshold bias region is the offset in the Ge layer, after a light p-doping.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.Inventors: Sheng Teng Hsu, Jong-Jan Lee, Jer-Shen Maa, Douglas J. Tweet
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Patent number: 7276393Abstract: Methods for manufacturing microelectronic imaging units and microelectronic imaging units that are formed using such methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a plurality of imaging dies on a microfeature workpiece. The individual imaging dies include an image sensor, an integrated circuit operably coupled to the image sensor, and a plurality of external contacts operably coupled to the integrated circuit. The method further includes attaching a plurality of covers to corresponding imaging dies, cutting the microfeature workpiece to singulate the imaging dies, and coupling the singulated dies to a support member. The covers can be attached to the imaging dies before or after the workpiece is cut.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: James M. Derderian, Bret K. Street, Eric T. Mueller
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Patent number: 7276394Abstract: A low temperature method for producing a substantially flat large area image sensor assembly, the method includes the steps of providing a die attach substrate having a substantially planar surface; providing a lead frame having a bonding surface and a plurality of leads extending there from; adhering an imager die to the substantially planar surface of the die attach substrate with a low curing temperature first adhesive; and adhering the die attach substrate with adhered imager die to a bonding surface of the lead frame with a low curing temperature second adhesive for producing an image sensor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Jaime I. Waldman, Mario J. Ciminelli, Michael A. Marcus
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Patent number: 7276395Abstract: Acene-thiophene compounds are disclosed that are useful as organic semiconductors. The compounds, when used as the semiconductor layer in organic thin-film transistors exhibit device characteristics, like charge-carrier mobilities and current on/off ratios, that are comparable to those of pentacene. Also described are semiconductor devices comprising at least one compound of the invention; and articles comprising the semiconductor devices such as thin film transistors or transistor arrays, and electroluminescent lamps.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Christopher P. Gerlach
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Patent number: 7276396Abstract: A system may include singulation of a semiconductor wafer to separate a plurality of integrated circuit die that are integrated into the semiconductor wafer; coupling of a support to an integrated circuit substrate of one of the plurality of integrated circuit die, and decoupling of the one integrated circuit die from the singulated semiconductor wafer while the support is coupled to the integrated circuit substrate. According to some embodiments, a second side of the one integrated circuit die is not touched during the coupling and the decoupling, the second side being opposite to the integrated circuit substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Jason A. Garcia
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Patent number: 7276397Abstract: An integrated circuit package separator method for separating integrated circuit packages from a board having a plurality of integrated circuits. The method includes providing a base having a plurality of pins, providing a support over the base and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough, the plurality of pins extending through the plurality of holes, vertically displacing the support off the pins using a pair of pneumatic actuators such that each of the pneumatic actuators lift respective opposing ends of the support substantially simultaneously and in unison, providing each of the pneumatic actuators with release valves to equilibrate a back-pressure to ambient during lifting of the support, and separating the integrated circuit packages from one another when the board is over the upper surface of the support.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Jason E. Tripard
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Patent number: 7276398Abstract: A method for hermetically sealing a package includes applying a light or energy active resist to a fill port to act as a temporary hermetic seal, patterning the resist, and applying a solder to the fill port, wherein the solder is configured to serve as a hermetic seal.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Don Michael, Mari J. Rossman
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Patent number: 7276399Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for designing the electrical interconnects of a substrate. Modules are used to design sections of the electrical interconnects. Multiple modules may be interconnected to generate the electrical interconnects. The placement of modules and/or the interconnection of the modules may depend on a netlist and/or a separate report. Modules may even be defined by various constraints. Accordingly, a module based design may be implemented for efficiently and effectively producing a standardized electrical interconnect design.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Altera CorporationInventors: Vincent Hool, John Yuanlin Xie
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Patent number: 7276400Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes providing a first microelectronic element having a first surface and a plurality of contacts exposed at the first surface; providing a second microelectronic element having a top surface and a plurality of contacts exposed at the top surface, forming a plurality of conductive elastomeric posts that connect at least some of the contacts of the first microelectronic element to at least some of the contacts of the second microelectronic element, and injecting a compliant material between the first surface of the first microelectronic element and the top surface of the second microelectronic element to form a compliant layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Tessera, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Fjelstad
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Patent number: 7276401Abstract: A plasma conditioning method of improving the adhesion between an integrated circuit chip, having active and passive surfaces, the active surface polymer-coated and having a plurality of electrical coupling members, and an insulating underfill material. The method comprises the steps of positioning a wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, including the coupling members, in a vacuum chamber of a plasma apparatus so that the polymer-coated surface faces the plasma source. Next, a plasma is initiated; the ion mean free path is controlled so that the ions reach the wafer surface with predetermined energy. The wafer surface is then exposed to the plasma for a length of time sufficient to roughen the polymer surface, clean the polymer surface from organic contamination and improve the surface affinity to adhesion. The adhesion ability of this surface to organic underfill material is thus enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Marvin W. Cowens, Masood Murtuza, Vinu Yamunan, Charles Odegard, Phillip R. Coffman
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Patent number: 7276402Abstract: A semiconductor device having a crystalline semiconductor film with production of a cavity suppressed and a manufacturing method thereof. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device according to the invention comprises the steps of forming an amorphous silicon film on a substrate having an insulating surface, adding a metal element such as Ni for promoting crystallization to the amorphous silicon film, applying heat treatment to crystallize the amorphous silicon film, so that a crystalline silicon film is formed on the substrate, removing a silicon oxide film formed on the surface of the crystalline silicon film due to the heat treatment by a solution containing organic solvent and fluoride, and irradiating laser light or strong light to the crystalline silicon film.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignees: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd., Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideto Ohnuma, Masayuki Sakakura, Yasuhiro Mitani, Takuya Matsuo, Hidehito Kitakado
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Patent number: 7276403Abstract: The present invention relates to use of selective oxidation to oxidize silicon in the presence of tungsten and/or tungsten nitride in memory cells and memory arrays. This technique is especially useful in monolithic three dimensional memory arrays. In one aspect of the invention, the silicon of a diode-antifuse memory cell is selectively oxidized to repair etch damage and reduce leakage, while exposed tungsten of adjacent conductors and tungsten nitride of a barrier layer are not oxidized. In some embodiments, selective oxidation may be useful for gap fill. In another aspect of the invention, TFT arrays made up of charge storage memory cells comprising a polysilicon/tungsten nitride/tungsten gate can be subjected to selective oxidation to passivate the gate polysilicon and reduce leakage.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Sandisk 3D LLCInventor: S. Brad Herner
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Patent number: 7276404Abstract: SRAM cells having landing pads in contact with upper and lower cell gate patterns, and methods of forming the same are provided. The SRAM cells and the methods remove the influence resulting from structural characteristics of the SRAM cells having vertically stacked upper and lower gate patterns, for stably connecting the patterns on the overall surface of the semiconductor substrate. An isolation layer isolating at least one lower active region is formed in a semiconductor substrate of the cell array region. The lower active region has two lower cell gate patterns. A body pattern is disposed in parallel with the semiconductor substrate. The body pattern is formed to confine an upper active region, which has upper cell gate patterns on the lower cell gate patterns. A landing pad is disposed between the lower cell gate patterns. A node pattern is formed to simultaneously contact the upper cell gate pattern and the lower cell gate pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Jin Kim, Soon-Moon Jung, Won-Seok Cho, Jae-Hoon Jang, Kun-Ho Kwak, Jong-Hyuk Kim, Jae-Joo Shim