Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100035283 | Preparation Method - A method of performing an immunologic evaluation of a subject, comprising collecting a whole blood sample from the subject, maintaining the sample for at least 6 hours after the collection, purifying a population of cells comprising lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells from the maintained sample, optionally by a process incorporating a positive or negative affinity selection step, and using the purified cells in a cell-mediated immunoassay (CMI assay). | 02-11-2010 |
20110201031 | PREPARATION METHOD - A method of performing an immunologic evaluation of a subject, comprising collecting a whole blood sample from the subject, maintaining the sample for at least 6 hours after collection, purifying a population of cells comprising lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells from the maintained sample, optionally by a process incorporating a positive or negative affinity selection step to remove granulocytes, and using the purified cells in a cell-mediated immunoassay (CMI assay). | 08-18-2011 |
20120028277 | PREPARATION METHOD - A method of performing an immunologic evaluation of a subject, comprising collecting a whole blood sample from the subject, maintaining the sample for at least 6 hours after collection, purifying a population of cells comprising lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells from the maintained sample, optionally by a process incorporating a positive or negative affinity selection step to remove granulocytes, and using the purified cells in a cell-mediated immunoassay (CMI assay). | 02-02-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100017953 | Dynamic Sauna - Systems and methods are provided for controlling infrared radiation (IR) sources of a sauna including tuning IR wavelength-ranges and radiated power-levels of IR sources, and directing IR to locations on a user's body. In one illustrative embodiment, a sauna may be provided having adjustable heat sources to emit IR at any wavelength resulting in a desirable radiation treatment for the sauna user. In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided for tuning IR sources in a sauna. | 01-28-2010 |
20140283294 | Dynamic Sauna - Systems and methods are provided for controlling infrared radiation (IR) sources of a sauna including tuning IR wavelength-ranges and radiated power-levels of IR sources, and directing IR to locations on a user's body. In one illustrative embodiment, a sauna may be provided having adjustable heat sources to emit IR at any wavelength resulting in a desirable radiation treatment for the sauna user. In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided for tuning IR sources in a sauna. | 09-25-2014 |
20150174003 | Dynamic Sauna - Systems and methods are provided for controlling infrared radiation (IR) sources of a sauna including tuning IR wavelength-ranges and radiated power-levels of IR sources, and directing IR to locations on a user's body. In one illustrative embodiment, a sauna may be provided having adjustable heat sources to emit IR at any wavelength resulting in a desirable radiation treatment for the sauna user. In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided for tuning IR sources in a sauna. | 06-25-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080267994 | Induction of dendritic cell development with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) - A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention. | 10-30-2008 |
20090148405 | INDUCTION OF DENDRITIC CELL DEVELOPMENT WITH MACROPHAGE-COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR (M-CSF) RECEPTOR LIGANDS - A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor Receptor Ligand is provided. M-CSF receptor ligands induce DCs to differentiate into subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Induction with an M-CSF receptor ligand can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF receptor ligand-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF receptor ligands can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention. | 06-11-2009 |
20100129404 | IMMEDIATE PROTECTION AGAINST PATHOGENS VIA MVA - The invention relates to methods and kits comprising poxviruses including, but not limited to modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and uses thereof to provide immediate protection against pathogens. Poxviruses including, but not limited to MVA can be delivered to a host animal just prior to or after exposure to a pathogen and provide protection against the pathogen. | 05-27-2010 |
20100167332 | INDUCTION OF DENDRITIC CELL DEVELOPMENT WITH MACROPHAGE-COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR (M-CSF) - A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into Subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Said differentiation is independent of Fms-like-Tyrosine- Kinase 3-Ligand (FL) and/or Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF). Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for Cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention. | 07-01-2010 |
20110177114 | IMMEDIATE PROTECTION AGAINST PATHOGENS VIA MVA - The invention relates to the methods and kits comprising modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) to provide immediate protection against pathogens. MVA can be delivered to a host animal just prior to or after exposure to a pathogen and provide protection against the pathogen. | 07-21-2011 |
20120010597 | INDUCTION OF DENDRITIC CELL DEVELOPMENT WITH MACROPHAGE-COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR (M-CSF) - A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention. | 01-12-2012 |
20130216572 | IMMEDIATE PROTECTION AGAINST PATHOGENS VIA MVA - The invention relates to methods and kits comprising poxviruses including, but not limited to modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and uses thereof to provide immediate protection against pathogens. Poxviruses including, but not limited to MVA can be delivered to a host animal just prior to or after exposure to a pathogen and provide protection against the pathogen. | 08-22-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140083638 | TEMPERATURE REGULATED MELT CRUCIBLE FOR COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING - Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083640 | INJECTION COMPRESSION MOLDING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS - Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083641 | METHODS OF MELTING AND INTRODUCING AMORPHOUS ALLOY FEEDSTOCK FOR CASTING OR PROCESSING - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083645 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING WITH MELT CRUCIBLE UNDER VACUUM ENVIRONMENT - Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083646 | COUNTER-GRAVITY CASTING OF HOLLOW SHAPES - The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087321 | ACTIVE COOLING REGULATION OF INDUCTION MELT PROCESS - Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for active cooling regulation of a melting process. In one embodiment, a meltable material can be melted in a vessel that includes cooling channel(s) configured therein. A contact temperature T | 03-27-2014 |
20140090752 | COATING OF BULK METALLIC GLASS (BMG) ARTICLES - Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for forming a coating layer at least partially on surface of a BMG article formed of bulk solidifying amorphous alloys. In embodiments, the coating layer may be formed in situ during formation of a BMG article and/or post formation of a BMG article. The coating layer may provide the BMG article with surface hardness, wear resistance, surface activity, corrosion resistance, etc. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090793 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS USING COLD CRUCIBLE INDUCTION MELTING TECHNIQUES - Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090796 | CONTINUOUS AMORPHOUS FEEDSTOCK SKULL MELTING - Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: feeding the BMG feedstock into a crucible; melting a first portion of the BMG feedstock to form molten BMG, while maintaining a second portion of the BMG feedstock solid; wherein the second portion and the crucible hold the molten BMG. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090797 | VERTICAL SKULL MELT INJECTION CASTING - Described herein is a device comprising a crucible, a movable base and a heater; wherein the heater is configured to melt BMG to form molten BMG feedstock in the crucible; wherein the movable base configured to slide along a length of the crucible; wherein the movable base and the crucible are configured to hold the molten BMG feedstock. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090798 | OPTIMIZED MULTI-STAGE INDUCTIVE MELTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS - Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point. | 04-03-2014 |
20140102661 | INLINE MELT CONTROL VIA RF POWER - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path. | 04-17-2014 |
20140251568 | METHODS OF MELTING AND INTRODUCING AMORPHOUS ALLOY FEEDSTOCK FOR CASTING OR PROCESSING - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding. | 09-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140182804 | COUNTER-GRAVITY CASTING OF HOLLOW SHAPES - The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy. | 07-03-2014 |
20140305932 | OPTIMIZED MULTI-STAGE INDUCTIVE MELTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS - Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point. | 10-16-2014 |
20140318730 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS USING COLD CRUCIBLE INDUCTION MELTING TECHNIQUES - Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles. | 10-30-2014 |
20140332176 | INLINE MELT CONTROL VIA RF POWER - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path. | 11-13-2014 |
20140360695 | MELT-CONTAINMENT PLUNGER TIP FOR HORIZONTAL METAL DIE CASTING - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold. | 12-11-2014 |
20150090421 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING WITH MELT CRUCIBLE UNDER VACUUM ENVIRONMENT - Exemplary embodiments described herein related to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated. | 04-02-2015 |
20150144292 | CONTAINMENT GATE FOR INLINE TEMPERATURE CONTROL MELTING - Disclosed is an apparatus comprising at least one gate and a vessel, the gate being configured to move between a first position to restrict entry into an ejection path of the vessel and contain a material in a meltable form within the vessel during melting of the material, and a second position to allow movement of the material in a molten form through the ejection path. The gate can move linearly or rotate between its first and second positions, for example. The apparatus is configured to melt the material and the at least one gate is configured to allow the apparatus to be maintained under vacuum during the melting of the material. Melting can be performed using an induction source. The apparatus may also include a mold configured to receive molten material and for molding a molded part, such as a bulk amorphous alloy part. | 05-28-2015 |
20150217368 | Temperature Regulated Melt Crucible for Cold Chamber Die Casting - Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel. | 08-06-2015 |
20150343526 | APPLICATION OF ULTRASONIC VIBRATIONS TO MOLTEN LIQUIDMETAL DURING INJECTION MOLDING OR DIE CASTING OPERATIONS - Described herein is an injection molding or die casting machine having an ultrasonic vibration generator associated therewith that is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations during melting and/or injection of the molten material (e.g., molten alloy). The ultrasonic vibrations may be applied to molten material via the plunger tip of the plunger in the machine, and/or the mold and/or the vessel, for example. The ultrasonic vibration may be applied during plunger tip movement so that the molten material vibrates ultrasonically during melting and injection. A connector may be connected to the ultrasonic vibration generator and the plunger. Channels may be provided in the plunger tip and/or vessel to accommodate a cooling fluid during melting and injection. | 12-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130037232 | VACUUM MOLD - Disclosed is a vacuum mold with at least a first plate and a second plate to mold materials (e.g., amorphous alloys), and a method for manufacturing parts using the mold. An ejector mechanism, to eject molded material, is enclosed within an ejector box that is vacuum sealed relative to the plates. An ejector rod for moving the mechanism is also vacuum sealed via a seal in a vacuum feed through opening. Seals are provided between adjacent interfaces of the mold parts (plates and ejector box) to vacuum seal the mold. The mold is connected to at least one vacuum source that applies vacuum pressure thereto via a first vacuum port in a first direction. A second vacuum port may also be provided to apply pressure in a second direction. A vacuum release valve may be connected to the mold to release vacuum pressure applied to the mold. | 02-14-2013 |
20130037999 | TEMPERATURE REGULATED VESSEL - Disclosed is a temperature regulated vessel, and method for using the same, having a body configured to melt meltable material received therein, and one or more temperature regulating lines within the body configured to flow a liquid therein for regulating a temperature of the meltable material received in the melting portion. The vessel has a poor or low thermally conductive material on one or more of its parts, such as on the melting portion, on exterior surfaces of the body, and/or surrounding the temperature regulating lines to increase melt temperature of the material. The melting portion can also have indentations in its surface, and low thermally conductive material can be provided in the indentations. The vessel can be used to melt amorphous alloys, for example. | 02-14-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140284019 | INJECTION MOLDING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOY USING AN INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEM - Disclosed is an injection molding system including a plunger rod and a melt zone that are provided in-line and on a horizontal axis. The plunger rod is moved in a horizontal direction through the melt zone to move molten material into a mold. The melt zone can have a vessel that is configured to receive the plunger therethrough. A transfer sleeve provided between the vessel and the mold and/or an inlet into a mold can also be horizontally in line with the plunger. The injection molding system can perform the melting and molding processes under a vacuum. | 09-25-2014 |
20140293384 | NANO- AND MICRO-REPLICATION FOR AUTHENTICATION AND TEXTURIZATION - Embodiments herein relate to forming nano- and/or micro-replication directly embossed in a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy comprising a metal alloy by superplastic forming of the bulk solidifying amorphous alloy at a temperature greater than a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the metal alloy. | 10-02-2014 |
20140345754 | MOLDING AND SEPARATING OF BULK-SOLIDIFYING AMORPHOUS ALLOYS AND COMPOSITE CONTAINING AMORPHOUS ALLOY - A method to form and to separate bulk solidifying amorphous alloy or composite containing amorphous alloy where the forming and separating takes place at a temperature around the glass transition temperature or within the super cooled liquid region are provided. | 11-27-2014 |
20140369375 | BOAT AND COIL DESIGNS - Disclosed are vessels used for melting material to be injection molded to form a part. One vessel has a body formed from a plurality of elongate segments configured to be electrically isolated from each other and with a melting portion for melting meltable material therein. Material can be provided between adjacent segments. An induction coil can be used to melt the material in the body. Other vessels have a body with an embedded induction coil therein. The embedded coil can be configured to surround the melting portion, or can be positioned below and/or adjacent the melting portion, so that meltable material is melted. The vessels can be used to melt amorphous alloys, for example. | 12-18-2014 |
20150107730 | CONTINUOUS ALLOY FEEDSTOCK PRODUCTION MOLD - Embodiments herein relate to a process for semi-continuous or continuous production of a solid object from a molten metal, with the potential of being a cleaner and less expensive alternative to complicated split mold processes currently used. The embodiments can be used to perform multiple melt/pour cycles without breaking vacuum, with the system only opened to remove the solid object via an air lock, e.g., a separate chamber or load lock, which will be periodically opened to remove feedstock without breaking the vacuum of the process chamber. Embodiments also relate to an apparatus for semi-continuous or continuous production of a solid object from a molten metal. | 04-23-2015 |
20150131694 | INDUCTION SHIELD AND ITS METHOD OF USE IN A SYSTEM - Disclosed is an induction shield configured to substantially reduce emissions emitted from an induction heat source (e.g., coil) during use. The shield is positioned adjacent to a vessel (e.g., in an injection system) having a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an induction heat source positioned adjacent the vessel configured to melt the meltable material received in the melting portion of the vessel. The shield may include a tube configuration configured to flow liquid therein to absorb heat emitted from the heat source. The tube configuration can comprise a single tube or multiple tubes. The shield can be positioned adjacent the induction source in a helical manner, for example, or at ends of the vessel. The shield can be used during melting of amorphous alloy and for forming a part. | 05-14-2015 |
20150158080 | MATERIAL CONTAINING VESSELS FOR MELTING MATERIAL - Disclosed is a vessel for melting meltable material having a body with a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an injection path for injecting the meltable material in molten form after melting (e.g., into a mold). The body has a recess configured to contain the meltable material within the vessel during melting of the material. The vessel is configured for movement between in a first position to restrict entry of molten material into an injection path of the vessel and to contain the material in the recess during melting, and a second position to allow movement of the material in a molten form through the injection path and into the mold (e.g., using a plunger). The vessel can be used in an injection molding system for molding bulk amorphous alloys. | 06-11-2015 |
20150375296 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SKULL TRAPPING - Disclosed are systems and methods for mechanically reducing an amount of the skull material in a finished, molded part formed from amorphous alloy using an injection molding system. Skull material of molten amorphous alloy can be captured in a trap before molding such material. A cavity can be provided in the injection molding system to trap the skull material. For example, the cavity can be provided in the mold, the tip of the plunger rod, or in the transfer sleeve. Alternatively, mixing of molten amorphous alloy can be induced so that skull material is reduced before molding. A plunger and/or its tip can be used to induce mixing (e.g., systematic movement of plunger rod, or a shape of its tip). By minimizing the amount of skull material in the finished, molded part, the quality of the part is increased. | 12-31-2015 |
20160067766 | 3D PRINTED INVESTMENT MOLDS FOR CASTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Described herein is a method of forming a 3D investment mold using a layer-by-layer construction (3D printing). The mold is configured for receipt of a molten alloy having a composition configured to form a bulk metallic glass (BMG) on cooling. The mold has a hollow interior between inner and outer walls. The hollow interior receives the molten alloy for molding it between the inner and outer walls of the mold. A method of casting using the 3D investment mold is also disclosed, which may include filling the mold with molten alloy, removing bubbles, quenching the molten alloy in the mold, and then removing the mold. | 03-10-2016 |
20160089715 | HORIZONTAL SKULL MELT SHOT SLEEVE - Disclosed are embodiments of a vessel configured to contain a secondary magnetic induction field therein for melting materials, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus having an induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel. The vessel can have a tubular body configured to substantially surround and receive a plunger tip. Longitudinal slots or gaps extend through the thickness of the body to allow and/or direct eddy currents into the vessel during application of an RF induction field from the coil. The body also includes temperature regulating lines configured to flow a liquid within. The temperature regulating lines can be provided to run longitudinally within the wall(s) of the body between its inner bore and outer surface(s). A flange may be provided at one end of the body to secure the body within an injection molding apparatus. | 03-31-2016 |
20160091250 | QUARTZ POURING & CASTING SYSTEM FOR NON-WETTING AMORPHOUS ALLOYS - Described herein is a crucible with a rod fused thereon to optimize pouring of molten material, and method of using the same. The crucible has a body configured for receipt of an amorphous alloy material in a vertical direction, and the rod extends in a horizontal direction from the body. The body of the crucible and the rod are formed from silica or quartz. The rod may be fused to the body of the crucible and provided off a center axis so that pouring molten material is improved when the crucible is rotated. | 03-31-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150088998 | Automatic Question Generation and Answering Based on Monitored Messaging Sessions - Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system. | 03-26-2015 |
20150261859 | Answer Confidence Output Mechanism for Question and Answer Systems - Mechanisms are provided for generating an output of confidence score for candidate answers of an input question. The mechanisms, implemented in a data processing system configured to answer an input question receive candidate answer information comprising confidence scores associated with candidate answers for the input question. The mechanisms categorize, for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, the corresponding confidence score into one of a plurality of confidence score categories. For each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, a graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer is generated. A graphical user interface output comprising an entry for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information is generated where each entry comprises the corresponding graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer corresponding to the entry. | 09-17-2015 |
20150278252 | IMAGES FOR A QUESTION ANSWERING SYSTEM - A method for providing content relevant images for an input question to a deep question answering system is disclosed. The method can include formulating, in response to receiving the input question, an answer to the input question. The method can also include identifying, based on the answer to the input question, a set of candidate images from a corpus of information. The set of candidate images may relate to the answer. The method can also include determining, based on a confidence value of the set of candidate images and a designated display specification, a first subset of the set of candidate images to provide in a display area. The method can also include selecting the first subset to be provided in the display area. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278253 | IMAGES FOR A QUESTION ANSWERING SYSTEM - A method for providing content relevant images for an input question to a deep question answering system is disclosed. The method can include formulating, in response to receiving the input question, an answer to the input question. The method can also include identifying, based on the answer to the input question, a set of candidate images from a corpus of information. The set of candidate images may relate to the answer. The method can also include determining, based on a confidence value of the set of candidate images and a designated display specification, a first subset of the set of candidate images to provide in a display area. The method can also include selecting the first subset to be provided in the display area. | 10-01-2015 |
20150371137 | Displaying Quality of Question Being Asked a Question Answering System - A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for automatically generating question and answer pairs for training a question answering system for a given domain. The mechanism receives user input of question text for a question to be submitted to a question answering system in a user interface. The mechanism determines a question strength score for the question text. The question strength score represents a likelihood the question text will result in a correct answer with high confidence. The mechanism presents a graphical representation of the question strength score in the user interface. | 12-24-2015 |
20160026378 | Answer Confidence Output Mechanism for Question and Answer Systems - Mechanisms are provided for generating an output of confidence score for candidate answers of an input question. The mechanisms, implemented in a data processing system configured to answer an input question receive candidate answer information comprising confidence scores associated with candidate answers for the input question. The mechanisms categorize, for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, the corresponding confidence score into one of a plurality of confidence score categories. For each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, a graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer is generated. A graphical user interface output comprising an entry for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information is generated where each entry comprises the corresponding graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer corresponding to the entry. | 01-28-2016 |
20160098444 | Corpus Management Based on Question Affinity - Mechanisms are provided for managing a corpus of content. A question is processed by a Question Answering (QA) system to generate an answer to the question and a supporting evidence passage. A corpus value metric is calculated for the supporting evidence passage based on a determined number of times the supporting evidence passage is used to generate a high ranking answer to questions submitted to the QA system. A first corpus management operation is performed on the supporting evidence passage in response to determining that the corpus value metric meets or exceeds a first threshold, the first corpus management operation increasing a relative importance of the supporting evidence passage within the corpus. A second corpus management operation on the supporting evidence passage is performed in response to determining that the corpus value metric meets or falls below a second threshold, the second corpus management operation decreasing the passage's relative importance. | 04-07-2016 |
20160098477 | Returning Related Previously Answered Questions Based on Question Affinity - Mechanisms are provided, in a Question and Answer (QA) system, for identifying a related previously processed question. A first question is processed by the QA system to generate an answer to the first question and a supporting evidence passage that supports the answer to the first question being a correct answer to the first question. The QA system performs a lookup operation in a question repository based on an identifier of the supporting evidence passage to identify an entry corresponding to a previously processed question, different than the first question, that previously had an answer generated based on the supporting evidence passage. The QA system returns the previously processed question and the answer to the first question to a submitter of the first question. | 04-07-2016 |
20160098737 | Corpus Management Based on Question Affinity - Mechanisms are provided for managing a corpus of content. A question is processed by a Question Answering (QA) system to generate an answer to the question and a supporting evidence passage. A corpus value metric is calculated for the supporting evidence passage based on a determined number of times the supporting evidence passage is used to generate a high ranking answer to questions submitted to the QA system. A first corpus management operation is performed on the supporting evidence passage in response to determining that the corpus value metric meets or exceeds a first threshold, the first corpus management operation increasing a relative importance of the supporting evidence passage within the corpus. A second corpus management operation on the supporting evidence passage is performed in response to determining that the corpus value metric meets or falls below a second threshold, the second corpus management operation decreasing the passage's relative importance. | 04-07-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150277900 | Dynamically building an Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA) pipeline - A pipeline development environment includes a toolset that includes a visual design editor. The editor comprises a display interface having a palette of known Annotators that may be selected by a developer. The pipeline development environment also includes or has associated therewith a data repository. The data repository stores datasets. A particular dataset is associated with an Annotator and comprises dependency data generated from execution of a pipeline (or some portion thereof). The repository typically stores datasets from many pipeline runs, including runs of other pipelines, multiple runs of a given pipeline with different inputs, etc. Using the editor, a developer creates a visual representation of the pipeline. As Annotators are added into the pipeline, system tooling dynamically generates the descriptor files and other configuration parameters (for the new pipeline), preferably based on the dependency data associated with the individual Annotators and retrieved from the repository. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277901 | Recording, replaying and modifying an Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA) pipeline - The technique herein substantially improves productivity of Annotator developers by providing methods and systems to develop and test Annotators without having to run a full pipeline every time changes are made to a particular Annotator. To this end, preferably a running pipeline is instrumented to enable automated recording of static configuration and dynamically-generated event data as the pipeline is executed. Based on these data, a reusable data model is generated that captures code and other dependencies in the pipeline (e.g., configuration parameters, intermediary CASes, program flow, annotations, and the like). The data model is then used to facilitate testing of Annotators without using the full pipeline (or even major sub-pipelines therein). | 10-01-2015 |