Patents Issued in November 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7297527
    Abstract: The invention relates to mutant ?-amylases that may be produced at high yield from recombinant microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Araki, Keiji Endo, Hiroshi Hagihara, Kazuaki Igarashi, Yasuhiro Hayashi, Katsuya Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7297528
    Abstract: An alkaline protease having the following properties; a gene encoding the same; a microorganism producing the same; and washing compositions containing the same; (i) acting over a broad pH value range of 4 to 13 and achieving, at pH 6 to 12, 80% or more the activity at the optimum pH value; (ii) when treated at 40° C. for 30 minutes, being stable over a pH value range of 6 to 11; (iii) having an isoelectric point of about 8.9 to 9.1; and (iv) having casein digesting activity that is not inhibited by oleic acid. The alkaline protease of the present invention is highly stable to various surface active agents and fatty acids, and exhibits high stability to oxidizing agents, and is therefore useful as an enzyme to be used in detergents for automatic dishwashers and laundry detergents, both containing bleaching components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Mikio Takaiwa, Mitsuyoshi Okuda, Katsuhisa Saeki, Hiromi Kubota, Jun Hitomi, Yasushi Kageyama, Shitsuw Shikata, Masafumi Nomura
  • Patent number: 7297529
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Relia Diagnostic Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alan J. Polito, Richard M. Thayer, Robert K. DiNello, George H. Sierra, Dennis Nixon, Alan Phillips, Stuart Neubarth
  • Patent number: 7297530
    Abstract: A device for use in monitoring a swab method, the device includes a first substrate substantially adjacent a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate having disposed therebetween a test material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Biotrace Limited
    Inventors: Catherine Mary Ramsay, William John Simpson
  • Patent number: 7297531
    Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Bryan Goldman, David Edward Townsend, Kenneth E. Smith, Kathleen R. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7297532
    Abstract: Translationally competent ribosomes are bound to a solid substrate through a specific attachment site. A spatial array of such immobilized ribosomes may be produced on a planar substrate, microbeads, on fiber optics. One or more components of the ribosome complex are preferably labeled, e.g. with a fluorescent dye. Ribosomal RNAs, including mRNA and tRNA; and/or ribosomal proteins may be labeled at specific positions, and arrays of immobilized ribosomes may comprise a panel of different labels and positions of labels. Fluorescence detection can then be used to monitor conformational dynamics and translation rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Joseph D. Puglisi, Scott C. Blanchard, Ruben L. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7297533
    Abstract: An attenuated feline recombinant herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), which is prepared by identifying gene regions in the genome wherein inserted foreign genes can be expressed without affecting the replication of FHV-1 and has least two types of foreign nucleic acid sequences inserted thereinto, usable as a vector virus or a vaccine. In this attenuated recombinant FHV-1, at least two types of foreign genes are inserted in such a manner as allowing the expression into two different gene regions exerting no lethal effect on the proliferation of the virus in the feline herpesvirus 1 genome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kyoritsu Seiyaku Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kawakami, Masahiko Kishi, Masami Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7297534
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of plasmids or other DNA from cells using a first filtration step to remove the cellular debris and other large cellular components and then an ultrafiltration step to capture the plasmids or other DNA on the surface of the ultrafiltration membrane where they may be recovered. An apparatus is also taught for enacting the process and comprises an upper microfiltration or coarse filtration membrane and a lower ultrafiltration membrane. The driving force may be the same for both filters or different and may be done sequentially or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Jack Thacher Leonard
  • Patent number: 7297535
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a vector system that allows one to induce expression of therapeutically relevant genes in mammalian cells. Such a vector system may be useful for medicine and in the pharmaceutical industry. A vector comprises base structures suitable for expression in mammalian cells as well as either the whole of or parts of the gene promoter of human Major Vault Protein (MVP), also known as LRP (Lung Resistance Protein) as well as a gene encoding a therapeutic protein or non-translated RNA. As the MVP promoter is inducible by therapy (for example, but not limited to, chemotherapy or hyperthermia), the vector system provides combinations of therapeutic methods with gene therapy in a controlled fashion, resulting in more efficient treatment of tumor diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Max-Delbrück-Centrum Für Molekulare Medizin
    Inventors: Ulrike Stein, Christian Lange, Wolfgang Walther, Peter Michael Schlag
  • Patent number: 7297536
    Abstract: Inducible gene expression systems and a method thereof. A first inducible gene expression system includes a first vector comprising at least one retroviral promoter and at least one factor to induce the retroviral promoter. At least one gene product is expressed in proportion to retroviral promoter induction. The method includes providing a first vector comprising at least one retroviral promoter and providing at least one factor corresponding to the retroviral promoter. The retroviral promoter is induced with the at least one factor. At least one protein is expressed based on the induction of the retroviral promoter. A second inducing expression system includes a first vector comprising at least one retroviral promoter, an inducer for the retroviral promoter, and at least one protein expressed in proportion to retroviral promoter induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jerome S. Harms, Gary A. Splitter, Kurt A. Eakle, Robert D. Bremel
  • Patent number: 7297537
    Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Wyeth
    Inventors: André Jestin, Emmanuel Albina, Pierre Le Cann, Philippe Blanchard, Evelyne Hutet, Claire Arnauld, Catherine Truong, Dominique Mahe, Roland Cariolet, François Madec
  • Patent number: 7297538
    Abstract: The invention features an encapsulated cell indicator system that includes (a) indicator cells having a signal-responsive element operably linked to a reporter gene; (b) encapsulating material; and (c) a permeable membrane. In this encapsulated cell indicator system, the indicator cells are encapsulated in the encapsulated material and the encapsulated material and the indicator cells are surrounded by the permeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cardio3 S.A.
    Inventors: Ike W. Lee, Jeffrey D. Croissant, Rabia Ballica
  • Patent number: 7297539
    Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Geron Corporation
    Inventors: Ramkumar Mandalam, Chunhui Xu
  • Patent number: 7297540
    Abstract: Methods of generating, and isolating adult stem cells and utilizing such cells and/or embryonic stem cells in generating tissue of a specific function and micro-architecture are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventor: Eduardo N. Mitrani
  • Patent number: 7297541
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant genetics and biochemistry. More specifically, the present invention relates to genes and polypeptides associated with the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway, namely those encoding 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase activity, and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Farhad Moshiri, Ming Hao, Balasulojini Karunanandaa, Henry E. Valentin, Tyamagondlu V. Venkatesh, Yun-Hua Huang Wong
  • Patent number: 7297542
    Abstract: The present invention provides means to modify the tropism of recombinant adenoviral vectors using genetic methods to alter the adenoviral fiber cell-binding protein. The present invention generates an adenovirus with modified fiber gene such that novel tropism is achieved. This recombinant adenovirus has a fiber gene modified in the HI loop domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: David T. Curiel, Victor N. Krasnykh, Igor Dmitriev
  • Patent number: 7297543
    Abstract: Cells are engineered to stably or transiently express T1R2 and T1R3 polypeptides, desirably in association with a G protein. The resultant heteromeric taste receptor is a sweet taste receptor and responds to sweet taste stimuli such as artificial and natural sweeteners, e.g., saccharin. The invention provides a preferred mammalian cell lines, e.g., HEK-293 cells that stably express T1R2/T1R3 and G?15 under inducible conditions. These cells are useful in cell-based assays for identifying compounds that elicit or modulate sweet taste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Senomyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Zoller, Xiaodong Li, Lena Staszewski, Shawn O'Connell, Sergey Zozulya, Jon Elliot Adler, Hong Xu, Fernando Echeverri
  • Patent number: 7297544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid methods for the detection of ischemic states and to kits for use in such methods. Provided for is a rapid method of testing for and quantifying ischemia based upon methods of detecting and quantifying the existence of an alteration of the serum protein albumin which occurs following an ischemic event; methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of circulating albumin, analysis and measurement of the ability of serum albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of endogenous copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay specific to the altered form of serum albumin which occurs following an ischemic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ischemia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bar-Or, Edward Lau, James V. Winkler
  • Patent number: 7297545
    Abstract: A method for screening newborns using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The method improves the current protocols that use tandem mass spectrometry by assuring accurate and consistent results at the clinical level through enhanced quality controls and quality assurance protocols as applied to the scan profiling and sample preparation of blood spots from newborns. Specific additives are used in precise concentrations of internal standards, employing detailed controls adapted to distinguish twenty metabolites, which are scanned and vigorously compared to known spectra results. Revealing peaks, metabolite concentration, and scan intensities in the quality assurance steps are then compared to a range of thresholds to determine whether or not the sample is contaminated, drug-ridden, diagnosable, or unacceptable. All spectra results and quality assurance flags are organized in spreadsheet form and exported to a database where values are compiled and stored for daily output results and trend analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Pediatrix Screening, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. Chace
  • Patent number: 7297546
    Abstract: Methods of identifying, monitoring and matching patients with appropriate treatments who are at risk for developing a systemic inflammatory condition prior to development of signs and symptoms using a systemic mediator-associated physiologic test profile are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Gus J. Slotman
  • Patent number: 7297547
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of neutralizing the matrix of an acidic solution including at least one metal using a weak anion exchange resin is provided. The method includes the acts of: activating the weak anion exchange resin with a weakly acidic metal complexing reagent, the weakly acidic metal complexing reagent partially disassociating into protons and metal complexing anions, whereby some functional groups in the weak anion exchange resin are protonated and bind with the metal complexing anions; and neutralizing a sample of the acidic solution with the activated weak anion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Metara, Inc.
    Inventor: Harmesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7297548
    Abstract: The present invention provides solid-phase saccharide dyes. The dyes are bisboronic acids covalently bonded to a solid substrate. The dyes selectively conjugate with saccharides, particularly glucose, and register a signal. The signal is proportional to the quantity of saccharide. Thus, the dyes of the present invention are useful for measuring and monitoring saccharide levels, particularly in biological fluids such as blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kawanishi, Matthew Albert Romey, Mark Z. Holody, Peter C. Zhu, Seiji Shinkai
  • Patent number: 7297549
    Abstract: A method of determining bias in a measurement of a constituent concentration level in a sample gas is provided. The method comprises establishing a sample gas flow from an emission stream into a sample gas line of an emissions monitoring system. The method further comprises removing water from the sample gas flow and cooling the sample gas flow to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried sample gas flow. The constituent concentration level is then determined for the cooled, dried sample gas flow. The method further comprises introducing a span gas having a known span gas constituent concentration level into the sample gas flow to form a combined sample and span gas flow, the span gas being introduced at a desired span gas flow rate. The method still further comprises removing water from the combined sample and span gas and cooling the combined sample and span gas to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried, combined sample and span gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Steven Lanier, Glenn England
  • Patent number: 7297550
    Abstract: A disposable support for containers for treating biological samples in cytocentrifuges, that comprise a vertical flat supporting base with a protruding wall that supports at least one funnel connected in a lower region to a corresponding horizontal connection channel, the support being composed of a single element made of molded plastic material, and comprising a flat supporting body with protruding edges for accommodating, in succession, a slide, a filtering card and the container base, clamps for retaining the slide, the filtering card and the base container, and a transverse pivot for fixing the support to a cytocentrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kaltek S.R.L.
    Inventor: Lorenzo Cortelazzo
  • Patent number: 7297551
    Abstract: Recombinant fragments of Factor C are disclosed. These proteins and peptides show great potency in recognizing, binding to, neutralizing and removing endotoxin. These molecules can thus be used for anti-microbial, anti-endotoxin, and anti-sepsis therapy. SSCrFCES is a 38 kDa protein representing the LPS-binding domain of Factor C. The ability of SSCrFCES to bind lipid A was analyzed using an ELISA-based assay as well as surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance similarly carried out for SSCrFC-sushi-1,2,3-GFP, SSCrFC-sushi-1GFP, and SSCrFC-sushi-3GFP confirmed their superior affinity for endotoxin. The 50% endotoxin-neutralizing concentration of SSCrFCES against 200 EU of endotoxin is 0.069 ?M, suggesting that SSCrFCES is an effective inhibitor of LAL coagulation cascade. Although partially attenuated by human serum, as low as 1 ?M of SSCrFCES inhibits the LPS-induced secretion of hTNF-? and hIL-8 by THP-1 and human pheripheral blood mononuclear cells with a potency more superior than polymyxin B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Jeak L. Ding, BoW Ho, Nguan S. Tan
  • Patent number: 7297552
    Abstract: Instruments for forming an immobilized sample on a porous membrane are described, a representative one of which includes: (a) a first plate containing a first connector and a first region provided with a plurality of through-holes; and (b) a second plate containing a second connector configured for engaging the first connector and a second region provided with a plurality of through-holes. A porous membrane is interposed between the first region and the second region by engagement of the first connector and the second connector. Methods for quantifying a target substance in an immobilized sample are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Hironori Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7297553
    Abstract: A method for the efficient immobilization of silylated molecules such as silylated oligonucleotides or proteins onto unmodified surfaces such as a glass surface is provided. Also provided are compounds, devices, and kits for modifying surfaces such as glass surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nanosphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Viswanadham Garimella, Yasmith Bernal
  • Patent number: 7297554
    Abstract: A competitive immunoassay, dye and method for rapidly detecting the presence of one or more target ligands within a fluid sample suspected of containing such ligand or ligands. The immunoassay comprises a protein-binding membrane, a first absorbent pad, a second absorbent pad, and a third absorbent pad. The protein-binding membrane has at least two regions of antibodies bound thereto for detecting dissimilar ligands. The second absorbent pad has formed therein a colloidal gold tracer having one, and preferably two or more ligand analog protein complexes adhering thereto. To utilize the system, the immunoassay strip is placed within a fluid sample. To the extent the target ligand is absent, a visual indicator will be provided signaling such absence. To the extent the target ligand is present at or above a threshold level, no such visual signal will be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Microdiagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Chung, June Shozi
  • Patent number: 7297555
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that introduction of hydrophilic sulfoalkyl substituents and/or hydrophilic linkers derived from homocysteic acid, cysteic acid, glycine peptides, tetraethylene oxide, and the like, offset the hydrophobicity of the acridinium ring system to produce a more soluble label which can be attached to an antibody at higher loading before precipitation and aggregation problems are encountered. Additional compounds described herein contain linkers derived from short peptides and tetraethylene oxide which increase aqueous solubility due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The present invention also embraces reagents for multiple acridinium labeling for signal amplification composed of a peptide bearing several acridinium esters with sulfonate groups at regularly spaced intervals for increased solubility. The invention also embraces assays employing the above-described compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Quest Diagnostics Investments Incorporated
    Inventors: Ramon Evangelista, Martha Garrity
  • Patent number: 7297556
    Abstract: This invention provides organic biomolecule markers (e.g., proteins) useful for differentiating minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FCS), membranous nephrothropy (MN), and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). This invention also provides organic biomolecule markers useful for evaluating the therapeutic value of agents for treating kidney disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Vermillion, Inc.
    Inventor: Naohisa Tomosugi
  • Patent number: 7297557
    Abstract: A method of attaching a molecular layer to a substrate includes attaching a temporary protecting group(s) to a molecule having a molecular switching moiety with first and second connecting groups attached to opposed ends thereof. The temporary protecting group(s) is attached to the first and/or second connecting group so as to cause the opposed ends of the switching moiety to exhibit a difference in hydrophilicity such that one of the ends remains at at least one of a water/solvent interface and a water/air interface, and the other end remains in air during a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) process. An LB film is formed on the interface. The temporary protecting group(s) is removed. The substrate is passed through the LB film to form the molecular layer chemically bonded on the substrate. The difference in hydrophilicity between the opposed ends causes formation of a substantially well-oriented, uniform LB film at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sean X. Zhang, Zhang-lin Zhou, Yong Chen
  • Patent number: 7297558
    Abstract: A W plug (24) is formed and a W oxidation preventing barrier metal film (25) is formed thereon. After that, an SiON film (27) thinner than the W oxidation preventing barrier metal film (25) is formed and Ar sputter etching is performed on the SiON film (27). As a result, the shape of the surface of the SiON film (27) becomes gentler and deep trenches disappear. Next, an SiON film (28) is formed on the whole surface. A voidless W oxidation preventing insulating film (29) is composed of the SiON (28) film and the SiON film (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yasutaka Ozaki, Tatsuya Yokota, Nobutaka Ohyagi
  • Patent number: 7297559
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a memory capable of improving the strength of a signal read from a memory cell is provided. This method of fabricating a memory comprises steps of forming a storage part and an etched thin-film part by partially etching a storage material film formed on a first electrode film by a prescribed thickness, forming an insulator film to cover at least the thin-film part of the storage material film and patterning the insulator film and the thin-film part of the storage material film by forming an etching mask on a prescribed region of the insulator film and thereafter etching the insulator film and the thin-film part of the storage material film through the etching mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Honma, Shigeharu Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7297560
    Abstract: The present invention presents a method for detecting an endpoint of an etch process for etching a substrate in plasma processing system (1) comprising: etching the substrate; measuring at least one endpoint signal; generating at least one filtered endpoint signal by filtering the at least one endpoint signal, wherein the filtering comprises applying a Savitsky Golay filter (12) to the at least one endpoint signal; and determining (14) an endpoint of the etch process from the at least one filtered endpoint signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Hongyu Yue
  • Patent number: 7297561
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed that enhances quality control inspection of device. The structure includes a substrate having at least one planar face, a first metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a first predetermined geometric pattern, and a second metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a second geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern. A quality control method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a first metal layer on a semiconductor face of a device in a first predetermined geometric pattern, placing a second metal layer on the same face of the device as the first layer and in a second predetermined geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern, and then inspecting the device to identify the presence or absence of one or both of the patterns on the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph C. Tuttle, Christopher Sean Plunket, David B. Slater, Jr., Gerald H. Negley, Thomas P. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7297562
    Abstract: A circuit-on-foil process for manufacturing a laminated semiconductor package substrate having embedded conductive patterns provides a high-density mounting and interconnect structure for semiconductor packages that is manufacturable in volume. A dielectric film is laminated on one or both sides with a foil layer with a circuit pattern disposed on a surface of the foil. The circuit-on-foil layer can be made by laser-ablating a plating resist material and then plating metal atop a foil, or by laser-exposing a photo-sensitive plating resist material and then plating the circuit pattern atop the foil. After lamination, the metal foil is removed by etching or machining to leave only the dielectric and embedded conductors. Vias can be formed between layers of embedded conductors by laser-drilling holes either though the entire substrate or from one side through to at least the bottom of one of the embedded circuit layers, and then filling the hole with metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Patrick Huemoeller, Sukianto Rusli
  • Patent number: 7297563
    Abstract: A compliant contact pin contactor card method for making is provided. The compliant contact pin assembly includes a contact pin formed from a portion of a substrate with the contact pin compliantly held suspended within the substrate by a compliant coupling structure. The suspension within the substrate results in a compliant deflection orthogonal to the plane of the substrate. The contact pin assembly is formed by generally thinning the substrate around the contact pin location and then specifically thinning the substrate immediately around the contact pin location for forming a void. The contact pin is compliantly coupled, in one embodiment by compliant coupling material, and in another embodiment by compliantly flexible portions of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle K. Kirby, Warren M. Farnworth, James M. Wark, William M. Hiatt, David R. Hembree, Alan G. Wood
  • Patent number: 7297564
    Abstract: A method of fabricating vertical sidewalls on silicon (110) substrates for use in Si/SiGe photodetectors includes preparing a silicon (110) layer wherein the silicon (110) plane is parallel to an underlying silicon wafer surface. Masking the silicon (110) layer with mask sidewalls parallel to a silicon (111) layer plane and etching the silicon (110) layer to remove an un-masked portion thereof, leaving a patterned silicon (110) layer having vertical silicon (111) sidewalls. Removing the mask; growing SiGe-containing layers on the patterned silicon (110) layer; and fabricating a photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Tweet, Jong-Jan Lee, Jer-Shen Maa, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Patent number: 7297565
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device, and a fabricating method thereof, having organic pixel electrodes. The organic pixel electrodes are benefically comprised of a light sensitive organic material, preferably PEDOT (polyethylenedioxythiophene). The organic pixel electrodes are rendered electrically conductive using light. The method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device coating or screen printing a TFT substrate with the light sensitive organic material and then illuminating selected portions of the light sensitive material to form the organic pixel electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: L.G.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Hyun Kim, Hyun Sik Seo
  • Patent number: 7297566
    Abstract: A display device is formed by burying at least part of a light emitting device in an insulating material, wherein a drive electrode for the light emitting device is formed so as to be extracted on a surface of the insulating material. A display unit is produced by two-dimensionally arraying such light emitting devices on a base body. Since the display device is modularized by burying a light emitting device finely formed in an insulating material, to re-shape the light emitting device into a size easy to handle, it is possible to suppress the production cost of the display unit using such display devices, and to ensure a desirable handling performance of the light emitting device; for example, facilitate the carrying of the light emitting device or the mounting thereof on a base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoharu Oohata, Hideharu Nakajima, Yoshiyuki Yanagisawa, Toshiaki Iwafuchi
  • Patent number: 7297567
    Abstract: A plurality of MEMS structures is formed on a wafer. The wafer is mounted on a dicing frame assembly having a dicing frame and a dicing tape attached to the dicing frame. A protective layer is applied to cover the entire surface of the wafer or may be limited to the portion of the surface of the wafer that includes the MEMS structures by any suitable means of coating techniques to protect the MEMS structures during dicing operation. The protective layer base material to be provided on the wafer may include linear carbon chain molecules containing 12-18 carbon atoms. The dicing operation is performed to divide the wafer into individual die. The protective layer is removed by any suitable process including decomposition, vaporized, sublimation or the like. For example, the protective layer may be evaporated through the application of heat after the die attachment process is completed. The heat application may be part of the cure cycle required for die bonding or may be a separate operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC.
    Inventor: Peter V. Loeppert
  • Patent number: 7297568
    Abstract: A three-dimensional structure composed of highly-reliable silicon ultrafine wires, a method for producing the three-dimensional structure, and a device including the same are provided. The three-dimensional structure composed of silicon fine wires includes wires (2) on the order of nanometers to micrometers formed by wet etching utilizing the crystallinity of a single-crystal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Hideki Kawakatsu, Dai Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7297569
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device having a predetermined epitaxial region, such as an active region, with reduced defect density includes the steps of: (a) forming a dielectric cladding region on a major surface of a single crystal body of a first material; (b) forming a first opening that extends to a first depth into the cladding region; (c) forming a smaller second opening, within the first opening, that extends to a second depth greater than the first depth and that exposes an underlying portion of the major surface of the single crystal body; (d) epitaxially growing regions of a second semiconductor material in each of the openings and on the top of the cladding region; (e) controlling the dimensions of the second opening so that defects are confined to the epitaxial regions grown within the second opening and on top of the cladding region, a first predetermined region being located within the first opening and being essentially free of defects; (f) planarizing the top of the device to remove all
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Noble Device Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Devin Bude, Malcolm Carroll, Clifford Alan King
  • Patent number: 7297570
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor and a method for fabricating the same is disclosed, to enhance the efficiency in condensing the light by forming a multi-layered micro lens with various materials having different refractive indexes, in which the CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of photosensitive devices on a semiconductor substrate; an insulating interlayer on the plurality of photosensitive devices; a plurality of color filter layers in correspondence with the respective photosensitive devices, to filter the light by respective wavelengths; a first micro-lens layer on an entire surface of the color filter layers, to condense the light; and a plurality of second micro-lens layers on the first micro-lens layer in correspondence with the respective photosensitive devices, wherein the second micro-lens layer has the different refractive index from that of the first micro-lens layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shang Won Kim
  • Patent number: 7297571
    Abstract: The field of the invention is that of microsystems of the electrostatically actuated microswitch type that are used in electronics to carry out switching functions, especially in the microwave field for mobile telephony and radars. The object of the invention is to improve the performance of the switch by reducing the response time of the device and by increasing the radiofrequency or microwave power supported, while still maintaining low switching voltages. This improved performance is obtained by using thick membranes and by placing a material of high relative permittivity between said membrane and the associated electrode. The switch is obtained by a novel production process, the membrane being produced on an independent substrate and then joined to the base substrate of the switch. Examples of processes for producing devices according to the invention with the materials that can be used, the possible geometries and the various production steps are given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Afshin Ziaei, Thierry Dean, Jean-Philippe Polizzi
  • Patent number: 7297572
    Abstract: This specification describes techniques for manufacturing an electronic system module. The module includes flexible multi-layer interconnection circuits with trace widths as narrow as 5 microns or less. A glass panel manufacturing facility, similar to those employed for making liquid crystal display, LCD, panels is preferably used to fabricate the interconnection circuits. A multi-layer interconnection circuit is fabricated on the glass panel using a release layer. A special assembly layer is formed over the interconnection circuit comprising a thick dielectric layer with openings formed at input/output (I/O) pad locations. Solder paste is deposited in the openings using a squeegee to form wells filled with solder. IC chips are provided with gold stud bumps at I/O pad locations, and these bumps are inserted in the wells to form flip chip connections. The IC chips are tested and reworked. The same bump/well connections can be used to attach fine-pitch cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter C. Salmon
  • Patent number: 7297573
    Abstract: A method for assembling a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device that includes a micro-machine is described. The method comprises forming the micro-machine on a die, the die having a top surface and a bottom surface, providing a plurality of die bonding pedestals on a surface of a housing, and mounting at least one of the top surface of the die and components of the micro-machine to the die bonding pedestals such that a bottom surface of the die at least partially shields components of the micro-machine from loose gettering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jon B. DCamp, Harlan L. Curtis, Lori A. Dunaway, Max C. Glenn
  • Patent number: 7297574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-chip device comprising a plurality of chip stacks each including a plurality of single chips stacked on each other, wherein the stacked single chips are electrically interconnected by one or more through-chip-connection extending through at least one of the single chips and a substrate providing one or more first contact elements each of which is in contact with one of the through-chip-connections and providing one or more second contact elements being in electrical contact with the first contact elements, wherein the plurality of chip stacks are stacked onto each other and wherein the second contact elements of one of the chip stacks each being arranged to be in contact to one or more third contact elements of an adjacent one of the chip stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jochen Thomas, Olaf Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 7297575
    Abstract: A system semiconductor device includes a system LSI cell portion and a global wiring layer. The system LSI cell portion has a plurality of functional blocks for realizing specific functions on a semiconductor chip. The global wiring layer has a wiring layer on a semiconductor substrate. The system LSI cell portion is laminated with the global wiring layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masamoto Tago, Akihiro Dohya
  • Patent number: 7297576
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a thin film transistor (TFT) display is provided, wherein the processes of a liquid crystal substrate and an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) substrate are separated. The fabrication of liquid crystal substrate employs the technology of polymer encapsulated liquid crystal molecule, and leaves the polymeric layer as a substrate using a sacrificial layer, so as to improve the flexibility. And the TFT substrate has a high adhesive polymeric protective layer provided on its surface, so as to combine the fabricated TFT substrate and the liquid crystal substrate by laminating. Thereby, the processes of the liquid crystal substrate and the TFT substrate will not affect each other, to improve the process yield and meet the demand for the variety of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Liang-Yin Huang, Jia-Chong Ho, Cheng-Chung Lee, Chi-Chang Liao