Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8993327
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for parallel macromolecular delivery and biochemical/electrochemical interface to whole cells employing carbon nanostructures including nanofibers and nanotubes. A method includes providing a first material on at least a first portion of a first surface of a first tip of a first elongated carbon nanostructure; providing a second material on at least a second portion of a second surface of a second tip of a second elongated carbon nanostructure, the second elongated carbon nanostructure coupled to, and substantially parallel to, the first elongated carbon nanostructure; and penetrating a boundary of a biological sample with at least one member selected from the group consisting of the first tip and the second tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy E. McKnight, Anatoli V. Melechko, Guy D. Griffin, Michael A. Guillorn, Vladimir L. Merkulov, Michael L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8993328
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for improving the efficiency of a transient gene delivery system to differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cells by serum starving the targeted cells for one to three days prior to transfection. Such a serum starvation surprisingly resulted in increased expression of a constitutively-controlled plasmid from 50.4% to 83.2% of the population and increased expression of a promoter/enhancer controlled plasmid from ˜1.4% to ˜3.7% of the population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Martin L. Yarmush, Eric J. Wallenstein, Rene S. Schloss
  • Patent number: 8993329
    Abstract: Provided are a method of improving iPS cell establishment efficiency, comprising the step of transferring Lin28B or a nucleic acid that encodes Lin28B to a somatic cell, particularly to a somatic cell on which Lin28 is ineffective or less effective than Lin28B in improving iPS cell establishment efficiency, and a method of producing an iPS cell, comprising the step of transferring Lin28B or a nucleic acid that encodes Lin28B and a nuclear reprogramming substance to a somatic cell. Also provided are an iPS cell comprising a nucleic acid that encodes Lin28B, that can be obtained by the method of producing an iPS cell, and a method of somatic cell production by forcing the iPS cell to differentiate into a somatic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kyoto University
    Inventors: Shinya Yamanaka, Koji Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8993330
    Abstract: A composition of a female germinal cell (egg) extract of pluricellular organisms in M-phase of the cell cycle, the extract being used for a mitotic remodeling of chromosomes of donor cells of pluricellular organisms, wherein the mitotic remodeling confers to the nucleus of the donor cells the ability to adapt themselves to the early embryonic development, in particular to the replication phases, in order to carry out the embryonic development or to obtain stem cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Marcel Mechali, Jean-Marc Lemaitre
  • Patent number: 8993331
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for conserving energy of a power source of an analyte monitoring device. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems for reducing noise during data transmissions to and from the analyte monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Saeed Nekoomaram, Martin J. Fennell, Mark Kent Sloan, Lei He, Jeffery Mario Sicurello
  • Patent number: 8993332
    Abstract: A method for determining the biological activity of embryonated Trichuris eggs is described, in which at least one of the following determinations is carried out: a) Determination and/or confirmation of the stage of the embryonal development of helminth eggs with the aid of quantitative PCR analysis by using suitable marker sequences for ascertaining the copy number of the genomic DNA, b) Determination of the metabolic activity of embryonated helminth eggs by means of biochemical and/or molecular biological methods, c) Determination of the inducibility of gene expression in embryonated helminth eggs, d) Microscopic determination of the motility of helminth larvae in the egg over long periods of observation after pre-incubation at increased temperatures and/or e) Determination of the hatching rate of Trichuris larvae in a laboratory animal, wherein the intact embryonated eggs recovered from the contents of the intestine are quantified compared to an internal standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Tewes, Rudolf Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 8993333
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a risk evaluation and diagnosis of human cancer, by examining the presence, in the volatile fraction of a human saliva sample, of a combination of particulate biochemical volatile organic compounds, which is indicative of an increased risk of developing cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Institut Clinident
    Inventor: Franck Chaubron
  • Patent number: 8993334
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating proteins from a protein mixture. In one aspect, a method for separating a high concentration protein mixture into a bound protein fraction and a flow-through protein fraction can include delivering a protein mixture through an ion exchange column at a fixed pH and a fixed salt concentration. The fixed pH and the fixed salt concentration have been preselected to cause separation of the protein mixture into a bound protein fraction and a flow-through protein fraction. In this case, the bound protein fraction binds to the ion exchange column and the flow-though protein fraction flows though the ion exchange column. The method can further include receiving the flow-through protein fraction from the ion exchange column separate from the bound protein fraction, wherein either the bound protein fraction or the flow-through fraction contains a protein of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony R. Torres
  • Patent number: 8993335
    Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PBP that can bind to the target polynucleotide. The sensor PBP comprises a signaling chromophore to absorb energy from the excited multichromophore and emit light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Guillermo C. Bazan, Shu Wang, Bin Liu
  • Patent number: 8993336
    Abstract: The invention relates in part to a Sulfur standard gas in the ppb range in a matrix gas. The Sulfur standard gas is maintained in a cylinder under pressure sufficient to compress the majority of the Sulfur gas and into a liquid matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Specialty Gases LLC
    Inventor: Yang Qin
  • Patent number: 8993337
    Abstract: Provided is a heat dried reagent composition that is dry, methods of making it, and methods of using it. The heat dried reagent composition can be characterized by one or more of: stability to the heat drying conditions; storage stability of the heat dried reagent composition; fast rehydration time; rapid assay kinetics; and assay precision. The reagent composition is useful for detecting and/or assessing total chlorine in an aqueous sample, such as pool water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Vladimir Evtodienko, Lydia Kimble Johnson
  • Patent number: 8993338
    Abstract: The present technology provides an illustrative hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) detection device that includes a decomposition component, a charged particle filter, and a sensing component. The decomposition component is configured to irradiate a gas sample with a radioactive element to decompose HFC gas under conditions sufficient to form hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas and one or more ionized particles. The charged particle filter is configured to filter the one or more ionized particles, and the sensing component is configured to detect the HF gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Angele Sjong
  • Patent number: 8993339
    Abstract: A hybrid nanostructure for molecular analysis is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of nanofingers wherein each nanofinger is coated with a metal coating, is attached at one end to a substrate, and is freely bendable along its length such that the second ends of each nanofinger are capable of movement toward each other to form a cavity. The structure further includes a nanoparticle trapped in the cavity. An array of hybrid nanostructures and a method for fabricating the hybrid nanostructures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ansoon Kim, Zhiyong Li, R Stanley Williams
  • Patent number: 8993340
    Abstract: A cell separation device includes a channel or chamber in which a sample flows or moves, the sample including target cells marked with magnetic particles, and non-target cells, and a magnet which generates a magnetic first force in a first direction with respect to the sample within the channel or chamber. The channel or chamber of the cell separation device is applied with a second force in a second direction opposite to the first direction of the magnetic force. According to the cell separation device and a method of separating cells, the target cells move in the first direction by the magnetic force, and the non-target cells move in the second direction by the second force, by simultaneously applying the magnetic force and the second force in opposing directions, thereby separating the target cells from the non-target cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-joo Lee, Jeong-gun Lee, Mi-jeong Song, Jong-myeon Park, Tae-seok Sim, Min-seok S. Kim
  • Patent number: 8993341
    Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to processing and preparing samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, systems, and kits for removing assay inhibitors, e.g, compounds that inhibit polymerase chain reaction, from samples comprising nucleic acids. In particular, the technology is directed toward treating crude sample preparations, such as supernatants from homogenized stool samples, with insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to form PVP-assay inhibitor complexes, and spin filtration to separate the PVP-assay inhibitor complexes from the crude sample preparations to produce clarified samples that exhibit reduced assay inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Exact Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Janelle J. Bruinsma, Hemanth D. Shenoi, Michael J. Domanico, James P. Light, II
  • Patent number: 8993342
    Abstract: A magnetic separation unit is provided, including a first member made of non-magnetic materials comprising a trench extending within the first member and a second member made of magnetic materials including a protrusion portion protruding over a surface of the second member, wherein the first member connects the second member such that the trench functions as a fluid channel formed between the first and second members, and the protrusion portion of the second member is contained by the trench of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Mean-Jue Tung, Yu-Ting Huang, Li-Kou Chen, Yi-Shan Lin, Hsiang-Ming Huang, Shinn-Zong Lin, Woei-Cherng Shyu, Hsiao-Jung Wang
  • Patent number: 8993343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-inflammatory composition using the antibody specifically binding to CD93 or its soluble fragment, and a diagnostic method and a diagnostic kit for inflammatory disease using CD93 or its soluble fragment specific antibody or aptamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology
    Inventors: Young Woo Park, Jae Won Jeon, Joon-Goo Jung, Hye In Choi, Myung-ho Sohn, Ho youn Kim, Mi-La Cho, Young-Soon Jang, Ji-Hun Moon, Ji Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 8993344
    Abstract: Provided is a prozone phenomenon detecting method, by which generation of a prozone phenomenon can be detected even when a conventional specimen analysis tool is used, and examinations using an immunochromatography method and the like can be performed efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventors: Hironori Hasegawa, Kyouichi Ohshiro, Satoshi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 8993345
    Abstract: A method of producing functional molecule-containing silica nanoparticles on which a biomolecule is bonded, containing the steps of: allowing silica nanoparticles containing a functional molecule and having a thiol group on a surface thereof to coexist with a linker molecule having a maleimido group and a carboxyl group in an aprotic solvent, thereby allowing formation of a thioether bond between the thiol group and the maleimido group, and obtaining functional molecule-containing silica nanoparticles on which the linker molecule is bonded; and allowing the functional molecule-containing silica nanoparticles on which the linker molecule is bonded to coexist with carbodiimide and a biomolecule having an amino group in an aqueous solvent, thereby allowing formation of an amide bond between the carboxyl group active esterified by the carbodiimide, and the amino group of the biomolecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Aizawa, Michio Ohkubo, Masataka Nishida
  • Patent number: 8993346
    Abstract: Provided herein is a new hybrid material system, mCNT, including magnetic carbon nanotubes for biological and medical sensing applications. In certain embodiments, the systems include magnetic material on the interior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The amount of magnetic particles inside CNTs may be such that mCNT can respond to small, low cost, portable magnet. The exterior CNT surface is kept intact for biomolecular attachments or other functionalizations. Performance enhancement with this novel material includes improved sensitivity, reduced response time, and reduced sample volume. According to various embodiments, the mCNTs are substrates for the adherence of molecules participating in these assays or as active sensing elements. Also provided are methods of fabricating two-dimensional mCNT and CNT networks on printed electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Radtkey, Kanchan Joshi, Bradley N. Johnson, Ying-Lan Chang
  • Patent number: 8993347
    Abstract: A method to detect local antibodies such as antigen-specific IgE via a brush biopsy specimen of a mucosal surface of a subject is disclosed. The method is easily performed in an office setting on both adult and pediatric patients. Also disclosed is a brush device specially designed for harvesting materials from a mucosal surface such as the medial surface of the inferior turbinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventor: William Reisacher
  • Patent number: 8993348
    Abstract: The present invention provides exchangeable, reagent pre-loaded carriers (10), preferably in the form of plastic sheets, which can be temporarily applied to an electrode array (16) on a digital microfluidic (DMF) device (14). The carrier (10) facilitates virtually un-limited re-use of the DMF devices (14) avoiding cross-contamination on the electrode array (16) itself, as well as enabling rapid exchange of pre-loaded reagents (12) while bridging the world-to-chip interface of DMF devices (14). The present invention allows for the transformation of DMF into a versatile platform for lab-on-a-chip applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
    Inventors: Aaron R. Wheeler, Irena Barbulovic-Nad, Hao Yang, Mohamed Abdelgawad
  • Patent number: 8993349
    Abstract: Semiconductor nanoparticle complexes comprising semiconductor nanoparticles in association with cationic polymers are described. Also described are methods for enhancing the transport of semiconductor nanoparticles across biological membranes to provide encoded cells. The methods are particularly useful in multiplex settings where a plurality of encoded cells are to be assayed. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Marcel P. Bruchez, R. Hugh Daniels, Jennifer Dias, Larry C. Mattheakis, Hongjian Liu, Aquanette M. Burt, Berndt Christoffer Lagerholm, Danith H. Ly
  • Patent number: 8993350
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel method using HPLC and fluorescence detection of free PEG-mal in PEGylated proteins and PEG-mal raw materials by adding a fluorescent label to the free PEG-mal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Mei Lin, Anulfo Valdez
  • Patent number: 8993351
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetization-type magnetic element, which does not need a step of depositing MgO. [Solving Means] The method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive element 1 according to the present invention includes laminating a first layer 30 on a base 10, the first layer 30 including a material containing at least one of Co, Ni, and Fe. Next, a second layer 40 is laminated on the first layer 30, the second layer 40 including Mg. Next, the Mg in the second layer 40 is oxidized to form MgO by applying an oxidation treatment to a laminated body including the first layer 30 and the second layer 40. Next, the second layer 40 is crystallized by applying a heat treatment to the laminated body, and the first layer 30 is caused to be perpendicularly magnetized. According to the manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a perpendicular magnetization-type CoFeB—MgO magnetic element without causing a problem arising from the deposition of MgO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Tohoku University, Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamamoto, Tadashi Morita, Hideo Ohno, Shoji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8993352
    Abstract: A plasma processing method is used to etch a multilayered material having a stacked structure, in which a first magnetic layer, an insulating layer, a second magnetic layer, and a mask material are stacked in sequence, in a plasma processing apparatus including a processing chamber that partitions a processing space where plasma is generated and a gas supply unit that supplies a processing gas into the processing space. The plasma processing method includes a mask forming process of forming a mask on the second magnetic layer by etching the mask material; an etching process of supplying the processing gas into the processing chamber to generate plasma, etching the second magnetic layer by the mask, and stopping the etching on a surface of the insulating layer. Further, the second magnetic layer contains CoFeB, the insulating layer contains MgO, and the processing gas contains H2 and F or a fluorine compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Eiichi Nishimura, Tadashi Kotsugi, Takashi Sone
  • Patent number: 8993353
    Abstract: In resin coating, carrying a light-passing member test-coated with a resin on a light-passing member carrying unit; making a light source placed above the light-passing member carrying unit emit excitation light exciting the fluorescent substance; measuring light emission characteristics of the light by irradiating the excitation light emitted from the light source unit from above to the resin coated onto the light-passing member and receiving the light that the resin emits from below the light-passing member by a light emission characteristic measurement unit; obtaining a deviation between a measurement result of the light emission characteristic measurement unit and a prescribed light emission characteristic; and deriving the appropriate resin coating quantity of the resin to be coated onto the LED element as what is used for practical production based on the deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Nonomura
  • Patent number: 8993354
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes heating a resistor pattern by scanning the resistor pattern with a first beam. The resistor pattern includes resistors, and a connection structure connecting the resistors in series. The resistors is arranged in matrix of two or more rows and two or more columns. The method includes further heating the resistor pattern by scanning the resistor pattern with a second beam having a different scan direction as that of the first beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kenji Kojima
  • Patent number: 8993355
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer structure includes a plurality of dies, a first scribe line extending along a first direction, a second scribe line extending along a second direction and intersecting the first scribe line, wherein the first and the second scribe lines have an intersection region. A test line is formed in the scribe line, wherein the test line crosses the intersection region. Test pads are formed in the test line and only outside a free region defined substantially in the intersection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hao-Yi Tsai, Chia-Lun Tsai, Shang-Yun Hou, Shin-Puu Jeng, Shih-Hsun Hsu, Wei-Ti Hsu, Lin-Ko Feng, Chun-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8993356
    Abstract: A method for constructing an electrical circuit that includes at least one semiconductor chip encapsulated with a potting compound is disclosed. The method includes applying a galvanic layer arrangement for forming an electrochemical element on an element of the electrical circuit including the at least one semiconductor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Tjalf Pirk, Juergen Butz, Axel Franke, Frieder Haag, Heribert Weber, Arnim Hoechst, Sonja Knies
  • Patent number: 8993357
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge includes a process of forming a plurality of blind holes extending from a first surface of the silicon substrate toward a second surface which is a surface opposite to the first surface in the silicon substrate and a process of subjecting the silicon substrate in which the plurality of blind holes are formed to anisotropic etching from the first surface to form a liquid supply port in the silicon substrate, in which, in the process of forming the liquid supply port, the silicon in a region sandwiched by the plurality of blind holes when the silicon substrate is seen from the second surface side is left without being removed by the anisotropic etching to use the left silicon as a beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Kishimoto, Taichi Yonemoto
  • Patent number: 8993358
    Abstract: A method for depositing a layer of phosphor-containing material on a plurality of LED dies includes disposing a template with a plurality of openings on an adhesive tape and disposing each of a plurality of LED dies in one of the plurality of openings of the template. The method also includes disposing a stencil over the template and the plurality of LED dies. The stencil has a plurality of openings configured to expose a top surface of each of the LED dies. Next, a phosphor-containing material is disposed on the exposed top surface of each the LED dies. The method further includes removing the stencil and the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: LedEngin, Inc.
    Inventors: Zequn Mei, Xiantao Yan
  • Patent number: 8993359
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor optical device includes the steps of preparing a mold having an imprint pattern; forming a substrate product including a semiconductor layer; forming a first resin layer on the semiconductor layer; forming a diffraction grating pattern having periodic projections and recesses in the first resin layer using the mold, the projection of the diffraction grating pattern having a top portion and a base portion; changing a duty ratio of the diffraction grating pattern by dry-etching the first resin layer; forming a second resin layer on the first resin layer so as to cover the projection and the recess; removing the top portion by etching back the first and second resin layers; and selectively etching the first resin layer so as to have a reverse pattern to the diffraction grating pattern; and etching the semiconductor layer through the first resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8993360
    Abstract: A deposition apparatus for depositing a deposition material on a substrate in order to improve characteristics of a deposition layer includes: a deposition source facing the substrate and ejecting the deposition material; a patterning slit sheet including patterning slits for depositing the deposition material in a desired pattern and disposed to face the substrate; a frame coupled to the patterning slit sheet; and a stage bonded to the frame to support the frame, wherein a separation area is formed between the frame and the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woon-Hyun Choi, Kyung-Han Kim, Myong-Hwan Choi, Kyoung-Won Oh
  • Patent number: 8993361
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for an edge illuminated type photodiode has: a process of forming an impurity-doped layer of a first conductivity type in each of device forming regions in a semiconductor substrate; a process of forming an impurity-doped layer of a second conductivity type in each of the device forming regions; a process of forming a trench extending in a direction of thickness of the semiconductor substrate from a principal surface, at a position of a boundary between adjacent device forming regions, by etching to expose side faces of the device forming regions; a process of forming an insulating film on the exposed side faces of the device forming regions; a process of forming an electrode for each corresponding impurity-doped layer on the principal surface side of the semiconductor substrate; and a process of implementing singulation of the semiconductor substrate into the individual device forming regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oguri, Yoshitaka Ishikawa, Akira Sakamoto, Tomoya Taguchi, Yoshimaro Fujii
  • Patent number: 8993362
    Abstract: A method and structure for fabricating a monolithic integrated MEMS device. The method includes providing a substrate having a surface region and forming at least one conduction material and at least one insulation material overlying at least one portion of the surface region. At least one support structure can be formed overlying at least one portion of the conduction and insulation surface regions, and at least one MEMS device can be formed overlying the support structure(s) and the conduction and insulation surface regions. In a variety of embodiments, the support structure(s) can include dielectric or oxide materials. The support structure(s) can then be removed and a cover material can be formed overlying the MEMS device(s), the conduction and insulation materials, and the substrate. In various embodiments, the removal of the support structure(s) can be accomplished via a vapor etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: mCube Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Flannery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8993363
    Abstract: In one aspect, optoelectronic devices are described herein. In some embodiments, an optoelectronic device comprises a fiber core, a radiation transmissive first electrode surrounding the fiber core, at least one photosensitive inorganic layer surrounding the first electrode and electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second electrode surrounding the inorganic layer and electrically connected to the inorganic layer. In some embodiments, the device comprises a photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Wake Forest University
    Inventor: David L Carroll
  • Patent number: 8993364
    Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hanergy Hi-Tech Power (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Scott Wiedeman, Jeffrey S. Britt, Zulima Rhodes, Eric Sheehan
  • Patent number: 8993365
    Abstract: A wafer packaging method includes the following steps. A wafer having a plurality of integrated circuit units is provided. A first surface of the wafer opposite to the integrated circuit units is ground. A release layer is formed on a second surface of a light transmissive carrier. An ultraviolet temporary bonding layer is formed on the second surface of the light transmissive carrier or a third surface of the wafer. The ultraviolet temporary bonding layer is used to adhere the second surface of the light transmissive carrier to the third surface of the wafer. The first surface of the wafer is adhered to an ultraviolet tape. A fourth surface of the light transmissive carrier is exposed to ultraviolet to eliminate adhesion force of the ultraviolet temporary bonding layer. The light transmissive carrier and the release layer are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Xintec Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-Ming Chang, Kuo-Hua Liu, Yi-Cheng Wang, Sheng-Yen Chang
  • Patent number: 8993366
    Abstract: The method of the invention includes the sequential steps of providing a plurality of solar cells, interconnecting the solar cells using one or more interconnect tabs, attaching the interconnect tabs to a top side of the solar cell to interconnect the plurality of solar cells by coupling an exposed top surface of a first solar cell to a top surface of an adjacent second solar cell, attaching one or more bypass diodes to a top side of the solar cell, then next applying an adhesive to a first film layer, placing the plurality of solar cells onto the first film layer, then next applying an adhesive to a second film layer, placing the plurality of solar cells and first film layer onto the second film layer to form a sheet assembly, and then forming the solar sheet from the sheet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MicroLink Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Chan, Haruki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8993367
    Abstract: Provided is a method whereby a cell for a light-emitting device less variable in the thickness of the internal space can be suitably produced with high production efficiency. A glass-made fused part forming element (25) is provided in a grid-like pattern between a pair of glass sheet base materials (21, 24) disposed facing each other with a space therebetween. The fused part forming element (25) is fused to each of the pair of glass sheet base materials (21, 24) to produce a cell base material (30) having a grid-like fused part (26). The cell base material (30) is cut along each of row and column directions of the grid-like fused part (26) to produce a plurality of light-emitting devices (1). Portions off the grid-like fused part forming element (25) along a first direction are formed of glass ribbons (22) and portions of the grid-like fused part forming element (25) along a second direction are formed of glass paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Asano, Masanori Wada
  • Patent number: 8993368
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing a microelectronic device from a first substrate (10), including the production of at least one electronic component in the semi-conductor substrate after transferring the first substrate (10) onto a second substrate (20), characterized in that it comprises: a first phase carried out prior to the transfer, and including forming at least one pattern made of a sacrificial material in a layer of the first substrate (10), a second phase carried out after the transfer and including the substitution of the electronic component for the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Umberto Rossini
  • Patent number: 8993369
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device in which: photo sensor portions are formed in a silicon layer over a substrate, a first conductivity type region being included in the photo sensor portions and a second conductivity type region being formed in the silicon layer implanted from a rear-surface of the solid-state imaging device by ion implantation; a wiring portion is formed above the silicon layer; and a supporting substrate is bonded to the wiring portion, wherein, the solid-state imaging device is configured for receiving incident light via the rear-surface of the solid-state imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Maruyama, Hideshi Abe, Hiroyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 8993370
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a photoactive layer onto a first substrate, depositing a contact layer onto the photoactive layer, attaching a second substrate onto the contact layer, and removing the first substrate from the photoactive layer, contact layer, and second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC—AQT Series
    Inventors: Mariana Rodica Munteanu, Amith Kumar Murali, Kirk Hayes, Brian Josef Bartholomeusz
  • Patent number: 8993371
    Abstract: The method of manufacturing a light absorbing layer for a solar cell by performing thermal treatment on a specimen configured to include thin films of one or more of copper, indium, and gallium on a substrate and element selenium, includes steps of: (a) heating a wall of a chamber up to a predefined thin film formation temperature in order to maintain a selenium vapor pressure; (b) mounting the specimen and the element selenium on the susceptor at the room temperature and loading the susceptor in the chamber; and (c) heating the specimen in the lower portion of the susceptor and, at the same time, heating the element selenium in the upper portion of the susceptor, wherein, in the step (c), in order for liquefied selenium not to be condensed on the specimen which is loaded at the room temperature and is not yet heated, the temperature of the element selenium and the specimen loaded in the chamber are individually controlled, so that the selenium vapor pressure of an inner space of the chamber does not exceed a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Semics Inc.
    Inventor: Seong Hoon Song
  • Patent number: 8993372
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a method for producing a semiconductor component having a polycrystalline semiconductor body region are disclosed, wherein the polycrystalline semiconductor body region is produced between the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor body in a semiconductor component section, wherein an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of at least 1064 nm is introduced into the semiconductor body in a manner focused onto a position in the semiconductor component section of the semiconductor body and wherein the power density of the radiation at the position is less than 1×108 W/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Manfred Schneegans, Carsten Ahrens, Adolf Koller, Gerald Lackner, Anton Mauder, Hans-Joachim Schulze
  • Patent number: 8993373
    Abstract: Methods of doping a solar cell, particularly a point contact solar cell, are disclosed. One surface of a solar cell may require portions to be n-doped, while other portions are p-doped. At least one lithography step can be eliminated by the use of a blanket doping of species having one conductivity and a patterned counterdoping process of species having the opposite conductivity. The areas doped during the patterned implant receive a sufficient dose so as to completely reverse the effect of the blanket doping and achieve a conductivity that is opposite the blanket doping. In some embodiments, counterdoped lines are also used to reduce lateral series resistance of the majority carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Bateman, John Graff
  • Patent number: 8993374
    Abstract: Memory cells and memory cell structures having a number of phase change material gradients, devices utilizing the same, and methods of forming the same are disclosed herein. One example of forming a memory cell includes forming a first electrode material, forming a phase change material gradient on the first electrode material, and forming a second electrode material on the phase change material gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Davide Erbetta, Luca Fumagalli
  • Patent number: 8993375
    Abstract: Method for synthesizing a material by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), according to which a plasma is created in a vacuum chamber in the vicinity of a substrate, and according to which a carbon-carrying substance and H2 are introduced into the chamber in order to produce in the chamber a gas comprising substances carrying reactive-carbon atoms in the form of unsaturated molecules or radicals from which the synthesis of said material will be performed, and in that the electromagnetic absorption and inelastic diffusion spectra of the solid material to be synthesized are used to take from these spectra the absorption frequencies that contribute to the reactions that lead to the formation of the solid material to be synthesized, and in that energetic rays are produced in the form of a photon beam carrying quantities of energy determined by each of the frequencies corresponding to said absorption and inelastic diffusion frequencies, said photon beam being injected into the plasma where, for energy states of the so
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Diarotech
    Inventor: Horacio Tellez Oliva
  • Patent number: 8993376
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a base substrate with first and second opposing surfaces. A plurality of cavities and base leads between the cavities is formed in the first surface of the base substrate. The first set of base leads can have a different height or similar height as the second set of base leads. A concave capture pad can be formed over the second set of base leads. Alternatively, a plurality of openings can be formed in the base substrate and the semiconductor die mounted to the openings. A semiconductor die is mounted between a first set of the base leads and over a second set of the base leads. An encapsulant is deposited over the die and base substrate. A portion of the second surface of the base substrate is removed to separate the base leads. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and base leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: Zigmund R. Camacho, Emmanuel A. Espiritu, Henry D. Bathan, Dioscoro A. Merilo