Patents Issued in July 29, 2008
  • Patent number: 7404952
    Abstract: The present invention discloses three novel proteins regulating the energy homeostasis and the metabolism of triglycerides, and polynucleotides, which identify and encode the proteins disclosed in this invention. The invention also relates to vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, study, prevention, and treatment of diseases and disorders related to body-weight regulation, for example, but not limited to, metabolic diseases such as obesity, as well as related disorders such as adipositas, eating disorders, wasting syndromes (cachexia), pancreatic dysfunctions (such as diabetes mellitus), hypertension, pancreatic dysfunctions, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, gallstones, cancer, e.g. cancers of the reproductive organs, sleep apnea, and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Develogen Aktiengesellschaft fur Entwicklungsbiologische Forshung
    Inventors: Karsten Eulenberg, Gunter Bronner, Thomas Ciossek, Thomas Hader, Arnd Steuernagel
  • Patent number: 7404953
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apoptosis inducer and a therapeutic agent for eosinophilic diseases which comprises, as an active ingredient, an antibody which reacts specifically with eosinophils and induces apoptosis of eosinophils; and a method for inducing eosinophil apoptosis using the antibody, and a method for specifically reducing or removing eosinophils in peripheral blood or tissues using the antibody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Emi Hosaka, Kazuyasu Nakamura, Masamichi Koike, Kenya Shitara, Nobuo Hanai
  • Patent number: 7404954
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for specific binding to a region of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) of a cell with the provisos that the ligand does not substantially bind to the most abundant form of the secretory component (SC) of pIgR present in an organ of interest of an animal of interest under physiological conditions, and does not bind to the pIgR stalk. In some embodiments, the ligand decreases cleavage of SC from the stalk by at least one-third. The ligands and methods of the invention can be used with both birds and mammals. In more preferred embodiments, the animal is a mammal. In the most preferred embodiment, the animal is a human. The ligand may be targeted into the cell or may undergo retrograde transcytosis and release at the basolateral side of the cell, and may comprise a biologically active composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Keith E. Mostov, Steven J. Chapin, Janice Richman-Eisenstat
  • Patent number: 7404955
    Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF?-mediated pathologies and conditions, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Centocor, Inc., New York University
    Inventors: Junming Le, Jan Vilcek, Peter Daddona, John Ghrayeb, David Knight, Scott Siegel
  • Patent number: 7404956
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein wherein said protein comprises a first and a second polypeptide chain, said first polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region and a biologically active molecule, and said second polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region without the biologically active molecule of the first chain. The invention also relates to methods of using and methods of making the chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Syntonix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Peters, Adam R. Mezo, Daniel S. Rivera, Alan J. Bitonti, Susan C. Low
  • Patent number: 7404957
    Abstract: This invention relates to modified IL-4 mutein receptor antagonists comprising an IL-4 mutein receptor antagonist coupled to polyethylene glycol. Related formulations and dosages and methods of administration thereof for therapeutic purposes are also provided. These modified IL-4 mutein receptor antagonists, compositions and methods provide a treatment option for those individuals afflicted with a respiratory disorder such as asthma by inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13-mediated airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia. More particularly, these antagonists have an increased duration of effect versus unmodified IL-4RA by virtue of a greater plasma half-life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Aerovance, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Pan, Steve Roczniak, Jeffrey Michael Greve, Stephanie L. Yung, Malinda Longphre, Teresa Mo-fun Wong, Adrian Tomkinson
  • Patent number: 7404958
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sanofi Pasteur Limited
    Inventors: Lynn Doucette-Stamm, David Bush, Qiandong Zeng, Timothy Opperman, Chad Eric Houseweart
  • Patent number: 7404959
    Abstract: A substantially microbe-free composition containing plant growth regulators is produced by culturing a fungal spawn on high carbohydrate medium under suitable conditions. The culture filtrate is sterilized, formulated, and used to enhance plant growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: ABR, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan Hiromoto
  • Patent number: 7404960
    Abstract: A vaccine composition comprising two valences is provided: (i) a first valence which is adjuvant-enhanced with aluminum hydroxide and (ii) a second valence which contains a polysaccharide of bacterial capsule comprising one or more o-acetyl groups and which is not adsorbed with aluminum oxide due to the presence of a protecting compound which may be a phosphate, a citrate or a carbonate and which prevents the adsorption. The first valence can be any vaccine valence. In one particular embodiment, the vaccine composition contains (i) Hepatitis A valence, adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide and (ii) the typhoid fever valence formed by the polysaccharide Vi of the Salmonella typhi capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Aventis Pasteur SA
    Inventor: Alain Françon
  • Patent number: 7404961
    Abstract: This invention relates to amino acid sequences from within a consensus peptide of the formula: VEKNITVTASVDPTIDLLQADGSALPSAVALTYSPA (SEQ ID. NO: 1) Eight mer peptides from within the consensus peptide were tested against an antibody raised to the consensus peptide. Studies relating to antibody raised to denatured proteins from the natural organisms producing the family of proteins were also useful and showed particular value of some sequences. A sequence of the formula ASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 2) was identified thereby. An enlarge sequence of the formula TVTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 3) is also especially interesting as are intermediate sequences such as sequences VTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 4), TASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 5), and TASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 6) as being binding sites for antibodies raised to the denatured proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frederick J. Cassels, Lawrence Loomis-Price
  • Patent number: 7404962
    Abstract: A combination kit for the treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) having individual doses of an anti-malarial agent, 3-[1-[[4-[(6-methoxy-8-quinolinyl)amino]pentyl]amino]ethylidene]-dihydro-2(3H)-furanone (I) in the form of capsules; individual doses of the anti-malarial agent, chloroquine in the form of tablets; and instruction material for the administration of the two anti-malarial drugs. The combination kit is particularly suited for a 6 days treatment regimen where the treatment is rendered by five tablets containing 500 mg of chloroquine phosphate (equivalent to 300 mg base), three to be taken on day one and one each on days two and three; and five capsules containing 25 mg of 3-[1-[[4-[(6-methoxy-8-quinolinyl)amino]pentyl]amino]ethylidene]-dihydro-2(3H)-furanone (I), one each to be taken on days two to six.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Nicholas Piramal India Limited, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Francis Joseph Pinto, Swati Ajay Piramal, Ram Pratap, Amiya Prasad Bhaduri, Harsh Pati Thapliyal, Sunil Kumar Puri, Guru Prasad Dutta, Anil Kumar Dwivedi, Satyawan Singh, Pratima Srivastava, Vikash Chandra Pandey, Sudhir Srivastava, Shio Kumar Singh, Ram Chandra Gupta, Jagdishwar Sahai Srivastava, Omkar Prasad Asthana
  • Patent number: 7404963
    Abstract: The present invention provides adjuvants, vaccines and related methods that are useful in eliciting immune responses, particularly immune responses against tumor antigens. We discovered that flagellin is capable of inhibiting tolerance when it is administered in conjunction with a tolerogenic antigen. This effect is likely mediated by the ability of flagellin to induce IL-12 while keeping IL-10 levels low. Furthermore, flagellin can be provided in an extended-releasing manner by using a flagellin-expressing cell. Preferably, the flagellin-expressing cell is treated such that it is no longer capable of replicating, yet retaining the ability to express flagellin, such as by lethal irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The University of South Florida
    Inventors: Eduardo M. Sotomayor, Ildefonso Suarez
  • Patent number: 7404964
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for extending the release times and lowering the toxicity of pharmacologically active compounds. The compounds comprise a salt of the pharmacologically active compound with a lipophilic counterion and a pharmaceutically acceptable water soluble solvent combined together to form an injectable composition. The lipophilic counterion may be a saturated or unsaturated C8-C22 fatty acid, and preferably may be a saturated or unsaturated C10-C18 fatty acid. When injected into a mammal, at least a portion of the composition precipitates and releases the active compound over time. Thus, the composition forms a slowly releasing drug depot of the active compound in the mammal. Therefore, the present invention enables one to provide a controlled dose administration of the active compound for a periods of up to 15 days or even longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Idexx Laboratories
    Inventors: Yerramilli V.S.N. Murthy, Robert H. Suva
  • Patent number: 7404965
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition in the form of a solution, cream, lotion, spray, ointment, gel, aerosol, tablet, suppository or patch device for transdermal or transmucosal administration of alprazolam to a subject, which includes as a permeation enhancing mixture a fatty component in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight which is one of (a) a saturated fatty alcohol of formula CH3—(CH2)n—CH2OH, a saturated fatty acid of formula CH3—(CH2)n—CH2COOH, (b) an unsaturated fatty alcohol of formula CH3(CnH2(n?1))—OH, or (c) a fatty acid of formula CH3(CnH2(n?1))—COOH, wherein n is an integer of between 8 and 22; and a vehicle that includes a C1-C4 alkanol, a polyalcohol, and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Antares Pharma IPL AG
    Inventors: Dario Carrara, Gabriel Porto, Jorge Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7404966
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleansing composition suitable for topical application to human skin, more particularly to an oil-based cleansing composition containing a silicone elastomer gelling agent for removal of make-up from the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Michael Lee Vatter
  • Patent number: 7404967
    Abstract: Topical formulations containing aqueous-soluble divalent strontium cation in a suitable topical formulation vehicle, and methods of using these formulations to inhibit skin irritation, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cosmederm, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Hahn, David O. Thueson
  • Patent number: 7404968
    Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Microdose Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Abrams, Anand V. Gumaste
  • Patent number: 7404969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cationic lipids, transfection agents, microparticles, nanoparticles, and short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. Specifically, the invention relates to novel cationic lipids, microparticles, nanoparticles and transfection agents that effectively transfect or deliver short interfering nucleic acid (siNA). The compositions described herein are generally referred to as formulated molecular compositions (FMC) or lipid nanoparticles (LNP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sirna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tongqian Chen, Chandra Vargeese, Kurt Vagle, Weimin Wang, Ye Zhang
  • Patent number: 7404970
    Abstract: An oral dosage form which includes a bi-layer tablet consisting of an Actives Granulation layer and an Osmagen Granulation layer is disclosed. An encapsulant is disposed over that bi-layer tablet. The encapsulated bi-layer tablet includes an orally therapeutically effective dose of oxycodone in combination with dextromethorphan, where the weight ratio of oxycodone to dextromethorphan is 1:5. The oral dosage form does not include an opioid antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Konec, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Krsek, Enrique E. Durazo
  • Patent number: 7404971
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous gelatin material in the form of spherical particles with a continuous pore structure and cast, three-dimensional, porous gelatin structures. The invention also comprises methods for preparation of the porous gelatin materials and structures. The method for preparing the porous gelatin material in the form of spheres with a continuous pore structure comprises the steps of preparing a homogenous water-based gelatin solution, adding an emulsifier with an HLD value >9, adding a first composition comprising an organic solvent and an emulsifier with an HLB value >9, adding a second composition comprising an organic solvent and an emulsifier with an HLB value <8 and allowing the gelatin material to solidify. Uses of the materials according to the invention are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Kjell Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7404972
    Abstract: A means for the extraction and crystallization of quassinoids such as quassin and neoquassin from natural sources containing these compounds, using compounds that are Generally Recognized As Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is provided. In particular, a means for extraction that does not require use of lead acetate, chloroform, methanol, or diethyl ether is provided. The process includes a means of removing non-polar and very polar substances from an extracted residue to enhance crystallization of quassinoids from the residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The University of the West Indies
    Inventors: Trevor Herbert Yee, Helen Marjorie Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7404973
    Abstract: A Bowman-Birk Inhibitor Concentrate (BBIC) that has a high protein content. The BBIC is made from conventional soybeans using ultrafiltration, without acid or alcohol extraction or acetone precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Solae, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur H. Konwinski, Charles W. Monagle, Navpreet Singh, Bernard F. Szuhaj
  • Patent number: 7404974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament, comprising plant material of Mascagnia eggersiana, subspecies, ecotypes or a combination thereof, or, respectively, comprising active compounds obtainable therefrom. The medicament is in particular suitable for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, and for improving the blood flow, in particular in peripheral blood vessels. Further subject matter of the invention is the use of said plant material or of said active compounds obtainable therefrom for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, or for improving the blood flow, in particular in peripheral blood vessels, respectively, as well as for the preparation of respective medicaments. Further subject matter of the invention are respective therapeutic processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Roland Glaser
  • Patent number: 7404975
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fungal infection by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an extract of the leaf of M. oleifera as the sole active component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Academia Sinica
    Inventors: Hueih Min Chen, Ping-Hsien Chuang
  • Patent number: 7404976
    Abstract: A method for providing nutrition to critical care animals such as dogs and cats is provided which comprises administering an amount of an artificially produced canine or feline milk substitute composition. The canine milk substitute composition comprises, on a dry matter basis, from about 35 to 45% by weight protein, from about 25 to 35% by weight fat, and from about 10 to 25% by weight carbohydrates. The feline milk composition comprises, on a dry matter basis, from about 30 to 50% protein, from about 25 to 50% fat, and from about 10 to 25% carbohydrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Iams Company
    Inventor: Allan J. Lepine
  • Patent number: 7404977
    Abstract: The present invention describes an aspartic protease produced by a fungus from the class Eurotiomycetes, comprising the amino acid sequence of FDTGSSD or FDTGSSE. The present invention further provides a process for identifying new milk clotting enzymes comprising screening an amino acid sequence for the presence of FDTGSSD or FDTGSSE. The enzymes of the invention may he useful in cheese production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Jacobus Theodorus Dekker
  • Patent number: 7404978
    Abstract: A wafer half-shell is described which has a mouth delimited by at least one annular surface and one or more side walls, in which the mouth surface and the surfaces of the side wall have a substantially smooth surface finish. Preferably the outer surface of the side wall has a porous, continuous or discontinuous region which extends peripherally and is receded relative to the mouth surface of the half-shell, resulting from the cutting of a radial wall connected to the side wall of the half-shell in a receded position relative to the annular surface defining the mouth of the half-shell. The annular coupling surfaces of the complementary half-shells have preferably centering means which are complementary each other. The half-shell is useful particularly for the production of a food product comprising a pair of half-shells fitted together mouth to mouth and including a mass of liquid filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Soremartec S.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Mansuino
  • Patent number: 7404979
    Abstract: A device for spin coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed for spin coating a stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D Pacetti
  • Patent number: 7404980
    Abstract: The inventive method relates to microelectronic and consists in the application of an emission layer to elements of an addressable field-emission electrode with the aid of a gas-phase synthesis method in a hydrogen flow accompanied by a supply of a carbonaceous gas. A dielectric backing is made of a high-temperature resistant material and discrete elements of the addressable field-emission electrode are made of a high-temperature resistant metal. The growth rate of the emission layer on the dielectric backing is smaller than the growth rate of the emission layer on the metallic discrete elements as a result of a selected process of depositing the carbonaceous emission layer, namely the backing temperature, the temperature of the reactor threads, the pumping speed of a gas mixture through the reactor, a selected distance between the reactor threads and the backing and a settling time. The cathode metallic discrete elements can be made of two metallic layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: Alexandr Alexandrovich Blyablin, Alexandr Tursunovich Rakhimov, Vladimir Anatolievich Samorodov, Nikolaii Vladislavovich Suetin
  • Patent number: 7404981
    Abstract: A method is provided for printing electronic and opto-electronic circuits. The method comprises: (a) providing a substrate; (b) providing a film-forming precursor species; (c) forming a substantially uniform and continuous film of the film-forming precursor species on at least one side of the substrate, the film having a first electrical conductivity; and (d) altering portions of the film with at least one conductivity-altering species to form regions having a second electrical conductivity that is different than the first electrical conductivity, the regions thereby providing circuit elements. The method employs very simple and continuous processes, which make the time to produce a batch of circuits very short and leads to very inexpensive products, such as electronic memories (write once or rewriteable), electronically addressable displays, and generally any circuit for which organic electronics or opto-electronics are acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Xiao-An Zhang, R. Stanley Williams, Yong Chen
  • Patent number: 7404982
    Abstract: A color filter forming method, includes: forming a bank on a substrate; making the substrate and part or all of the bank lyophilic; and coating a liquid repellent on part or all of an upper surface of the bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Naoyuki Toyoda
  • Patent number: 7404983
    Abstract: The present inventions pertain to a method of applying a solid protective coating to articles, to a system capable of depositing a solid film layer on articles, and to hermetically sealed articles. In particular, films are deposited on fused quartz substrates, optical fibers, and other items requiring a hermetic seal by a single or multiple beams laser-induced chemical vapor deposition [LCVD]. According to the present inventions, the protective layer can be deposited on the articles to be hermetically sealed in an open environment at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature whereby the coating process may occur outside the confines of an enclosure. A coaxial precursor and non-reactive laminar gas jet configuration insulates the deposition area from oxygen and other aerial impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wilson K. S. Chiu, King Hong Kwok
  • Patent number: 7404984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for growing a thin film onto a substrate, in which method a substrate placed in a reaction space (21) is subjected to alternately repeated surface reactions of at least two vapor-phase reactants for the purpose of forming a thin film. According to the method, said reactants are fed in the form of vapor-phase pulses repeatedly and alternately, each reactant separately from its own source, into said reaction space (21), and said vapor-phase reactants are brought to react with the surface of the substrate for the purpose of forming a solid-state thin film compound on said substrate. According to the invention, the gas volume of said reaction space is evacuated by means of a vacuum pump essentially totally between two successive vapor-phase reactant pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomo Suntola, Sven Lindfors
  • Patent number: 7404985
    Abstract: A method of noble metal layer formation for high aspect ratio interconnect features is described. The noble metal layer is formed using a cyclical deposition process. The cyclical deposition process comprises alternately adsorbing a noble metal-containing precursor and a reducing gas on a substrate structure. The adsorbed noble metal-containing precursor reacts with the adsorbed reducing gas to form the noble metal layer on the substrate. Suitable noble metals may include, for example, palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt) cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) and rhodium (Rh).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Mei Chang, Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 7404986
    Abstract: Physical vapor deposition is augmented by chemical vapor deposition from one or more organometallic compounds to deposit multi-component materials. The organometallic compounds may be carbonyls. The process may be used to deposit coatings and repair material on superalloy turbine engine parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander V. Makhotkin, Igor S. Malashenko, Igor V. Belousov
  • Patent number: 7404987
    Abstract: A pearlescent paint composition comprising a film-former and a solids material comprising a pearlizing effective amount of a pearlizing compound, a hiding material and a pigment, the improvement wherein the pigment is white and the hiding material is selected from the groups consisting of metals selected from particulate aluminum, zinc, copper, nickel, stainless steel and alloys thereof, and compounds selected from aluminum oxide, aluminum silicate, hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate, silica, mica aluminum silicate, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate, calcium metasilicate, anhydrous sodium potassium aluminum silicate, sodium aluminum silicate, alumina trihydrate and barium sulphate in, respective, effective whitening and hiding amounts. Preferably, the pearlizing compound is a mica, the hiding material is particulate aluminum and the white pigment is titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nirupama Karunaratne, Ken Johnson, Hiroki Kanaya
  • Patent number: 7404988
    Abstract: Refinishing an exterior automotive lens having a damaged exterior surface in situ using a continuous movement and oscillating motion, with first, a 320 grit sanding disc, next a 600 grit sanding disc and finally a 1500 grit sanding pad while flushing the surface with water to prevent melting of the surface. Buffing the surface with a polishing compound until a high gloss is achieved. Finally, coating the surface with a transparent ultraviolet hardenable coating material, and hardening it by exposure to an ultraviolet light source. This method is accomplished using an oscillating tool having a remotely located drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Mitchell Kuta
  • Patent number: 7404989
    Abstract: A composite article is provided which comprises a silicone rubber matrix reinforced with a polyaramid textile. The polyaramid textile is bonded to the silicone rubber by a bonding composition that comprises at least an acryloxy organosilane. The article is manufactured by dipping polyaramid textile into an organosilane dip that comprises an acyrloxy organosilane. The so-dipped polyaramid textile is then bonded to silicone rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Dany Felix Maria Michiels
  • Patent number: 7404990
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided a low-temperature process to remove at least a portion of at least one pore-forming phase within a multiphasic film thereby forming a porous film. The pore-forming phase may be removed via exposure to at least one energy source, preferably an ultraviolet light source, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Mark Daniel Bitner, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7404991
    Abstract: A microwave is introduced into a process chamber through a waveguide (26) of the plasma process apparatus, thereby generating plasma. A reflection monitor (40) and an electric power monitor (42) monitor the electric power of a reflected wave reflected by the plasma that is generated in the process chamber. Moreover, an incidence monitor (36) and a frequency monitor (48) monitor the frequency of the microwave generated by a magnetron (24). An electric power supplied to the magnetron (24) is controlled based on the monitored electric power of the reflected wave and the monitored frequency. This method thus controls plasma density to a constant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Masaki Hirayama, Shigetoshi Sugawa, Tetsuya Goto
  • Patent number: 7404992
    Abstract: A liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy and containing at least one compound represented by formula (1), at least one compound represented by formula (2), at least one compound represented by formula (4), at least one compound represented by formula (5), and at least one compound represented by formula (6), and the composition essentially consisting of these components: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 is, for example, alkyl; A1, A2 and A3 is, for example, 1,4-phenylene; Z1 is a single bond, —CH2O— or —COO—; and Z2 is a single bond or —COO—.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Chisso Corporation, Chisso Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Saito, Yoshitaka Tomi
  • Patent number: 7404993
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a pixel electrode on the first substrate; a common electrodes on the second substrate; a first alignment layer on the pixel electrode; a second alignment layer on the common electrode; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second alignment layers, liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer disposed in a bend state; and a hydrogen-bonded structure in the liquid crystal layer, the hydrogen-bonded structure having a bow shape to maintain the bend state of the liquid crystal molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Ho Choi, Su-Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 7404994
    Abstract: A lidstock material suitable for sealing plastic containers that are retorted at elevated temperatures to sterilize their contents. The lidstock material comprises a substrate joined to a film comprising a mixture of a butene-1 polymer; high density polyethylene; polypropylene; and a powdered filler. The lidstock material is heat sealable, peelable, and retains high burst strength both during and after retorting at elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Reynolds Packaging LLC
    Inventor: James A. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7404995
    Abstract: A new and improved contamination-control mat assembly which has a plurality of adhesive-coated sheets disposed upon the upper surface portion of the contamination-control mat assembly, and a new and improved polystyrene frame member, having an acrylic-rubber anti-slip backing member applied thereto, disposed upon the undersurface portion of the contamination-control mat assembly, wherein the polystyrene frame member and the acrylic-rubber anti-slip backing member are integrally affixed together by means of a coextrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Richard R. Schulze
  • Patent number: 7404996
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-shot injection molded polymeric component having first and second shots made from polymeric materials. The first shot is made from a relatively hard polymeric material, while the second shot is made from a polymeric material which may differ from the first shot by way of color or polymer type. In this way, the second shot provides texture and aesthetic value to the component. Integrally molded with the second shot is an attachment feature that allows an accessory to be attached proximate the back side of the component without the use of a separate fastener or other separate attachment feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Cowelchuk, Randy S. Reed, Michael P. Schoemann, John D. Youngs
  • Patent number: 7404997
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a substrate comprising a first major surface comprising light transmitting areas and light shielding areas. A reflective image exists on the light shielding areas of the first major surface of the substrate. A transmitted image exists on the first major surface through the light transmitting areas of the first major surface of the substrate. The substrate is substantially continuous and not specularly transmissive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey O. Emslander, Kenneth B. Wood, Paul L. Acito
  • Patent number: 7404998
    Abstract: A synthetic resin card in which card warpage can be reduced and a method for producing the same are provided. By setting the difference ? in the angle of orientation between outer layers symmetrically laminated on a card core section, it is possible to reduce imbalance of stress resulting from the difference in the shrinkage factor between the outer layers, and card warpage can be suppressed. Furthermore, by setting the thickness of the outer layers at 25 ?m to 125 ?m, rising of the surface of the synthetic resin card can be reduced. By reducing the card warpage and the rising of the surface of the synthetic resin card, it is possible to improve moving characteristics when the synthetic resin card is allowed to move in a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Miki Sudo, Eiji Ohta, Shinichi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7404999
    Abstract: A barrier paper has a polymeric layer substantially covering a first side of the paper and an anti-blocking coating on a second side. The polymeric layer has anti-blocking characteristics. A method of making an anti-blocking barrier paper also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel Loel Wilhoit, John Cameron Files
  • Patent number: 7405000
    Abstract: Provided is a resin particle comprising a resin (a) and a filler (b) contained in the particle; the particle has a volume average particle diameter of from 0.1 to 300 ?m and a shape factor of from 110 to 300; the particle has an outer shell layer (S) comprising at least a portion of the filler (b); the layer (S) is at least 0.01 ?m thick and has a thickness that is ½ or less of the maximum inscribed circle radius of the particle cross section. When used as a toner resin, it is excellent in blade cleaning properties and wide in the fixation temperature range; when employed as a paint additive or a cosmetics additive, it is excellent in masking properties; when used as paper coating additive, it is excellent in ink retention; when utilized as an abrasive, it is excellent in abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd, Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Takikawa, Toshihiko Kinsho, Hidetoshi Noda, Shuhei Yahiro, Yutaka Yoshida, Tomoyuki Ichikawa, Satoshi Mochizuki, Yasuaki Iwamoto, Hideki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7405001
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nanoparticle containing at least one metal sulfide nanocrystal having a surface modified with a carboxylic acid, wherein the carboxylic acid has at least one aryl group. The present disclosure also describes a method of preparing the nanoparticle, the method consisting of: (a) providing a first solution having a first organic solvent, and a non-alkali metal salt and a carboxylic acid dissolved therein, wherein the carboxylic acid has at least one aryl group; (b) providing a sulfide material; and (c) combining the first solution and the sulfide material to form a reaction solution, thereby forming a nanoparticle containing at least one metal sulfide nanocrystal having a surface modified with the carboxylic acid, wherein the carboxylic acid has at least one aryl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Igor Y. Denisyuk, Todd R. Williams