Patents Issued in April 14, 2015
  • Patent number: 9005445
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing the integrity of a microporous membrane using a colloid solution containing metal particles or metal compound particles that can accurately determine the integrity of a virus removal membrane formed of hydrophilized synthetic polymer that has been subjected to protein solution filtration, and to provide a method of producing the colloid solution. The colloid solution comprises a solvent and metal particles dispersed in the solvent, and the solvent comprises components (A) and (B), (A) and (C), or (A), (B), and (C), wherein the component (A) is an anionic polymer having a sulfonic acid group, the component (B) is at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant having a polycyclic structure in a hydrophobic moiety and a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, and the component (C) is a water-soluble polymer having a pyrrolidone group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoko Hamasaki, Shoichi Ide
  • Patent number: 9005446
    Abstract: A fluid separation system including a fluid mixture including a first fluid component dispersed in a second fluid component. A plurality of micro- or nanoparticles is operatively arranged in the fluid mixture to stabilize the fluid mixture by adhering to interfaces of the first fluid component. A magnetic element is operatively arranged for forming a magnetic field through the fluid mixture. The micro- or nanoparticles are magnetically responsive to the magnetic field for urging the first fluid component in a direction defined by the magnetic field. A method of separating fluids is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Oleg A. Mazyar
  • Patent number: 9005447
    Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of the radioactive tracer 3?-deoxy-3?-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) comprises the following steps: a) preparation of anhydrous [18F]F-fluoride; b) labelling of a precursor, for example 3-N-Boc-1-[5?-O-(4,4?-dimethoxytrityl)-3?-O-nitrophenylsulfonyl-2?-deoxy-?-D-lyxofuranosyl]thymidine; c) hydrolysis of the mixture obtained by means of the previous steps; d) purification of the mixture to obtain the radioactive tracer [18F]FLT. In this procedure steps a), b) and c) are carried out by means of known methods. In step d) the mixture obtained after step c) is purified by means of the passage through a ventilated filter and one or more cartridges of the cationic exchange type (e.g. a Chromafix PS-H+), one or more cartridges of the reversed phase type, and finally a passage through cartridges either of the alumina N type, or diol cartridges, or anionic exchange cartridges or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: FONDAZIONE IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori
    Inventors: Claudio Pascali, Anna Bogni
  • Patent number: 9005448
    Abstract: A system and method for providing mobile or temporary water treatment involving ion exchange resins includes a service center, one or more treatment vehicles, a resin transfer hub and one or more resin transport vehicles. The service center can be used to regenerate one or more types of ion exchange resins. The treatment vehicle carries water treatment equipment including a tank holding ion exchange resin. The resin transfer hub facilitates moving resin between a treatment vehicle and a resin transport vehicle. The resin transport vehicle is adapted for carrying resin by one or more of land, sea and air between the resin forwarding center and the service center. In operation, a treatment vehicle brings resin requiring regeneration to the resin transfer hub, where it is emptied and then re-filled with regenerated resin. Resin requiring regeneration is transferred to a resin transport vehicle for transport to the service center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Andrew Parke
  • Patent number: 9005449
    Abstract: A method of reducing disinfection by-products in water treated with disinfectants including contacting the water with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to reduce the level of disinfection by-products. A method of determining the effectiveness of a first method of reducing disinfection by-products in water treated with disinfectants, the first method including contacting the water with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to reduce the level of disinfection by-products, the method including determining the effectiveness of the first method by measuring the level of the disinfection by-products in water treated with disinfectants and contacted with the amount of non-decomposed moss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Embro Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Knighton, Vance D. Fiegel
  • Patent number: 9005450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method which uses magnetic ionic liquids for the liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, or liquid-gas extraction, wherein the partition of the phases occurs in a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Proionic Production of Ionic Substances GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Roland Kalb
  • Patent number: 9005451
    Abstract: Method and device for treating a liquid effluent, in which this effluent enters a vessel. An intermediate level of liquid in the vessel is detected; an influx of a dilution liquid into the vessel is instigated; a high level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the influx of dilution liquid is stopped and a discharge of the fluid is instigated; a low level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the discharge of the liquid is stopped; and, while it is being discharged, the discharged liquid is exposed to light radiation in at least one treatment channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sud est Eau Pure
    Inventor: Alain Picard
  • Patent number: 9005452
    Abstract: A device for purifying a fluid is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a passage adapted for conducting a flow of the fluid, said passage provided with input and output openings; (b) a plurality of elongate members coated with a titanium oxide disposed within the passage; (c) fastening means for mechanically fixating terminals of the elongate members within the passage; (d) at least one source of ultraviolet radiation adapted for illuminating the elongate members; (e) pumping means adapted for generating the fluid flow through the passage from the input opening to the output opening. The fastening means comprises at least two fasteners. Each fastener comprises two mutually orthogonal spaced apart pluralities of parallel rods. The rods are adapted for restricting lateral displacement of the elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Alex Arenshtam, Pinchas Maman
  • Patent number: 9005453
    Abstract: Expedient and sensitive detection of a detection target substance is enabled in target substance detection that detects the detection target substance at a sensor portion provided within a flow channel. A detection target substance detecting method for a detecting detection target substance which may be contained in a liquid sample emits ultrasonic waves that propagate in a direction transverse to a flow channel when the liquid sample flows within a ultrasonic wave emission region at which ultrasonic waves can be emitted, to concentrate the detection target substance at a wall surface of the flow channel toward the side of the sensor portion and to detect the detection target substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Horii
  • Patent number: 9005454
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in water systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Blue Earth Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas R. Vineyard, Eric W. Christensen, Jason Peters
  • Patent number: 9005455
    Abstract: A device for extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the device being characterized in that it comprises: a main duct for conveying a flow of said suspension, the duct being of a length that is sufficient to enable a layer of said suspension to develop that is depleted in solid phase; flow disturbance means for disturbing the flow of said suspension, said means being provided in the main duct and being adapted to cause at least one recirculation vortex to form so as to increase locally the thickness of said depleted layer; and liquid extraction means disposed in a region of the device where said suspension is enriched in liquid phase as a result of said recirculation vortex. A method of extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the method comprising injecting said suspension into such a device at a flow rate suitable for causing at least one recirculation vortex to be formed, and extracting a fraction of said suspension that is enriched in liquid as a result of said vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Achard, Elodie Sollier, Yves Fouillet, Hervé Rostaing
  • Patent number: 9005456
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, wherein a protective film for stripping and a metal layer closely adhered to the protective film for stripping are formed on an inner layer pad to protect the inner layer pad at the time of laser processing related to cavity processing and applying an etchant, thereby making it possible to improve reliability of a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Sun You, Seung Ryeol Lee, Sang Hoon Park, Kyung Jin Heo, Jae Ho Shin, Joong Hyuk Jung
  • Patent number: 9005457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a counter electrode for DSSC which includes a porous membrane include a carbon-based material calcinated at high temperature and a platinum nano-particles and maintains higher conductivity than a thin membrane and in which the electrolyte moves smoothly, a method of preparing the same, and a DSSC using the same which is improved in photoelectric efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Min-Jae Ko, Ki-Cheon Yoo, Hong-Gon Kim, Doh-Kwon Lee, Bong-Soo Kim, Kyung-Kon Kim
  • Patent number: 9005458
    Abstract: Disclosed method and apparatus embodiments provide a photonic device with optical isolation from a supporting substrate. A generally rectangular cavity in cross section is provided below an element of the photonic device and the element may be formed from a ledge of the supporting substrate which is over the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej Sandhu, Roy Meade
  • Patent number: 9005459
    Abstract: A disclosed film deposition method includes steps of loading plural substrates each of which includes a pattern including a concave part in a reaction chamber in the form of shelves; depositing a silicon oxide film on the plural substrates by supplying a silicon-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas to the reaction chamber; etching the silicon oxide film deposited on the plural substrates in the step of depositing by supplying a fluorine-containing gas and an ammonia gas to the reaction chamber; and alternately repeating the step of depositing and the step of etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Akinobu Kakimoto, Satoshi Takagi, Toshiyuki Ikeuchi, Katsuhiko Komori, Kazuhide Hasebe
  • Patent number: 9005460
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of selectively removing one or more graphene layers from a graphene material by: (1) applying a metal to a surface of the graphene material; and (2) applying a hydrogen containing solution to the surface of the graphene material that is associated with the metal. The hydrogen containing solution dissolves the metal along with one or more layers of graphene associated with the metal, thereby removing the layer(s) of graphene from the graphene material. In some embodiments, the hydrogen containing solution is an acidic solution, such as hydrochloric acid. In some embodiments, the metal is zinc. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention are utilized to selectively remove one or more layers of graphene from one or more targeted sites on the surface of a graphene material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Ayrat M. Dimiev, Dmitry V. Kosynkin
  • Patent number: 9005461
    Abstract: A plasma monitoring method using a sensor, the sensor having a substrate; a first electrode, the first electrode being a conductive electrode and formed on the substrate while being isolated from the substrate; an insulating film formed on the first electrode; a contact hole formed in the insulating film and having a depth from a surface of the insulating film to the first electrode; and a second electrode, the second electrode being a conductive electrode, formed on the surface of the insulating film, and faced to plasma during a plasma process, the plasma monitoring method including measuring and monitoring potentials of the first electrode and the second electrode or a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode during the plasma process is disclosed. A plasma monitoring system carrying out the plasma monitoring method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Lapis Semiconductor Co., Ltd., Tohoku University
    Inventors: Tomohiko Tatsumi, Seiji Samukawa
  • Patent number: 9005462
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device, a conductive layer is formed on a silicon carbide layer. The silicon carbide layer and the conductive layer react with each other thus forming an alloy layer formed of a reaction layer in contact with the silicon carbide layer and a silicide layer on the reaction layer. A carbon component is removed from the silicide layer. A portion of the silicide layer is removed using an acid thus exposing at least a portion of the reaction layer. An electrode layer is formed on an upper side of the exposed reaction layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-ichi Ohno
  • Patent number: 9005463
    Abstract: A method of forming a substrate opening includes forming a plurality of side-by-side openings in a substrate. At least some of immediately adjacent side-by-side openings are formed in the substrate to different depths relative one another. Walls that are laterally between the side-by-side openings are removed to form a larger opening having a non-vertical sidewall surface where the walls were removed in at least one straight-line vertical cross-section that passes through the sidewall surface orthogonally to the removed walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Kiehlbauch
  • Patent number: 9005464
    Abstract: A tool and method is provided for mixing multiple components and feeding a single blend of the multiple components into the tool. The method includes adjusting a concentration of etchant solution. The method includes determining an etch target for each batch of wafers of a plurality of batches of wafers entering an etch chamber of a wafer processing tool. The method further includes adjusting a concentration of 40% NH4F to 49% HF for the each batch of wafers of the plurality of batches of wafers entering the wafer processing tool during a single run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Russell H. Arndt, David F. Hilscher
  • Patent number: 9005465
    Abstract: Methods for forming lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticles are provided. The PZT nanoparticles are formed from a precursor solution, comprising a source of lead, a source of titanium, a source of zirconium, and a mineralizer, that undergoes a hydrothermal process. The size and morphology of the PZT nanoparticles are controlled, in part, by the heating schedule used during the hydrothermal process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: I-Yeu Shen, Guozhong Cao, Hsien-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 9005466
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a single LTGA crystal from a polycrystalline starting material prepared from a mixture of La2O3, Ta2O5, Ga2O3, and Al2O3, wherein a mixture having a composition represented by y(La2O3)+(1?x?y?z)(Ta2O5)+z(Ga2O3)+x(Al2O3) (in the formula, 0<x?0.40/9, 3.00/9<y?3.23/9, and 5.00/9?z<5.50/9) is used as the polycrystalline starting material, and a single LTGA crystal is grown using the Z-axis as a crystal growth axis. The grown LTGA single crystal is preferably subjected to a vacuum heat treatment. The single LTGA crystal grown by the method according to the present invention, which is highly insulative and highly stable, can be utilized in such applications as a piezoelectric element of a highly reliable combustion pressure sensor useful in measurement of a combustion pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Citizen Finetech Miyota Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Hayashi, Toshimitsu Aruga, Makoto Matsukura, Yutaka Anzai, Akio Miyamoto, Sadao Matsumura, Yasunori Furukawa
  • Patent number: 9005467
    Abstract: Various uses of tetrafluoropropenes, particularly (HFO-1234) in a variety of applications, including refrigeration equipment, are disclosed. These materials are generally useful as refrigerants for heating and cooling, as blowing agents, as aerosol propellants, as solvent composition, and as fire extinguishing and suppressing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv R. Singh, Hang T. Pham, David P. Willson, Raymond H. Thomas, Mark W. Spatz, David A. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 9005468
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ternary composition comprising difluoromethane, 3,3,3-trifluoropropene and a hydrocarbon-derived compound containing at least two fluorine atoms and having a boiling point of between ?30 and ?18° C., which is selected from 1,1-difluoroethane, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. This composition is particularly suitable for use as a heat-transfer fluid in the presence of countercurrent heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventor: Wissam Rached
  • Patent number: 9005469
    Abstract: According to a compressor and a refrigeration cycle device using same of the present invention, a refrigerant and refrigeration oil 103 are sealed in an container 101, the refrigerant is a hydrofluoroolefin having double bond of carbon in its composition or a mixture of hydrofluoroolefin as a base component and hydrofluorocarbon having no double bond, and at least one of benzotriazole, dialkyl dithiophosphoric acid zinc, dialkyl selenium, metal phenate, and organic nitrogen compound is included in the refrigeration oil 103, and it is an object to suppress the decomposition and polymerization of refrigeration oil and a refrigerant, and to secure reliability of the compressor and the refrigeration cycle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Ishida
  • Patent number: 9005470
    Abstract: The refrigerating machine oil of the invention includes an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid, wherein the molar ratio of C4-C6 fatty acid and C7-C9 branched fatty acid in the fatty acid is between 15:85 and 90:10, the C4-C6 fatty acid includes 2-methylpropanoic acid, and the ratio of the total C4-C6 fatty acid and C7-C9 branched fatty acid in the total fatty acids composing the ester is at least 20 mol %. The working fluid composition for a refrigerating machine according to the invention comprises the refrigerating machine oil, a difluoromethane refrigerant and/or an unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: JX Nippon & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuya Takigawa, Masanori Saito, Takeshi Okido, Kuniko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9005471
    Abstract: A heat transfer fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a nano-additive is provided. The heat transfer fluid is manufactured by dispersing the nano-additive in the carrier fluid. The nano-additive comprises nano-particles having a porous structure that provides dispersion stability of the nano-additive in the heat transfer fluid. The nano-additive structure has an aspect ratio of about 1.0 to about 10,000, a porosity of about 40% to about 85%, a density of about 0.4 g/cc to about 3.0 g/cc, an average pore diameter of about 0.1 nanometer to about 100 nanometers, and a specific surface area of about 1 m2/g to about 4000 m2/g. The nano-additive increases the heat transfer efficiency of the heat transfer fluid and also reduces the moisture content of the heat transfer fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Dynalene Inc.
    Inventor: Satish Chandra Mohapatra
  • Patent number: 9005472
    Abstract: An aqueous polishing agent, comprising, as the abrasive, at least one kind of polymer particles (A) finely dispersed in the aqueous phase and having at their surface a plurality of at least one kind of functional groups (a1) capable of interacting with the metals and/or the metal oxides on top of the surfaces to be polished and forming complexes with the said metals and metal cations, the said polymer particles (A) being preparable by the emulsion or suspension polymerization of at least one monomer containing at least one radically polymerizable double bond in the presence of at least one oligomer or polymer containing a plurality of functional groups (a1); graft copolymers preparable by the emulsion or suspension polymerization of at least one monomer containing at least one radically polymerizable double bond in the presence of at least one oligomeric or polymeric aminotriazine-polyamine condensate; and a process for the chemical and mechanical polishing of patterned and unstructured metal surfaces making
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Vijay Immanuel Raman, Ilshat Gubaydullin, Mario Brands, Yuzhuo Li, Maxim Peretolchin
  • Patent number: 9005473
    Abstract: A method of removing at least a portion of a silicon oxide material is disclosed. The silicon oxide is removed by exposing a semiconductor structure comprising a substrate and the silicon oxide to an ammonium fluoride chemical treatment and a subsequent plasma treatment, both of which may be effected in the same vacuum chamber of a processing apparatus. The ammonium fluoride chemical treatment converts the silicon oxide to a solid reaction product in a self-limiting reaction, the solid reaction product then being volatilized by the plasma treatment. The plasma treatment includes a plasma having an ion bombardment energy of less than or equal to approximately 20 eV. An ammonium fluoride chemical treatment including an alkylated ammonia derivative and hydrogen fluoride is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kiehlbauch, J. Neil Greeley, Paul A. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9005475
    Abstract: An aromatic amide compound having the following general formula (I) is provided: wherein, X1 and X2 are independently C(O)HN or NHC(O); G1, G2 and G3 are independently hydrogen, C(O)HN-phenyl, or NHC(O)-phenyl, wherein at least one of G1, G2 and G3 is C(O)HN-phenyl or NHC(O)-phenyl; Q1, Q2, and Q3 are independently hydrogen, C(O)HN-phenyl, or NHC(O)-phenyl, wherein at least one of Q1, Q2, and Q3 is C(O)HN-phenyl or NHC(O)-phenyl; R5 is halo, haloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclyl; and m is from 0 to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Steven D. Gray
  • Patent number: 9005476
    Abstract: Polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys are described as are methods of forming the polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys. The polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys are formed according to a melt processing method that includes melt processing a polyarylene sulfide with a reactively functionalized disulfide compound and a liquid crystal polymer in a one or two step process. The reactively functionalized disulfide compound is added in a stoichiometric amount to react with a portion of the polyarylene sulfide. The melt processing forms a polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer copolymer that is a compatibilizer in the alloy. The polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys may provide low chlorine content products having excellent strength characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Rong Luo, Xinyu Zhao, Paul C. Yung
  • Patent number: 9005477
    Abstract: A liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention is used in a liquid crystal display element in which a liquid crystal alignment capability is provided through polymerization. The liquid crystal composition contains a polymerizable compound that polymerizes without a photopolymerization initiator or with an extremely small amount of photopolymerization initiator. Therefore, the alignment properties after the polymerization become more stable and the display characteristics do not degrade. Thus, the polymerizable compound is suitable as a practical component of the liquid crystal composition. A liquid crystal display element that uses the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention can be suitably used for VA and IPS liquid crystal display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: DIC Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuriyama, Shinichi Hirata, Syoutaro Kawakami
  • Patent number: 9005478
    Abstract: A liquid crystal composition comprising a chiral dopant compound represented by the following structure (Structure 1): wherein: R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, —(C?O)R9, —(C?O)R10, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, alkoxy, NHCOR9, NHSO2R9, COOR9, OCOR9, aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted; R4 is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted; R5, R6, R7, and R8 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, alkoxy, NHCOR9, NHSO2R9, COOR9, OCOR9, aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine with each other, or R5 can combine with R4 to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; R9 and R10 are independently alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, naphthyl, styryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alko
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Kent Displays Incorporated, Kent State University
    Inventors: Donald R. Diehl, Erica N. Montbach
  • Patent number: 9005479
    Abstract: The invention is to provide an AM device containing a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large positive dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to and heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics, and the AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth; wherein a liquid crystal display device contains a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy and containing a specific compound having a large positive dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a small viscosity as a second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: JNC Corporation, JNC Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Yanai, Masayuki Saito
  • Patent number: 9005480
    Abstract: The present invention describes a solventless ligand exchange using a siloxane polymer having a binding ligand that displaces the binding ligand on a quantum dot material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Furuta, Robert Dubrow
  • Patent number: 9005481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composite positive electrode active material being a composite of a positive electrode active material and carbon nanotubes. The manufacturing method includes preparing an aqueous solution of a starting material of a positive electrode active material containing a starting material of the positive electrode active material, and an aqueous solution of solubilized carbon nanotubes containing the carbon nanotubes and a solubilizing material that is composed of a water-soluble polymer whose solubilization retention rate of carbon nanotubes does not decrease with rising temperature; and synthesizing a positive electrode active material-carbon nanotube composite by mixing the aqueous solution of a starting material of a positive electrode active material and the aqueous solution of solubilized carbon nanotubes, and performing hydrothermal synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Yoshida, Hiroki Kubo, Masahiro Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 9005482
    Abstract: A paste composition for a rear electrode of a solar cell according to an embodiment comprises conductive powder including a first powder having a first mean particle diameter, a second powder having a second mean particle diameter larger than the first mean particle diameter, and a third powder having a third mean particle diameter larger than the second mean particle diameter, and an organic vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Gon Kim, In Jae Lee, Soon Gil Kim, Jin Gyeong Park, Sun Mi Lee, Kyoung Hoon Chai
  • Patent number: 9005483
    Abstract: Nanoparticle paste formulations can be configured to maintain a fluid state, promote dispensation, and mitigate crack formation during nanoparticle fusion. Such nanoparticle paste formulations can contain an organic matrix and a plurality of metal nanoparticles dispersed in the organic matrix, where the plurality of metal nanoparticles constitute about 30% to about 90% of the nanoparticle paste formulation by weight. The nanoparticle paste formulations can maintain a fluid state and be dispensable through a micron-size aperture. The organic matrix can contain one or more organic solvents, such as the combination of one or more hydrocarbons, one or more alcohols, one or more amines, and one or more organic acids. Optionally, the nanoparticle paste formulations can contain about 0.01 to about 15 percent by weight micron-scale metal particles or other additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred A. Zinn, Andrew Fried, Tim Stachowiak, Jerome Chang, Randall Mark Stoltenberg
  • Patent number: 9005484
    Abstract: A composition that includes an stabilized silver nanoparticles, a gellant and an optional wax. The gellant and the stabilized silver nanoparticles are soluble or dispersable in either an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon solvent, a mineral oil solvent or an alkane solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Marcel P. Breton, Yiliang Wu, Naveen Chopra, Jennifer L. Belelie, Stephan V. Drappel
  • Patent number: 9005485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for a one-part die attach adhesives material useful for packaging semi-conductors including HB-LED. The composition of the present invention includes a thermal and electrical conductive filler, a polymer matrix and a solvent which form a material with high thermal conductivity, low curing temperature and high self-life temperature. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing said composition by mixing a size-selected and surface-modified filler formulation, a polymer matrix and a non-reactive organic solvent together followed by curing the mixture at a low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nano and Advanced Materials Institute Limited
    Inventors: Chenmin Liu, Dong Lu, Xianxin Lang, Bo Wang, Zhiying Li
  • Patent number: 9005486
    Abstract: Perovskite materials of the general formula SrCeO3 and BaCeO3 are provided having improved conductivity while maintaining an original ratio of chemical constituents, by altering the microstructure of the material. A process of making Pervoskite materials is also provided in which wet chemical techniques are used to fabricate nanocrystalline ceramic materials which have improved grain size and allow lower temperature densification than is obtainable with conventional solid-state reaction processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Kyle S. Brinkman, Paul S. Korinko, Elise B. Fox, Frank Chen
  • Patent number: 9005487
    Abstract: A tablet for ion plating enables to attain high rate film-formation of a transparent conductive film suitable for a blue LED or a solar cell, and a noduleless film-formation not generating splash, an oxide sintered body most suitable for obtaining the same, and a production method thereof. A tablet for ion plating obtained by processing an oxide sintered body includes indium and cerium as oxides, and having a cerium content of 0.3 to 9% by atom, as an atomicity ratio of Ce/(In+Ce). The oxide sintered body has an In2O3 phase of a bixbyite structure as a main crystal phase, has a CeO2 phase of a fluorite-type structure finely dispersed as crystal grains having an average particle diameter of equal to or smaller than 3 ?m, as a second phase. The oxide sintered body is produced by (a) mixing raw material powder consisting of indium oxide powder with an average particle diameter of equal to or smaller than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tokuyuki Nakayama, Yoshiyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 9005488
    Abstract: The invention aims at an aqueous ink for high-temperature electrochemical cell electrodes and/or electrolyte containing particles of at least one mineral filler, at least one binder, and at least one dispersant. It also concerns the electrode and the electrolyte using such an ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Richard Laucournet
  • Patent number: 9005489
    Abstract: A technique capable of forming an oxide semiconductor target with a high quality in a low cost is provided. In a step of manufacturing zinc tin oxide (ZTO target) used in manufacturing an oxide semiconductor forming a channel layer of a thin-film transistor, by purposely adding the group IV element (C, Si, or Ge) or the group V element (N, P, or As) to a raw material, excessive carriers caused by the group III element (Al) mixed in the step of manufacturing the ZTO target are suppressed, and a thin-film transistor having good current (Id)-voltage (Vg) characteristics is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uchiyama, Hironori Wakana
  • Patent number: 9005490
    Abstract: A solid state sintered material is described that includes a mixed oxide of lanthanum, strontium, cobalt, iron and oxygen, and CaCO3 inclusions. The solid state sintered material can also include calcium oxide, which can form from thermal composition of calcium carbonate. The solid state sintered material can also include a pore-forming particulate material such as carbon black and/or a doped ceramic metal oxide ionic conductor such as Sm-doped ceria uniformly dispersed in the solid state sintered material. The solid state sintered material can be formed from a two-step process in which a portion of the CaCO3 is mixed with the mixed oxide materials and heated to form porous agglomerates, and the remaining CaCO3 is added during the formation of a sintering paste. The solid state sintered material described herein can be used as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kailash C. Jain, Rick D. Kerr, Joseph M Keller, Joseph V. Bonadies
  • Patent number: 9005491
    Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition for a color filter includes (A) an acrylic-based binder resin including a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein the definitions of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same as set forth in specification; (B) an acrylic-based photopolymerizable monomer; (C) a photopolymerization initiator; (D) a colorant; and (E) a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cheil Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Min Lee, Yeon-Soo Lee, Yong-Hee Kang, Man-Suk Kim, Taek-Jin Baek, Hyun-Moo Choi, Kyung-Hee Hyung, Sang-Hyun Hong
  • Patent number: 9005492
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing silicone hydrogel lenses. The methods involve introducing into a mold a water-based lens-forming composition, curing the lens-forming composition in a mold to form the lens, and removing the lens from the mold. The lens-forming composition comprises (i) a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer, (ii) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer, (iii) a surfactant, and, and (iv) water. The surfactant is polysiloxane-containing surfactant that is free of actinically-polymerizable groups and is a copolymer having from about 10% to about 40% by weight of one or more polysiloxane segments and from about 90% to about 60% by weight hydrophilic units and/or segments. The methods permit the use of water as a solvent and reduce the need for organic solvents. Additionally, the lenses produced by the methods can have improved properties such oxygen permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Frank Chang, Lynn Cook Winterton
  • Patent number: 9005493
    Abstract: A 3-d stereoscopic viewing lens which the retarder film is made of a PVA film. A 3-D stereoscopic viewing lens having a linear polarized film, one or more lens substrate layers, and an epoxy layer. A process of making retarder film including mounting a PVA film to an assembly line; wetting, cleaning, and washing the PVA film through said assembly line; softening, expanding and stretching the PVA film's x-axis through said assembly line; adding gap filling agent to the PVA film; stretching the PVA film's y-axis through a width frame holder and as a result transforming the PVA film into a retarder film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Roger Wen-Yi Hsu
  • Patent number: 9005494
    Abstract: Prior art processes for producing protein-based capsules (for example, capsules for use in electrophoretic media) tend to be wasteful because they produce many capsules outside the desired size range, which is typically about 20 to 50 ?m. Capsule size distribution and yields can be improved by either (a) emulsifying a water-immiscible phase in a preformed coacervate of the protein; or (b) using a limited coalescence process with colloidal alumina as the surface-active particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Valianatos, Rajesh Chebiyam, Jeremy J. Manning, Michael L. Steiner, Thomas H. Whitesides, Michael D. Walls
  • Patent number: 9005495
    Abstract: A portable mold-temperature control unit includes a local heating system, a first fluid duct, a second fluid duct, and a fluid exchange system. The local heating system includes a local heater for heating fluid that is used to rapidly heat a mold. The first fluid duct carries hot fluid heated by the local heating system. The second fluid duct carries cool fluid that is used to rapidly cool a mold. The fluid exchange system includes an outlet that permits fluid to flow from the first and second fluid ducts to the mold during heating and cooling, respectively. The fluid exchange system also includes an inlet that receives the fluid as it returns from the mold. In one embodiment, the heating system reheats the fluid returning from the mold and reuses it to heat the mold again. In a more particular embodiment, the heating system includes a steam generator that generates steam used to heat the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Zhong Wang, Charles R. Hill