Polymerizing, Cross-linking, Or Curing (e.g., Utilizing Ultraviolet Radiation, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/494)
  • Patent number: 7485250
    Abstract: A medical device (10) includes a catheter shaft (11) including inner and outer catheter shafts (12 and 14), and an expandable balloon (18) carried by the catheter shaft (11). The balloon (18) is made from an irradiation cross-linked mixture of a polyamide elastomer and at least one additional cross-linking reactant. The polyamide elastomer can be a polyester amide, a polyether ester amide or a polyether amide, and is preferably a nylon block copolymer. The cross-linking reactant can be: (a) a difunctional material, (b) a trifunctional material, (c) a tetrafunctional material, or (d) an aromatic molecule containing at least two ring substituents, each of the ring substituents having labile hydrogens at a benzylic site therein. The cross-linking reactant can also be diallyl phthalate or meta-phenylene dimaleimide. Irradiation is carried out by exposure to an electron beam or to ultraviolet, X- or gamma radiation, preferably at a total fluence of about 0.5 to about 20 megarads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cook Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott E. Boatman, David G. Burton, Michael C. Hoffa, David R. Lessard, David A. Drewes, Jr., Maggie A. Z. Hupcey
  • Publication number: 20090030524
    Abstract: Methods provide a non-eluting antioxidant doped UHMWPE in the form of an implant bearing component. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a preform; (b) irradiating the preform with ?-irradiation to crosslink the UHMWPE; (c) doping the crosslinked preform by exposing it to an antioxidant composition at a temperature below the melting point of the UHMWPE; (d) removing the doped material from contact with the antioxidant composition; and then (e) annealing by heating the doped material at a temperature above 30° C. and below the melting point of the UHMWPE; followed by (f) making an implant bearing component from the doped material, wherein at least 1 mm but no more than about 15 mm of material are removed to make the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: David W. Schroeder, Jordan H. Freedman
  • Patent number: 7479247
    Abstract: A process for casting three-dimensional parts and sacrificial models from casting compounds forced by pressurized inert gas into transparent molds that are supported by transparent mold frames. The casting compound incorporates radiation activated photo initiators which cause polymerization and curing of the compound within the mold. An automated casting system is anticipated which is enabled by the use of very soft, stretchable and deformable material for the mold body and supporting the mold with radiation transparent mold frames. Oxygen and other gases in the atmosphere react with some casting compounds to create a sticky film on mold cavity walls which causes difficulty when removing a casting from a mold. This problem is eliminated by purging the mold cavity with an inert gas between casts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Victor Joyner
  • Publication number: 20090004541
    Abstract: A fuel cell, having improved sealing against leakage, includes a fuel cell component having a cured sealant, wherein the cured sealant includes a telechelic-functional polyisobutylene, an organhydrogenosilane crosslinker, a platinum catalyst and a photoinitiator. The fuel cell component may be a cathode flow field plate, an anode flow field plate, a resin frame, a gas diffusion layer, an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a membrane electrolyte, a membrane-electrode-assembly frame, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony F. Jacobine, John G. Woods, Steven Thomas Nakos, Matthew Peter Burdzy, Brian Russell Einsla, Kevin James Welch
  • Publication number: 20080319137
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Werner Schneider
  • Patent number: 7465368
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to package flip chip molded matrix array package. An ultraviolet (UV) curable tape is laminated on die backside of a strip of array of flip chips. The UV curable tape has an adhesive strength. The strip of flip chip arrays is molded with a mold film. The molded strip of flip chip array is irradiated using UV radiation. In another embodiment, a double functional tape is mounted to backside of a wafer. The double functional tape includes a binding tape and a ultraviolet (UV) curable tape having an adhesive strength. The wafer is singulated into die. The die is attached to a substrate strip to form a strip of array of flip chips. The strip is molded with a mold film. The molded strip is irradiated using UV radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Szu Shing Lim, Sheou Hooi Lim, Yew Wee Cheong
  • Patent number: 7444932
    Abstract: A roll to roll microreplication apparatus is described. This apparatus forms a microreplicated article including a web having first and second opposed surfaces. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, first nip roll and first coating die; the first coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate first side and the web substrate is disposed between the first patterned roll and first nip roll. The first nip roll touches the web substrate second side and the first patterned roll touches the web substrate first side. The apparatus includes, a second patterned roll, second nip roll and second coating die, the second coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate second side and the web substrate is disposed between the second patterned roll and second nip roll. The second nip roll touches the web substrate first side and the second patterned roll touches the web substrate second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John T. Strand, Serge Wetzels
  • Patent number: 7442303
    Abstract: A filter membrane, methods of making such filter membrane and apparatus employing such filter membrane are disclosed, in which the filter membrane is a monolithic polymeric membrane that includes a polymeric filter layer including a micron-scale precision-shaped pores and a polymeric support layer that has a precision-shaped porous support structure for the filter layer. Several methods are disclosed for making such a membrane using micromachining techniques, including lithographic, laser ablation and x-ray treatment techniques. Several filter apparatus employing such a membrane are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7438838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a polymeric optical waveguide-forming master plate, comprising: laying a thread which does not transmit rays used for subsequent exposure on a substrate for a master plate, applying a positive resist material onto the substrate to have a thickness such that, when parallel rays are vertically radiated onto the resist from a side opposite to a substrate side with respect to the thread and then the resist is developed, a layer made of the resist is formed at whole space where the rays have not been radiated; radiating parallel rays substantially vertically to the substrate to expose the resist to the rays; and developing the exposed resist on the substrate to form a convex portion corresponding to a shape of an optical waveguide core, to waveguide production methods using the same, and to the resultant waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keishi Shimizu, Shigemi Ohtsu, Kazutoshi Yatsuda, Eiichi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 7435371
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing rubber parts monolithically combined with the substrate capable of molding, vulcanizing and adhering at a relatively low temperature. The method by the present invention for manufacturing rubber parts monolithically combined with a completed substrate 111, is a method to form rubber parts at precise positions on a substrate 101 comprising: a placing step to place the substrate 101 in a die assembly K for molding rubber parts; a molding step to mold the rubber parts by casting unvulcanized rubber material 102 into the die assembly K in which the substrate 101 is placed; a releasing step to take unvulcanized rubber parts 104 monolithically combined with the substrate 101 out of the die assembly and a vulcanizing step to vulcanize the rubber parts monolithically combined with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kokoku Intech, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-ichiro Eno, Takuya Funatsu, Koji Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20080237937
    Abstract: A process for enhancing a gripping area of an object, providing a frictionally enhanced, moisture repellent, sure-grip gripping surface, achieved by less than one second ultraviolet radiation curing of an ultraviolet-curable coating applied over polymeric fibers enveloping the gripping surface of the object. This inexpensive three step process uses commonly available, low-cost materials, minimal energy, is environmentally friendly, does not require repeated steps, thermosetting, vulcanization, caustic chemicals, molds, molding techniques, and gluing a molded cover onto a surface. Also, metallicized objects where metallicizing imparts superior strength to objects reducing or eliminating breakage and/or splintering when impacted, by a ball if object is a bat reducing or eliminating potential lethal hazards often imparted to a ball when hit by aluminum bats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Ben Aaron
  • Publication number: 20080237936
    Abstract: A pattern forming mold according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a body, an effective pattern formed at the body, and a dummy pattern formed along a circumference of the effective pattern. The pattern forming mold may further include a light blocking unit formed along a circumference of the effective pattern at a region corresponding to the dummy pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Dae-Jin PARK, Jang-Kyum KIM
  • Publication number: 20080230959
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and a method of using the same to form a pattern on a substrate using imprint lithography employing dark-field polymerization. To that end, the composition includes a bis vinyl ether component, and an initiator component that produces an acid in response to radiation. The bis vinyl ether component is reactive to the acid and polymerizes in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Nicholas A. Stacey
  • Patent number: 7427374
    Abstract: A convection cooling technique for selective deposition modeling utilizing a venturi duct to establish a low-pressure port for drawing a second flow of air into the duct. The second flow of air is drawn across a heat generating component in the selective deposition modeling apparatus. A low-pressure zone is established at the low-pressure port sufficient to meet the head loss that results when drawing the second flow across the heat generating component and into the venturi duct. A desired flow rate is achieved at a pressure drop that is greater than that possible by the direct use of a fan. The cooling system is well suited for use in providing steady state cooling of radiation exposure systems used in selective deposition modeling to initiate curing of the layers of dispensed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Jody Fong
  • Publication number: 20080227909
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a thermally conductive sheet, comprising shaping a thermally conductive precursor composition into a sheet, the thermally conductive precursor composition comprising a (meth)acrylic monomer or a polymerizable oligomer thereof, a photopolymerization initiator, and a thermally conductive filler present in an amount of 20 vol % or more based on the total volume of the thermally conductive composition obtained, and irradiating the front surface and the back surface of the sheet with ultraviolet radiation at different ultraviolet irradiation intensities, thereby curing the sheet and obtaining a thermally conductive sheet having a single-layer thermally conductive composition and having tackiness differing between the front surface and the back surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Masaki Yoda, Yoshinao Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20080220217
    Abstract: A reboundable optical structure includes a base layer; and an optical element layer formed with a reboundable polymeric material and attached to the base layer. The optical structure can include a diffuser, fresnel lens, linear prism film, collimating film, lenticular elements, and retroreflective structures. A method for forming a reboundable optical structure includes providing a base layer; and attaching an optical element layer formed with a reboundable polymeric material and attached to the base layer, thereby forming an optical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Reflexite Corporation
    Inventor: Edward D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7416695
    Abstract: A polyamide acid solution and/or gel film is subjected to at least any one of the following processes: addition of a semiconducting inorganic filler, addition of a conductivity imparting agent, and formation of a conductive film. Thereafter, the polyamide acid contained in the polyamide acid solution or gel film is imidized. Thus, the obtained semiconducting polyimide film has surface and volume resistances satisfactorily controllable and less dependent on voltage, excellent mechanical properties, and a high elongation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Hisayasu Kaneshiro, Yasushi Nishikawa, Kiyokazu Akahori
  • Patent number: 7407617
    Abstract: A method of polymerizing by a free radical polymerization mechanism, product formed thereby, and apparatus for performing this method, are disclosed. The composition to be polymerized by the free radical polymerization mechanism is irradiated by a substantially constant radiation, the radiation being substantially without pulsation. The use of the substantially constant radiation without pulsation reduces premature termination of the polymerization. The substantially constant radiation can be the output of a lamp powered by a constant current, direct current power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fusion UV Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Okamitsu, A. David P. Harbourne, Sonny Jõnsson, Rong Bao
  • Patent number: 7407616
    Abstract: A method for curing polymerizable compositions by irradiating the compositions with a pulsed light that is emitted from an LED. The method of the present invention is especially suitable for curing dental compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: New Photonics, LLC
    Inventors: Noureddine Melikechi, Ranjit S. Pandher
  • Patent number: 7402273
    Abstract: A flash curing system for solid freeform fabrication which generates a plurality of radiation emitting pulses that forms a planar flash. The planar flash initiates curing of a curable material dispensed by a solid freeform fabrication apparatus. The radiation emitting pulses have a high peak power value that releases a sufficient quantity of free radicals from the photoinitiator to initiate curing and overcome the problem of oxygen inhibition. Substantially less power is consumed and less heat generated by the flash curing system compared to conventional continuous emission curing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20080169586
    Abstract: Solid imaging apparatus and methods for use are disclosed that reduce the amount of uncured solid imaging build material remaining on a completed build object following the completion of the solid imaging build process. The amount of uncured build material is reduced through the use of either an uncoating web that removes excess build material from the build object during the course of the building process or an ink jet source of build material that uses only as much build material as is necessary for the fabrication of the build part. Also disclosed is an imager assembly for use with such a solid imaging apparatus that incorporates two or more individual imagers in an array and accounts for variations in the intensity and alignment of adjacent imagers. The apparatus can be modified for semi-continuous operation and for integrating into a manufacturing operation, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Charles W. Hull, Jouni Partanen
  • Publication number: 20080169589
    Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Suzanne M. Scott, Charles W. Hull, Jouni Partanen, Mehdi Mojdeh, William J. Pappas, Richard O. Gregory
  • Patent number: 7399443
    Abstract: Carbon particles, such as, carbon fibrils and carbon nanotube molecules, may be assembled into substantially pure aligned fibers by a) dispersing the carbon particles within a curable liquid, b) aligning the carbon particles by flowing the mixture of curable liquid and carbon particles down a tapering tube, and c) curing the flowing mixture of curable liquid and carbon particles in the general vicinity of the end of the tapering tube to form a fiber. The curable liquid may be cured using ultraviolet light. The solidified mixture may be further processed by d) heating the fiber so as to cause the volatile elements of the solidified curable liquid portion to substantially dissipate from the fiber, e) twisting the fiber to increase its density, f) heating the fiber to sinter the carbon particles within the fiber, and g) cladding the fiber. The resulting fiber may then be spooled onto a take-up drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis S Greywall, Bernard Yurke
  • Publication number: 20080157439
    Abstract: Methods for preparing a shaped rubber article, comprising admixing at least one thermoplastic material and at least one elastomer material to provide a processable and dimensionally stable rubber composition, shaping the composition, and irradiating the composition to form the shaped rubber article. The dimensional stability of the uncured composition may be provided by partial dynamic vulcanization, high performance reinforcing fillers, fractional curing, or combinations thereof. The elastomer material is present in an amount greater than about 65% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic and elastomer materials present in the admixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: Edward Hosung Park, Francis Joseph Walker
  • Patent number: 7384589
    Abstract: Nanoscale molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) having polymer features wherein the size, shape and position are predetermined can be fabricated using an xy piezo stage mounted on an inverted microscope and a laser. Using an AMF controller, a solution containing polymer precursors and a photo initiator are positioned on the xy piezo and hit with a laser beam. The thickness of the polymeric features can be varied from a few nanometers to over a micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hart, Chad E. Talley
  • Patent number: 7381361
    Abstract: Forming a structure attached to a micro-fluidic channel based on hydrodynamic focusing is disclosed. In one aspect, a polymerizable fluid and a focusing fluid may be introduced into a hydrodynamic focusing system. The polymerizable fluid may be hydrodynamically focused with the focusing fluid. Then the focused polymerizable fluid may be polymerized to form a structure attached to a channel of the hydrodynamic focusing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Narayanan Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 7374706
    Abstract: A method produces adhesive closure parts, where a partial segment of the surface of a support element (10) is provided with adhesive closure elements (3) which stand out from its plane by applying a plastic material that forms adhesive closure elements on the support element (1). The adhesive closure elements (3) are formed without any forming tools, at least in a given area, by depositing the plastic material in successively delivered droplets using an applicator (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Axel Schulte
  • Patent number: 7374864
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a device including imprinting a mold having a protrusion against a substrate having a resist layer such that the protrusion engages the resist layer. The mold further has a mask member positioned generally adjacent the resist layer. Radiation energy is then transmitted through the mold and into the resist layer; however, the mask member substantially prevents transmission of the radiation energy therethrough, thereby defining an unexposed area in the resist layer. Once the mold is removed from the substrate, which consequently forms a first feature from nanoimprinting, the unexposed area of resist layer is removed through dissolving in a developer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Lingjie J. Guo, Xing Cheng
  • Patent number: 7374707
    Abstract: A method forms adhesive closing parts from a plastic material. To produce at least one adhesive closing element (3) without a form tool in at least one partial area, the plastic material is deposited in the form of drops. The drops are successively delivered by at least one application device (9). The locations of the deposition of the drops are selected in a three-dimensional manner in view of the form of the adhesive closing elements (3) to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Axel Schulte
  • Patent number: 7371348
    Abstract: A multiple array substrate having multiple assay chambers, each assay chamber containing one or more arrays. The assay chambers include a form-in-place gasket between a substrate and a cover. Methods of forming such multiple array substrates are described. The assay chambers may further be associated with an analysis site for analyzing a sample solution contained within the assay chamber. Each assay chamber is in fluid communication with a port, and the ports are positioned in a spatial format adapted to interface to standard laboratory equipment for handling multiple fluids in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies
    Inventors: Arthur Schleifer, Michael P Caren
  • Patent number: 7364686
    Abstract: A method for printing and supporting a three-dimensional (3-D) object is provided. The method of printing can include dispensing a first interface material for the construction of the three-dimensional object, dispensing a second interface material to form a support structure for supporting the three-dimensional object and dispensing a third interface material which may be used to separate the support structure from the 3-D object Disclosed also a method for producing a 3-D model containing various kinds of inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Objet Geometries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eli Kritchman, Hanan Gothait, Gershon Miller
  • Patent number: 7364685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing implant parts made of highly cross-linked polyethylene, wherein a blank made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene is irradiated with ionizing radiation in order to produce radicals in the blank. To optimize the cross-linkage of the highly cross-linked polyethylene and to eliminate free radicals, the blank is subsequently treated by means of microwave radiation and/or ultrasound in such a way that free radicals, which have not recombined, are excited so as to ensure substantially complete recombination of the free radicals. The shape of the treated blank can then be adjusted by means of machining. The invention further relates to implant parts for application in human medicine that have been manufactured as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Plus Orthopedics AG
    Inventor: Hans Schmotzer
  • Publication number: 20080081164
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, and stretching the web during curing of the coating. Some coatings shrink at least partially when cured such that curing the coating induces a strain in the multi-layer web. Stretching the web occurs during curing to induce an opposing strain that at least partially counteracts the strain induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure the coating, and can further include a web stretching section, which can be located proximate the curing section and can be substantially coincident with the curing section, such that the web is stretched while the coating is cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald P. Swanson, Andrew J. Henderson, James N. Dobbs, Mark J. Zach
  • Patent number: 7351379
    Abstract: A fluid containment structure that includes a substrate with a gasket surface and a form-in-place gasket disposed on the gasket surface and a method for forming the fluid containment structure are described. The form-in-place gasket is disposed around and marks the perimeter of an interior area on the substrate. The interior area and the form-in-place gasket define a well that is adapted for retaining a fluid. The fluid containment structure may be associated with or form a portion of an analysis site where a sample fluid retained in the fluid containment structure may be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Schleifer
  • Publication number: 20080036119
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded part with an improved convenience and a high degree of efficiency in molding is provided, the molded part containing a biodegradable resin composite, which has the heat resistance in a wide temperature range and which is provided with the flexibility and the elongation in accordance with the use. A kneaded product of a biodegradable resin component and a cross-linkable monomer is prepared. The biodegradable resin component is cross-linked and ground to prepare a biodegradable resin cross-linking product powder. An impregnant at a temperature of 60° C. or higher, and lower than or equal to the melting point or degradation temperature of the biodegradable resin component is impregnated to prepare a molding material composed of a biodegradable resin composite powder. The molding material is heated to a temperature higher than or equal to the melting point of the biodegradable resin component to mold into pellets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Shinichi Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 7329379
    Abstract: A method for creating a three-dimensional solid freeform fabrication object with phase-change material includes depositing a bulk amount of phase-change material in a defined region, selectively ink-jetting an ultraviolet initiator onto a predetermined area of the phase-change material, wherein the ultraviolet initiator defines a cross-sectional area of the three-dimensional object, and exposing the ultraviolet initiator to an ultraviolet light to cause cross-linking of the defined region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventors: Melissa D. Boyd, Vladek Kasperchik
  • Patent number: 7326380
    Abstract: Polymeric microstructures and nanostructures can be prepared with use of a tip to pattern a surface. A tip can be used to pattern a structure which can initiate polymerization. The structure can be then exposed to monomer to induce polymerization at the structure. Alternatively, a tip can be used to pattern a surface with a monomer in which the surface is treated with polymerization catalyst so that polymerization occurs at the patterning site. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization can be carried out with use of the tip to control the polymerization. The tip can be a sharp tip as used in for example an atomic force microscope tip. Norbornene types of monomers can be used. Biological macromolecules can be also prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Chad A. Mirkin, Xiaogang Liu, Shouwu Guo
  • Patent number: 7326381
    Abstract: A process for fabricating ceramic composites employs a thermoplastic photo-curable pre-ceramic polymer in which the component is shape by a variety of standard composite fabrication techniques, such as filament winding, tape winding, and woven cloth winding. The process includes steps of passing ceramic fiber monofilament, tow, mat, or woven cloth through a solution of said thermoplastic photo-curable pre-ceramic polymer, applying ceramic fiber monofilament, tow, mat, or woven cloth to a moving flat substrate, using a compaction roller to press the thermoplastic pre-ceramic polymer coated ceramic fiber onto flat substrate using photo-light of the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared light spectrum to induce cross-linking (curing) of the photo-curable pre-ceramic polymer thereby rendering a thermoset polymer and either partially or completely pyrolyzing the now cured pre-ceramic polymer matrix coated ceramic fiber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Global Strategic Materials, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. A. Pope, Kenneth M. Kratsch
  • Publication number: 20080025888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic chip for biological, chemical and medical analysis. Cavities and channels, which connect these cavities to one another and which transport, based on the capillary effect, liquids required for carrying out analysis and synthesis, are arranged inside the microfluidic chip. At least one of the cavities is a reaction chamber. The microfluidic chip is characterized by having a layered construction made of light-curing hydrophilic plastic material based on a 3-D layer model and by having a covering layer made of a hydrophobic material. In the layered body made of hydrophilic material, channels that come from different cavities and do not intersect lead to the at least one reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Reiner Gotzen
  • Publication number: 20070284777
    Abstract: A fabrication apparatus and method use a mold for forming a pattern. The fabrication may be related to a thin film transistor (TFT) used for a switching element and a driving element in a display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic electroluminescent display (OELD). The fabrication method and apparatus fabricate a soft mold using a resin layer that is attached to a back plane in substantially a vacuum environment. The resin layer may be irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light and then detached from a master plate to form a desired pattern. The fabrication process is such that the soft mold is relatively thin and light-weight, but resistant to being damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jin-Wuk Kim, Yeon-Heui Nam
  • Patent number: 7294303
    Abstract: A broad band cholesteric liquid crystal film of the present invention comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal film obtained by polymerizing a liquid crystal mixture containing a polymerizable mesogen compound (a), a polymerizable chiral agent (b) and a photopolymerization initiator (c) between two substrates with ultraviolet light, and has a reflection bandwidth of 200 nm or more. The broad band cholesteric liquid crystal film of the present invention has a broad reflection band and is excellent in durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Fukuoka, Naoki Takahashi, Kazutaka Hara
  • Patent number: 7291657
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials, comprising: an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, and a photoinitiator. This formulation may include fiberglass. The photoinitiator can be a combination of a bis-acylphosphine oxide and an alpha hydroxy ketone. The formulation can cure rapidly, such as in about 20 minutes. The cured formulation can have a Tg above 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Research International, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Bulluck, Brad A. Rix
  • Patent number: 7288319
    Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific SciMed Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Baldwin, Robert P. Skribiski
  • Patent number: 7285239
    Abstract: A method of making a painted part out of molded thermoplastic material, the method comprising the steps consisting in: making the part to be painted by a method of molding thermoplastic material in the cavity of a mold; allowing the part made in this way to cool at least on the surface, cooling being accompanied by shrinkage, and being performed by opening the mold that was used to make the part that is to be painted; and injecting paint around the part in a cavity of a mold having the same shape as the mold cavity that was used for molding the thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Alain Bethune
  • Publication number: 20070222121
    Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of an embossing due for the cold and hot embossing of paper and cardboard a plane material impregnated with a duroplastic resin is brought into close contact with a shaping die, both are pressed together to obtain a press die from a plane material impregnated with duroplastic resin after hardening of the materials brought into contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Menhofer, Eddy Cornu, Frank Roland
  • Patent number: 7255825
    Abstract: Materials and methods for freeform fabrication of a solid three-dimensional object are provided. At least one layer of support material and at least one layer of build material are dispensed onto a substrate. The support material includes at least one of water and a fusible water-containing substance and the build material is a substance other than water or a fusible, water-containing substance. After solidification, the at least one layer of support material is removed by an automated or manual process which includes washing with water at ambient temperature and/or causing the support material to undergo a phase change, to produce the solid three-dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Nielsen, Vladek Kasperchik, Laura Kramer
  • Publication number: 20070176314
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes applying an organic material onto a substrate that is mounted on a supporting plate, contacting a surface of the mold on which a predetermined pattern is formed with the organic material, disposing the supporting plate an at angle, and pressing the mold while rotating the pressure roller. Therefore, the apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device according to the embodiment of the present invention have advantages that bubbles generated from the organic material are removed by using an inclined supporting plate and rotating the pressure roller in a direction opposite to the moving direction, thereby suppressing the formation of the bubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang-Ho Jung, Kyu-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7241817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for grafting an unsaturated monomer onto a fluoropolymer, having the steps of: a) melt blending the fluoropolymer with the unsaturated monomer; b) forming the blend obtained in a) into films, sheets, granules or powder; c) exposing the products from step b), in the absence of air, to photon (?) or electron (?) irradiation with a dose of between 1 and 15 Mrad; and d) optionally treating the product obtained at c) in order to remove all or part of the unsaturated monomer that has not been grafted onto the fluoropolymer. Structures made with these materials are barriers to many fluids and in particular to petrol and to air-conditioning fluids and may be formed into bottles, tanks, containers, pipes, hoses and vessels of all sorts. They may also be converted into films with which packaging is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Anthony Bonnet, Barbara Ramfel, Fabrice Chopinez, Karine Triballier, Michael Werth, Thierry Pascal
  • Patent number: 7232540
    Abstract: The present invention relates to radiation-curable coating formulations specifically for plastic substrates. The present invention specifically relates to resinous Michael addition products of ?-dicarbonyl compounds and Lewis-functional multifunctional acrylate esters. The present invention further relates to methods of fabricating and using the inventive compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gould, Matthew S. Sheridan, Thomas L. Marino, Alexandre Mejiritski, Dustin B. Martin
  • Patent number: 7230038
    Abstract: Fluoropolymers are made by admixing tetrafluoroethylene, hexfluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride; reacting the reaction admixture to generate a set of fluoropolymeric oligomers; irradiating the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture (preferably with electron beam radiation) to form free radical sites on individual fluoropolymeric oligomers of the set and generate thereby a set of free radical oligomer derivatives in the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture; and reacting the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture to derive the fluoropolymer compound from the free radical oligomer derivatives. In a second approach, fluoropolymers are made by admixing tetrafluoroethylene, hexfluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride and irradiating the admixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventor: Edward Hosung Park