Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
  • Patent number: 9856521
    Abstract: Ligation assays in liquid phase for detecting nucleic acid sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BioSpyder Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Stevens, Bruce Seligmann, Joanne M. Yeakley, Joel McComb
  • Patent number: 9856522
    Abstract: A method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification, includes providing a reaction chamber (31), accommodating an array (36) of nucleic acid probes (37) at respective locations; for hybridizing to respective target nucleic acids; and introducing a solution (50) into the reaction chamber (31), wherein the solution (50) contains primers, capable of binding to target nucleic acids, nucleotides, nucleic acid extending enzymes and a sample including nucleic acids. The structure of the nucleic acid probes (37) and of the primers is selected so that a hybridization temperature (TH) of the probes (37) is higher than an annealing temperature (TA) of the primers, whereby hybridization and annealing take place in respective separate (non-overlapping) temperature ranges (RH, RA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Enrico Alessi, Daniele Ricceri
  • Patent number: 9856523
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus according to the present invention, can be used in capture/enrichment, gene expression profiling and targeted sequencing. Provided are methods for improving accuracy and stringency of microarrays and/or other genomic analysis methods relying on nucleic acid hybridization and melting curve analysis by controlling surface chemistry. This method comprises producing a positively charged surface or surface coating, on the surface of microarray slides or other types of surfaces similarly purposed, such as micro beads, which enhances melting curve analysis to the point of allowing detection or differentiation of small changes in sequences between nucleic acid binding partners. Also provided is an improved microarray reader machine, to collect melting curve data on microarray slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Okura
  • Patent number: 9856524
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for lyophilizing integrated composition of pyrophosphorolysis activated polymerization (PAP) in an aqueous solution. It also provides lyophilized integrated PAP composition. Except for nucleic acid template, the integrated composition contains all components. For manipulation, simply add nucleic acid template in an aqueous solution to start amplification. In addition to the easy manipulation, the lyophilized integrated composition can be stored for prolonged period at ambiguous temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Shaofeng Ding, Qiang Liu
  • Patent number: 9856525
    Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and compositions, for performing a digital assay with associated targets. In some embodiments, the assay of associated targets in partitions may lower the limit of detection (LOD) or otherwise increase assay sensitivity, accuracy, and/or specificity. The targets may represent spaced or overlapping regions of the same template and/or each may represent a region from a different complementary strand of the same template. In some embodiments, the associated targets may be provided by a type of biological particle, and the target content of partitions may be used to identify and quantify the type of biological particle in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. McCoy, Niels Klitgord
  • Patent number: 9856526
    Abstract: A method and assembly for electrochemically identifying target nucleotide sequences. The method includes supplying a biological sample that may contain a predetermined target nucleotide sequence; supplying activatable amplification materials comprising free nucleotides to form replicated target nucleotide sequences; supplying an oxido-reducible compound capable of being inserted during replication between the nucleotides forming the replicated target sequences; and activating the activatable amplification materials before applying an electric field to the sample in order to activate the oxido-reducible compound. The replicated target sequences cause inhibition of electrochemical activity of the inserted oxido-reducible compound, and the presence of the predetermined target nucleotide sequence is determined in instances where the electric current decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSITE PARIS DIDEROT-PARIS 7, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS)
    Inventors: Benoît Limoges, Thibaut Defever, Damien Marchal
  • Patent number: 9856527
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for making differentiable amplicon species at unequal ratios using a single amplification system in a single vessel. The number of differentiable amplicons and their ratios to one another are chosen to span the required linear dynamic range for the amplification reaction and to accommodate limitations of the measuring system used to determine the amount of amplicon generated. Unequal amounts of distinguishable amplicon species are generated by providing unequal amounts of one or more amplification reaction components (e.g., distinguishable amplification oligomers, natural and unnatural NTP in an NTP mix, or the like). The amount of target nucleic acid present in a test sample is determined using the linear detection range generated from detection of one or more amplicon species having an amount within the dynamic range of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel L. Kacian, Kenneth A. Browne
  • Patent number: 9856528
    Abstract: A method of sequencing a nucleic acid involves (1) generating single nucleoside triphosphates by progressive pyrophosphorolysis of the nucleic acid; (2) producing a substantially double-stranded oligonucleotide used probe by reacting one of the single nucleoside triphosphates with a corresponding probe system comprising (a) a first single-stranded oligonucleotide labelled with characteristic detectable elements in an undetectable state and (b) second and third single-stranded oligonucleotides capable of hybridising to complementary regions on the first oligonucleotide; (3) digesting the used probe with an enzyme having double-stranded exonucleolytic activity to yield the detectable elements in a detectable state and a single-stranded fourth oligonucleotide which is at least in part the complement of the first oligonucleotide; (4) reacting the fourth oligonucleotide with another first oligonucleotide to produce a substantially double-stranded oligonucleotide product corresponding to the used probe; (5) repeati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BASE4 INNOVATION LTD
    Inventors: Barnaby Balmforth, Cameron Alexander Frayling
  • Patent number: 9856529
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting light-induced degradation of nucleic acids includes irradiating a portion of the nucleic acids in the presence of a detection solution comprising a polyphenolic compound. A method of detecting a nucleic acid having a fluorescent tag includes irradiating at least a portion of the nucleic acid with light of a suitable wavelength to induce a fluorescence emission and detecting the fluorescence emission. Optionally, the polyphenolic compound is gallic acid, a lower alkyl ester thereof, or mixtures thereof. A kit includes one or more nucleotides, an enzyme capable of catalyzing incorporation of the nucleotides into a nucleic acid strand and a polyphenolic compound suitable for preparing a detection solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Kay Klausing, Min-Jui Richard Shen, John Moore, Vincent Peter Smith, Kevin Hall
  • Patent number: 9856530
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: 10X GENOMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Hindson, Serge Saxonov, Kevin Ness, Paul Hardenbol, Michael Schnall-Levin, Mirna Jarosz
  • Patent number: 9856531
    Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a polymorphic site selected from the group consisting of positions 164, 269, 284, 407 and 989 of SEQ ID NO: 1, an array or a kit comprising the same. Also provided are a method for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in bovine proteinase inhibitor (PI) gene, a method for haplotyping a bovine cell, a method for progeny testing of cattle based on said haplotyping, a method for selectively breeding of cattle based on haplotyping a parent animal. The present invention further provides a method for testing a dairy cattle for its milk production trait, comprising haplotyping its cells, wherein a cattle having haplotypes 1, 3, 4 or 5 indicates that the cattle has desirable milk production trait. Haplotype 1 indicates that the cattle has the most desirable milk production trait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Hasan Khatib
  • Patent number: 9856532
    Abstract: Concentrations of certain miRNA, mRNA and/or protein markers in the biological fluids and/or tissues of a subject are used to determine the probability that the subject does or does not have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The concentrations of these markers in fluids and/or tissues are different in subjects with PTSD as compared to subjects who do not suffer from this disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: INSTITUTE FOR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY
    Inventors: Leroy Hood, Kai Wang, Inyoul Lee, Yong Zhou, Ji Hoon Cho, Dhimankrishna Ghosh
  • Patent number: 9856533
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of expression signatures in ER+ breast cancer cases, where the signatures correlate with responsiveness, or lack thereof, to treatment with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer The signature profiles are identified based upon sampling of reference breast tissue samples from independent cases of breast cancer and provide a reliable set of molecular criteria for predicting the efficacy of treating a subject with breast cancer with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer. Additional methods and compositions are provided for predicting responsiveness to tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer in cases of breast cancer by use of three biomarkers. Two biomarkers display increased expression correlated with tamoxifen response while the third biomarker displays decreased expression correlated with tamoxifen response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Biotheranostics, Inc., The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Erlander, Xiao-Jun Ma, Dennis C. Sgroi
  • Patent number: 9856534
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for selecting use of proteasome inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Leon Bernal-Mizrachi
  • Patent number: 9856535
    Abstract: A system and method for isolating cells, comprising: a substrate having a broad surface; an array comprising a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, each well including: a base surface, an open surface directly opposing the base surface, defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and configured to receive one of a single cell and a single cluster of cells from a direction perpendicular to the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well; wherein the set of wells includes an interior subset and an exterior subset fluidly coupled to and surrounding the interior subset by way of the set of channels; and a fluid delivery module surrounding the array and fluidly coupled to each well in the set of wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DeNovo Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Priyadarshini Gogoi, Yi Zhou, Saedeh Sepehri, Christopher Siemer
  • Patent number: 9856536
    Abstract: Methods and kits for characterizing a subject having a steroid-dependent disease such as prostate cancer are described. A method of treating a steroid-dependent disease in a subject by obtaining a biological sample from the subject, determining if the HSD3B1(1245C) gene or 3?HSD1(367T) protein is expressed in the biological sample, and providing treatment other than or in addition to steroid ablation to the subject if the HSD3B1(1245C) gene or 3?HSD1(367T) protein is expressed is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Nima Sharifi, Kai-Hsiung Chang
  • Patent number: 9856537
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for molecular profiling and diagnostics for genetic disorders and cancer, including but not limited to gene expression product markers associated with cancer or genetic disorders. In particular, the present invention provides algorithms and methods of classifying cancer, for example, thyroid cancer, methods of determining molecular profiles, and methods of analyzing results to provide a diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: VERACYTE, INC.
    Inventors: Giulia C. Kennedy, Darya I. Chudova, Eric T. Wang, Jonathan I. Wilde
  • Patent number: 9856538
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, kits, and primers for analyzing AHASL genes of plants, including wheat. The methods, kits, and primers of the present disclosure can make use of forward AHASL primers designed without use of software or other assay-design technology and can be used in a real-time PCR assay to determine the zygosity of AHASL genes encoding AHAS enzymes providing tolerance to AHAS enzyme inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BASF Agrochemical Products B.V.
    Inventors: Sherry Whitt, Cory Rodgers
  • Patent number: 9856539
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions with altered capsid protein, where the AAV virions exhibit greater infectivity of retinal cells, when administered via intravitreal injection, compared to wild-type AAV. The present disclosure further provides methods of delivering a gene product to a retinal cell in an individual, and methods of treating ocular disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David V. Schaffer, Ryan R. Klimczak, James T. Koerber, John G. Flannery, Deniz Dalkara Mourot, Meike Visel, Leah C. T. Byrne
  • Patent number: 9856540
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the processing of hides or skins into leather, comprising enzymatic treatment of the hide or skin with carbohydrase in the soaking step. The present invention can achieve optimal fiber opening results in a relatively short period of time and at the same time does not cause loose grain, and meanwhile the pollution or impact on the environment is reduced in a maximum way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Niels Henrik Soerensen, Tine Hoff, Peter Rahbek Oestergaard, Pierre Cassland
  • Patent number: 9856541
    Abstract: Disclosed are a heat-resistant alloy used in a heat-resistant bolt and the like for fastening high temperature parts of an engine in a vehicle and the like, and a method of manufacturing a heat-resistant bolt using the heat-resistant alloy. Particularly, the austenitic heat-resistant alloy includes, based on a total weight of the heat-resistant alloy, carbon (C) in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.08 wt %, silicon (Si) in an amount of about 0.01 to about 1.00 wt %, manganese (Mn) in an amount of about 0.01 to about 2.00 wt %, nickel (Ni) in an amount of about 17 to about 22 wt %, titanium (Ti) in an amount of about 2.7 to about 3.2 wt %, chromium (Cr) in an amount of about 11 to 16 wt %, molybdenum (Mo) in an amount of about 0.3 to about 1.0 wt %, vanadium (V) in an amount of about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt %, and a remainder of iron (Fe) and optionally an inevitable impurity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bo-Kyung Sa, Ho-Chul Shin, Jung-Suk Lee
  • Patent number: 9856542
    Abstract: Provided is a ferritic lightweight high-strength steel sheet having excellent stiffness and ductility and a method of manufacturing the same. The steel sheet including 0.02 wt % to 0.1 wt % of carbon (C), 4 wt % to 15 wt % of manganese (Mn), 4 wt % to 10 wt % of aluminum (Al), 2.0 wt % or less (excluding 0) of silicon (Si), 0.01 wt % to 0.3 wt % of titanium (Ti), 0.005 wt % to 0.2 wt % of antimony (Sb), and iron (Fe) as well as unavoidable impurities as a remainder, and having a value of 0.25×Ti/C ranging from 0.17 to 1.0 and a value of Mn/Al×Log(C×Ti×10000) ranging from 1.0 to 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventors: Jai-Hyun Kwak, Kyoo-Young Lee, Kwang-Geun Chin
  • Patent number: 9856543
    Abstract: A process for purifying Mo-99 from an acidic solution obtained by dissolving an irradiated solid target comprising uranium in an acidic medium, or from an acidic solution comprising uranium and which has previously been irradiated in a nuclear reactor, or from an acidic solution comprising uranium and which has been used as reactor fuel in a homogeneous reactor, the process comprising contacting the acidic solution with an adsorbent comprising a zirconium oxide, zirconium hydroxide, zirconium alkoxide, zirconium halide and/or zirconium oxide halide, and eluting the Mo-99 from the adsorbent using a solution of a strong base, the eluate then being subjected to a subsequent purification process involving an alkaline-based Mo-99 chromatographic recovery step on an anion exchange material. Also provided is apparatus for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Nuclear Medicine LLC
    Inventor: Luis A. M. M. Barbosa
  • Patent number: 9856544
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys comprising a) at least one main phase, b) a storage secondary phase and c) a catalytic secondary phase, where the weight ratio of the catalytic secondary phase abundance to the storage secondary phase abundance is ?3; or comprising a) at least one main phase, b) from 0 to about 13.3 wt % of a storage secondary phase and c) a catalytic secondary phase, where the alloy comprises from 0.05 at % to 0.98 at % of one or more rare earth elements; or comprising a) at least one main phase, b) from 0 to about 13.3 wt % of a storage secondary phase and c) a catalytic secondary phase, where the alloy comprises for example i) one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Nb and Hf and ii) one or more elements selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Sn, Al, Co, Cu, Mo, W, Fe, Si, Sn and rare earth elements, where the atomic ratio of ii) to i) is from about 1.80 to about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Diana Wong, Jean Nei
  • Patent number: 9856545
    Abstract: A metallic coating or alloy is provided. The metallic coating or alloly includes iron, chromium, aluminum, tantalum, and nickel and contains no rhenium. The presence of tantalum and iron and the absence of rhenium are effective to increase a ?/?? transition temperature of the alloy. A component including the metallic coating or alloy is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Anand A. Kulkarni, Jonathan E. Shipper, Jr., Werner Stamm
  • Patent number: 9856546
    Abstract: The invention provides for a cermet powder containing 75-90% by weight of at least one hard material powder, from 10 to 25% by weight of one or more matrix metal powders and up to 3% by weight of at least one modifier, wherein the matrix metal powder or powders contain from 0 to 38% by weight of cobalt, from 0 to 38% by weight of nickel, from 0 to 20% by weight of aluminum, from 0 to 90% by weight of iron and from 10 to 35% by weight of chromium and the sum of the contents of iron and chromium is in the range from 10 to 95% by weight and the sum of the contents of cobalt, nickel and iron is in the range from 65 to 95% by weight. The invention also relates to a cermet and a process to make the cermet containing the cermet powder and shaped article coated with the cermet powder and a process to make the shaped article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: H. C. Starck GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Fischer, Aloys Eiling, Frank Schrumpf, Stefan Zimmermann, Peter Thienel, Roland Scholl
  • Patent number: 9856547
    Abstract: A powder metal compact is disclosed. The powder metal compact comprises a cellular nanomatrix comprising a metallic nanomatrix material. The powder metal compact also comprises a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a metallic particle core material dispersed in the cellular nanomatrix, the particle core material comprising a nanostructured material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BAKERS HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 9856548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hot-rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength of greater than 1200 MPa, an Re/Rm ratio of less than 0.75 and an elongation at break of greater than 10%, the composition of which contains, the contents being expressed by weight: 0.10%?C?0.25%; 1%?Mn?3%; Al?0.015%; Si?1.985%; Mo?0.30%; Cr?1.5%; S?0.015%; P?0.1%; Co?1.5%; B?0.005%; it being understood that 1%?Si+Al?2%; Cr+(3×Mo)?0.3%, the balance of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting, the microstructure of the steel consisting of at least 75% bainite, residual austenite in an amount equal to or greater than 5% and martensite in an amount equal to or greater than 2%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal France
    Inventors: Sebastien Allain, Audrey Couturier, Thierry Iung, Christine Colin
  • Patent number: 9856549
    Abstract: A cast slab containing C: less than 0.02 mass % and made of an Fe-based metal of an ?-? transforming component is subjected to hot rolling at a temperature of an A3 point or higher and is subjected to ?-region rolling at a temperature of 300° C. or higher and lower than the A3 point, and thereby a base metal sheet having a {100} texture in a surface layer portion is fabricated. Then, by performing a heat treatment under predetermined conditions, an Fe-based metal sheet is obtained in which a Z value is not less than 2.0 nor more than 200 when intensity ratios of respective {001}<470>, {116}<6 12 1>, and {223}<692> directions in a sheet plane by X-ray diffraction are set to A, B, and C respectively and Z=(A+0.97B)/0.98C is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tooru Inaguma, Miho Tomita, Hiroaki Sakamoto, Youji Mizuhara
  • Patent number: 9856550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high carbon hot rolled steel sheet having excellent material uniformity and a method for manufacturing the same, in which components and structure of the steel are precisely controlled and manufacturing conditions are adjusted to achieve excellence in material uniformity among hot rolled structures, thereby improving the dimensional precision of parts after formation, preventing defects during processing, and obtaining uniform structures and hardness distribution even after a final heat treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventors: Young-Roc Im, Jea-Chun Jeon, Byoung-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9856551
    Abstract: A ferritic-austenitic stainless steel having a microstructure containing 35-65 vol-% ferrite and 35-65 vol-% austenite has a chemical composition which contains in weight-%: 0.005-0.07 C, 0.1-2.0 Si, 3-8 Mn, 19-23 Cr, 0.5-1.7 Ni, optionally Mo and/or W in a total amount of max 1.0 (Mo+W/2), optionally Cu up to max 1.0 Cu, 0.15-0.30 N, balance iron and impurities. The following conditions apply for the chromium and nickel equivalents: 20<Creq<24.5, 10<Nieq, where Creq=Cr+1.5 Si+Mo+2 Ti+0.5 Nb, and Nieq=Ni+0.5 Mn+30 (C+N)+0.5 (Cu+Co).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: OUTOKUMPU STAINLESS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Elisabeth Alfonsson, Jun Wang, Mats Liljas, Per Johansson
  • Patent number: 9856552
    Abstract: Heat treatable aluminum alloy strips and methods for making the same are disclosed. The heat treatable aluminum alloy strips are continuously cast and quenched, with optional rolling occurring before and/or after quenching. After quenching, the heat treatable aluminum alloy strip is neither annealed nor solution heat treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ARCONIC INC.
    Inventors: Ralph R. Sawtell, John M. Newman, Thomas N. Rouns, Raymond J. Kilmer
  • Patent number: 9856553
    Abstract: A subject for the invention is to diminish the occurrence of streak-type segregation in producing a material comprising a Ni-based superalloy. The invention relates to a Ni-based superalloy having excellent unsusceptibility to segregation, characterized by comprising: 0.005 to 0.15 mass % of C; 8 to 22 mass % of Cr; 5 to 30 mass % of Co; equal or greater than 1 and less than 9 mass % of Mo; 5 to 21 mass % of W; 0.1 to 2.0 mass % of Al; 0.3 to 2.5 mass % of Ti; up to 0.015 mass % of B; and up to 0.01 mass % of Mg, with the remainder comprising Ni and unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Ohsaki, Tatsuya Takahashi, Koji Kajikawa, Eiji Maeda, Yoshikuni Kadoya, Ryuichi Yamamoto, Takashi Nakano
  • Patent number: 9856554
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a transparent body for use in a touch panel is provided. The process includes: The process includes depositing a first transparent layer stack over a substrate with a first silicon-containing dielectric film, a second silicon-containing dielectric film, and a third silicon-containing dielectric film. The first and the third silicon-containing dielectric films have a low refractive index and the second silicon-containing dielectric film has a high refractive index. The process further includes depositing a transparent conductive film in a manner such that the first transparent layer stack and the transparent conductive film are disposed over the substrate in this order. At least one of the first silicon-containing dielectric film, the second silicon-containing dielectric film, the silicon-containing third dielectric film, or the transparent conductive film is deposited by sputtering from a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Lotz
  • Patent number: 9856556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wear resistant coating suitable to be deposited on cutting tool inserts for chip forming metal machining. The coating comprises at least two layers with different grain size, but with essentially the same composition. The coating is deposited by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: OERLIKON SURFACE SOLUTIONS AG, PFAEFFIKON
    Inventors: Jacob Sjölén, Jon Andersson, Jörg Vetter, Jürgen Müller
  • Patent number: 9856557
    Abstract: A fabrication method that includes cryogenically cooling a multi-layered structure, which includes a barrier layer, in a multi-purpose chamber having a single enclosure around at least one sputtering target and a substrate support. The method also includes depositing a ferromagnetic layer over the barrier layer of the cryogenically cooled multi-layered structure in the single enclosure when the multi-layered structure is supported on the substrate support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jae-Young Yi, Eric W. Singleton
  • Patent number: 9856558
    Abstract: In a plasma enhanced physical vapor deposition of a material onto workpiece, a metal target faces the workpiece across a target-to-workpiece gap less than a diameter of the workpiece. A carrier gas is introduced into the chamber and gas pressure in the chamber is maintained above a threshold pressure at which mean free path is less than 5% of the gap. RF plasma source power from a VHF generator is applied to the target to generate a capacitively coupled plasma at the target, the VHF generator having a frequency exceeding 30 MHz. The plasma is extended across the gap to the workpiece by providing through the workpiece a first VHF ground return path at the frequency of the VHF generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hoffman, Karl M. Brown, Ying Rui, John Pipitone
  • Patent number: 9856559
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a color sensor is provided for sensing whether a ground roller in a corona treatment system needs to be serviced. The color sensor is capable of detecting imperfections which have changed the reflectance level of the ground roller from a predefined level. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, if a determination is made that the ground roller needs to be serviced, then an alarm is activated and/or the operation of the corona treatment system is ceased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Rory A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 9856560
    Abstract: The method according to the invention includes the steps of: purging an inside of the processing chamber with gas while applying a thermal impact onto the thin film deposited on the inside of the processing chamber by decreasing the temperature in the processing chamber, so as to forcibly generate a crack in the thin film and forcibly peel the adhered material with a weak adhesive force, in a state where the substrate is not present in the processing chamber; removing the thin film deposited on the inside of the processing chamber by supplying a fluorine-based gas to the inside of the processing chamber heated to a first temperature, in the state where the substrate is not present in the processing chamber; and removing an adhered material remaining on the inside of the processing chamber after removing the thin film by supplying a fluorine-based gas to the inside of the processing chamber heated to a second temperature, in the state where the substrate is not present in the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Kenji Kameda, Jie Wang, Yuji Urano
  • Patent number: 9856561
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supplying a gas to a processing chamber are described. The apparatus comprises an inlet line, an outlet line and a fill line in fluid communication an ampoule. The apparatus described, and methods of use, allow a precursor ampoule to be refilled during processing without removing or replacing the ampoule and interrupting the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Yudovsky, Kenric Choi
  • Patent number: 9856562
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor manufacturing device that supplies a source gas to a substrate installed in a reaction furnace and performs film formation processing to the substrate, including: a storage vessel which is disposed in the reaction furnace and which stores a metal raw material as a base of the source gas; an auxiliary vessel which is disposed at an upper side of the storage vessel in the reaction furnace and which is a bottomed vessel having an inlet port for the metal raw material; a connection pipe through which an outlet port for the metal raw material formed on the auxiliary vessel and an inside of the storage vessel are communicated with each other; a sealing plug for sealing the outlet port so as to be opened and closed freely; and heater units that heat an inside of the reaction furnace to a predetermined temperature so as to melt the metal raw material in the auxiliary vessel and the metal raw material in the storage vessel, and to a predetermined temperature required for film formatio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Hajime Fujikura
  • Patent number: 9856563
    Abstract: The invention is directed to QCM measurements in monitoring ALD processes. Previously, significant barriers remain in the ALD processes and accurate execution. To turn this exclusively dedicated in situ technique into a routine characterization method, an integral QCM fixture was developed. This new design is easily implemented on a variety of ALD tools, allows rapid sample exchange, prevents backside deposition, and minimizes both the footprint and flow disturbance. Unlike previous QCM designs, the fast thermal equilibration enables tasks such as temperature-dependent studies and ex situ sample exchange, further highlighting the feasibility of this QCM design for day-to-day use. Finally, the in situ mapping of thin film growth rates across the ALD reactor was demonstrated in a popular commercial tool operating in both continuous and quasi-static ALD modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Alex B. F. Martinson, Joseph A. Libera, Jeffrey W. Elam, Shannon C. Riha
  • Patent number: 9856564
    Abstract: A technique related with a lithography system is disclosed. The lithography system includes at least one target object disposed on a substrate, a processor configured to process an image of the target object to determine an optical pattern for a coating layer of the target object, and an exposure apparatus configured to provide light having the optical pattern determined by the processor to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Sunghoon Kwon, Sueun Chung, Seungah Lee, Jisung Jang, Sangkwon Han
  • Patent number: 9856565
    Abstract: A composition including from 35 to 85% by weight based on the weight of the composition of a high-heat amorphous polymeric material, having a glass transition temperature of at least 180 degrees Celsius, from 10 to 50% by weight based on the weight of the composition of a filler selected from glass fiber, glass flake, flat glass fiber, glass bead, and combinations thereof; and from 0 to 10% by weight of composition of at least one additive selected from a flow promoter, a thermal stabilizer, a mold release agent, and combinations thereof. Products including the composition, such as a hard disc drive enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Liang Shen, Yangang Yan, Wei Feng
  • Patent number: 9856566
    Abstract: A monitored anode apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a metal body having an exterior and a core, and a plurality of electrically conductive probes passing through the exterior and disposed at respective depths within the core. At least one of the plurality of conductive probes is disposed at a first depth, and at least one of the plurality of conductive probes is disposed at a second depth greater than the first depth. A bonding conductor is in electrical communication with the body and configured to create electrical continuity between the body and a protected structure. The metal body is configured as a galvanic anode, and at least one of the plurality of probes is configured to break electrical conductivity with the body upon galvanic consumption thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Burns, Matthew James Gutgsell, Michael David Lee, Thomas Anthony Lepley, Zachary Paul Schrock, Tony Harrison Zilli, Kevin A Gibbons
  • Patent number: 9856567
    Abstract: Photoelectrochemical materials and photoelectrodes comprising the materials are provided. The photoelectrochemical materials comprise a porous, high-surface-area BiVO4 that is composed of particles smaller than the hole diffusion length of BiVO4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kyoung-Shin Choi, Tae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9856568
    Abstract: A pressurized rod anode having a hollow core that is monitored by a sensor. The hollow core is pressurized at all times, or in the alternative, is of a pressure less than the pressure within a reactor tank. A rod anode that fails to maintain pressure indicates material removal sufficient to breach the integrity of the rod anode. A relay can be used to cause removal of the rod anode power source when a breach of integrity occurs. Indicator lights provide instant monitoring of the rod anode condition, a bypass switch allow temporary operation of a rod anode pending a timed shutdown for repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Jr., James T. Thomas, Anthony W. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9856569
    Abstract: A process of producing metal that includes adding a quantity of a alkoxide (M(OR)x) or another metal salt to a cathode compartment of an electrolytic cell and electrolyzing the cell. This electrolyzing causes a quantity of alkali metal ions to migrate into the cathode compartment and react with the metal alkoxide, thereby producing metal and an alkali metal alkoxide. In some embodiments, the alkali metal is sodium such that the sodium ions will pass through a sodium ion selective membrane, such as a NaSICON membrane, into the cathode compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: FIELD UPGRADING LIMITED
    Inventor: Sai Bhavaraju
  • Patent number: 9856570
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anand Raman, Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
  • Patent number: 9856571
    Abstract: The disclosure provides low-molecular-ratio cryolite for aluminum electrolytic industry, which consists of potassium cryolite and sodium cryolite with a mole ratio of 1:1˜1:3, wherein the molecular formula of the potassium cryolite is mKF.AlF3 and the molecular formula of the sodium cryolite is nNaF.AlF3, where m=1˜1.5 and n=1˜1.5. When the low-molecular-ratio cryolite provided by the disclosure is applied to the aluminum electrolytic industry, electrolytic temperature and power consumption can be reduced and electrolytic efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SUNXING LIGHT ALLOYS MATERIALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuemin Chen, Jun Yang, Zhihong Li, Weiping Wu