Patents Issued in March 8, 2016
  • Patent number: 9279137
    Abstract: A mutant bacterial acetolactate synthase (AHAS I) which is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-valine is described. Also described is a method for producing branched-chain L-amino acids using a bacterium from the Enterobacteriaceae family wherein the L-amino acid productivity of said bacterium is enhanced by the use of the acetolactate synthase (AHAS I) which is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-valine. This acetolactate synthase contains a mutant small subunit encoded by the mutant ilvN gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
    Inventors: Elena Viktorovna Sycheva, Vsevolod Aleksandrovich Serebryanyy, Tatyana Abramovna Yampolskaya, Ekaterina Sergeevna Preobrazhenskaya, Natalia Viktorovna Stoynova
  • Patent number: 9279138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified genes that encode proteins that are involved in the synthesis of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C). The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full-length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of the polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of Vitamin C from microorganisms, whereby a modification of the polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in the microorganism. Also included are methods/processes of using the polynucleotides and modified polynucleotide sequences to transform host microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DSM ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Hoshino, Masako Shinjoh, Christine Toepfer, Noribumi Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 9279139
    Abstract: An essentially glutamine-free medium comprising a whole-cell glutamine biosensor, comprising a glutamine auxotrophic E. coli and a Lux reporter gene, for detecting glutamine in an analyte. The medium is useful in methods to detecting, screening, identifying and selecting nitrogen-fixing microbes and in methods of determining the nitrogen state of plants, plant products and soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: University of Guelph
    Inventors: Manish Raizada, Michael Tessaro, Hanan Reda Hassan Elsayed Shehata
  • Patent number: 9279140
    Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having a body side liner, a baffle and an indicator strip with two ends. The indicator has an amine sensitive dye near at least one end. The indicator extends from the target area just below the liner to just above the baffle such that the dye deposit is visible to an unaided eye. The dye changes color in the presence of amines which are characteristic of infection, thus alerting the user to the possibility of infection. Such an indicator placed in a feminine hygiene pad, for example, may be useful in the diagnosis of vaginitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rameshbabu Boga, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 9279141
    Abstract: The present invention provides method of detecting a predetermined biological activity. The method includes using an aqueous mixture comprising a first indicator reagent with a first absorption spectrum and a second indicator reagent. The second indicator reagent is converted by the predetermined biological activity to a second biological derivative with a second emission spectrum. The first absorbance spectrum includes detectable absorbance in at least a portion of wavelengths present in the second emission spectrum. The first indicator reagent is received and concentrated from an aqueous liquid by a substrate, facilitating the detection of the second biological derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sailaja Chandrapati, Heather M. Webb, Jeffrey C. Pederson, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian J. Engel
  • Patent number: 9279142
    Abstract: A device and method for use in taking a sample from an item of medical equipment for the purpose of microbiological testing. The device includes attachment mechanism for attaching about a region of the item of medical equipment in an air-tight manner; and collection mechanism for collecting fluid which emanates from the item of medical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ENDOWORX PTY LTD
    Inventors: Guy Connor, Roland Ian Stokes, David Frank
  • Patent number: 9279143
    Abstract: A liquid processing system to process liquid biological material includes: a trunk provided turnable on an axis, set within a predetermined work space; a first arm provided to the trunk and having at least three degrees of freedom or higher degrees of freedom; a second arm provided to the trunk and having at least three degrees of freedom or higher degrees of freedom; a driving mechanism configured to drive each of the trunk, the first arm, and the second arm; and physiochemical equipment situated within the work space and within the range of movement of at least one of the first and the second arm. The driving mechanism is operated by teaching playback based on the positions and shapes of the physiochemical equipment, and the biological material is processed using the physiochemical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Makoto Umeno, Teruyasu Arai
  • Patent number: 9279144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits concerning resistance to treatment with an anti-cancer agent, specifically an inhibitor of BRAF. In particular embodiments, the invention concerns mutations in a BRAF sequence that confer resistance to a BRAF inhibitor. Identification of such mutations in a BRAF sequence allows the identification and design of second-generation BRAF inhibitors. Methods and kits for detecting the presence of a mutant BRAF sequence in a sample are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Levi Garraway, Caroline Emery
  • Patent number: 9279145
    Abstract: Provided herein are buffers for the stabilization of nucleic acid molecules. The buffers find particular use for the stabilization of trace amounts of nucleic acid molecules in a variety of environments, including repeated freeze/thaw cycles. For example, in some embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), polyadenylic acid, and a synthetic DNA oligonucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: IBIS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark W. Eshoo, David D. Duncan
  • Patent number: 9279146
    Abstract: The detection of the presence of rare somatic mutations from a biological sample is often challenging due to the simultaneous presence of a vast excess of wild-type DNA. The present invention describes novel compounds and methods that would allow the enrichment of mutant DNA by depleting amplifiable wild-type DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ROCHE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Amar Gupta, Nancy Schoenbrunner
  • Patent number: 9279147
    Abstract: This invention provides novel compositions and processes for analyte detection, quantification and amplification. Nucleic acid arrays and libraries of analytes are usefully incorporated into such compositions and processes. Universal detection elements, signaling entities and the like are employed to detect and if necessary or desirable, to quantify analytes. Amplification of target analytes are also provided by the compositions and processes of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Enzo Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Elazar Rabbani, Jannis G. Stavrianopoulos, James J. Donegan, Jack Coleman
  • Patent number: 9279148
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the use of micro sphere arrays to detect and quantify a number of nucleic acid reactions. The invention finds use in genotyping, i.e. the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids, particularly alterations such as nucleotide substitutions (mismatches) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Similarly, the invention finds use in the detection and quantification of a nucleic acid target using a variety of amplification techniques, including both signal amplification and target amplification. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used in nucleic acid sequencing reactions as well. All applications can include the use of adapter sequences to allow for universal arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Gunderson, John R. Stuelpnagel, Mark S. Chee, Jian-Bing Fan
  • Patent number: 9279149
    Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for synthesizing polynucleotides, such as DNA and RNA, using enzymes and specially designed nucleotide analogs. Using the methods of the invention, specific sequences of polynucleotides can be synthesized de novo, base by base, in an aqueous environment, without the use of a nucleic acid template. Because the nucleotide analogs have an unmodified 3? OH, i.e., as found in “natural” deoxyribose and ribose molecules, the analogs result in natural polynucleotides suitable for incorporation into biological systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Molecular Assemblies, Inc.
    Inventors: J. William Efcavitch, Suhaib Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 9279150
    Abstract: Provided herein are mutant endonuclease V enzymes that are capable of nicking an inosine-containing DNA sequence. Nucleic acid assays and agents that employ such mutant endonuclease V enzymes to introduce a nick into a target DNA including one or more inosine, and uses a DNA polymerase to generate amplicons of a target DNA are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Richard Nelson, Robert Scott Duthie, Gregory Andrew Grossman, Anuradha Sekher
  • Patent number: 9279151
    Abstract: A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus and method of performing an in-vitro diagnostic test is provided. The apparatus includes a body configured to be hand held. The body has a reaction medium supply chamber configured in selective fluid communication with a reaction chamber via a fluid conveying channel. The reaction chamber is located beneath a sample reaction chamber. The reaction medium supply chamber contains a reaction fluid therein and the reaction chamber contains a thermal reaction medium therein. The reaction fluid is selectively reactive with the thermal reaction medium to produce one of an endothermic or exothermic reaction beneath the sample reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: David W. Wright
  • Patent number: 9279152
    Abstract: Sample preparation processes for in situ RNA or DNA analysis, methods and compositions therefor are provided. Processes provided herein allow DNA or RNA analysis to be carried out in the same tube or on an aliquot of the prepared sample without centrifugation or extraction. The preparation process can be carried out at room temperature in as little as seven minutes and is amenable to high throughput processing using manual or robotic platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Fekete, Annalee Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9279153
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sequencing a biological molecule or polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, are provided. One or more donor labels, which are attached to a pore or nanopore, may be illuminated or otherwise excited. A polymer having a monomer labeled with one or more acceptor labels, may be translocated through the pore. Either before, after or while the labeled monomer of the polymer passes through, exits or enters the pore, energy may be transferred from the excited donor label to the acceptor label of the monomer. As a result of the energy transfer, the acceptor label emits energy, and the emitted energy is detected in order to identify the labeled monomer of the translocated polymer and to thereby sequence the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Quantapore, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Huber
  • Patent number: 9279154
    Abstract: A method of distinguishing nucleotide sequences for different nucleic acid molecules including the steps of (a) mixing a plurality of different nucleic acid molecules with polymerase molecules and nucleotide molecules, wherein the different nucleic acid molecules are attached to a surface in the form of an array of nucleic acid features; (b) determining a transient state of the polymerase molecules at the nucleic acid features; and (c) identifying a subset of nucleic acid features that correctly incorporate the nucleotide molecules based on the transient state of the polymerase molecules at the nucleic acid features, thereby distinguishing the nucleotide sequences for the different nucleic acid molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Previte, Molly He, Rigo Pantoja, Cheng-Yao Chen, Chunhong Zhou
  • Patent number: 9279155
    Abstract: The Application relates to methods, and systems for nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions that comprise both catalytic and non-catalytic divalent metal ions. Polymerase/template/primer complexes are immobilized on a substrate. The complexes are exposed to a solution comprising a non-catalytic metal and nucleotides labeled with a detectable label on a portion of the nucleotide that is released upon incorporation. The cognate nucleotide is sequestered in the active site of the polymerase, unable to proceed to incorporation. After observing the sequestered cognate nucleotide, the complex is exposed to a catalytic metal, resulting in the incorporation of the bound cognate nucleotide and consequent release of the label resulting in a single-base extended primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Bjornson, Harold Lee, Jonas Korlach
  • Patent number: 9279156
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting allelic imbalance using nucleic acid sequencing are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: MYRIAD GENETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Gutin, Kirsten Timms, Jerry Lanchbury
  • Patent number: 9279157
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a prognosis of disease free or overall survival in a patient suffering from cancer. The methods generally involve determining a normalized expression level of an EMX2 gene product, which correlates with prognosis and likelihood of survival.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Biao He, David M. Jablons
  • Patent number: 9279158
    Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for the diagnosis and treatment of IBD including Crohn's disease are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    Inventors: Joshua R. Friedman, Adam Zahm, Meena Thayu, Nicholas Hand, Edwin deZoeten
  • Patent number: 9279159
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for highly sensitive quantification of the relative representation of DNA from adaptive immune cells (e.g., T and/or B lymphocytes) in DNA extracted from complex mixtures of cells that include cells which are not adaptive immune cells. Included are methods for determining the relative presence in a tumor of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), the relative presence of lymphocytes infiltrating a somatic tissue that is the target of an autoimmune disease, and the relative presence of lymphocytes infiltrating a transplanted organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignees: ADAPTIVE BIOTECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER
    Inventors: Harlan S. Robins, Robert J. Livingston, Jason H. Bielas
  • Patent number: 9279160
    Abstract: MRSA CC398 is a clone of S. aureus that has recently emerged in pigs and other domestic animals worldwide. As any other MRSA, the clone displays high levels of antibiotic resistance and poses a serious threat to human health because of the risk of antibiotic treatment failure in human patients. We developed a new diagnostic test for identification of MRSA CC398 using a single one-step PCR that is very easily performed within a few hours. The test is based on the principle that clonal differences within S. aureus are reflected in the sequence of a gene (sau1hsdS1) located on the chromosome of this bacterial species. Accordingly, such a gene represents an optimal target for S. aureus and MRSA identification at the clone level. The test includes detection of the gene conferring methicillin resistance (mecA), therefore allowing rapid discrimination between methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant variants of the clone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignees: Statens Serum Institut, The University of Copenhagen, St Georges Hospital Medical School
    Inventors: Marc Stegger, Luca Guardabassi, Jodi Lindsay
  • Patent number: 9279161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a monoclonal antibody which has binding activity to many high-risk types of HPV, etc. The present invention also provides a simple and high-throughput method for measuring cross-neutralizing antibody titers, which is used for assay of cross-neutralizing antibody against HPV in serum samples from subjects, etc. The method of the present invention for measuring cross-neutralizing antibody titers comprises the steps of: preparing a monoclonal antibody against a peptide having a specific amino acid sequence common to high-risk types of HPV; and assaying cross-neutralizing antibody using this monoclonal antibody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Japan Health Sciences Foundation
    Inventors: Seiichiro Mori, Tadahito Kanda
  • Patent number: 9279162
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacteria and the uses thereof. The invention particularly relates to Deinococcus bacteria and their use in the pharmaceutical or agro-chemical industries, e.g., for degrading biomass and/or producing metabolites or drugs of industrial interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignees: DEINOVE, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), UNIVERSITE MONTPELLIER 1
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Claverie, Jacques Biton, Jean-Paul Leonetti
  • Patent number: 9279163
    Abstract: Provided are isolated cellobiohydrolases comprising a modified Glycoside Hydrolase (GH) Family 7 catalytic domain, a GH Family 7 catalytic domain and a modified Family 1 carbohydrate binding module (CBM), or both a modified Family 7 catalytic domain and a modified Family 1 CBM. Such isolated cellobiohydrolases exhibit from 45% to about 99.9% amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1-436 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or to amino acids 1-438 of SEQ ID NO: 2 and improved activity on process substrates. Also provided are genetic constructs and genetically modified microbes for expressing the isolated cellobiohydrolases, a process for producing the isolated cellobiohydrolases, cellulase enzyme mixtures comprising the isolated cellobiohydrolase and a process for hydrolyzing a cellulosic substrate with such cellulase enzyme mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: IOGEN ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jacqueline Montalibet, Loreta Gudynaite-Savitch, Christopher Hill, Christopher D. Hindle, James A. Lavigne, Nabil Masri, Fuad Tahna, John J. Tomashek
  • Patent number: 9279164
    Abstract: In a manufacturing method (HV) for producing finished leather (FL) for covering components with leather, wherein the following process steps for treating a leather hide (LH) are performed on a raw hide (RH) as an initial product for producing the finished leather (FL) as an end product of the method: mechanical process steps in which the leather hide (LH) is treated using mechanical tools, and chemical process steps in which the leather hide is treated with chemicals, wherein both mechanical and chemical modes of action are combined in individual process steps, it is envisaged that, in a process step of retanning, synthetic and/or vegetable tanning materials, fattening agents, microencapsulated auxiliary agents based on ammonium, phosphate, phosphorus and the ester compounds thereof and natural additives based on rubber and milk products are used, and in a process step of reducing the thickness of the leather hide, the leather thickness of the leather hide (LH) is reduced by splitting and/or scraping witho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Wollsdorf Leder Schmidt & Co. Ges.M.B.H.
    Inventors: Gregor Ackermann, Manuel Zottler
  • Patent number: 9279165
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mashing and filtration step in a brewing process and to a composition useful in the mashing and filtration step of a brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Rikke Monica Festersen, Anders Viksoe Nielsen, Christel Thea Joergensen, Lars Lehmann Hylling Christensen
  • Patent number: 9279166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a component {1, 2, 3, 4, 6) within the interior of a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a part of a seat-structure. The present invention further relates to a process to produce a component { 1, 2, 3, 4, 6) w{umlaut over (?)}thin the interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Sakkinen, Ornela Zekavica, Ronald G. Bedro, Frederic T. Winters, Nicholas L. Petouhoff, Anthony Kestian
  • Patent number: 9279167
    Abstract: A method of forming an article from a metal alloy sheet material includes selectively hardening only a first localized area of the metal alloy sheet material without hardening a second localized area of the metal alloy sheet material, wherein the second area adjoins the first area to thereby form a blank. The blank has a hardened region formed from the first area and having a first hardness, and a non-hardened region adjoining the hardened region and formed from the second area, and having a second hardness that is less than the first hardness. The method includes stamping the blank to thereby form a preform having a pre-protrusion at least partially formed from the hardened region, wherein the pre-protrusion has a first height, annealing the preform to thereby form a workpiece, and stamping the workpiece to increase the first height and thereby form the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jon T. Carter
  • Patent number: 9279168
    Abstract: A method for recovering technical-grade molybdenum from diluted acid leaching solutions (PLS) that have a high arsenic concentration is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: EcoMetales Ltd.
    Inventors: Felipe Andrés Lagno Sanchez, Ricardo Fernando Sepúl Veda Letelier, Marcelo Gustavo Acuña Goycolea
  • Patent number: 9279169
    Abstract: A method for recycling a noble metal from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products. The method includes: 1) filtering a reaction product in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor by an inner filter; discharging a filtered reaction product to a first filtration buffer tank; separating a gas phase product or a part of a liquid phase product from the reaction product; introducing the liquid-solid two-phase product to a refining filter for product refining; 2) introducing a liquid phase product containing a catalyst slurry to a dynamic filter, collecting the filtered liquid phase product including a waste catalyst and noble metal ions; introducing the liquid phase product to a second filtration buffer tank; and introducing the filtered liquid phase product to the refining filter; and 3) forming a clay filter cake on a filter disk; and refining the products introduced into the refining filter in 1) and 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SUNSHINE KAIDI NEW ENERGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yilong Chen, Jiaqi Jin, Yanfeng Zhang, Kan Song, Xiaodong Zhan, Manyi Jiang
  • Patent number: 9279170
    Abstract: A method for the refining and structural modification of Al—Mg—Si alloys for permanent-mold casting or sandcasting, which Al—Mg—Si alloys have the general composition of 5.0-10.0 weight % Mg; 1.0-5.0 weight % Si; 0.001-1.0 weight % Mn, 0.01-0.2 weight % Ti, less than 0.001 weight % Ca, less than 0.001 weight % Na, and less than 0.001 weight % Sr, and as the remainder, Al, and wherein phosphorus is added to the alloy melt in a quantitative range of from 0.01 to 0.06 weight %, referred to the total mass of the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SAG MOTION GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Pabel, Peter Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9279171
    Abstract: Processes for the production of nickel-titanium mill products are disclosed. A nickel-titanium alloy workpiece is cold worked at a temperature less than 500° C. The cold worked nickel-titanium alloy workpiece is hot isostatic pressed (HIP'ed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Van Doren, Scott Schlegel, Joseph Wissman
  • Patent number: 9279172
    Abstract: Ferritic stainless steel is excellent in terms of both oxidation resistance and thermal fatigue resistance without adding expensive elements, such as Mo or W. The ferritic stainless steel, contains: C: 0.015 mass % or lower, Si: 1.0 mass % or lower, Mn: 1.0 mass % or lower, P: 0.04 mass % or lower, S: 0.010 mass % or lower, Cr: 16 to 23 mass % or lower, N: 0.015 mass % or lower, Nb: 0.3 to 0.65 mass %, Ti: 0.15 mass % or lower, Mo: 0.1 mass % or lower, W: 0.1 mass % or lower, Cu: 1.0 to 2.5 mass %, Al: 0.2 to 1.5 mass %, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kato, Norimasa Hirata, Tetsuyuki Nakamura, Takumi Ujiro, Hiroki Ota
  • Patent number: 9279173
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy forged material for automotive vehicles comprises 0.6˜1.2 mass % of Mg, 0.7˜1.5 mass % of Si, 0.1.˜0.5 mass % of Fe, 0.01˜0.1 mass % of Ti, 0.3˜1.0 mass % of Mn, at least one of 0.1˜0.4 mass % of Cr and 0.05˜0.2 mass % of Zr, a restricted amount of Cu that is less than or equal to 0.1 mass %, a restricted amount of Zn that is less than or equal to 0.05 mass %, a restricted amount of H that is less than or equal to 0.25 ml in 100 g Al and a remainder of Al and inevitably contained impurities, and the material includes precipitated crystalline particles among which the largest one has a maximum equivalent circle diameter equal to or less than 8 ?m and an area ratio of the precipitated crystalline particles is equal to or less than 3.6%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hori, Yoshiya Inagaki, Manabu Nakai
  • Patent number: 9279174
    Abstract: The coating unit for elongate components comprises a tank with molten metal and a coating chamber with inlet and outlet channels with an intake channel submerged into the tank with molten metal. Moreover, the coating chamber and the tank with molten metal are equipped with facilities for internal creation inside them above the heel reduced pressure and positive pressure respectively. To facilitate the operation and maintenance, as well as to ensure continuous operation of this unit without any stops for refilling the tank, to provide safety conditions while metal refilling into the tank with molten metal of this unit for coating of elongate components, the tank with molten metal and coating chamber are located in adjacent positions and jointed together with the inclined intake channel creating connecting vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Kulakovsky
  • Patent number: 9279175
    Abstract: A method for hot dip coating a flat stainless steel product with more than 5 wt. % Cr with a protective metallic coating by: heating the flat steel product under an oxygen-free heating atmosphere to 100° C.-600° C. within 1-30 seconds; continuing heating to a holding temperature of 750° C.-950° C., by heating to 550° C.-800° C. under an inert or reducing atmosphere, holding within this temperature window for 1 to 15 seconds under an oxidizing atmosphere, and continuing heating under an inert or reducing atmosphere, until the holding temperature is reached; holding at the holding temperature for 10-120 seconds under a reducing atmosphere; and passing the flat steel product through a nozzle area under an inert or reducing atmosphere at 430°-780° C. and into a molten bath in which the flat steel product is coated with the metallic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventors: Marc Blumenau, Hans-Joachim Heiler, Fred Jindra, Rudolf Schoenenberg, Hans-Joachim Krautschick
  • Patent number: 9279176
    Abstract: A solar cell lead wire includes a molten solder plated layer on a strip-shaped conductive material formed rectangular in a cross section thereof so as to be bonded by soldering to an electrode of a solar cell, using a flux. A thickness of an oxide film on a surface of the molten solder plated layer, which is a sum of a thickness of an SnO layer and a thickness of an SnO2 layer on the surface of the molten solder plated layer, is not more than 7 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Nishi, Yuju Endo, Ken Takahashi, Hiromitsu Kuroda, Hiroyuki Akutsu, Katsunori Sawahata, Hiroshi Bando, Iku Higashidani, Hiroshi Okikawa
  • Patent number: 9279177
    Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus includes: a deposition source for discharging a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit disposed at a side of the deposition source and including a plurality of deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction; a patterning slit sheet disposed opposite to the deposition source nozzle unit and having a plurality of patterning slits arranged in the first direction; a barrier plate assembly including a plurality of barrier plates that are disposed between the deposition source nozzle unit and the patterning slit sheet in the first direction, the plurality of barrier plates partitioning a deposition space between the deposition source nozzle unit and the patterning slit sheet into a plurality of sub-deposition spaces; and a capacitive vacuum gauge disposed at a side of the deposition source and configured to measure a pressure inside the deposition source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Sup Choi, Myeng-Woo Nam
  • Patent number: 9279178
    Abstract: Sputtering targets having a reduced burn-in time are disclosed that comprise: a) a heat-modified surface material having a substantially uniform crystallographic orientation, wherein at least part of the surface material was melted during heat-treatment, and b) a core material having an average grain size. Sputtering targets are also disclosed that include a heat-modified surface material having network of shallow trenches, alternating rounded peaks and valleys in the surface of the target or a combination thereof, wherein at least part of the surface material was melted during heat-treatment, and a core material having an average grain size. Methods of producing sputtering targets having reduced burn-in times comprises: a) providing a sputtering target comprising a sputtering surface having a sputter material and a crystal lattice, and b) heat-modifying the sputtering surface in order to melt at least part of the surface material and modify the crystal lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Janine K. Kardokus, Michael Pinter, Michael D. Payton, Steven (Chi Tse) Wu, Jared Akins, Werner Hort
  • Patent number: 9279179
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a plasma processing system configured to form a symmetric plasma distribution around a workpiece. In some embodiments, the plasma processing system comprises a plurality of coils symmetrically positioned around a processing chamber. When a current is provided to the coils, separate magnetic fields, which operate to ionize the target atoms, emanate from the separate coils. The separate magnetic fields operate upon ions within the coils to form a plasma on the interior of the coils. Furthermore, the separate magnetic fields are superimposed upon one another between coils to form a plasma on the exterior of the coils. Therefore, the disclosed plasma processing system can form a plasma that continuously extends along a perimeter of the workpiece with a high degree of uniformity (i.e., without dead spaces).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chin Tsai, Bo-Hung Lin, Chung-En Kao, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 9279180
    Abstract: A machine for plasma treatment of containers, including a chamber for receiving a container to be treated, the chamber connected to a primary vacuum circuit. A pressure sensor is connected to the chamber. There is a first mechanism for communicating the pressure sensor with the chamber; a secondary vacuum circuit dependent on the first circuit and connected to the pressure sensor; and second mechanism for communicating the pressure sensor with the secondary vacuum circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Rius
  • Patent number: 9279181
    Abstract: Arrangements are provided for assembling multiple substrates for coating within a fluidized bed coater so as to deposit a coating of uniform thickness across the entire exterior surface thereof. One embodiment includes a method for coating orthopedic implants having convex and concave surfaces with pyrocarbon by pyrolytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: On-X Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Seeley, Fletcher Derek Southard, Mike James Mewhort, Joseph Earl Robinson, Roger William Leikam, Jeff Wayne Stark, Brett A. Bickerton, Jonathan C. Stupka, David Wilde
  • Patent number: 9279182
    Abstract: A film forming apparatus includes a first solution container, a second solution container, a reaction chamber, a first path, and a second path. The first solution container stores a source solution containing metal. The second solution container stores hydrogen peroxide. A substrate is in the reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber includes a heating unit that heats the substrate. The first path supplies a source solution from the first solution container to the reaction chamber. The second path supplies hydrogen peroxide from the second solution container to the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignees: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KYOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Takahiro Shirahata, Hiroyuki Orita, Akio Yoshida, Shizuo Fujita, Toshiyuki Kawaharamura
  • Patent number: 9279183
    Abstract: A method of operating a film forming apparatus includes forming a carbon film on each of surfaces of a plurality of objects held by a holding unit in a processing container and performing a cleaning process with a cleaning gas to remove an unnecessary carbon film adhered on a inside of the processing container, wherein the method further includes, before the forming of the carbon film, forming, on a surface of a member contacting a processing space in the processing container, a tolerant pre-coating film which has a tolerance to the cleaning gas and improves adhesion of the carbon film to the surface of the member. Accordingly, the adhesion of the carbon film is improved, and further, the tolerant pre-coating film remains even when the cleaning process of removing the unnecessary carbon film is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Atsushi Endo, Satoshi Mizunaga, Takehiro Otsuka
  • Patent number: 9279184
    Abstract: A method of forming a pattern is provided. The method includes an etching step of forming a predetermined pattern in a silicon-containing film by etching the silicon-containing film deposited on a substrate through a mask by plasma generated from an etching gas containing a fluorocarbon gas, and a film deposition step of depositing a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film on a surface of the predetermined pattern by oxidizing or nitriding a silicon-containing layer adsorbed on the surface of the predetermined pattern by supplying a silicon compound gas, by using plasma generated from an oxidation gas or a nitriding gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kubota, Ryukichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9279185
    Abstract: A feed-through apparatus for a chemical vapor deposition device including: a feed-through main body; a plurality of runner units; and a feed-through device rotatable with respect to the plurality of runner units within the feed-through main body. Each runner unit has a fluid inlet and an elongated runner for receiving the fluid from the fluid inlet wherein the elongated runner extends spirally on a surface of the runner unit. The feed-through device has a plurality of feed-through device orifices for receiving fluids from corresponding elongated runners during rotation of the feed-through device and has outlet-orifices for releasing the fluids into a reactor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ASM TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Zilan Li, Teng Hock Kuah, Chidambaram Palaniappan, Ravindra Raghavendra
  • Patent number: 9279186
    Abstract: A metallic material containing both a second constituent and a third constituent having positive and negative heats of mixing relative to a first constituent, respectively, and including a compound, an alloy or a nonequilibrium alloy having a melting point that is higher than the solidifying point of a metal bath made of the first constituent is placed in the metal bath. The metal bath is controlled to a temperature lower than a minimum value of a liquidus temperature within a range of compositional variations in which the amount of the third constituent in the metallic material decreases down to a point where the metallic material becomes substantially the second constituent so that the third constituent is selectively dissolved into the metal bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hidemi Kato, Takeshi Wada, Kunio Yubuta, Akihisa Inoue