| UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120129218 | COFILIN KNOCKDOWN HOST CELLS AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates to a host cell comprising a cofilin-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence. The host cell may further comprise a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant protein. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a recombinant protein by the host cell comprising a cofilin-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128291 | FORMATION OF REFLECTIVE SURFACES IN PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WAVEGUIDES - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating an printed circuit board including one or more waveguides having one or more reflective surfaces. Waveguides are embedded within a printed circuit board. A reflective surface is formed within the embedded waveguides by mechanically milling the printed circuit board. The reflective surfaces enable intra chip, chip-to-chip, or chip-to-component optical interconnections through the waveguides embedded within the printed circuit board. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120122684 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING RICE GROWTH AND RESTRICTING ARSENIC UPTAKE - Methods according to the invention administering one or more rice rhizosphere isolates to a plant, particularly a rice plant, to the seed of the plant, or to soil surrounding the plant in an amount effective to inhibit infection by a plant pathogen, particularly rice blast, to increase the biomass of the plant, and/or to decrease arsenic uptake by the plant. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120114281 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FREE-SPACE OPTICAL INTERCONNECTIONS - Optical interconnect systems and methods are disclosed. An optical interconnect system includes a substrate, a first waveguide, and a free-space coupling structure. The first waveguide is disposed on the substrate. The free-space coupling structure is adjacent the first waveguide. The free-space coupling structure redirects light propagating through the first waveguide in a first direction out of the first waveguide in a second direction different from the first direction. An optical interconnect method comprises transmitting light through a first waveguide in a first direction; and redirecting the light out of the first waveguide in a second direction different from the first direction with a free-space coupling structure disposed in the first waveguide. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120106890 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODULATOR-BASED OPTICAL INTERCONNECTIONS - Systems and methods for modulator-based optical interconnections are disclosed. An optical interconnect system comprises a substrate, a wave path, a coupling structure, and a modulator. The wave path may be a waveguide disposed on the substrate. The coupling structure is coupled to the substrate and disposed within the wave path. The modulator is positioned between the substrate and the coupling structure. An optical interconnect method comprises the steps of transmitting light through a wave path, redirecting the light onto a modulator with a coupling structure, modulating the light from the coupling structure with the modulator; and redirecting modulated light from the modulator into the wave path with the coupling structure. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120092964 | LONG-RANGE ACOUSTICAL POSITIONING SYSTEM ON CONTINENTAL SHELF REGIONS - Methods and systems for determining a geophysical position of an object in an underwater channel are provided. Acoustic signals from at least two sources are received by a receiver of the object. The acoustic signals have a frequency corresponding to at least one waveguide mode associated with the underwater channel, where the acoustic signals are transmitted at predetermined transmission times. An arrival time for the at least one waveguide mode is determined from the received signals, based on the predetermined transmission times. The geophysical position is determined based on the arrival time and a modal group velocity for the at least one waveguide mode. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120068382 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PERMEABILITY IN VACUUM INFUSION PROCESSES - Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes are disclosed. A system includes a tool surface, a flexible film, a preform, a magnetic field source, and a magnetic element. The flexible film has a periphery sealingly coupled to the tool surface to define a volume. The preform is disposed within the volume. The magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic element is positioned to receive the magnetic field generate by the magnetic field source. The magnetic element is configured to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface under application of the magnetic field. A method includes generating a magnetic field with the magnetic field source and receiving the magnetic field with the magnetic element to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface, thereby increasing permeability of the preform. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120064587 | RECOMBINANT CLOSTRIDIA THAT FIX CO2 AND CO AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates a recombinant | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120059548 | POWERED MOBILITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Powered mobility systems and methods are disclosed. A powered mobility system includes a mobile unit, a support frame, a plurality of markers, a motion capture device, and a processor. The mobile unit is operable to move the powered mobility system. The support frame is adapted to support a user. The plurality of markers are configured to be attached to the user. The motion capture device is configured to detect movement of the plurality of markers. The processor is programmed to receive signals from the motion capture device, translate the signals into instructions for moving the mobile unit, and transmit the instructions to the mobile unit. A powered mobility method includes placing a user in a support frame, attaching a plurality of markers to the user, detecting movement of the plurality of the markers, and generating movement of the mobile unit based on the movement of the plurality of the markers. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046578 | POWERED ORTHOSIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Powered orthosis systems and methods are disclosed. An orthosis system includes a frame, a trunk brace adapted to be secured to a user's trunk, a trunk joint coupling the trunk brace to the frame, an upper leg brace adapted to be secured to a user's upper leg, a hip joint coupling the upper leg brace to the trunk brace, a lower leg brace adapted to be secured to a user's lower leg, a knee joint coupling the lower leg brace to the upper leg brace, and a controller. The hip joint or knee joint includes an actuator operable to rotate the adjacent braces relative to each other. The controller is programmed to operate the actuator. An orthosis method includes securing a user to the orthosis system, enabling the user to walk while secured to the orthosis system, and actuating the hip or knee actuator to rotate the adjacent braces. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120035078 | ENGINEERING COMPLEX MICROBIAL PHENOTYPES WITH TRANSCRIPTION ENHANCEMENT - The present invention relates to a recombinant | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034668 | NOVEL NITRATE REDUCTASE FUSION PROTEINS AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates to a novel fusion protein comprising a nitrate reductase (NR) and a truncated hemoglobin N (trHbN) domain. The fusion protein may be used for bioremediation of nitric oxide. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034534 | LITHIUM BATTERIES HAVING ANODES BASED ON POLYTHIOCYANOGEN - A lithium ion battery is provided which contains a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte and a separator, wherein the anode employs polythiocyanogen as an active material. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120008463 | HIGH DATA RATE ACOUSTIC MULTIPLE-INPUT/MULTIPLE-OUTPUT (MIMO) COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR SUBMERSIBLES - Underwater multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) communication apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. An underwater MIMO apparatus includes a submersible housing having a water impermeable section, a data acquisition system located within the water impermeable section of the submersible housing, and at least two transmission communication elements electrically connected to the data acquisition system. The MIMO communication apparatus may be used in a communication system including a communication array for communicating with the MIMO communication apparatus using a MIMO communication method. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110300553 | ENGINEERING COMPLEX MICROBIAL PHENOTYPES WITH SUCCESSIVE INTEGRATIONS OF EXOGENOUS DNA (SIEDNA) - The present invention relates to a recombinant | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297229 | INTEGRATED CONCENTRATING PHOTOVOLTAICS - Optical sheets, light collection and conversion systems and methods of forming optical sheets are provided. An optical sheet includes a light guide layer having at least one light guide and a light concentrator layer adjacent to the light guide layer for concentrating incident light. Each light guide has a substantially uniform thickness with respect to a propagation direction of light through the light guide and includes a plurality of input-coupling elements and at least one output-coupling element. The light concentrator layer includes a plurality of concentrator elements optically coupled to the plurality of input-coupling elements of the respective light guide. Each light guide is configured to combine the concentrated light from the respective plurality of concentrator elements and to guide the combined light to the at least one output-coupling element. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110275196 | Thermal Evaporation Sources with Separate Crucible for Holding the Evaporant Material - One aspect of the invention comprises a thermal evaporation source comprising an evaporant chamber, a heater for providing heat to the evaporation chamber; and a crucible in thermal communication with the evaporation chamber for containing a volume of evaporant. The evaporant chamber comprises a first material of construction, and the crucible comprises a second material of construction different from the first material of construction and having a lesser porosity with respect to the evaporant than the first material of construction. For example, for a copper evaporant, the evaporant chamber may comprise a sintered material, such as sintered graphite, and the crucible may comprise a pyrolytic material, such as pyrolytic graphite or pyrolytic boron nitride. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272787 | FORMATION OF SELENIDE, SULFIDE OR MIXED SELENIDE-SULFIDE FILMS ON METAL OR METAL COATED SUBSTRATES - A composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenidesulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110256604 | GENERATION OF ASPOROGENOUS SOLVENTOGENIC CLOSTRIDIA - Expression of the SpoIIE gene in a solventogenic | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110249933 | OPTICAL INTERCONNECT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Optical interconnect systems and methods are disclosed. An optical interconnect system includes a substrate, an optical waveguide, and first and second modulators. The optical waveguide has a first waveguide portion extending to a first coupling structure, a second waveguide portion extending from the first coupling structure to a second coupling structure, and a third waveguide portion extending from the second coupling structure. The first modulator is positioned adjacent the first coupling structure, and the second modulator is positioned adjacent the second coupling structure. The optical interconnect method includes modulating light with a first modulator to produce one-time modulated light, and modulating the one-time modulated light with a second modulator to produce two-time modulated light. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110245738 | Wearable Cable-Driven Exoskeleton for Functional Arm Training - A device and method for assisting a user to articulate a limb. The device has an upper section, a lower section, and at least one joint between the upper and lower section. The device comprises an exoskeleton with a first cuff coupled to the lower section of the user's limb, a second cuff coupled to the upper section of the user's limb and a third cuff coupled to a portion of the user's body above the upper section of the limb. At least one cable is attached to the first cuff and at least one cable is attached to the second cuff. A series of drivers located remotely from the exoskeleton are attached to cables and are connected to a processor. The processor transmits signals to the drivers to vary the lengths of the cables to guide articulation of the user's limb. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244498 | TYROSINE KINASE-INDUCIBLE DOMAINS - The present invention relates to a tyrosine kinase-inducible domain (pKID) and uses thereof. An isolated polypeptide comprising the pKID, and an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the pKID are provided. Also provided are methods for determining tyrosine kinase and/or phosphatase activity in a sample and for identifying an agent that inhibits a tyrosine kinase or phosphatase using a polypeptide comprising the pKID. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242310 | Apparatus and Method for Electrospinning Nanofibers - Nanofiber electroprocessing apparatus comprising a conductive stylus having a 5 to 250 nm diameter tip; a collector spaced below the tip; a continuous supply of flowable polymer to the tip, and a power supply for creating a potential difference between the tip and the collector sufficient to produce a nanofiber. The conductive stylus may comprise an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and may further be mounted within an AFM scanning holder having a mechanism for moving the tip. A method of electroprocessing a nanofiber comprises providing the conductive stylus, such as an AFM tip, providing a collector below the tip, supplying the tip with the flowable polymer, energizing the tip to create a potential difference between the tip and the collector, and thereby producing the nanofiber. Systems and methods for using nanofibers so created may be used for anticounterfeiting or object identification. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110212835 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING BIOMASS, IRON CONCENTRATION, AND TOLERANCE TO PATHOGENS IN PLANTS - Methods for producing greater biomass in a plant, increasing the drought tolerance of a plant, producing a decreased lignin concentration in a plant, producing a greater iron concentration in a plant, or inhibiting fungal infection in a plant comprise administering | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110202418 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE STATION EQUIPMENT FOR GRID-INTEGRATED VEHICLES - Methods, systems, and apparatus transferring power between the grid and an electric vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus may include at least one vehicle communication port for interfacing with electric vehicle equipment (EVE) and a processor coupled to the at least one vehicle communication port to establish communication with the EVE, receive EVE attributes from the EVE, and transmit electric vehicle station equipment (EVSE) attributes to the EVE. Power may be transferred between the grid and the electric vehicle by maintaining EVSE attributes, establishing communication with the EVE, and transmitting the EVSE maintained attributes to the EVE. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202217 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE EQUIPMENT FOR GRID-INTEGRATED VEHICLES - Methods, systems, and apparatus for interfacing an electric vehicle with an electric power grid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus may include a station communication port for interfacing with electric vehicle station equipment (EVSE), a vehicle communication port for interfacing with a vehicle management system (VMS), and a processor coupled to the station communication port and the vehicle communication port to establish communication with the EVSE via the station communication port, receive EVSE attributes from the EVSE, and issue commands to the VMS to manage power flow between the electric vehicle and the EVSE based on the EVSE attributes. An electric vehicle may interface with the grid by establishing communication with the EVSE, receiving the EVSE attributes, and managing power flow between the EVE and the grid based on the EVSE attributes. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202192 | AGGREGATION SERVER FOR GRID-INTEGRATED VEHICLES - Methods, systems, and apparatus for aggregating electric power flow between an electric grid and electric vehicles are disclosed. An apparatus for aggregating power flow may include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory to receive electric vehicle equipment (EVE) attributes from a plurality of EVEs, aggregate EVE attributes, predict total available capacity based on the EVE attributes, and dispatch at least a portion of the total available capacity to the grid. Power flow may be aggregated by receiving EVE operational parameters from each EVE, aggregating the received EVE operational parameters, predicting total available capacity based on the aggregated EVE operational parameters, and dispatching at least a portion of the total available capacity to the grid. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110191481 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING DATA - Data transfer systems and methods are disclosed. A method of transferring data includes initiating a session for transferring data, establishing a session connection between a first gateway and a second gateway, buffering a predetermined amount of data received by the first gateway, generating a data block using a session-layer protocol when the predetermined amount of data is buffered, and transmitting the data block from the first gateway to the second gateway over the session connection. A system for transferring data includes a first gateway, a second gateway, and a network. The first gateway includes memory for buffering received data and a processor operable to execute a session-layer protocol for generating a data block when a predetermined amount of data is buffered. The first gateway is configured to transmit the data block to the second gateway via the network during a session. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110181303 | ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for detecting electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A system for use in detecting an electromagnetic wave includes an inductive device and a spintronic device. The inductive device generates an induced electromagnetic field when the inductive device receives the electromagnetic wave. The spintronic device has an impedance that changes when exposed to the induced electromagnetic field from the inductive device. The change in impedance is indicative of the electromagnetic wave received by the inductive device. Another system for use in detecting or transmitting an electromagnetic wave includes a conductive device and an inductive device. The inductive device is configured to generate an induced electromagnetic wave when the inductive device receives an electromagnetic wave passed by the conductive device. Another system for detecting electromagnetic wave permittivity or permeability of an object includes a pair of antennas and an inductive device. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110177706 | SAFETY CONNECTION ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Electrical connection systems and methods are disclosed. An electrical system includes an electrical plug and an electrical receptacle. The electrical plug has at least one prong having at least one opening. The electrical receptacle has at least one socket, an electrical contact positioned within the at least one socket, a light source positioned to transmit light through the at least one socket, and a photodetector positioned to receive the light transmitted by the light source through the at least one socket. The electrical receptacle further has a microprocessor programmed to selectively couple the electrical contact with the power source based on the light received by the photodetector. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110171304 | INJECTABLE BETA-HAIRPIN PEPTIDE HYDROGEL THAT KILLS METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS - A peptide comprising the sequence VKVKVRVKV | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110170820 | EO POLYMER-BASED DUAL SLOT WAVEGUIDE MODULATORS - Electro-optic modulators are disclosed. An electro-optic modulator comprises an electro-optic polymer layer, semiconductor layers, ferroelectric material layers, and electrodes. The semiconductor layers are positioned on each surface of the electro-optic polymer layer. The refractive index of the semiconductor layers in the optical and RF domains is higher than the refractive index of the electro-optic polymer layer in the optical and RF domains. The ferroelectric material layers are positioned on each semiconductor layer opposite the electro-optic polymer layer. The refractive index of the ferroelectric material layers in the RF domain is higher than the refractive indices of both the electro-optic polymer layer and the semiconductor layers in the RF domain. The refractive index of the ferroelectric material layers in the optical domain is lower than the refractive index of the semiconductor layer in the optical domain. The electrodes are positioned on each ferroelectric material layer opposite the semiconductor layer. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110165200 | NOVEL HYDROGELS AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides novel hydrogels and methods of making and using such hydrogels. The present invention provides hydrogels that may be formed by the self-assembly of peptides in solution. Such self-assembly may be brought about by a change in one or more characteristics of the solution. Characteristics of the solution that may be changed include pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions. In addition, hydrogels of the invention may be disassembled by changing one or more characteristic of the hydrogel such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110124852 | MOLECULAR MARKERS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FAT AND LEAN PHENOTYPES IN CHICKENS - The invention provides molecular methods of screening chickens to determine those more likely to have a lean or fat phenotype by identifying the presence of at least one polymorphism in genetic material of a chicken in the thyroid hormone repressible gene (THRG) or its 3′ untranslated region (SEQ ID NO: 1) that is associated with a fat phenotype or a lean phenotype. The invention also provides methods of screening chickens to identify a polymorphism associated with a fat or lean phenotype. The invention further provides oligonucleotide probes and primers useful for detecting the polymorphisms associated with a fat or lean phenotype. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110082578 | Process and System for Manufacturing a Customized Orthosis - A process and system for fitting, customizing and manufacturing an orthosis for a subject. 3-dimensional coordinates for a plurality of landmarks corresponding to anatomical characteristics of the subject, means for attachment of the orthosis to the subject, and a reference plane are digitally acquired. Then, coordinates of one or more virtual landmarks corresponding to one or more anatomical joint centers or joint projection locations are calculated. The landmarks are clinically aligned in a reference position of one of the anatomical joint centers and a customized digital model of the orthosis is created using the clinically aligned landmarks. Finally, the orthosis is fabricated using a computer aided manufacturing process, based upon an output from the customized digital model. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110082081 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR REPAIR OF TISSUES - Biomaterials providing sustained release of growth factor for repair of tissues such as bone and cartilage are disclosed. The biomaterials comprise a proteoglycan derived from domain I of perlecan and a growth factor, and, optionally, collagen. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110080241 | FERROMAGNETIC RESONANCE AND MEMORY EFFECT IN MAGNETIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS - Magnetic devices incorporating magnetic composite materials are disclosed. A tunable magnetic device includes magnetic composite material and a magnetic field source. The magnetic composite material includes an insulator and magnetic material embedded in the insulator. The magnetic material has a remanent magnetization. The magnetic field source is operable to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic composite material in order to change the remanent magnetization of the magnetic material. A magnetic device for detecting a magnetic pulse includes magnetic composite material and a sensor. The magnetic composite material includes an insulator and magnetic material embedded in the insulator. The magnetic material has a remanent magnetization. The remanent magnetization changes when the magnetic composite material receives the magnetic pulse. The sensor is positioned to determine the remanent magnetization of the magnetic material. The device detects the magnetic pulse based on a change in the remanent magnetization of the magnetic composite material. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110064675 | ELEMENTAL IRON NANOPARTICLES - Synthesis of iron nanoparticles with a substantially unoxidized iron core and a biocompatible coating is described. The nanoparticles are formed by reacting an iron salt solution with a reducing agent in a substantially oxygen-free environment and exposing the formed iron particles to a biocompatible coating agent in a substantially oxygen-free environment to form coated iron particles. An average diameter of the coated iron particles is between 5 nm and 25 nm. The biocompatible coating can functionalized with cell-specific agents for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110052692 | NOVEL HYDROGELS AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides novel hydrogels and methods of making and using such hydrogels. The present invention provides hydrogels that may be formed by the self-assembly of peptides in solution. Such self-assembly may be brought about by a change in one or more characteristics of the solution. Characteristics of the solution that may be changed include pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions. In addition, hydrogels of the invention may be disassembled by changing one or more characteristic of the hydrogel such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110046771 | Computer Controlled Flow Manipulation For Vacuum Infusion Processes - Methods and apparatus for vacuum infusing resin into a fabric preform within a mold. The methods comprise increasing permeability in a selected region, such as by deploying a VIPR chamber in a location corresponding to the resin injection port corresponding to the resin flow front furthest from the mold vent or a location identified by predictive modeling as best to achieve a desired flow front geometry. Suitable apparatus comprise a VIPR chamber, an image detector for detecting resin flow fronts, a processor programmed to identify a desired location to deploy the VIPR chamber, and an automatic positioner for moving the VIPR chamber to the identified location. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110026189 | Single-wall Carbon Nanotube Supercapacitor - A supercapacitor comprising a cathode, an anode, a first single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) film electrode adjacent the cathode, a second SWNT film electrode adjacent the anode, and separator disposed between the first and second electrodes. The SWNT film electrodes may be manufactured by a non-filtration process comprising depositing the SWNT film on a foil via CVD; separating the SWNT film from the foil; heating the SWNT film; treating the SWNT film with an acid solution; washing the SWNT film; and excising the electrodes from the SWNT film. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110024650 | TERAHERTZ EMITTER WITH HIGH POWER AND TEMPERATURE OPERATION - Terahertz emitting devices are disclosed. The terahertz emitting device comprises a wafer and a current source. The wafer includes silicon carbide and a dopant. In particular, the wafer may consist of 6H silicon carbide; a nitrogen dopant having a concentration of approximately 10 | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110001473 | ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE DETECTION METHODS AND APPARATUS - Methods and apparatus for detecting an electromagnetic wave are provided. A device for use in an electromagnetic wave detector includes a first device layer having a first contact, a second device layer having a second contact, and a tunnel barrier layer and a resonating magnetic layer formed between the first and second device layers. The resonating magnetic layer produces a spin current responsive to an electromagnetic wave that extends into the first and second device layers. A charge differential present between the first and second contacts is dependent on the spin current. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100319769 | PROCESSES FOR FABRICATING ALL-BACK-CONTACT HETEROJUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - Processes for fabricating back contacts for photovoltaic cell devices are disclosed. The processes involve depositing a passivation layer on the back surface of a wafer, depositing an emitter layer on the passivation layer, depositing a metal layer on the emitter layer, laser firing selected areas of the metal layer to form base contacts, laser cutting the metal layer to create at least one isolation region between emitter contacts and base contacts, and applying a stream of reactive gas to form a second passivation layer in the isolation region. The process may further involve inkjetting a resist on the passivation layer in a pattern corresponding to a boundary between the one or more emitter contacts and the one or more base contacts, and laser cutting the metal layer over the resist to create the isolation region. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100292955 | Method and Apparatus for Measuring Microrelief of an Object - An apparatus for determining microrelief of an object periphery, comprising a ring for attachment to the object, a carriage adapted to traverse the ring; a non-contact measurement system mounted on the carriage; an advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing the carriage to a plurality of locations along the path; and a processor configured to receive and process an output of the measurement system. The processor determines a distance from the object periphery to the detector at each of the plurality of locations and automatically determines the microrelief of the object periphery from the measured distances. The apparatus and associated methods for determining microrelief may be particularly adapted to determine bark microrelief of trees, poles, pipes, or any other types of cylindrical objects. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100291045 | DYNAMIC VIBRATIONAL METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VOCAL FOLD TISSUE GROWTH - Dynamic vibrational methods and devices for inducing differentiation of stem cells into vocal fold fibroblast-like cells or for generating vocal fold-like tissue from cultured cells. Also provided are matrices providing sustained release of growth factors, and bioreactors generating and delivering a high frequency vibration with in-plane shear stress to cultured cells. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100289490 | ELECTROMAGNETIC DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for detecting electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A system for detecting such waves includes a device having a first magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a second magnetic layer having an unfixed magnetization direction responsive to the electromagnetic wave, and a barrier layer positioned between the first and second magnetic layers. The device may have an impedance dependent on a relative angle between the fixed magnetization direction and the unfixed magnetization direction. The system further has a detector configured to detect a change in the impedance indicative of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave may be detected by positioning the device in order to detect the electromagnetic wave, determining a change in the impedance of the device, and detecting the electromagnetic wave based on the change in the impedance of the device. Characteristics of the wave such as frequency, power, and phase may also be detected. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100270500 | METHOD OF MAKING STABLE, HOMOGENEOUS POTASSIUM HYDRIDE DISPERSIONS - A stable, homogeneous dispersion of potassium hydride is formed by reacting a mixture of wax and potassium metal with hydrogen. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100269236 | ADVANCED BODY ARMOR - An armor composite material has been invented which contains a fabric which has been impregnated with shear thickening fluid. This invention offers a ballistic resistant material that is more flexible and less bulky than comparable, conventional ballistic fabric. The material in the alternative can be puncture resistant. The invented material offers superior ballistic performance and/or puncture resistance compared to conventional ballistic fabric based materials of equal thickness. The invented material can be applied to applications requiring armor that is compact and/or flexible, such as body armor, protective clothing and flexible protective devices and shields, and stab resistant clothing and devices. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100261173 | Identification Of Fat And Lean Phenotypes In Chickens Using Molecular Markers - The present invention provides methods of screening chickens to determine those more likely to have a lean or fat phenotype. The invention also provides methods of screening chickens to identify a polymorphism associated with a fat or lean phenotype. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100221302 | Delivery System For Heparin-Binding Growth Factors - A device comprising a scaffold coated with a protein having at least 83% identity to the amino acid sequence of the core protein of domain I of a mammalian perlecan, wherein at least one glycosaminoglycan is attached to the protein is described. The device may be used in vitro or in vivo to induce replication and/or differentiation of connective tissue cells and to repair tissue. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100217532 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING STRUCTURALLY OR FUNCTIONALLY SIGNIFICANT AMINO ACID SEQUENCES - Methods and computer readable storage mediums for identifying structurally or functionally significant amino acid sequences encoded by a genome are disclosed. At least one structurally or functionally significant amino acid sequence encoded by a genome may be identified by compiling an observed frequency for each of a plurality of amino acid words encoded by the genome, calculating with a computer an expected frequency for each of the plurality of amino acid words encoded by the genome, and identifying at least one structurally or functionally significant amino acid sequence encoded by the genome based at least in part on the observed and expected frequencies for each of the plurality of amino acid words encoded by the genome. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100215948 | RUBBERY-BLOCK CONTAINING POLYMERS, FIBER SIZINGS THEREOF AND COMPOSITES THEREOF - The present invention relates generally to sizing compositions for fibers used in composite materials. More specifically, this invention relates to siloxane fiber sizing solutions comprising rubbery-polymers and their use in preparing composite materials. Using the sizings of the present invention not only improves the energy absorption of the composite materials made thereof, but also maintains the interfacial strength of composite materials. Particularly, the rubbery-polymers of the present invention are functionalized with chemical groups that react to the fiber surface and/or to the polymeric resin. In addition, because the rubbery-polymer is incorporated as one block of a block copolymer, it advantageously improves both, the interfacial strength and energy absorption. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100173440 | Nozzle-Based, Vapor-Phase, Plume Delivery Structure for Use in Production of Thin-Film Deposition Layer - A physical vapor deposition effusion method comprising translating a strip material through a physical vapor deposition zone in a deposition chamber and providing first and second substantially closed vessels located serially along the processing path in the same deposition chamber, each vessel emitting different source materials to produce overlapping plumes and having an array of vapor delivery nozzles distributed uniformly across the vessel along the width of the zone, and configured to expel overlapping plumes to create a fog having a substantially uniform composition across the width and a varying composition across the length of the zone. Also, an elongate vapor deposition effusion vessel having an elongate lid including plural nozzles spaced from each other along its elongate axis, and a continuous heating element in the lid encircling the plural nozzles, the heating element having electrical contacts connected to an electrical source on the same side of the vessel. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100158612 | METHOD FOR REMEDIATING NITRO AND/OR HALOGENATED COMPOUND-CONTAMINATED SOIL, SEDIMENT OR WATER USING GRAPHITIC CARBON AS A CATALYTIC SORBENT - Methods of remediating soil, sediment or water contaminated with organic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls or nitro-aromatic compounds are provided which involve combining the soil, sediment or water with a graphitic carbon and a reducing agent. The contaminants are converted to substances having an increased propensity to enter into an aqueous phase and/or undergo further degradation via biological oxidation. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100154621 | Ballistic Resistant Fabric Armor - A woven ballistic resistant fabric armor system comprising at least one ply having a yarn-yarn angle between the warp and fill yarns of less than 90°, with each ply oriented relative to an axis along the thickness of the plies such that adjacent plies have a different yarn-yarn angle, a different orientation, or both. The armor system may feature materials of different stiffness, strength, and strain-to-failure in each ply or a filler between selected plies, including a filler comprising discrete pieces of fabric ply that fit within the cell periphery of a stitching pattern. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100125229 | Controllable Joint Brace - A controllable brace assembly includes a thigh brace having a thigh gyroscope attached thereto and a shank brace having a shank gyroscope and a shank accelerometer attached thereto. A controllable knee lock couples the thigh brace to the shank brace. The knee lock has an encoder attached thereto. At least one pressure sensor is adapted to be attached to a shoe. A controller is configured to receive signals from the thigh gyroscope, the shank gyroscope, the encoder, the shank accelerometer, and the at least one pressure sensor. The controller transmits a first signal set to engage or disengage the controllable knee lock based on the received signals. A method of controlling the brace is also disclosed. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100113987 | Upper Arm Wearable Exoskeleton - An exoskeleton having a first cuff adapted to be coupled to a user's lower limb is disclosed. The exoskeleton also includes a second cuff adapted to be coupled to the user's upper limb and a third cuff adapted to be coupled to the user's body. A first motor is mounted on the third cuff and has a first motor output coupled to the first cuff. A second motor is mounted on the third cuff and has a second motor output coupled to the second cuff. A processor is operatively coupled to the first and second motors to manipulate the first cuff and the second cuff relative to the third cuff such that the first cuff and the second cuff are able to move the user's lower limb and upper limb. A method of operating the exoskeleton is also disclosed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100093240 | EMULSIFICATION OF CONCENTRATED DISPERSIONS OF COLLOIDAL AND NANOPARTICLES - A process to coat a shear thickening fluid onto a material which comprises emulsifying dispersions of a shear thickening fluid (STF) dissolved in a miscible carrier fluid or a partially miscible carrier fluid to form an emulsion and applying said emulsion to the material. The invention also relates to a suspoemulsion containing a shear thickening fluid which has been emulsified in a volatile solvent. The invention further relates to a method coating a material. The invention further relates to a method of a coating a material with the suspoemulsion. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100088901 | SNAP-OFF BLADE KNIFE WITH SAFETY STOP - A snap-off blade knife having a handle including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a handle axis extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion is disclosed. The knife also includes a blade slidingly disposed within the handle along the handle axis. The blade comprises a plurality of scored segments. A blade stop fixedly extends from the distal portion of the handle. The blade stop includes a stop arm disposed to engage blade to limit extension of the blade from the handle. A kit comprising the snap-off knife and a blade segment snap-off tool is also disclosed. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100072677 | Apparatus and Method for Preform Relaxation and Flow Control in Liquid Composite Molding Processes - A vacuum-induced injection molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool surface having an injection port extending therethrough. A flexible film extends over and is sealingly coupled to the tool surface. The flexible film comprises an outer surface and an inner surface such that the flexible film inner surface and the tool surface define a volume. A vacuum chamber is sealingly coupled to the outer surface of the flexible film. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the volume. A method of injection molding a polymer matrix composite is also disclosed. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100021934 | Perlecan Fragments as Biomarkers of Bone Stromal Lysis - A method for the detection in a body fluid of perlecan polypeptide fragments that are biomarkers of tumor metastasis, and antibodies for detecting these fragments are described. An immunoassay kit for detecting the presence of these biomarkers in a body fluid, such as serum or urine, is also described. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100006136 | MULTIJUNCTION HIGH EFFICIENCY PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - Photovoltaic devices and methods of making photovoltaic devices are provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a plurality of solar cells electrically coupled to each other. The plurality of solar cells are formed of respective semiconductor material having different band gaps. Each solar cell includes a plurality of sub-junctions having a respective plurality of p-n junctions and at least one tunnel junction located between juxtaposed sub-junctions of the plurality of sub-junctions. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090315910 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OBTAINING AN IMAGE ALPHA MATTE - Methods and systems for obtaining an alpha matte for an image are disclosed. First and second known portions of an image are determined. The alpha matte for the image is estimated based on an initial fuzzy connectedness (FC) determination between the entire image and the first and second known portions. A third known portion is obtained. The estimated alpha matte for the image is refined based on a subsequent FC determination between a subset of the image and the first, second, and third known portions for the subset of the image and the initial FC determination for a remainder of the image. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090277149 | HIGH LIFT MOWER FOR PLASTIC MULCH - A high-lift mower is disclosed. The mower includes a frame, at least two wheels disposed along opposite sides of the frame and having a space between them, and a blade rotation mechanism, mounted to the frame, for providing a rotational force relative to the frame. A blade assembly is coupled to the blade rotation means. The blade assembly comprises a plurality of cutting blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes a front face having a cutting blade and a rear face disposed away from the front face. The rear face has a lift portion. A roller assembly is adjustably coupled to the frame for, upon engagement with a surface located in the space between the pair of wheels, maintaining the blade assembly a predetermined distance above the surface. A blade assembly and a roller assembly for use with the high-lift mower are also disclosed. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090273107 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETECTING AIR LEAKAGE IN A VARTM PROCESS - A method of detecting leakage from a preform used in a VARTM process includes providing a mold and bagging film suitable for use in the VARTM process; heating air; distributing hot air along an interface between an the bagging film and a surface of the mold; determining a temperature distribution along the interface; and using the temperature distribution to locate one or more leaks in the bagging film. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090263362 | FERTILITY ENHANCEMENT USING LIPID CARRIERS AND BIOACTIVE MOLECULES - The invention relates to a composition and method for enhancing fertilization. Fertilization enhancement is achieved by effectively delivering bioactive molecules with a lipid anchor (GPI-linked proteins) to the surface of epididymal or ejaculated sperm. The process may be facilitated or promoted in the presence of Clusterin/APOJ, a well-known lipid carrier. The rate of delivery, or removal, of bioactive molecules is regulated by the concentration of lipid carrier present. The acquisition of these molecules, such as Sperm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM1) can significantly impact sperm maturation and function. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090259451 | REVERSE ENGINEERING GENOME-SCALE METABOLIC NETWORK RECONSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANISMS WITH INCOMPLETE GENOME ANNOTATION AND DEVELOPING CONSTRAINTS USING PROTON FLUX STATES AND NUMERICALLY-DETERMINED SUB-SYSTEMS - A genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction for | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090246778 | IDENTIFICATION OF FAT AND LEAN PHENOTYPES IN CHICKENS USING MOLECULAR MARKERS - The present invention identifies genetic markers for lean and fat phenotypes in chickens and provides methods of screening chickens to determine those more likely to have a lean or fat phenotype. The invention also provides methods of screening chickens to identify a polymorphism in THRSPα associated with a fat or lean phenotype. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090246519 | Biosynthesis of Metalloid Containing Nanoparticles by Aerobic Microbes - Isolated tellurite-resistant or selenite-resistant marine organisms capable of precipitating tellurium or selenium when grown aerobically are described. A method for using these isolated organisms to produce an aqueous suspension of purified nanoparticles comprising tellurium or selenium and the nanoparticles comprising tellurium or selenium produced by this method are also described. The nanoparticles may further comprise cadmium or zinc. A method of remediation utilizing the described organisms is also presented. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090239304 | BIOACTIVE PEPTIDE FOR CELL ADHESION - Implantable devices for adhering eukaryotic cells and devices providing a substrate for eukaryotic cell growth and/or differentiation in vitro are described. Each device comprises a scaffold that is coated with a protein comprising an adhesive polypeptide that has at least 90% sequence identity to a specific peptide sequence within domain IV of perlecan. The devices adhere epithelial cells, epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and osteoblasts. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090238788 | DELIVERY OF HYDROGELS AS SPRAYS - A method for delivering β-sheet peptide hydrogels to a target surface by shear-thinning and spraying the peptide hydrogel on the surface is provided. The β-sheet peptide hydrogels can be applied over a range of thicknesses and can cover broad surface areas. The β-sheet peptide hydrogels may also include a therapeutic agent. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090222143 | METHODS AND APPARATUS USING HIERARCHICAL PRIORITY AND CONTROL ALGORITHMS FOR GRID-INTEGRATED VEHICLES - A method and apparatus for managing system energy flow. The apparatus includes an energy storage unit to store energy to be used by a system and a power conversion unit configured to be coupled between the energy storage unit and a utility grid. The apparatus also includes a controller to selectively control the power conversion unit to transfer energy between the utility grid and the energy storage unit based at least in part on an anticipated use of the system. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090214417 | PREPARATION OF COBALT-BORON ALLOY CATALYSTS USEFUL FOR GENERATING HYDROGEN FROM BOROHYDRIDES - A method of making a cobalt-boron alloy includes contacting an aqueous suspension of an oxide of cobalt, particularly a highly crystalline cobalt oxide, with a borohydride such as sodium borohydride. The resulting alloy may be used as a catalyst to produce gaseous hydrogen by hydrolysis of aqueous sodium borohydride. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090207651 | METHOD FOR SWITCHING MAGNETIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY ELEMENTS AND MAGNETIC ELEMENT STRUCTURES - A method for storing data in a magnetic memory element of an array of elements which avoids inadvertent switching of other elements is disclosed. First and second magnetic fields are applied to a selected magnetic element for a first time interval to switch the element into an intermediate state where minor domains are created. A second value of magnetic fields are then applied large enough to switch the magnetization of the minor domains, but not large enough to switch the magnetization of an adjacent memory cell. Once the minor domain is switched, the magnetization of the magnetic element assumes the state where the major domain has a magnetization direction representing the value of the stored data bit. Reducing the grain size of crystallites contained in a bit reduces the intrinsic anisotropy of the magnetic memory element thus improving bit selectivity. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090196821 | PLATED COBALT-BORON CATALYST ON HIGH SURFACE AREA TEMPLATES FOR HYDROGEN GENERATION FROM SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE - The invention provides a catalyst-coated nickel template including
| 08-06-2009 |
| 20090187369 | Estimation of subsurface thermal structure using sea surface height and sea surface temperature - A method of determining a subsurface temperature in a body of water is disclosed. The method includes obtaining surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data of the body of water for a region of interest, and also obtaining subsurface temperature anomaly data for the region of interest at a plurality of depths. The method further includes regressing the obtained surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data for the region of interest with the obtained subsurface temperature anomaly data for the plurality of depths to generate regression coefficients, estimating a subsurface temperature at one or more other depths for the region of interest based on the generated regression coefficients and outputting the estimated subsurface temperature at the one or more other depths. Using the estimated subsurface temperature, signal propagation times and trajectories of marine life in the body of water are determined. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090169723 | I-III-VI2 PHOTOVOLTAIC ABSORBER LAYERS - The invention provides a film having a composition Ag | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090132124 | INTELLIGENT POWERED MOBILITY FOR INFANTS AND SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN - A powered mobility device for advancing cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities of a child lacking natural mobility is disclosed. The device includes a seat sized for the child to be secured therein and a motorized drive assembly coupled to the seat. A local operating instrument is operably coupled to the drive assembly for operating and steering the drive assembly. The local operating instrument is positioned to allow manipulation by the child seated in the seat. A processor is operatively coupled to the motorized drive assembly and to a local steering instrument. The processor is adapted to transmit a signal to the motorized drive assembly and the local steering instrument to control the mobility device. A method for advancing cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities of a child by using the device is also disclosed. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090118601 | IR SPECTROGRAPHIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASE - A method for detecting disease in a patient includes providing infrared (IR) light and coupling the IR light through direct lens coupling or through a first group of one or more optical fibers. IR light is reflected from a portion of the patient and collected by a lens arrangement or a second group of one or more optical fibers. The reflected IR light is dispersed into its spectrum which is detected and analyzed. An apparatus suitable for diagnosing a disease in a patient includes an IR light source and optical fiber or direct lens coupling of IR light onto a body part or fluid of the patient. Reflected light from the patient is optically dispersed using a prism or grating. An IR focal plane array receives the optically dispersed light. The spectrum of the reflected IR light is used to provide a diagnosis of disease in the patient by identifying various disease markers or chemical fingerprints. The method and apparatus are capable of non-invasively detecting disease markers in a patient. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090108645 | ANTI-WHIPLASH VEHICLE SYSTEM WITH ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT - An active head restraint system includes a fluid driver assembly coupled to a vehicle seat assembly. The fluid driver assembly is actuatable in response to a predetermined movement of the vehicle seat assembly. A fluid driven assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid driver assembly. The fluid driven assembly is actuated in response to actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A headrest is pivotable about an axis. The headrest is coupled to the fluid driven assembly such that the fluid driven assembly pivots the headrest about the axis during actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A seat assembly incorporating the active head restraint system is also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090095213 | THERMAL EVAPORATION SOURCES FOR WIDE-AREA DEPOSITION - A thermal evaporation source includes:
| 04-16-2009 |
| 20090085556 | METHOD OF FABRICATING MONOLITHIC NANOSCALE PROBES - A monolithic pair of nanoscale probes, including: a substrate having a cavity that extends from a surface of the substrate into its body; a dielectric layer formed on the substrate; a pair of nanoscale probe precursors formed over the dielectric layer; a plurality of sub-monolayers of electrode material selectively atomic layer deposited over the pair of nanoscale probe precursors. The dielectric layer includes a window that extends through it to the cavity of the substrate such that a portion of the dielectric layer adjacent to the window extends over the cavity. The pair of nanoscale probe precursors includes a pair of edges facing each other across the window. These edges correspond to tips of the pair of nanoscale probes. The sub-monolayers of electrode material include the pair of edges, so that a distance between the tips of the nanoscale probes is between about 0.1 nm and about 20 nm. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090035765 | Polynucleotides and methods for making plants resistant to fungal pathogens - This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding a gene that can confer resistance to the plant pathogen | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090023916 | TETRAZINE-BASED BIO-ORTHOGONAL COUPLING REAGENTS AND METHODS - Coupling reactions, suitable for use in organic or aqueous media, are performed by contacting a 1,2,4,5-tetrazine with a dienophile. The dienophile may be covalently bonded to a protein, and the coupling reaction may be performed in biological media such as those containing cells or cell lysates. The reactions may be performed in the presence of primary amines, thiols, acetylenes, azides, phosphines, and products of Staudinger and/or Sharpless-Huisgen reactions Novel 3-substituted cyclopropene compounds and trans-cyclooctenes are exemplary dienophiles for these reactions. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090017207 | Formation of Selenide, Sulfide or Mixed Selenide-Sulfide Films on Metal or Metal Coated Substrates - A process and composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide sulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20080255488 | Powered Orthosis - A powered orthosis, adapted to be secured to a corresponding body portion of the user for guiding motion of a user, the orthosis comprising a plurality of structural members and one or more joints adjoining adjacent structural members, each joint having one or more degrees of freedom and a range of joint angles. One or more of the joints each comprise at least one back-drivable actuator governed by a controller for controlling the joint angle. The plurality of joint controllers are synchronized to cause the corresponding actuators to generate forces for assisting the user to move the orthosis at least in part under the user's power along a desired trajectory within an allowed tolerance. One embodiment comprises force-field controllers that define a virtual tunnel for movement of the orthosis, in which the forces applied to the orthosis for assisting the user may be proportional to deviation from the desired trajectory. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080249438 | Passive Swing Assist Leg Exoskeleton - Gait training apparatus and method for use thereof for providing leg swing assistance to a patient. The apparatus comprises a support structure and one or more leg orthoses attached to the support structure, each leg orthosis comprising a thigh member attached to the support structure at a hip joint, and a shank member attached to the thigh member at a knee joint. Both members have respective connectors for securing them to the corresponding body parts of the patient. The hip joint and knee joint are each biased by biasing members. The support structure may comprise a frame defining a patient activity region, including a base, a back support, a pair of support handles, and a weight support member mounted above the activity region. A method of using the device comprises selecting parameters for the biasing members using information about the patient. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080218756 | SCANNING OPTICAL MICROSCOPE WITH LONG WORKING DISTANCE OBJECTIVE - A scanning optical microscope, including: a light source to generate a beam of probe light; collimation optics to substantially collimate the probe beam; a probe-result beamsplitter; a long working-distance, infinity-corrected objective; scanning means to scan a beam spot of the focused probe beam on or within a sample; relay optics; and a detector. The collimation optics are disposed in the probe beam. The probe-result beamsplitter is arranged in the optical paths of the probe beam and the resultant light from the sample. The beamsplitter reflects the probe beam into the objective and transmits resultant light. The long working-distance, infinity-corrected objective is also arranged in the optical paths of the probe beam and the resultant light. It focuses the reflected probe beam onto the sample, and collects and substantially collimates the resultant light. The relay optics are arranged to relay the transmitted resultant light from the beamsplitter to the detector. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080213524 | Method for Making Three-Dimensional Structures on a Substrate Having Micron Dimensions, and an Article of Manufacture Three-Dimensional Objects on a Substrate with Micron Dimensions - A method and article of manufacture for three-dimensional structures having micron dimensions includes coating a substrate with layers of photo resist. Each layer of photo resist is exposed with its own two-dimensional mask defining one slice of an object. Subsequent layers of photo resist are exposed with different patterns. Once all layers have been fabricated and exposed to identify two-dimensional features for the layer, the multiple layers are developed to removed photo resist which has not been exposed. The layered structure represents a three-dimensional object where the depth dimension is defined by the photo resist layer thickness. By decreasing the wavelength of the light exposure, it is possible to confine exposure to a single layer of photo resist. | 09-04-2008 |
