Document Document Title
US08519358B2 System for conducting the identification of bacteria in biological samples
The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a disposable cartridge and an optical cup or cuvette having a tapered surface; an optics system including an optical reader and a thermal controller; an optical analyzer; a cooling system; and an improved spectrometer. The system may utilize the disposable cartridge in the sample processor and the optical cup or cuvette in the optical analyzer.
US08519357B2 Cleaning apparatus for sanitizing furnishings
A cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a casing that defines an inlet opening on a first surface thereof and an outlet opening on a second surface thereof. An elongate path is formed therebetween for receiving an article to be cleaned. A sanitizing device is carried by the casing in proximity to the path for sanitizing the article to be cleaned. A first roller is carried by the casing and extends into the path. The first roller is configured to rotate in the direction of the path to thereby translate the article to be cleaned from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.
US08519355B2 Charged particle source
A charged particle source comprises at least one gas inlet configured to supply gas particles, at least one tip having a tip apex being biased to provide an electrical field for generating charged particles, and at least one ionization area to which gas particles are supplied. The gas particles are ionized in the ionization area due to the electrical field. Additionally, the charged particle source comprises at least one first electrode configured to accelerate charged particles and at least one light emitting device providing a light beam. The light beam is focused to a focus point in the ionization area, specifically, to a focus volume such that the ionization area is at least partly positioned in the focus volume. The ionization area is arranged between the tip apex and the first electrode. The distance between the ionization area and the tip apex may be from 0.1 nm to 1 nm.
US08519353B2 Method and apparatus for controlling an asymmetric electrostatic lens about a central ray trajectory of an ion beam
A method of controlling deflection of a charged particle beam in an electrostatic lens includes establishing a symmetrical electrostatic lens configuration comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed at unadjusted positions that are symmetric with respect to the central ray trajectory with applied unadjusted voltages that create fields symmetric with respect to the central ray trajectory. A symmetric electric field is calculated corresponding to the set of unadjusted voltages. A plurality of lower electrodes is arranged at adjusted positions that are asymmetric with respect to the central ray trajectory. A set of adjusted voltages is obtained for the plurality of lower electrodes, wherein the set of adjusted voltages corresponds to a set of respective potentials of the symmetric electric field at respective adjusted asymmetric positions. The adjusted voltages are applied to the asymmetric lens configuration when the charged particle beam passes therethrough.
US08519344B2 Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system
A radiation imaging apparatus has a pixel region arranged on a substrate. Arranged in a matrix pattern in the pixel region are pixels, each pixel including a conversion element which converts radiation to electrical charges, and a switching element which is connected to the conversion element therein. The radiation imaging apparatus has, in a region outside the pixel region of the substrate, an intersection at which a signal line connected to the switching element and a bias line connected to the conversion element intersects. At the intersection, a semiconductor layer is arranged between the signal line and the bias line, and a carrier blocking portion is arranged between the semiconductor layer and the signal line.
US08519343B1 Multimode imaging device
Apparatus for detecting and locating a source of gamma rays of energies ranging from 10-20 keV to several MeV's includes plural gamma ray detectors arranged in a generally closed extended array so as to provide Compton scattering imaging and coded aperture imaging simultaneously. First detectors are arranged in a spaced manner about a surface defining the closed extended array which may be in the form a circle, a sphere, a square, a pentagon or higher order polygon. Some of the gamma rays are absorbed by the first detectors closest to the gamma source in Compton scattering, while the photons that go unabsorbed by passing through gaps disposed between adjacent first detectors are incident upon second detectors disposed on the side farthest from the gamma ray source, where the first spaced detectors form a coded aperture array for two or three dimensional gamma ray source detection.
US08519338B2 X-ray detector including scintillator, a lens array, and an image intensifier
An X-ray detection device including a scintillator configured to convert gamma rays or X-rays into optical radiation, an optical image intensifier configured to intensify the optical radiation to generate intensified optical radiation, an optical coupling system configured to guide the intensified optical radiation, and a solid state detector configured to detect the intensified optical radiation to generate an interaction image representing an X-ray energy emission and to perform photon counting based on data of the interaction image.
US08519331B2 Mass spectrometer
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a 2D or 3D ion trap. The 2D ion trap comprises a quadrupole rod set ion trap wherein a slot is provided in each of the rods to allow ions to be ejected radially from the ion trap. The 3D ion trap comprises a central ring electrode which is radially segmented and wherein a slot is provided in each radial segment to allow ions to be ejected radially from the ion trap. Ions having different mass to charge ratios and/or opposite polarities may be simultaneously ejected from the ion trap via different exit pathways.
US08519329B2 Time-of-flight mass spectrometry of surfaces
The present invent provides a particle detector for counting and measuring the flight time of secondary electrons and scattered ions and neutrals and to correlate coincidences between these and backscattered ions/and neutrals while maintaining a continuous unpulsed microfocused primary ion beam for impinging a surface. Intensities of the primary particle scattering and secondary particle emissions are correlated with the position of impact of the focused beam onto a materials surface so that a spatially resolved surface elemental and electronic structural mapping is obtained by scanning the focused beam across the surface.
US08519328B2 Mass spectrometer
An ion guide or ion trap is disclosed having an entrance electrode and an exit electrode. The potential of the exit electrode is periodically dropped for a relatively short period of time allowing some ions to escape from the ion guide or ion trap via an aperture in the exit electrode. The period of time that the potential of the exit electrode is dropped for is progressively increased and ions emerge from the ion guide or ion trap in a mass to charge ratio dependent manner. The ion guide or ion trap may be operated as a mass separator or low resolution mass analyzer.
US08519322B2 Method for adapting a pulse frequency mode of a proximity sensor
There is described portable electronic devices having one or more proximity sensors with adaptive capabilities that can help reduce power consumption. The proximity sensors of the portable electronic device in accordance with the present invention may be adjusted to operate in multiple and/or different modes. These modes are environmentally and contextually driven. An adaptive sensor is dynamically adjusted based on different criteria. In particular, adjustments are based on correlations of input signals from one or more sensors of the device, data signals received from the device's processor and/or external data signals received from an external source, which provide characterization values of environmental, contextual and/or ambient light characteristics. Adjustments are made to pulse power to affect the range of the sensor, pulse frequency, filtering of noise of the sensor input signal to attenuate interference and the spectrum of a proximity detector.
US08519320B2 Optical sensor circuit or array including optical sensor element having a light dependent variable resistance element
Each optical sensor element includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a light dependent variable resistance element formed of amorphous silicon. Each optical sensor pixel includes: a capacitive element between the lower electrode and a reference voltage line; a first transistor inputting a first power source voltage to a second electrode, connecting a first electrode to the lower electrode, and inputting a second clock to a control electrode; a second transistor inputting a second power source voltage to a second electrode, and connecting a control electrode to the lower electrode; and a third transistor connecting a second electrode to a first electrode of the second transistor, connecting a first electrode to the output line, and inputting a first clock to a control electrode.
US08519317B2 Photosensor, manufacturing method thereof, and liquid crystal display including a photosensor
A photosensor includes a substrate, a gate line, and a data line disposed on the substrate. A thin film transistor is connected to the gate line and the data line. A first photo-sensing member is disposed on the substrate, and a first electrode is connected to the thin film transistor and the first photo-sensing member. A second photo-sensing member is disposed on the first photo-sensing member, and a second electrode is connected to the first electrode and the second photo-sensing member.
US08519315B2 Mirror structure having a fourier lens disposed between a reflective surface and an integrated optical sensor
A mirror structure is provided in which at least a portion of a wavefront sensor is integrated with a mirror. In particular, a mirror structure is provided in which a Hartmann mask or a microlens array of a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor is integrated with a mirror to provide a very compact wavefront detector/corrector in a single device. Such a mirror structure may be used with a tip-tilt stage in a laser cavity to provide much simplified adaptive optics in the cavity. Furthermore, a Hartmann Mask may be integrated with self deforming mirror comprising an active PZT layer bonded to a passive mirror substrate, wherein the Hartmann Mask comprises an array of apertures formed through the active PZT layer.
US08519314B1 Focus assist through intensity control of light source
The power input to the light source of a microscope is varied as necessary to maintain a constant degree of detector saturation as the objective is moved toward a best-focus position. Focus is found by tracking the source's intensity necessary to maintain the detector irradiance at a constant level. The in-focus position is reached when the power input (and correspondingly the intensity of the light emitted by the source) reaches a minimum. The concept can be applied in a similar manner to minimize or eliminate tilt in a sample.
US08519305B2 Polymer heating element
A polymer heating element includes an electrically insulating base substrate, at least a pair of electrodes made of a plurality of thin metal wires formed on the electrically insulating base substrate, a polymer resistor which is not in direct contact with the pair of electrodes and which has PTC characteristics, and conductive layers which are in contact with both the electrodes and the polymer resistor. The conductive layers include at least a resin component, a conductor component and an additive component.
US08519304B2 Implementing selective rework for chip stacks and silicon carrier assemblies
A method, apparatus, and structure are provided for implementing selective rework for chip stacks. A backside metal layer to create resistive heating is added to a chip backside in a chip stack. A rework tool applies a predefined current to the backside metal layer to reflow solder connections and enables separating selected chips in the chip stack.
US08519300B2 Method of laser welding a hub to a catheter shaft
A method of attaching a hub such as a breakaway hub to a catheter shaft includes inserting the catheter shaft into a strain relief component of the hub having one or more bosses extending radially away from the strain relief component of the hub. One or more polymeric sleeves are disposed over the strain relief component and are heat shrunk into place, followed by a laser welding process.
US08519299B2 Laser processing machines and methods of processing workpieces
A laser processing machine for processing workpieces, in particular metal sheets, includes a workpiece support and a beam receiver for the laser beam used as a processing tool. The distance between a workpiece lying on the workpiece support and the beam receiver is variable, owing to the fact that the workpiece support and the beam receiver are positionable relative to one another along the beam axis of the laser beam by means of an adjusting drive of an adjusting device with a positioning movement of a variably definable magnitude. A method for processing workpieces, in particular metal sheets, is also provided.
US08519297B2 Apparatus for removal of specific seed tissue or structure for seed analysis
An apparatus for reducing resources for selecting seed to be produced in commercial quantities or for research is disclosed. Samples of seed which are candidates for selection are collected and given an identifier. Specific tissue or structure from candidate seed is removed. A test or analysis is performed on the candidate seed or the removed tissue or structure. Results of the test or analysis are recorded and correlated to the seed's identifier. The results are evaluated and a decision is made whether to select a candidate seed for commercial production or for research. Time, space, and labor associated with growing plants in an experimental plot or greenhouse and taking tissue samples from growing plants is saved.
US08519294B2 Electric discharge machining wire with optimized surface coating
The invention concerns an electrode wire comprising a metal core coated with a zinc surface cladding whereof the thickness ranges between 2 and 4 μm, thereby providing a better compromise between machining speed, precision of workpieces and surface condition of the machined workpieces.
US08519293B2 Gas-insulated power apparatus
In a gas-insulated power apparatus in which contiguous vessels 11, 12 (GIBC1, GIBC2) are coupled by way of flanges 111, 121 of respectives thereof, and power conductors 112, 122 (GIBC5) insulated from the vessels by an insulating gas 13 are included in the vessels, by squeezing the flange 111 of the vessel on one side to be coupled by a pressing member 14 screwed to the flange 121 of the vessel on other side and the flange 121 of the vessel on other side, positions of the vessel on one side and the vessel on other side coupled as described above relative to each other can be shifted in a peripheral direction of the flange, and therefore, even when a direction of leading out a gas-insulated bus or the like becomes various depending on products, various directions can be dealt with out depending only on design of respective product specifications.
US08519288B2 Keypad assembly and electronic device using the same
A keypad assembly includes a support member, a key switch, a rotation member, and a resilient member. The key switch is located on the support member and includes a triggering portion. The keycap is located opposite to the triggering portion. The rotation member is rotatably connected to the keycap. The resilient member includes first resilient hooks latching with the rotation member. The rotation member is rotated relative to the resilient member at an angle when the key switch is not triggered, such that the first resilient hook elastically deforms and provides an elastic torque to the rotation member.
US08519286B1 Waterproof operating device with one or more capacitive switches
A waterproof housing to contain and operate an electronic device with capacitive touch screen and electrically conductive outer case includes interfitting pieces configured to form a waterproof shell to removably receive and immobilize the electronic device. One or more electrical circuits extend within the shell between the outer case of the electronic device installed in the shell and one or more respective control regions of the screen. Manual actuators such as buttons are provided in openings through the shell to selectively manually complete each circuit from outside the housing.
US08519285B2 One body-type power transfer switch
Provided is a one body-type power transfer switch, in which a disconnecting portion is integrally formed to reduce errors arisen due to accumulated assembly tolerance and simplify manufacturing processes, thereby improving operators' convenience. The one body-type power transfer switch includes a normal power terminal or an emergency power terminal, a module including a load terminal formed at a lower portion of a side of the module so as to be spaced apart from the normal power terminal or the emergency power terminal, wherein the module is formed using an injection molding method, and side walls are integrally formed to have insulating power.
US08519284B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a substrate including an active layer, a signal electrode formed on a surface of the active layer, a first driving electrode that is formed on the surface of the active layer and is connected to a ground, and a second driving electrode including a first part that is formed on the surface of the active layer and a second part that is connected to the first part and is provided above the first driving electrode. The substrate is provided with a loop-like groove that penetrates through the active layer and encompasses the first part.
US08519277B2 Surface mounted electronic component
A surface mounted electronic component is provided. The surface mounted electronic component includes a main body, a circuit element, a conductive electrode, and a virtual electrode. The circuit element is arranged in the main body. The conductive electrode is disposed on an outer surface of the main body, wherein the conductive electrode electrically is connected to the circuit element. The virtual electrode is disposed on the outer surface of the main body, wherein the virtual electrode lies near the conductive electrode. There is a distance between the virtual electrode and the conductive electrode.
US08519275B2 Electronic device
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a cable, a protrusion, and a recessed portion. The cable is routed along a surface of a wall in a housing. The protrusion protrudes on the surface of the wall, and includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that elastically hold the cable. The recessed portion is formed on the surface between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The cable is elastically held between the first protrusion and the second protrusion while at least part of the cable is fitted in the recessed portion.
US08519265B2 Power module
According to one embodiment, a power module includes a metal base, a ceramic substrate, a semiconductor chip, a nut holder housing a nut, an electrode terminal and a casing. The ceramic substrate is connected to an upper surface of the metal base via a lower electrode. The semiconductor chip is located on a first major surface of the ceramic substrate. The electrode terminal includes a bent portion surrounding a nut holder. The electrode terminal includes a first connecting portion extending perpendicularly to the bent portion from one end of the bent portion, and being located on the first major surface via an upper electrode, and electrically connected to the semiconductor chip. A casing is bonded to the metal base to enclose the semiconductor chip and the electrode terminal. An upper end portion of the bent portion of the electrode terminal is exposed to outside of the casing through the opening.
US08519264B2 Super repellant coated gasket for network protector enclosure
A super repellant coated gasket is configured for installation on an enclosure that houses at least one network protector. The coating may be hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, or oleophobic.
US08519263B2 Below ground component enclosure
A below ground component management system includes a base plate disposed below a ground surface, a sleeve connected to the base plate and extending substantially perpendicular thereto toward the ground surface, and a cover sealably connected to an upper opening of the sleeve to form a substantially fluid-tight compartment with the base plate and the sleeve. The system also includes a component rack disposed within the compartment, and an actuator assembly configured to pass at least a portion of the rack through the opening. The actuator assembly includes a bracket, and first and second cylinders connected to the bracket. The first cylinder has a piston extending toward the base plate and the second cylinder has a piston extending toward the opening.
US08519258B2 Organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices with transparent electrodes
A system comprising a plurality of organic photovoltaic cells arranged in a stack disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, and a resistive load electrically connected across the first electrode and the second electrode. Each cell comprises a rectifying junction at an interface of organic semiconductor materials. There is metal or metal substitute disposed in the stack between each of the cells. At least a first cell and a second cell of the plurality of organic photovoltaic cells have different absorption characteristics. Photocurrent from the plurality of organic photovoltaic cells energizes the resistive load.
US08519257B2 Solar array support methods and systems
Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array.
US08519255B2 Thermoelectric material and method of manufacturing the material
The present invention provides a thermoelectric material and a method of manufacturing it. The thermoelectric material contains a half-Heusler compound including a composition represented by: (Ti1−aAa)1+x(Ni1−bBb)1+y(Sn1−cCc) where 0≦a<0.1, 0≦b<0.1 and 0≦c<0.1; −0.1≦x≦0.2 and 0
US08519250B2 Controlling and enhancing electronic musical instruments with video
The invention provides for the integration of video into electronic music technology. Cameras on instruments, such as guitars, are provided for display during performance, recording, and for creating control signals. Extraction of control signals from camera images, including patterns and gestures in 2D and 3D, may be included. All such outgoing control signals may be MIDI, and extraction algorithms may be selected and controlled by MIDI. A range of video signal generation, video signal processing, and camera image capture control functions relevant to the use of video in live performances may be controlled by MIDI to unify a common control infrastructure for a live performance environment.
US08519247B2 Rotatable combination guitar/bass guitar
A combination stringed musical instrument, such as a four string electric bass and a six string electric guitar, is described. The combination stringed musical instrument includes a single neck portion with opposed fret boards formed or disposed on either side or major face of the neck portion. Accessibility to either stringed musical instrument may be accomplished by neck portion rotation, relative to the body portion, facilitated by an ergonomically placed and designed handle assembly. User initiated neck portion rotation may be facilitated by an internal shaft and bearing set, interconnecting the neck portion and the body portion. Manipulation of the handle may cause a positive neck portion position placement and neck portion fixation via retention hardware. The combined instrument presents a conventional-appearing electric guitar/bass guitar.
US08519237B1 Inbred corn line NPIJ7516
Basically, this invention provides for an inbred corn line designated NPIJ7516, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPIJ7516, with plants of another corn plant. The invention relates to the various parts of inbred NPIJ7516, including culturable cells. This invention also relates to methods for introducing transgenic transgenes into inbred corn line NPIJ7516, and plants produced by said methods.
US08519235B1 Soybean variety XB34AW11
A novel soybean variety, designated XB34AW11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB34AW11, cells from soybean variety XB34AW11, plants of soybean XB34AW11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB34AW11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB34AW11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB34AW11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB34AW11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB34AW11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB34AW11 are further provided.
US08519231B2 Soybean variety XB07A11
A novel soybean variety, designated XB07A11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB07A11, cells from soybean variety XB07A11, plants of soybean XB07A11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB07A11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB07A11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB07A11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB07A11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB07A11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB07A11 are further provided.
US08519228B2 Canola cultivar G152950H
The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G152950H. Also included are seeds of canola G152950H, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G152950H and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G152950H with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G152950H.
US08519227B2 Ultra-fast transformation technique for monocotyledons
There is provided an Agrobacterium transformation method for monocotyledons, comprising a step of infecting an intact seed.
US08519214B2 Production of exogenous proteins in egg whites of transgenic chickens
This invention provides for proteins which are expressed in the avian oviduct, packaged into eggs laid by the avian, then isolated.
US08519213B2 Stabilized absorbent composite
An absorbent article includes a liquid pervious liner, a liquid impervious back sheet, and an absorbent composite located between the liner and the back sheet. The absorbent composite includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a unitary absorbent core. The unitary absorbent core has a plurality of holes there through, wherein each hole has an area less than 200 mm2. The unitary absorbent core has a uniform density and is positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet. The first sheet is directly joined with the second sheet at a plurality of bond points. The bond points are located within the holes and are substantially devoid of absorbent material.
US08519207B2 Use of a mixture of an ordered intermetallic compound and an inert material as a catalyst and corresponding hydrogenation processes
The present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation, in particular selective hydrogenation of at least one unsaturated hydrocarbon compound comprising reacting the at least one unsaturated hydrocarbon compound with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst comprises a mixture of an ordered intermetallic compound and an inert material. According to another aspect, the present invention is concerned with the use of a mixture of at least one ordered intermetallic compound and at least one inert material, as a catalyst. The mixtures for use as a catalyst in the present invention can be prepared easily and achieve a superior activity in relation to the prior art, while preserving the high selectivity to the target compounds, e.g. in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene.
US08519203B2 Low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and methods for producing the same
Low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and methods for producing them from carbonaceous biomass feedstock are provided. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock is pyrolyzed in the presence of a catalyst comprising base metal-based catalysts, noble metal-based catalysts, treated zeolitic catalysts, or combinations thereof to produce pyrolysis gases. During pyrolysis, the catalyst catalyzes a deoxygenation reaction whereby at least a portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis gases are converted into hydrocarbons. The oxygen is removed as carbon oxides and water. A condensable portion (the vapors) of the pyrolysis gases is condensed to low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
US08519199B2 Process for the manufacture of nitropropanes
Provided is a process for the formation of 2-nitropropane and/or 2,2-dinitropropane by the nitration of propane with dilute nitric acid.
US08519198B2 Method for making an epoxide
A mixture of compounds containing 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol, 2,3-dichloropropan-1-ol, and a halogenated ketone, where the halogenated ketone content of the mixture is at least 0.0001% by weight and less than or equal to 0.1% by weight relative to the 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol and 2,3-dichloropropan-1-ol.
US08519195B2 Process for the manufacture of alkenones
Process for preparing an alkenone, which comprises (a) reacting a carboxylic acid halide with a vinyl ether by introducing vinyl ether into a liquid reaction medium containing carboxylic acid halide to form a halogenated precursor of the alkenone and (b) eliminating hydrogen halide from said precursor to form the alkenone.
US08519194B2 Process for producing cyclohexylbenzene
In a process for producing cyclohexylbenzene, benzene and hydrogen are fed to at least one reaction zone comprising a catalyst system which comprises a molecular sieve and at least one hydrogenation metal. The MCM-22 family molecular sieve having an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom, and the hydrogenation metal is selected from the group consisting of palladium, ruthenium, nickel, zinc, tin, cobalt, and combinations of any two or more thereof. Hydroalkylation conditions of temperature and pressure are selected to produce a hydroalkylation conversion in a range of from about 15% to about 75% The benzene and hydrogen are then contacted in the at least one reaction zone under said selected hydroalkylation condition to produce an effluent containing cyclohexylbenzene.
US08519193B2 Dialkyl phenols
The present invention relates to a method for producing 4-isopropyl-3-methyl-phenol by alykylizing meta-cresol, distilling, and crystallizing.
US08519189B2 Polymers for reversing heparin-based anticoagulation
Embodiments presented herein relate to various polymers. Some of the polymer embodiments are heparin binding polymers. Some embodiments of the heparin binding polymers can be employed to bind to heparin for methods such as separating, purifying, removing, and/or isolating heparin and heparin like molecules.
US08519188B2 Compounds which can be used for the treatment of cancers
The present invention relates to a compound of general formula (I): and also to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to the isomers or isomer mixtures thereof in all proportions, in particular to an enantiomer mixture, and especially to a racemic mixture. The present invention also relates to the use of these compounds as a medicament, and in particular for the treatment of cancer, and also to the compositions containing them.
US08519185B2 Process for producing glycolic acid
Glycolic acid having a high purity is obtained by subjecting glycolic acid or a glycolic acid solution containing contaminants to double-chamber electrodialysis combined with one or more treatments selected from among treatment with an activated carbon, treatment with an ion exchange resin, concentration treatment and cooling crystallization.
US08519180B2 Systems and methods for processing glycerol
Systems and methods for processing glycerol into one or more products are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include decreasing a pH of a mixture comprising glycerol and fatty acids to produce an emulsion comprising a glycerol-rich portion and a fatty acids-rich portion. At least a portion of the glycerol-rich portion can be reacted with an acid comprising phosphorus at conditions sufficient to produce a reacted product comprising glycerophosphoric acid, glycerol, and a portion of the acid.
US08519178B2 Method for the purification of prostaglandins
The present invention provides a method for the purification of a prostaglandin by supercritical fluid chromatography, said method comprising the use of a stationary phase and a mobile phase comprising carbon dioxide, provided that when the stationary phase is unmodified silica gel, the prostaglandin is not luprostiol. The invention also provides prostaglandins obtainable by the method.
US08519176B1 Process for preparation of substituted P-aminophenol
The present invention is related to a process of preparing substituted p-aminophenol compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof,
US08519170B2 Compounds for preparing immunological adjuvant
The present invention provides methods for preparing TLR-4 receptor agonist E6020: and stereoisomers thereof, which compounds are useful as an immunological adjuvants when co-administered with antigens such as vaccines for bacterial and viral diseases. Also provided are synthetic intermediates.
US08519167B2 Method for the preparation of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and esters thereof
A method for the preparation of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (“FDCA”) and/or an alkyl ester of FDCA includes the step of contacting a feed comprising a starting material selected from 5-alkoxymethylfurfural, 2,5-di(alkoxymethyl)furan and a mixture thereof with an oxidant in the presence of an oxidation catalyst. The feed may also comprise 5-hydroxymethylfurfural as a further starting material.
US08519166B2 System and method for controlling growth of microorganisms with brominated furanones
A method for inhibiting the growth of a microorganism using an effective amount of one or more of the following synthetic brominated furanones: (i) 4-bromo-5Z-(bromomethylene)-3-methylfuran-2-one; (ii) 3-(dibromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iii) 3-(bromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iv) 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-5Z-(bromomethylene)furan-2-one; or (v) 4-bromo-5-(dibromomethyl)-3-methylfuran-2(5H)-one. The brominated furanones inhibit the growth of both fungi and bacteria, including the fungal species Candida albicans, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Chaetomium globosum, and Trametes versicolor and the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The brominated furanones can be used topically or internally to treat human infections, and can be used to treat other objects, such as wood building supplies, to prevent fungal rot.
US08519165B2 Process for preparing benzofurans
There is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X and Y are as described in the description. Such compounds may, for example, be useful intermediates in the synthesis of drugs such as Dronedarone. Intermediate steps of the process comprise formulae according to (II) and (III).
US08519163B2 Anti-tumor activity of AECHL-1, novel triterpenoid isolated from Ailanthus excelsa in vitro and in vivo
A novel chemical moiety triterpenoid AECHL-1 isolated from root bark of Ailanthus excelsa having the structure:
US08519159B2 Tri-substituted 2-benzhydryl-5-benzylamino-tetrahydro-pyran-4-OL and 6-benzhydryl-4-benzylamino-tetrahydro-pyran-3-OL analogues, and novel 3,6-disubstituted pyran derivatives
3,6-disubstituted pyrans, optionally with a further substituent at the 4-position, are monoamine reuptake inhibitors with activity profiles of anti-depressants.
US08519156B2 Functionalized non-phenolic amino acids and absorbable polymers therefrom
The present invention relates to compound of formula I, which are functionalized, non-phenolic amino acids, and polymers formed from the same. Polymers formed from the functionalized amino acids are expected to have controllable degradation profiles, enabling them to release an active component over a desired time range. The polymers are also expected to be useful in a variety of medical applications.
US08519155B2 Choline and tromethamine salt of licofelone
The present invention relates to the choline and tromethamine salt of Licofelone.
US08519154B2 Method for treatment of bronchial asthma
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprising administering to the patient suffering from asthma and COPD an effective dose of carbazole derivatives or salt thereof, optionally along with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.Structural formula of the compounds of general formula 1 useful as phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) enzyme inhibitors, inhibitor for signalling molecule for the treatment of asthma and asthma related diseases is given below: wherein R1=H or OCH3; R2═CH3 or CHO; R3═H or OCH3; R4═H or OCH3 Herbal route for the isolation of compound of general formula 1 from the bark of plant Murraya Koenigii and chemical route for the preparation of such compounds from basic compounds such as vanillin is also reported.
US08519150B2 π-electron conjugated compound, manufacturing method therefor, and π-electron conjugated polymer obtained using same
Provided are a π-electron conjugated polymer having a constitutional unit represented by general formula (2) that is suitable as an electrochromic material that changes from a desired colored state to a decolored state, a new compound that is a raw material of the polymer, and a method for producing the polymer: wherein each X independently represents one selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, —NH—, and —NR1— (wherein R1 is an optionally substituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms); each Y independently represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; each Z independently represents one selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and optionally substituted organic groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and W is one selected from the group consisting of an ethynylene group, an optionally substituted ethenylene group, optionally substituted arylene groups, and optionally substituted divalent heteroaromatic ring groups; and n is an integer of 2 or greater.
US08519148B2 Synthesis of chirally purified substituted benzothiazole diamines
Methods for preparing chirally purified substituted 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-benzothiazole diamines such as, for example, (6R)2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-6-(propylamino)benzothiazole and purifying a dominant enantiomer of substituted 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-benzothiazole diamines from entantiomerically enriched mixtures of substituted 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-benzothiazole diamines are provided herein.
US08519146B2 Metal complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes as antibiotics
A method for inhibiting microbial growth comprises administering an effective amount of a silver complex of a N-heterocyclic amine. A method for treating cancer cells or a method for imaging one or more tissues of a patient includes administering an effective amount of a complex of a N-heterocyclic amine and a radioactive metal. A method for treating urinary tract infections utilizing silver complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes. N-heterocyclic carbenes of the present invention may be represented by the formula wherein Z is a heterocyclic group, and R1 and R2 are, independently or in combination, hydrogen or a C1-C12 organic group selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heterocyclic, and alkoxy groups and substituted derivatives thereof.
US08519141B2 Biological buffers with wide buffering ranges
Amines and amine derivatives that improve the buffering range, and/or reduce the chelation and other negative interactions of the buffer and the system to be buffered. The reaction of amines or polyamines with various molecules to form polyamines with differing pKa's will extend the buffering range, derivatives that result in polyamines that have the same pKa yields a greater buffering capacity. Derivatives that result in zwitterionic buffers improve yield by allowing a greater range of stability.
US08519139B2 Indazolamides with analgesic activity
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (II)
US08519137B2 Heteroaryl amides useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US08519133B2 Preparation of 6-alpha-amino N-substituted morphinans by catalytic hydrogen transfer
The present invention provides processes for the stereoselective synthesis of 6-alpha-amino N-substituted morphinans. In particular, the invention provides processes for the reductive amination of 6-keto N-substituted morphinans by catalytic hydrogen transfer.
US08519132B2 Mild and selective vanadium-catalyzed oxidation of benzylic, allylic, and propargylic alcohols using air
The invention concerns processes for oxidizing an alcohol to produce a carbonyl compound. The processes comprise contacting the alcohol with (i) a gaseous mixture comprising oxygen; and (ii) an amine compound in the presence of a catalyst, having the formula: where each of R1-R12 are independently H, alkyl, aryl, CF3, halogen, OR13, SO3R14, C(O)R15, CONR16R17 or CO2R18; each of R13-R18 is independently alkyl or aryl; and Z is alkl or aryl.
US08519129B2 Pyrimidine derivatives as kinase inhibitors
The invention provides novel pyrimidine derivatives of formula I and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for using such compounds. For example, the pyrimidine derivatives of the invention may be used to treat, ameliorate or prevent a condition which responds to inhibition of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-IR) or analplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).
US08519128B2 Pyripyropene derivatives having an ACAT2-inhibiting activity
The present invention is a compound having the general formula (I), (II), or (III) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, solvate, or hydrate thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition containing such a compound, or its pharmacologically acceptable ester, or other pharmacologically acceptable derivative thereof as an active ingredient. The compound has an excellent ACAT 2-inhibiting activity by a mechanism different from that of a statin drug and is useful as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for obesity, adiposis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, disorder of lipid metabolism, and arteriosclerosis, as well as obesity-derived hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, disorder of lipid metabolism, arteriosclerosis, and hypertension.
US08519123B2 Pyrrolo[2,1-C][1,4]benzodiazepine linked imidazo[1,5-A]pyridine conjugates as potential antitumour agents and process for the preparation thereof
The present invention provides a compound of general formula 7, useful as potential antitumour agents against five human cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine linked imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine conjugates attached through a piperazine moiety and different alkane spacers of general formula 7 wherein R represents H, OCH3, CF3, CN, F or Cl; n=3, 4, 5 or 6.
US08519122B2 Compositions and methods for modification of biomolecules
Provided are modified cycloalkyne compounds; and methods of use of such compounds in modifying biomolecules. Embodiments include a cycloaddition reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. The cycloaddition reaction involves reacting a modified cycloalkyne with an azide moiety on a target biomolecule, generating a covalently modified biomolecule. The selectivity of the reaction and its compatibility with aqueous environments provide for its application in vivo and in vitro.
US08519119B2 Methods of purifying a nucleic acid and formulation and kit for use in performing such methods
A formulation containing guanidine thiocyanate or guanidine hydrochloride together with acetamide, one or more acetamide derivatives, or a combination of acetamide and one or more acetamide derivatives is provided with methods to use the formulation to purify one or more nucleic acids contained in a medium.
US08519117B2 Materials and methods for detection of nucleic acids
Assays using non-natural bases are described. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a polymerase and first and second primers; amplifying the target nucleic acid by PCR using the first and second primers to generate an amplification product having a double-stranded region and a single-stranded region that comprises the non-natural base; contacting the sample with a reporter comprising a label and a non-natural base that is complementary to the non-natural base of the single-stranded region; annealing at least a portion of the reporter to the single-stranded region of the amplification product; and correlating a signal of the label with the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. The invention also provides corresponding kits for use in detecting target nucleic acids in a sample.
US08519116B2 Method for predicting a clinical response of a patient suffering from or at risk of developing cancer towards a given mode of treatment
The present invention relates to a method for predicting a clinical response of a patient suffering from or at risk of developing cancer, preferably colorectal cancer, towards a given mode of treatment, the method including the steps of: a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient; b) determining the expression level of at least SPON-2, and optionally determining the expression level of SPON-1, in the sample; c) comparing the expression level or expression levels determined in (b) with one or several reference expression levels; and d) predicting therapeutic success for the given mode of treatment in the patient or implementing therapeutic regimen in the patient from the outcome of the comparison in step (c).
US08519112B2 Humanized antibodies against monocyte chemotactic proteins
The invention provides humanized antibodies that bind to a plurality of β-chemokines, particularly monocyte chemotactic proteins MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3. The invention also provides therapeutic reagents and methods of treating disorders associated with detrimental MCP activity.
US08519107B2 IL-17A antibodies
Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) antibody antagonists, polynucleotides encoding IL-17A antibody antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed.
US08519103B2 Factor VII polypeptides that are modified and uses thereof
Modified factor VII polypeptides and uses thereof are provided. Such modified FVII polypeptides include Factor VIIa and other forms of Factor VII. Among modified FVII polypeptides provided are those that have altered activities, typically altered procoagulant activity, including increased procoagulant activities. Hence, such modified polypeptides are therapeutics.
US08519099B2 Methods for production of proteins
The current invention provides methods for producing a polypeptide as inclusion bodies in bacterial host cells. The present methods are carried out by forming a gene construct comprising the genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide operatively linked to that of an inclusion partner protein, such as E. coli thioredoxin or a modified E. coli thioredoxin, such that host cells comprising the gene construct produce the polypeptide as intracellular inclusion bodies. The methods of the present invention facilitate the rapid isolation and purification of recombinant proteins. In addition, the present methods may be useful for producing polypeptides or proteins which are small and are typically difficult to express, as well as those proteins that are toxic to host cells such as E. coli. The present invention also provides plasmids, vectors and host cells to be used in the present invention for production of polypeptides, and methods of production of polypeptides using these vectors and host cells. The invention further provides methods for producing protein molecular weight ladders for use in protein gel electrophoresis, as well as proteins and protein molecular weight ladders produced by these methods.
US08519098B2 Composition of a polypeptide and an amphiphilic compound in an ionic complex and the use thereof
An ionic complex precipitate comprising a hedgehog protein and deoxycholate whereby the forming of the complex does not enhance the solubility of said protein, is suitable for increasing the activity of the protein and/or for the delayed release of the protein.
US08519097B2 Molecules for targeting compounds to various selected organs or tissues
The invention provides conjugates, comprising an organ, tissue or tumor cell homing molecule linked to a moiety. Such a moiety can be, for example, an oligonucleotide, small interfering RNA, gene, virus, protein, pharmaceutical or detectable agent. In addition the invention provides methods to diagnose or treat a pathology of the muscle or heart, by administrating to a subject having or suspected of having a pathology a molecule or conjugate that homes to, binds to and is taken up by the muscle cells or heart cells.
US08519094B2 Polymer stream transfer
Process for heating a polymer-containing stream being transferred from a polymerization reactor to a separation zone or device, by passing the stream through at least two heaters operating in parallel, each heater having at least one transfer line for the stream and a heater for heating the transfer line. The average particle of the polymer is below 3 mm, the temperature of the polymer-containing stream at the outlet of all heaters is maintained above the dew point of the stream, and no heater has a volumetric flowrate of polymer-containing stream more than three times that of any other heater.
US08519093B2 Process and a device for the continuous treatment of mixed substances
A process for the continuous thermal treatment of mixed substances, especially of solutions, suspensions and emulsions, wherein the continuous treatment of the mixed substances is divided into a main vaporization and a degassing stage, in which instance the main vaporization and the degassing take place in each case takes place in a separate mixer-kneader.
US08519087B2 Benzobis(thiadiazole)-based alternating copolymer and preparation thereof
Disclosed are a benzobis(thiadiazole)-based alternating copolymer, a method for preparing the same, and an organic electronic device including the same.The present disclosure provides a benzobis(thiadiazole)-based alternating copolymer represented by the chemical formula 1: wherein R1, R2 or R3 is hydrogen or C1-C20 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, X is S, O, NR4, PR5, or HC═CH, wherein R4 or R5 is C1-C20 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, Y is C, Si or N (in this case only one of R2 and R3 exists), and m is an integer from 1 to 3.
US08519086B2 Degradable thiol-ene polymers
A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.
US08519083B2 Process for producing MEK-modified resorcin/formalin resin parallelly carrying out recovery and reuse of specified raw material
The present invention relates to a process for producing an MEK-modified resorcinol-formalin resin, in which recovery and reuse of the specific raw materials (water, calcium chloride, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)), and methanol contained in formalin, are carried out in parallel. Using this closed-system recycle production method, a resorcinol-formalin resin aqueous solution can be obtained, wherein the resin aqueous solution has a reaction product concentration of from 30 to 80%, moderate flowability with a pH of 6 to 10, a calcium chloride concentration of 100 ppm or less, a peak area corresponding to a resorcinol monomer of from 3 to 9% to the entire peak area obtained by gel permeation chromatography analysis, and a peak area corresponding to resorcinol pentanuclear or higher nuclear bodies of from 30 to 55% to the entire peak.
US08519072B2 Aqueous polymerization of fluorinated monomer using polymerization agent comprising fluoropolyether acid or salt and short chain fluorosurfactant
A process comprising polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in an aqueous medium containing initiator and polymerization agent to form an aqueous dispersion of particles of fluoropolymer, the polymerization agent comprising: fluoropolyether acid or salt thereof having a number average molecular weight of at least about 800 g/mol; and fluorosurfactant having the formula: [R1—On-L-A−]Y+ wherein: R1 is a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group which may contain ether linkages; n is 0 or 1; L is a linear or branched alkylene group which may be nonfluorinated, partially fluorinated or fully fluorinated and which may contain ether linkages; A− is an anionic group selected from the group consisting of carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfonamide anion, and phosphonate; and Y+ is hydrogen, ammonium or alkali metal cation; with the proviso that the chain length of R1—On-L- is not greater than 6 atoms.
US08519065B2 Epoxy compound, curable composition, and cured product thereof
A problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a novel epoxy resin exhibiting excellent performance with respect to heat resistance and low thermal expansibility of a cured product, a curable composition using the same, and a cured product having excellent heat resistance and low thermal expansibility. The curable composition contains an epoxy compound and a curing agent as essential components, a calixarene-type novel epoxy compound being used as the epoxy compound. The novel epoxy compound has a resin structure represented by structural formula 1 below (in the formula, R1s each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an alkoxy group, and n is a repeat unit and an integer of 2 to 10).
US08519064B2 Encapsulated material composition
An encapsulated material composition is presented, which contains a compound of Chemical Formula I and a compound of Chemical Formula II, and has high refractive index due to the cycloalkane structure in the compound of Chemical Formula I and the compound of Chemical Formula II. Therefore, when the encapsulated material composition is applied in the light emitting diode (LCD) encapsulated structure, the light extraction efficiency of the LED encapsulated structure is effectively enhanced.
US08519063B2 Underfill composition and an optical semiconductor device
A purpose of the present invention is to provide an underfill composition for optical semiconductor devices which can provide a cured product whose moldability, adhesiveness to a gold bump, heat-resistance, and light resistance are better. The present invention is an underfill composition, comprising (A) 60 to 99 parts by weight of a branched organopolysiloxane having a weight average molecular weight of from 500 to 20000, reduced to polystyrene, and represented by the average compositional formula (1); (B) 250 to 1000 parts by weight of an inorganic filler; (C) 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of a condensation catalyst; (D) 1 to 40 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having a linear diorganopolysiloxane moiety, represented by the formula (2), provided that a total amount of component (A) and component (D) is 100 parts by weight; and (E) 0.2 to 2.0 parts by weight of silane coupling agent.
US08519060B2 Amphiphilic graft polymers based on polyalkylene oxides and vinyl esters
Amphiphilic graft polymers based on water-soluble polyalkylene oxides (A) as a graft base and side chains formed by polymerization of a vinyl ester component (B), said polymers having an average of ≦1 graft site per 50 alkylene oxide units and mean molar masses Mw of from 3000 to 100 000.
US08519059B2 Vulcanizable halogenated elastomer compositions
The invention provides articles obtained from curing a composition consisting of a polymercapto crosslinking agent, a vulcanization accelerator, an inorganic base, a nitrogen containing chelating agent, wherein the nitrogen containing chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2-bipyridyl, and polyethylenimine; and a halogenated elastomer; wherein said nitrogen containing chelating agent is soluble in said halogenated elastomer.
US08519058B2 Crosslinked polymers containing biomass derived materials
Novel, crosslinked polymers using biomass derived materials, such as aldaric acids and derivatives, are provided. The polymers can be used as hydrogels and in antimicrobial compositions.
US08519053B2 PVC/polyester binder for flooring
A flooring product is provided which has at least one layer including a polymeric binder comprising homo-polymer PVC resin and thermoplastic, high molecular weight polyester resin or highly viscous polyester resin. The polyester resin comprises renewable components, and can be amorphous or crystalline in nature. A flooring product is described that comprises a renewable or recycle content that classifies the product for points under the LEED system for commercial products.
US08519046B2 Polyolefin resin dispersion composition and process for producing the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a polyolefin resin dispersion composition in which the dispersed resin is stable to water or a hydrophilic substance, and which has an adhesive property to nonpolar substrates, in particular poorly adhesive polyolefin-based substrates whose surface has not been treated, is excellent in a coating property, exhibits an excellent adhesive property through drying and press bonding with heat at a temperature in a wide range regardless of whether the temperature is low or high, is excellent in water resistance and gasohol resistance and is less tacky. That is, the present invention provides the dispersed resin composition containing (a) a polyolefin resin, (b) a (meth)acrylic acid homopolymer or copolymer having a side chain comprising an esterified alkyl group, (c) a basic substance and (d) water or a hydrophilic substance, and a process for producing the same.
US08519043B2 Polymer dispersions
The present invention relates to coating compositions which comprise dispersions of polymers obtained by a two-stage procedure, to processes for preparing them, and to their use.
US08519040B2 Ionic organic compound, production method thereof, hydrogelling agent composed of the ionic organic compound, hydrogel containing same, methanol gelling agent, methanol gel containing same, and carbon nanotube dispersant
Disclosed are a novel ionic organic compound and a method for producing the ionic organic compound by a simple process. Also disclosed are a hydrogelling agent composed of an ionic organic compound obtained by the method, an alcohol gelling agent, a gel which uses the gelling agent, while using water or methanol as a medium, and a carbon nanotube dispersant composed of the compound. Specifically disclosed is an ionic organic compound represented by general formula (1). The compound is obtained by a condensation reaction of (A) an aromatic diamide compound or cyclohexane diamide compound having a 4-(chloromethyl)benzamide group at both ends, and (B) a compound selected from N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylalkylenediamines which may have a substituent wherein there are 1-6 carbon atoms between nitrogen atoms. The thus-obtained ionic organic compound serves as a gelling agent which is capable of gelling a neutral aqueous solution or an alcohol. The solvent solubility can be changed by substituting the anion of the thus-obtained ionic compound with another anion by anion-exchange. (In the formula, A represents a linking moiety having one or more optionally substituted aromatic rings or a linking moiety composed of a cyclohexane ring; B represents a cationic functional group having a quaternized nitrogen atom, which is selected from N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylalkylenediamines which may have a substituent wherein there are 1-6 carbon atoms between nitrogen atoms; X represents a monovalent anion; and n represents an integer of 1-800.)
US08519038B2 Aldimines and compositions comprising aldimine
Aldimino containing compounds obtained from a reaction of aldimines of formula (I) with a compound that bears at least one reactive group that can enter into addition reactions with an HX group of an aldimine of formula I. The compounds containing aldimine groups can be used primarily in adhesive and sealant materials, but also in coatings, and can be produced easily from readily available source materials, and have good thermal stability. The tertiary amino group thereof has a surprisingly low alkalinity and can in some cases have a catalytic effect in chemical reaction systems.
US08519034B2 Polyethylene composition for water pipes with improved chlorine resistance
The present invention is directed to the use of compound (A) and compound (B) in a polyethylene composition for increasing the lifetime of a pipe made of said polyethylene composition which is in permanent contact with chlorinated water, wherein compound (A) has the following formula (I): wherein—R6, R7 and R8 independently are non-substituted or substituted aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl radicals which may comprise OH-groups, X1, X2, and X3 independently are H or OH, with the proviso that at least one of X1, X2, and X3 is OH, and the entire molecule does not comprise an ester group; wherein compound (B) has the following formula (II): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently are H, or non-substituted or substituted aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl radicals which may comprise heteroatoms, and wherein the base resin of said polyethylene composition consists of a polyethylene homo- or copolymer.
US08519032B2 Crushed stone surface texture composition and process for applying the same
A crushed stone surface texture composition includes by weight approximately 45-65% crushed stones, 5-25% stone dust and 15-35% resin. The resin includes by weight approximately 40-60% industrial grade adhesive and also 40-60% industrial grade thickening agent, water and ammonia. The crushed stones may vary in size from 0.0625 inch diameter to 0.09375 inch diameter. The crushed stones and the stone dust may include marble or granite. The industrial grade adhesive includes a vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion stabilized with anionic surfactants. The industrial grade thickening agent comprises hydroxyethyl cellulose. Exemplary embodiments may also include 0.1-15% fire proofing material which may include alumina trihydrate. Stone dust fills the voids and pores resulting in a smoother finished product that retains it aesthetic look and color over time while remaining easy to clean.
US08519031B2 Protein-containing emulsions and adhesives, and manufacture and use thereof
This invention provides emulsions and adhesives comprising proteins that can be isolated from a variety of sources including renewable plant biomass, and methods of making and using such emulsions and adhesives.
US08519030B2 Copolymer comprising polyether side chains and hydroxyalkyl and acid structural units
The invention relates to a copolymer which is suitable as a superplasticizer for hydraulic binders and comprises 5 to 55 mol % of an isoprenol polyether derivative structural unit, 2 to 90 mol % of an acrylic acid derivative structural unit and 2 to 90 mol % of a hydroxyalkyl acrylate structural unit.
US08519019B2 Dental composition based on a colloidal silica solution in a continuous silicon phase
The invention relates to dental compositions which can be used to produce dental prostheses and for dental restoration. The inventive compositions comprise: (1) a concentrated silica solution comprising colloidal amorphous silica particles in at least one continuous silicon phase, consisting of polymerisable and/or crosslinkable silicon polymer and/or oligomer; (2) at least one photosensitiser; and (3) a cationic initiator which is selected from among those comprising a cationic entity selected from onium salts having formula (1): [(R1)n-A-(R2)m]+
US08519017B2 Resin composition containing catalyst precursor for electroless plating in forming electro-magnetic shielding layer, method of forming metallic pattern using the same, and metallic pattern formed by the same method
A catalyst precursor resin composition includes an organic polymer resin; a fluorinated-organic complex of silver ion; a monomer having multifunctional ethylene-unsaturated bonds; a photoinitiator; and an organic solvent. The metallic pattern is formed by forming catalyst pattern on a base using the catalyst precursor resin composition reducing the formed catalyst pattern, and electroless plating the reduced catalyst pattern. In the case of forming metallic pattern using the catalyst precursor resin composition, a compatibility of catalyst is good enough not to make precipitation, chemical resistance and adhesive force of the formed catalyst layer are good, catalyst loss is reduced during wet process such as development or plating process, depositing speed is improved, and thus a metallic pattern having good homogeneous and micro pattern property may be formed after electroless plating.
US08519011B2 Process of synthesis gas conversion to liquid hydrocarbon mixtures using alternating layers of synthesis gas conversion catalyst, hydrocracking and hydroisomerization catalyst
Disclosed is a process for converting synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbon mixtures useful in the production of fuels and petrochemicals. The synthesis gas is contacted with at least two layers of synthesis gas conversion catalyst wherein each synthesis gas conversion catalyst layer is followed by a layer of hydrocracking catalyst and hydroisomerization catalyst or separate layers of hydrocracking and hydroisomerization catalysts. The process can occur within a single reactor, at an essentially common reactor temperature and an essentially common reactor pressure. The process provides a high yield of naphtha range liquid hydrocarbons and a low yield of wax.
US08519009B2 Treated biodiesel glycerin
Disclosed are compositions that include treated biodiesel glycerin. The disclosed compositions may be utilized as soil-amendments for controlling pests, weeds and for enhancing growth of plants. The biodiesel glycerin utilized in the disclosed compositions may be treated by one or more steps including neutralization, heating, refluxing, condensing, and distilling.
US08519008B2 Method and composition for improving the health of young monogastric mammals
A method of improving the health of a first group of young monogastric mammals, the first group of young monogastric mammals nursing from a first lactating monogastric mammal during a pre-weaning period, the method including feeding the first lactating monogastric mammal an effective amount of an animal feed during the pre-weaning period, and feeding the first lactating monogastric mammal an effective amount of sugar alcohol during the pre-weaning period.
US08519004B2 Dosing regimes for trans-clomiphene
The present invention relates to the use of compositions comprising trans-clomiphene for treating men with hypogonadism. The invention is also directed to methods for treating males with hypogonadism and disorders related thereto, including reduction of muscle mass. limitation of body performance capacity, reduction of bone density, reduction of libido, reduction of potency, reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia and infertility.
US08519001B2 4-(p-quinonyl)-2-hydroxybutanamide derivatives for treatment of mitochondrial diseases
Methods of treating or suppressing mitochondrial diseases, such as Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactacidosis, and stroke (MELAS), Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS), are disclosed, as well as compounds useful in the methods of the invention, such as 4-(p-quinolyl)-2-hydroxybutanamide derivatives. Methods and compounds useful in treating other disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and pervasive developmental disorders such as autism are also disclosed. Energy biomarkers useful in assessing the metabolic state of a subject and the efficacy of treatment are also disclosed. Methods of modulating, normalizing, or enhancing energy biomarkers, as well as compounds useful for such methods, are also disclosed.
US08518996B2 Aqueous intraocular penetration-promoting eye drop
An aqueous eye drop comprising 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt or a hydrate thereof and an organic amine (for example, aminoethylsulfonic acid or trometamol) or a salt thereof is useful as an eye drop for once a day administration for treating inflammatory diseases of the external segment or the anterior segment of the eyes, since such aqueous eye drop can maintain a therapeutically effective concentration of 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid in anterior aqueous humor for at least 24 hours by once a day administration.
US08518994B2 Arginine derivative and cosmetic containing the same
An object of the invention is to provide a novel arginine derivative and a cosmetic satisfactory in compatibility with the skin and hair, excellent in skin softening effect and skin-conditioning effect, and satisfactory in use feeling with little sticky feeling and tense feeling.Such present invention relates to an arginine derivative represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched monohydroxyalkyl group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms and at least one of R1 and R2 represents a linear or branched monohydroxyalkyl group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an ammonium, or an organic ammonium, and a cosmetic containing the same mixed therein.
US08518992B2 Method of synthesis and purification of N-6-trimethyl-L-lysine and derivative compounds
The invention provides a method of synthesis of N-6-trimethyl-L-lysine (TML) derivative compounds for potential treatment of disorders resulting from deficiencies in the TML-carnitine pathway. The invention also provides a method of purification of TML and TML derivative compounds. The treatment of conditions of the diseases late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) with TML were shown in the original parent application.
US08518990B2 Cancer treatment
A method for treating, preventing or ameliorating a hyperliferative disease and/or disorder in a mammal, comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a compound of Formula (III), a compound of Formula (IV), and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Formula (III) or Formula (IV): wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, vinyl and allyl.
US08518989B2 Prodrugs of short-chain fatty acids and treatment methods
Prodrugs made up of biologically-active short-chain fatty acids or derivatives thereof conjugated to neutral or cationic amino acids capable of intracellular transport by ATB0,+ are provided. The short-chain fatty acid or derivative thereof can be attached to the amino acid through a hydroxyl group of the amino acid to form a fatty acid ester of the amino acid, or it can be attached through the amino group of the amino acid to form a fatty-acid amide of the amino acid. Serine butyrate (O-butyryl serine) is a preferred prodrug. These prodrugs are useful for treatment of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and cancers resulting from metastases from primary colon cancer sites. Methods of delivering biologically-active short-chain fatty acids or derivatives thereof to cells in need of these molecules and methods of treating diseases using the prodrugs of this invention are also provided.
US08518986B2 Compositions containing retinoid and chromenone derivatives
The present invention relates to a composition including at least one retinoid and at least one chromenone derivative and the use thereof for the preparation of a cosmetic article to be used for the topical application to skin, hair or nails.
US08518984B2 Spiro-oxindole MDM2 antagonists
Provided herein are compounds, compositions, and methods in the field of medicinal chemistry. The compounds and compositions provided herein relate to spiro-oxindoles which function as antagonists of the interaction between p53 and MDM2, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US08518974B2 Isoxazolo-pyridine derivatives
The present invention is concerned with isoxazole-pyridine derivatives of formula I wherein X, R1 to R6 are as described herein. The compounds are active on the GABA A α5 receptor binding site and useful for the treatment of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
US08518970B2 Compounds and methods of use
In one aspect, the present invention provides for a compound of Formula I in which in Formula I, the variables X1, X2a, X2b, X2c, R1, B, L, E, A and the subscript n are as defined herein. In another aspect, the present invention provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula I as well as methods for using compounds of Formula I for the treatment of diseases and conditions (e.g., cancer, thrombocythemia, etc) characterized by the expression or over-expression of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins, e.g., of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL proteins.
US08518965B2 Compositions and methods for treating cancer
The present invention embraces bis-acridine and bis-quinoline intercalators having a bis(4-aminophenyl)ether tether, and diglycolate salts thereof, for selectively decreasing colon cancer and glial cell proliferation and preventing or treating colon cancers and gliomas.
US08518963B2 Therapeutic polymeric nanoparticle compositions with high glass transition temperature or high molecular weight copolymers
The present disclosure relates in part to pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles having certain glass transition temperatures. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.
US08518962B2 Use of opioid antagonists
Embodiments of the invention provide methods of attenuating, e.g., inhibiting or reducing, cellular proliferation and migration, particularly endothelial cell proliferation and migration, including that associated with angiogenesis, as well as attenuating cancerous tumor growth and metastasis, using opioid antagonists, including, but not limited to, those that are peripherally restricted antagonists.
US08518960B2 Antiviral drugs for treatment or prevention of dengue infection
Compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating viral infections, by administering certain compounds in therapeutically effective amounts are disclosed. Methods for preparing the compounds and methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also disclosed. In particular, the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections such as caused by flavivirus is disclosed, i.e., including but not limited to, Dengue virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus.
US08518958B2 Pyrido [2,3-D] pyrimidines and their use as kinase inhibitors
The present invention provides derivatives of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one. These compounds are kinase inhibitors, including compounds that show anti-proliferative activity, including against tumor cells, and are useful in the treatment of diseases including cancer.
US08518954B2 Inhibitors of folic acid-dependent enzymes
The invention relates to compounds of the formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: wherein: Z=O or S; n=1-3; R3=—CO2R8, —C(O)SR8, —C(O)NHR8, —C(S)OR8, —C(S)SR8, —C(S)NHR8, —C(NH)SR8 or —C(NH)NHR8, wherein R8 is —H or alkyl; R4=—H, —CH2R5 or —CH2CH2R5, wherein R5 independently has one of the meanings of R3; B=—NR2—, —CH2NR2—, —CH2CH2NR2—, —CH2CHR7— or —CH2O—, wherein R2 is H or a C1-3 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, and R7 is H or a C1-3 alkyl or alkoxy group; A= wherein R1=—NH2 or —OH, and C and D are each, independently, a 5- or 6-membered, substituted or unsubstituted, aromatic or non-aromatic ring which may also contain one or more heteroatoms, and C is connected to group B in any available position.
US08518953B2 Aminopyrimidines useful as inhibitors of protein kinases
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising those compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, and disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the invention.
US08518952B2 6 substituted 2-heterocyclylamino pyrazine compounds as CHK-1 inhibitors
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their synthesis, and their use as CHK-1 inhibitors.
US08518946B2 Salts of (R)-7-[3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoyl]-3-trifluoromethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,5-a] pyrazine-1-carboxylic acid, preparation method and medical use thereof
Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of (R)-7-[3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-butyryl]-3-trifluoromethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine-1-formic acid, their preparation methods, compositions containing the said pharmaceutical salts and their use as medicaments, especially as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors are disclosed. Of the many acceptable salts, one example is the following.
US08518940B2 FP-pocket-binding effectors and methods for using the same to modulate telomerase activity
The present invention embraces compounds selected for interacting with the Fingers-Palm pocket of telomerase and use thereof for modulating the activity of telomerase and preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with telomerase.
US08518938B2 c-MET protein kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I useful in the inhibition of c-Met protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative disorders.
US08518933B2 Modulators of 5-HT receptors and methods of use thereof
The present application relates to 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7-octahydropyrazino[1,2 -a][1,4]benzodiazepine, 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7-octahydropyrazino[1,2-a][1,5]benzodiazepine, 2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,11b-octahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-d][2]benzazepine, 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7 -octahydropyrazino[1,2-a][1]benzazepine, 1,2,3,4,4a,5-hexahydro-7H-pyrazino[1,2 -a][4,1]benzoxazepine, and 2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-1H-pyrazino[2,1-d][1,5]benzoxazepine, and 5,6,7,7a,8,9,10,11-octahydropyrazino[1,2-d]pyrido[3,2-b][1,4]diazepine derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, X1, X2, X3, X4, Y1, Y2, and Y3 are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating disease conditions using such compounds and compositions, and methods for identifying such compounds.
US08518932B2 Oxime azetidine derivatives as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel oxime azetidine derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08518927B2 Chemically programmed vaccination
Provided herein is a method for chemically programmed vaccination. Methods include inducing a covalent-binding polyclonal antibody response in a subject and programming the polyclonal response with a targeting compound.
US08518925B2 Opioids for the treatment of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The present invention relates to an opioid controlled release oral dosage form comprising at least one opioid for the manufacture of a medicament to treat patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
US08518921B2 Compositions and methods for inducing bone growth and inhibiting bone loss
Compositions useful for inducing bone growth or inhibiting bone loss in an animal comprising one or more isoflavones or isoflavone metabolites and methods for inducing bone growth or inhibiting bone loss in an animal utilizing such compositions. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for post-menopause, post-andropause, gonadectomized, spayed, or neutered animals.
US08518919B2 Compositions comprising azelastine and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising azelastine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof including azelastine hydrochloride, and optionally one or more additional active agents. Preferred such compositions further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients that reduce the amount of post-nasal drip, and/or that minimize or mask the unpleasant bitter taste associated with post-nasal drip, of the compositions into the oral cavity, upon intranasal or ocular administration of the compositions. Especially effective excipients used in the compositions of the present invention are hypromellose as a viscosity modifier and sucralose as a taste-masking agent. The invention also provides methods of treating or preventing certain disorders, or symptomatic relief therefrom, by administering the compositions of the invention to a patient, e.g., for the symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis, non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, as well as other disorders.
US08518918B2 Combination of anticholinergics, β2-adrenoceptor agonists, antileukotrienes (leukotriene receptor antagonists), glucocorticoids and/or phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
The invention relates to novel combinations based on anticholinergics, β2-adrenoceptor agonists, PDE 4 Inhibitors, glucocorticoids, and leukotriene-receptor antagonists, process for their production and their use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, preferably respiratory diseases as bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) or rheumatic or autoimmune diseases.
US08518906B2 Rho kinase inhibitors for treatment of mastocytosis and acute myeloid leukemia
The disclosure is directed to methods of treating hematologic malignancies. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to methods of treating hematologic malignancies using Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors and myosin light chain-specific inhibitory RNA molecules. The disclosure is further directed to methods of identifying drug candidates for inhibiting ROCK in hematologic malignancies.
US08518898B2 Cytoprotective composition comprising hesperidin or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient
Disclosed is a cytoprotective composition comprising hesperidin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. Having the ability to protect cells from radiation-induced injuries in addition to being non-toxic to cells, hesperidin in accordance with the present invention can be used as an active cytoprotective agent.
US08518897B2 Method of treatment for cancers associated with elevated HER2 levels
Novel methods of treating proliferative disorders characterized by elevated Her-2, and the patient is then administered an effective amount of an HSP90 inhibitor.
US08518896B2 Treatment of cancers of the blood using selected glycomimetic compounds
Methods and medicaments therefor are provided for the treatment of cancers of the blood or a complication therewith in an individual. More specifically, the use of particular glycomimetics for the treatment is described. Methods and medicaments therefor are also provided without regard to cancer type for reducing in an individual the myeloablative bone marrow toxicities of chemotherapy.
US08518895B2 Method for treating hyponatremia employing an SGLT2 inhibitor and composition containing same
Methods are provided for treating hyponatremia, employing an SGLT2 inhibitor alone, or in combination with a supply of carbohydrate, and/or in combination with a diuretic agent. Additionally, compositions comprising an SGLT2 inhibitor, optionally with a supply of carbohydrate, and/or a combination of an SGLT2 inhibitor and a diuretic agent are provided in the instant invention and are provided for use in the inventive methods.
US08518894B2 Human milk peptides
The present invention provides for novel peptides derived from human milk. In aspects of the invention, the peptides are capable, individually or in combination, of evoking an antioxidative stress response, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory response and anti-pathogenic response. As such the peptides of the invention may be used in food supplements, milk substitutions, infant formula., mother's milk, parenteral nutrition solutions, cell/tissue/organ storage and perfusion solutions and pharmaceutical formulations.
US08518884B2 Methods for treating atrial or ventricular arrhythmias by administering a G-protein alpha inhibitor
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating heart conditions. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods that block G protein coupled receptor mediated signaling for treating atrial fibrillation.
US08518883B2 Method of reducing deleterious effects of ischemia by administration of a thrombopoietin receptor ligand
A therapeutic or prophylactic treatment method of ischemia, such as due to myocardial infarction, by administering thrombopoietin, alone or in combination with other drugs, to a patient suffering from or at risk of cardiac injury, such as myocardial ischemia. The thrombopoietin is administered in a concentration such that the subject's platelet count or production of platelets is not significantly affected.
US08518882B2 Methods and compositions for ameliorating or inhibiting decline in memory or intelligence or improving same
The present invention is directed to methods of ameliorating hippocampal dysfunction and improving or inhibiting decline in intelligence or cognitive or hippocampal-dependent memory of a subject and of increasing synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, neurite outgrowth, and levels of neurofilament proteins in the brain and CNS of a subject, comprising administering to the subject a uridine, an acyl derivative thereof, a uridine phosphate, uracil, or a salt thereof.
US08518879B2 Skin cream
The present invention relates to skin care compositions, including cosmeceuticals, for topical application, and more particularly, a skin cream, comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in two-dimensional culture. Also included are methods of using such compositions and kits comprising the skin cream therein.
US08518873B2 Method of inhibiting clostridium difficile by administration of oritavancin
Glycopeptide antibiotics, such as oritavancin, demonstrate significant activity against both a vegetative form of C. difficile and C. difficile spores. Methods for the treatment, prophylaxis and prevention of C. difficile infection and disease in animals, including humans, are described.
US08518870B2 Compositions and methods for cancer treatment using targeted carbon nanotubes
The present invention is a method for detecting and destroying cancer tumors. The method is based on the concept of associating a linking protein or linking peptide such as, but not limited to, annexin V or other annexins to carbon nanotubes such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to form a protein-CNT complex. Said linking protein or peptide can selectively bind to cancerous cells, especially tumor vasculature endothelial cells, rather than to healthy ones by binding to cancer-specific external receptors such as anionic phospholipids including phosphatidylserine expressed on the outer surfaces of cancer cells only. Irradiation of bound CNTs with one or more specific electromagnetic wavelengths is then used to detect and destroy those cells to which the CNTs are bound via the linking protein or peptide thereby destroying the tumor or cancer cells and preferably an immunostimulant is provided to the patient to enhance the immune response against antigens released from the tumor or cancer cells.
US08518867B2 Solid textile and/or skin care composition
The invention relates to a solid, textile or skin care composition which comprises a water-soluble carrier, a textile-softening clay and a textile or skin care compound. The invention especially relates to a solid, textile or skin care composition wherein the water-soluble carrier is particulate and is coated with a powder comprising the softening clay and the textile or skin care compound. The invention also relates to textile-softening detergents or cleaning agents which comprise the textile or skin care composition.
US08518860B2 Herbicidal suspension
A herbicidal suspension comprising (1) a sulfonylurea compound or its salt as a herbicidal component, (2) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of an alkoxylated sorbitol fatty acid ester and an alkoxylated sorbitan fatty acid ester, and (3) a water-immiscible diluent. A method for controlling undesired plants or inhibiting their growth, which comprises applying a herbicidally effective amount of the herbicidal suspension to the undesired plants or to a place where they grow.
US08518856B2 Solid-state hydrogen storage media and catalytic hydrogen recharging thereof
A solid-state hydrogen storage material and process for making the material more thoroughly rechargeable. The process entails forming a porous matrix material to contain atoms of a first element and hydrogen atoms, in which the atoms of the first element are capable of bonding with more than one hydrogen atom per atom of the first element, and the atoms of the first element are molecularly arranged within the porous matrix material so that different atoms of the first element are bonded to different numbers of hydrogen atoms at correspondingly different levels of bonding energy. At least some of the hydrogen atoms bonded to the atoms of the first element at the lowest bond energies are then removed without removing hydrogen atoms bonded at higher bond energies, after which atoms of a second element are bonded to those atoms of the first element from which hydrogen atoms were removed.
US08518854B2 Heterogeneous, composite, carbonaceous catalyst system and methods that use catalytically active gold
Heterogeneous catalyst systems, methods of making these systems, and methods of using these systems, wherein catalytically active gold is deposited onto composite support media. The composite support media is formed by providing nanoporous material on at least a portion of the surfaces of carbonaceous host material. In representative embodiments, relatively fine, nanoporous guest particles are coated or otherwise provided on surfaces of relatively coarser activated carbon particles. Catalytically active gold may be deposited onto one or both of the guest or host materials either before or after the guest and host materials are combined to from the composite host material. PVD is the preferred catalyst system of depositing gold.
US08518847B2 Aromatic alkylation catalyst
A aromatic alkylation catalyst, processes for producing the catalyst, and aromatic alkylation processes employing the catalysts are disclosed. The catalyst comprises a UZM-8 zeolite and nitrogen, and the catalyst has a nitrogen to zeolite aluminum molar ratio of at least about 0.015. In an exemplary alkylation process, the catalyst provides improved product yield.
US08518846B2 Method of producing noble metal-supported powder, noble metal-supported powder and exhaust gas purifying catalyst
In the present invention, slurry is formed by mixing noble metal-supported powder particles (3) and a binder (4) with each other in a liquid (Step S1), and the noble metal-supported powder particles (3) are dispersed by applying vibrations to the slurry (Step S2), and thereafter, the slurry is spray dried while keeping a state where the noble metal-supported powder particles (3) are dispersed (Step S3), whereby noble metal-supported powder (1) is produced. In the noble metal-supported powder (1) produced by such a method, pores through which exhaust gas flows are formed appropriately, and accordingly, exhaust gas purification performance can be enhanced.
US08518841B2 Stretchable nonwoven fabric and tape
To produce a nonwoven fabric comprising a conjugated fiber comprising a plurality of resins which are different in thermal shrinkage and form a phase separation structure. In the nonwoven fabric, the conjugated fibers are arranged in a direction approximately parallel to a surface direction of the nonwoven fabric and crimped. In addition, the conjugated fibers have an average curvature radius of fiber crimp of 20 to 200 μm and the crimps are distributed approximately uniformly in a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric is substantially free from an adhesive agent. In the nonwoven fabric, each fiber is substantially not melt-bonded to another. The conjugated fiber may comprise a polyalkylene arylate-series resin and a modified polyalkylene arylate-series resin and have a side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core form. Since the bimetal form conjugated fibers having specific crimps are appropriately entangled with each other, the nonwoven fabric has a high stretchability and is easily torn by hand, without using scissors. The nonwoven fabric is suitable for a tape such as a bandage or a supporter.
US08518838B2 Method of thermal processing structures formed on a substrate
Methods used to perform an annealing process on desired regions of a substrate are disclosed. In one embodiment, an amount of energy is delivered to the surface of the substrate to preferentially melt certain desired regions of the substrate to remove unwanted damage created from prior processing steps (e.g., crystal damage from implant processes), more evenly distribute dopants in various regions of the substrate, and/or activate various regions of the substrate. The preferential melting processes will allow more uniform distribution of the dopants in the melted region, due to the increased diffusion rate and solubility of the dopant atoms in the molten region of the substrate. The creation of a melted region thus allows: 1) the dopant atoms to redistribute more uniformly, 2) defects created in prior processing steps to be removed, and 3) regions that have hyper-abrupt dopant concentrations to be formed.
US08518834B2 Method and apparatus for forming oxide film on carbon film
A method for forming an oxide film on a carbon film includes the steps of forming a carbon film on an object to be processed; forming an object-to-be-oxidized layer on the carbon film; and forming an oxide film on the object-to-be-oxidized layer while oxidizing the object-to-be-oxidized layer.
US08518833B2 Transparent electroconductive oxide layer and photoelectric converter using the same
The present invention provides a transparent electroconductive oxide layer having a high transmittance and a high electroconductivity and further a thin-film photoelectric converter having a high photoelectric conversion efficiency by applying the transparent electroconductive oxide layer to a transparent electrode layer of a photoelectric converter. The transparent electroconductive oxide layer in the present invention is deposited on a transparent substrate with a first and a second impurities contained in the transparent electroconductive oxide layer, especially in the vicinity of a surface of the layer in a higher concentration, and carbon atoms contained in the vicinity of the surface of the layer, thereby achieving a high transmittance and a high electroconductivity simultaneously and thus solving the problem.
US08518832B1 Process for masking and removal of residue from complex shapes
A process is provided for etching a mask layer and removal of residue from a structure having an area sheltered from directional etching. The structure has a shape that forms a silhouette area obstructed from being etched by anisotropic bombardment originating from a first direction, and a mask formed over the mask layer over the structure; A first etch process removes at least a part of the mask layer and retains at least a part of mask layer in the sheltered area. A second etch process removes at least a part of the mask layer in the sheltered area by hydrogen based microwave plasma etching.
US08518830B2 Plasma etching method and storage medium
Disclosed is a plasma etching method capable of carrying out an etching process while preventing an etching shape defect such as a bowing from occurring. The plasma etching method includes etching an organic film formed on the substrate to a middle depth using an inorganic film as a mask by generating plasma between an upper electrode a surface of which is formed with a silicon containing material and a lower electrode where a substrate to be processed is placed thereon in a processing chamber; forming a protective film including the silicon containing material of the upper electrode on a side wall of an etching region formed from the etching process by applying a negative DC voltage on the upper electrode while generating the plasma; and continuing the etching process using the plasma thereby etching the organic film to a predetermined depth.
US08518824B2 Self aligning via patterning
A method for patterning self-aligned vias in a dielectric. The method includes forming a first trench partially through a hard mask, where the trench corresponds to a desired wiring path in the dielectric. The trench should be formed on a sub-lithographic scale. Then, form a second trench, also of a sub-lithographic scale, that intersects the first trench. The intersection forms a pattern extending through the depth of the hard mask, and corresponds to a via hole in the dielectric. The via hole is etched into the dielectric through the hard mask. Then the first trench is extended through the hard mask and the exposed area is etched to form the wiring path, which intersects the via hole. Conductive material is deposited to form a sub-lithographic via and wiring. This method may be used to form multiple vias of sub-lithographic proportions and with a sub-lithographic pitch.
US08518821B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
For simplifying the dual-damascene formation steps of a multilevel Cu interconnect, a formation step of an antireflective film below a photoresist film is omitted. Described specifically, an interlayer insulating film is dry etched with a photoresist film formed thereover as a mask, and interconnect trenches are formed by terminating etching at the surface of a stopper film formed in the interlayer insulating film. The stopper film is made of an SiCN film having a low optical reflectance, thereby causing it to serve as an antireflective film when the photoresist film is exposed.
US08518820B2 Methods for forming contacts in semiconductor devices
Mask sets, layout design, and methods for forming contacts in devices are described. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a plurality of contacts disposed over a substrate, the plurality of contacts being disposed as rows and columns on an orthogonal grid, each row of the plurality of contacts is spaced from an neighboring row of the plurality of contacts by a first distance, and each column of the plurality of contacts is spaced from an neighboring column of the plurality of contacts by a second distance.
US08518819B2 Semiconductor device contact structures and methods for making the same
A semiconductor contact structure and method provide contact structures that extend through a dielectric material and provide contact to multiple different subjacent materials including a silicide material and a non-silicide material such as doped silicon. The contact structures includes a lower composite layer formed using a multi-step ionized metal plasma (IMP) deposition operation. A lower IMP film is formed at a high AC bias power followed by the formation of an upper IMP film at a lower AC bias power. The composite layer may be formed of titanium. A further layer is formed as a liner over the composite layer and the liner layer may advantageously be formed using CVD and may be TiN. A conductive plug material such as tungsten or copper fills the contact openings.
US08518818B2 Reverse damascene process
The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a back-end-of-the-line metallization layer. The method is performed by forming a plurality of freestanding metal layer structures (i.e., metal layer structures not surrounded by a dielectric material) on a semiconductor substrate within an area defined by a patterned photoresist layer. A diffusion barrier layer is deposited onto the metal layer structure in a manner such that the diffusion barrier layer conforms to the top and sides of the metal layer structure. A dielectric material is formed on the surface of the substrate to fill areas between metal layer structures. The substrate is planarized to remove excess metal and dielectric material and to expose the top of the metal layer structure.
US08518816B2 Method for making electrical interconnections with carbon nanotubes
A method for making electrical interconnections of carbon nanotubes, including a) depositing an ionic liquid including nanoparticles of at least one suspended electrically conducting material, covering at least one surface of an element configured to be used as a support for carbon nanotubes, b) forming a deposit of the nanoparticles at least against the surface of the element, c) removing the remaining ionic liquid, d) growing carbon nanotubes from the deposited nanoparticles, and further including between the c) removing the remaining ionic liquid and the d) growing carbon nanotubes, passivating the deposited nanoparticles not found against the surface of the element.
US08518814B2 Methods of fabrication of high-density laser diode stacks
A method of fabricating a high-density laser diode stack is disclosed. The laser diode bars each have an emitter surface and opposing surfaces on either side of the emitter surface. Each laser diode bar has metallization layers on the opposing surfaces and a solder layer on at least one of the metallization layers. The solder layer is applied to a semiconductor wafer prior to cleaving the wafer to create the laser diode bars. The laser diode bars are arranged in a stack such that the emitter surfaces of the bars are facing the same direction. The stack of laser diode bars is placed in a vacuum chamber. An anti-reflection coating is deposited on the emitter surfaces of the laser diode bars in the chamber. The laser diode bars are joined by applying a temperature sufficient to reflow the solder layers in the chamber.
US08518810B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes; exposing a resist layer 16 uniformly formed on a semiconductor substrate 11 using a grating mask 17 having transmission regions 17A whose transmittances decrease toward a transfer direction of charges, forming a plurality of residual resist films 18 whose film thicknesses change according to the transmittances of the grating mask 17 by developing the exposed resist layer 16, and forming a plurality of impurity layers 13 having an inner potential including a predetermined reference potential Pb and a predetermined step potential Ps by implanting ions 20 into the semiconductor substrate 11 through the residual resist films 18, wherein an acceleration voltage and a dose amount of the ion implantation device 19 are determined so that an error of the inner potential caused by an error of the film thickness of the residual resist film 18 stays within a permissible range.
US08518809B2 Manufacturing method of silicon carbide single crystal
A manufacturing method of an SiC single crystal includes preparing an SiC substrate, implanting ions into a surface portion of the SiC substrate to form an ion implantation layer, activating the ions implanted into the surface portion of the SiC substrate by annealing, chemically etching the surface portion of the SiC substrate to form an etch pit that is caused by a threading screw dislocation included in the SiC substrate and performing an epitaxial growth of SiC to form an SiC growth layer on a surface of the SiC substrate including an inner wall of the etch pit in such a manner that portions of the SiC growth layer grown on the inner wall of the etch pit join with each other.
US08518803B2 Laser processing method for semiconductor wafer
A laser processing method for a semiconductor wafer including a groove forming step of applying a pulsed laser beam having an absorption wavelength to the semiconductor wafer along a division line formed on the semiconductor wafer to thereby form a laser processed groove along the division line on the semiconductor wafer, wherein the pulse width of the pulsed laser beam to be applied in the groove forming step is set to 2 ns or less, and the peak energy density per pulse of the pulsed laser beam is set less than or equal to an inflection point where the depth of the laser processed groove steeply increases with an increase in the peak energy density.
US08518800B2 Substrate dividing method
A substrate dividing method which can thin and divide a substrate while preventing chipping and cracking from occurring. This substrate dividing method comprises the steps of irradiating a semiconductor substrate 1 having a front face 3 formed with functional devices 19 with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the substrate, so as to form a modified region including a molten processed region due to multiphoton absorption within the semiconductor substrate 1, and causing the modified region including the molten processed region to form a starting point region for cutting; and grinding a rear face 21 of the semiconductor substrate 1 after the step of forming the starting point region for cutting such that the semiconductor substrate 1 attains a predetermined thickness.
US08518795B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an isolation region defining an active region in a semiconductor substrate, forming a first insulating film over the semiconductor substrate, forming a second insulating film having etching properties different from those of the first insulating film over the first insulating film, selectively removing the second insulating film from a first region over the active region and the isolation region by dry etching using a fluorocarbon-based etching gas, removing a residual film formed by the dry etching over the first insulating film by exposure in an atmosphere containing oxygen, and selectively removing the first insulating film from the first region by wet etching.
US08518793B2 Oxygen diffusion barrier comprising Ru
A method for forming a MIM capacitor structure includes the steps of obtaining a base structure provided with a recess, the recess exposing a conductive bottom electrode plug; selectively growing Ru on the bottom electrode plug, based on a difference in incubation time of Ru growth on the bottom electrode plug compared to the base structure material; oxidizing the selectively grown Ru; depositing a Ru-comprising bottom electrode over the oxidized Ru; forming a dielectric layer on the Ru-comprising bottom electrode; and—forming a conductive top electrode over the dielectric layer.
US08518791B2 Method for fabricating a damascene self-aligned ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) with simultaneous formation of sidewall ferroelectric capacitors
Disclosed is a non-volatile, ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) device and a method for fabricating the same in the form of a damascene self-aligned F-RAM device comprising a PZT capacitor built on the sidewalls of an oxide trench, while allowing for the simultaneous formation of two ferroelectric sidewall capacitors.
US08518789B2 Integrated electronic device and method of making the same
An integrated electronic device includes a substrate, passive components, pads for external connection, and three-dimensional wiring. The passive components includes a multi-stage coil inductor provided on the substrate. The multi-stage coil inductor has a plurality of coils disposed in several layers. Mutually adjacent coil wires are spaced-apart from each other. The three-dimensional wiring includes a first wiring portion which extends on the substrate, a second wiring portion which extends off the substrate but along the substrate, and a third wiring portion connecting with the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion.
US08518784B2 Adjusting of strain caused in a transistor channel by semiconductor material provided for threshold adjustment
The threshold voltage of a sophisticated transistor may be adjusted by providing a specifically designed semiconductor alloy in the channel region of the transistor, wherein a negative effect of this semiconductor material with respect to inducing a strain component in the channel region may be reduced or over-compensated for by additionally incorporating a strain-adjusting species. For example, a carbon species may be incorporated in the channel region, the threshold voltage of which may be adjusted on the basis of a silicon/germanium alloy of a P-channel transistor. Consequently, sophisticated metal gate electrodes may be formed in an early manufacturing stage.
US08518782B2 Semiconductor device including asymmetric lightly doped drain (LDD) region, related method and design structure
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first source drain region, a second source drain region, and an intrinsic region therebetween; an asymmetric lightly doped drain (LDD) region within the substrate, wherein the asymmetric LDD region extends from the first source drain region into the intrinsic region between the first source drain region and the second source drain region; and a gate positioned atop the semiconductor substrate, wherein an outer edge of the gate overlaps the second source drain region. A related method and design structure are also disclosed.
US08518775B2 Integration of eNVM, RMG, and HKMG modules
A memory device is fabricated through the integration of embedded non-volatile memory (eNVM) with replacement metal gate (RMG) and high-k/metal gate (HKMG) modules. Embodiments include forming two substrate portions having upper surfaces at different heights, forming non-volatile gate stacks over the substrate portion with the lower upper surface, and forming high-voltage gate stacks and logic gate stacks over the other substrate portion. Embodiments include the upper surfaces of the non-voltage gate stacks, the high-voltage gate stacks, and the logic gate stacks being substantially coplanar.
US08518771B2 Method for manufacturing solid-state imaging device
A method is provided for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device including a semiconductor substrate having a photoelectric conversion portion, a pixel transistor region and a logic circuit region. The method includes the steps of forming a first gate electrode on the semiconductor substrate with a first gate insulating film therebetween, a second gate electrode in the pixel transistor region on the semiconductor substrate with a second gate insulating film therebetween; forming a first insulating layer to cover the first gate electrode, the second gate electrode, a floating diffusion region where a floating diffusion portion is to be formed, and the photoelectric conversion portion; and forming an offset spacer on a sidewall of the first gate electrode by etch back of the first insulating layer in a state where the photoelectric conversion portion, the pixel transistor region and the floating diffusion region are masked.
US08518770B2 Recessed contact for multi-gate FET optimizing series resistance
A method to fabricate a transistor including forming at least one electrically conductive channel structure over a substrate, the channel having a length, a width and a first height (h1); forming a gate structure over the substrate, the gate structure having a length, a width and a height, the gate structure being perpendicular to the channel structure and being formed over the channel structure such that the channel structure passes through the width of the gate structure, where the height of the gate structure is greater than h1; reducing the height of the channel structure external to the gate structure so as to have a second height (h2); and depositing a silicide layer at least partially over the at least one channel structure external to the gate structure.
US08518767B2 FinFET with reduced gate to fin overlay sensitivity
Embodiments of the invention provide a relatively uniform width fin in a Fin Field Effect Transistors (FinFETs) and apparatus and methods for forming the same. A fin structure may be formed such that the surface of a sidewall portion of the fin structure is normal to a first crystallographic direction. Tapered regions at the end of the fin structure may be normal to a second crystal direction. A crystallographic dependent etch may be performed on the fin structure. The crystallographic dependent etch may remove material from portions of the fin normal to the second crystal direction relatively faster, thereby resulting in a relatively uniform width fin structure.
US08518766B2 Method of forming switching device having a molybdenum oxynitride metal gate
A field effect transistor (FET) includes a body region and a source region disposed at least partially in the body region. The FET also includes a drain region disposed at least partially in the body region and a molybdenum oxynitride (MoNO) gate. The FET also includes a dielectric having a high dielectric constant (k) disposed between the body region and the MoNO gate.
US08518760B2 Display device, method for manufacturing thereof, and television device
The invention provides a display device and a method for manufacturing thereof by increasing a material efficiently as well as simplifying steps. Also, the invention provides a technique for forming a pattern such as a wiring, that is used for forming a display device, to have a predetermined shape with an excellent controllability. The method for manufacturing a display device includes the steps of: forming a lyophobic region; selectively irradiating laser beam in the lyophobic region to form a lyophilic region; selectively discharging a composition, that contains a conductive material, in the lyophilic region to form a gate electrode layer; forming a gate insulating layer and a semiconductor layer over the gate electrode layer; discharging a composition containing a conductive material over the semiconductor layer to form a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer; and forming a pixel electrode layer on the source or drain electrode layer.
US08518757B2 Method of fabricating strained semiconductor structures from silicon-on-insulator (SOI)
A strained semiconductor structure and method of making the structure. The method includes: forming a pad layer on a top surface of a silicon layer of a substrate, the substrate comprising the silicon layer separated from a supporting substrate by a buried oxide layer; forming openings in the pad layer and etching trenches through the silicon layer to the buried oxide layer in the openings to form silicon regions from the silicon layer; forming spacers on the entirety of sidewalls of the silicon regions exposed in the trenches; forming oxide regions in corners of the silicon regions proximate to both the sidewalls and the buried oxide layer to form strained silicon regions, the oxide regions not extending to the pad layer; and removing at least a portion of the spacers and filling remaining spaces in the trenches with silicon to form filled regions abutting the strained silicon region.
US08518756B2 Method for crystallizing thin film, method for manufacturing thin film semiconductor device, method for manufacturing electronic apparatus, and method for manufacturing display device
A method for crystallizing a thin film A gate insulating film formed on a substrate so as to cover a gate electrode. A light absorption layer is formed thereon through a buffer layer. Energy lines Lh are applied to the light absorption layer from a continuous-wave laser such as a semiconductor laser. This anneals only a surface side of the light absorption layer Lh and produces a crystalline silicon film obtained by crystallizing the amorphous silicon film using heat generated by thermal conversion of the energy lines Lh at the light absorption layer and heat of the annealing reaction.
US08518753B2 Assembly method for three dimensional integrated circuit
A method comprises attaching a first side of an interposer on a carrier wafer. The first side of the interposer comprises a plurality of bumps. The carrier wafer comprises a plurality of cavities formed in the carrier wafer. Each bump on the first side of the interposer can fit into its corresponding cavity on the carrier wafer. Subsequently, the method comprises attaching a semiconductor die on the second side of the interposer to form a wafer stack, detaching the wafer stack from the carrier wafer and attaching the wafer stack to a substrate.
US08518751B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device including removing a resin burr
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises: preparing a lead frame including a package external region and a package internal region, a burred surface being provided at a top end of a side of the lead frame, and a fracture surface being provided in the vicinity of the top end of the side; chamfering the top end of the side in the package external region; mounting a semiconductor element on the lead frame and sealing the semiconductor element with mold resin in the package internal region; and removing resin burr provided on the side of the lead frame in the package external region after the chamfering and the sealing.
US08518750B2 Flexible interconnect pattern on semiconductor package
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to fabricate a metal interconnect. A first metal trace is printed on a die attached to a substrate or a cavity of a heat spreader in a package to electrically connect the first metal trace to a power contact in the substrate. A device is mounted on the first metal trace. The device receives power from the substrate when the package is powered.
US08518747B2 Stackable semiconductor assemblies and methods of manufacturing such assemblies
Stacked semiconductor devices and assemblies including attached lead frames are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a method of manufacturing a semiconductor assembly includes forming a plurality of first side trenches to a first intermediate depth in a molded portion of a molded wafer having a plurality of dies arranged in rows and columns. The method also includes forming a plurality of lateral contacts at sidewall portions of the trenches and electrically connecting first side bond-sites of the dies with corresponding lateral contacts of the trenches. The method further includes forming a plurality of second side channels to a second intermediate depth in the molded portion such that the channels intersect the trenches. The method also includes singulating and stacking the first and second dies with the channels associated with the first die aligned with channels associated with the second die.
US08518746B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming TSV semiconductor wafer with embedded semiconductor die
A semiconductor device has a TSV semiconductor wafer with a cavity formed in a first surface of the wafer. A second cavity can be formed in a second surface of the wafer. A plurality of semiconductor die is mounted within the cavities. The semiconductor die can be mounted side-by-side and/or stacked within the cavity. Conductive TSV can be formed through the die. An encapsulant is deposited within the cavity over the die. A CTE of the die is similar to a CTE of the encapsulant. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first surface of the encapsulant and wafer. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the encapsulant and wafer. The first and second interconnect structure are electrically connected to the TSV wafer. A second semiconductor die can be mounted over the first interconnect structure with encapsulant deposited over the second die.
US08518745B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device having a bumped wafer and protective layer
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes the steps of pasting a film for forming a protective layer in which a support base, an adhesive layer, and a thermosetting resin layer are laminated, in that order, onto a bumped wafer in which a low dielectric material layer is formed, with the thermosetting resin layer serving as a pasting surface, and further, peeling the support base and the adhesive layer from the thermosetting resin layer, forming a protective layer by thermally curing the thermosetting resin layer, and dicing the bumped wafer and the protective layer together.
US08518743B2 Die structure and die connecting method
A die structure and a die connecting method using the same are provided. The die structure includes a die and a bump structure. The bump structure includes a body and a solder layer. The body is disposed on the die. The solder layer is disposed on the body. The method includes providing a die structure mentioned above, providing a circuit board mentioned above, and soldering the solder layer of the die structure with the tine layer on the copper block of the circuit board. In different embodiments, a tin layer is omitted from the circuit board, wherein the solder layer of the die structure is directly soldered onto the surface of the copper block.
US08518742B1 Semiconductor packaging with internal wiring bus
A packaged semiconductor includes inner bond fingers, at least first and second semiconductor dies, and an interposer. The packaged semiconductor further includes wiring between the first and second semiconductor dies and the inner bond fingers, wiring between the interposer and the inner bond fingers, and wiring between the interposer and the first and second semiconductor dies. The wiring between the interposer and the first and second semiconductor dies thereby reduces the count of inner bond fingers needed for the wiring between the first and second semiconductor dies and the inner bond fingers. The interposer further provides indirect access to the inner bond fingers when the inner bond fingers are inaccessible by the first and second semiconductor dies.
US08518737B2 Methods and apparatus for real-time monitoring of cadmium ion during solution growth of cadmium sulfide thin films
The present invention provides a reaction chamber to monitor a metal ion in solution during the formation of a metal-sulfide layer on a substrate. The reaction chamber houses a solution of an ammonium ion, a metal ion and a buffer. The reaction chamber includes an anion-selective electrode in the solution to monitor the metal ion that measures the metal ion during metal-ammonium complex formation, metal-thiourea complex formation, metal sulfide composition formation, metal sulfide layer formation or a combination thereof.
US08518736B2 Growth and transfer of monolithic horizontal nanowire superstructures onto flexible substrates
In a method of making a monolithic elongated nanowire, a mask polymer layer is applied to a selected crystal surface of a seed crystal. A plurality of spaced apart elongated openings is defined through the mask polymer layer, thereby exposing a corresponding plurality of portions of the crystal surface. The openings are disposed so as to be aligned with and parallel to a selected crystal axis of the seed crystal. The portions of the crystal surface are subjected to a chemical nutrient environment that causes crystalline material to grow from the plurality of portions for at least a period of time so that monocrystalline members grow from the elongated openings and until the monocrystalline members laterally expand so that each monocrystalline member grows into and merges with an adjacent one of the monocrystalline members, thereby forming a monolithic elongated nanowire.
US08518732B2 Method of providing a semiconductor structure with forming a sacrificial structure
A method for providing a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial structure by etching a plurality of trenches from a first main surface of a substrate. The method further includes covering the plurality of trenches at the first main surface with a cover material to define cavities within the substrate, removing a part of the substrate from a second main surface opposite to the first main surface to a depth at which the plurality of trenches are present, and etching away the sacrificial structure from the second main surface of the substrate.
US08518731B2 Manufacturing method of thin film transistor array panel
A manufacturing method of a thin film transistor array panel includes: simultaneously forming a gate conductor and a first electrode on a substrate, using a non-peroxide-based etchant; forming a gate insulating layer on the gate conductor and the first electrode; forming a semiconductor, a source electrode, and a drain electrode on the gate insulating layer; forming a passivation layer on the semiconductor, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; and forming a second electrode layer on the passivation layer.
US08518728B2 Semiconductor element, method for manufacturing the same, liquid crystal display device, and method for manufacturing the same
In case that a conventional TFT is formed to have an inversely staggered type, a resist mask is required to be formed by an exposing, developing, and droplet discharging in forming an island-like semiconductor region. It resulted in the increase in the number of processes and the number of materials. According to the present invention, a process can be simplified since after forming a source region and a drain region, a portion serving as a channel region is covered by an insulating film serving as a channel protecting film to form an island-like semiconductor film, and so a semiconductor element can be manufactured by using only metal mask without using a resist mask.
US08518725B2 Structure manufacturing method and liquid discharge head substrate manufacturing method
A method for processing a silicon substrate includes providing a combination of a first silicon substrate, a second silicon substrate, and an intermediate layer including a plurality of recessed portions, which is provided between the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate, forming a first through hole that goes through the first silicon substrate by executing etching of the first silicon substrate on a surface of the first silicon substrate opposite to a bonding surface with the intermediate layer by using a first mask, and exposing a portion of the intermediate layer corresponding to the plurality of recessed portions of the intermediate layer, forming a plurality of openings on the intermediate layer by removing a portion constituting a bottom of the plurality of recessed portions, and forming a second through hole that goes through the second silicon substrate by executing second etching of the second silicon substrate by using the intermediate layer on which the plurality of openings are formed as a mask.
US08518724B2 Method to form a device by constructing a support element on a thin semiconductor lamina
A semiconductor assembly is described in which a support element is constructed on a surface of a semiconductor lamina. Following formation of the thin lamina, which may have a thickness about 50 microns or less, the support element is formed, for example by plating, or by application of a precursor and curing in situ, resulting in a support element which may be, for example, metal, ceramic, polymer, etc. This is in contrast to pre-formed support element which is affixed to the lamina following its formation, or to a donor wafer from which the lamina is subsequently cleaved.Fabricating the support element in situ may avoid the use of adhesives to attach the lamina to a permanent support element. In some embodiments, this process flow allows the lamina to be annealed at high temperature, then to have an amorphous silicon layer formed on each face of the lamina following that anneal.
US08518723B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor integrated circuit device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit device, including providing a semiconductor substrate, sequentially forming an etching target layer and a hard mask layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming first etch masks on the hard mask layer, the first etch masks including a plurality of first line patterns spaced apart from one another at a first pitch and extending in a first direction, forming first hard mask patterns by etching the hard mask layer using the first etch masks, forming second etch masks on the first hard mask patterns, the second etch masks including a plurality of second line patterns spaced apart from one another at a second pitch and extending in a second direction different from the first direction, forming second hard mask patterns by etching the first hard mask patterns using the second etch masks, forming spacers on sidewalls of the second hard mask patterns, and patterning the etching target layer using the second hard mask patterns having the spacers.
US08518722B2 Method for detecting the under-fill void in flip chip BGA
A method for detecting the under-fill void of the flip chip ball grid array package structure is provided, which includes providing a substrate having an interconnect structure and a plurality of interposers therein; providing a chip having an active surface and a back side, and a plurality of first connecting elements on the active surface of the chip; mounting and electrically connecting the active surface of the chip on the substrate; performing at least once IR reflow to fix the plurality of first connecting elements on the substrate; filling an encapsulate material to cover the active surface of the chip and the plurality of first connecting elements; performing a detecting process to detect that void is not formed between the active surface of the chip and the plurality of first elements; and forming a plurality of second connecting elements on the back side of the substrate to obtain a flip chip ball grid array package structure.
US08518720B2 UV irradiance monitoring in semiconductor processing using a temperature dependent signal
In a UV process tool for semiconductor processing, a temperature-dependent signal may be used as a monitor signal for determining the momentary irradiance of the UV radiation source. Consequently, a fast and reliable monitoring and/or controlling of the irradiance of UV process tools may be accomplished.
US08518719B2 Method of manufacturing organic electroluminescence device and method of setting laser focal position
A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescence device includes: preparing an organic EL device in which an anode, an organic layer including a luminescent layer, and a cathode formed of a transparent material are stacked in order and which has a shorted defective portion; irradiating the organic EL device with a laser beam from a direction of the cathode; measuring an intensity of radiated light from the organic EL device after the laser beam is absorbed through multiphoton absorption; changing a focal position of the laser beam in a stacking direction for performing the irradiating and measuring, and subsequently determining the focal position of the laser beam in the stacking direction such that the intensity of the radiated light is minimal; and irradiating the determined focal position with the laser beam, so as to solve a defect caused by the shorted defective portion.
US08518713B2 Self-illuminating dot systems and methods of use thereof
Generally, conjugate systems, self-illuminating quantum dot conjugates, methods of detecting a target in a host, methods of treating a disease in a host, and the like, are described herein.
US08518711B2 Quantitative characterization of metallic and semiconductor single-walled carbon nanotube ratios
Methods and processes for quantitatively determining the ratio of the metallic to semiconductor tubes in the sample single-wall carbon nanotubes is provided. The single-walled carbon nanotubes can be sonicated to debundle the bulk material. The debundled SWNTs can be coated with a polymer, such as sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SDPS), and the coated SWNTs can be deposited on a substrate. The total number of tubes can be determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The semiconducting nanotubes can be determined by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The combination of photoluminescence and AFM measurements provides a quantitative ratio of the metallic to semiconductor tubes in the sample.
US08518709B2 Method for regenerating a biosensor
In a method for regenerating a biosensor, a biosensor is prepared having a substrate surface on which at least one receptor is immobilized. At least one ligand that is binding specific to the receptor is bound to the receptor, said ligand, together with the receptor, forming a ligand-receptor complex. To regenerate the biosensor, the ligand-receptor complex is brought into contact with an enzyme. The enzyme is selected so that it catalyzes the ligand into fragments. The enzyme is inert with respect to the receptor.
US08518703B1 Composite health monitoring/damage mitigation using multi-component microcapsules
A system, method and apparatus in the detection of a scent to locate the damage and its extent and to aid in the repair manually or self-repair. A method for detecting damage in a device including, providing at least one first microcapsule having at least two scents in a composition detectable by a machine, human, and/or animal or any combination thereof, associating the scent(s), where the scent(s) is a device, releasing the scent(s) when damage has occurred to the device, and detecting the scent(s) to alert a detector of the damage and level of the damage.
US08518697B2 Single chain trimers and uses therefor
Single chain trimer (SCT) molecules are disclosed, comprising an MHC antigen peptide sequence, a β2-microglobulin sequence and a full-length MHC class I heavy chain sequence, joined by linker sequences. Further described are nucleic acids encoding single chain trimers. Methods for expansion of antigen-specific T cell populations using single chain trimer molecules are also disclosed. In some configurations, these methods comprise co-culturing, in a first stage, CD8+ T cells from a donor with antigen presenting cells comprising an MHC antigen peptide, and co-culturing, in a second stage, the CD8+ T cells with cells comprising an SCT which has an MHC antigen peptide sequence identical to the sequence of the antigen peptide in the first stage. The methods can provide 10,000-100,000 fold expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells within about 28 days after establishing culture, and can yield over 1 billion antigen-specific CD8+ T cells expanded from an individual donor.
US08518693B2 Temperature regulating member
A temperature regulating member for avoiding a deterioration in heat radiating output efficiency and deterioration in buffering occurring due to a non-uniform heat distribution within the heat storage material. Heat non-uniformities within the heat storage material are eliminated by inserting one or multiple agitating tools inside the heat storage material by generating an agitating current occurring due to use of agitator tools whose relative positions change within the heat storage material during shipping.
US08518692B2 Gas permeable cell culture device and method of use
Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed that provide highly efficient cell culture. Gas compartments, made up at least in part of gas permeable material, are dispersed within the culture device in locations that allow cells to remain within a fixed distance from a gas transmission location as the device scales in the horizontal direction. Gas permeable walls of the gas compartment(s) allow gas exchange with the ambient gas. Such an arrangement provides many advantages including the ability to eliminate the need for a gas-liquid interface, allow cell culture to proceed in the static mode (i.e. absent the need for media or gas to be pumped through the device), allow the scale of the device to increase in both the horizontal direction and vertical direction, reduce the rate of media evaporation, allow uncomplicated and low cost device fabrication, and provide the capacity for reduced feeding frequency.
US08518689B2 Production of oil in microorganisms
The invention provides methods of manufacturing oils and oil-based products such as transportation fuels, industrial chemicals, edible oils, lubricants and plastics using sucrose feedstocks from sugar cane, sugar beets, and molasses for bioproduction processes. The disclosed processes utilize oleaginous microbes as a conversion technology to convert chemical energy produced by sugar cane, molasses and sugar beets into energy-containing oils and oil derivatives. Also provided herein are oleaginous microbes containing one or more exogenous sucrose utilization genes.
US08518686B2 Three-dimensional structure of isoprene synthase and its use thereof for generating variants
The present invention provides a three-dimensional structures of P. tremuloides isoprene synthase and P. alba isoprene synthase. The invention also provides methods of using the three-dimensional structure to design isoprene synthases with improved activity for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers.
US08518684B2 Methods and compositions for degrading cellulosic material
The present invention relates to enzyme compositions comprising a polypeptide having cellobiohydrolase II activity, a polypeptide having xylanase activity, and one or more cellulolytic proteins and their use in the degradation or conversion of cellulosic material.
US08518682B2 Microencapsulated compositions for endoluminal tissue engineering
A tissue engineering composition adapted for application to an interior surface of a body lumen of a patient. The composition comprises (a) a carrier medium that is adapted to flow and to stably adhere the composition to the body lumen and (b) microcapsules, which are dispersed within the carrier medium and which contain one or more living cells encapsulated within a coating that includes a biodegradable polymer. The composition promotes growth of the cells on the lumen surface subsequent to application of the composition to the lumen.
US08518676B2 Polypeptides having C4 dicarboxylic acid transporter activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having C4-dicarboxylic acid transporter activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, and methods of producing C4-dicarboxylic acids, such as malic acid.
US08518670B2 Nucleic acid-free thermostable enzymes and methods of production thereof
The present invention provides thermostable enzymes, such as DNA polymerases and restriction endonucleases, that are substantially free from contamination with nucleic acids. The invention also provides methods for the production of these enzymes, and kits comprising these enzymes which may be used in amplifying or sequencing nucleic acid molecules, including through use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
US08518669B2 Recombinant expression plasmid vector and recombinant strain to be used in producing oxalate decarboxylase, and method of producing recombinant oxalate decarboxylase
An object is to provide a means of highly producing an oxalate decarboxylase originating in a microorganism. A recombinant expression plasmid vector, which contains an α-amylase promoter belonging to the genus Bacillus and an oxalate decarboxylase gene originating in a microorganism that is provided under the control of the promoter, is constructed. A host bacterium is transformed with this vector to prepare an oxalate decarboxylase producing bacterium. A recombinant oxalate decarboxylase is produced by culturing the producing bacterium and then recovering the oxalate decarboxylase thus produced.
US08518667B2 KEX2 cleavage regions of recombinant fusion proteins
The invention relates to a fusion DNA construct comprising a KEX2 region comprising a KEX2 site and a KEX2 site pre-sequence immediately 5′ to the KEX2 site, a fusion polypeptide, vectors and cells comprising the fusion DNA construct, methods for producing desired proteins from filamentous fungal cells and methods for enhancing the secretion and/or cleavage of a desired protein from a cell.
US08518666B2 Site-specific incorporation of amino acids into molecules
The invention provides certain embodiments relating to methods and compositions for incorporating non-natural amino acids into a polypeptide or protein by utilizing a mutant or modified aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase to charge the non-natural amino acid to a the corresponding tRNA. In certain embodiments, the tRNA is also modified such that the complex forms strict Watson-Crick base-pairing with a codon that normally forms wobble base-pairing with unmodified tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pairs.
US08518656B2 Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer (PCPE) biomarker for bone formation
A method of diagnosing fibrosis in a subject is provided, comprising the steps of: determining a level of PCPE in a body fluid sample obtained from said subject; and detecting an increased level of PCPE in said body fluid sample relative to a normal control level of PCPE, wherein said increased level of PCPE relative to normal control is indicative of fibrosis in said subject. Furthermore, methods for evaluating the pharmacological efficacy of a drug or a drug candidate in treatment of fibrosis in a patient and for monitoring change of fibrosis in a subject are provided.
US08518654B2 Lung cancer diagnostic polypeptide, method for detecting lung cancer, and method for evaluating therapeutic effect
A novel biomarker for use in lung cancer diagnosis is provided.
US08518652B2 Truncated proteins as cancer markers
Methods/reagents for detecting and/or treating cancers or potential cancers are disclosed. In one embodiment, methods and reagents for detecting truncated forms of P2X7 protein in cells are described. In one embodiment, methods and reagents for increasing the amount and/or activity of full-length P2X7 in cells are described. In one embodiment, methods and reagents for decreasing the amount and/or activity of truncated P2X7 in cells are described.
US08518650B2 Biomarkers for prostate cancer and methods using the same
Methods for identifying and evaluating suites of biochemical and/or gene entities useful as biomarkers for early prediction of prostate cancer, disease grading, target identification/validation, and monitoring of drug efficacy are provided. Also provided are suites of small molecule entities as biomarkers for prostate cancer.
US08518647B2 Method of diagnosing poor survival prognosis colon cancer using miR-16b
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancers. In particular, the present invention provides diagnostics and prognostics for colon (including colon adenocarcinoma) cancer patients, wherein the methods related to measuring miR levels can predict poor survival. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis.
US08518646B2 Detection of Staphylococcus aureus and identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of S. aureus from a sample, as well as methods and compositions useful for the detection and/or quantification of S. aureus and MRSA in a single assay. Embodiments include nucleic acids that hybridize to S. aureus-specific nuc sequences and MREJ sequences.
US08518641B2 DNA damage testing
The invention relates to a method of for detecting DNA damage in a tissue sample. The method includes the steps of exposing sample DNA to a tagged DNA-damage binding factor and then shearing the DNA to produce fragments. After separating damaged from undamaged DNA, the two are amplified and differentially labeled. The labeled fragments can be immobilized on a microarray allowing the location and extent of any DNA damage to be determined.
US08518640B2 Nucleic acid sequencing and process
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for nucleic acid identification and detection. Compositions and methods of the present invention include extracting and fragmenting target nucleic acids from a sample, using the fragmented target nucleic acids to produce target nucleic acid templates and subjecting those target nucleic acid templates to amplification methods to form nucleic acid nanoballs. The invention also includes methods of detecting and identifying sequences using various sequencing applications, including sequencing by ligation methods.
US08518637B2 Method of providing portable biological testing capabilities
A method for providing portable biological testing capabilities free from biological contamination from an environment outside the device is provided. The method includes providing components configured to be assembled together to seal a volume against passage of biological materials between the volume and an environment outside the volume. The method further includes sterilizing the components and providing a sterilized culture medium. The method further includes assembling the components together with the sterilized culture medium within the volume. The method further includes sterilizing the assembled components by elevating the temperature. The method further includes flowing gas from within the volume to the environment while at an elevated temperature. The method further includes reducing the temperature to be less than the elevated temperature while preventing gas from flowing from the environment to the volume, thereby creating a pressure within the volume which is less than a pressure outside the volume.
US08518629B2 Resist composition for immersion exposure and method of forming resist pattern using the same
A resist composition for immersion exposure, including a base component (A) that exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure, and a fluorine-containing compound (C) represented by general formula (c-1) (in formula (c-1), R1 represents an organic group which may contain a polymerizable group; X represents a divalent organic group having an acid dissociable portion; and R2 represents an organic group having a fluorine atom).
US08518625B2 Toner, image forming apparatus, image forming method and process cartridge
An electrostatic image developing toner including toner core particles each containing at least a first resin and a colorant, and fine resin particles formed of a second resin, wherein part of each of the fine resin particles is embedded in each of the toner core particles, and the remaining part of the fine resin particle is exposed on a surface of the toner core particle to form a protrusion, and wherein when a rate of the part of the fine resin particle to the fine resin particle is indicated by an embedment rate, an average of the embedment rates in the fine resin particles is 40% to 80%.
US08518624B2 Polyester resin comprising a biopolyol
A polyester resin toner-forming composition containing a biopolyol is described. The biopolyol can enhance branching, crosslinking or both.
US08518621B2 Toner for electrostatic image development
A toner for electrostatic image development containing a resin binder, a negatively chargeable charge control agent, and a positively chargeable charge control agent, wherein the resin binder contains at least one polyester, wherein a carboxylic acid component of the polyester contains isophthalic acid and/or an ester thereof and fumaric acid and/or an ester thereof, provided that if two or more polyesters are used, the carboxylic acid component is taken as an overall component, and wherein the negatively chargeable charge control agent contains a metal-containing azo dye and/or a metal complex of salicylic acid, and wherein the toner has a softening point of from 90° to 120° C. The toner for electrostatic image development of the present invention can be suitably used in developing latent images formed in, for example, electrophotography, an electrostatic recording method, an electrostatic printing method, or the like.
US08518620B2 Magnetic toner
To provide a magnetic toner which: enables a stable image density to be obtained irrespective of a use environment; and exhibits excellent low-temperature fixability, little image deterioration upon fixation, high coloring power, and a reduced toner consumption. The present invention relates to a magnetic toner containing at least: a binder resin; and a magnetic body. The binder resin contains a polyester unit. The toner has a weight average particle size of 5.0 to 9.0 μm, a true specific gravity of 1.3 to 1.7 g/cm3, and a saturated magnetization of 20 to 35 Am2/kg in a magnetic field of 796 kA/m. The dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) of the toner satisfies (tan δH−tan δL)/tan δL≦0.20 at 100 kHz.
US08518614B2 Mark position detection apparatus
An apparatus for detecting a position of a mark from a mark signal obtained by capturing an image of the mark includes a signal processor. The signal processor is configured to set a processing window with respect to each of a plurality of positions relative to the mark signal, to calculate an even function intensity of the mark signal in the processing window with respect to each of the plurality of positions, and to detect the positions of the marks based on the even function intensity calculated with respect to each of the plurality of positions.
US08518606B2 Catalyst thin layer and method for fabricating the same
The catalyst thin layer consists of electronically conductive catalyst nano-particles embedded in a polymeric matrix. The ratio number of catalyst atoms/total number of atoms in the catalyst layer is comprised between 40% and 90%, more preferably between 50% and 60%.
US08518603B2 Sheet molding compound flow field plate, bipolar plate and fuel cell
This invention provides a highly electrically conductive sheet molding compound (SMC) composition and a fuel cell flow field plate or bipolar plate made from such a composition. The composition comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and a resin mixture sandwiched between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. At least one of the top sheet and bottom sheet comprises a flexible graphite sheet, which has a substantially planar outer surface having formed therein a fluid flow channel. Further, the resin mixture comprises a thermoset resin and a conductive filler present in a sufficient quantity to render the flow field plate electrically conductive enough to be a current collector (preferably with a conductivity no less than 100 S/cm). Preferably, both the top and bottom surfaces are flexible graphite sheets, each having a substantially planar outer surface having therein a fluid flow channel formed by embossing. These two flexible graphite sheets are well-bonded by the middle resin mixture layer to form a highly conductive bipolar plate, which is particularly useful for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications.
US08518597B2 Catalytic layer-electrolytic membrane assembly, transfer sheet, and production process thereof
The present invention provides a catalytic layer-electrolytic membrane laminate for an unhumidified-type fuel cell, comprising an electrolytic membrane containing a strong acid; a conductive layer formed on one surface or both surfaces of the electrolytic membrane; and a catalytic layer formed on the conductive layer; wherein the conductive layer is formed of a fluorine-containing resin and carbon powder, and the conductive layer is thinner than the electrolytic membrane. The present invention provides a catalytic layer-electrolytic membrane laminate for an unhumidified-type fuel cell that can be practically used.
US08518595B2 Proton-conducting structure and method for manufacturing the same
A proton-conducting structure that exhibits favorable proton conductivity in the temperature range of not lower than 100° C., and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. After a pyrophosphate salt containing Sn, Zr, Ti or Si is mixed with phosphoric acid, the mixture is maintained at a temperature of not less than 80° C. and not more than 150° C., and thereafter maintained at a temperature of not less than 200° C. and not more than 400° C. to manufacture a proton-conducting structure. The proton-conducting structure of the present invention has a core made of tin pyrophosphate, and a coating layer formed on the surface of the core, the coating layer containing Sn and O, and having a coordination number of O with respect to Sn of grater than 6.
US08518594B2 Power cell and power chip architecture
A power cell comprises a membrane with a first side and a second side. The membrane has a geometric structure encompassing a volume. The power cell also has a cover that is coupled to the membrane to separate the first flow path from the second flow path at the membrane. In the power cell, first and second catalyst is in gaseous communication with respective first flow path and second flow path and in ionic communication with respective first and second sides of the membrane. Furthermore, a first electrode is electrically coupled to the first catalyst on the first side of the membrane, and a second electrode is electrically coupled to the second catalyst on the second side of the membrane. In another embodiment, the power cell further includes a substrate on which the membrane is coupled.
US08518589B2 Fuel cell system and method of operating the same
A fuel cell system in which a low open circuit voltage (OCV) is maintained in a start-up mode and in a shut-down mode, and a method of operating the same, the method including: supplying an anode off-gas and air to the cathode in an open circuit voltage state in a start-up mode and cutting off supply of the fuel gas to the cathode in a normal operating mode; and supplying the fuel gas and air to the cathode in a shut-down mode, and if a load is cut off, purging the cathode and the anode in the OCV state.
US08518586B2 Preventing air intrusion into hydrogen-stabilized fuel cells during shutdown
During a process of shutting down a fuel cell power plant (11) the exits (28) of the anodes (14) are vented (76-77) under liquid (57). The liquid may be that of a coolant accumulator (57) of a fuel cell stack (12) cooled by conduction and convection of sensible heat into liquid coolant (FIG. 1) or evaporatively cooled (FIG. 4). The vent (77) may be under liquid all of the time (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) or only after the stack has been drained of coolant (FIG. 2). The vent (77) may be the only vent for the anode exits (FIG. 3), or there may also be a purge vent valve (31) (FIGS. 1 and 4).
US08518576B2 Secondary battery including a sensor to determine if battery is heated above a predetermined temperature
A secondary battery includes at least one bare cell having a first electrode and a second electrode, a Protection Circuit Module (PCM) electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the bare cell, and an abnormal temperature sensing member provided on a surface of the bare cell and electrically connected to the PCM. The abnormal temperature sensing member is electrically short-circuited when the bare cell is heated above a predetermined temperature.
US08518573B2 Low-inductive impedance, thermally decoupled, radii-modulated electrode core
An energy-storage device electrode core is disclosed that features relatively low-inductive impedance (and thus low equivalent series resistance (ESR)). Also disclosed is an energy-storage device electrode core that features a radii-modulated electrode core that forms extra vias to facilitate efficient heat removal away from the electrode, thus improving the performance and capabilities of an energy-storage device so equipped. The internal electrode core heat-removal vias are defined by the modulation patterns that in turn define the size and layout of the folds in the electrode, which are circumferentially collapsed about the center axis of the electrode core.
US08518570B2 Battery system
A battery system includes: a battery unit formed by electrically connected in series a plurality of cell groups each made up with a plurality of battery cells electrically connected in series; a plurality of sensing lines for detecting voltages of respective battery cells in the battery unit; an integrated circuit provided to each of the cell group, to which the sensing lines for detecting voltages of respective battery cells in the cell group are connected; a case having housed therein a substrate at which a plurality of integrated circuits provided for the cell groups respectively are mounted; noise protection capacitors disposed between input terminals of the plurality of sensing lines; and at least one protection element against static electricity which is connected between the input terminals and the case.
US08518569B2 Integrated frame battery cell
An electrolyte containment structure for an electrode jelly roll and electrolyte in a portable power source is described. The electrolyte containment structure comprises metal foil, such as metal foil sleeve, coupled to and partially surrounding a rigid frame. The rigid frame can protect the electrode jelly roll edges from crush events. To prevent shorts, the metal foil can be coated in plastic, which can insulate the metal foil from the electrode jelly roll. Further, the plastic can serve as a bonding and sealing agent. For instance, the metal foil can be coupled to the rigid frame using a thermal bonding method involving melting of the plastic. The rigid frame can provide a platform for connector pads and safety circuitry associated with the portable power source. The connector pads and safety circuitry can be assembled as modular components, which can simplify the assembly process The containment structure provides features associated with a pouch cell battery design, such as a light-weight metal foil pouch, but can be utilized in a portable computing device without being enclosed in a hard casing traditionally associated with pouch cell battery designs.
US08518568B2 Battery system
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a system configured for passing a fluid past at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel manner.
US08518566B2 Multi-electrode microbial fuel cells and fuel cell systems and bioreactors with dynamically configurable fluidics
Microbial fuel cells including multiple electrodes, and systems of such fuel cells, are provided. An exemplary fuel cell includes a population of exoelectrogenic microbes and at least two anodes in an anode chamber, and a cathode in a cathode chamber. A path exists between the chambers for conducting hydrogen ions and each anode is connected to the cathode by a separate external circuit. Electrical output from the fuel cell is maximized by optimizing the microbe population, achieved by dynamically controlling the sub-populations at each of the multiple anodes. Systems comprising multiple such fuel cells connected by a dynamically reconfigurable fluidics system provide further optimization.
US08518562B2 Magnetic storage device
A magnetic storage device stable in write characteristic is provided. A first nonmagnetic film is provided over a recording layer. A first ferromagnetic film is provided over the first nonmagnetic film and has a first magnetization and a first film thickness. A second nonmagnetic film is provided over the first ferromagnetic film. A second ferromagnetic film is provided over the second nonmagnetic film, is coupled in antiparallel with the first ferromagnetic film, and has a second magnetization and a second film thickness. An antiferromagnetic film is provided over the second ferromagnetic film. The sum of the product of the first magnetization and the first film thickness and the product of the second magnetization and the second film thickness is smaller than the product of the magnetization of the recording layer and the film thickness of the recording layer.
US08518557B2 Light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes
This invention pertains to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C^N]2ML comprising two orthometalated ligands having imidazole moieties and an ancillary ligand of β-diketonate type. The ortho-metalated transition metal complexes are represented by formula (I): It has been surprisingly found that when the metal has bound thereto both orthometalated ligands comprising imidazole moieties and an ancillary ligand of β-diketonate type, the ligands advantageously participate in the emission process, significantly broadening emission in the visible region and enabling appreciable improvement of the white emission efficiency of complexes [C^N]2ML. Additional objects of the invention are the use of the light emitting materials and organic light emitting device comprising the light emitting material.
US08518555B2 Plated steel sheet for cans
Plated steel sheet comprised of steel sheet having a tin alloy layer on it, which is characterized by (i) having free tin distributed on the tin alloy layer in a 5 to 97% area rate and further (ii) having a chemically treated layer having phosphate in an amount of 1.0 to 5.0 mg/m2 in terms of P and tin oxide in an amount of 0.3 to 4.0 mC/cm2 in terms of electricity necessary for reduction, formed on the tin alloy layer and free tin.
US08518554B2 Ceramic metal composite and semiconductor device using the same
A ceramic-metal composite includes a ceramic substrate, an active metal brazing alloy layer, and a metal plate bonded to the ceramic substrate through the active metal brazing alloy layer disposed therebetween. The active metal brazing alloy layer contains a transition metal that is at least one element selected from Group-8 elements specified in the periodic table. According to the above configuration, the following composite and device can be provided: the ceramic-metal composite that exhibits high bonding strength, heat cycle resistance, durability, and reliability even if the ceramic-metal composite is used in a power module and a semiconductor device including the ceramic-metal composite.
US08518548B2 Thermosensitive light-adjusting material and process thereof, and an optical device comprising it
A thermosensitive light-adjusting material is formed by reacting 18-84% polymer polyols and/or terminal hydroxyl-containing polymers which are formed by reacting polymer polyols and diisocyanate, with 15-80% terminal hydroxy-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomers through light or heat polymerization reaction. A process for preparing the thermosensitive light-adjusting material and an optical device comprising thereof. The light-adjusting ability is high, the light-adjusting range is broad, and mechanical capability is good. The preparation method is simple, short-circle, and high effective, so it can be applied in industry, furthermore, because of no organic solvents, the method's advantages are low cost and without pollution.
US08518547B2 Alkylated polyalkylene polyamines and uses thereof
The present invention provides curing agent compositions comprising alkylated polyalkylene polyamine compounds. Amine-epoxy compositions and articles produced from these amine-epoxy compositions are also disclosed.
US08518544B2 Glass plate and process for producing glass plate
A glass sheet for a laminated glass to be fit into a frame of an automobile in a flash-mount structure, that is a glass sheet having a good strength, is provided. In the glass sheet of the present invention, the maximum value of the plane compressive stress on the edge of the glass sheet is at least 10 MPa and at most 18 MPa, and the maximum value of the plane compressive stress inside from the edge of the glass sheet is at most 2.4 MPa.
US08518539B2 Absorbent structures comprising post-crosslinked water-absorbent articles
Absorbent structures comprising vacuum-treated (optionally coated) post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles, obtainable by vacuum-treating and optionally plasma-treating post-crosslinked water-absorbent polymeric particles (that may optionally be coated), the resulting vacuum-treated post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles having an improved absorption, whilst having good gel bed permeability.
US08518530B2 Production method for an ultra-low-dielectric-constant film, and an ultra-low-dielectric-constant film produced thereby
The present invention relates to a production method for an ultra-low-dielectric-constant film, in which ratios are optimised in a mixed solution having a matrix consisting of a poly (alkyl silsesquioxane) copolymer and a porogen represented by Chemical formula 1, and in which this mixed solution is subjected to ultraviolet curing during a heat treatment. The ultra-low-dieletric-constant film of the present invention can be used as an intermediate insulating film for next generation semiconductors instead of the SiO2 dielectric films currently used, since pores of from 1 to 3 nm are uniformly distributed at from 10 to 30% and a very high degree of mechanical elasticity of from 10.5 to 19 GPa is achieved at a low dielectric constant from 2.12 to 2.4.
US08518527B2 Method for improving flame retardant efficiency of phenoxyphosphazene compound, and prepreg. laminate for printed circuit made by the method
The present invention provides a method for improving the flame retardant efficiency of a phenoxyphosphazene compound, and provides a prepreg, a laminate, and a laminate for printed circuit that are made by the method. The present invention compounds a phenoxyphosphazene compound and a dihydrobenzoxazine ring-containing compound in a halogen-free flame retardant resin composition, so as to effectively improve the flame-retardant efficiency of the phenoxyphosphazene compound. Besides, the prepreg, the laminate and the laminate for printed circuit that are made by the method for improving the flame retardant efficiency of a phenoxyphosphazene compound have excellent flame retardancy, chemical resistance, anti-CAF property, high glass transition temperature (Tg), high thermal resistance, low dielectric dissipation factor, low moisture, and low C.T.E, etc. Furthermore, epoxy resins are interfused to greatly overcome the brittleness of the benzoxazine resin, so, the cured resin has comparatively high flexural strength and good processability.
US08518523B2 Polyester film, method for manufacturing the same, and solar cell module
A polyester film including terminal carboxylic groups in an amount of from 2 eq/t to 23 eq/t, wherein an amount of carboxylic groups on a surface of the film is from 0.005 eq/m2 to 0.2 eq/m2, and a thickness of the film is from 120 μm to 500 μm.
US08518522B2 Multilayer paper material method for its forming and method for obtaining three-dimensional containers
A multilayer papery material comprising at least one first sheet of three-dimensional structure and at least one second sheet fixedly coupled to the first sheet and defining empty spaces therein, wherein at least said second sheet is made of a papery material having a degree of extensibility of not less than 5% in all directions.
US08518519B2 Resin molded component for vehicle and manufacturing method thereof
A sill cover includes an elongated sill cover main body, a plurality of hinges, a plurality of attachments and a linking portion. The plurality of hinges is foldably provided along a longitudinal direction of the sill cover main body. The plurality of attachments is connected to the plurality of hinges and shifts to a vehicle mounting position according to folding of the plurality of hinges. The linking portion links three attachments among the plurality of attachments to one another.
US08518517B2 Hook and loop fastener element
The invention relates to a hook and loop fastener element having an electrically non-conductive carrier (4), preferably made of a plastic material, defining a gripping surface (6) from which gripping elements (8) extend that can engage with counter-elements for forming a hook and loop closure, at least one electrical conductor (14) being present within the gripping surface (6), characterized in that the carrier is provided in the form of a carrier band defining a longitudinal axis, and that said band is wrapped by the at least one conductor over at least part of the length thereof.
US08518516B1 Interlockable floor construction runner
An interlockable floor construction runner provides temporary protection of floor surfaces. The runner utilizes interlockable structures to reduce hazardous bunching, slipping, or other unintended movement of the runner structure. The floor runner structure includes a runner having a first end, a second end, a first layer and a second layer. A first fastener is coupled to the first layer proximate the first end of the runner. A second fastener is coupled to the second layer proximate the second end of the runner. The second fastener is complimentary to the first fastener such that the second fastener is selectively couplable to an adjacently positioned first fastener of a second runner.
US08518512B2 Production method for optical disc master, optical disc master, stamper, and optical disc
A production method for an optical disc master includes the steps of: preparing a substrate; forming an intermediate layer having a predetermined thickness on the substrate; forming an inorganic resist layer having a thickness on the intermediate layer, a ratio of the thickness of the intermediate layer to the thickness of the inorganic resist layer being in a range between 0.8:1 and 1.5:1; irradiating the inorganic resist layer with a laser beam to selectively expose the inorganic resist layer; and developing the selectively exposed inorganic resist layer.
US08518511B2 Reinforced fabric seam
A composite seam system including a narrow weld bead joining two panels of fabric and a seam tape applied thereon. The applied seam tape comprises a top layer, a reinforcing layer and an adhesive layer melted through the reinforcing layer and connecting the top layer to the fabric panels over the weld bead. The narrow weld bead and the small seam allowance of the fabric panels it joins allows the seam tape to be secured over the weld bead to the fabric panels while lying in a flat plane. The use of a narrow reinforcing layer of woven polyester, nylon or non-woven ultra-fine fibrous material in the seam tape allows the seam tape to be flexible enough to move with the fabric it joins, reducing the incidence of tape edge abrasion.
US08518509B2 Decorative glass panel and method of production
A decorative glass panel, and a method of production thereof, is provided for a door or window, and comprises a flat glass panel having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a thickness. A prescribed pattern is formed in at least the outer surface of the flat glass panel, the prescribed pattern including at least one substantially V-shaped groove. Each groove so formed has a width of between 9.0 mm and 19.5 mm and a depth of between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. An air-curable resin is applied within each substantially V-shaped groove forming the prescribed pattern.
US08518502B2 Biodegradable inflatable device
An inflatable device, in particular a device including a body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface accessible through an orifice in the body, the body including a prolamine protein that exhibits air or gas impermeability for a suitable period of time, and yet is biodegradable upon exposure to the environment. The device can be utilized as a balloon for personal uses such as toys, gifts or balloon releases at events, or as a medical device.
US08518497B2 Methods for the preparation of coil-comb block copolymers and their nanostructures
Provided is the preparation of a coil-comb block copolymer and a method for producing nanostructures formed by the copolymer. Particularly, provided is a method for producing nanostructured polymer thin films, including: preparing a coil-comb block copolymer via a controlled polymer polymerization process; forming a thin film of the block copolymer on a substrate and carrying out heat treatment to form nanostructures including vertically aligned cylindrical microstructures; and irradiating ultraviolet rays to the thin film and carrying out oxygen plasma treatment to form nanostructured polymer thin films including cylindrical pores.
US08518496B2 Preventing tube failure in boilers
The erosion-prone sections of the tubes in a circulating fluidized bed boiler are provided with a locally thickened sidewall without forming discontinuities on the outer surface of the tubes. This can be accomplished, for example, by replacing the erosion prone portion of the tube with a section having a smaller inside diameter, but the same outside diameter, or by replacing the erosion prone portion of the tube with a section having a thicker sidewall, but the same inside diameter, and smoothing over the outside discontinuity with an alloy coating. A useful alloy coating is also disclosed which can be used for this and other applications.
US08518493B2 Co-cure process for autodeposition coating
A coated article comprising a metal surface, a first layer of an uncured autodeposition coating and a second uncured paint layer deposited sequentially on the surface without intermediate curing of the autodeposition coating, a process of co-curing said autodeposition coating and paint layer or layers, and a cured coated article having chemical bonds between the cured autodeposition coating layer and at least the cured paint layer immediately adjacent to the cured autodeposition coating layer.
US08518492B2 Composition, method for manufacturing thin film, and method for manufacturing light-emitting element
It is an object to provide a composition in which an anthracene derivative is dissolved and a technique in which a thin film that has a favorable film quality is formed by a wet process using the composition. In addition, it is another object to manufacture a highly reliable light-emitting element using the composition at low cost with high productivity. A composition having a solvent and an anthracene derivative having one anthracene structure and one carbazolyl group which is bonded to the anthracene structure directly or through a phenyl group is formed. A thin film with a favorable film quality can be formed by a wet process using the composition. Accordingly, a highly reliable light-emitting element can be manufactured using such a thin film.
US08518491B2 Preparation of epitaxial graphene surfaces for atomic layer deposition of dielectrics
Processes for preparation of an epitaxial graphene surface to make it suitable for deposition of high-κ oxide-based dielectric compounds such as Al2O3, HfO2, TaO5, or TiO2 are provided. A first process combines ex situ wet chemistry conditioning of an epitaxially grown graphene sample with an in situ pulsing sequence in the ALD reactor. A second process combines ex situ dry chemistry conditioning of the epitaxially grown graphene sample with the in situ pulsing sequence.
US08518490B2 Porous material production method
In a coating zone, a cylindrical tube is soaked in and taken out from a solution, such that a coating film is formed on a curved surface of the tube. In a wet gas zone, while a first gas feeding nozzle having a gas outlet moves in a state where the gas outlet faces an outer peripheral surface of the tube, wet gas is blown toward the coating film through the gas outlet. Water drops are generated on the coating film and grown up. In a dry gas zone, as in the case of the first gas feeding nozzle, while a second gas feeding nozzle having a gas outlet moves, dry gas is blown toward the coating film through the gas outlet. Solvent and water drops are evaporated from the coating film. Pores form from the water drops as a template for the porous material on the coating film.
US08518487B2 Method of forming organic film
A method of forming an organic film is provided and includes followings. An apparatus is provided and includes a gas storage chamber, an evaporator, a pressure gauge, a pyrolysis chamber connected with the gas storage chamber, and a deposition chamber. The evaporator connects with the pyrolysis chamber through the gas storage. An organic material in the evaporator is evaporated to form organic gas, wherein the organic gas is passed into the gas storage chamber. When pressure of the organic gas in the gas storage chamber, measured by the pressure gauge, reaches a predetermined value, a valve between the evaporator and the gas storage chamber is turned off and another valve is turned on for passing the organic gas into the pyrolysis chamber. The organic gas is pyrolyzed in the pyrolysis chamber to form a monomer. The monomer is delivered to the deposition chamber for deposition to form an organic film.
US08518486B2 Methods of forming and utilizing rutile-type titanium oxide
Some embodiments include methods of forming rutile-type titanium oxide. A monolayer of titanium nitride may be formed. The monolayer of titanium nitride may then be oxidized at a temperature less than or equal to about 550° C. to convert it into a monolayer of rutile-type titanium oxide. Some embodiments include methods of forming capacitors that have rutile-type titanium oxide dielectric, and that have at least one electrode comprising titanium nitride. Some embodiments include thermally conductive stacks that contain titanium nitride and rutile-type titanium oxide, and some embodiments include methods of forming such stacks.
US08518482B2 Bubbler apparatus and method for delivering vapor phase reagent to a deposition chamber
This invention relates to a vapor phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a bubbler tube and also a metal seal aligned and in contact with the hardened opposing flat surfaces of a top wall member and a protuberance on a side wall member, wherein the hardened opposing flat surfaces of the top wall member and the protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of the metal seal. The apparatus further has a temperature sensor and a source chemical level sensor extending through a centrally located portion of the top wall member and generally vertically downwardly to a sump cavity centrally located on a bottom wall member. The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.
US08518479B2 Fabrication of fluidic features within a plastic substrate
In one aspect of the invention, methods, and devices are provided for creating microfluidic and nanofluidic features. In some embodiments, such methods and devices are used to create at least one channel of a desired volume within a channel in a plastic substrate.
US08518476B2 Methods for forming fluoroplastic powder coatings
Various embodiments provide materials and methods for forming a fluoroplastic coating layer from a powder mixture including a leveling agent and/or a transient binder material to improve the powder coating quality, wherein the powder mixture can further include a plurality of fluoroplastic powder and a plurality of aerogel particles.
US08518475B2 Heat treatable coated article with diamond-like carbon (DLC) and/or zirconium in coating
In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is very scratch resistant and durable.
US08518474B2 Method for producing iodine type polarizing film
A method for producing a polarizing film comprising the step of dipping a polyvinyl alcohol film in/on which iodine is adsorbed and oriented in an aqueous solution containing boric acid wherein contact between the aqueous solution and oxygen is suppressed. The produced polarizing film has a high contrast.
US08518473B2 Nanofilled polymeric nanocomposites with tunable index of refraction
The present invention includes a method for preparing a nanoparticle filled nanocomposite material, the method including the steps of providing a plurality of nanoparticles. attaching a first layer of organic ligand to the nanoparticle via a phosphate or phosphonate linkage, covalently attaching a second layer of matrix compatible polymer to said first layer of organic ligand to produce modified nanoparticles, providing a polymer matrix and dispersing the modified nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, wherein the dispersement of the modified nanoparticles into the polymer matrix results in a nanocomposite material, and wherein the modified nanoparticles are modified such that the first layer is proximal to the nanoparticle and the second layer is distal to the nanoparticle. Also within the scope of the invention are modified nanoparticles, alternative nanocomposite materials and methods of making the same.
US08518469B2 Powdered beverage composition
The invention relates to a cold water soluble, low calorie, low net carbohydrate powdered beverage composition containing protein and fiber suitable for reconstitution with water or aqueous based liquids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cold water soluble, low calorie, low net carbohydrate powdered beverage composition comprising (1) a protein component, (2) a soluble fiber component, and (3) an optional high intensity sweetener component, wherein the soluble fiber component increases the flowability and cold water solubility of the powdered beverage composition.
US08518467B2 Fiber separation from grain using elusieve process
Methods, devices, and compositions relating to processed grain products are shown for ground corn flour, soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and wheat middlings. An exemplary method shown is a fiber separation process for the ethanol industry corn products of Distillers Dried Grains (DDG) and Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) resulting from the widely used dry grind technology. A shown process and apparatus allows the removal and separate recovery of fiber-reduced products with expanded potential for use as a non-ruminant feed product in addition to the removal and separate recovery of a fiber-enriched product. The fiber enriched and fiber reduced products each have uses in the feed industry. The specific processes, devices, and compositions shown are readily adaptable to feed mills.
US08518462B2 Compound comprising extracts or fractions of chrysanthemum boreale makino having anti-inflammation activity
The present invention relates to a composition having an anti-inflammatory activity, comprising extracts or fractions of Chrysanthemum boreale Makino. Since the composition show the prophylactic and therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases, in particular, atopic dermatitis, it can be used as a pharmaceutical composition, and also applied to various fields, including quasi-drugs, cosmetic compositions, foods, and water softeners.
US08518460B2 Use of total coumarins of cnidium fruit in preparing medicaments for treating psoriasis
A pharmaceutic composition for treating psoriasis. Ii has an active component and a carrier. The active component has a major active ingredient osthol and a group of minor active ingredients: xanthotoxol, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, bergapten, and imperatorine. The major active ingredient osthol accounts for at least 90% by weight of the active component, which accounts for 5-35% by weight of the overall pharmaceutic composition.
US08518456B2 Non-cytotoxic chlorine dioxide fluids
Disclosed are compositions related to a substantially non-cytotoxic chlorine dioxide solution. The solution may be a thickened fluid composition. Also disclosed are methods of making and using a substantially non-cytotoxic thickened fluid compositions or solutions comprising chlorine dioxide solution. An oxidizing composition of reduced irritation is also disclosed.
US08518455B2 Dietary supplement enhancing the muscular energy metabolism, comprising an alkanoyl carnitine and ribose
A method for treating myocardial or skeletal muscle anoxia which occurs in coronary or post-infarct disorders or during prolonged physical activity and muscle fatigue. This method comprises the administration of a combination composition comprising (a) an alkanoyl L-carnitine selected from the group consisting of isovaleryl L-carnitine, propionyl L-carnitine or the pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof or mixtures thereof; and (b) ribose or a phosphate derivative thereof.
US08518453B2 Compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases
The present invention is a new method and composition that enhance bone repair, formation, maintenance and slowing of bone resorption. The present invention relates to methods and compositions that enhance collagen formation, tendon health and tendon injury healing, bone maintenance and bone injury healing, and the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. The present invention is a part of the therapy to maintain bone health among patients with diabetic bone resorption and others with metabolic disorders. In one embodiment, the composition is a composite of hydroxyapatite and an organic matrix composed of milk pH-dependent serum proteins, i.e., bone morphogenic proteins (BMP), milk serum-derived specific proteins (MSSP), and milk serum derived proteins.
US08518450B2 Nanoparticle carriers for drug administration and process for producing same
The invention provides a process for the production of nanoparticle carriers for drug delivery, said nanoparticles being produced by preparing a double emulsion of water-oil-water including one or more polymer which forms the basis of the nanoparticle carrier, blending the drug to be delivered into one of the emulsion phases, doping either the oil-phase or the outer-water phase with a carbohydrate, and spray drying the emulsion to form nanoparticles of a narrow particle size distribution of 100 nm to 1000 nm, which nanoparticles are substantially spherical.
US08518442B2 Prolonged release bioadhesive therapeutic systems
The present invention concerns a prolonged release bioadhesive mucosal therapeutic system containing at least one active principle, with an active principle dissolution test of more than 70% over 8 hours and to a method for its preparation. Said bioadhesive therapeutic system comprises quantities of natural proteins representing at least 50% by weight of active principle and at least 20% by weight of said tablet, between 10% and 20% of a hydrophilic polymer, and compression excipients, and comprising between 4% and 10% of an alkali metal alkylsulphate to reinforce the local availability of active principle and between 0.1% and 1% of a monohydrate sugar.
US08518438B2 Highly concentrated liquid acetaminophen solutions
Liquid softgel fill formulations include (i) 26-32% by weight acetaminophen, (ii) 47-51% by weight polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 200-800, (iii) 3-7% by weight propylene glycol, (iv) 9-13% by weight Povidone K17, and (v) 6-10% by weight purified water. The fill formulations are free of alkali metal ions. Also disclosed are a method of preparing the above-described fill formulations and softgel capsules containing the same fill formulations.
US08518432B2 Block-shaped scaffold for tissue engineering and production method thereof
A block-shaped scaffold for a tissue engineering with improved shape stability and less volume change in water is produce by the steps of approximate-uniformly mixing the particle-shaped material having 100 to 2000 μm diameter with a solution, where a biodegradable polymer is dissolved with an organic solvent, freezing, drying it to remove the solvent, pulverizing thus obtained intermediate product, dissolving it with a liquid, where the biodegradable polymer is not dissolved, to remove the particle-shaped material taking thus obtained intermediate product into a mold, and pressing and heating it, the scaffold having ununiform and continuous holes occupying 20 to 80% in a cross-section area in a three-dimensional network structure having a small hole structure with 5 to 50 μm diameter, elastic coefficient being 0.1 to 2.5 MPa, and volume change being 95 to 105% when dipping it in water for 24 hours.
US08518431B2 Stem cell capture and immobilization coatings for medical devices and implants
Constructs and methods for immobilizing stem and other precursor cells, as well as other bioactive materials of therapeutic value on the surfaces of medical devices, such as bone, cartilage, spinal and tooth implants, are described herein. The present invention has broad application in the incorporation of bioactive and therapeutic materials in or on a medical implant or other interventional device, having particular value in enabling the real-time, utilization by medical personnel of bioactive materials extracted from the patient and subsequently reintroduced and immobilized in an implant device.
US08518426B2 Topical skin care formulations
A topical anti-aging skin care formulation comprising an effective amount of a benzoquinone, such as CoQ10, plus a synergistic pair of stabilizers and a synergistic pair of whiteners. The stabilizers are octyl salicylate and octyl methoxycinnamate. The whiteners are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. When proper amounts of these ingredients are used in an aqueous based emulsion formulation, the product will be initially white, and will remain white for an extended period of time.
US08518425B2 Antiperspirant compositions
Anhydrous antiperspirant compositions comprising particulate antiperspirant active; capsules comprising a shear-sensitive shell which encapsulates perfume; and a carrier for the particulate antiperspirant active and capsules; wherein the capsules have a shell of cross-linked gelatin coacervate having a thickness of from 0.25 to 9 μm and providing from 10 to 40% by weight of the capsules, a volume average particle diameter of from 25 to 70 μm, a ratio of shell thickness to the average particle diameter in the range of from 1:5 to 1:120, and a Hysitron hardness in the range of from 1.5 MPa to 50 MPa.
US08518415B2 Engineered type IV pilin of Clostridium difficile
The present invention relates to engineered Clostridium difficile type IV pilin (tfp) genes, type IV pilin proteins which can serve as a diagnostic marker for identification of patients infected with C. difficile, and vaccines comprising type IV pilin proteins, antigenic fragments and variants thereof for therapeutic interventions.
US08518413B2 Probiotic bacterial strains for use to decrease mortality in fish due to bacterial disease
Two novel strains of bacteria, C6-6 and C6-8, deposited in accordance with the Budapest Treaty, protect fish, such as by reducing mortality, against disease caused by bacteria, such as coldwater disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum.
US08518409B2 System for selective cell treatment using ideotypically modulated pharmacoeffectors
In a method embodiment, a method includes introducing a plurality of Ideotypically Modulated Pharmacoeffectors (IMP) into a population of cells. Each IMP may include a detection domain and an activation domain. One or more epitopes is bound by the detection domain. The activation domain is activated in response to the binding. Applications may include but are not limited to viral infections, other intracellular infections, cancers, vector-borne diseases, autoimmune diseases, cellular diseases, cellular enhancement, and research.
US08518408B2 Monoclonal anti-claudin 1 antibodies for the inhibition of hepatitis C virus infection
The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the extracellular domain of human Claudin-1 on the cell surface, thereby inhibiting HCV entry into susceptible cells and preventing HCV infection of these cells; and hybridoma cell lines which produce such monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are reagents that comprise such antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such antibodies. Methods of treating or preventing HCV infection by administration of an inventive monoclonal antibody, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof are also described.
US08518407B2 Therapeutic human anti-IL-1R1 monoclonal antibody
Antibodies that interact with interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) are described. Methods of treating IL-1 mediated diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of antibodies to IL-1R1 are described. Methods of detecting the amount of IL-1R1 in a sample using antibodies to IL-1R1 are described.
US08518406B2 Antibodies directed against pyroglutamate monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1 N1pE)
Monoclonal antibodies which bind specifically to the proinflammatory cytokine pyroglutamate MCP-1 (MCP-1 N1pE) are described.
US08518405B2 Tumor specific antibodies and uses therefor
Provided are isolated antibodies, and fragments and derivatives thereof, which bind to tumor antigens. Also provided are compositions and delivery agents that include the disclosed antibodies and fragments and derivatives thereof; cells that produce the same; methods for producing the same; methods of using the same for detecting, targeting, and/or treating tumors and/or metastatic cells derived therefrom and/or tumor stem cells; and methods for predicting the recurrence of cancer in a subject.
US08518399B2 Methods of treating infections originating from viruses in the herpesviridae family
Three RNases (ranpirnase, the second embodiment disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,805, and recombinant Amphinase-2) are tested against identified herpesviridae infections. With some exceptions, quantitative PCR assays indicate that the RNases have anti-viral activity against many of these viruses.
US08518395B2 CCN3 peptides and analogs thereof for therapeutic use
The present invention provides a CCN3 peptide for treating a subject in need thereof having an amino acid sequence identified as CCNp37, CCNp38 (human), CCNp38 (mouse), a cysteine-substituted CCNp37, cysteine-substituted CCNp38 (human) or a cysteine-substituted CCNp38 (mouse).
US08518394B2 Seakem gold agarose beads comprising islets and coated with agarose
The invention describes the manufacture and use of secretory cell containing bead structures that are coated with agarose. The beads, which are preferably 4 mm-12 mm in diameter, and which preferably contain islets, are made of a particular agarose, i.eagarose which has a sulfate content of less than 0.2 wt % but greater than zero, a pyruvate content of 0-0.1 wt %, and a Kjeldahl nitrogen content of 0-0.04 wt %. The gels found from the agarose exhibit a gel strength of at least 1200 g/cm2 (1.0 wt % concentration), substantial absence of DNA binding in 0.07 M or less tris acetate buffer, and an EEO at 1.0 wt % agarose concentration of 0.05 or less.
US08518393B2 Fungi transformant for melanin production and uses thereof
The present invention cloned melanin biosynthesis genes encoding polyketide synthase (PKS), scytalone dehydratase (SCD) and 1.3.8-trihydroxynaphthalene reductase (THN) from the dematiaceous Alternasia alternate into plasmid pCAMBIA1300, followed by transformation of the plasmid into Matarhizium anisopliae via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The transformant was able to express the abovementioned genes and synthesize melanin, which then showed enhanced UV tolerance. The transcription and expression of these melanin genes were confirmed in several pathways. The tolerances toward UV radiation, drought and high temperature were increased significantly in these transformants. In addition, the host insects were more susceptible to these transformants under UV radiation.
US08518392B2 Promoter-regulated differentiation-dependent self-deleting cassette
Targeting constructs and methods of using them are provided for differentiation-dependent modification of nucleic acid sequences in cells and in non-human animals. Targeting constructs comprising a promoter operably linked to a recombinase are provided, wherein the promoter drives transcription of the recombinase in an differentiated cell but not an undifferentiated cell. Promoters include Blimp1, Prm1, Gata6, Gata4, Igf2, Lhx2, Lhx5, and Pax3. Targeting constructs with a cassette flanked on both sides by recombinase sites can be removed using a recombinase gene operably linked to a 3′-UTR that comprises a recognition site for an miRNA that is transcribed in undifferentiated cells but not in differentiated cells. The constructs may be included in targeting vectors, and can be used to automatically modify or excise a selection cassette from an ES cell, a non-human embryo, or a non-human animal.
US08518390B2 Treatment of stroke and other acute neural degenerative disorders via intranasal administration of umbilical cord-derived cells
This invention relates to methods of treating stroke by intranasal administration of umbilical cord tissue-derived cells, which are isolated from mammalian umbilical cord tissue substantially free of blood or expanded in culture from a cell isolated from mammalian umbilical cord tissue substantially free of blood, are capable of self-renewal and expansion in culture, and do not produce CD117 and/or telomerase. The methods of the invention regenerate, repair and improve neural tissue and improve behavior and neurological function in stroke patients.
US08518389B2 Methods of inhibiting proliferation or immunoglobulin production of B cells using human tumor necrosis factor receptor TR-17 polypeptides
The present invention relates to a novel protein, TR17, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human TR17. TR17 polypeptides are also provided as anti TR17 antibodies and vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to methods of killing cells using the antibodies of the invention.
US08518384B2 Spray compositions
Spray compositions and particularly anhydrous aerosol compositions containing particulate antiperspirant actives exhibit a tendency for nozzle blockage, impeding discharge of the contents when a polyol humectant, such as glycerol, is blended into its base composition. The problem is overcome or at least ameliorated by preparation of a base composition, suitable for employment in conjunction with a propellant, that contains a low molecular weight (liquid) polyethylene glycol (PEG) as humectant, and particularly a PEG of molecular weight 150 to 500.
US08518381B2 Processes of making oral compositions containing gel networks
The present invention is directed towards a process for making oral compositions comprising gel networks. The gel networks are formed from a fatty amphiphile dispersion and swelling surfactant. The fatty amphiphile dispersion comprises one or more fatty amphiphiles, one or more dispersing surfactants, and one or more solvents. A gel network is formed when the fatty amphiphile dispersion is combined with the swelling surfactant. A method of preparing the fatty amphiphile dispersion and oral composition is included.
US08518378B2 Oleaginous pharmaceutical and cosmetic foam
The invention relates to stable oleaginous cosmetic or therapeutic foam compositions containing certain active agents, having unique therapeutic properties and methods of treatment using such compositions. The foamable composition includes at least one solvent selected from a hydrophobic solvent, a silicone oil, an emollient, a co-solvent, and mixtures thereof, wherein the solvent is present at a concentration of about 70% to about 96.5% by weight of the total composition, at least a non-ionic surface-active agent at a concentration of about 0.1% to less than about 10% by weight of the total composition; at least one gelling agent at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the total composition; a therapeutically effective amount of at least one active agent; and at least one liquefied or compressed gas propellant, at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.
US08518375B2 Anti-viral tissue product with visual efficacy indicator
Anti-viral tissues are provided with a pH indicator which can communicate to a tissue user by means of visual indicia, via color changes, that the tissue has active ingredients. Furthermore, the pH indicators can be used to illustrate neutralization of the pH of infected nasal discharge, which has a higher pH than healthy nasal discharge, giving the user a reason to believe that the product is working to deactivate virus.
US08518374B2 Personal care products with visual indicator of vaginitis
There is provided a personal care product having a body side liner, a baffle and an indicator strip with two ends. The indicator has an amine sensitive dye near at least one end. The indicator extends from the target area just below the liner to just above the baffle such that the dye deposit is visible to an unaided eye. The dye changes color in the presence of amines which are characteristic of infection, thus alerting the user to the possibility of infection. Such an indicator placed in a feminine hygiene pad, for example, may be useful in the diagnosis of vaginits.
US08518368B2 Method for the production of hydrogen from ammonia borane
The present disclosure relates to processes and methods of generating hydrogen via the hydrolysis or solvolyis of a compound of the formula (I), R1R2HNBHR3R4, using ligand-stabilized homogeneous metal catalysts.
US08518367B2 Titanium oxide and method of producing the same
A method of producing a titanium oxide, including the steps of: ion-exchanging a sodium titanium oxide Na2Ti6O13, to synthesize Li2Ti6O13; subjecting Li2Ti6O13 to proton exchange, to give H2Ti6O13; and subjecting H2Ti6O13, as a starting material, to a heat treatment.
US08518362B2 Stabilization and ionic triggering of nitric oxide release
Provided is a method for producing nitric oxide that employs an ion exchange resin. Also provided is a method for producing nitric oxide that combines a salt with a gel or cream. A method is provided for producing nitric oxide that combines a pH adjuster with a diazeniumdiolate-containing compound or composition.
US08518361B2 Method of preparing highly ordered mesoporous silica nanoparticles using the addition of transition metal salts
Disclosed is a method of preparing mesoporous silica nanoparticles using hydrothermal synthesis, including adding a transition metal when reacting a surfactant and a silica precursor. The mesoporous silica nanoparticles are high functional particles able to be used as an adsorbent, a sensor, a membrane, a catalyst and a catalyst support, thanks to their large surface area and nano-sized pores. The mesoporous silica nanoparticles are functionally advantageous in terms of increased material diffusion rate and reactivity, easy recycling after use as a catalyst and slow inactivation, compared to conventional mesoporous silica, and are prepared through a very simple process among methods of controlling the particle size of mesoporous silica to a nano size.
US08518360B2 Silicon-germanium hydrides and methods for making and using same
The present invention provides novel silicon-germanium hydride compounds, methods for their synthesis, methods for their deposition, and semiconductor structures made using the novel compounds.
US08518356B2 Method and apparatus for adjustably treating a sour gas
A feed gas comprising CO2, H2S and H2 is treated to produce an H2-enriched product and an H2S-lean, CO2 product. The feed gas is separated to provide the H2-enriched product and a stream of sour gas. The stream of sour gas is divided into two parts, one of which is processed in an H2S removal system to form one or more streams of sweetened gas, and the other of which bypasses the H2S removal system, the stream(s) of sweetened gas and the sour gas bypassing the H2S removal system then being recombined to form the H2S-lean, CO2 product gas. The division of the sour gas between being sent to and bypassing the H2S removal system is adjusted responsive to changes in the H2S content of the sour gas, so as to dampen or cancel the effects of said changes on the H2S content of the H2S-lean, CO2 product gas.
US08518355B2 Small pore molecular sieve supported copper catalysts durable against lean/rich aging for the reduction of nitrogen oxides
A method of using a catalyst comprises exposing a catalyst to at least one reactant in a chemical process. The catalyst comprises copper and a small pore molecular sieve having a maximum ring size of eight tetrahedral atoms. The chemical process undergoes at least one period of exposure to a reducing atmosphere. The catalyst has an initial activity and the catalyst has a final activity after the at least one period of exposure to the reducing atmosphere. The final activity is within 30% of the initial activity at a temperature between 200 and 500° C.
US08518354B2 Diesel exhaust fluid formulation having a high ammonium content and a low freezing point
A mixture of urea, water and ammonium carbamate is formulated for use in the catalytic reduction of oxides of nitrogen in diesel exhaust. The mixtures may be formulated to optimize the amount of reductant in the mixture and the freezing point of the formulation. These formulations are especially useful in combination with Selective Catalytic Reduction systems and are well suited for use on heavy-duty trucks and heavy duty equipment used off-road. Some of these formations include between about 15.0 wt. % to about 40.0 wt. % urea; between about 15.0 wt. % to about 40.0 wt. % ammonium carbamate; and between about 40.0 wt. % to about 60.0 wt. % water. The formulation may be monitored for ammonia content and/or freezing point and the composition of the formulation may be adjusted to optimize the freezing point and ammonia content.
US08518351B2 Apparatus for producing diesel
An apparatus is disclosed for hydrocracking hydrocarbon feed in a hydrocracking unit and hydrotreating a diesel product from the hydrocracking unit in a hydrotreating unit. The hydrocracking unit and the hydrotreating unit shares the same recycle gas compressor. A warm separator separates recycle gas and hydrocarbons from diesel in the hydrotreating effluent, so fraction of the diesel is relatively simple. The warm separator also keeps the diesel product separate from the more sulfurous diesel in the hydrocracking effluent, and still retains heat needed for fractionation of lighter components from the low sulfur diesel product.
US08518341B2 Collapsible sterilization container
A collapsible single-use sterilization container for use in the sterilization of medical instruments is provided. The sterilization container includes a lid having central portion defined by a frangible region. Upon activation of the frangible region, the central portion may be removed rendering the sterilization container inoperable for future use.
US08518340B1 Steam autoclave having condensate bleed system, and condensate drainage system for a steam autoclave
A steam autoclave has a main drain line and an auxiliary drain line through which condensate in the autoclave chamber is drained, the auxiliary drain line having a conduit extending therethrough defining a path for condensate to move through the auxiliary drain line, and at least a portion of the conduit having a cross-section sized to permit effective draining of condensate through the conduit while the autoclave chamber is pressurized without substantial loss of steam pressure in the autoclave chamber. A sensor may be positioned in the autoclave chamber for sensing a pressure drop during condensate draining while the autoclave chamber is pressurized and for initializing insertion of additional pressurized steam into the autoclave chamber as needed to maintain adequate steam pressure in the autoclave chamber.
US08518338B2 Sterilization container with filter unit
A sterilization container has a box-like lower part and a removable container cover (1), which form a closed, airtight sterilization space. Ventilating openings (4), through which exchange of air takes place between the sterilization space and the environment, are provided in a wall area (2) of the sterilization container. A cover plate (6) detachably meshes with the wall area (2) through at least one spring-loaded snap-in or locking connection (9). The cover plate (6), as a round disk with a peripheral ring wall, has on the outside a peripheral locking groove, which detachably meshes with a plurality of locking elements (9) arranged in the peripheral area of the cover plate (6). The locking elements (9) are arranged stationarily as a separate assembly unit each in mounting holes of ring segments (8) projecting axially over the wall area (2), which mounting holes extend at right angles to the cover plate (6).
US08518337B2 Tube-bundle equipment for processing corrosive fluids
Tube-bundle equipment for heat exchange operations at high pressures and temperatures, under conditions of high aggressiveness of the process fluids, comprising a titanium lining (11) and a series of tubes (1) consisting of at least one layer of zirconium (2), positioned in contact with said fluids, wherein the tube plate on which said tubes are inserted comprises an outer layer (S) of zirconium or an alloy thereof and an underlying layer (5) of titanium welded to the lining of the equipment. Said equipment is particularly used as a heat exchanger, for example as a stripper, in the high-pressure cycle of urea syntheses processes.
US08518333B2 Honeycomb structured body and exhaust gas purifying device
A honeycomb structured body of the present invention comprises a plurality of cells placed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween, wherein an oxide catalyst is supported on at least one portion of the cell wall, and the honeycomb structured body has an apparent density of about 0.7 g/cm3 or less.
US08518319B2 Process of making fibers by electric-field-driven spinning using low-conductivity fluid formulations
A first method comprises: dissolving a polymer in a terpene, terpenoid, or aromatic solvent to form a polymer solution; dissolving a salt in a polar organic solvent to form a salt solution; and mixing the salt solution and the polymer solution to form a mixture. The salt and the polar organic solvent do not cause substantial precipitation of the polymer upon mixing with the polymer solution. A resulting terpene, terpenoid, or aromatic solvent phase of the mixture is suitable for forming fibers by electric-field-driven spinning from one or more spinning tips onto a target substrate. A composition comprises the terpene, terpenoid, or aromatic solvent phase of the mixture resulting from the method. A second method comprises forming fibers by electric-field-driven spinning of the first composition from one or more spinning tips onto a target substrate. A second composition comprises the fibers formed by the second method.
US08518318B2 Methods, compositions and blends for forming articles having improved environmental stress crack resistance
Several processes for the manufacture of thin-walled tubes are described, including: injection molding an article and annealing the article, injection molding a blend of a polymer and a high melt flow polymer, injection molding a blend of a polymer and nanoparticles or nanocomposites. Using nanoparticles to improve ESCR and/or tear resistance of a polymer or blend is also disclosed.
US08518315B2 Plasticizer for thermoplastic materials
A thermoplastic polymeric composition including a xanthene or xanthenes-based compound as a plasticizer, a method to modify the thermoplastic polymeric materials to increase their relative plasticity, and various articles of manufacture that can be made using the polymer composition are described.
US08518302B2 Stabilization of organic materials
Organic materials which possess outstanding stability to oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation comprise as stabilizers at least one compound of the formula I wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1. The compounds of formula I are especially useful as stabilizers for protecting polymers and lubricants against oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation and as scavengers for oxidized developer in color photographic material.
US08518298B2 Eutectic mixtures based upon multivalent metal ions
There is provided a mixture having a freezing point of up to 50° C., formed by reaction between: (A) one molar equivalent of a salt of formula I (Mn+)(X−)n I or a hydrate thereof; and (B) from one to eight molar equivalents of a complexing agent comprising one or more uncharged organic compounds, each of which compounds has (i) a hydrogen atom that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the anion X−; and (ii) a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, S, N and P that is capable of forming a coordinative bond with the metal ion Mn+, which reaction is performed in the absence of extraneous solvent, wherein M, X− mind a have meaning given in the description.
US08518296B2 Slurries and methods for polishing phase change materials
A slurry for polishing a phase change material, such as Ge—Sb—Te, or germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST), includes abrasive particles of sizes that minimize at least one of damage to (e.g., scratching of) a polished surface of phase change material, an amount of force to be applied during polishing, and a static etch rate of the phase change material, while optionally providing selectivity for the phase change material over adjacent dielectric materials. A polishing method includes applying a slurry with one or more of the above-noted properties to a phase change material, as well as bringing the polishing pad into frictional contact with the phase change material. Polishing systems are disclosed that include a plurality of sources of solids (e.g., abrasive particles) and provide for selectivity in the solids that are applied to a substrate or polishing pad.
US08518293B2 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene process azeotropes with HF
The present invention pertains to azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of the following three blends: 1. Trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(Z)) and hydrogen fluoride (HF); 2. HFO-1234ze(E), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa) and HF; and 3. HFO-1234ze(Z), HFC-245fa and HF. These azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions are useful as intermediates in the production of HFO-1234ze(E).
US08518289B2 Mn-Zn-Co ferrite core and method for producing the same
A Mn—Zn—Co ferrite core includes a basic component, sub-components, and unavoidable impurities. As the sub-components, silicon oxide (in terms of SiO2): 50-400 mass ppm and calcium oxide (in terms of CaO): 1000-4000 mass ppm are added to the basic component consisting of iron oxide (in terms of Fe2O3): 51.0-53.0 mol %, zinc oxide (in terms of ZnO): more than 12.0 mol % and 18.0 mol % or less, cobalt oxide (in terms of CoO): 0.04-0.60 mol %, and manganese oxide (in terms of MnO): balance; Phosphorus, boron, sulfur, and chlorine in the unavoidable impurities are reduced as follows, phosphorus: less than 3 mass ppm, boron: less than 3 mass ppm, sulfur: less than 5 mass ppm, and chlorine: less than 10 mass ppm; and a ratio of a measured specific surface of the Mn—Zn—Co ferrite core to an ideal specific surface of the Mn—Zn—Co ferrite core satisfies: Measured specific surface/ideal specific surface <1500.
US08518288B2 Synthesis of nanocomposite thermoelectric material
A process for forming thermoelectric nanoparticles includes the steps of forming a core material reverse micelle or micelle, adding a bismuth containing compound to the core material reverse micelle or micelle forming a reverse micelle or micelle having the bismuth containing compound dispersed therein, adding a tellurium containing compound with the formed micelle or reverse micelle in the presence of a reducing agent that alloys with the bismuth containing compound forming composite thermoelectric nanoparticles having a core and shell structure, and washing the core and shell nanoparticles in a solvent mixture including ammonium hydroxide, water and methanol wherein the core and shell nanoparticles remain un-agglomerated and have a particle size of from 1-25 nanometers.
US08518285B2 Substrate section for flexible display device, method of manufacturing the substrate section, and method of manufacturing organic light emitting display device including the substrate
A substrate section for a flexible display device is disclosed. The substrate section includes: a first substrate, a second substrate disposed above a center region of the first substrate, a reinforcing layer disposed between the first and second substrates, configured to reinforce adhesion between the first and second substrates, and a barrier layer disposed above the second substrate and surrounding side surfaces of the second substrate and of the reinforcing layer.
US08518283B2 Plasma etching method capable of detecting end point and plasma etching device therefor
The present invention relates to a plasma etching method in which a special area for detecting an end point needs not to be set and an equipment therefor. At an etching step of forming SF6 gas into plasma to etch an etching ground on a Si film, the step is configured by two steps of: a large-amount supply step of supplying a large amount of SF6 gas; and a small-amount supply step of supplying a small amount of SF6 gas. An end-point detecting processor 34 measures an emission intensity of Si or SiFx in the plasma at the small-amount supply step, and determines that an etching end point is reached when the measured emission intensity becomes equal to or less than a previously set reference value.
US08518282B2 Method of controlling etch microloading for a tungsten-containing layer
A method for etching features of different aspect ratios in a tungsten containing layer is provided. An etch gas is provided containing a tungsten etch component and a deposition component. A plasma is formed from the provided etch gas. A tungsten containing layer patterned with wide and narrow features is etched with the provided plasma.
US08518279B1 Method and system for providing a laser cavity for an energy assisted magnetic recording head
A method for providing a capping layer configured for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head including at least one slider. The method comprises etching a substrate having a top surface using an etch to form a trench in the substrate, the trench having a first surface at a first angle from the top surface and a second surface having a second angle from the top surface. The method further comprises providing a protective coating exposing the second surface and covering the first surface, removing a portion of the substrate including the second surface to form a laser cavity within the substrate configured to fit a laser therein, and providing a reflective layer on the first surface to form a mirror, the cavity and mirror being configured for alignment of the laser to the laser cavity and to the mirror and for bonding the laser to the laser cavity.
US08518276B2 Ultrathin porous nanoscale membranes, methods of making, and uses thereof
A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.
US08518273B2 Method and device for cleaning of filter
The method and arrangement is for cleaning at least one of filter sheets and filter cakes in a pressurized white liquor filter with spray nozzles and driving fluid. The white liquor filter is used in a causticizing process in which green liquor is causticized before the white liquor filter by the addition of lime and in which it forms during the process a lime mud slurry. The white liquor filter 101 is used to separate white liquor from the lime mud. The driving fluid for the spray nozzle is constituted principally by the filtrate that is obtained from the filter.
US08518270B1 Methods and compositions for reducing deposits in water systems
Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.
US08518269B2 Method and system for treating water used for industrial purposes
A low cost method and system for treating water, which will be used in an industrial process, is provided. A system of the invention generally includes at least one containing means, at least one coordination means, at least one chemical application means, at least one mobile suction means, and at least one filtration means. The coordination means can control the necessary processes depending on the system needs (e.g., water quality or purity). The method and system of the invention purifies the water and eliminates suspended solids without the need of filtering the totality of the water volume, but only filtering a small fraction of up to 200 times less than the flow filtered by a conventional water treatment filtration system.
US08518268B1 Method and apparatus for mobile water filtration
A mobile water filtration apparatus and method for on-site removal of contaminants from raw water comprising a portable platform and a first settling tank secured with respect to the platform. The settling tank includes flocculating agent and a lower portion into which sediment settles. A sloped trough is secured with respect to the platform and has an upper end which receives the flocculating-agent-containing water, a lower end, a plurality of spaced-apart walls between upper and lower ends which define a serpentine flow path, and a plurality of agitators between the walls. A terminal settling tank receives water from the trough lower end and includes a lower portion into which sediment settles and an outlet along an upper portion through which treated water flows. An exemplary apparatus includes a gate corresponding to each wall and defining an opening through which water flows.
US08518264B2 Method of using a metal organic frameworks based on aluminum fumarate
A method comprising (i) providing a metal organic framework formed by AlIII ions to which fumarate ions are coordinated to produce a porous framework structure, (ii) bringing a substance into contact with the metal organic framework such that the substance is uptaken by the porous metal organic framework to provide storage of or controlled release of, the substance.
US08518262B2 Method of integrating water treatment assemblies
A method of integrating individual water treatment assemblies into a seamless water treatment control system. A Reverse Osmosis assembly contains a controller wherein all other pretreatment and post-treatment assemblies are electrical coupled thereto. The controller is preprogrammed for use in recognizing the coupling of the pretreatment and/or post treatment assemblies wherein and for receiving all control commands for operation thereof. The controller employs cells that allows and installer to interconnect assemblies by coupling low voltage control signal wiring having predefined inputs, set up as PnP, or by use of a personal wireless network.
US08518261B2 Water purification apparatus and method for using pressure filter and pore control fiber filter
The present invention provides a water purification apparatus and method using a pressurized micro-filter preprocessed with a coagulation inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir and a pore-control fiber filter for improvement of a recovery rate, which removes the dissolved organic materials and the turbidity of raw water through a preprocess by a flash mixer, a two-stage coagulation reservoir and an inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir, thereby making it possible to reduce the use of coagulants, the generation of sludge by-products, the inflow load of membranes, and the facility size in comparison with the conventional standard water purification processes.
US08518260B2 Method of controlling diffusive sodium transport in dialysis
A method of controlling diffusive sodium transport from the dialysate solution to the blood of a patient undergoing hemodialysis treatment or from the blood to the dialysate solution includes calculating SNa+average, an average of the patient's historic serum sodium concentrations, and estimating SNa+estimated, the patient's pre-dialysis serum sodium concentration, based on the average of the patient's measured historic pre-dialysis serum sodium concentrations, SNa+measured. The method enables adjusting DNa+, the sodium concentration of the dialysate solution, based on the average of the patient's historic serum sodium concentrations, SNa+average, if needed, and performing the dialysis treatment of the patient using a dialysate solution containing a sodium concentration DNa+.
US08518255B2 Water purifier
A water purifier that performs back washing extremely effectively even when raw water contains a large amount of impurities includes an attachment main body including an inflow passage into which raw water from an inflow port flows, and first and second outflow passages through which water flows toward outflow ports; and a water purification main body that is attached rotatably to the attachment main body and includes a first flow passage, a second flow passage, and a third flow passage, a first filter member disposed between the first flow passage and the second flow passage and a second filter member disposed between the second flow passage and the third flow passage, wherein, when the attachment main body and the water purification main body are in a rotation position corresponding to a water purification mode, the first flow passage and the second flow passage communicate with the inflow passage and the first outflow passage, respectively, and when the attachment main body and the water purification main body are in a rotation position corresponding to a back washing mode, the third flow passage and the first flow passage communicate with the inflow passage and the second outflow passage, respectively, whereby the first filter member is back washed.
US08518254B2 Coolant demineralizer for a fuel cell vehicle
The present invention provides a coolant demineralizer for a fuel cell vehicle, which removes ions, released from a pipe, from coolant of a fuel cell stack. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a coolant demineralizer suitably configured to reduce the occurrence of differential pressure due to an ion resin layer such that coolant can smoothly flow through a filter member, thereby increasing the effect of filtering ions and improving the efficiency of use of ion resin.
US08518252B1 System for field intravenous fluid reconstruction
The present invention provides a new and improved system for on-site and on-demand production of sterile water for injection (SWFI) from potable water or water that meets the EPA drinking water quality upon preconditioning, in conjunction with reconstitution of IV fluids using dry chemicals or concentrate pre-filled bags, suitable for use at a site under non-clean room environment conditions, and capable of adjusting feed water temperatures. The present invention includes a water temperature conditioning module, a water preconditioning module, a hydrothermal processor, a fluid staging compartment, and combinations and variations thereof.
US08518251B2 Strainer device
A strainer device (1) is described, which may be mounted on a pour-out of a container by way of fastening means (12) on a lower side (14) which may face the container (3). The strainer device (1) comprises a plurality of sieve elements (10) which are pivotably arranged on a sieve element holder (15) in a plane parallel to the lower side (14) of the strainer device (1), at least partly separated from one another by way of slots (11). As a whole a flexible, bendable comb-like strainer device (1) is formed, which is may be fastened with a fixation device (2) on the pour-out of the container in a simply releasable manner. The strainer device (1) is preferably designed of a heat-resistant plastic, wherein stainless steel may also be applied completely or partly for the design of the sieve elements (10) and/or the sieve element holder (15).
US08518248B2 Oil strainer with structure for preventing air accumulation
An oil strainer includes a body member which includes a circumferential wall projecting in a first (downward) direction toward an oil pan, and a cover member covering an inside space surrounded by the circumferential wall, and including a suction hole to suck an oil from the oil pan. The body member further includes a communication hole opened into the inside space surrounded by the circumferential wall and adapted to lead to the inlet side of an oil pump, and a discharge hole opened into the inside spaces, and adapted to receive the oil discharged from a pressure regulating valve. The body member further includes a partition wall extending from the circumferential wall, and separating the communication hole and the discharge hole.
US08518243B2 Method for utilizing hydrocarbon waste materials as fuel and feedstock
The fuel properties of petroleum hydrocarbon waste having an API gravity varying from about 5 to 30 are improved by heating the hydrocarbon to a temperature of about 35° C. to 90° C. and mixing the heated hydrocarbon stream with a suitable solvent to reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon, which is then separated by a centrifuge to obtain an aqueous phase stream, an oil phase stream, and a separated solids stream. The oil phase stream has a viscosity range of about 250 centipoise (cP) to about 1000 cP. The oil phase stream is utilized in a refinery, while a slurry fuel is prepared with the separated solids stream and aqueous phase stream as a feedstock for road asphalt, a fuel for a combustor, or a fuel for a gasification process. The oil phase stream is used for fuels and feedstock for making carbon fiber.
US08518242B2 Fibrous substrate-based hydroprocessing catalysts and associated methods
Catalysts are disclosed comprising fibrous substrates having silica-containing fibers with diameters generally from about 1 to about 50 microns, which act effectively as “micro cylinders.” Such catalysts can dramatically improve physical surface area, for example per unit length of a reactor or reaction zone. At least a portion of the silica, originally present in the silica-containing fibers of a fibrous material used to form the fibrous substrate, is converted to a zeolite (e.g., having a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of at least about 150) that remains deposited on these fibers. The fibrous substrates possess important properties, for example in terms of acidity, which are useful in hydroprocessing (e.g., hydrotreating or hydrocracking) applications.
US08518241B2 Method for multi-staged hydroprocessing
Methods for processing a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock flows are provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing two or more hydroprocessing stages disposed in sequence, each hydroprocessing stage having a hydroprocessing reaction zone with a hydrogen requirement and each stage in fluid communication with the preceding stage. A hydrogen source is provided substantially free of hydrogen from a hydrogen recycle compressor. The hydrocarbonaceous feedstock flow is separated into an portions of fresh feed for each hydroprocessing stage, and the first portion of fresh feed to the first hydroprocessing stage is heated. The heated first portion of fresh feed is supplied with hydrogen from the hydrogen source in an amount satisfying substantially all of the hydrogen requirements of the hydroprocessing stages to a first hydroprocessing zone. The unheated second portion of fresh feed is admixed with effluent from previous stage to quench the hot reactor effluent before entering a second stage.
US08518239B2 Hydrocracking catalyst and process using a magnesium aluminosilicate clay
This invention is directed to hydrocracking catalysts and hydrocracking processes employing a magnesium aluminosilicate clay. The magnesium aluminosilicate clay has a characteristic 29Si NMR spectrum. The magnesium aluminosilicate clay is the product of a series of specific reaction steps. Briefly, the magnesium aluminosilicate clay employed in the catalyst and process of the present invention is made by combining a silicon component, an aluminum component, and a magnesium component, under aqueous conditions and at an acidic pH, to form a first reaction mixture and subsequently the pH of the first reaction mixture is adjusted to greater than about 7.5 to form a second reaction mixture. The second reaction mixture is allowed to react under conditions sufficient to form the magnesium aluminosilicate clay. The resulting magnesium aluminosilicate clay combines high surface area and activity for use in hydrocracking catalysts and processes.
US08518234B2 Oxidation resistant ferritic stainless steels
A method for making a ferritic stainless steel article having an oxidation resistant surface includes providing a ferritic stainless steel comprising aluminum, at least one rare earth metal and 16 to less than 30 weight percent chromium, wherein the total weight of rare earth metals is greater than 0.02 weight percent. At least one surface of the ferritic stainless steel is modified so that, when subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere at high temperature, the modified surface develops an electrically conductive, aluminum-rich, oxidation resistant oxide scale comprising chromium and iron and a having a hematite structure differing from Fe2O3, alpha Cr2O3 and alpha Al2O3. The modified surface may be provided, for example, by electrochemically modifying the surface, such as by electropolishing the surface.
US08518219B2 Process for the treatment of organic waste and product obtained thereof
Organic waste disposal technologies are disclosed herein. A multistage processing of sewage sludge into synthetic fuel and chemical products is carried out by means of a direct thermo-chemical liquefaction process. The process enables the minimization of coke formation by utilizing steam stripping in the processing of sewage sludge.
US08518217B2 Wet-end manufacturing process for bitumen-impregnated fiberboard
A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
US08518216B2 Copolymer blend compositions for use to increase paper filler content
Methods for making a heterogeneous polymer blend comprising one or more anionic polymers, one or more cationic polymers, and one or more non-ionic polymers, which method comprises (a) adding to a non-neutral solution a first amount of polymerization initiator and one or more anionic or cationic monomers, wherein each monomer has the same charge; (b) a second amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more non-ionic monomers; (c) adding a third amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more ionic monomers that are oppositely charged from the monomers of (a); adding stepwise, a fourth amount of the polymerization initiator to react any residual monomer, and (e) neutralizing the resulting polymer blend. Also claimed are heterogeneous polymer blends containing polymers formed from one or more anionic, cationic, and non-ionic monomers, either polymerized in situ or separately and then combined.
US08518211B2 System and method for controlling plasma with an adjustable coupling to ground circuit
A system and method for controlling plasma. The system includes a semiconductor chamber comprising a powered electrode, another electrode, and an adjustable coupling to ground circuit. The powered electrode is configured to receive a wafer or substrate. There is at least one grounded electrode configured to generate an electrical connection with the powered electrode. At least one of the grounded electrodes is electrically coupled to the adjustable coupling to ground circuit. The adjustable coupling to ground circuit is configured to modify the impedance of the grounded electrode. The ion energy of the plasma is controlled by the adjustable coupling to ground circuit.
US08518207B2 Waterproof breathable fabric and method of making the same
In various embodiments, a waterproof breathable (WPB) fabric and method of producing the same are provided wherein a WPB membrane is laminated to a first side of a fabric, the laminated fabric is then treated with a treatment agent, and the treated fabric is cured. The treatment agent may include at least one of an oleophobic (oil repellent) compound and/or a hydrophobic (water repellent) compound. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic compound may be a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. The treatment agent may provide protection for the fabric by repelling oil-based and/or water-based substances.
US08518206B2 Method for making carbon nanotube composite structure
A method for making a carbon nanotube composite structure is provided. First, a matrix having a surface and a carbon nanotube structure are provided. The carbon nanotube structure is placed on the surface of the matrix. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube structure and the matrix are exposed to electromagnetic waves.
US08518203B2 Method of manufacturing wiring substrate
Two stacked bodies, each having a metal layer provided on a first metallic foil with carrier via a first insulating layer, are prepared. The first metallic foil with carrier has a metallic foil provided on a carrier plate via a peeling layer. A joined body is formed by jointing the stacked bodies such that the carrier plates are joined via a joining layer. First conductor patterns are formed by patterning the metal layers on both sides of the joined body. Second metallic foils with carrier are provided to the first conductor patterns of the joined body such that the first conductor patterns are opposed to the metallic foils via second insulating layers. Two substrates are formed by peeling the carrier plates with carrier from the peeling layers. Second conductor patterns which are connected electrically to the first conductor patterns are formed from the metallic foils of the substrate.
US08518201B2 Method of manufacturing a tubing for a subsurface water drainage system
A tubing with improved compression strength for a subsurface water drainage system comprising a core polymeric support structure wrapped longitudinally in first and second geotextile materials, wherein the core polymeric support structure is heated to soften the polymeric material and wherein the first and second geotextile materials overlap and are adhered together with a hot melt adhesive and tensioned to tightly wrap the core, thereby forming the tubing.
US08518200B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing coated profile members
A method for manufacturing coated profile members (10), wherein a foil (16, 36) is cut to a predetermined width and wrapped around the profile member so as to form a butt seam extending in a longitudinal direction of the profile member, and the foil (16, 36) is cut by a cutting beam (24) in a condition in which an edge strip of the foil projects beyond the profile member (10), while a face of the profile member is used as reference for the position of the cutting beam.
US08518199B2 Double tread
Embodiments of the invention are used to provide ways of tire tread molding and retreading with a double tread rubber body having a unitary structure that comprises two treads in order to remove the need for buffing an oxide layer typically associated with tread molding and curing. Embodiments of the double tread molding and retreading methods also remove the need for cementing the cured tread to prevent future oxidation buildup. Once the double tread is cured and cooled, it is cut along the centerline with a double tread separation apparatus to expose a soft non-oxidized inner rubber. The cutting is much less energy intensive when compared to buffing with an expendable wire brush. There is no risk of spots of oxidized rubber being missed as is the case with buffing. There is little or no dust created.
US08518198B2 Method for connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece
A method for connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece. The method includes inserting a pin on the plastic workpiece through a through-opening in the further workpiece and abutting the first and second workpieces against one another. A friction tool, which has a clamping ring and a friction pin, is engaged to the pin and the friction pin is rotated so that frictional heat produced by friction between the friction pin and the pin brings the pin into a plastic state. The rotating friction pin is moved parallel to the axis of rotation toward the working surface so that the pin is plastically deformed.
US08518194B2 Magnetic article and method for producing a magnetic article
A magnetic article comprises, in total, elements in amounts capable of providing at least one (La1-aMa)(Fe1-b-cTbYc)13-dXe phase and less than 0.5 Vol % impurities, wherein 0≦a≦0.9, 0≦b≦0.2, 0.05≦c≦0.2, −1≦d≦+1, 0≦e≦3, M is one or more of the elements Ce, Pr and Nd, T is one or more of the elements Co, Ni, Mn and Cr, Y is one or more of the elements Si, Al, As, Ga, Ge, Sn and Sb and X is one or more of the elements H, B, C, N, Li and Be. The magnetic article comprises a permanent magnet.
US08518192B2 Lead-free, high-strength, high-lubricity copper alloys
A lead-free copper alloy includes, in combination by weight, about 10.0% to about 20.0% bismuth, about 0.05% to about 0.3% phosphorous, about 2.2% to about 10.0% tin, up to about 5.0% antimony, and up to about 0.02% boron, the balance essentially copper and incidental elements and impurities. The alloy contains no more than about 0.05 wt. % or 0.10 wt. % lead.
US08518185B2 Granulated maltitol for direct compression and method of preparation thereof
Method of producing granulated maltitol, including the stages: preparing maltitol syrup having less than 50 wt.% dry matter and greater than 70 wt.% maltitol, introducing to a fluidized air bed granulator, a pulverulent bed of crystallized maltitol with a concentration at least equal to 99 wt.% and a mean diameter between 30 and 100 μm, controlling the air inlet temperature between 100 and 120° C. and air velocity between 1 and 2 m/s, fine spraying the maltitol syrup into the granulator, at between 35 and 45° C., onto the moving pulverulent bed; the bed being between 30 and 60° C.; the mass of the bed representing constantly at least 2.5 times the mass of the sprayed syrup, drying, after fine spraying, by raising the air temperature below the melting point of maltitol to obtain a bed temperature between 70 and 80° C., cooling the granulated maltitol to at most 25° C. and collecting.
US08518184B2 Methods and systems for controlling temperature during microfeature workpiece processing, E.G., CVD deposition
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for controlling temperature. The method has particular utility in connection with controlling temperature in a deposition process, e.g., in depositing a heat-reflective material via CVD. One exemplary embodiment provides a method that involves monitoring a first temperature outside the deposition chamber and a second temperature inside the deposition chamber. An internal temperature in the deposition chamber can be increased in accordance with a ramp profile by (a) comparing a control temperature to a target temperature, and (b) selectively delivering heat to the deposition chamber in response to a result of the comparison. The target temperature may be determined in accordance with the ramp profile, but the control temperature in one implementation alternates between the first temperature and the second temperature.
US08518183B2 Film deposition apparatus, substrate process apparatus, film deposition method, and computer readable storage medium
A film deposition apparatus is configured to deposit a film on a substrate by carrying out a cycle of alternately supplying at least two kinds of reaction gases that react with each other to the substrate to stack multiple layers of a reaction product in a vacuum chamber so that a thin film is formed. The film deposition apparatus includes a rotation table, a substrate providing area, a first reaction gas supplying part, a second reaction gas supplying part, a separation area, a center part area, an evacuation opening, and a substrate cooling part.
US08518182B2 Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus comprising: a processing chamber which is to accommodate at least one substrate; a gas supply system which is to supply processing gas into the processing chamber; an exhaust system which is to exhaust atmosphere in the processing chamber; and at least one pair of electrodes which are to bring the processing gas into an active state and which are accommodated in protection tubes such that the electrodes can be inserted into and pulled out from the protection tubes, wherein the electrodes are accommodated in the protection tube in a state where at least a portion of the electrodes is bent, and the electrodes are formed of flexible members, is disclosed.
US08518180B2 Silicon single crystal pull-up apparatus having a sliding sample tube
A silicon single crystal pull-up apparatus is used to pull up a doped silicon single crystal from a melt by means of the Czochralski process and includes a pull-up furnace, a sample chamber which is externally mounted on the pull-up furnace and houses a sublimable dopant, a shielding means for thermally isolating the interior of the pull-up furnace and the interior of the sample chamber, a sample tube which can be raised and lowered between the interior of the sample chamber and the interior of the pull-up furnace, and a raising and lowering means which is provided with guide rails on which the sample tube can slide and a wire mechanism by which the sample tube is raised and lowered along the guide rails.
US08518178B2 Silicon carbide nanofiber and fabrication method of silicon carbide nanofiber using emulsion spinning
Disclosed is: a single crystalline silicon carbide nanofiber having improved thermal and mechanical stability as well as a large specific surface area which is applicable to a system for purifying exhaust gas, silicon carbide fiber filter, diesel particulate filter having a high temperature stability and may be used in the form of nanostructures such as nanorods and nanoparticles.
US08518176B2 Suppression of antagonistic hydration reactions in blended cements
Method for suppressing antagonistic hydration reactions in Portland fly ash cement involves the use of unponded fly ash that is pre-hydrated, preferably as an aqueous slurry wherein fly ash, preferably having an alkaline earth metal oxide of at least 10% by weight, is soaked, whereby the hydration reaction of the resultant mixed fly ash and cement is accelerated when these components are mixed together with water to hydrate the cement. Blended Portland cement/fly ash compositions of the invention will also have higher early strength as well as shorter set time compared to untreated blends.
US08518172B2 Aqueous inorganic zinc-rich coating composition
An aqueous inorganic zinc-rich coating composition employs zinc powder and a vehicle containing an aqueous solution containing a specific alkali silicate, an ammonium ion, and a halide ion at specific concentrations; a vehicle containing an aqueous solution containing the above ingredients at specific concentrations and additionally an alkali halide at a specific concentration; or a vehicle containing an aqueous solution containing a specific alkali silicate and an alkali halide at specific concentrations, wherein the vehicle and zinc powder are contained at a specific ratio.
US08518166B2 Air filtering system capable of enhancing inspection convenience
The present invention relates to an air filtering system capable of enhancing inspection convenience, which is disposed in the ceiling and comprises a housing, a filter, a first sampling tube, and a second sampling tube. On both ends of the housing, an intake and an outtake are disposed opposite to each other. The filter is disposed in the housing, and has an intake surface and an outtake surface opposite to each other. The filter divides the inner space of the housing into a first sampling zone and a second sampling zone. A first end of the first sampling tube is fixed on the housing, and communicates with the first sampling zone. Likewise, a first end of the second sampling tube is fixed on the housing, and communicates with the second sampling zone. Besides, a second end of the first sampling tube and a second end of the second sampling tube are both fixed on the wall. Thereby, the inspection convenience for the inspection staffs can be enhanced.
US08518164B2 Fuel vapor treating apparatuses having a high thermal conductive honeycomb core
An adsorbent canister has a housing defining an adsorption chamber therein, an adsorbent filled in the adsorption chamber, and a honeycomb core. The honeycomb core is made from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the adsorbent, defines therein a plurality of cells passing through the honeycomb core and is disposed in the adsorption chamber. The adsorbent canister can further have a heater for heating the honeycomb core or the honeycomb core can be made from a material, which produce heat when current is applied.
US08518160B2 Turbine inlet heat transfer system
A heat transfer system is provided for a filter house. The filter house is configured to channel air into a turbine engine. The heat transfer system includes at least one of an expansion device and a compressor, a circuit coupled to at least one of the expansion device and the compressor, at least one sensor that detects a parameter of at least one of air channeled through a filter house and the fluid channeled through the circuit, and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to selectively control flow of fluid through the circuit to change the parameter of air channeled through the filter house based on the parameter detected by the sensor.
US08518151B2 Porous hollow fiber supported dense membrane for hydrogen production, separation, or purification
A dense hydrogen-permeable layer, such as palladium or palladium alloy, is deposited on a porous hollow fiber. A porous hollow fiber is defined as having an inner diameter of approximately 30 microns to approximately 1500 microns and an outer diameter of approximately 100 microns to approximately 2000 microns. This allows an order-of-magnitude increase in the surface per volume ratio in a hydrogen separation or purification module, or a membrane reformer or reactor.
US08518149B2 Chlorine gas production
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a process for the production of chlorine gas. For the various embodiments, the process includes compressing a gas mixture of vaporized liquid chlorine and a feed gas containing chlorine to form a compressed gas. Chlorine in the compressed gas is condensed into liquid chlorine. A first portion of the liquid chlorine is vaporized to provide a heat of condensation to condense chlorine from the compressed gas into liquid chlorine. A second portion of the liquid chlorine is vaporized to provide both the vaporized liquid chlorine for the gas mixture and a heat of condensation to cool a tail gas from the process. A chlorine gas product from the vaporized first portion of the liquid chlorine is also produced.
US08518143B2 Method for producing a ceramic filter element and filter element
The invention relates to a method for producing a ceramic filter element in an exhaust gas filter for an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel particulate filter, wherein a base paper carrier web is soaked with a ceramic slip and then burnt out. The base paper carrier web uses a thickness and/or structure that varies over the width and/or length of the base paper carrier web.
US08518138B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a duct, a fan, a guide duct, and a filter. Air flows through the duct from an intake port in a front face of an apparatus body toward a first exhaust port in a rear face. The fan is provided in the duct and takes in the air via the intake port and exhausts the air via the first exhaust port. The guide duct is provided at the rear face, covers the first exhaust port and a second exhaust port via which exhaust air containing an odorous component produced inside the apparatus body is exhausted from the rear face, and guides the exhaust air from the first and second exhaust ports upward in a vertical direction. The filter is provided in the guide duct downstream from the first and second exhaust ports in the vertical direction and removes the odorous component from the exhaust air.
US08518137B2 Miniature active standoff chamber
One or more embodiments of a standoff chamber system configured to generate aerosolized clouds, useful in testing or calibrating standoff detectors in a laboratory environment, includes a chamber body having vertically recirculating vortices for generation of the clouds. The standoff chamber further includes a pair of aero-windows configured to surround a pair of apertures in the chamber body, filtering and preventing escape of the cloud, while allowing direct observation of the cloud by standoff detectors.
US08518133B2 Parallel path, downdraft gasifier apparatus and method
A gasifier is disclosed. The gasifier may include a housing and a refractory system contained within the housing. The refractory system may comprise an upper manifold, an intermediate portion, and a lower manifold. The refractory system may also include columnar cavities. The columnar cavities may extend vertically through the intermediate portion and place the upper manifold in communication with the lower manifold.
US08518131B2 Method for modifying the volatility of petroleum prior to ethanol addition
The invention relates to systems and methods for modifying the volatility of petroleum prior to ethanol addition. The methods can include (a) providing (i) a supply of gasoline, (ii) an ethanol standard, and (iii) a supply of butane; (b) analyzing the volatility of a sample formed by mixing the gasoline and ethanol standard; (c) calculating from the volatility a ratio of butane that can be blended into the sample without causing the sample to pass the one or more fixed volatility limits; and (d) blending butane from the butane supply with gasoline from the gasoline supply at or below the ratio calculated in step (c).
US08518128B2 Fuel additive composition to improve fuel lubricity
The present disclosure relates to fuel additive compositions comprising one or more hydrogen bonding compounds derived from a long chain fatty acid, and one or more esters of a second long chain fatty acid. Such fuel additives improve the lubricity of the fuel.
US08518124B2 Emulsion dyeing composition containing at least one quaternary amine, at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one phosphate ester, and method of using same
The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for dyeing keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty quaternary amine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one phosphate ester chosen from alkoxylated alkyl phosphate esters and alkyl phosphate esters; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes; (e) optionally, at least one thickening agent; (f) optionally, at least one alkaline agent; (g) optionally, at least one fatty substance other than a fatty acid present in the ready-to-use composition; h) optionally, at least one salt; and (i) optionally, at least one oxidizing agent.
US08518120B2 Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
US08518119B2 Bone fixation surfaces for intervertebral implants
An intervertebral implant has an implant structure providing a fixation surface for fixation to the endplate of a vertebral body. The fixation surface includes two bone contact regions at different heights in an axial direction. A transition between the two contact regions has a stepped form including at least two steps.
US08518118B2 Disc fusion implant
An embodiment provides an implant prosthesis. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis may include an implant strip including a first portion comprising a first lateral side portion and a second lateral side portion, and a second portion separating the first lateral side portion from the second lateral side portion, with the first and second lateral side portions configured to engage a first and second vertebra, with a first longitudinal portion of the implant strip forming a first inner coil, with a second longitudinal portion forming a second outer coil, and with the second outer coil spaced radially outward of the first inner coil, wherein the second portion deflects before the first portion under compressive and tensile forces.
US08518117B2 Disc fusion implant
An embodiment provides an implant prosthesis. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis may include an implant strip configured for insertion between two adjacent vertebrae, the implant strip including a first portion having a first rigidity and a second portion having a second rigidity that is less than the first rigidity, wherein the second portion is configured to deflect under an axial load before the first portion deflects.
US08518109B2 Optical coupling gel for eye imaging
The invention discloses an optical coupling gel that has a set of desired features for application in eye imaging, including being approved for eye contact, optically transparent, able to maintain normal hydration of the ocular surface, flexible and capable of maintaining a distinct shape, minimal in breakdown/change during use, and easily dispensable/applicable. In one embodiment, the gel is made of Sodium Carboxy Methylcellulose (SCMC), where the amount of the cellulose determines the viscosity of the gel for its particular application. The right amount of gel is contained in an applicator for application to one or two eyes.
US08518107B2 Percutaneous transcatheter repair of heart valves
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for repairing heart valves through percutaneous transcatheter delivery and fixation of annuloplasty rings to heart valves. An annuloplasty ring includes an outer hollow member including a plurality of segments. Adjacent segments cooperate with one another to change the outer hollow member from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry. The annuloplasty ring also includes an internal anchor member located at least partially within the outer hollow member. The internal anchor member includes a plurality of anchors configured to attach the annuloplasty ring to tissue of a heart valve annulus. The internal anchor member is configured to move the plurality of anchors with respect to a plurality of windows in the outer hollow member to selectively deploy the plurality of anchors through the respective windows.
US08518105B2 Methods and apparatuses for coating a lesion
A method and apparatus to treat regions of a vessel is described. A protein elastin-based polymer is released from the apparatus to coat the vessel lining as a primary therapy or an adjunct therapy with the delivery and deployment of a stent with or without drug coating. The protein elastin-based polymer may include a triblock structure having an elastin pentapeptide as the flanking block and a hydrophilic variant of the pentapeptide as the middle block. Both the flanking and middle blocks can be modified to change the structural and chemical properties of the polymer. In particular, the protein elastin based polymer is adapted to perform at least one of controlling release of a treatment agent, stimulating endothelial cell growth and stabilizing the vulnerable plaque to prevent rupture of the vulnerable plaque.
US08518103B2 Bifurcated delivery system and method
A catheter assembly includes an elongate main catheter branch and an elongate side catheter branch. The main catheter branch includes an arc shape and an inflatable balloon extending along a portion of the arc. The side catheter branch extends along the main catheter branch within a plane of the curvature of the arc of the main catheter branch. A stent can be positioned along the inflatable balloon. The stent includes a lateral branch opening through which the side catheter branch extends.
US08518099B2 Low friction vascular implant delivery device
A vascular implant delivery device is disclosed and can include a body and a syringe attachment formed in the body. Further, the device can include an outer sheath extending from the body. The outer sheath can include a distal end that can be configured to receive a vascular implant. The device can also include at least three implant support structures that can extend radially inward from the distal end of the outer sheath. The implant support structures can be configured to support and guide a vascular implant moving through the outer sheath. Additionally, the device can include an inner carrier catheter slidably disposed within the outer sheath.
US08518097B2 Plasticized stent coatings
The present invention provides a system for treating a vascular condition, including a catheter, a stent with a stent framework operably coupled to the catheter, and a drug-polymer coating on the stent framework including at least one plasticizer dispersed within the drug-polymer coating.
US08518094B2 Precisely guided phototherapy apparatus
A precisely guided phototherapy apparatus for treating soft tissue injury, chronic pain, and promoting wound healing for both human and animal targets. The phototherapy apparatus comprises sensors for monitoring the intensity, position, and movement of the therapeutic light beam over the treatment area. The delivered light energy dosage is determined accordingly based on these parameters. The phototherapy apparatus further comprises a projector device for projecting markers on top of the treatment area. The markers represent the values of the delivered light energy dosage for assisting the practitioner or clinician in precisely controlling the phototherapy procedure.
US08518091B2 System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone
A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone.
US08518083B2 Conical interspinous apparatus and a method of performing interspinous distraction
A conical interspinous apparatus includes a distractor comprising an insertion portion and a central engagement groove, the insertion portion having a conical shape which tapers to a tip and is adapted to enable passage of the distractor between two spinous processes of vertebrae, and the central engagement groove is adapted to secure the distractor between the two spinous processes such that the two spinous processes rest in the central engagement groove. The conical interspinous apparatus includes a stabilizer which is adapted to be deployed from within the distractor to secure the two spinous processes within the central engagement groove and an insertion driver detachably coupled to a rear portion of the distractor. A guide wire, having a pointed tip, aids in the insertion of the distractor between the two spinous processes and is configured to guide the insertion of the distractor.
US08518082B2 Percutaneous access devices and bone anchor assemblies
A percutaneous access device includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The outer tube may be sized to span from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate the spine of the patient. The distal end of the outer tube may be adapted to releasably engage a bone anchor. The inner tube may be adjustable relative to the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a distal bone engaging portion and a receiving member having a recess for receiving a spinal fixation element. The proximal end of the receiving member may have an arcuate groove formed on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate connection of an instrument to the receiving member.
US08518079B2 Teething assembly
A teething device includes a loop and a plurality of plates each having a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter edge. Each of the plates has an aperture that the loop extends through. Each of the plates is in the shape of a key and each is made of a metallic material. A plurality grommets is positioned on the perimeter edges of each plate. A teething member is mounted on the loop. The loop extends through the opening in the teething member. The teething member is used to provide comfort to a child while the child chews on the teething member.
US08518076B2 Surgical adhesive applicator
An adhesive applicator for applying medical adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylates, to incisions such as those made during minimally invasive surgery. The applicator employs a pipette tip or similar narrow flow restrictor tip to close the incision and a body of foam to seal the incision. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.
US08518072B2 Jugular femoral vena cava filter system
An embolus filter introducer system has a symmetric introducer sheath with a filter inside. The introducer sheath can be attached at either end to a deployment actuator. The deployment actuator can thereby be used to push the filter out of the introducer sheath. Since the sheath can be oriented in a selectable direction, so can the filter, allowing the sheath to be introduced via a jugular or femoral approach to the vena cava.
US08518070B2 Laparoscopic scissors
A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having pivot posts thereon. The pivot posts can engage apertures on the elongate shaft, thus eliminating the need for a through-pinned pivot connection of the scissor blades. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The scissor assemblies described herein can have a relatively low operational height such that they do not extend beyond a diameter of the elongate shaft during opening and closing of the scissor assembly.
US08518065B2 Surgical instrument with telescoping attachment
A surgical instrument for the dissection of bone and other tissue includes a spindle, a dissection tool and a coupler disposed between the spindle and the dissection tool. The coupler includes a tool collet and an attachment locking mechanism operable to permit tool collet operation and telescoping movement of an attachment tube with respect to the dissection tool. A method is also provided for convenient coupling of the dissection tool and adjustment of the attachment tube length.
US08518064B2 Method for anchoring occlusion plug
A method for occluding a body vessel in a patient to block or reduce blood flow therethrough includes puncturing a blood vessel wall at a proximal vessel entry site with a hollow needle and extending the needle through the proximal entry site into the vessel lumen. The needle is extended through the vessel lumen and extended through the vessel wall at a distal vessel exit site into the extravascular space surrounding the distal vessel exit site. An expandable biocompatible material, such as expandable extracellular matrix (ECM) material, is then ejected though the distal end of the needle into the extravascular space. Then, while continuing to eject the expandable biocompatible plug material, the distal end of the needle is retracted back through the distal vessel exit site into the vessel lumen, such that the plug material continuously extends between the extravascular space surrounding the distal vessel exit site into the vessel lumen. When the plug material is delivered into the lumen of the vessel, the plug material expands, anchoring the plug material to the vessel wall, whereby the plug material forms an occluding plug in the vessel lumen blocking or reducing blood flow therethrough.
US08518059B2 Self suturing trocar
A surgical incision suturing device particularly suited for minimally invasive surgical procedures comprising a suturing mechanism built into a trocar stem that enables a surgeon to stitch a patient by utilizing controls on the exposed top portion of the trocar.
US08518058B2 Suture system
Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a needle carrier. The devices and methods can be used in conjunction with both endosurgical and traditional open surgery procedures.
US08518053B2 Surgical instruments for creating a pneumostoma and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Surgical instruments and techniques are provided for creating a pneumostoma through the chest wall into the lung of a patient. The pneumostomy instruments and techniques may be used to create a pneumostoma which allows gases to escape from the lung through the chest wall and thereby treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US08518044B2 Disposable flexible reamer shaft for medical applications
A low cost disposable flexible reamer shaft has a flexible cylindrical braided tube shaft with an outer diameter in the range of 4 to 14 millimeters and 250 to 400 mm length, and a central aperture for insertion of a flexible polymeric tube. The braided tube shaft is permanently attached to a first end element and a second end element. The threaded end of the first end element attaches to female threads of modular tapered, cylindrical or spherical, hollow or solid reamer assembly. The second end element fits into a chuck of a drive motor. The threaded attachment of the first end provides local centerline matching. A guide pin is inserted in the bone cavity, which enters the reamer. The central aperture of the flexible polymeric tube provides centerline matched, wobble-free reaming. The reaming end point is precisely the guide pin inserted location while the reaming direction is controlled by the surgeon by flexing the flexible reamer shaft.
US08518038B2 Electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same
An electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same.
US08518036B2 Electrosurgical tissue treatment method
A method of treating spinal tissue of a patient's body is disclosed, the method using a system comprising an energy source and first and second internally-cooled probe assemblies, wherein each of the probe assemblies comprises an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source. The method comprises: inserting the energy delivery devices of the first and second internally-cooled probe assemblies into spaced-apart treatment sites for the spinal tissue; delivering energy from the energy source to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices to create a lesion within the spinal tissue; delivering a cooling fluid to the energy delivery devices; and controlling the delivery of energy and the delivery of the cooling fluid to the energy delivery devices such that the lesion extends between the energy delivery devices.
US08518033B2 Cutting and coagulation electrode
In an electro-surgical instrument (1), two electrode surfaces (25, 27) are provided for a first electrode (15, 31, 32, 34, 36) having different sizes, each forming a pair of electrodes with electrode surfaces (26, 28) of a second electrode (14, 16, 33). The smaller electrode surface (25) of the first electrode (15, 31, 32, 34, 36) can be used as the active electrode for cutting and the larger electrode surface (27) of the first electrode (15, 31, 32, 34, 36) is used for coagulation. During operation, the electrodes (14, 15, 16, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36) are connected to a two-pole outlet of a commercial generator that can switch between two output signals for cutting and coagulation. A layered, stacked structure of the effective area (8) of the instrument (1) of electrode bodies (14, 15, 16, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36) with intermediate insulating layers (17) allows a design resembling the shape of a knife or a blade (11).
US08518028B2 Methods for enhancing accommodation of a natural lens of an eye
The accommodative properties of the natural lens of an eye, which tend to degrade with age, can be enhanced, restored, or otherwise improved using the in situ treatment techniques and methodologies provided here. One exemplary method of enhancing accommodative properties of the natural lens of an eye involves an initial step of specifying treatment areas of the natural lens. These treatment areas correspond to regions of the capsular bag or regions of the crystalline lens. The method continues by increasing stiffness of the treatment areas while all or portions of the natural lens remains in situ. This results in stiffened areas of the natural lens that enhance transfer of ciliary muscle forces to a center region of the crystalline lens.
US08518027B2 Phototherapy device thermal control apparatus and method
A phototherapy device includes a light source; a light emanation block; and a heat exchanger for the dissipation of heat from one or more heat loads associated with the device. Heat may be transferred via the heat exchanger from the light source independently of the dissipation of heat from one or more of the other device heat loads. Substantially thermally isolated heat transfer regions may be provided, and such regions may be maintained at different operating temperatures, to control the transfer of heat in conjunction with a phototherapy method and to promote efficient and enhanced device operation and performance.
US08518023B2 Tools and methods for programming an implantable valve
Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.
US08518020B2 Safety urinary catheter
This document provides catheters (e.g., urinary catheters) having safety mechanisms that indicate when a distal end of the device enters an intended cavity (e.g., a human's bladder) and is properly positioned, thereby preventing inflation of a retention balloon in an unintended location (e.g., the urinary canal). For example, safety urinary catheters and methods for using and inserting such safety urinary catheters are provided.
US08518019B2 Valve assembly including a dissolvable valve member
A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material.
US08518018B2 Apparatus and method for electrosurgical suction
A suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site. The suction apparatus may include replaceable suction tips that correspond in shape to differently shaped electrocautery electrodes.
US08518016B2 Method of using a partial-length, indwelling prostatic catheter having a coiled inflation tube as an anchor
An indwelling catheter is positioned in a urinary tract to drain urine from the bladder to a position distally adjacent to a sphincter muscle. A balloon of the catheter is inflated through an inflation tube extending through the urinary tract. A coiled section of the inflation tube contacts the constriction caused by the sphincter muscle. The balloon and the coiled section resist movement of the indwelling catheter while still permitting natural urination. The indwelling catheter is inserted by an insertion tool which is separably connected to the catheter. Once the indwelling catheter is positioned, the tool is disconnected and withdrawn from the urinary tract. Risks of blood clots obstructing the flow of urine through the indwelling catheter immediately following a surgical procedure on the prostate gland are avoided by flushing fluid through the insertion tool and the catheter to clear an internal urine flow passageway in the catheter.
US08518015B2 Coupling device and use thereof
A coupling device (1) for the connection of two ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), allowing the contact of the flowing fluid only with elements inside a closed container, circumstances and an inherently easy connection operation, thus it can be carried out, comprising: a closed container (10) housing said ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), one of said tubular members having a flexible terminal section (8) thereof inside said closed container; a mobile connection member (15), coupled at the end of said flexible terminal section (8), having a nozzle (16) apt to be inserted within a receiving end of the other tubular member,—and a cam device, located inside said closed container (10) and apt to be actuated from the outside of said closed container, apt to cooperate with said mobile connection member (15), the cam device causing the insertion and the ejection of said nozzle in and from said receiving end, and the corresponding connection and the disconnection of the two ends.
US08518014B2 Surgical suction instrument
A surgical suction instrument is provided that is flexible enough to bend in any direction creating a custom shaped suction device. The surgical suction device reduces surgeon fatigue and is rigid enough for use as a retractor. The surgical suction device preferably has the exit suction port below the handle to create a more ergonomic device and reduce user fatigue during surgery.
US08518013B2 Multi-lumen catheter with increased flow area
In at least one embodiment, a catheter for insertion into a patient for providing treatment is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion. The proximal portion has a plurality of first lumens formed therethrough and at least one septum separating the first lumens in non-coaxial relationship with each other. The first lumens each have an associated flow area for providing the treatment through the proximal portion. The distal portion has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumens. The septum terminates distally in the proximal portion to merge the first lumens with the second lumen. The second lumen has a second flow area that is greater than any one of the associated flow areas of the first lumens for providing the treatment to the patient.
US08518010B2 Disposable absorbent wearing article
A disposable absorbent wearing article having an absorbent chassis and an annular elasticized waist panel. The elastic waist panel includes a front waist panel and a rear waist panel. A rear waist panel has a dimension in a longitudinal direction that is greater than that of the front waist panel and further includes a first elasticized region, a second elasticized region defining a waist band and a third elasticized region located toward a crotch region of the article. Tensile stress of the third elasticized region, as measured in a transverse direction, is less than the tensile stress of the first and second elasticized regions.
US08518007B2 Reusable diapers
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of reusable diapers. In an exemplary embodiment, a reusable diaper may generally include a forward portion, a rearward portion, a crotch portion, and first and second waist portions. At least a three-by-three array of snap members may be along the forward portion that allows selective adjustment to a functional rise of the reusable diaper. The array may include at least a first row of at least three spaced-apart snap members vertically spaced from and aligned with corresponding snap members in at least two other rows of the array. The first waist portion may have corner regions releasably attachable to the second waist portion. The corner regions may be resiliently stretchable to permit at least some adjustability to a functional waist size of the reusable diaper as defined by the first and second waist portions when the first waist portion is releasably attached to the second waist portion.
US08518001B2 Skin treatment device
A personal skin polishing or microdermabrasion device having a convenient form factor with a applicator attached to a contoured housing with a handle portion. The housing contains a battery, a cordless motor and a gear box to provide an appropriate rotational velocity to the output shaft that is coupled to the applicator. The applicator may be a foam material selected to cushion the skin from excessive abrasion to the particles in a personal care composition to be used with device, and to have a porosity that will enable the foam to interact with the particles and enhance the skin polishing effect.
US08517999B2 Irrigated catheter with improved fluid flow
An irrigated catheter with uniform cooling and/or uniform fluid distribution in longitudinally spaced apart elution holes by varying the diameter of a fluid delivery lumen. A number of elution holes are provided in a tip region of a catheter body, and these elution holes are in fluid communication with the lumen through ducts. The fluid delivery lumen may be provided with a flow constrictor to restrict flow of fluid towards the distal region.
US08517998B2 Disposable, sterile fluid transfer device
The present invention relates to a process for the sterile transfer of fluids, be they liquids or gases. It uses a presterilized device comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. The device is attached to an upstream component and the face and the first end of the plunger are steam sterilized in place.
US08517996B2 Cannula for dispensing fluid products, particularly for vaginal and rectal applications
A cannula (1) for dispensing fluid products, particularly for vaginal and rectal applications, comprises: a tubular body (2) for containing a fluid product (P), having a first extremity (2a), at which a dispenser opening (3) is formed, and a second open extremity (2b), opposed to the first extremity (2a). A closing body (5) which is associable with the tubular body (2) to close the second extremity (2b). The closing body comprises a first element (6) at least partially insertable through the second extremity (2b) and suitable for acting as a sliding piston inside the tubular body (2), and a second annular body, that functions a tamper indication seal. A cover cap (4) which can be fitted on the tubular body (2) to close the dispenser opening (3) and which is made in a single body piece. Longitudinal score lines divide the cover cap into a plurality of first sections and a single second section. Fold lines extend longitudinally along the first sections. Single second section is torn away from the body along the weakened score lines, and the first sections are bent over the fold lines to form a push rod of reduced transverse dimensions. Push rod is insertable into tubular body to slide first section of closing cap along interior of cannula to discharge fluid product.
US08517995B2 Access device
A surgical access device includes a base having two or more ports or apertures that provide for the insertion of surgical instruments. The multi-port insert may be used with a laparoscopic access device. The multi-port insert may also include one or more instrument supports that are attached to the base to fix the position of one or more surgical instruments inserted through the multi-port insert.
US08517989B2 Medication infusion kit
Embodiments of the present invention include a self-powered infuser with a medicament containing vessel coupled to the infuser capable of exerting sufficient pressure to cause a medicament to flow from the containing vessel, through intravenous tubing, and into a patient's circulatory system. The infuser and vessel may be contained within a sealable kit which may have a separate container for perishable medications such that the medications may be inspected and changed without exposing the remainder of the kit's contents. The infuser may be recyclable or disposable.
US08517986B2 Retractable safety syringe with non-loaded seal
A retractable safety syringe may have a needle, needle holder, syringe body, a shaft seal, and a plunger assembly. A proximal portion of the body and a piston of the plunger may define a vacuum chamber. The plunger assembly may comprise a shaft coupled to a piston. The shaft may have at least one non-engaging portion and at least one engaging portion. The plunger assembly is movable between a storage position and working positions. In the storage position, little or no force is exerted on the shaft seal by the non-engaging portion. In the working positions, the engaging portion is in sealing engagement with the shaft seal to seal the vacuum chamber. Stopper movement of the retractable safety syringe may be reduced or eliminated if the retractable safety syringe is prefilled.
US08517985B2 Needle insertion assistance device
A needle insertion assistance device is provided to easily hold a needle device, which comprises a syringe and a needle having a needle wing and being attached to the syringe, in order to more reliably control the advancement of the needle during insertion of the needle into a targeted part of a human body for many medical purposes. One embodiment of the needle insertion assistance device may comprise a supporting plate, a base connected hingedly to a rear surface of the supporting plate, and a syringe holder securely affixed to a top surface of the base to slidably hold the syringe on the base and prevent the syringe from moving from side to side. This embodiment of the needle insertion assistance device may further include a needle blocker, a handle, and an angle adjusting assembly.
US08517977B2 Visual insufflation port
A visual insufflation obturator is provided. The obturator includes seals, valves, screens and/or various other tip features to eliminate the ingress of fluids, matter and/or gas that can disrupt the visual field of the laparoscope disposed within the obturator. The obturator provides additional features such as lens and anti-fog features to further increase visibility of the scope, efficiently insufflate the patient and ultimately provide an access channel into the insufflated abdomen once the visual insufflation obturator is removed.
US08517976B2 Abdominal insufflator and principal trocar-cannula device
A hollow plastic cannula with plunger having a funnel shape entrance at one side and a sharp slant cut on the other. A hollow polyethylene catheter is shaped to fit within the cannula once inserted in the abdomen. The present invention is a means of performing an error-free abdominal insufflation for Laparoscopic procedures.
US08517975B2 Device and method for producing therapeutic foam
A device and a method for generating therapeutic foam from a sclerosing solution such as polidocanol and a gas which is absorbable or dissolvable in the body comprises a disposable cassette including a liquid container and a flexible chamber containing gas, chamber being formed as a loop. Located in the loop chamber is a foam generating mesh. In use, liquid is introduced into the chamber and then the cassette is inserted into a pumping machine where it is engaged by a peristaltic pump which circulates the contents of the loop chamber through the mesh, thus creating foam. When a steady state is reached, foam may be withdrawn using a syringe via either a port or septum.
US08517971B2 Cannula implant device for use in salivary gland ducts
A cannula for placement within a salivary gland duct having a first end adjacent an oral cavity and a second end adjacent a salivary gland is provided. The cannula includes an elongate body having a lumen and a first and a second plate offset from a proximal end of the elongate body. The first plate is located on one side of the elongate body and the second plate is correspondingly located on the other side of the elongate body and adjacent the first plate. The first plate has a first hole that is operable to suture the first plate to a location adjacent the first end of the salivary duct adjacent the oral cavity, whereby upon placement of the cannula within the salivary gland duct, saliva flows through the elongate body's lumen from the salivary gland to the oral cavity.
US08517960B2 Devices and methods for cervix measurement
A device for measuring a length of a cervix includes an elongate measurement member, a hollow member, a flange, a handle, and a locking mechanism. The elongate measurement member extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a measurement scale thereon. The hollow member is coaxial with and disposed over the elongate measurement member. The flange is offset from the longitudinal axis and attached to a distal end of the hollow member. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the measurement member. The locking mechanism is configured, when locked, to fix the hollow member relative to the measurement member and, when unlocked to allow the hollow member to slide along the measurement member and rotate about the longitudinal axis so as to place the flange in a desired position without moving the measurement scale.
US08517956B1 Simultaneous multiple method out-patient uterus biopsy device and method
A biopsy device, comprising a flexible coaxial structure, comprising an obturator within a sheath, the obturator being adapted to be displaced with respect to the sheath along the coaxial axis by a force applied at a proximal end; a disruptor, at a distal end of the obturator, adapted to disrupt a tissue surface to free cells therefrom, having a first position covered within the sheath and a second position freely extending beyond the sheath; an element, having a fixed position on the obturator, and a close clearance with respect to an inner surface of the sheath, such that a retraction of the obturator within the sheath causes an associated change in pressure in a space between the obturator distal to the element and the sheath, to thereby draw fluid proximate to an end of the sheath within the sheath.
US08517954B2 Neural monitoring system
A neural monitoring system for detecting an induced response of a muscle to a stimulus provided within an intracorporeal treatment area of a human subject includes a mechanical sensor configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle, and a receiver in communication with the mechanical sensor. The receiver is configured to: receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor; compute a time derivative of an acceleration of the muscle from the mechanomyography output signal; compare the computed time derivative of acceleration to a jerk threshold; and indicate that the sensed mechanical movement of the muscle was induced by the provided intracorporeal stimulus if the computed time derivative of acceleration exceeds the jerk threshold.
US08517953B2 Techniques for prediction and monitoring of coughing-manifested clinical episodes
A method is provided for predicting an onset of a clinical episode, the method including sensing breathing of a subject, determining at least one breathing pattern of the subject responsively to the sensed breathing, comparing the breathing pattern with a baseline breathing pattern, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the comparison. Other embodiments are also described.
US08517946B2 User interface in an ultrasound system
Embodiments of a user interface in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system comprises a display unit for prompting a user to touch a desired one of hierarchically arranged soft buttons for triggering an execution of the function of the ultrasound system associated with the touched button. The display unit includes a display having a display with touch panel mounted. The display unit is configured to display a touch screen menu together with the ultrasound image on the display.
US08517939B2 Medical instrument with low power, high contrast display
A patient monitoring/defibrillation instrument displays patient vital signs in numeric form or as graphical waveform traces. Under normal room lighting conditions the numeric and waveform information is displayed in color against a black or gray background. When the patient monitor is operated outside or in bright light, the user has the option to select a color map for display of the patient vital signs information in a highly contrasting manner such as black numeric or waveform information against a bright background such as yellow. The high contrast display, while being objectionable in most indoor settings, has been found to comfortably and effectively display the monitored information in sunlight without the need to increase power to the display.
US08517938B2 Medical system having consumables monitoring
The invention proposes a medical system which comprises a central control unit which is set up to display at least one diagnostic measured value using a display element. The medical system also comprises at least one invasive unit, wherein the invasive unit has at least one invasive consumable. The invasive consumable is set up to invasively intervene in a tissue of a patient. The invasive unit has at least one contactlessly readable electronic identifier for storing at least one piece of information. The central control unit is set up to electronically read the at least one piece of information in the electronic identifier. The central control unit and the invasive unit are functionally independent of one another such that the respective function of the central control unit and of the invasive unit can be performed independently of the presence of the respective other unit.
US08517936B1 Eyelid lifting device
A eyelid lifting device, comprising an eyelid contacting member, and a forehead contacting member, and an elastomeric connecting member. The eyelid contacting member and the forehead contacting member each having an adhesive layer with a cover coupled thereto.
US08517935B2 Surgical retractors and methods of minimally invasive surgery
A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.
US08517934B2 Customizable, self holding, space retracting arthroscopic/endoscopic cannula system
The present invention is directed to a device including an inner cannula having one or more wings or leaflets attached to one end thereof. The wings or leaflets can be cut to length or shaped to facilitate holding the operative field open for optimal visualization and the use of surgical instruments. A shorter, outer cannula is fitted over the inner cannula and a flange attached to the outer cannula is moved from a closed position in which the wings are covered by the inner surface of the cannula or to an open, deployed position in which the wings are opened. The outer cannula may be textured or shaped to aid in holding the desired position. The device also includes a dam or barrier at the end or other convenient location in the inner cannula to control the flow of air or fluids in the cannula as to make it useful in arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery of all types. The wings or leaflets can have mating tapered tips that joint into a single tip when closed or an optional trocar to ease insertion into the desired body cavity. The design allows for manufacture at almost any size to make the device useful in the widest of surgical applications and in all joint or body cavities large or small.
US08517933B2 Retraction of tissue for single port entry, robotically assisted medical procedures
A single port entry surgical instrument has an elongated structure with lumens through which surgical tools and an image capturing device may be inserted and controllably extended out of its distal end for performing a medical procedure, a tubular-shaped balloon disposed around the elongated structure, and an expandable retractor disposed around the balloon so that when the balloon is inflated, the retractor expands and locks in an expanded configuration to retract extraneous tissue. The port entry may be secured using the expandable retractor or sealed using another inflatable balloon disposed around the proximal end of the elongated structure and centered in the port entry.
US08517927B2 Medical instrument
A medical instrument includes: an image pickup unit incorporated in a medical instrument body for picking up an image of the subject to be examined from an observation window; an airflow generating unit provided rotatably with respect to the medical instrument body so as to cover the image pickup unit by a covering unit having an opening formed therein, the airflow generating unit being configured to generate an airflow for preventing adherents from sticking to the observation window, by rotation of the covering unit; a fixing unit for indwelling and fixing the medical instrument body inside the subject to be examined; and a drive unit incorporated in the medical instrument body, for driving the airflow generation unit.
US08517926B2 Endoscope
An endoscope having an insertion portion including a bending portion, an actuator that extends or contracts according to application of a driving voltage and that bends the bending portion, a bending instruction operation portion for outputting, to the actuator, an instruction signal of a bending direction and a bending amount so that the bending portion performs a bending action by an arbitrary amount from a reference direction in which the bending portion is not bent to an arbitrary direction, and a control portion for performing control to apply the actuator with a driving voltage to cause the actuator to extend or contract in a predetermined direction and by a predetermined amount so that the bending portion performs a returning action in the reference direction when detecting the instruction signal outputted by the bending instruction operation portion for returning the bending portion to the reference direction.
US08517924B2 Robotic endoscope with wireless interface
An endoscope apparatus and method of operating the same. The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope portion and a control and display unit. The endoscope portion preferably comprises: (i) a sensor disposed at a distal end of the endoscope portion and providing endoscope data; (ii) one or more electronically controlled actuators (e.g., electroactive polymer actuators) controlling the operation of the endoscope portion based on received control signals; (iii) a first wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor and the one or more electronically controlled actuators, transmitting received endoscope data from the sensor and forwarding received control signals to the one or more electronically controlled actuators; and (iv) a portable power source (e.g., a battery) coupled to the sensor, the first wireless transceiver, and the one or more electronically controller actuators. The control and display unit preferably comprises: (i) a second wireless transceiver coupled via a wireless link to the first transceiver in the endoscope portion and receiving endoscope data from the first transceiver and transmitting control signals to the first transceiver; (ii) a control portion coupled to the second wireless transceiver and sending control signals to the one or more actuators in the endoscope portion via the first and second wireless transceivers; and (iii) a display portion that displays information received from the sensor via the first and second wireless transceivers. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for providing single-use endoscopes to one or more hospitals.
US08517922B2 Endoscope and endoscope system
A socket section 72 for providing a first light guide 13 is supported movably in an endoscope main body 4, and a plug section 62 for fixing a second light guide 15 is disposed in an endoscope insertion section 5. The socket section 72 is configured to move freely in an insertion direction of the endoscope insertion section 5 and to a direction orthogonal with respect to the insertion direction. Furthermore, an attachment-detachment-detecting switch 33 is disposed in the endoscope main body 4 so as to detect that the endoscope insertion section 5 has been separated from the endoscope main body 4 before the plug section 62 is freely detached from the socket section 72. By this configuration, it is possible to attach the endoscope insertion section from the endoscope main body and detach them easily and reliably, in particular, to reduce loss of light caused by the attachment and the detachment.
US08517919B2 Capsule endoscopic system and operation control method of capsule endoscope
A receiver of capsule endoscopic system downloads diagnostic information of a patient obtained by a past diagnosis from a data storage of work station. A data analyzer of the receiver compares the diagnostic information and present information obtained by use of a capsule endoscope during endoscopy. A CPU produces a control command in which a frame rate of image shooting by use of the capsule endoscope is set based on an analysis result of the data analyzer. The produced control command is wirelessly transmitted via a radio wave from the receiver. The capsule endoscope wirelessly receives the control command from the receiver via the radio wave, and performs image shooting with the frame rate set by the control command.
US08517913B2 System and method for reorienting and decreasing patient anxiety in a medical facility
A computer system for reorienting, reducing anxiety, and/or reducing delirium risk of a patient in a hospital is provided. The computer has a central processing unit (CPU) for executing machine instructions for a passive and active module and a memory for storing the machine instructions. The machine instructions implement functions when executed by the CPU. Patient-specific content is inputted into the CPU. The system then communicates the patient-specific content from the CPU to the patient by displaying and looping the patient-specific content such that any point of the loop of the patient-specific content helps reorient and reduce anxiety and delirium risk.
US08517910B2 Method of determining a gain setting of a bone-anchored hearing aid
The invention regards a method for determining a gain setting of a bone-anchored hearing aid comprising a bone anchor, the proximal and the distal ears having respective first and second monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds, the first monaural bone-conduction hearing threshold being higher than the second monaural bone-conduction hearing threshold. The method comprises: obtaining respective first and second measured monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds for the proximal and the distal ear; and determining the gain setting in dependence on the first and the second measured monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds.The execution of the method does not require obtaining other hearing thresholds than such that are typically determined or measured anyway during the diagnostic phase. Still, using both the first and the second measured monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds as a basis for determining the gain setting allows the hearing aid to avoid producing undesirably high sound levels in the good ear, even when the individual has asymmetric monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds.
US08517908B2 Reducing discomfort caused by electrical stimulation
The invention is directed to a novel method for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous stimulation. The novel method includes providing transcutaneous stimulation, reducing the transcutaneous stimulation at a first location, and substantially maintaining the transcutaneous stimulation at a second location. The transcutaneous stimulation may be created by electric and/or magnetic fields. The first location may be relatively proximate to the cutaneous surface and may comprise tissue, nerves and muscle. Also, the second location may be relatively deeper than the first location and include, for example, brain tissue that requires the transcutaneous stimulation for treatment purposes. The invention further may include locating a conductor on a treatment area and/or a transcutaneous stimulation device relative to the first location. In addition, the method may further include adjusting how much the transcutaneous stimulation is reduced at the first location.
US08517904B2 Mounting structure having direction-dependent resilient properties for mounting a device with a rotor
A mounting structure is provided for mounting a device comprising at least one mounting shield, a pivot bearing arranged in the mounting shield and a rotor mounted in the pivot bearing and having an axis of rotation. The mounting structure has resilient properties that are dependent on directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor.
US08517903B2 Machine and method for making curvilinear packing boxes
A machine for making covered paper or cardboard boxes which have a curvilinear outline includes elements for forming a curvilinear box (6) and a covering station (R) operating in conjunction with elements for the linear feed of a pre-glued covering sheet (12), in such a way that the sheet (12) is connected to the outer wall of the box (6).
US08517901B2 Horizontal machine tool
Provided is a horizontal machine tool with a base frame including a base part and a saddle supporting part vertically standing on the base part; an X-axis saddle mounted on the back face of the saddle supporting part and capable of sliding in the left-right direction via an X-axis translation mechanism; a Y-axis saddle mounted on the X-axis saddle and capable of sliding in the up-down direction via a Y-axis translation mechanism; and a spindle device mounted on the Y-axis saddle and capable of sliding in the front-rear direction via a Z-axis translation mechanism. The horizontal machine tool is adapted such that a workpiece supporting member is installed on the base part in front of the saddle supporting part. This configuration can reduce the size and weight of the entire construction.
US08517900B1 Barbell positioning system
A barbell positioning system featuring a frame with a set of weights attached to a pulley positioned in the back of the frame, the pulley extends forwardly and connects to two sliding bases slidably attached to the front posts of the frame. Two resting bases are temporarily attached to the front posts below the sliding bases. The sliding bases are adapted to pivot when the sliding bases come in contact with the resting bases. When a barbell is placed on the sliding bases, the sliding bases slide downwardly and contact the resting bases whereupon the resting bases pivot the sliding bases causing the barbell to be dumped from the sliding bases to the resting bases.
US08517897B2 System and method for promoting and tracking physical activity among a participating group of individuals
A system and method of tracking physical activity of a person in order to help motivate that person to add more exercise to their lives. Each participant is provided a motion sensor that detects forces incurred by the participant. The motion sensor creates electronic data that corresponds to the forces detected. The data is analyzed to determine whether or not exercise has been performed. The analysis can also determine the type of exercise performed, when the exercise was performed, and the duration of the exercise performed.
US08517894B2 Method for actuating a clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter
A clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter in which the input drive of the hydrodynamic torque converter can be connected to the output drive of the hydrodynamic torque converter. The clutch of the hydrodynamic torque converter is only engaged if a difference between the rotational speeds of the pump and the turbine of the hydrodynamic torque converter is not reached and a predefined distance traveled by the accelerator pedal is exceeded.
US08517892B2 Method and apparatus for controlling hybrid electric vehicles
A method for operating an engine and an integrated starter/generator/motor (ISGM) disposed in a hybrid electric vehicle, which includes launch and deceleration processes. The ISGM is used to both launch the vehicle and start the engine. The deceleration process includes operating a first clutch to disengage the engine from the ISGM during an initial phase, and engaging a second clutch during the initial phase to direct substantially all regenerative energy to provide the only source of electrical energy to recharge the energy storage device.
US08517890B2 Drive control device for hybrid vehicle
Due to the reduction of a discharge amount of a mechanical oil pump by a lowering of the idling rotation speed, a slip in a hydraulic power transmission apparatus and a blow up of an electric motor for running due to a delay of the rising of the oil pressure upon the sudden start and the like are prevented. While avoiding the slip and the blow up, the idling rotation speed is lowered so as to make the engine noise small. When the return determination from the idling state is performed based on the shift operation from P to D, at step S5, a torque TMG2 of a second motor/generator MG2 is temporarily restricted. As a result, upon the sudden start from the idling state, even when the rising of the oil pressure delays, the second brake B2 engaged upon the starting is prevented from slipping, and the second motor/generator MG2 is prevented from blowing up. As a result, while avoiding the slip of the second brake B2 and the blow up of the second motor/generator MG2 due to the hydraulic response delay, an idling rotation speed N Eidl is lowered so that the engine noise can be reduced.
US08517886B2 Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include an input shaft; an output gear; a first compound planetary gear set having four rotation elements by combining first and second planetary gear sets; a second compound planetary gear set having four rotation elements by combing third and fourth planetary gear sets; eight rotational members including two rotation elements connected to each other or one rotation element among the rotation elements of the first and second compound planetary gear sets; and seven friction members including three clutches interposed between a selected rotational member among the rotational members and the input shaft and adapted to selectively transmit the torque and four brakes interposed between a rotational member among the rotational members and a transmission housing.
US08517885B2 Transmission for vehicle
A transmission for a vehicle employs four planetary gear trains to realizing at least forward 10-speed and reverse 3-speed gear ratios, thereby reducing the number of rotations of a second sun gear of a second planetary gear train so as to increase the efficiency of power transmission and to improve the longevity of related components of the second planetary gear train, such as a pinion gear, a pinion shaft, and a needle roller bearing.
US08517882B2 Two-speed transaxle gearbox for electric vehicles
A transmission to transfer power from an electric motor to first and second axles of a vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the electric motor and a first planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set has a first member driven by the first planetary gear set, a second member restricted from rotation and a third member. A differential assembly has a first side gear adapted to drive the first axle, a second side gear adapted to drive the second axle and a pair of pinion gears meshed with the first and second side gears. A first clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the first member and the differential assembly. A second clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the third member and the differential assembly.
US08517881B2 Micro-traction drive
A micro-traction drive includes an inner ring formed rotatably supported about an axis; an outer ring having a larger diameter than the inner ring; rolling elements rolling while being in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring and an inner circumferential surface of the outer ring; a retaining portion that keeps the rolling elements apart from one another; a pressing portion that applies a preload between the inner ring and the rolling elements and between the outer ring and the rolling elements; and an input shaft that is formed to have a smaller diameter than the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring, is disposed adjacent to the inner ring, and transmits a rotational driving force to the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring. One of the outer ring and the retaining portion is connected to the output shaft, and the other thereof is fixed.
US08517879B2 Multi-stage reduction gear
The multi-stage reducer includes a first-stage reduction part to which the rotation from a motor is input and a second-stage reduction part to which the rotation having undergone speed reduction by the first-stage reduction part is input. The second-stage reduction part is disposed on an outer circumference of the first-stage reduction part.
US08517875B2 Transmission having planetary gear drive with variable speed reduction
A transmission for transferring torque from a prime mover includes a first input shaft adapted to be driven by the prime mover, a second input shaft and an output shaft. A compound planetary gearset includes a sun gear driven by the first input shaft, first pinion gears being driven by the sun gear, a ring gear fixed for rotation with the second input shaft and being meshed with second pinion gears, and a carrier driving the output shaft. A reaction motor drives the second input shaft. A controller controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the second input shaft and define a gear ratio between the first input shaft and the output shaft based on the second input shaft speed.
US08517871B2 Vehicular belt-driven continuously variable transmission and control method thereof
In a vehicular belt-driven continuously variable transmission, belt squeezing force is inhibited from becoming excessive and a safety factor, with respect to belt slip, of belt squeezing force applied to a transmission belt (48) is reduced to a value that is less than or equal to 1.5 by reducing a pressure receiving area (SOUT) of an output side hydraulic cylinder (46c). As a result, a centrifugal hydraulic pressure canceller chamber on a secondary pulley side (46) can be eliminated thus simplifying the structure of the vehicular belt-driven continuously variable transmission, while belt squeezing force can be appropriately controlled.
US08517858B2 Metal wood club
A golf club head having indentions provided in a transition zone of the club head. The transition zone of the club head is provided between a first portion of the club head having a first thickness and a second portion of the club head having a second thickness. The indentations are provided at non-structural areas to reduce the weight of the transition zone. The mass can then be moved to a more desirable location in the club head, thereby improving the playability characteristics of the club head, including center of gravity and moment of inertia. The transition zone may be provided at different areas of the club head including the hosel, between the face and the body of the club head and between the crown and sole of the club head. The indentations are provided with the desired height, length and width to achieve weight reduction without effecting the structural integrity of the club head.
US08517857B2 Golf club shaft and method of producing the same
An object is to achieve a golf club shaft and a method of producing the same, wherein the weight balance in the shaft longitudinal direction can be reproducibly and easily set and wherein the golf club shaft is produced at a low cost and has high durability. The golf club shaft includes a hollow-cylindrical shaft body made of fiber-reinforced resin and a weight-adding cylinder installed in a cylindrical space of the shaft body. At least a part of an outer diameter side of the weight-adding cylinder is embedded in an cylindrical embedded recess that is formed in an inner wall of the shaft body, wherein a grip-side cylindrical end surface of the weight-adding cylinder and a grip-side cylindrical end surface of the cylindrical embedded recess are in contact with each other.
US08517856B2 Interchangeable shaft system
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.
US08517855B2 Golf club
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g.
US08517844B2 Torque transmitting device
A torque transmitting device comprises a vibration damping unit for damping torsional vibrations, said unit having at least two transmission parts, wherein one of the transmission parts is assigned to one of the shaft sections and the other transmission part is assigned to the articulated arrangement, and wherein the transmission parts each have segment formations with radial or axial segment sections, which interact in a torque-transmitting manner with one another in a transmission area, wherein at least one damper arrangement is provided between neighboring segment sections in the transmission area.
US08517843B2 Torque limiting device
A torque limiting device includes: a clutch disc clamp plate 17 having a surface area 13 where the surface and the outer area surface of the flywheel press or come in contact with each other, and is provided with an opening 16 at the center middle part of the clutch disc clamp plate 17 so that a concave space 14 is formed between the clutch disc clamp plate 17 and the fly wheel 2 when the clutch disc clamp plate 17 is fastened to the fly wheel 2; a clutch disc 18 fitted in the concave space, and connected to the driven apparatus; a clutch pressing plate 22 fitted between the clutch disc 18 and the fly wheel 2; and, at least one pressing means fitted to and in the flywheel 2 and presses the clutch pressing plate 22 in a surface contact condition.
US08517841B2 Mass storage repository for a wireless network
A video repository unit includes a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array and circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array. A wireless transceiver receives video programs and transmits a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08517834B2 Computer videogame system with body position detector that requires user to assume various body positions
A videogame may include providing body position challenges to one or more players to assume various target body positions at, or within, a predetermined time. Body position challenges may be provided to the one or more players by displaying body position challenge representations that prompt the one or more players to assume body positions and/or execute one or more body movements or gestures corresponding to the body position challenges. The time may be indicated via various mechanisms associated with the display (as detailed below). At a given time or over a given time interval, the videogame system may compare the player's detected body position(s) and/or movement(s) to the body position challenges to determine a degree of match or mismatch based on various criteria. Based on the results of the comparison, the game may generate a score or other feedback for display.
US08517832B2 Digital audio in a wagering game system
A computerized wagering game system a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio module operable to exchange digital audio data with an audio device over a digital audio format link. The digital audio format link in various embodiments comprises a SPDIF link, an AES/EBU link, an HDMI link, or an I2S link.
US08517825B2 Gaming machine with wagering features
A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 14. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. When a trigger condition occurs during the playing of a base game, a first feature is awarded that results in a feature prize potentially made up of a plurality of individual prizes. After completion of the first feature, a second feature occurs that enables a player to wager the feature prize for at least one other prize which is independent of a value of the feature prize.
US08517823B2 Electronic payout administration method and system
A payout administration method including automatically retrieving a plurality of electronic forms by a computer in communication with a gaming apparatus adapted to receive a wager from a player and to provide a payout based on the wager and a game outcome, at least one of the plurality of electronic forms selected according to a location of the gaming apparatus, retrieving stored data about the gaming apparatus and the player, and combining the plurality of electronic forms and the stored data to generate a plurality of completed electronic forms. The method also includes receiving an electronic player certification, and combining the electronic player certification and at least one of the plurality of completed electronic forms generated from stored data about the player to generate a certified completed player electronic form. A payout administration system operates according to the method.
US08517816B2 Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system
A method of gaming at a gaming machine. The method includes designating a symbol display position of a plurality of symbol display positions as having a bonus symbol set applying to it for a game round, and selecting and displaying a symbol from the bonus symbol set at the designated symbol display position. The method also includes selecting symbols for display at the other symbol display positions from a base symbol set independently of the selection of the symbol from the bonus symbol set, and evaluating the symbols displayed at the plurality of symbol display positions to determine whether to make an award for the game round.
US08517815B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming
A gaming system is disclosed which includes a plurality of spinners, each spinner being associated with a plurality of display positions and having a plurality of symbols disposable at the display positions. A spinner controller is arranged to select the symbols to appear at the display positions for each spinner, and an outcome evaluator is arranged to determine whether the symbols shown at the display positions correspond to at least one winning outcome by reference to at least one defined win condition. Each win condition comprises a win line having at least three display positions from two adjacent spinners. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed.
US08517805B1 Poultry wing segmenting system and method of use
A poultry wing segmenting system and method of use, includes a drive mechanism, a conveyor having a plurality of spaced shackles which hold the poultry wing suspended by their shoulder joints vertically positioned and presented to a horizontally rotatable wheel which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced lateral notched slots therearound, the rotatable wheel has a pair of annular slots into which cutting blades are positioned, a plurality of wing engaging members and guide members to bias and open the wing joints against cutting blades drawn through the annular to produce separate poultry wing segments of drumette, flat, and tip.
US08517801B2 Method for producing pulley for belt-type continuously variable transmission
A method includes a grinding step of forming the shape of a contact surface, a grooving step of roughening the shaped contact surface to form grooves therein, and a contact surface lapping step of lapping the contact surface having the grooves with a lapping film to form oil grooves for holding a lubricant oil. The surface roughness of the contact surface is such that the maximum height roughness Rz is 4 μm or less, the mean length RSm of the roughness profile elements is 30 to 60 μm, the skewness Rsk of the roughness profile is −2.7 to −0.6 (no unit), the reduced peak height Rpk is 0.09 μm or less, and the reduced valley depth Rvk is 0.4 to 1.3 μm.
US08517798B2 Polishing pad, method of producing the same and method of producing semiconductor device by using the same
The present invention provides a polishing pad used for planarizing inter layer dielectrics and the like by CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) in the manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, a method of producing the polishing pad and a method of producing a semiconductor device by using the polishing pad. The present invention relates to a semiconductor wafer polishing pad having grooves in a polishing surface and formed from a foamed polyurethane, wherein a processed surface of the groove comprising a side surface and a bottom surface has a surface roughness Ra of not more than 10.
US08517793B2 Pollen bee nest
This invention discloses a bee nest for protecting bees from the environment. The bee nest has desiccating and insulating properties, as well as properties that repulse and deter varrora destructor mites. The bee nest comprises a housing having a first open end and a second open end. The first open end is covered by a first end plate which has ventilation means for the housing. A second end plate encloses the second end. Within the housing, there are a plurality of elongate conduits or tubes. Surrounding the plurality of elongate conduits is filler medium, such as crushed volcanic rock filler. Optionally essential oils to deter mites are distributed on the rock filler.