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| 20110143297 | Thermal Diffusion Chamber - A frame supporting a containment chamber, the containment chamber is preferably configured to enclose and confine a process chamber. A heat source module is disposed between the containment chamber and the process chamber, while a thermal regulation cavity is maintained between the heat source module and the process chamber. Preferably, at least one fluid inlet box is in fluidic communication with the thermal regulation cavity, in which the fluid inlet box provides a plate valve that mitigates the flow of fluids from the thermal regulation cavity through the fluid inlet box and to an environment external to the thermal regulation cavity. Additionally, the preferred fluid inlet box further includes a flow adjustment structure interacting with the plate valve to control fluid flow from the environment external to the thermal regulation cavity past the plate valve and into thermal regulation cavity. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110249960 | Heat Source Door For A Thermal Diffusion Chamber - A frame supporting a containment chamber, the containment chamber is preferably configured to enclose and confine a process chamber. A heat source module is disposed between the containment chamber and the process chamber, while a collar communicates with the process chamber and is secured to the process chamber. Preferably, a heat source door is in fluidic communication with the process chamber, and includes at least a top hat section secured to a main body portion, an over center latch secured to the top hat section and interacting with the collar, the over center latch mitigates an inadvertent opening of the process chamber, and a lamp feed-through is preferably secured to the main body portion and supports a heat source device. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110254228 | Thermal Chamber - A process chamber that provides an interior surface and an exterior surface is confined within a containment chamber. Secured to the containment chamber is a collar that communicates with the process chamber. A seal formed between the process chamber and the collar, includes at least an adjustable backing ring encircling the exterior surface of the process chamber, a preload ring secured to the collar, and a sealing structure encircling the process chamber and positioned between the adjustable backing ring and the preload ring. The adjustable backing ring is adjustably secured a predetermined distance from the preload ring, based on a perimeter dimension of the process chamber, to form the seal between the process chamber and the collar. | 10-20-2011 |
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| 20090162475 | Gum Structure Mixing Systems And Methods - A system and method for mixing and forming gum structures is provided. The system may include combinations of continuous and batch mixers arranged generally in series for mixing gum base ingredients with subsequent gum ingredients. In one embodiment, the system and method first forms a gum structure that is not a gum base and then adds a subsequent gum ingredient such that the gum structure is less than a gum base in combination with a subsequent gum ingredient. In other embodiments, the system and method includes forming a gum base in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients that are not quite finished gum. Further, in other embodiments, the system and method may perform some of the mixing of the ingredients at a first location while mixing of further ingredients is performed at a remote location. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090162476 | Parallel Gum Component Mixing Systems And Methods - A system and method for mixing and forming gum structures is provided. The system may include combinations of continuous and batch mixers arranged generally in parallel and/or series for mixing gum base ingredients with subsequent gum ingredients. In one embodiment, the system and method first forms a gum structure that is not a gum base and then adds a subsequent gum ingredient such that the gum structure is less than a gum base in combination with a subsequent gum ingredient. In other embodiments, the system and method includes forming a gum base in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients that are not quite finished gum. Further, in other embodiments, the system and method may perform some of the mixing of the ingredients at a first location while mixing of further ingredients is performed at a remote location. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20100178382 | Gum Manufacturing System with Loafing and Conditioning Features - Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product. | 07-15-2010 |
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| 20100055895 | Electrically conductive structure on a semiconductor substrate formed from printing - Provided are methods for forming an electrically conductive structure of a desired three-dimensional shape on a substantially planar surface of a substrate, e.g., a semiconductor wafer. Typically, the particulate matter is deposited in a layer-by-layer manner and adhered to selected regions on the substrate surface. The particulate matter may be deposited to produce a mold for forming the structure and/or to produce the structure itself. A three-dimensional printer with associated electronic data may be used without the need of a lithographic mask or reticle. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100084744 | Thermal processing of substrates with pre- and post-spike temperature control - Provided are apparatuses and method for the thermal processing of a substrate surface, e.g., controlled laser thermal annealing (LTA) of substrates. The invention typically involves irradiating the substrate surface with first and second images to process regions of the substrate surface at a substantially uniform peak processing temperature along a scan path. A first image may serve to effect spike annealing of the substrates while another may be used to provide auxiliary heat treatment to the substrates before and/or after the spike annealing. Control over the temperature profile of the prespike and/or postspike may also reduce stresses and strains generated in the wafers. Also provided are microelectronic devices formed using the inventive apparatuses and methods. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100140768 | Systems and processes for forming three-dimensional circuits - Provided are systems and processes for forming a three-dimensional circuit on a substrate. A radiation source produces a beam that is directed at a substrate having an isolating layer interposed between circuit layers. The circuit layers communicate with reach other via a seed region exhibiting a crystalline surface. At least one circuit layer has an initial microstructure that exhibits electronic properties unsuitable for forming circuit features therein. After being controllably heat treated, the initial microstructure of the circuit layer having unsuitable properties is transformed into one that exhibits electronic properties suitable for forming circuit feature therein. Also provided are three-dimensional circuit structures optionally formed by the inventive systems and/or processes. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20110089523 | SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR FORMING THREE-DIMENSIONAL CIRCUITS - Provided are systems and processes for forming a three-dimensional circuit on a substrate. A radiation source produces a beam that is directed at a substrate having an isolating layer interposed between circuit layers. The circuit layers communicate with reach other via a seed region exhibiting a crystalline surface. At least one circuit layer has an initial microstructure that exhibits electronic properties unsuitable for forming circuit features therein. After being controllably heat treated, the initial microstructure of the circuit layer having unsuitable properties is transformed into one that exhibits electronic properties suitable for forming circuit feature therein. Also provided are three-dimensional circuit structures optionally formed by the inventive systems and/or processes. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110298093 | Thermal Processing of Substrates with Pre- and Post-Spike Temperature Control - Provided are apparatuses and method for the thermal processing of a substrate surface, e.g., controlled laser thermal annealing (LTA) of substrates. The invention typically involves irradiating the substrate surface with first and second images to process regions of the substrate surface at a substantially uniform peak processing temperature along a scan path. A first image may serve to effect spike annealing of the substrates while another may be used to provide auxiliary heat treatment to the substrates before and/or after the spike annealing. Control over the temperature profile of the prespike and/or postspike may also reduce stresses and strains generated in the wafers. Also provided are microelectronic devices formed using the inventive apparatuses and methods. | 12-08-2011 |
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| 20080249519 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ENERGY TO BIOLOGICAL TISSUE INCLUDING THE USE OF TUMESCENT TISSUE COMPRESSION - An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure. In a further aspect, the location of the electrodes is determined by impedance monitoring. Also, temperature sensors at the treatment site are averaged to determine the site temperature. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20090005775 | EXPANDABLE CATHETER HAVING TWO SETS OF ELECTRODES - A catheter includes a first plurality of expandable leads and a second plurality of expandable leads separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first plurality to deliver energy to a hollow anatomical structure, such as vein, fallopian tube, hemorrhoid, esophageal varix, to effectively ligate that structure. Each of the leads includes an electrode located at the distal end of the respective electrode lead. Polarizations of the leads may be selected to achieve the power distribution desired. Each electrode lead includes an outward bend such that when a movable sheath is moved out of contact with the leads, they expand outwardly into apposition with an inner wall of the structure to be ligated. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes are freely moved inward by the shrinking structure while still maintaining apposition with the inner wall of the shrinking structure. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090054884 | METHOD OF LIGATING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - A catheter includes a plurality of expandable primary leads to deliver energy to a fallopian tube, a vein such as a hemorrhoid or an esophageal varix, or another hollow anatomical structure requiring ligation or occlusion. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that the leads can receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090125009 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - One embodiment comprises an apparatus for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end; and a capacitive treatment element located near the distal end. The capacitive treatment element is sized for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and placement near the inner wall. The capacitive treatment element is configured to create an electric field that extends at least partially into the inner wall. Other devices and methods for treatment of hollow anatomical structures are disclosed as well. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090137998 | EXPANDABLE VEIN LIGATOR CATHETER HAVING MULTIPLE ELECTRODE LEADS, AND METHOD - A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads. The secondary lead includes an electrode at the working end of the catheter. The secondary lead can have a polarity opposite to the polarity of the primary leads in a bipolar configuration. The polarity of the leads can be switched and the catheter can be moved during treatment to ligate an extended length of the vein. The catheter can include a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20100106156 | APPARATUS FOR TREATING VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY - A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein may be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned intraluminally within the vein to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100152723 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COAGULATING AND/OR CONSTRICTING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and an energy source. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20110144642 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COAGULATING AND/OR CONSTRICTING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110160813 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A CATHETER RELATIVE TO AN ANATOMICAL JUNCTION - An electrode catheter is introduced into a vein or other hollow anatomical structure, and is positioned at a treatment: site within the structure. The end of the catheter is positioned near a junction formed in the structure. This junction can be the sapheno-femoral junction. The position of the catheter near the junction is determined based on a signal from a device associated with the catheter within the structure. A fiber optic filament which emits light is used with the catheter or a guide wire over which the catheter is advanced. The light is visible externally from the patient. The light dims and may no longer externally visible at the sapheno-femoral junction where the catheter moves past the deep fascia and toward the deep venous system. The position of the catheter can be determined based on this external observation. The position of the catheter can also be determined based on measured parameters such as temperature or flow rate within the structure, and the measured changes in one or more of these parameters as the catheter nears the junction. The hollow anatomical structure can be compressed for this procedure. The position of the catheter can also be determined mechanically by including a hook-shaped tip on the catheter or guide wire which would physically engage the junction. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110166518 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166519 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well. | 07-07-2011 |
