Document Document Title
US08659075B2 Cross-point diode arrays and methods of manufacturing cross-point diode arrays
Methods of forming an array of memory cells and memory cells that have pillars. Individual pillars can have a semiconductor post formed of a bulk semiconductor material and a sacrificial cap on the semiconductor post. Source regions can be between columns of the pillars, and gate lines extend along a column of pillars and are spaced apart from corresponding source regions. Each gate line surrounds a portion of the semiconductor posts along a column of pillars. The sacrificial cap structure can be selectively removed to thereby form self-aligned openings that expose a top portion of corresponding semiconductor posts. Individual drain contacts formed in the self-aligned openings are electrically connected to corresponding semiconductor posts.
US08659072B2 Series FinFET implementation schemes
A device includes a first semiconductor fin, and a second semiconductor fin parallel to the first semiconductor fin. A straight gate electrode is formed over the first and the second semiconductor fins, and forms a first fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) and a second FinFET with the first and the second semiconductor fins, respectively, wherein the first and the second FinFETs are of a same conductivity type. A first electrical connection is formed on a side of the straight gate electrode and coupling a first source/drain of the first FinFET to a first source/drain of the second FinFET, wherein a second source/drain of the first FinFET is not connected to a second source/drain of the second FinFET.
US08659071B2 Method and structure to improve the erasing speed operation of SONOS memory device having a graded silicon nitride layer
The invention provides a SONOS structure, a manufacturing method thereof and a semiconductor device with the SONOS structure. The SONOS structure comprises: a first tunneling oxide layer formed on a substrate, a charge storage silicon nitride layer, a second silicon oxide layer, a thin graded silicon nitride layer having graded Si/N content formed on the second silicon oxide layer, a third silicon oxide layer formed on the thin graded silicon nitride layer, and a polysilicon control gate. The Si/N content ratio of the silicon nitride of the thin graded silicon nitride layer increases gradually, wherein the silicon nitride of the graded silicon nitride layer closer to the second silicon oxide layer contains higher nitride content, and the silicon nitride of the graded silicon nitride layer closer to the third silicon oxide layer contains higher silicon content.
US08659069B2 Gate structures
A method of forming a gate structure includes forming a tunnel insulation layer pattern on a substrate, forming a floating gate on the tunnel insulation layer pattern, forming a dielectric layer pattern on the floating gate, the dielectric layer pattern including a first oxide layer pattern, a nitride layer pattern on the first oxide layer pattern, and a second oxide layer pattern on the nitride layer pattern, the second oxide layer pattern being formed by performing an anisotropic plasma oxidation process on the nitride layer, such that a first portion of the second oxide layer pattern on a top surface of the floating gate has a larger thickness than a second portion of the second oxide layer pattern on a sidewall of the floating gate, and forming a control gate on the second oxide layer.
US08659067B2 EEPROM cell
A method of forming a device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate prepared with a cell area separated by other active areas by isolation regions. First and second gates of first and second transistors in the cell area are formed. The first gate includes first and second sub-gates separated by a first intergate dielectric layer. The second gate includes a second sub-gate surrounding a first sub-gate. The first and second sub-gates of the second gate are separated by a second intergate dielectric layer. First and second junctions of the first and second transistors are formed. The method also includes forming a first gate terminal coupled to the second sub-gate of the first transistor and a second gate terminal coupled to at least the first sub-gate of the second transistor.
US08659065B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a drift layer, a base layer on the drift layer, and trench gate structures. Each trench gate structure includes a trench reaching the drift layer by penetrating the base layer, a gate insulation layer on a wall surface of the trench, and a gate electrode on the gate insulation layer. A bottom portion of the trench gate structure is located in the drift layer and expands in a predetermined direction so that a distance between the bottom portions of adjacent trench gate structures is less than a distance between opening portions of adjacent trench gate structures in the direction. A thickness of the gate insulation layer is greater in the bottom portion than in the opening portion.
US08659059B2 Strained transistor structure
A strain enhanced transistor is provided having a strain inducing layer overlying a gate electrode. The gate electrode has sloped sidewalls over the channel region of the transistor.
US08659056B2 Heterojunction field-effect transistor with source electrode and insulator formed in semiconductor layer opening
An insulator is formed on the upper surface of a first semiconductor layer on at least a part of a portion above which a second semiconductor layer is not formed due to an opening. In the opening, a source electrode is formed to cover an insulator. The source electrode is formed to be in contact with an interface between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.
US08659050B2 Slim LED package
Disclosed herein is a slim LED package. The slim LED package includes first and second lead frames separated from each other, a chip mounting recess formed on one upper surface region of the first lead frame by reducing a thickness of the one upper surface region below other upper surface regions of the first lead frame, an LED chip mounted on a bottom surface of the chip mounting recess and connected with the second lead frame via a bonding wire, and a transparent encapsulation material protecting the LED chip while supporting the first and second lead frames.
US08659046B2 Light emitting device package and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed are a light emitting device package and a method for fabricating the same. The light emitting device package includes: a trench formed in a substrate; a light emitting structure which is directly grown on a first area of the trench in the substrate; an electrode on the substrate; a wire bonding connecting the electrode with the light emitting structure; anda filler filling the trench.
US08659038B2 Semiconductor light source and method of fabrication thereof
Embodiments of the present invention provided a method of fabricating a semiconductor light source structure. The method comprises providing a GaAs substrate; forming a lower cladding layer above the substrate, the lower cladding layer comprising an AIxGa1-xAs alloy; forming an active region above the lower cladding layer, the active region comprising a GaAs separate confinement heterostructure; and forming an upper cladding layer comprising an AIxGa1-xAs alloy above the active region in the form of an elongate stripe bounded on either side by an InGaP current-blocking layer, the elongate stripe defining an index-guided optical waveguide. The stripe is formed such that at least one free end of the stripe is spaced apart from an edge of the substrate in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stripe such that a portion of the lower cladding layer, active region, current blocking layer and upper cladding layer extend beyond the at least one free end of the stripe thereby to provide an unpumped and laterally unguided window region.
US08659031B2 Method of producing template for epitaxial growth and nitride semiconductor device
A surface of a sapphire (0001) substrate is processed so as to have recesses and protrusions so that protrusion tops are made flat and have a given plan-view pattern. An initial-stage AlN layer is epitaxially grown on the surface of the sapphire (0001) substrate so that new recesses are formed over the recesses, by performing C axis orientation control so that a C+ axis oriented AlN layer grows on flat surfaces of the protrusion tops, excluding edges. A first ELO layer including an AlN (0001) layer is epitaxially grown on the initial-stage AlN layer by an epitaxial lateral overgrowth method, and stops growing before a recess upper region above the new recesses is completely covered with the first ELO layer that is laterally grown from a protrusion upper surface of the initial-stage AlN layer. A second ELO layer including an AlxGa1-xN (0001) layer (1>x>0) is epitaxially grown on the first ELO layer by an epitaxial lateral overgrowth method. The recess upper region is completely covered with the second ELO layer that is laterally grown from an upper surface of the first ELO layer.
US08659030B2 III-nitride heterojunction devices having a multilayer spacer
In accordance with one implementation of the present disclosure, a III-Nitride heterojunction device includes a III-Nitride channel layer, a III-Nitride multilayer spacer situated over the III-Nitride channel layer, and a III-Nitride barrier layer situated over the III-Nitride multilayer spacer. A two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is formed near an interface of said III-Nitride Channel layer and said III-Nitride multilayer spacer. The III-Nitride multilayer spacer includes a III-Nitride interlayer. In one implementation, the III-Nitride multilayer spacer includes a III-Nitride polarization layer that is situated over the III-Nitride interlayer. The III-Nitride polarization layer has a higher total polarization than the III-Nitride interlayer, the III-Nitride channel layer, and the III-Nitride barrier layer.
US08659029B2 Low contact resistance semiconductor structure and method of fabricating the same
A low contact resistance semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a semiconductor stacked layer, a low contact resistance layer and a transparent conductive layer. The low contact resistance layer is formed on one side of a P-type GaN layer of the semiconductor stacked layer. The low contact resistance layer is formed at a thickness smaller than 100 Angstroms and made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, indium, and combinations thereof. Through the low contact resistance layer, the resistance between the P-type GaN layer and transparent conductive layer can be reduced and light emission efficiency can be improved when being used on LEDs. The method of fabricating the low contact resistance semiconductor structure of the invention forms a thin and consistent low contact resistance layer through a Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) method to enhance matching degree among various layers.
US08659024B2 Array substrate of TFT-LCD including a black matrix and method for manufacturing the same
The disclosed technology is in connection with an array substrate of a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) and a method for manufacturing the same, and the array substrate comprises: a base substrate; a gate line and a data line forming on the base substrate and defining a pixel region, a pixel electrode, a thin film transistor and a common electrode are formed in the pixel region; a black matrix made of conductive thin film material, the black matrix is electrically connected with the common electrode.
US08659015B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an antenna functioning as a coil, a capacitor electrically connected to the antenna in parallel, a passive element forming a resonance circuit with the antenna and the capacitor by being electrically connected to the antenna and the capacitor in parallel, a first field effect transistor controlling whether the passive element is electrically connected to the antenna and the capacitor in parallel or not, and a memory circuit. The memory circuit includes a second field effect transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor layer where a channel is formed and in which a data signal is input to one of a source and a drain. The gate voltage of the first field effect transistor is set depending on the voltage of the other of the source and the drain of the second field effect transistor.
US08659014B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An object is to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which the number of photolithography steps can be reduced, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and manufacturing can be performed with high yield at low cost. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the following steps: forming a semiconductor film; irradiating a laser beam by passing the laser beam through a photomask including a shield for shielding the laser beam; subliming a region which has been irradiated with the laser beam through a region in which the shield is not formed in the photomask in the semiconductor film; forming an island-shaped semiconductor film in such a way that a region which is not irradiated with the laser beam is not sublimed because it is a region in which the shield is formed in the photomask; forming a first electrode which is one of a source electrode and a drain electrode and a second electrode which is the other one of the source electrode and the drain electrode; forming a gate insulating film; and forming a gate electrode over the gate insulating film.
US08659009B2 Locally gated graphene nanostructures and methods of making and using
A locally gated graphene nanostructure is described, along with methods of making and using the same. A graphene layer can include first and second terminal regions separated by a substantially single layer gated graphene nanoconstriction. A local first gate region can be separated from the graphene nanoconstriction by a first gate dielectric. The local first gate region can be capacitively coupled to gate electrical conduction in the graphene nanoconstriction. A second gate region can be separated from the graphene nanoconstriction by a second gate dielectric. The second gate region can be capacitively coupled to provide a bias to a first location in the graphene nanoconstriction and to a second location outside of the graphene nanoconstriction. Methods of making and using locally gated graphene nanostructures are also described.
US08659004B2 Light emitting diode, light emitting diode lamp, and illuminating apparatus
Disclosed is a light-emitting diode, which has a red and infrared emitting wavelength, excellent monochromatism characteristics, and high output and high efficiency and excellent humidity resistance. The light-emitting diode is provided with: a light-emitting section, which includes an active layer having a quantum well structure and formed by laminating alternately a well layer which comprises a composition expressed by the composition formula of (AlX1 Ga1-X1) As (0≦X1≦1) and a barrier layer which comprises a composition expressed by the composition formula of (AlX2 Ga1-X2) As (0<2≦1), and a first clad layer and a second clad layer, between both of which the active layer is sandwiched, wherein the first clad layer and the second clad layer comprise a composition expressed by the composition formula of (AlX3Ga1-X)Y1 In1-Y1 P (0≦X3≦1, 0
US08659003B2 Disturb-resistant non-volatile memory device and method
A method of forming a disturb-resistant non volatile memory device. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface region and forming a first dielectric material overlying the surface region. A first wiring material overlies the first dielectric material, a doped polysilicon material overlies the first wiring material, and an amorphous silicon switching material overlies the said polysilicon material. The switching material is subjected to a first patterning and etching process to separating a first strip of switching material from a second strip of switching spatially oriented in a first direction. The first strip of switching material, the second strip of switching material, the contact material, and the first wiring material are subjected to a second patterning and etching process to form at least a first switching element from the first strip of switching material and at least a second switching element from the second strip of switching material, and a first wiring structure comprising at least the first wiring material and the contact material. The first wiring structure being is in a second direction at an angle to the first direction.
US08659000B2 Amorphous semiiconductor layer memory device
A memory device includes: an amorphous semiconductor layer of a first conduction type; a solid electrolyte layer containing movable ions and provided in contact with a part of one of faces of the amorphous semiconductor layer; a first electrode electrically connected to the amorphous semiconductor layer via the solid electrolyte layer; a second electrode electrically connected to one of the faces of the amorphous semiconductor layer; and a third electrode provided over the other face of the amorphous semiconductor layer with an insulating layer therebetween. At the time of application of voltage to the third electrode, at least a part of the amorphous semiconductor layer reversibly changes to a second conduction type.
US08658998B2 Semiconductor storage device
An intermediate layer including at least one of elements constituting a phase change material and silicon is arranged between a recording layer composed of the phase change material and an n+ polysilicon film to reduce contact resistance between the recording layer and the n+ polysilicon film, thereby simplifying the structure of a phase change memory and reducing the cost thereof. If the phase change material contains Ge, Sb, and Te, for example, the intermediate layer includes at least one of Si—Sb, Si—Te, and Si—Ge.
US08658997B2 Bipolar multistate nonvolatile memory
Embodiments generally include a method of forming a nonvolatile memory device that contains a resistive switching memory element that has an improved device switching capacity by using multiple layers of variable resistance layers. In one embodiment, the resistive switching element comprises at least three layers of variable resistance materials to increase the number of logic states. Each variable resistance layer may have an associated high resistance state and an associated low resistance state. As the resistance of each variable resistance layer determines the digital data bit that is stored, the multiple variable resistance layers per memory element allows for additional data storage without the need to further increase the density of nonvolatile memory devices. Typically, resistive switching memory elements may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices, such as digital cameras, mobile telephones, handheld computers, and music players.
US08658995B2 Remote control systems that can distinguish stray light sources
Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.
US08658989B2 Fluorometric assay apparatus and fluorometric assay method
A fluorometric assay apparatus comprising an LED light source configured with at least two types of excitation LED that have different principle wavelengths from each other and are disposed in a two dimensional array on a substrate; an imaging lens for imaging a subject; a single excitation filter provided between the LED light source and a subject, the single excitation filter transmitting each of principle wavelength components of the LED light source; and a single detection long pass filter provided between the imaging lens and the subject.
US08658988B2 Three-dimensional image projector
A three-dimensional image projector, including a transparent display medium within which fluorescent substances are dispersed, the fluorescent substances being dispersed for performing the fluorescent light-emission of visible light by the irradiation with a laser beam of invisible light, a first-laser-beam scanning unit for scanning the inside of the transparent display medium by deflecting a first laser beam, the first laser beam being used for exciting the fluorescent substances, and a second-laser-beam scanning unit for scanning the inside of the transparent display medium by deflecting a second laser beam, the second laser beam being used for exciting the fluorescent substances, wherein a stereoscopic image is formed at a scanning intersection point of the first laser beam and the second laser beam inside the transparent display medium.
US08658987B2 Circuit-pattern inspection device
Provided is a circuit-pattern inspection device which enables efficient inspection of a semiconductor wafer by selectively inspecting areas on the semiconductor wafer, such as boundaries between patterns thereon, where defects are likely to occur during the step of producing the semiconductor wafer while changing the beam scanning direction for each area. Two-dimensional beam-deflection control is employed for inspection operations in a continuous-stage-movement-type circuit-pattern inspection device in which only one-dimensional scanning has been employed conventionally. That is, by employing a combination of an electron-beam-deflection control in a first direction parallel to the stage-movement direction and an electron-beam-deflection control in a second direction intersecting the stage-movement direction, it is possible to obtain an image of any desired area for inspection that is set within a swath. The amplitude of deflection signals for the electron-beam-deflection and the rise and fall timings of the signals are suitably controlled according to inspection conditions.
US08658986B1 Ion source assembly
The second repeller assembly includes a flat plate and two sleeves through which the legs of a filament pass in electrically insulated manner. The clamp assembly for the filament includes a pair of strap assemblies with three straps each for electrically connecting the clamps and filament to an electrical feed. The straps are in contact with opposite flat sides of a terminal pin.
US08658985B2 Drawing apparatus and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a drawing apparatus including a blanker including a plurality of deflectors configured to respectively deflect the plurality of charged particle beams, and a controller configured to transmit a control signal to the blanker, wherein the blanker includes a storage configured to store pattern data, a generator configured to generate, based on pattern information which is included in the control signal and designates the pattern data, and position information which is included in the control signal and designates a drawing position corresponding to the pattern information, a blanking signal for drawing a pattern corresponding to the pattern data stored in the storage at a position on a substrate corresponding to the position information, and a driving device configured to drive the plurality of deflectors in accordance with the generated blanking signal generated.
US08658983B2 Fast neutron spectroscopy using neutron-induced charged particle reactions
The invention provides a method of performing fast neutron detection or spectroscopy comprising selecting at least one isotope which exhibits fast neutron-induced charged particle reactions, selecting a host medium capable of performing radiation energy spectroscopy, combining the isotope and host medium into an interactive spectroscopic combination, exposing the combination structure to radiation comprising fast neutrons to provide a spectroscopic output, which includes at least one peak in the pulse-height spectrum whose height and amplitude correlate to the energy and intensity respectively of the incident neutrons; and processing the output to detect or to provide measurements of the energy and intensity of incident fast neutron radiation. The invention also provides a fast neutron spectrometer for use with the method.
US08658976B2 Integrated terahertz imaging systems
A low-power 4×4-pixel THz camera with responsivity greater than 2.5 MV/W and sub-10 pW/√Hz NEP at 0.25 THz is integrated in 130 nm silicon without using either high-resistivity substrates or silicon lenses. Imaging results with a fully integrated radiating CMOS power source demonstrate the first entirely silicon-based THz imager.
US08658975B2 Image sensor for measuring illumination, proximity and color temperature
Disclosed is an image sensor for measuring illumination, proximity and color temperature, including: a light source unit configured to irradiate infrared with a wavelength of a specific band onto an object; a light source controller configured to control power supplied to the light source unit; an infrared transmission filter configured to allow only the infrared and visible ray with the wavelength of the specific band among light incident through a lens after being reflected by the object to selectively transmit therethrough; a first sensing unit provided with an image pixel for acquiring an image of the object introduced through the infrared transmission filter; and a second sensing unit configured to receive the infrared and the visible ray having passed through the infrared transmission filter and measure current illumination, proximity to the object and color temperature of the object.
US08658973B2 Auger elemental identification algorithm
System and methods for decomposing an Auger electron spectrum into elemental and chemical components, includes conditioning and input spectrum to generate a normalized input spectrum; determining statistical correlation between the normalized input spectrum and stored elemental spectral signatures; and characterizing elemental or chemical species in the input spectrum from the statistical correlation, wherein said conditioning the input spectrum includes estimating a background signal of non-Auger electrons in the input spectrum and subtracting the estimated background signal from the input spectrum.
US08658968B2 Nuclear logging tool calibration system and method
A nuclear logging tool calibration system and method. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including placing a logging tool proximate to a volume to be tested (the logging tool comprising a neutron source and a gamma detector), accumulating a spectrum of gammas by the gamma detector (the gammas created responsive to neutron irradiation of the volume by the neutron source), and then adjusting gain of a photomultiplier tube of the gamma detector. The adjusting is responsive to count rate in an overflow bin of the spectrum, where the overflow bin accumulates count rate of gammas received by the gamma detector that have energy above a predetermined energy.
US08658967B2 Optically pumping to sustain plasma
A method for sustaining a plasma includes providing a volume of a gas; generating illumination of a first selected wavelength; and forming a first plasma species in a first region of the gas and a second plasma species in a second region of the gas by focusing the illumination of the first wavelength into the volume of gas, the first region having a first average temperature and a first size, the second region having a second average temperature and a second size, the illumination of the first selected wavelength transmitted by the second plasma species, the illumination of the first selected wavelength absorbed by the first plasma species by tuning the first selected wavelength of the illumination to an absorption line of the first plasma species, the absorption line being associated with an ionic absorption transition or an excited neutral transition of the first plasma species.
US08658966B2 Image sensor and method for packaging same
An image sensor includes a ceramic base with a cavity therein, the ceramic base including a sidewall forming a conductive layer embedded therein. A protrusion extends from the sidewall toward the center of the cavity. An infrared filter is mounted on the upper surface of the protrusion with a most upper surface of the infrared filter not higher than the upper surface of the ceramic base; and an image unit is mounted on the lower surface of the protrusion with a most lower surface not lower than the lower surface of the ceramic base.
US08658962B2 Optical switch with glowable activator portion
An optical switch having a housing, a light source and a light detector. The light source and light detector are located remote from the housing. The light source is connected to the housing with a first light guide, and the light detector is connected to the housing with a second light guide. The first and second light guide cables have distal ends positioned through the housing and a part of the activator housing is a glowable diffuse reflector. The switch includes a moveable member that moves in a path in the switch body between an optical path present state and an optical path absent state.
US08658961B2 Inputting module and submount thereof and manufacturing method of the submount
A submount is used for disposing an illuminant element or a light-receiving element having an optical axis. The submount is disposed at a plane and has a main body. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is approximately parallel to the plane and far away from the plane. The second surface is approximately parallel to the plane and adjacent to the plane. A disposing part of the first surface is tilted with respect to the second surface at a predetermined angle. The illuminant element or the light-receiving element is disposed on the disposing part. The optical axis of the illuminant element or the light-receiving element is tiled with respect to a normal of the second surface at the predetermined angle.
US08658956B2 Trench transfer gate for increased pixel fill factor
An image sensor provides high scalability and reduced image lag. The sensor includes a first imaging pixel that has a first photodiode region formed in a substrate of the image sensor. The sensor also includes a first vertical transfer transistor coupled to the first photodiode region. The first vertical transfer transistor can be used to establish an active channel. The active channel typically extends along the length of the first vertical transfer transistor and couples the first photodiode region to a floating diffusion.
US08658948B2 Docking station with temperature control and electronic identification system
Disclosed is an exemplary surgical system employing a temperature controlled docking station. The surgical system may include an articulating arm that is selectively moveable within a range of positions. A tray for receiving items used in performing a procedure may be attached to the articulating arm. The docking station may be attached to the tray. The docking station may include a heating element for selectively heating the docking station, a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the docking station, and a reader configured for collecting information associated with an article placed in the docking station. The surgical system may also include a controller operably connected to the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the reader. The controller may be configured to adjust a heat output of the heating element in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor and/or the reader.
US08658945B2 Backside rapid thermal processing of patterned wafers
A apparatus and method of thermally treating a wafer or other substrate, such as rapid thermal processing (RTP). An array of radiant lamps directs radiation to the back side of a wafer to heat the wafer. The front side of the wafer on which the patterned integrated circuits are being formed faces a radiant reflector. The wafer is thermally monitored for temperature and reflectivity from the side of the reflector. When the lamps are above the wafer, an edge ring supports the wafer in its edge exclusion zone. Alternatively, a reactor includes upwardly directed lamps and a reflector above and facing the front side of the wafer.
US08658940B2 Remotely controlled welding machine
The present invention is directed to a remotely controlled welding machine. A remote control uses the welding circuit to transfer information to a welding power source. The information to be communicated to the power source includes welding power source output command information (amperage/voltage control), welding circuit on/off information (power source output contactor control), and power source mode control (constant voltage/constant current). A transmitter transmits the desired welding operational parameters to a receiver disposed in the power source. The transmitter is constructed to use only a small amount of power which, preferably, is supplied by one or two low voltage replaceable and/or rechargeable batteries. Additionally, an open circuit voltage is not created between the power source and an electrode holder when an arc is not present.
US08658939B2 Laser annealing apparatus
A laser annealing apparatus used in a crystallization process of an amorphous silicon thin film. The laser annealing apparatus includes a laser beam generation unit generating a laser beam, an optical system dividing the laser beam into a plurality of linear laser beams and including a focusing lens focusing the linear laser beams and projecting the focused linear laser beam on a substrate to be processed, and a focusing lens adjustment device adjusting a perpendicular distance and a rotation angle of the focusing lens relative to the substrate.
US08658938B2 Method of cutting with a laser
A method of forming an aperture in an article includes directing a laser at the article and traversing the high energy beam to form a cut extending along the periphery of the aperture in a first direction to a second point on the periphery and then reversing the direction of cutting along the periphery till the aperture is formed.
US08658934B2 Feedstock powder for production of high hardness overlays
A method of applying a metallic alloy overlay including providing an iron based feedstock powder including 10 to 75 weight percent iron and manganese, 10 to 60 weight percent of chromium, 1 to 30 weight percent of an interstitial element selected from boron, carbon, silicon or combinations thereof, 0 to 40 weight percent of a transition metal selected from molybdenum, tungsten or combinations thereof and 1 to 25 weight percent niobium. The method also includes providing an electrode including at least 50 weight percent iron and depositing a weld overlay with the feedstock powder and the electrode to create a metallic alloy exhibiting a grain size in the range of 1,000 μm or less.
US08658933B2 Switching device with a vacuum interrupter chamber
The disclosure relates to a switching device with a vacuum interrupter chamber in which at least one moving contact piece is arranged. To considerably increase the switching rating and the dielectric strength, the disclosure proposes that two series-connected contact arrangements with a total of two contact levels which can be opened are arranged within a vacuum interrupter chamber.
US08658932B2 Device for detecting vacuum loss in a vacuum breaking apparatus and vacuum breaking apparatus comprising one such device
A device for detecting vacuum loss in a vacuum breaking apparatus that includes an enclosure having a first part at least partially of insulating material, closed at its opposite ends by end-plates, and housing fixed and mobile electrodes. A second part of the enclosure is insulating material at least partially around the first part, this second part is an over-molding of electrically grounded conductive shielding at least a part of its outer surface. This first strip of over-molding faces both the first part and one of the electrodes, thereby providing two capacitances in series, namely, a vacuum capacitance between the electrode and the inner surface of the first part, and a solid capacitance between the inner surface of the first part and the first strip, and means for measuring change of current value in the first strip, which corresponds to a vacuum loss inside a vacuum breaking apparatus.
US08658931B2 Three phase vacuum interrupter switch for high voltage distribution systems
A three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly for power distribution systems comprises an outer case having at least one window, a plurality of internal disconnect switch assemblies, and a plurality of vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies within the case. Each vacuum interrupter bottle switch is coupled in electrical series with a corresponding internal disconnect switch assembly. Because the open/closed state of a bottle switch is not directly observable owing to its sealed interior, a direct visible indication of the state of the three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly is provided by a visually detectable contact rod for each internal disconnect switch that is visible through the case window. To prevent potentially serious damage caused by arcing between the contacts of the internal disconnect switch, the internal disconnect switch is prevented from opening or closing when the bottle switches are closed. The case interior is preferably free of oil and/or SF6 gas.
US08658928B2 Switch
A switch has a housing, a contact mechanism having a movable contact piece disposed in the housing, an operating element that operates the movable contact piece, a spring member of the contact mechanism that operates the movable contact piece to open and close a contact, and a regulating mechanism that suppresses vibration of the spring member arranged at a position contacting the spring member.
US08658927B2 Anti-tamper safety switch system with guard locking
A solenoid plunger 14 of the switch 4 is moved by cam plunger 34 and is biased towards the cam plunger 34, a locking plate 40b is positioned between the plungers 14 and 34. Cam 34 is biased for movement towards a cam 22 and is moved towards the solenoid plunger by rotation of the cam 22 by removal of actuator 8 which causes retraction of the solenoid plunger into the switch 4. The locking plate 40b is lockable when the cam plunger 34 is biased into a detent 36 in the cam 22 when the actuator is inserted, to lock the cam plunger 34 and cam 22 and prevent removal of the actuator 8.
US08658926B2 Accessory controller for electronic devices
Accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A headset may be provided with a button controller assembly that has user-actuated buttons and a microphone. The microphone may be formed by mounting a microphone transducer on a printed circuit board. A housing may be mounted over the transducer to form a sealed cavity for the transducer. Circuitry may be mounted on portions of the printed circuit board that extend beyond the edges of the microphone housing. The button controller assembly may have dome switches. The dome switches may have a housing that encloses dome switch components and that forms a structural internal part for the button controller. The dome switch housing structure may have tabs or other engagement features that mate with corresponding engagement features in a button member. The button member may be pressed by a user to actuate a desired dome switch.
US08658925B2 Backlighting apparatus for a keypad assembly
A keypad assembly including a dome configured to operatively engage a switch sensor; a dome overlay guide operatively coupled by to the dome; a key corresponding to the dome and configured to operatively engage the dome; and a light emitting source, configured to emit light. The dome overlay guide is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitting source and direct the received light toward the keys.
US08658924B2 Seal structure for switch mechanism and electric power tool
A seal structure for a switch mechanism includes a switch disposed in a housing, an operating member protruding forward from the housing through an opening formed in the housing and configured to turn on or off the switch, a rubber cover attached to the operating member from a front-side of the operating member and having a rear end engageable with the opening, and a fixing cover fixed to the operating member from outside the rubber cover so as to integrate the rubber cover with the operating member. In this seal structure, the rubber cover seals gap between the opening and the operating member.
US08658923B2 Electrical rotary switch with closing elements at stationary contact locations inhibiting spark discharge and/or with a locking spring member
A rotary electrical switch comprises a housing having a first rotary contact space for accommodating a rotary contact and a plurality of stationary contact spaces for selectively accommodating at least one stationary contact. The housing comprises one or more closing elements for closing one or more of the stationary contact spaces not in use for accommodating a stationary contact. Another aspect comprises a locking spring member having a first portion being a resilient spring member configured for releasably engaging a locking member, while a second portion is configured for mechanically coupling to a spindle portion for imparting a rotational force on at least one rotary contact of the switch.
US08658922B2 Electrical switch for a vehicle steering wheel assembly
An electrical switch for a vehicle steering wheel assembly is provided. The electrical switch includes a pressure actuated cable having a compressible semi-conductive material between a plurality of conductors therein. The electrical switch further includes a mechanical actuator configured to compress the pressure actuated cable such that an electrical path is formed through the plurality of conductors to activate a component of the vehicle.
US08658911B2 Through-hole-vias in multi-layer printed circuit boards
Example multi-layer printed circuit boards (‘PCBs’) are described as well as methods of making and using such PCBs that include layers of laminate; at least one via hole traversing the layers of laminate, and a via conductor contained within the via hole, the via conductor comprising a used portion and an unused portion, the via conductor comprising copper coated with a metal having a conductivity lower than the conductivity of copper.
US08658910B2 Circuit board and method of manufacturing the circuit board
A circuit board includes a core substrate portion, an insulating layer, a second wiring, and a via to be a cured product of a via paste. The via paste has a first latent curing agent and a second latent curing agent, an uncured resin mixture, and a conductive particle. Both a softening temperature of the first latent curing agent and that of the second latent curing agent are equal to or higher than 40° C. and are equal to or lower than 200° C., and a difference between the softening temperature of the first latent curing agent and that of the second latent curing agent is equal to or higher than 10° C. and is equal to or lower than 140° C.
US08658909B2 Programmable breadboard matrix interconnection box
The present device is a programmable breadboard matrix interconnection box capable of receiving data from a computer or controller and automatically establishing connections between contact points. A conductor layer, a magnetic layer, and a contact layer are used to automate the connections between contact points. The conductor layer provides conductors which move between ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ positions and rows/columns which can receive electric current. The magnetic layer provides a necessary magnetic field. The contact layer connects the conductor to the designated contact point. A controller activates each conductor using the Laplace Force generated by the magnetic field and electric current.
US08658902B2 Electrical transmission line
An electrical transmission line for transmitting electricity is made of a composite material in which aluminum and a plurality of carbon nanotubes are combined, and a weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the aluminum is 0.5 to 3 wt %. The carbon nanotubes are oriented at an angle within 30° along a length direction of the electrical transmission line.
US08658901B2 Motor vehicle conductor connection element
Motor vehicle conductor connection element includes a first flat part and an inlay arranged in the flat part so as to be substantially flush with a surface of the flat part. In order to ensure contacting with different conductors, the flat part is substantially coated with a metal and the inlay is partially coated with the metal.
US08658900B2 Metal sheathed cable assembly
An AC cable that includes at a plurality of conductor assemblies within a metal armored sheath. Each conductor assembly has an electrical conductor, an insulation layer extending around and along the length of each of the electrical conductors, a jacket layer disposed around the insulating layer and a polymeric protective layer disposed around the jacket layer along the length of each of the electrical conductors. A bonding strip is disposed within the metal sheath and is in contact with the interior surface of the metal sheath to provide an electrical low-impedance fault return path for the AC cable.
US08658899B2 Shielded electrical cable
A shielded electrical cable (1802) includes a conductor set (1804), two generally parallel shielding films (1808) disposed around the conductor set (1804), and a transition portion (1834) defined by the shielding films 1808 and the conductor set (1804). The conductor set (1804) includes one or more substantially parallel longitudinal insulated conductors (1806). The shielding films (1808) include a concentric portion (1808′) substantially concentric with at least one of the conductors (1806) and a parallel portion (1808″) wherein the shielding films (1808) are substantially parallel. The transition portion (1834) provides a gradual transition between the concentric portion (1808′) and the parallel portion (1808″) of the shielding films (1808).
US08658898B2 Resin composition for heat-resistant electrical wire, and heat-resistant electrical wire
A resin composition for heat-resistant electrical wires is configured of 100 parts by weight of base resin ingredients and 5-20 parts by weight of a phosphorus-based flame retardant, the base resin ingredients comprising 30-55 parts by weight of a polymer having a glass transition temperature or melting point of 180° C. or higher, 15-49 parts by weight of polyolefin, and 21-30 parts by weight of a styrene-based elastomer ingredient, the styrene-based elastomer ingredient having a content of the styrene unit represented by chemical formula (I) of 30% by weight or less.
US08658897B2 Energy efficient noise dampening cables
Energy efficient noise dampening coaxial and twisted pair cables include certain layers to improve the quality of signals transmitted over the cables. A coaxial cable includes a conductive core, a first insulating layer surrounding the conductive core, a metal shield layer surrounding the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer surrounding the metal shield layer, a carbon material layer surrounding the second insulating layer, and a protective sheath wrapping the carbon material layer. A twisted pair cable section includes a core section. The core section includes a carbon material core, an insulating layer surrounding the carbon material core, and a metal shield layer surrounding the insulating layer. A plurality of twisted pair cables are disposed in sections or compartments defined by the core section, and between the core section and a protective sheath. Methods for constructing the cables are also disclosed.
US08658895B1 Pre-wired TV bridge kit
A pre-wired TV bridge kit including a kit, package, or assembly of components for mounting a TV to a wall while eliminating disruption to the visible wall surface. The kit includes a first pre-wired electrical box with a pre-wired receptacle and attached electrical cable, a second pre-wired electrical box connected to the opposite end of the electrical cable, and a cord grip and flexible cord secured to the second electrical cable. Both electrical boxes include rotatable flags to enable installation to existing walls. The pre-wired TV bridge kit simplifies the task of providing an electrical outlet on a portion of the wall that is remote from an existing outlet. After mounting the pre-wired TV bridge kit to a wall, the flexible cord is simply plugged into an existing outlet in order to feed power through the flexible cord to power the first and second pre-wired electrical boxes and the TV.
US08658894B1 Cover assembly for an electrical box
A temporary cover for covering a central opening in an electrical box cover plate is disclosed. The cover has a front wall, a side wall forming a rim around the periphery of the front wall, a connecting mechanism on the rim for releasably connecting the temporary cover to the box cover plate in a position in which the front wall of the temporary cover is spaced forward from the central opening in the box cover plate, and a release mechanism on the front wall for removing the temporary cover from the box cover plate. The rim of the temporary cover is configured to function as a guide for guiding a cutting tool to cut an opening in the wall member prior to installing an electrical device in the electrical box. A cover assembly including such a temporary cover is also disclosed.
US08658893B1 Electrical device with interchangeable faceplates
An electrical device including a device body having a rear section configured to fit into an electrical box and at least one device mounting tab having an aperture for a fastener, a front section secured directly to the rear section, and an interchangeable face removably secured to the front section. The interchangeable face may include a frame surrounding a movable element.
US08658892B2 Ferroelectric field coupling device for improved noise reduction in AC power lines
A method to increase the coupling effectiveness of an AC electric field to a ferroelectric substance, thereby improving noise reduction. The method employs an electric field chamber, preferably a hollow conductive tube, to distribute the radiated electric field over a larger effective area without affecting the inductance or transmission qualities of the AC power conductor.
US08658891B2 Stop joint for a superconducting cable
A stop joint for a superconducting cable is provided to maintain superconducting properties by installing the stop joint on a long distance line in which a long distance superconducting cable has to be installed and unitizing a circulation path of a cooling fluid.
US08658886B2 Photoelectric conversion module
A photoelectric conversion module is disclosed. In one embodiment, the photoelectric conversion module includes i) a plurality of photoelectric cells spaced apart from each other, wherein a perimeter is defined to surround the photoelectric cells, and wherein the perimeter does not pass through the spaces between neighboring photoelectric cells, ii) an electrolyte provided in the photoelectric cells and iii) a plurality of sealing frits surrounding the photoelectric cells, respectively, wherein each of the sealing frits is continuously formed.
US08658884B2 Solar cell including backside reflection layer composed of high-K dielectrics
A solar cell includes a backside reflection layer containing a high-k dielectrics. The backside reflection layer includes a reflection film containing HfO2 or ZrO2 and a backside passivation layer containing of HfSixOy, ZrSixOy or SiO2, which are formed on a rear side of a substrate onto which solar rays are input. Thus, the solar cell exhibits excellent optical trapping for solar rays and low recombination rate of carriers on the rear side. Also, since the reflection film and the backside passivation layer have excellent thermal stability, it is possible to form electrodes by applying various processes such as thermal treatment.
US08658876B2 Musical instrument carrier and related methods
A body-supportable musical-instrument carrier, comprises a rigid frame substantially conforming to shoulder and upper back regions of a user; a belly plate; first mounting members mountable on the belly plate for securing the belly plate to the rigid frame; and second mounting members mountable on the belly plate for securing the musical instrument to the body-supportable musical-instrument carrier. The second mounting members are a pair of J-rods having a first end portion mounted to the belly plate and a second end portion defined by a compound bend. In other words, the first ends of each J-rod lies in a different plane than the plane of the second ends. Additionally, the J-rods have a broader contact area against the drum for better stability compared to traditional support rods.
US08658875B2 Drum tuning and tuning stabilization mechanism
A drum tuning stabilizer including a threaded lug screw shaft which can be rotated along its axis to adjust the tension on a drum head by changing the position of a drum hoop relative to the shell. At least one of a lug casing of the drum shell and a rim portion of the drum hoop has a threaded hole configured to receive the threaded lug screw shaft for rotation. A lug screw lock is threaded on the lug screw shaft adjacent the threaded hole of the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop and can be rotated to tighten the lug screw lock against a surface adjacent to the threaded hole of the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop to provide an interference fit to lock the threaded lug screw shaft to the surface adjacent the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop having the threaded hole therein.
US08658873B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV935324
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV935324. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV935324, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV935324 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV935324 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV935324.
US08658872B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV678689
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV678689. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV678689, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV678689 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV678689 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV678689.
US08658869B1 Maize variety hybrid X13B636
A novel maize variety designated X13B636 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13B636 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B636 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B636, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B636. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B636.
US08658868B2 Soybean variety A1026437
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026437. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026437. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026437 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026437 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08658862B2 Lettuce line PS 06515688
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated PS 06515688. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line PS 06515688, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line PS 06515688 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line PS 06515688, including the gametes of such plants.
US08658859B2 Cowpea cultivar mississippi pinkeye 2 purplehull
A cowpea cultivar designated Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of cowpea cultivar Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull, to the plants of cowpea cultivar Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull, to plant parts of cowpea cultivar Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull and to methods for producing a cowpea plant produced by crossing cowpea cultivar Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull with itself or with another cowpea cultivar. The invention also relates to methods for producing a cowpea plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cowpea plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to cowpea cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from cowpea cultivar Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull, to methods for producing other cowpea cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from cowpea cultivar Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull and to the cowpea plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid cowpea seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cowpea cultivar Mississippi Pinkeye 2 Purplehull with another cowpea cultivar.
US08658851B2 Devices with cells cultured on flexible supports
Methods and compositions provide suitable support material for culturing cells with a desirable metabolic activity. For example, keratinocytes directly grown on flexible supports show metabolic activity. Therapeutic methods and compositions, including wound healing technologies, using the cells grown on flexible supports, wherein the cells exhibit increased metabolic activity are disclosed.
US08658850B2 Method of detoxifying a harmful compound
It is an object of the present invention to provide a beneficial method for detoxifying a harmful compound to detoxify the harmful compound containing arsenic etc., effectively.The method of detoxifying a harmful compound according to the present invention is characterized in that a methyl radical and/or a carboxymethyl radical is (are) contacted with a harmful compound comprising at least one element selected from the group comprising arsenic, antimony and selenium to detoxify the harmful compound. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the method of detoxifying a harmful compound according to the present invention, the method is characterized in that the radical is generated by the exposure to light. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the method of detoxifying a harmful compound according to the present invention, the method is characterized in that the resource of the radical is at least one selected from the group comprising acetic acid, methanol, ethanol, acetic anhydride, propionic acid, butanoic acid or formic acid.
US08658849B2 Process for the separation of unbranched hydrocarbons from their branched isomers
The present invention relates to a process for the separation of at least one unbranched C4-C2O hydrocarbon from a fluid mixture containing the unbranched hydrocarbon and at least one branched isomer of the unbranched hydrocarbon, which comprises the step of—contacting the fluid mixture with an adsorbent comprising a porous metal organic framework material, which material comprises at least one at least bidentate organic compound coordinately bound to at least one metal ion, to get the unbranched hydrocarbon adsorbed, wherein the at least one at least bidentate organic compound is a monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic ring system which is derived from at least one heterocycle selected from the group consisting of pyrrole, alpha-pyridone and gamma-pyridone and has at least two ring nitrogens and is unsubstituted or bears one or more substituents selected independently from the group consisting of halogen, Ci-6-alkyl, phenyl, NH2, NH(d-6-alkyl), N(C1-6-alkyl)2, OH, Ophenyl and OCi-6-alkyl, where the substituents Ci_6-alkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or bear one or more substituents selected independently from the group consisting of halogen, NH2, NH(d-6-alkyl), N(C1-6-alkyl)2, OH, Ophenyl and OCi-6-alkyl. The present invention also relates to the use of said porous metal-organic framework material in a process for the separation of unbranched hydrocarbons from their branched isomers.
US08658847B2 Processes and compositions for the incorporation of biologically-derived ethanol into gasoline
In the present invention, a biofuel composition and processes for the incorporation of biologically-derived ethanol into gasoline are disclosed. The present invention discloses ways to use biologically-derived ethanol in gasoline while simultaneously enabling the blending of products from saturation of benzene. In addition, the present invention also discloses ways to use this ethanol with other volatile compounds from petroleum such as isopentane.
US08658842B2 Process for producing ethylene glycol catalyzed by ionic liquid
Disclosed is a process for producing ethylene glycol catalyzed by an ionic liquid, characterized in that the process includes the following three steps: (a) a carbonylation step of ethylene oxide and CO2 catalyzed by an ionic liquid composite catalyst comprising a hydroxyl functionalized ionic liquid and an alkali metal salt under an aqueous condition to produce ethylene carbonate and ethylene glycol; (b) a hydrolysis step of reacting the reaction solution containing ethylene carbonate and the ionic liquid composite catalyst obtained in step (a) with water to produce ethylene glycol; (c) a purification step of dehydrating and refining ethylene glycol from the aqueous solution containing ethylene glycol and the catalyst produced in step (b). The present process has the following advantages: the catalyst has high activity, high suitability, and good stability, the reaction condition is wild, the conversion of ethylene oxide is high, the selectivity of ethylene glycol is high, and the process is simple.
US08658834B2 Hydrogenation process
The present invention relates to a hydrogenation process that may be used in connection with the production of phenol. In the process, a composition comprising: (i) cyclohexylbenzene; and (ii) a hydrogenable component are contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst under hydrogenation conditions. The hydrogenable component can be one or more of an olefin, a ketone or phenol. The hydrogenation catalyst has hydrogenation component and a support.
US08658833B2 Garlic processing
A method of producing polysulfides comprising the step of adding elemental sulphur to an allicin-containing plant extract. In preferred embodiments, the plant extract is mechanically treated members of the genus Allium, especially garlic. In further preferred aspects of the invention, the plant extract and sulphur mixture is heated, and the pH is controlled to allow manipulation of the polysulfide chain length. The addition of organic bases, containing nitrogen lone pairs, allows further control of polysulfide chain length.
US08658830B2 Method to recover organic tertiary amines from waste sulfuric acid
The present invention describes a method to recover organic tertiary amines from waste sulfuric acid comprising the following steps: a) reacting i) waste sulfuric acid comprising organic tertiary amines with ii) ammonia in an amount sufficient to obtain a pH of 9.5 or higher and b) separating the organic tertiary amines from the reaction mixture obtained in step a) wherein during the separation the pH of the reaction mixture is adjusted at a pH of 9.5 or higher.
US08658829B2 Method of producing polyalkylated oligoalkylenepolyamines
A method of preparing polyalkylated oligoalkylenepolyamines is provided. The method includes contacting oligoalkylenepolyamine with a reagent composition comprising (a) alkyl bromide and/or alkyl chloride; (b) a basic agent; and (c) iodide salt. The alkylation reaction may be carried out in a polar, aprotic organic solvent.
US08658825B2 Method for the preparation of aminophosphine ligands and their use in metal catalysts
The present application is directed to i) a method for synthesizing aminophosphine (P,N) and phosphine-aminophosphine (P,N,P) ligands, ii) the use of such ligands in the preparation of metal complexes as hydrogenation catalysts, and iii) aminophosphine (P,N) and phosphine-aminophosphine (P,N,P) ligands of various structures. In particular, the methods in i) involve reacting a protected tertiary amine of formula (I) with a metal phosphide of the formula Y—PR8R9 to afford an aminophosphine of formula (II), which can then be optionally further reacted with a phosphine of the formula (III) to afford the phosphine-aminophosphine of formula (IV).
US08658821B2 Process for the preparation of nateglinide
A one-pot process for the preparation of nateglinide, which process comprises reacting an alkyl ester of D-phenylalanine of formula (II): where R represents C1-4alkyl, typically methyl, either as the free base or in salt form (typically the hydrochloride), with trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid of formula (III): where X represents hydroxy or halo, typically chloro, to obtain a C1-4 alkyl ester of nateglinide of formula (IV), preferably the methyl ester of nateglinide: followed by hydrolysis to yield nateglinide of formula (I):
US08658820B2 Catalyst systems for the production of acids
Various embodiments of the invention herein described generally relate to novel processes for the production of aromatic acids by fixed bed catalytic oxidation of aromatic compounds carrying at least one oxidizable substituent group attached directly to the carbon atom of the corresponding aromatic nucleus. In an embodiment, a novel oxidation process of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) catalytically oxidizing, with an oxidation catalyst, a liquid phase aromatic acid precursor in the presence of a gaseous oxygen source; b) separating a finished product; c) purging the solvent and the oxidation catalyst; d) optionally recycling at least a portion of the solvent into the oxidation reactor; e) recovering at least a portion of the oxidation catalyst; f) recharging the at least a portion of the oxidation catalyst over a solid recharging catalyst bed; and (g) feeding a reactivated oxidation catalyst to the oxidation reactor.
US08658819B2 N-substituted carbamic acid ester production method, isocyanate production method using such N-substituted carbamic acid ester, and composition for transfer and storage of N-substituted carbamic acid ester comprising N-substituted carbamic acid ester and aromatic hydroxy compound
The present invention is a method for producing an N-substituted carbamic acid ester derived from an organic amine from an organic amine, a carbonic acid derivative and a hydroxy composition containing one or more types of hydroxy compounds, wherein the organic amine, the carbonic acid derivative and the hydroxy composition are reacted using a urethane production reaction vessel provided with a condenser, a gas containing the hydroxy composition, the compound having the carbonyl group derived from the carbonic acid derivative, and an ammonia formed as a by-product in the reaction, is introduced into the condenser provided in the urethane production reaction vessel, and the hydroxy composition and the compound having the carbonyl group derived from the carbonic acid derivative are condensed, and wherein a stoichiometric ratio of a hydroxy compound contained in the condensed hydroxy composition to the condensed compound having the carbonyl group derived from the carbonic acid derivative is 1 or more, and a ratio of number of carbonyl groups (—C(═O)—) contained in the compound having the carbonyl group derived from the carbonic acid derivative and number of ammonia molecules contained in the ammonia recovered as a gas from the condenser is 1 or less.
US08658813B2 Polyol esters of medium chain fatty acids and process for preparation thereof
A new class of oleochemical based polyol esters of general formula 1 are prepared by esterification of different polyols having 5-6 carbon atoms and 2-4 hydroxyl groups with 10-undecenoic acid or/and undecanoic acid with a hydroxyl value of ≦1.0 mg KOH/g. Wherein R1, R2, R3 is selected from a group consisting of CH3—, CH3CH2—, —CH2OCOR4 wherein R4 is selected from CH2═CH—(CH2)8— or CH3—(CH2)9—, individually or in combination thereof. The resulting esters were characterized for lubricant properties like viscosity, viscosity index, pour point, flash point and copper corrosion tests. The properties indicate their potential as promising lubricant base stocks for automotive lubricants, metal working oil, hydraulic oil and other industrial applications. Vegetable oils provide most of the desirable lubricant properties such as good boundary lubrication, high viscosity index, high flash point and low volatility. Synthetic esters prepared from renewable resources like vegetable oils exhibit better performance at a lower cost compared to mineral oil based synthetic esters.
US08658811B2 Process for the preparation of docetaxel, its intermediates, and methods for preparation thereof
Described is a process for preparing docetaxel 1, including the following steps: a) hydroxyl acylation reaction of compound 2 and 3 to obtain compound 4; b) deprotection group R1 of the hydroxyl group of compound 4 obtained from step a to prepare compound 5; c) removing one tert-butoxycarbonyl of compound 5 obtained from step b to prepare compound 6; d) removing one acetyl of compound 6 obtained from step c to prepare compound 1; wherein, R1 represents tert-butyl dimethyl silyl, triethylsilyl, ethoxyethyl, tetrahydropyranyl, trichloroethoxycarbonyl or methoxymethyl, Boc is tert-butoxycarbonyl, Ac is acetyl, and Ph is phenyl. Also disclosed are intermediates of docetaxel and methods for preparation thereof.
US08658808B2 Process for the production of dronedarone intermediates
A process for the production of Dronedarone intermediates of the formula (I), by acylation of 2-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-ethanone, subsequent treatment of the ester with bases and a zeolite (alumosilicate) catalyst and optional subsequent demethylation. This process can be used for the production of Dronedarone.
US08658804B2 Process for preparing N-substituted cyclic imides
In a process for making an N-substituted phthalimide compound, an amine is contacted with a carboxylic acid anhydride and allowed to react in an aqueous solution at a pH of about 2 to about 6. Optionally, the reactants are combined with an acid to lower the pH of the reaction solution wherein the lowering of the pH optimizes the yield of the desired N-substituted phthalimide product. The N-substituted phthalimide may be, for example, N-hydroxyphthalimide, and the reactants may be phthalic anhydride and hydroxylamine or a salt thereof. The N-substituted phthalimide compound is useful for, among other things, the oxidation of various hydrocarbons.
US08658802B2 Methods for the synthesis of deuterated vinyl pyridine monomers
Methods for synthesizing deuterated vinylpyridine compounds of the Formula (1), wherein the method includes: (i) deuterating an acyl pyridine of the Formula (2) in the presence of a metal catalyst and D2O, wherein the metal catalyst is active for hydrogen exchange in water, to produce a deuterated acyl compound of Formula (3); (ii) reducing the compound of Formula (3) with a deuterated reducing agent to convert the acyl group to an alcohol group, and (iii) dehydrating the compound produced in step (ii) with a dehydrating agent to afford the vinylpyridine compound of Formula (1). The resulting deuterated vinylpyridine compounds are also described.
US08658801B2 Pesticides containing a bicyclic bisamide structure
Compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts and all stereoisomers and tautomeric forms of the compounds of formula I can be used as agrochemical active ingredients and can be prepared in a manner known per se.
US08658795B2 Pyridinium boronic acid quenchers for use in analyte sensors
Novel pyridinium salts functionalized with boronic acid and methods of making them are disclosed. When combined with a fluorescent dye, the compounds are useful in the detection of polyhydroxyl-substituted organic molecules.
US08658792B2 Carbanucleoside synthesis and novel intermediate compounds useful therein
Anti-virally active carbanucleosides such as entecavir are prepared by a process which utilizes, throughout the synthesis, an aromatic protectant group for the hydroxyl and the alkyl hydroxy groups of the starting material, removed as the final step of a multi-step synthesis. Such protectant groups yield intermediates which are solid and therefore easily purified at various stages of the process, for an economical and relatively fast process for synthesizing the final product.
US08658791B2 2-substituted-6-amino-5-alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids and 6-substituted-4-amino-3-alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl picolinic acids and their use as herbicides
6-Amino-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids having alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl substituents in the 5-position and 4-aminopicolinic acids having alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl substituents in the 3-position, and their amine and acid derivatives, are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.
US08658790B2 Stereoselective synthesis of bicyclic heterocycles
The present invention relates to a process for the stereoselective preparation of compounds of formulae (1A) and (1B) and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids and bases, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on signal transduction mediated by tyrosine kinases, the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly tumoral diseases as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), diseases of the lungs and airways.
US08658789B2 Method for preparing linezolid and intermediates thereof
A method for preparing the linezolid (compound 1), which comprises the steps of: (1) carrying out the debenzyl reaction of compound 4 in solvent, to obtain the compound 5 or its acetic acid salt; (2) carrying out the acetylation reaction in the amino of the compound 5 or its acetic acid salt obtained in step (1) in solvent to obtain the compound 1. The intermediates to prepare the compound 1 and the acetic acid salt of compound 5. The present preparation method is easy to obtain the chiral materials and the chiral materials are cheap, the process and the post treatment are simple, the intermediate products and the end product are easy to be purified, the total yield is high, their purities are also high, this preparation method is easy to be used in the industry manufacture.
US08658785B1 siRNA targeting tie-2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed.
US08658782B2 Compositions and methods for inhibiting expression of factor V
The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of the Factor V Leiden mutant gene (Factor V Leiden mutant gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 25 nucleotides in length and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the Factor V Leiden mutant gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of the Factor V Leiden mutant gene using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of the Factor V Leiden mutant gene in a cell.
US08658779B2 Perilla-derived promoter functioning in petals
A transcriptional regulatory region of perilla anthocyanin 3-acyltransferase is useful for altering the flower color of plants.
US08658777B2 Activated protease indicator
It is an object of the invention to provide novel approaches capable of detecting activated protease and also detecting protease activation on real time at a high sensitivity in a noninvasive manner. By the method for detecting activated protease of the invention, an indicator in a circular form comprising the C-half fragment of luciferase (Luc-C) and the N-half fragment of luciferase (Luc-N) linked together through a substrate peptide for a protease is introduced in an in vitro assay system or in cells. Upon digestion of the substrate peptide by the protease, Luc-N and Luc-C together reconstructs active luciferase, so that the activated protease can be detected by assaying the luminescence signal from the luciferase.
US08658772B2 Selective extraction of proteins from freshwater algae
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08658771B2 Humanized antibodies against human interferon-alpha
The present invention provides humanized anti-human IFN-α monoclonal antibodies useful for therapeutic applications in humans. Preferred antibodies are humanized versions of murine antibodies ACO-1 and ACO-2, as well as variants thereof.
US08658770B2 Integrin alpha 8-beta 1-specific monoclonal antibody
[Object] To obtain an anti-integrin α8β1 antibody which binds to integrin α8β1 derived from mammals of different species. Also, to obtain an anti-integrin α8β1 antibody which inhibits binding between integrin α8β1 and its ligand.[Solution] Anti-integrin α8β1 antibodies which bind to integrin α8β1 derived from mammals of different species have been obtained. In addition, inhibitors, which contain an anti-integrin α8β1 antibody, of binding between integrin α8β1 and its ligand have been obtained.
US08658767B2 Lipidated polyepitope vaccines
This invention relates to, inter alia, an isolated lipidated polypeptide including a lipid moiety at the N-terminus and a plurality of epitopes, and methods of making and using the polypeptide.
US08658766B2 Soluble hybrid Fcγ receptors and related methods
Disclosed are soluble hybrid Fcγ receptor (FcγR) polypeptide compositions and related methods of using such polypeptides to treat IgG-mediated and immune complex-mediated inflammation. Also disclosed are related compositions and methods for producing the soluble hybrid FcγR polypeptides.
US08658754B2 Moisture-thickening heat-conductive silicone grease composition
A heat-conductive silicone grease composition is obtained by combining (A) a hydroxyl-endcapped organopolysiloxane, (B) a specific organopolysiloxane, (C) a silane compound having at least three hydrolyzable radicals and/or a hydrolyzate thereof, (D) a thickening catalyst, and (E) a heat-conductive filler. The composition is storable at RT, has a low initial viscosity enough to coat, and after coating, thickens with moisture at RT so that it becomes anti-sagging, remains re-workable, and has durable heat resistance.
US08658753B2 Transparent siloxane resin composition for optical applications
A transparent siloxane resin composition for optical applications is provided including: (1) a vinyl-oligosiloxane hybrid prepared by a non-hydrolytic condensation reaction of an organoalkoxysilane having a vinyl group or a mixture of an organoalkoxysilane having a vinyl group and a metal alkoxide with an organosilanediol; (2) an organohydrosilicone compound having two or more silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms; and (3) a metal catalyst. The resulting transparent siloxane resin exhibits excellent light transmittance, light resistance and heat resistance, has refractive index and hardness suitable for optical applications, including optical devices, displays, LEDs or the like, and experiences little contraction during processing.
US08658752B2 Use of partially silanized polyisocyanate-based compounds as crosslinking-agents in coating compositions, and coating compositions comprising the compounds
The invention relates to the use of partly silanized compounds based on polyisocyanate as crosslinking agents with heightened refractive index in curable coating compositions, more particularly in clearcoat materials for automotive finishing. The invention likewise relates to a coating composition which comprises these compounds as crosslinking agents, and to the use of the coating composition to produce a coating.
US08658750B2 System and method for selective trimerization
Disclosed herein is a method for separating from the reactor effluent of an olefin oligomerization procedure those catalyst materials and polymeric by-products which can cause difficulties in the downstream processing of such effluent. Polymer by-products and catalyst in the effluent are separated from reaction products by flash vaporization utilizing an in-situ hot solvent which is contacted with the effluent and serves as the heating medium to promote this flash vaporization step. Subsequent processing of a liquid portion of the effluent which is left after flash vaporization involves recovery of catalyst and polymeric by-products therefrom in a steam stripping vessel. Also disclosed is a multiple reactor system which can be used for continuous trimerization of ethylene to 1-hexene while at the same time washing polymeric by-products from one of the reactors in the series using a wash oil solvent.
US08658748B2 Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having acceptable levels of energy loss
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having ophthalmically acceptable levels of energy loss are described. The lenses are derived from a polymerizable composition including a first siloxane monomer represented by formula (1): wherein m of formula (1) represents one integer from 3 to 10, n of formula (1) represents one integer from 1 to 10, R1 of formula (1) is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and each R2 of formula (1) is independently either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; the lenses also include units derived from a second siloxane monomer which is a dual-end methacrylate end-capped polydimethylsiloxane having a number average molecular weight of at least 7,000 daltons. The average energy loss of the silicone hydrogel contact lenses is from about 30% to about 45% when the lenses are fully hydrated. Batches of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses are also described.
US08658747B2 Wettable silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Ophthalmically acceptably wettable silicone hydrogel contact lenses are described. The lenses are derived from a polymerizable composition including a first siloxane monomer represented by formula (1): wherein m of formula (1) represents one integer from 3 to 10, n of formula (1) represents one integer from 1 to 10, R1 of formula (1) is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and each R2 of formula (1) is independently either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, the first siloxane monomer having a number average molecular weight of from 400 daltons to 700 daltons; and a second siloxane monomer having a number average molecular weight greater than 7,000 daltons; wherein a total amount of siloxane monomers present in the polymerizable composition is from 30 unit parts to 50 unit parts; the lenses also include units derived from at least one hydrophilic amide monomer having one N-vinyl group that is present in the polymerizable composition in an amount from 30 to 60 unit parts. The lenses have ophthalmically acceptably wettable lens surfaces when fully hydrated. Batches of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses are also described.
US08658746B2 Electrolyte polymer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, process for its production and membrane-electrode assembly
To provide an electrolyte polymer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, made of a perfluorinated polymer having sulfonic groups, characterized in that in a test of immersing 0.1 g of the polymer in 50 g of a fenton reagent solution containing 3% of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution and 200 ppm of bivalent iron ions at 40° C. for 16 hours, the amount of eluted fluorine ions detected in the solution is not more than 0.002% of the total amount of fluorine in the polymer immersed. The electrolyte polymer of the present invention has very few unstable terminal groups and has an excellent durability, and therefore, is suitable as a polymer constituting an electrolyte membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells and a polymer contained in a catalyst layer.
US08658743B2 Cage-shaped cyclopentanoic dianhydride, method for production thereof, and polyimide
A cage 1,2,3,4-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid (1,3:2,4)-dianhydride compound represented by formula [1], and a polyimide obtained by condensing the compound with a diamine. With the compound, it is possible to provide a polyimide which shows no absorption in the ultraviolet region and is highly transparent to light, has high insulating properties, has improved heat resistance and processability, and has excellent solubility in organic solvents. (In formula [1], R1 and R2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a C1-10 alkyl.)
US08658739B2 Polyolefin-based resin composition and molded article
Provided is a polyolefin-based resin composition comprising from 30 to 90% by mass of a polyolefin resin (A), from 1 to 50% by mass of an aliphatic polyester-based resin (B) , from 1 to 40% by mass of an ethylene-octene rubber (C) having a melt flow rates being higher than 3 g/10 minutes and not higher than 40 g/10 minutes, and from 0.01 to 20% by mass of an epoxy group-containing ethylene-based polymers (D); molded articles obtainable by molding the composition is superior in tensile elongation and impact resistance.
US08658737B2 Acrylic rubber composition and cross-linked product thereof
Provided is an acrylic rubber composition including an acrylic rubber and a functionalized silicone oil. Here, the functionalized silicone oil preferably has a particular polydimethylsiloxane structure having at least one binding site bonded with at least one of a monoamino group, a diamino group, a polyether group, an epoxy group, an alicyclic epoxy group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen group (Si—H group), a methacryl group, a phenol group, an alkoxy group, an ester group, an amide group, an alkyl group, a fluoroalkyl group, and a diol group and has a functional group equivalent weight of 1 to 100,000 (g/mol). The composition is unlikely to be deteriorated even when it is exposed to high temperature for a long time and that has excellent heat resistance and a crosslinked product of the composition. The composition is unlikely to be deteriorated even when it is exposed to high temperature for a long time and that has excellent heat resistance and a crosslinked product of the composition.
US08658734B2 Synthesis of stable elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles
We describe methods for synthesis and formulations of stable elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles with controllable compressibility and density. These elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles have a density/compressibility ratio that is less than that of water and therefore exhibit negative acoustic contrast under acoustic radiation exposure. This negative acoustic contrast allows our elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles to be acoustically manipulated (e.g. separated) differently from other components (e.g. cells) within an aqueous solution. This disclosure also describes methods for biofunctionalization of the elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles and as an example their use as platforms for bioassays. Potential applications of these elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles include sensitive bioassays based on acoustic flow cytometry and other types of techniques that utilize acoustic fields, including ultrasound imaging and ultrasound triggered drug delivery.
US08658733B2 Process for the preparation of monodisperse polymer particles
A process for the preparation of monodisperse polymer particles which are formed by contacting monomers with aqueous dispersions comprising monodisperse swellable seed polymers/oligomers, and initiating polymerization in the presence of a steric stabilizer. The resulting swollen seed particles are characterized by the particle mode diameter.
US08658729B2 Rubber composition for canvas chafer and pneumatic tire
Topping rubber composition for canvas chafer which provides good rim chafing resistance, durability, sheeting processability, and less heat build-up. Topping rubber composition contains a rubber component with: (a) BR containing 2.5-20% by mass of 1,2-syndiotactic polybutadiene crystals, (b) BR having a cis content of 90% by mass or more, and/or (c) tin-modified BR obtained by polymerization with a lithium initiator and having a tin-atom content of 50-3000 ppm, a vinyl-bond content of 5-50% by mass, and a molecular weight distribution of 2 or less. Topping rubber composition also contains carbon black having N2SA of 65-130 m2/g. Total amount of (a)-(c) is 40-90% by mass per 100% by mass of the rubber component; amount of the carbon black is 50-75 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component. Also, pneumatic tire made with the composition.
US08658728B2 Natural rubber and method for producing the same, rubber composition and pneumatic tire using the same, modified natural rubber and method for producing the same, and rubber composition for tread or for covering carcass cord and pneumatic tire using the same
The present invention relates to a natural rubber that contains 200 ppm or less of phosphorus.
US08658727B2 Elastomer composition and stopper for medical container
The object of the present invention is to provide an elastomer composite creating a molded article having excellent heat resistance, anti-leakage and needle retaining properties. To attain the object, the present invention provides an elastomer composite comprising 100 parts by mass of a block copolymer mixture containing 10 to 90 parts by mass of a block copolymer A, and 90 to 10 parts by mass of a block copolymer P, with the total amount of said block copolymers A and P being 100 parts by mass, 100 to 300 parts by mass of a softener B, having a kinetic viscosity in the range of between 50 and 500 centistokes (cSt) at 40° C., 1 to 50 parts by mass of a propylene polymer C, having a modulus in bending in the range of between 1000 and 3000 MPa, and 1 to 50 parts by mass of an aromatic polymer D.
US08658725B2 Material having cross-linked polyrotaxane, and method for producing same
Disclosed are a material having high flexibility and a high dielectric constant, and a method for producing same: a material having a first polyrotaxane and a second polyrotaxane, wherein the first polyrotaxane comprises first blocking groups being disposed at both ends of a first pseudo-polyrotaxane—formed from the opening of a first circular molecule being enclathrated by being skewered by a first linear chain molecule—in a manner so that the first circular molecule does not detach; the second polyrotaxane comprises second blocking groups being disposed at both ends of a second pseudo-polyrotaxane—formed from the opening of a second circular molecule being enclathrated by being skewered by a second linear chain molecule—in a manner so that the second circular molecule does not detach; said first and second polyrotaxane are formed from crosslinking with the first and second circular molecules therebetween; said material is solvent free; and the material has a dielectric constant at 1 kHz of at least 6.0.
US08658722B2 Aqueous surface-treating agent
An aqueous surface-treating agent, which comprises a silicone oil aqueous emulsion, a polyurethane resin aqueous emulsion, and a silane compound represented by the following general formula (where R1 and R2 each are an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n and m are 1≦n≦3 and m=3·n, respectively), and/or a hydrolyzate thereof, wherein 100 parts by weight or more of the polyurethane resin in terms of the weight of solid matters is used on the basis of 100 parts by weight in terms of nonvolatile matters of silicone oil, can prevent sticking of rubber seal materials such as O rings, etc. themselves or sticking to a metal, a resin, etc., and can reduce the friction of rubber or resin seal members at the time of sliding motion.
US08658719B2 Low loss pre-pregs and laminates and compositions useful for the preparation thereof
In accordance with the present invention compositions are described which are useful, for example, for the preparation of metal-clad laminate structures, methods for the preparation thereof, and various uses therefor. Invention metal-clad laminate structures are useful, for example, multi-layer board (MLB) industry, in the preparation of burn-in test boards and high reliability boards, applications where low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is beneficial, in the preparation of boards used in down-hole drilling, and the like.
US08658715B2 White ink composition
A white ink composition contains a white coloring material and a fixing resin component. The fixing resin component includes a styrene acrylic resin and a urethane resin at a mass ratio of the styrene acrylic resin to the urethane resin (styrene acrylic resin/urethane resin) of at least 1/10.
US08658711B2 Process for the synthesis of methacrylate-derivatized type-1 collagen and derivatives thereof
Methods for synthesizing a methacrylate-derivatized type-I collagen in which methacrylic acid is reacted with a carboxylic acid activating reagent in the presence of a carbodiimide to form a methacrylic acid with an activated carboxylic acid group, which is then reacted with free amino groups on type-I collagen to form a collagen methacrylamide. Methacrylate-derivatized collagen, cross-linked collagens formed therefrom and products containing the cross-linked collagen are also disclosed.
US08658709B2 Process for making a polyurethane foam
Process for preparing a polyurethane foam, according to the free rise process, the foam having a free rise density of 5-40 kg/m3, comprising reacting at an index of 40-80 a polyisocyanate composition consisting of diphenylmethane diisocyanate and of homologues of diphenylmethane diisocyanate, said homologues having an isocyanate functionality of 3 or more, and wherein the polyisocyanate composition has an average isocyanate functionality of 2.10-2.40 and a 2,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate content of 6-45% by weight with the proviso that the relationship between this functionality (F) and content (C) is: −123F+287≦C≦−123F+311, and a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene polyol (polyol b1) having an oxyethylene content of 5-30% by weight, a nominal functionality of 2-4 and an average equivalent weight of 1000-3000, and comprising using 5-20 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of polyol b1, of water as blowing agent, an effective amount of a catalyst enhancing urethane formation, and an effective amount of a surfactant.Foams are claimed as well. The foams show good sound absorption and/or sound insulation.
US08658708B2 Foam-forming compositions containing azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures containing Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and methyl formate and their uses in the preparation of polyisocyanate-based foams
Foam-forming compositions containing azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures containing cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene are disclosed. The foam-forming composition contains (a) an azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixture of cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene with methyl formate, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, pentane, isopentane, cyclopentane, HFC-245fa, or dimethoxymethane; and (b) an active hydrogen-containing compound having two or more active hydrogens. Also disclosed is a closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate polymer foam prepared from reaction of an effective amount of the foam-forming composition with a suitable polyisocyanate. Also disclosed is a process for producing a closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate polymer foam by reacting an effective amount of the foam-forming composition with a suitable polyisocyanate.
US08658704B2 Chi (χ)-alumina dispersion and application to coating slurry of digital printing medium
A chi (χ)-alumina dispersion and coating slurry of digital printing medium containing the same is disclosed, which includes flaked porous χ-alumina nanoparticles with high specific surface area but without gamma (γ)-alumina obtained by subjecting gibbsite to thermal treating, physical wet-milling and pH adjusting processes. Since the χ-alumina nanoparticles without dyes and pigments have high ink absorptivity and low cost, they can be applied to the coating layer of the digital printing medium instead of conventional silica material.
US08658701B2 Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants
Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
US08658699B2 Chemical permeation enhancers enhance nerve blockade by toxins
Chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) improve access of local anesthetics to the nerve, thereby improving their performance. Surfactants, representing three CPE sub-groups: anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants, were co-injected with tetrodotoxin (TTX) or bupivacaine at the sciatic nerve of Sprague-Dawley rats. All enhancers produced marked concentration-dependent improvements in the frequency and duration of block with TTX but not bupivacaine. An in vitro toxicity assay showed a wide range of CPE myotoxicity, but in vivo histological assessment showed no signs of muscle or nerve damage at concentrations of CPEs that produced a half-maximal increase in the duration of block of TTX. There was no systematic relationship between the enhancers' charge or hydrophobicity and their enhancement of block duration or potency. Thus, CPEs can provide marked prolongation of nerve blockade from TTX, without apparent local tissue toxicity, and therefore enhance the clinical applicability of TTX for prolonged-duration local anesthesia.
US08658697B2 Sulfonyl semicarbazides, semicarbazides and ureas, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating hemorrhagic fever viruses, including infections associated with arenaviruses
Compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating viral infections, by administering certain novel sulfonyl semicarbazides, carbonyl semicarbazides, semicarbazides, ureas and related 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 hemorrhagic fever viruses is disclosed, i.e., including but not limited to, Arenaviridae (Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, Sabia, Lassa, Tacaribe, Pinchinde, and VSV), Filoviridae (ebola and Marburg viruses), Flaviviridae (yellow fever, omsk hemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur Forest disease viruses), and Bunyaviridae (Rift Valley fever).
US08658694B2 Buffer solutions having selective bactericidal activity against gram negative bacteria and methods of using same
Buffer solutions for pharmaceutical preparations that have bactericidal activity preferentially against gram negative bacteria are provided. The buffers have a pH of greater than about 10 or less than about 4.5 with low buffer capacity. Methods of their use in reducing the occurrence of blood stream infections in a mammal is also provided.
US08658692B2 Method of preparation an inclusion-complex comprising hydrophobic physiological activation material including with cyclodextrin and its use
Disclosed herein are a method for preparation of an inclusion-complex including a physiologically active hydrophobic substance in cyclodextrin and a derivative thereof, and use of the inclusion-complex prepared by the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for preparing an inclusion-complex, which includes agitating cyclodextrin and a derivative thereof in an agitator at high speed, spraying a physiologically active hydrophobic substance dissolved in alcohol onto the agitator, and drying and crushing the mixture obtained from the preceding step and, in addition, use of the prepared inclusion-complex. The present inventive method has merits of reduced inclusion time and increased inclusion rate. The prepared inclusion-complex has excellent cell and collagen proliferation effects compared to physiologically active hydrophobic substances which were not inclusion processed, thereby being used in production of a cosmetic composition with improved anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing effects.
US08658688B2 Active compound combinations having insecticidal and acaricidal properties
The novel active compound combinations consisting, firstly, of cyclic ketoenois and, secondly, of beneficial species (natural enemies) have very good insecticidal and/or acaricidal properties.
US08658687B2 Injectable formulations containing asenapine and method of treatment using same
The present invention provides a formulation comprising asenapine hemipamoate suspended particles, which formulation can be administered via a Depot provided by an IM injection of the formulation, and which depot does not display a particle-size dependent release rate. The present invention provides also methods of treatment using the same.
US08658679B2 Microbicidal composition
Synergistic microbicidal compositions containing N-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.
US08658675B2 Pyridin-4-yl derivatives
The invention relates to pyridine derivatives of Formula (I), wherein A, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described in the description, their preparation and their use as pharmaceutically active compounds. Said compounds particularly act as immunomodulating agents.
US08658673B2 BETA2-adrenoreceptor agonists
Compounds of formula in free or salt or solvate form, where Ar is a group of formula Y is carbon or nitrogen and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, X, n, p, q and r are as defined in the specification, their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of obstructive or inflammatory airways diseases.
US08658671B2 Crystalline form of a quinolinone-carboxamide compound
The invention provides a crystalline hydrochloride salt of 1-isopropyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid {(1S,3R,5R)-8-[(R)-2-hydroxy-3-(methanesulfonyl-methyl-amino)propyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}amide or a solvate thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such crystalline salt forms, methods of using such crystalline salt forms to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes useful for preparing such crystalline salt forms.
US08658668B2 PI3 kinase/mTOR dual inhibitor
The present invention provides an imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-2-one compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that inhibits both PI3K and mTOR and, therefore, is useful in the treatment of cancer.
US08658667B2 Stable formulations, and methods of their preparation and use
Described herein are formulations comprising therapeutic agents, including but not limited to formulations comprising rapamycin, pharmaceutical formulations, unit dose forms, kits, methods of preparing formulations, and methods of using formulations. Such formulations and methods have increased stability.
US08658666B2 Substituted imidazoquinolines and imidazonaphthyridines
Imidazoquinolines and imidazonaphthyridines with a substituent containing a functional group, e.g., an amide, sulfonamide, urea, or heterocyclyl group, at the 6, 7, 8, or 9-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, methods of making and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US08658663B2 Method of treating thermoregulatory disfunction with paroxetine
The present invention relates to a method for treating a patient suffering from a thermoregulatory dysfunction, especially hot flashes and flushes associated with hormonal changes due to naturally occurring menopause (whether male or female) or due to chemically or surgically induced menopause. The method is also applicable to treating the hot flashes, hot flushes, or night sweats associated with disease states that disrupt normal hormonal regulation of body temperature.
US08658661B2 Oxadiazole inhibitors of leukotriene production
The present invention relates to compound of formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1-R5 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US08658658B2 Compound, certain novel forms thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods for preparation and use
Compound of Formula A and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and crystalline Forms I and II of Compound of Formula A! Also, methods for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for their uses.
US08658657B2 2-aminopyrimidin-4-one and 2-aminopyridine derivatives both having BACE1-inhibiting activity
The present invention provides a compound which has an effect of inhibiting amyloid-β production and is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases induced by production, secretion and/or deposition of amyloid-β proteins. The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof: wherein A is optionally substituted carbocyclic diyl or optionally substituted heterocyclic diyl; B is an optionally substituted carbocyclic group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R1 is a group such as optionally substituted lower alkyl; R2 is a group such as hydrogen; and R3a and R3b are each independently a group such as hydrogen, provided that the following compound is excluded.
US08658654B2 Receptor-type kinase modulators and methods of use
The present invention provides compounds for modulating receptor kinase activity, particularly ephrin and EGFR, and methods of treating diseases mediated by receptor kinase activity utilizing the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Diseases mediated by receptor kinase activity include, but are not limited to, diseases characterized in part by abnormal levels of cell proliferation (i.e. tumor growth), programmed cell death (apoptosis), cell migration and invasion and angiogenesis associated with tumor growth. Compounds of the invention include “spectrum selective” kinase modulators, compounds that inhibit, regulate and/or modulate signal transduction across subfamilies of receptor-type tyrosine kinases, including ephrin and EGFR.
US08658640B2 JNK inhibitors for the treatment of endometriosis
This invention relates to a method of treating and/or preventing endometriosis comprising administering a JNK inhibitor. The JNK inhibitor can also be administered combined with a hormonal suppressor. The invention further relates to the treatment of endometriosis.
US08658639B2 N-substituted-cyclic amino derivative
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): wherein R1a is optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, etc.; R1m is hydrogen atom, etc.; G1, G2, G3 and G4 are (i), etc. ((i) G1 is —N(R1b)—, G2 is —CO—, G3 is —C(R1c)(R1d)—, and G4 is oxygen, etc.); R1b is optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, etc.; R1c and R1d are each independently optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, etc.; R2 is optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, etc.; R3a, R3b, R3c and R3d are each independently a group: -A-B (A is a single bond, etc., B is hydrogen atom, etc.), etc.; n is 1, etc.; R5 is C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, etc., or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is useful as a renin inhibitor.
US08658638B2 Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and methods of use
The present invention provides a compound of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising Compound (I) in combination with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient; and methods for treating physiological disorders, particularly congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, or chronic kidney disease, comprising administering Compound (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08658634B2 Substituted bicyclic methyl azetidines as sphingosine-1 phosphate receptors modulators
The present invention relates to novel substituted bicyclic methyl azetidine derivatives which are useful as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors modulators and useful for treating a wide variety of disorders associated with modulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08658632B2 Arachidonic acid analogs and methods for analgesic treatment using same
The present invention provides arachidonic acid (AA) analogs and compositions containing those analogs as active agents for use in analgesic treatments. Various methods of manufacturing the inventive compounds are provided and pharmaceutical formulations, including injectable and oral dosages, are described. Certain analogs are additionally useful as antipyretic compositions and in related fever reducing treatments.
US08658631B1 Combination composition comprising oxycodone and acetaminophen for rapid onset and extended duration of analgesia
The present disclosure provides an extended release pharmaceutical composition comprising oxycodone and acetaminophen that provides a rapid onset of analgesia, and reduced levels of acetaminophen near the end of the dosing interval. Also provided are methods for reducing the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in a subject being treated with an acetaminophen containing composition, as well as methods for treating pain in a subject in need thereof.
US08658628B2 Hormone delivery system and method
A hormone delivery system and method are provided for administering bio identical human hormones using a combination of modalities for the treatment of human physiological conditions.
US08658626B2 Controlled release corticosteroid compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders with steroid, NSAID, and/or adenosine triphosphatase (“ATPase”) modulator agents. In these methods, the steroidal, NSAID, and/or ATPase compositions and formulations are administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disorder, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).
US08658621B2 Topical method for prompt relief of severe ascites
A means is provided to make the capsules of cirrhotic or fibrotic livers relatively impermeable to liver tissue fluid or lymph in humans or other mammals suffering from severe chronic ascites or refractory ascites by application of collodion. The means will be useful to decrease the need for liver and combined liver and kidney transplantations.
US08658619B2 Methods of treating subclinical sun damage
Provided are methods of treating subclinical sun damage and of inducing a chemocytotoxic response in skin. Methods of treating subclinical sun damage include the steps of: topically administering to skin of a patient a composition comprising a chemocytotoxic agent in an amount effective to induce erythema, scaling, crusting, or combinations thereof and resolve at least a portion of the subclinical sun damage, where the skin has a condition of no clinical sign of sun damage and the patient was not previously treated for actinic keratosis or nonmelanoma skin cancer. The chemocytotoxic agent can comprise a fluorinated pyrimidine antimetabolite such as 5-fluorouracil (FU), 5-fluorouridine (FUR), 5-fluorouridine-5′-monophosphate (FUMP), 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR), 5-fluorodeoxyuridine-5′-monophosphate (FdUMP), or combinations thereof.
US08658615B2 Prohibitin as target for cancer therapy
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising inhibitors of Prohibitin (PHB) for the prevention or/and treatment of hyperproliferative disorders.
US08658614B2 Aptamer-containing compositions and methods for targeting E-selectin
An isolated nucleic acid molecule that selectively binds to an E-selectin protein comprises a contiguous 29-30 nucleotide sequence that includes at least one monothiophosphate or a dithiophosphate modified nucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting an E-selectin mediated interaction with a natural E-selectin ligand, and methods of targeting an imaging agent or therapeutic agent to a target tissue bearing E-selectin.
US08658613B2 Methods and compositions of nucleic acid ligands for detection of clinical analytes related to human health
Specific DNA sequences for binding various clinically relevant analytes from the human body are described. Each of these sequences or their linear, two- and three-dimensional linked sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success. Linkage of the whole or partial DNA sequences (putative binding sites) can be used to enhance specificity and affinity towards complex targets, thereby improving assay selectivity and sensitivity in many instances. In addition, a FRET-based quantitative method is described for normalizing analyte data by assessing urine creatinine and urea levels. Finally, a method is described for removing creatinine or urea by size-exclusion chromatography prior to a FRET-based aptamer assay to avoid the denaturing effects of these compounds.
US08658609B2 Modulation of bio-electrical rhythms via a novel engineering approach
The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods to induce, and/or modulate bio-electrical rhythms (e.g. in cardiac, neuronal and pancreatic cells) by fine-tuning the activity of HCN-encoded pacemaker channels via a novel protein- and genetic-engineering approach to augment or attenuate the associated physiological responses (e.g. heart beat, neuronal firing, insulin secretion, etc) for achieving various therapeutic purposes (e.g. sick sinus syndrome, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, diabetes, etc).
US08658606B2 Antibacterial aminoglycoside analogs
Compounds having antibacterial activity are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein Q1, Q2, Q3, R1, R2 or R3 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US08658605B2 Bioactivity composition of Reevesia formosana
A series cardenolide derivatives including structure of formula I from the root of Reevesia formosana have provided. In formula (1) and (2), where R3, R5, R10 and R16 are as defined in the specification. The derivatives compounds showed potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7, NCI-H460, and HepG2 cancer cell lines.
US08658604B2 Template-fixed beta-hairpin peptidomimetics with protease inhibitory activity
Template-fixed β-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formulae wherein Z is a chain of 11 α-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly, or Pro, or Pro(4NHCOPhe), or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to inhibit proteases, in particular serine proteases, especially Cathepsin G or Elastase or Tryptase. These β-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.
US08658603B2 Compositions and methods for inducing an immune response
The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing an immune response in a subject. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising immunostimulatory ligands (ISL) and methods of inducing an immune response in a subject therewith. Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.
US08658596B2 Biglycan and related therapeutics and methods of use
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.
US08658593B2 Treatment of extracellular matrix to reduce inflammation
Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion. Also disclosed are methods and kits for treating a site of inflammation in an individual in need thereof and for decreasing heavy chain modification of pathological hyaluronan at a site of inflammation in an individual in need thereof based on administering the compounds or the compositions.
US08658592B2 Biologically active peptides and their new uses
Novel peptides are disclosed with their use as a pharmaceutical composition. A method is also disclosed for making pharmaceutical compositions and treatment of an individual.
US08658589B2 Fatty acyl amido based surfactant concentrates
A surfactant concentrate is provided that includes C8-C22 acyl amido compounds, a polyol and C8-C22 fatty acids. The concentrate is formed via an interesterification reaction between a fatty acid ester and an amino compound or salt thereof in a polyol. The resultant surfactant concentrate will have a Hunter Lab Color Scale value L ranging from 70 to 100.
US08658587B2 Container with a collapsible receptacle and a disinfectant composition
A container has: a) a collapsible receptacle, the wall of which is designed flexibly such that the internal volume of the receptacle is adapted to the volume of a liquid contained therein, and which has an outlet with an outlet valve; and b) in the receptacle a disinfectant composition in the form of a solution with a content of aliphatic alcohol of at most 20% by weight. It is possible that the disinfectant composition is not contaminated with spores or other germs also after the container has been opened, even upon repeated discharge from the container.
US08658576B1 System, composition and method of application of same for reducing the coefficient of friction and required pulling force during installation of wire or cable
A composition and method for reducing the coefficient of friction and required pulling force of a wire or cable are provided. A composition of aqueous emulsion is provided that is environmentally friendly, halogen free and solvent free. The composition is compatible with various types of insulating materials and may be applied after the wire or cable is cooled and also by spraying or submerging the wire or cable in a bath. The composition contains lubricating agents that provide lower coefficient of friction for wire or cable installation and continuous wire or cable surface lubrication thereafter.
US08658575B2 Composition of insulating fluid and process for the preparation thereof
This invention provides a composition of insulating fluid and process for the preparation thereof that mainly contains alkyl benzenes. In addition to alkyl benzenes, the composition also contains an antioxidant, an antifoaming agent, a pour point dispersant, a corrosion inhibitor and a detergent-dispersant additive. The product of this invention has utility as an insulating fluid in electrical installations such as transformer.
US08658568B2 6-amino-2-substituted-5-vinylsilylpyrimidine-4-carboxylic acids and esters and 4-amino-6-substituted-3-vinylsilylpyridine-2-carboxylic acids and esters as herbicides
6-Amino-2-substituted-5-vinylsilylpyrimidine-4-carboxylates and 4-amino-6-substituted-3-vinylsilylpyridine-picolinates and their amine and acid derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.
US08658566B2 Composition and method for controlling plant diseases
The present invention provides: a composition for controlling plant diseases comprising, as active ingredients, 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-butyric acid and ethaboxam; a method for controlling plant diseases which comprises applying effective amounts of 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-butyric acid and ethaboxam to a plant or soil for growing plant; and so on.
US08658564B2 Fungicide active ingredient combinations
The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising the known fungicidally active compounds N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, metalaxyl and triazole (3), which are highly suitable for controlling unwanted phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for the curative or preventive treatment of phytopathogenic fungi on plants or useful plants, in particular to the treatment of seed, for example seed of cereals, and not least to the treated seed itself.
US08658562B2 Method for hydrothermal preparation of metal-organic framework crystallised porous aluminium carboxylates
The present invention relates to a method for hydrothermal preparation of a solid made up of a metal-organic framework (MOF) of crystallised, porous aluminium carboxylates, in an aqueous medium. The invention also relates to solids made up of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) of porous, crystallised aluminium carboxylates capable of being obtained by the method of the invention as well as to the uses thereof for the storage of liquid or gaseous molecules, for selective separation of gas and for catalysis.
US08658559B2 Implantation of Ni nano domains in refractory metal oxide support by means of sol-gel encapsulation—an effective solution to coke formation in the partial oxidation of natural gas
A metal oxide-supported nickel catalyst includes a matrix containing a metal oxide and catalytic sites distributed throughout the matrix and having an intricate interface with the matrix, in which the catalytic sites are selected from the group consisting of nano-nickel(0) domains and nano-nickel(0)-A(0) alloy domains. Also disclosed are a method for preparing this catalyst and a method for using it to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen by partial oxidation of a C1-C5 hydrocarbon.
US08658557B2 Catalyst for n-butane oxidation to maleic anhydride
A process for the preparation of a promoted VPO catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises the mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus and wherein the catalyst is promoted with at least one of niobium, cobalt, iron, zinc, molybdenum or titanium, said process comprising the steps of (i) preparing a VPO catalyst comprising vanadyl pyrophosphate as the major component and containing less than 5 wt % of vanadyl phosphate, (ii) contacting the VPO catalyst with a solution comprising a metal source compound of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of niobium, cobalt, iron, zinc, molybdenum or titanium to form a metal impregnated VPO catalyst, and (iii) drying the metal impregnated VPO catalyst to form the promoted VPO catalyst. In one embodiment, a niobium promoted VPO catalyst is prepared.
US08658555B1 Compositions comprising zirconium hydroxide and graphite oxide and methods for use
Compositions and methods useful for removing toxic industrial compounds from air are disclosed, wherein said composition comprises a mixture of hydrous metal oxide and graphite oxide. In a most preferred embodiment the composition comprises a mixture of zirconium hydroxide and graphene oxide.
US08658554B2 Catalytic support for use in carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactions
A catalyst support which may be used to support various catalysts for use in reactions for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including a catalyst support material and an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction associated with the catalyst support material. A catalyst for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide may be supported on the catalyst support. A method for making a catalyst for use in hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including application of an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to a catalyst support material, the coated catalyst support material is optionally calcined, and a catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide is deposited on the coated catalyst support material. A process for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and for making syngas comprising a hydrocarbon, esp. methane, reforming step and a RWGS step which employs the catalyst composition of the present invention and products thereof.
US08658553B2 Catalytic composition and process for the transalkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons
A catalytic composition for transalkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons which contains a zeolite and an inorganic binder and has an extra-zeolitic porosity higher than or equal to 0.7 cc/g for a fraction of pores of which at least 30% have a diameter greater than 100 nanometers. A catalytic composition having a crushing strength not lower than 1.7 kg/mm and an apparent density not higher than 0.5 g/cc. A process for transalkylating polyalkylated aromatic hydrocarbons using a catalytic composition.
US08658552B2 Chromia-containing refractory
A high-chromia refractory, comprised of: about 60% to about 99% by weight of refractory grain, wherein the refractory grain is comprised of grains having about 20% to 100% by weight chromia; 0% to about 35% by weight of a fine particulate, the fine particulate selected from chromic oxide, alumina, ceria, yttria, lanthanum oxide, or combinations thereof; and about 1% to about 8% of a liquid resin or pitch.
US08658551B2 Creep-resistant zircon article and method of manufacturing same
A creep-resistant zircon article and a method of manufacturing the creep-resistant zircon article are described herein. In one example, the creep-resistant zircon article has the shape of a forming apparatus (e.g., isopipe) which is used in the fusion process to manufacture glass sheets.
US08658550B2 Ceramic kneaded clay and usage thereof
An oxide-ceramic forming clay comprising an oxide-ceramic forming material, a layered double hydroxide, a pore-forming agent, and water, wherein the amount of the pore-forming agent is between 3 and 50 parts by mass by superaddition to 100 parts by mass of a sum of the oxide-ceramic forming material and the layered double hydroxide and a sum of the pore-forming agent and an organic binder is between 5 and 55 parts by mass also by superaddition which has environment-friendly characteristics in a forming firing step, and usage thereof.
US08658548B2 Extremely high liquid barrier fabrics
One embodiment of the present invention is a nonwoven fabric comprising a support web and a fibrous barrier web, having a hydrohead of at least about 145 cm and a Frazier permeability of at least about 0.3 m3/m2-min.
US08658547B2 Compositions for textile coatings
The invention relates to compositions, containing (A) organopolysiloxanes, which have Si-bound hydroxy groups, (B) organopolysiloxanes, which have Si-bound hydrogen atoms, (C) platinum catalysts, (D) reinforcing fillers, (E) optionally non-reinforcing fillers, and (F) optionally inhibitors, which delay a platinum-catalyzed reaction of Si-bound hydroxy groups and Si-bound hydrogen atoms at room temperature, with the proviso that the organopolysiloxanes (A) have viscosities of 500 to 100,000,000 mPa·s at 25° C., that the platinum catalysts (C) are fame of phosphoric acid trisamide ligands, that the reinforcing fillers (D) are present in amounts of at least 3% by weight, relative to the total mass of the compositions, that the non-reinforcing fillers (F) are present in lower amounts than the reinforcing fillers (D), that the use of reactive silanes as bonding agents and the use of additional condensation catalysts, which accelerate the condensation reaction of Si-bound hydroxy groups and/or alkoxy groups, are excluded.
US08658546B2 Solution composition for forming oxide thin film and electronic device including the oxide thin film
A solution composition for forming an oxide thin film may include a first compound including zinc, a second compound including indium, and a third compound including magnesium or hafnium, and an electronic device may include an oxide semiconductor including zinc, indium, and magnesium. The zinc and hafnium may be included at an atomic ratio of about 1:0.01 to about 1:1.
US08658543B2 Methods for pFET fabrication using APM solutions
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes, in accordance with an embodiment, providing an integrated circuit comprising a p-type field effect transistor (pFET), recessing a surface region of the pFET using an ammonia-hydrogen peroxide-water (APM) solution to form a recessed pFET surface region, and depositing a silicon-based material channel on the recessed pFET surface region.
US08658539B2 Fin profile structure and method of making same
A FinFET device may include a first semiconductor fin laterally adjacent a second semiconductor fin. The first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin may have profiles to minimize defects and deformation. The first semiconductor fin comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the first semiconductor fin may have a flared profile that is wider at the bottom than the upper portion of the first semiconductor fin. The second semiconductor fin comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the second semiconductor fin may have a flared profile that is wider than the upper portion of the second semiconductor fin, but less than the lower portion of the first semiconductor fin.
US08658534B2 Method for producing a semiconductor component, and semiconductor component
In an insulation layer of an SOI substrate, a connection pad is arranged. A contact hole opening above the connection pad is provided on side walls and on the connection pad with a metallization that is contacted on top side with a top metal.
US08658532B2 Method and material for forming a double exposure lithography pattern
Various lithography methods are disclosed. An exemplary lithography method includes forming a first patterned silicon-containing organic polymer layer over a substrate by removing a first patterned resist layer, wherein the first patterned silicon-containing organic polymer layer includes a first opening having a first dimension and a second opening having the first dimension, the first opening and the second opening exposing the substrate; forming a second patterned silicon-containing organic polymer layer over the substrate by removing a second patterned resist layer, wherein a portion of the patterned second silicon-containing organic polymer layer combines with a portion of the first patterned silicon-containing organic polymer layer to reduce the first dimension of the second opening to a second dimension; and etching the substrate exposed by the first opening having the first dimension and the second opening having the second dimension.
US08658531B2 Method of forming connection holes
The present invention provides a method of forming connection holes. The method utilizes two different gases to perform two etching processes for the interlayer dielectric layer so as to form connection holes. The etching rate of the interlayer dielectric layer in the first etching process using the first etching gas is proportional to the size of the openings which defines the connection hole while the etching rate of the interlayer dielectric layer in the second etching process using the second etching gas is inversely related with size of the openings. According to the present invention, the first etching gas and the second etching gas compensate for each other to eliminate the loading effect, thus the connection holes are formed with almost the same depth. Therefore the damage of the etching stopper layer due to the high etching rate in the larger connection holes can be avoided, which prevents the excessive variation of the connecting resistance and expands the process window.
US08658528B2 Bumping process and structure thereof
A bumping process includes providing a silicon substrate; forming a titanium-containing metal layer on silicon substrate, the titanium-containing metal layer comprises a plurality of first areas and a plurality of second areas; forming a first photoresist layer on titanium-containing metal layer; patterning the first photoresist layer to form a plurality of first opening slots; forming a plurality of copper bumps within first opening slots, said copper bump comprises a first top surface and a first ring surface; removing the first photoresist layer; forming a second photoresist layer on titanium-containing metal layer; patterning the second photoresist layer to form a plurality of second opening slots; forming a plurality of bump isolation layers at spaces, the first top surfaces and the first ring surfaces; forming a plurality of connective layers on bump isolation layers; removing the second photoresist layer, removing the second areas to form an under bump metallurgy layer.
US08658527B2 Method of manufacturing GaN-based film
A method of manufacturing a GaN-based film includes the steps of preparing a composite substrate, the composite substrate including a support substrate in which a coefficient of thermal expansion in its main surface is more than 0.8 time and less than 1.0 time as high as a coefficient of thermal expansion of GaN crystal in a direction of a axis and a single crystal film arranged on a main surface side of the support substrate, the single crystal film having threefold symmetry with respect to an axis perpendicular to a main surface of the single crystal film, and forming a GaN-based film on the main surface of the single crystal film in the composite substrate, the single crystal film in the composite substrate being an SiC film. Thus, a method of manufacturing a GaN-based film capable of manufacturing a GaN-based film having a large main surface area and less warpage without crack being produced in a substrate is provided.
US08658525B2 Methods for a gate replacement process
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a substrate; forming a gate structure including a first dummy gate over the substrate; removing the first dummy gate from the gate structure to form a trench; forming an interfacial layer, high-k dielectric layer, and capping layer to partially fill in the trench; forming a second dummy gate over the capping layer, wherein the second dummy gate fills the trench; and replacing the second dummy gate with a metal gate. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a substrate; forming an interfacial layer over the substrate; forming a high-k dielectric layer over the interfacial layer; forming an etch stop layer over the high-k dielectric layer; forming a capping layer including a low thermal budget silicon over the etch stop layer; forming a dummy gate layer over the capping layer; forming a gate structure; and performing a gate replacement process.
US08658524B2 On-gate contacts in a MOS device
A MOS device, (400) comprising a semiconductor substrate comprising a channel, an electrode (402) insulated from the channel and positioned at least partly over the channel, and at least one contact (403) to the electrode, the at least one contact being positioned at least partly over the channel.
US08658521B2 Method and device for layer deposition
Method for depositing a layer on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises injecting a precursor gas from a precursor supply into a deposition cavity for contacting the substrate surface, draining part of the injected precursor gas from the deposition cavity, and positioning the deposition cavity and the substrate relative to each other along a plane of the substrate surface. The method further comprising providing a first electrode and a second electrode, positioning the first electrode and the substrate relative to each other, and generating a plasma discharge near the substrate for contacting the substrate by generating a high-voltage difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. The method comprises generating the plasma discharge selectively, for patterning the surface by means of the plasma. A portion of the substrate contacted by the precursor gas selectively overlaps with a portion of the substrate contacted by the plasma.
US08658515B2 Method of manufacturing film for semiconductor device
The present invention aims to provides a method of manufacturing a film for a semiconductor device in which a dicing film, a die bond film, and a protecting film are laminated in this order, including the steps of: irradiating the die bond film with a light ray having a wavelength of 400 to 800 nm to detect the position of the die bond film based on the obtained light transmittance and punching the dicing film out based on the detected position of the die bond film, and in which T2/T1 is 0.04 or more, wherein T1 is the light transmittance of the portion where the dicing film and the protecting film are laminated and T2 is the light transmittance of the portion where the dicing film, the die bond film, and the protecting film are laminated.
US08658510B2 Processing phase change material to improve programming speed
A phase change material may be processed to reduce its microcrystalline grain size and may also be processed to increase the crystallization or set programming speed of the material. For example, material doped with nitrogen to reduce grain size may be doped with titanium to reduce crystallization time.
US08658506B1 Method and apparatus for selectively improving integrated device performance
Methods and apparatus for selectively improving integrated circuit performance are provided. In an example, a method is provided that includes defining a critical portion of an integrated circuit layout that determines the speed of an integrated circuit, identifying at least a part of the critical portion that includes at least one of a halo, lightly doped drain (LDD), and source drain extension (SDE) implant region, and performing a speed push flow process to increase performance of the part of the critical portion that includes the at least one of the halo, the LDD, and the SDE implant region. The resultant integrated circuit can be integrated with a mobile device.
US08658505B2 Embedded stressors for multigate transistor devices
Multigate transistor devices and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. In accordance with one method, a fin and a gate structure that is disposed on a plurality of surfaces of the fin are formed. In addition, at least a portion of an extension of the fin is removed to form a recessed portion that is below the gate structure, is below a channel region of the fin, and includes at least one angled indentation. Further, a terminal extension is grown in the at least one angled indentation below the channel region and along a surface of the channel region such that the terminal extension provides a stress on the channel region to enhance charge carrier mobility in the channel region.
US08658503B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes: a silicon carbide substrate having first and second main surfaces; a first silicon carbide layer provided on the first main surface of the silicon carbide substrate; first silicon carbide regions formed on a surface of the first silicon carbide layer; second and third silicon carbide regions formed on respective surfaces of the first silicon carbide regions; a fourth silicon carbide region formed between facing first silicon carbide regions with the first silicon carbide layer therebetween; a gate insulating film formed continuously on surfaces of the first silicon carbide regions, the first silicon carbide layer, and the fourth silicon carbide region; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film; an interlayer insulating film covering the gate electrode; a first electrode electrically connected to the second and third silicon carbide regions; and a second electrode formed on the second main surface of the silicon carbide substrate.
US08658501B2 Method and apparatus for flatband voltage tuning of high-k field effect transistors
In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for flatband voltage tuning of high-k field effect transistors. One embodiment of a field effect transistor includes a substrate, a high-k dielectric layer deposited on the substrate, a gate electrode deposited on the high-k dielectric layer, and a dipole layer positioned between the substrate and the gate electrode, for shifting the threshold voltage of the field effect transistor.
US08658499B2 Three dimensional NAND device and method of charge trap layer separation and floating gate formation in the NAND device
A monolithic three dimensional NAND string includes a vertical semiconductor channel and a plurality of control gate electrodes in different device levels. The string also includes a blocking dielectric layer, a charge storage region and a tunnel dielectric. A first control gate electrode is separated from a second control gate electrode by an air gap located between the major surfaces of the first and second control gate electrodes and/or the charge storage region includes silicide nanoparticles embedded in a charge storage dielectric.
US08658497B2 Non-volatile memory (NVM) and logic integration
A method of forming an NVM cell and a logic transistor uses a semiconductor substrate. A metal select gate of the NVM cell is formed over a high-k dielectric as is metal logic gate of a logic transistor. The logic transistor is formed, including forming source/drains, while the metal select gate of the NVM cell is formed. The logic transistor is protected while the NVM cell is then formed including forming a charge storage region using metal nanocrystals and a metal control gate over a portion of the metal select gate and a portion of the charge storage region over the substrate. The charge storage region is etched to be aligned to the metal control gate.
US08658491B2 Manufacturing method of transistor structure having a recessed channel
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The disclosed semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a device isolation structure for delimiting an active region, the active region being recessed and grooves being defined in channel forming areas of the active region; gates formed in and over the grooves; gate spacers formed on both sidewalls of the gates over portions of the recessed active region which are positioned on both sides of the gates; an LDD region formed in the active region under the gate spacers; junction areas formed in the active region on both sides of the gates including the gate spacers; and landing plugs formed on the junction areas.
US08658490B2 Passivating point defects in high-K gate dielectric layers during gate stack formation
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to techniques for improving the reliability of semiconductor devices with high-k gate dielectric layers by passivating point defects during the gate stack formation. One illustrative method disclosed herein includes performing a plurality of material deposition cycles to form a high-k dielectric layer above a semiconductor material layer, and introducing a passivating material into a gaseous precursor that is used for forming the high-k dielectric layer during at least one of the plurality of material deposition cycles.
US08658489B2 Method for dual work function metal gate CMOS with selective capping
A CMOS device having an NMOS transistor with a metal gate electrode comprising a mid-gap metal with a low work function/high oxygen affinity cap and a PMOS transistor with a metal gate electrode comprising a mid gap metal with a high work function/low oxygen affinity cap and method of forming.
US08658487B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises steps as follows: A first dummy gate having a first high-k gate insulator layer, a first composite sacrificial layer, and a first dummy gate electrode sequentially stacked on a substrate is firstly provided. The first dummy gate electrode is subsequently removed to expose the first composite sacrificial layer. The first composite sacrificial layer is then removed. Thereafter, a first work function layer is formed on the first high-k gate insulator layer, and a first metal gate electrode is formed on the first work function layer.
US08658479B2 Method of forming transparent electrode and fabricating array substrate for liquid crystal display device
A method of forming a transparent electrode includes forming a first transparent conductive material layer on a base; performing a plasma process on the first transparent conductive material layer such that the upper portion of the first transparent conductive material layer is changed into semitransparent; forming a second transparent conductive material layer on the first transparent conductive material layer; patterning the second transparent conductive material layer and the first transparent conductive material layer; and annealing the patterned second transparent conductive material layer and the patterned first transparent conductive material layer such that the upper portion of the first transparent conductive material layer is changed into transparent.
US08658478B2 Transistor structure for improved static control during formation of the transistor
A method of forming a shadow mask vapor deposited transistor includes shadow mask vapor depositing a semiconductor segment. An electrically conductive drain contact is shadow mask vapor deposited on a first part of the semiconductor segment and a first insulator is shadow mask vapor deposited on the drain contact. An electrically conductive source contact is shadow mask vapor deposited on a second part of the semiconductor segment spaced from the drain contact and a second insulator is shadow mask vapor deposited on the source contact. A third insulator is shadow mask vapor deposited over at least part of each of the first and second insulators and the semiconductor segment between the drain contact and the source contact. An electrically conductive gate contact is shadow mask vapor deposited on the third insulator and in spaced relation to the semiconductor segment between the drain contact and the source contact.
US08658477B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
An exposure mask according to an embodiment of the invention includes a first transmission region where a plurality of dots through which light is shielded or transmitted are arrayed into a matrix form having rows and columns and a second transmission region where a plurality of dots through which the light is shielded or transmitted are arrayed into a matrix form having rows and columns and is disposed adjacent to the first transmission region. The dots arrayed in a row or a column of the first transmission region, which is adjacent to the second transmission region, have an area intermediate between areas of dots arrayed on both sides of the row or the column.
US08658474B2 Contact and via interconnects using metal around dielectric pillars
An integrated circuit containing a vertical interconnect that includes a region of interconnect metal continuously surrounding one or more dielectric pillars. The vertical interconnect electrically contacts a top surface of a lower conductive structure. An upper conductive structure contacts a top surface of the vertical interconnect. A process of forming an integrated circuit that includes forming a vertical interconnect that has a region of interconnect metal continuously surrounding one or more dielectric pillars. The vertical interconnect electrically contacts a top surface of a lower conductive structure, and an upper conductive structure contacts a top surface of the vertical interconnect.
US08658473B2 Ultrathin buried die module and method of manufacturing thereof
A method of forming a buried die module includes providing an initial laminate flex layer and forming a die opening through the initial laminate flex layer. A first uncut laminate flex layer is secured to the first surface of the initial laminate flex layer via an adhesive and a die is positioned within the die opening of the initial laminate flex layer. A second uncut laminate flex layer is secured to the second surface of the initial laminate flex layer via an adhesive and the adhesive between each pair of neighboring layers is cured. A plurality of vias and metal interconnects are formed in and on the first and second uncut laminate flex layers, with each of the metal interconnects extending through a respective via and being directly metalized to a metal interconnect on the initial laminate flex layer or a die pad on the die.
US08658472B2 Semiconductor device
A module including a carrier and a semiconductor chip applied to the carrier. An external contact element is provided having a first portion and a second portion extending perpendicular to the first portion, wherein a thickness of the second portion is smaller than a thickness of the carrier.
US08658470B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with formed interconnects and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a die paddle having an internal portion with a trench along a perimeter of the die paddle; forming an interconnect having a concave indentation and an upper portion, the upper portion, opposite the concave indentation, aligned horizontally to the internal portion;attaching an integrated circuit device on the die paddle, the trench between the integrated circuit device and the perimeter; attaching an electrical connector to the integrated circuit device and to the upper portion; and applying an encapsulation over the integrated circuit device, the electrical connector, the die paddle, and the interconnect, the concave indentation exposed below the encapsulation.
US08658468B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor and semiconductor package
A method for fabricating a semiconductor chip module and a semiconductor chip package is disclosed. One embodiment provides a first layer, a second layer, and a base layer. The first layer is disposed on the base layer, and the second layer is disposed on the first layer. A plurality of semiconductor chips is applied above the second layer, and the second layer with the applied semiconductor chips is separated from the first layer.
US08658466B2 Semiconductor package structure and method for making the same
A semiconductor package structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate and an encapsulant. The first substrate comprises a plurality of first bumps and a plurality of first solder layers. Each of the first solder layers is formed on each of the first bumps and comprises a cone-shaped slot having an inner surface. The second substrate comprises a plurality of second bumps and a plurality of second solder layers. Each of the second solder layers is formed on each of the second bumps and comprises an outer surface. Each of the second solder layers is a cone-shaped body. The second solder layer couples to the first solder layer and is accommodated within the first solder layer. The inner surface of the cone-shaped slot contacts with the outer surface of the second solder layer. The encapsulant is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08658465B2 System and method to manufacture an implantable electrode
The method of the preferred embodiments includes the steps of providing a base having a frame portion and a center portion; building a preliminary structure coupled to the base; removing a portion of the preliminary structure to define a series of devices and a plurality of bridges; removing the center portion of the base such that the frame portion defines an open region, wherein the plurality of bridges suspend the series of devices in the open region defined by the frame; and encapsulating the series of devices. The method is preferably designed for the manufacture of semiconductor devices, and more specifically for the manufacture of encapsulated implantable electrodes. The method, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
US08658458B2 Patterned doping for polysilicon emitter solar cells
An improved method of manufacturing a polysilicon solar cell is disclosed. To create the polysilicon layer, which has p-type and n-type regions, the layer is grown in the presence of one type of dopant. After the doped polysilicon layer has been created, ions of the opposite dopant conductivity are selectively implanted into portions of the polysilicon layer. This selective implant may be performed using a shadow mask.
US08658452B2 Low temperature ceramic microelectromechanical structures
A method of providing microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) that are compatible with silicon CMOS electronics is provided. The method providing for processes and manufacturing sequences limiting the maximum exposure of an integrated circuit upon which the MEMS is manufactured to below 350° C., and potentially to below 250° C., thereby allowing direct manufacturing of the MEMS devices onto electronics, such as Si CMOS circuits. The method further providing for the provisioning of MEMS devices with multiple non-conductive structural layers such as silicon carbide separated with small lateral gaps. Such silicon carbide structures offering enhanced material properties, increased environmental and chemical resilience whilst also allowing novel designs to be implemented taking advantage of the non-conductive material of the structural layer. The use of silicon carbide being beneficial within the formation of MEMS elements such as motors, gears, rotors, translation drives, etc where increased hardness reduces wear of such elements during operation.
US08658449B2 Semiconductor layer, method of manufacturing the same, laser diode, and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor layer with which inactivation of impurity is able to be inhibited by a simple method, a semiconductor layer in which inactivation of impurity is inhibited, a method of manufacturing a laser diode with which inactivation of impurity is able to be inhibited by a simple method, and a laser diode including a semiconductor layer in which inactivation of impurity is inhibited are provided. In the method of manufacturing a semiconductor layer, after a semiconductor layer is formed by epitaxial growth with the use of AsH3, supply of AsH3 is stopped without separately supplying new gas when process temperature is 500 deg C. or more.
US08658448B2 Display device and method for manufacturing the same
A conductive layer to be a gate electrode, an insulating layer to be a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and an insulating layer to be a channel protective layer, which are each included in a transistor, are successively formed without exposure to the air. A gate electrode (including another electrode or a wiring which is formed in the same layer) and an island-like semiconductor layer are formed through one photolithography step. A display device is manufactured through four photolithography steps including the photolithography step, a photolithography step of forming a contact hole, a photolithography step of forming a source electrode and a drain electrode (including another electrode or a wiring which is formed in the same layer), and a photolithography step of forming a pixel electrode (including another electrode or a wiring which are formed in the same layer).
US08658443B2 Method for manufacturing light emitting device
A method for manufacturing light emitting device is provided. Firstly, provide a substrate. Then arrange a light emitting unit on the substrate. Next form at least one electrode and arrange at least one protective layer on the electrode. The protective layer is to prevent a phosphor layer following formed on the light emitting unit from covering the electrode. After forming the phosphor layer, flatten the phosphor layer and the protective layer. A part of the phosphor layer over the protective layer is removed. Thus the electrode is not affected by the phosphor layer and conductivity of the electrode is improved to resolve phosphor thickness and uniformity problems of the light emitting device. Therefore, the thickness of the light emitting device with LED is effectively reduced and stability of white color temperature control is significantly improved.
US08658442B2 Method for producing an electronic component and electronic component
A method for producing an electronic component comprising barrier layers for the encapsulation of the component comprises, in particular, the following steps: providing a substrate (1) with at least one functional layer (22), applying at least one first barrier layer (3) on the functional layer (22) by means of plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), and applying at least one second barrier layer (4) on the functional layer (22) by means of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).
US08658437B2 Package method for electronic components by thin substrate
Disclosed is a package method for electronic components by a thin substrate, comprising: providing a carrier; forming at least one metal layer and at least one dielectric layer on the carrier for manufacturing the thin substrate, and the thin substrate comprises at least one package unit for connecting at least one chip; forming at least one pad layer on a surface of the thin substrate; parting the thin substrate from the carrier; performing test to the thin substrate to weed out the package unit with defects in the at least one package unit and select the package units for connecting the chips; connecting the chips with the selected package units by flip chip bonding respectively. Accordingly, the yield of the entire package process can be improved and the pointless manufacture material cost can be reduced.
US08658431B2 Determination of pregnancy status in ungulate ruminants
A method and kit for determining whether an animal is not pregnant, or is pregnant following a breeding. The level of expression of a pregnancy induced protein is determined in an animal for which pregnancy status information is desired and the level is compared to that of the level in animals that are not pregnant.
US08658428B2 Methodology for determination of nitrogen content in nitrocellulose
In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of determining the nitrogen content in nitrocellulose by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). It is within the scope of the invention for the sample of nitrocellulose to be unstable nitrocellulose, unrefined nitrocellulose, or refined nitrocellulose. The sample of nitrocellulose can wet or dry. A sample of nitrocellulose that is wet can be in acid or in water. Before HPLC, the sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The nitrogen content of the sample is determined by comparing the retention time of the sample to a graph of retention time to amount of nitrogen due to the linear correlation of retention time and percent nitrogen substitution.
US08658426B2 Monitoring of ionic liquid catalyst deactivation
A process for determining ionic liquid catalyst deactivation including (a) collecting at least one sample of an ionic liquid catalyst; (b) hydrolyzing the at least one sample to provide at least one hydrolyzed sample; (c) titrating the at least one hydrolyzed sample with a basic reagent to determine a volume of the basic reagent necessary to neutralize a Lewis acid species of the ionic liquid catalyst; and (d) calculating the acid content of the at least one sample from the volume of basic reagent determined in step (c) is described. Processes incorporating such a process for determining ionic liquid catalyst deactivation are also described. These processes are an alkylation process, a process for controlling ionic liquid catalyst activity in a reaction producing by-product conjunct polymers, and a continuous process for maintaining the acid content of an ionic liquid catalyst at a target acid content in a reaction producing by-product conjunct polymers.
US08658424B2 Myelinating oligodendrocyte precursor populations
A method of differentiating embryonic stem cells into oligodendroglial precursor cells and oligodendroglial cells by culturing a population of cells comprising a majority of cells that are characterized by a neural tube-like rosette morphology and are Pax6+/Sox1+ into a population of cells that are PDGFRα+.
US08658423B2 Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) binding factors
This invention relates to modified IGF-II binding domains of the Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 Receptor (IGF2R) which have enhanced binding affinity for IGF-II relative to the wild type IGF-II binding domain. Suitable IGF-II binding domains may be modified, for example, by substituting residue E1544 for a non-acidic residue. These modified domains may be useful in the sequestration of Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF-II), for example, in the treatment of cancer.
US08658422B2 Culture plate comprising a lid for lateral ventilation
The present invention pertains to a culture plate, and in particular to a culture plate comprising a lid wherein the peripheral side wall of the lid is formed at least partially of at least one filter element made of a filter material. This enables lateral, uniform ventilation of the culture plate even in a stacked arrangement of the culture plate, avoiding at the same time significant loss of culture medium by evaporation.
US08658407B2 Compositions and methods for conversion of lignocellulosic material to fermentable sugars and products produced therefrom
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the conversion of lignocellulosic material to fermentable sugars and to products produced therefrom (e.g., ethanol, foodstuffs, etc.). In particular, the invention provides lignocellulose-degrading compositions (e.g., generated via incubation of microbes with lignocellulosic priming feedstock in solid-state fermentation format) and methods of using the same (e.g., in saccharification and/or hydrolysis steps (e.g., on ethanologenic feedstock) and as food or feed additives).
US08658405B2 Process for hydrolysis of wet fiber and method for producing fermentation products from wet fiber
Disclosed are a method of hydrolysis of wet fiber and a method for preparing ethanol. Generally, an agricultural plant material, such as corn hulls, distiller's dried grains, or spent germ, is treated to at least partially hydrolyze the fiber. The process may include a maceration step followed by a shearing operation in the presence of steam to yield a treated product, in which, in many embodiments, saccharides will be released and unbound from fibrous portions of the agricultural product. In some embodiments, the process includes macerating the material to provide a slurry having a solids content of at least 10 percent and jet cooking the slurry. A mixture of saccharides prepared in this fashion may be fermented to yield ethanol and/or biochemicals.
US08658403B2 Method for producing polyhydroxyalkanoic acid
Provided is a method for producing a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA). More particularly, a method of preparing PHA containing a high content of long-chain aromatic monomer-units by growing a phaZ mutant of a Pseudomonas strain in a medium containing a sugar, a substituted fatty acid, and a salicylic acid.
US08658401B2 Method for preparing high purity L-α glycerylphosphorylcholine
Disclosed is a method for preparing L-α-Glycerylphosphorylcholine with high yields and purity. The method uses phospholipase A1-based enzymatic hydrolysis, ion-exchange resin purification and silica gel column chromatography to prepare L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholin with purity up to 99.8% and a final yield up to 78.4%. The method disclosed is simple, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and adaptable to industrial applications.
US08658400B2 Biocatalysts for manufacturing duloxetine alcohol
The present invention relates to novel phenylethanol dehydrogenase mutants, to a method for the manufacture thereof; to coded nucleic acid sequences therefor, to expression cassettes, to vectors and recombinant microorganisms that contain said sequences; to a method for the biocatalytic synthesis of substituted, optically active alcohols and to the use of said mutants; and particularly to a method for manufacturing duloxetine alcohol or duloxetine, comprising a synthesis step catalyzed biocatalytic by said mutants.
US08658398B2 Heterologous expression of termite cellulases yeast
The present invention provides for heterologous expression of termite and termite-associated symbiont cellulases. The cellulases can, for example, be codon-optimized and expressed in yeast host cells, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cellulases can also be co-expressed in host cells with other cellulases. The expression in such host cells of the termite and termite-associated symbiont cellulases, and variants and combinations thereof, result in yeast with improved cellulosic activity. Thus, such genes and expression systems are useful for efficient and cost-effective consolidated bioprocessing systems.
US08658397B2 Assay for detecting closely-related serotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV)
A real time Taq-Man PCR assay for detecting multiple serotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) wherein the number of serotypes detected exceeds the number of colorimetric channels for detection. A biological sample is combined with three oligonucleotide primer/probe sets such that the probes and primers anneal to a target sequence. Each primer/probe set is at least preferential for a specific serotype of an organism. The first and second primer/probe sets are degenerate with respect to each other. The third primer/probe set is not degenerate with respect to the first and second primer/probe sets and discriminates for a third serotype. The third primer/probe set has a signal moiety that emits signal at a wavelength that is the same or different from the wavelength emitted by the signal moiety of the degenerate primer/probe set probes. The target sequences, if present, are amplified and detected.
US08658390B2 Method for detecting muscle degenerative diseases, and method for determining therapeutic efficacy on the diseases
Muscle degenerative diseases can be detected in the early stage and the therapeutic efficacy of a therapeutic agent and/or a therapy method for the diseases can be determined by measuring 11,15-dioxo-9α-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetranorprostan-1,20-dioic acid (referred to as “Tetranor-PGDM”, hereinbelow) in a sample isolated from a subject.
US08658389B2 Antibody conjugates
Antibody/signal-generating moiety conjugates are disclosed that include an antibody covalently linked to a signal-generating moiety through a heterobifunctional polyalkyleneglycol linker. The disclosed conjugates show exceptional signal-generation in immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assays on tissue sections and cytology samples. In one embodiment, enzyme-metallographic detection of nucleic acid sequences with hapten-labeled probes can be accomplished using the disclosed conjugates as a primary antibody without amplification.
US08658386B1 Hybridomas producing highly specific monoclonal antibodies to detect mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
Hybridoma cell lines which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis have been produced. Cells of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis/antibody immunocomplex when M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis.
US08658385B2 Purinergic (P2X) receptors in extra-cellular body fluid
The invention relates to purinergic (P2X) receptors, to detection of protein in extra-cellular body fluids and to anti-bodies for the diagnosis or condition, especially cancer.
US08658384B2 Biomarkers for prediction of major adverse cardiac events and uses thereof
The present invention relates to combinations of biomarkers and levels thereof that may be used, for example, in the determination of risk associated with the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in a patient.
US08658383B2 Sweet taste receptor-expressing construct, cell body expressing the same, and utilization thereof
[Object] An object of the present invention is to provide a sweet taste receptor-expressing construct which can functionally stably express both of a sweet taste receptor (T1R2+T1R3) and a G protein α subunit at a high expression efficacy, and a stable expression cell body expressing the construct.[Solution] The sweet taste receptor-expressing construct of the present invention is such that respective genes encoding sweet taste receptor subunits T1R2 and T1R3, and a G protein α subunit are inserted into the same plasmid. The cell body of the present invention is such that the sweet taste receptor-expressing construct of the present invention is gene-introduced into a 293 cell in which an FRT (Flippase Recognition Target) sequence is incorporated into one place in a genome, to express sweet taste receptor subunits T1R2 and T1R3, and a G protein α subunit simultaneously.
US08658382B2 Proteins with pteridine glycosyltransferase activity and analysis method using the same
The present invention relates to proteins with pteridine glycosyltransferase activity and an analysis method using the same. Since the proteins glycate tetrahydrobiopterin selectively through an enzyme reaction, the method enables quantitative analysis of tetrahydrobiopterin and oxides thereof at the same time or quantitative analysis of tetrabiopterin selectively.
US08658375B2 Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating an inflammation
A method of reducing an inflammatory response in a subject is provided. The method comprising providing to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of reducing activity and/or expression of a scavenger receptor or of an effector thereof, thereby reducing the inflammatory response in the subject.
US08658373B2 Method of screening for an agent for treating arthritis and promoting growth of articular chondrocytes
This invention provides a new therapeutic or prophylactic agent for arthritis such as osteoarthritis. Specifically, it provides a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for arthritis such as osteoarthritis, or an agent for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte, comprising a guanyl cyclase B (GC-B) activator as an active ingredient; or a method for inhibiting arthritis or for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte by activating GC-B; or a method for screening an agent for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte or an agent capable of treating arthritis using the GC-B activity as an indication.
US08658372B2 Affinity-based detection of biological targets
A method of biochemical identification by: providing a plurality of capture species bound to one or more substrates and suspected of having one or more biological targets affinity bound to at least one capture species; detecting which capture species contain bound biological targets to generate a binding pattern; and identifying the biological target based on the binding pattern. The capture species are independently selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial peptides, cytotoxic peptides, antibiotics, and combinations thereof. A device having the capture species bound to the substrates. At least two of the capture species are capable of multi-specific binding to one or more biological targets and may have overlapping but not identical affinity properties.
US08658368B2 Microfabricated crossflow devices and methods
A microfluidic device is provided for analyzing or sorting biological materials, such as polynucleotides, polypeptides, proteins, enzymes, viruses and cells. The invention can be used for high throughput or combinatorial screening. The device comprises a main channel and an inlet channel that communicate at a droplet extrusion region so that droplets of solution are deposited into an immiscible solvent in the main channel. Droplets can thereafter be sorted according to biological material detected in each droplet.
US08658367B2 Microfabricated crossflow devices and methods
A microfluidic device is provided for analyzing or sorting biological materials, such as polynucleotides, polypeptides, proteins, enzymes, viruses and cells. The invention can be used for high throughput or combinatorial screening. The device comprises a main channel and an inlet channel that communicate at a droplet extrusion region so that droplets of solution are deposited into an immiscible solvent in the main channel. Droplets can thereafter be sorted according to biological material detected in each droplet.
US08658357B2 Orotate transporter encoding marker genes
A recombinant marker gene encoding an orotate transporter polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 60% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, a polynucleotide construct comprising at least one copy of the recombinant marker gene, a cell comprising at least one exogenous copy of the marker gene, and a method of selecting or identifying a cell comprising at least one copy of the recombinant marker gene, and/or selecting or identifying a cell which has been cured of the recombinant marker gene.
US08658356B2 Methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of gene expression by double-stranded RNA
The invention is directed to compositions and methods for selectively reducing the expression of a gene product from a desired target gene in a cell, as well as for treating diseases caused by the expression of the gene. More particularly, the invention is directed to compositions that contain double stranded RNA (“dsRNA”), and methods for preparing them, that are capable of reducing the expression of target genes in eukaryotic cells. The dsRNA has a first oligonucleotide sequence that is between 25 and about 30 nucleotides in length and a second oligonucleotide sequence that anneals to the first sequence under biological conditions. In addition, a region of one of the sequences of the dsRNA having a sequence length of at least 19 nucleotides is sufficiently complementary to a nucleotide sequence of the RNA produced from the target gene to trigger the destruction of the target RNA by the RNAi machinery.
US08658352B2 Compositions and methods useful for culturing differentiable cells
The present invention relates to cell culture methods and compositions that are essentially serum-free and comprise a basal salt nutrient solution and an ErbB3 ligand.
US08658344B2 Patterning process and photoresist with a photodegradable base
A resist material and methods using the resist material are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes forming a resist layer over a substrate, wherein the resist layer includes a polymer, a photoacid generator, an electron acceptor, and a photodegradable base; performing an exposure process that exposes portions of the resist layer with radiation, wherein the photodegradable base is depleted in the exposed portions of the resist layer during the exposure process; and performing an developing process on the resist layer.
US08658343B2 Resist composition, and method of forming resist pattern
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein the base component (A) contains a polymeric compound (A1) having a structural unit (a5) represented by general formula (a5-1). In formula (a5-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group, X represents single bond or divalent linking group, W represents a cyclic alkylene group which may include an oxygen atom at arbitrary position, each of Ra and Rb independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group which may include an oxygen atom at arbitrary position, or alternatively, Ra and Rb may be bonded to each other to form a ring together with the nitrogen atom in the formula, and p represents integer of 1 to 3.
US08658342B2 Photosensitive composition including photopolymerizable polymer having fluorene skeleton
A material for a planarization film, a spacer, and a microlens that satisfies heat resistance and transparency requirements without impairing a refractive index. A negative photosensitive composition includes a photopolymerizable polymer (A) having a fluorene skeleton, a monomer (B) having a fluorene skeleton and a photopolymerization initiator (C). The photopolymerizable polymer (A) having a fluorene skeleton may include a moiety that is soluble in an alkaline developer solution, or a unit structure of Formula (1): herein each R1 is independently a C1-10 alkyl group or a halogen atom; each L is an integer of 0 to 4; X is an organic group having an unsaturated bond at a terminal thereof; and Y is a linking group including a portion that is obtained by removing an acid radical from a tetracarboxylic dianhydride.
US08658340B2 Toner, development agent, and image forming method
A toner containing a binder resin comprising a first binder resin A and a second binder resin B, a coloring agent, and a releasing agent, wherein the first binder resin A is formed by reacting a compound A1 having an active hydrogen group with a resin A2 having a portion reactive with the compound A1 in an organic solvent and the resin A2 is formed by reacting a non-crystalline polyester resin “a” having a polyhydroxy carboxylic acid skeleton in the main chain with a compound having the portion reactive with the compound A1 having an active hydrogen group.
US08658339B2 Negative charge controlling agent and static charge image developing toner using the same, and method for producing the same
A negative charge controlling agent, wherein: the negative charge controlling agent comprises polycondensation product obtained by a polycondensation reaction of phenols and aldehydes; and the phenols comprises a (A) mononucleus phenolic compound which has one phenolic hydroxy group in which a hydrogen is bonded at the ortho position of a hydroxyl group of the phenolic hydroxy group and a (B) multinucleus phenolic compound which has at least two phenolic hydroxy groups in which a hydrogen is bonded at the ortho position of a hydroxyl group of each of the phenolic hydroxy group; and the content of the (B) phenolic compound in the phenols is 1 to 30 mol %.
US08658336B2 Methods of correcting for variation across substrates during photolithography
Some embodiments include methods for correcting for variation across substrates. A difference map is created to indicate differences between a desired pattern that is to be formed across the substrates utilizing photolithographic processing and a signature pattern representing the actual pattern formed with an initial setting of illumination optics. Modifications to the illumination optics are determined for improving problematic regions identified in the difference map, and the illumination optics are then modified. Substrates are photolithographically processed utilizing the modified illumination optics.
US08658324B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system FCS includes a fuel cell FC, a motor ES4 connected to the fuel cell FC, an FC boost converter ES6 which raises the output voltage of the fuel cell FC to output the voltage to the motor ES4, an inverter ES3, a current sensor S2, and a controller EC which controls the fuel cell FC, the FC boost converter ES6 and the inverter ES3. The controller EC controls the inverter ES3 so as to raise the target output voltage of the inverter, when the current detected by the current sensor S2 exceeds a predetermined current threshold value.
US08658321B2 Desulfurization system and method for desulfurizing a fuel stream
A method for producing a substantially desulfurized a hydrocarbon fuel stream at temperatures less than 100° C. The method includes providing a nondesulfurized fuel cell hydrocarbon fuel stream that may include water and passing the fuel stream sequentially through a zeolite Y adsorbent and a selective sulfur adsorbent. The zeolite Y adsorbent may be exchanged with copper ions. The method produces a substantially desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel stream containing less than 50 ppb sulfur.
US08658320B2 Method of operating a fuel cell
A fuel cell system according to the present invention includes: a deodorizing device (20) configured to remove an odor component contained in a raw material gas; a reformer (32) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas through reforming reaction using the raw material gas that is discharged from the deodorizing device; a fuel cell (1) configured to generate power by using the hydrogen-containing gas that is discharged from the reformer; at least one on-off valve (21a, 21b, 3a, 3b, 28, 29) provided on the combustible gas passage which is downstream from the deodorizing device and which extends through the reformer; and a stuck-state checker (13, 18, 7) configured to perform a stuck-state check on the on-off valve by supplying the raw material gas to the combustible gas passage.
US08658319B2 Metal oxygen battery containing oxygen storage materials
In one aspect of the present invention, a battery system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery system includes a metal oxygen battery (MOB) having a first electrode and second electrode. The second electrode includes a metal material. The battery system also includes an oxygen storage material disposed within the metal oxygen battery. In another embodiment, the oxygen storage material is on oxygen communication with the first electrode.
US08658304B2 Catholytes for aqueous lithium/air battery cells
Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.
US08658303B2 Middle or large-sized battery pack case of excellent cooling efficiency
A middle or large-sized battery pack case having a plurality of stacked battery cells, a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port, and a flow space (‘coolant introduction part’) extending from the coolant inlet port to the battery module and another flow space (‘coolant discharge part’) extending from the battery module to the coolant outlet port, an upper end inside of the coolant introduction part facing the top of a unit cell stack is configured to have an inclined plane inclined from the end opposite to the coolant inlet port toward the coolant inlet port at a positive angle of 3 to 8 degrees to the top of the unit cell stack, and the coolant inlet port is inclined at an angle of 20 to 80 degrees.
US08658300B2 Fuel gauge circuit and battery pack
A fuel gauge circuit detects a residual quantity of a battery 1 and is disposed on a substrate 20 together with a protection circuit 40 which protects charging/discharging of the battery 1. The fuel gauge circuit includes a voltage monitor terminal T1 disposed on a side facing a positive power-supply terminal 21 of the substrate and connected to each of the positive power-supply terminal 21 and a voltage sensor 31 disposed in the circuit, a voltage through terminal T6 disposed on a side facing the protection circuit, opposite to the side facing the positive power-supply terminal 21, and connected to a voltage monitor terminal T11 of the protection circuit, and a wiring 32 disposed within the circuit to connect the voltage monitor terminal T1 of the fuel gauge circuit to the voltage through terminal T11.
US08658294B2 Protective circuit module and secondary battery having the same
A protection module capable of being utilized by a secondary battery regardless of the external mounting structure of the secondary battery for mounting the secondary battery to an external device. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to separately manufacture a protective circuit module according to the external mounting structure of the battery. The secondary battery includes: a plurality of bare cells each of which includes a can, an electrode assembly, and a cap assembly; a first protective circuit module located on the upper surface of the bare cells that is formed by the cap assemblies; and a secondary protective circuit module located on a side surface of the bare cells that is formed by curved surfaces of the cans. The first protective circuit module and the second protective circuit module are electrically connected to each other.
US08658293B2 Magnetic recording media and method for making the same
A magnetic recording medium includes: a substrate, and a magnetic recording layer that is made from a material having the chemical formula of FexMnyPtz, and that has a bottom surface and an upper surface; wherein x, y, and z indicate average atomic concentrations for Fe, Mn, and Pt, and x+y+z is 100, x and y being greater than 0 and not greater than 65, z being in the range from 35 to 60; and wherein atomic concentration of Fe is gradually decreased from the upper surface to the bottom surface, and atomic concentration of Mn is gradually increased from the upper surface to the bottom surface so that the ferromagnetic property of the magnetic recording layer is gradually reduced from the upper surface to the bottom surface.
US08658292B1 Systems and methods for controlling damping of magnetic media for assisted magnetic recording
Systems and methods for controlling the damping of magnetic media for magnetic recording are described. One such system includes a magnetic media structure for magnetic recording, the media structure including at least one base layer including an interlayer, a bottom magnetic recording layer positioned on the interlayer, and an exchange coupling layer positioned on the bottom layer; and a capping magnetic recording layer positioned on the at least one base layer, the capping recording layer including a first material configured to increase a damping constant of the capping recording layer to a first preselected level.
US08658291B2 CMAS mitigation compositions, environmental barrier coatings comprising the same, and ceramic components comprising the same
Calcium magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) mitigation compositions selected from rare earth elements, rare earth oxides, zirconia, hafnia partially or fully stabilized with alkaline earth or rare earth elements, zirconia partially or fully stabilized with alkaline earth or rare earth elements, magnesium oxide, cordierite, aluminum phosphate, magnesium silicate, and combinations thereof when the CMAS mitigation composition is included as a separate CMAS mitigation layer in an environmental barrier coating for a high temperature substrate component.
US08658288B2 Method for manufacturing a porous device with restrictive layer and structure thereof
A method for manufacturing a porous device with restrictive layer comprises the steps of providing a porous structure having a micro pore structure, flattening the porous carrier to form a surface, and forming a restrictive layer on the surface of the porous carrier, a method for manufacturing said restrictive layer includes forming a nickel-chromium alloy layer on the surface of the porous carrier, forming a copper metal layer on the nickel-chromium alloy layer, forming a nickel metal layer having a top surface on the copper metal layer, and processing said nickel-chromium alloy layer, said copper metal layer and said nickel metal layer to form a plurality of channels communicating with the micro pore structure and the top surface. The restrictive effect and damping effect can raise anti-vibration ability of the porous device itself by formation of dual restrictive structure composed of the micro pore structure and the channels.
US08658287B2 Strong nanopaper
The present invention refers to a nanopaper comprising clay and microfibrillated cellulose nanofibers wherein the MFC nanofibers and the layered clay are orientated substantially parallel to the paper surface. The invention further relates to a method of making the nanopaper and the use of the nanopaper.
US08658281B2 Apparatus and method for surface-treating carbon fiber by resistive heating
In an apparatus for surface-treating a carbon fiber, wherein the carbon fiber is heated by resistive heating, a carbon-containing gas is disposed on the carbon fiber, and carbon nanotubes are grown on a surface of the carbon fiber.
US08658280B2 Taggent flakes for covert security applications having a selected shape
A plurality of flakes are provided that can be used in ink or paint wherein the flakes are of a size that requires magnification to see their shape, in the form of polygons, such as squares, triangle or rectangles. A breaking or grinding process is used to break a foil into these shaped flakes and frames or walls are provided within the foil sheet so as to delineate the shapes and these lines provided by frames or walls will facilitate breakage in a preferred manner such that the flakes break into selected shaped polygons. Remnants are typically present along flake edges due to the grinding and breakage process however with magnification, one can see the resultant regular polygonal shape. To clearly see the remnants one requires increased magnification and the remnant itself provides a type of signature. It can be seen as a taggent within a taggent.
US08658274B2 Thermoplastic planks and methods for making the same
A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.
US08658273B2 Security sheet comprising a transparent or translucent layer
The invention relates to a coated sheet of security paper which includes security elements and has a high print rendition and a high resistance to circulation, which sheet is characterized in that at least one of its sides is coated with a transparent or translucent coating comprising at least one colloidal silica and at least one transparent or translucent elastomeric binder. In particular, the binder is a polyurethane.The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing the said sheet and to a banknote obtained from this sheet.
US08658272B2 Basecoat and associated paperboard structure including a pigment blend of hyper-platy clay and calcined clay
A basecoat including a pigment blend, the pigment blend including at least a calcined clay and a hyper-platy clay, the hyper-platy clay having a shape factor of at least about 40:1.
US08658268B2 Injection molded article and production method thereof
An injection molded article is provided having a junction surface where side end surfaces of two thermoplastic resin members are bonded by injection molding one of the members onto the side end surface of the other member, wherein directions (A) of respective junction line segments with respect to the normal line of a front surface or a back surface of one thermoplastic resin member are different and the direction (B) of a third junction line segment is inclined with respect to the normal line, or the directions (A) are the same in the first junction line segment and the second junction line segment and are different between the first junction line segment and the third junction line segment and the direction (B) is inclined with respect to the normal line.
US08658264B2 Self-adjusting insulation, including insulation particularly suited for pipe or duct
Embodiments disclosed herein include insulation used to insulate elongated members, such a pipe or duct, as examples. The insulation can address a number of features, including but not limited to expansion and compression of insulation material, expansion and compression of the elongated member insulated, and the ability to adapt the insulation for elongated member of different sizes and lengths. In one embodiment, the insulation is comprised of at least one plank comprised of a flexible polymeric foam configured to be wrapped around an elongated member. In order for the insulation to self-adjust to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the foam material, the plank is comprised of a plurality of flexible polymeric foam profiles. At least one flexible polymeric foam spacer may also be provided that self-adjusts to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the elongated member to prevent or reduce gaps in insulation.
US08658263B2 Shape-retaining film, process for producing same, laminate for packaging, packaging material and process for producing same, shape-retaining fiber, and anisotropic heat-conductive film
Provided are a shape-retaining film which has excellent adhesion to inks and other functional layers while retaining high shape-retaining properties and a process for producing the shape-retaining film. The shape-retaining film comprises an ethylene homopolymer or an ethylene/a-olefin copolymer having a C3-6 a-olefin content less than 2 wt. %, the ethylene homopolymer or copolymer having a density of 950 kg/m3 or higher and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw)/number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of 5-20. The film has a tensile elasticity modulus of 6-50 GPa and has either an angle of recovery from 90 bending of 8 or less or an angle of recovery from 180 bending of 65 or less.
US08658261B2 Composition, film, polarizing plate, and liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a composition comprising a polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by formula (I). Each of A1 and A2 represents a group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NRa— (Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent), —S—, and —CO—; each of R1, R2 and R3 represents a substituent; n is an integer from 0 to 2; X represents an alkenylene group, alkynylene group, arylene group, or heterocyclic group; each of L1 and L2 independently represents a linking group.
US08658260B2 Laser-induced backside annealing using fluid absorber
A coating material containing metal oxide is applied to one side of a substrate, both coating and substrate being transparent to visible light. An absorber material is placed in heat transfer proximity to the coating and a laser beam is transmitted through the substrate and through the coating to strike the absorber material at the interface between coating and absorber. The absorber material absorbs optical energy from the laser beam causing the material to heat. Heat from the absorber propagates to the coating to heat a localized region, causing the coating material to anneal. If desired, the coating material can include a doping material that fuses into the coating during annealing.
US08658259B2 Nanolayer deposition process
A hybrid deposition process of CVD and ALD, called NanoLayer Deposition (NLD) is provided. The nanolayer deposition process is a cyclic sequential deposition process, comprising the first step of introducing a first plurality of precursors to deposit a thin film with the deposition process not self-limiting, then a second step of purging the first set of precursors and a third step of introducing a second plurality of precursors to modify the deposited thin film. The deposition step in the NLD process using the first set of precursors is not self limiting and is a function of substrate temperature and process time. The second set of precursors modifies the already deposited film characteristics. The second set of precursors can treat the deposited film such as a modification of film composition, a doping or a removal of impurities from the deposited film. The second set of precursors can also deposit another layer on the deposited film. The additional layer can react with the existing layer to form a compound layer, or can have minimum reaction to form a nanolaminate film.
US08658255B2 Methods for making environmental barrier coatings and ceramic components having CMAS mitigation capability
Methods of making components having calcium magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) mitigation capability involving providing a component; applying an environmental barrier coating to the component, the environmental barrier coating having a separate CMAS mitigation layer including a CMAS mitigation composition selected from rare earth elements, rare earth oxides, zirconia, hafnia partially or fully stabilized with alkaline earth or rare earth elements, zirconia partially or fully stabilized with alkaline earth or rare earth elements, magnesium oxide, cordierite, aluminum phosphate, magnesium silicate, and combinations thereof.
US08658254B2 Method of coating substrates
The invention relates to a new method of coating substrates with an aqueous emulsion of a reactive silicone-based composition and a method of preparing said aqueous emulsion of said reactive silicone-based composition.
US08658252B2 Prefabricated membrane based on modified polyurethane bituminous binder and process for production
The present invention has for its object a prefabricated sealing membrane formed by a support, coated on at least one surface, and preferably impregnated throughout, with a modified bitumen base composition, characterized in that the thermoplastic bituminous composition for coating and/or impregnation is a bituminous binder modified by a thermoplastic polyurethane having the following weight proportion: 40 to 90% bitumen, 10 to 50% thermoplastic polyurethane, 0 to 10% aromatic oil, 0 to 50% filler, 0 to 0.5% catalyst.
US08658249B2 Heteroleptic iridium precursors to be used for the deposition of iridium-containing films
The present invention provides a process for the deposition of a iridium containing film on a substrate, the process comprising the steps of providing at least one substrate in a reactor; introducing into the reactor at least one iridium containing precursor having the formula: XIrYA, wherein A is equal to 1 or 2 and i) when A is 1, X is a dienyl ligand and Y is a diene ligand; ii) when A is 2, a) X is a dienyl ligand and Y is selected from CO and an ethylene ligand, b) X is a ligand selected from H, alkyl, alkylamides, alkoxides, alkylsilyls, alkylsilylamides, alkylamino, and fluoroalkyl and each Y is a diene ligand, and c) X is a dienyl ligand and Y is a diene ligand; reacting the at least one iridium containing precursor in the reactor at a temperature equal to or greater than 100° C.; and depositing an iridium containing film formed from the reaction of the at least one iridium containing precursor onto the at least one substrate.
US08658241B2 Simultaneous polymerization of two vinyl monomer mixtures to opposite faces of a flat porous substrate
A bi-polar electrode having ion exchange polymers on opposite faces of a porous substrate is formed using a method that includes providing an electrode substrate with activated carbon layers on opposite faces of the electrode substrate, wherein said faces have an outer perimeter band void of the activated carbon layers. The electrode substrate is placed in a thermoplastic envelope formed by a pair of polyethylene films. A Mylar sheet is placed in each side of the envelope against the electrode substrate, and the envelope is thermally sealed to the outer perimeter band of the electrode substrate void of activated carbon to form a first pocket on one side of the electrode substrate and a second pocket on the opposite side of the electrode substrate. The method also includes inserting a first polymerizable monomer mixture having an anion exchange group into the first pocket of the envelope and inserting a second polymerizable monomer mixture having a cation exchange group into the second pocket of the envelope. The first and second polymerizable monomers mixtures are then polymerized in an oven.
US08658240B2 Paint shop and method of operating a paint shop
In a paint plant which comprises at least one spray-painting device incorporating at least one application unit for painting workpieces and in particular motor vehicle bodies with a fluid paint, in order to enable the fluid paint overspray i.e. the paint particles which are not adhering to the workpieces that are to be painted and which are picked up and carried along in an air flow passing through the application area of the paint shop, to be re-separated from this air flow and also to enable the cleansed air flow to be returned to the application area in an air re-circulating system or else expelled into the environment of the plant, the paint shop comprises a device for separating fluid paint overspray from a stream of crude gas that contains overspray particles wherein this device comprises at least one filter element for separating the overspray from the stream of crude gas.
US08658233B2 Apparatus for depositing a confectionery mass, and method of producing a confectionery product
An apparatus for depositing a confectionery mass comprising at least one discharge passageway extending to at least one elongate discharge outlet, wherein at least one discharge passageway diverges in a direction towards the discharge outlet, and a machine for producing a confectionery product having at least one such apparatus for depositing. In a method of producing a confectionery product, the confectionery mass is deposited as at least one strip having a width in the range of 5 to 500 mm and/or thickness in the range of 0.5 to 100 mm.
US08658220B2 Processes for extracting phytochemicals from pomegranate solids and compositions and methods of use thereof
Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements. The compositions may also be used for preventing or ameliorating disease conditions by administering an effective amount of the composition to a subject in need thereof.
US08658219B2 Oxidatitive photoactivated skin rejeuvenation composition comprising hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, or allantoin
There is provided a skin rejuvenation composition which comprises at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant, and at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US08658217B2 Cohesive osteogenic putty and materials therefor
Described is an implantable medical material comprising a malleable, cohesive, shape-retaining putty including mineral particles, insoluble collagen fibers and soluble collagen. The medical material can be used in conjunction with biologically active factors such as osteogenic proteins to treat bone or other tissue defects in patients.
US08658215B2 Injectable microspheres for dermal augmentation and tissue bulking
The present invention relates to elastic, hydrophilic and substantially spherical microspheres useful for dermal augmentation and tissue bulking. The invention provides injectable compositions comprising the microspheres and a biocompatible carrier for use in dermal augmentation. The present invention further provides methods of dermal augmentation and tissue bulking, particularly for the treatment of skin contour deficiencies, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, urinary incontinence, and urinary reflux disease, using the injectable compositions.
US08658212B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing fenofibrate and method for the preparation thereof
The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition containing micronized fenofibrate, a surfactant and a binding cellulose derivative, as solubilizing adjuvant, preferably hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. The cellulose derivative represents less than 20 wt. % of the composition. The association of micronized fenofibrate with a binding cellulose derivative, as solubilizing adjuvant and a surfactant enables to enhance the bioavailability of the active principle. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said composition without using any organic solvent.
US08658206B2 Compositions comprising strontium and vitamin D and uses thereof
The invention relates to the finding that very favorable pharmacokinetic characters are obtained by combining two strontium salts in one pharmaceutical composition. The present invention relates in one aspect to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least two strontium salts for use as a medicament, and in particular for the treatment and prevention of bone disorders such as osteoporosis. The composition preferably comprises strontium carbonate and strontium chlorides. Further included may be a vitamin D compound, preferably vitamin D3.
US08658205B2 Preparation of a lipid blend and a phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend
The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.
US08658203B2 Liposomes useful for drug delivery to the brain
The present invention provides liposome compositions containing substituted ammonium and/or polyanion, and optionally with a desired therapeutic or imaging entity. The present invention also provide methods of making the liposome compositions provided by the present invention. The present invention also provides for the methods and kits for the delivery of liposomal compositions to the brain.
US08658199B2 Systems and methods for feeding sugar alcohol to ruminants during periods of heat stress
Systems and methods provide sugar alcohol to heat stressed ruminants to improve performance. During periods of high temperature or humidity, heat stressed ruminants may exhibit decreased dry matter intake, and in response, an effective amount of sugar alcohol such as sorbitol may be provided in the ruminant diet to cause performance to increase, which may include increased milk yield, improved feed efficiency or both compared to heat stressed dairy cattle without sugar alcohol in the diet.
US08658196B2 Graft materials and methods for staged delivery of bioactive components
Described, in certain aspects of the invention, are multilaminate medical graft products, as well as methods for preparing and using the same. An illustrative multilaminate medical graft product of the invention comprises a first layer of remodelable extracellular matrix (ECM) material bonded to a second layer of remodelable ECM material, wherein the first material layer is enriched with a growth factor relative to the second material layer. Such a remodelable ECM material may be comprised of submucosa from a warm-blooded vertebrate, for example, porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS).
US08658191B2 Disinfection agent for suction systems used in the field of medicine or dentistry
Concentrated or ready-for-use disinfecting agent for medical or dental suction apparatus and related equipment, comprising a special active ingredient of amine compounds and having a viscosity between 100 and 2000 mPas, preferably between 350 and 1000 mPas.
US08658189B2 Methods of treating acne
A method of treating acne in a human in need thereof comprising administering systemically to said human a tetracycline compound in an amount that is effective to treat acne but has substantially no antibiotic activity, without administering a bisphosphonate compound.
US08658188B2 Radio-opaque bioactive glass materials
Nanoparticulate material containing a matrix and embedded therein a radiopacifier are bioactive, show a high alkaline capacity and are radio-opaque. Compositions and formulations including such material are particularly useful in advanced dental applications, such as dental fillings and/or disinfection.
US08658187B2 Cosmetic powder bead compositions
Provided herein are beads comprising at least one structuring agent and least one powder, and a novel process for making same. In one aspect, the process includes solubilzing at least one structuring agent with a solvent in the presence of at least one powder under turbulent high shear mixing to form small, nonspherical nucleated seeds of about 3 mm or less in diameter, and thereafter allowing the nucleated seeds to accrete under laminar low shear mixing to obtain substantially spherical beads of a desired size.
US08658186B2 Fragrancing transparent solid composition based on fatty acid salts and on an oxyethylenated fatty alcohol; and stabilization method
The invention relates to a fragrancing aqueous transparent solid composition in a cosmetically acceptable support: a) at least one aqueous phase and b) at least one fatty acid salt (soap) and c) at least one oxyethylenated fatty alcohol of formula (I) below: CH3(CH2)x—CH2—(CH2CH2OH)y—OH  (I) in which x is an integer greater than 20 and preferably ranging from 21 to 30 and y varies from 1 to 20 and d) at least one fragrancing substance. The present invention also relates to a method of stabilizing a fragrancing aqueous transparent solid composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable support: a) at least one aqueous phase and b) at least one fatty acid salt and c) at least one fragrancing substance, characterized by the fact that it comprises adding, to said composition, at least one polyoxyethylenated fatty alcohol of formula (I).
US08658184B2 Glass flakes, and the use thereof as transparent filler
The present invention relates to glass flakes and to the use thereof, in particular as transparent filler in cosmetic formulations. Glass flakes having certain dimensions are suitable, owing to their transparency, as filler in cosmetic formulations since they do not change the basic color of the formulation and at the same time improve the skin feel.
US08658176B2 Lipidated tumor-associated antigens and immunotherapeutic compositions
Disclosed are polypeptides and fusion proteins. Also disclosed are related immunotherapeutic compositions and methods.
US08658175B2 Anti-EGFR antibodies and their uses
The present invention relates to antibodies directed to EGFR and uses of such antibodies, for example, to treat diseases associated with the activity and/or overproduction of EGFR.
US08658173B2 Anti-mesothelin antibodies
This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and become internalized by mesothelin-positive cells and also induce an immune effector activity such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to mesothelin expressing cells as well as eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor cells and precursors. The invention is also related to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody derivatives, such as human, humanized, and chimeric monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, mammalian cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, derivatives and fragments, and methods of treating cancer using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.
US08658172B2 Treatment of metastatic breast cancer
The present invention relates to the use of an anti-EpCAM antibody for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The present invention further relates to a method of treating metastatic breast cancer comprising administering said anti-EpCAM antibody.
US08658169B2 Antibodies against IL-25
The present invention relates to IL-25 antibody VH domains and target binding members (e.g., antibodies) that comprise such antibody VH domains and bind IL-25. The invention also relates to compositions comprising target binding members {e.g., antibodies) that bind IL-25, methods of producing such target binding members, and uses of such target binding members for the treatment or prevention of diseases and conditions (e.g., asthma, inflammatory bowel disease).
US08658165B2 Method of treating aberrant mucus production in respiratory disease
The present invention relates to modulators of the Neuregulin (NRG) family, particularly NRG1 and more particularly NRG1β, and most particularly NRG1β1. The present invention also relates to the use of such modulators to inhibit goblet cell hyperplasia and therefore also relates to the use of such modulators in the treatment or prevention of human diseases and disorders featuring pathological mucus production such as COPD, CF, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
US08658162B2 Dose escalation enzyme replacement therapy for treating acid sphingomyelinase deficiency
The invention relates to dose escalation enzyme replacement therapy using acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) for the treatment of human subjects having acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD), and, in particular, patients with non-neurological manifestations of Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD), and in certain embodiments, NPD type B.
US08658161B2 Solubilized CoQ-10
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of delivery of CoQ-10 solubilized in monoterpenes. Use of monoterpenes as dissolving agents, greatly effects the ability to incorporate greater amounts of bioactive CoQ-10 in formulations, such as soft gel capsules.
US08658159B2 Method to induce and expand therapeutic alloantigen-specific human regulatory T cells in large-scale
Methods for inducing, expanding, and/or generating alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells. Alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells can be induced, expanded, and/or generated from naive CD4+CD25− T cells by using CD40-activated B cells. The regulatory T cells can be human T cells. In one embodiment, the alloantigen-specific human regulatory T cells can be CD4highCD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.
US08658153B2 Bifidobacterial species
New bacterium GC61 belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium, probiotic compositions comprising said bacterium, particularly food products, and use of said bacterium in the treatment of diseases, such as gastrointestinal diseases.
US08658149B2 Conjugates of a polymer, a bisphosphonate and an anti-angiogenesis agent and uses thereof in the treatment and monitoring of bone related diseases
Conjugates of polymers or copolymers having attached thereto an anti-angiogenesis agent and a bisphosphonate bone targeting agent, and processes of preparing same, are disclosed.Pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and uses thereof in the treatment of bone related disorders are also disclosed.
US08658143B2 Optically appealing cosmetic or dermatological preparation
A cosmetic or dermatological preparation which comprises an aluminum containing antiperspirant active ingredient, an α-hydroxycarboxylic acid, water and optionally, a plurality of particles in a stably suspended state. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08658140B2 Compositions and methods for treating keratinous substrates
The disclosure relates to compositions and methods of using the compositions to treat keratinous substrates. The compositions provide a water resistant and non-transferable protective barrier on the substrate. The compositions contain at least one polyamine, at least one acid, at least one water-insoluble ingredient, solvent and optionally at least one auxiliary ingredient. The methods for treating keratinous substrates involve contacting the keratinous substrates with the compositions of the disclosure.
US08658131B2 Compounds comprising 4-benzoylpiperidine as a sigma-1-selective ligand
Bipiperidinyl compounds and salts thereof are disclosed. The compounds include high affinity ligands for σ1 receptors. Some compounds are also highly selective for σ1 receptor compared to σ2 receptor. Compounds can comprise radioisotopes, including 18F or 11C. Radiolabeled compounds can be used as probes for imaging distribution of σ1 receptor in a subject such as a human using positron emission tomography (PET) scanning.
US08658130B2 Agricultural compositions
Suggested are agrochemical compositions, comprising (a) biocides, and (b) alkoxylation products of di- and/or oligosaccharide esters.
US08658127B2 Method of manufacturing mesoporous zeolite agglomerates
A method of preparing a mesoporous zeolite material is disclosed. The method comprises forming template-occluded primary metal-doped silicate particles having an amorphous structure and aggregating the particles into mesoporous agglomerates. The amorphous structure is further transformed into a microporous nanocrystalline zeolite structure, thereby forming a mesoporous zeolitic material. Forming the mesoporous zeolite material includes removing the template from the template-occluded particles.
US08658125B2 Positive electrode active material and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery containing the same
The present invention relates to a positive electrode active material comprising a lithium-containing composite oxide containing nickel with an oxidation state of 2.0 to 2.5 and manganese with an oxidation state of 3.5 to 4.0, the oxidation state determined by the shifts of energy at which absorption maximum is observed in the X-ray absorption near-K-edge structures, and to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using the same, the positive electrode active material being characterized in having a high capacity, a long storage life and excellent cycle life.
US08658121B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting the concentration of acids or lyes
A method for adjusting a concentration of an acid or lye includes charging a medium for adjusting the concentration of the acid or lye into a supply conduit of the acid or lye so as to provide a combined stream. The combined stream is supplied through an inlet to a mixing chamber such that the combined stream is deflected upon entering the mixing chamber. The combined stream is mixed in the mixing chamber. The combined stream is discharged through an outlet of the mixing chamber such that the combined stream is again deflected upon being discharged from the mixing chamber.
US08658118B2 High purity crystalline silicon, high purity silicon tetrachloride for processes for producing the same
An object of the present invention is to provide more inexpensive high purity crystalline silicon which can satisfy not only a quality required to a raw material of silicon for a solar cell but also a part of a quality required to silicon for an up-to-date semiconductor and a production process for the same and provide high purity silicon tetrachloride used for production of high purity crystalline silicon and a production process for the same. The high purity crystalline silicon of the present invention has a boron content of 0.015 ppmw or less and a zinc content of 50 to 1000 ppbw. The production process for high purity crystalline silicon according to the present invention is characterized by that a silicon tetrachloride gas and a zinc gas are supplied to a vertical reactor to react them at 800 to 1200° C., whereby crude crystalline silicon is formed at a chip part of a silicon tetrachloride gas-supplying nozzle, and the crude crystalline silicon is grown downward from the chip part of the silicon tetrachloride gas-supplying nozzle; the grown crude crystalline silicon is discharged to an outside of the reactor, and the discharged crude crystalline silicon is subjected to acid treatment.
US08658114B2 Methods for recovering cobalt from copper solvent extraction raffinate
A method for extracting cobalt from copper raffinate. First, a supply of raffinate containing at least cobalt, copper, ferric iron and nickel, is provided. The raffinate is pretreated by one or all of raising the raffinate pH level; removing solids; and, reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron. Substantially all copper is removed using first ion exchange resin selective for copper. A second ion exchange resin selective for both cobalt and nickel is used to remove the cobalt and nickel. Cobalt and nickel are separately eluted from the second ion exchange resin.
US08658111B2 Droplet actuators, modified fluids and methods
The present invention provides droplet actuators, modified fluids and methods relating to droplet operations. An aspect includes a droplet actuator including a droplet operations substrate; an oil based filler fluid on the droplet operations substrate comprising an oil soluble additive in the filler fluid; and a droplet in contact with the oil based filler fluid. Still other aspects are provided.
US08658109B2 Use of a bis-maleic anhydride cross-linking agent for fixation of a cell or tissue sample
The present disclosure relates to novel bis-maleic anhydrides and to the surprising discovery that bis-maleic anhydride cross-linking agents can be used for preservation/fixation of a cell or tissue sample. Various bis-maleic anhydride cross-linking agent scan be used in methods requiring fixation of a cell or tissue sample. These reagents and methods are especially useful in procedures that require that the fixation agent be removed in order to facilitate analysis with other reagents. The inventive reagents and methods make it easier to reliably assay for various proteins, a nucleic acid and the like using analytical methods such as like immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, and the like.
US08658106B2 System and method for sanitizing a handle
A system and method are provided for sanitizing a gas pump handle. A cover at least partially encloses the gas pump handle. The cover is able to be moved from a covered position to an uncovered position. Located on the cover are one or more nozzles or foggers for dispensing sanitizing fluid onto the handle. Sensors detect the position of the cover or the detect whether or not the handle is in the rest position. A controller, in communication with the sensors, sends a command to a pump to spray sanitizer through the nozzle or foggers after a user has pumped gas and returned the handle or the cover to the rest position.
US08658103B2 Exhaust gas processing device
An exhaust gas processing device includes a pillar honeycomb structure, a first inorganic mat member, a first cylindrical metallic member, a second inorganic mat member, a second cylindrical metallic member, and an insulating layer. The insulating layer has a thickness of about 20 μm to about 400 μm and is provided at least one of a first part between an inner surface of the first cylindrical metallic member and the first inorganic mat member, a second part between an outer surface of the first cylindrical metallic member and the second inorganic mat member, and a third part between an inner surface of the second cylindrical metallic member and the second inorganic mat member.
US08658100B2 Pressure relief in high pressure processing system
The present disclosure provides a system and method for responding to an unintended increase in pressure within a high pressure processing system. The system and method of the present disclosure provides a pressure relief system that releases pressure reliably even if the material under pressure is of mixed phase. In addition, the system and method for releasing pressure avoids the need for complex subsystems to contain and process materials that escape the system during the pressure release process.
US08658098B2 Portable detection system for allergic diseases
A portable detection system for allergic diseases includes a filtration-based inspection module and a reader module. The filtration-based inspection module includes an FPW sensor and a liquid sample filtration apparatus, wherein the liquid sample filtration apparatus includes an injection opening, a passage module, a filtering membrane and a gathering aperture. The injection opening is in communication with the gathering aperture. The FPW sensor comprises a frame body, a carrier and a sensing chip having an accommodating slot in communication with the gathering aperture. The carrier comprises a plurality of conductive terminals, and the conductive terminals are electrically connected with the sensing chip. The reader module comprises a connection slot capable of being inserted by the conductive terminals of the carrier.
US08658095B2 High temperature and pressure oxidation-reduction potential measuring and monitoring device for hot water systems
A device for measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure in hot water systems is disclosed and claimed. The device includes a flow-through cell, an oxidation-reduction potential probe, a temperature detector, and an external pressure-balanced reference electrode assembly. Each component of the device works in conjunction with the other components and each has electrical connections that transmit signals to a controller. The controller calculates and determines adjustments to feedwater chemistry for the hot water system.
US08658093B2 Devices and methods for the detection of analytes
System and methods for detecting analytes such as pathogenic cells are described. The methods allow for the direct measurement of analytes such as pathogenic organisms without the need for sample preparation and/or PCR. The devices can be used individually as point-of-use sensors for airborne pathogens and other pathogenic organisms in foods and agriculture products.
US08658092B2 Sterilization system and method and orifice inlet control apparatus therefor
A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via exploitation of the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent. A diffusion restriction can be placed into the diffusion path to assist this process and the path then opened to provide rapid diffusion of the thus concentrated germicide. The path through the diffusion restriction can be closed to allow the pressure in a sterilization chamber to be lowered prior to receiving the concentrated germicide.
US08658091B2 Using supercritical carbon dioxide to remove residual EtO from sutures
Treating absorbable sutures that have been sterilized using ethylene oxide with carbon dioxide at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions to remove any residual ethylene oxide.
US08658089B2 Membrane concentrator
Apparatus for concentrating a nebulant comprising a nebulant flow conduit and a counter-flow conduit, or preferably, a plurality of alternating nebulant flow conduits and corresponding counter-flow conduits eg in layered or coaxial arrangement, and wherein at least a portion of the nebulant flow conduit and said counter-flow conduits define respective opposed sides of a gas permeable membrane. In use a nebuliser is in communication with the nebulant flow conduit and the nebulant flow and counter-flow are in the same or opposite directions and act to concentrate the amount of active in a droplet eg from 35 wt % to 60 wt % hydrogen peroxide in water to disinfect and/or sterilize an article.
US08658088B1 Hand-held device with reagents and method for detection and diagnostics
A hand-held device and method of processing a biological threat agent sample such that any infectious organism is rendered harmless while preserving it for subsequent testing, the method comprising placing a sample comprising a biological threat agent in a reservoir; adding a first reagent comprising peracetic acid in sufficient concentration to reach a predetermined minimal concentration after mixing with the sample in the reservoir; inactivating the sample upon interaction of the sample with the first reagent for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature; removing the inactivated sample from the reservoir; and providing the inactivated sample for subsequent diagnostic testing, wherein the subsequent diagnostic testing is unaffected by inactivation of the sample. In another embodiment, the first reagent comprises a cupric salt, which is mixed with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide to generate cupric ascorbate.
US08658087B2 Method of treating substances in divided solid form for thermal debacterization, and an installation for implementing said method
The invention relates to a method of treating substances in divided solid form for thermal debacterization, in which the substances are stirred in a closed enclosure provided internally with controlled heating contact wall means acting directly on the substances while they are being stirred. In accordance with the invention, the substances for treatment are previously mixed, prior to reaching an inlet to the closed enclosure, with an anti-clumping agent likewise in the form of divided solids, the mixture then being stirred in the closed enclosure while being subjected to the combined action of the heating contact walls and of the superheated wet steam, and being recovered at an outlet of the closed enclosure.
US08658080B2 Method for blow molding containers
A method for blow molding containers in blow molds of a device operated with the recovery of air from the blow molds, where operation is accomplished consecutively in a preblow stage with a low pressure and at least two further blow stages with respective higher pressures, and where subsequently, in a recovery phase with several pressure stages, air is fed from the respective blow mold, air from the blow mold is first fed into the volumes allocated to the preblow stage, with priority over a feeding at least into the volume allocated to the pressure stage following the preblow stage. Further, a blow control and a control means for the pressure in the volume, where the blow control has a program section for primarily feeding air first into the volume, and possibly for limiting the pressure in the volume to a multiple of the pressure.
US08658078B2 Device and method for a layerwise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object from a building material in powder form
A method is provided, by which a three-dimensional object is manufactured by a subsequent solidification of layers of a building material in powder form at the positions in the respective layer that corresponds to the cross-section of the object by means of the action of a laser or another energy source,wherein as building material in powder form a material is used which contains the old powder that has remained as unsolidified powder in the manufacturing of one or more previously formed objects and a proportion of new powder that has not been used before in any manufacturing process, characterized in that the building material in powder form is mechanically consolidated when a layer is applied.
US08658073B2 Crawler belt, crawler unit and method for manufacturing crawler belt
ThemeTo provide a crawler unit having a light-weight and high-strength crawler belt.Means to SolveA crawler belt 20 comprises an endless steel belt 21 (high-tensile-strength belt) and a belt main body 22 made of rubber and attached around an outer periphery of the steel belt 21. The steel belt 21 has engagement holes 21a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The belt main body 22 has escape recesses 23a formed therein. A wheel 10 has projections 12a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The projections 12a are adapted to be engaged with the engagement holes 21a of the steel belt 21 and at the same time to enter the escape recesses 23a of the belt main body 22.
US08658066B2 Chemiluminescent powders and methods of making and using thereof
Described herein are chemiluminescent powders that can be applied to a variety of substrates or incorporated into a variety of articles that are generally sensitive to existing chemiluminescent compositions. Methods for producing the chemiluminescent compositions are also provided.
US08658065B2 Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals having 1-dimensional quantum confinement and methods of making the same
A nanocrystal described herein comprises a semiconductor material MX, wherein M is a group II or a group III element and X is a group V or a group VI element to provide a II/VI compound or a III/V compound, the nanocrystal having lateral dimensions and a vertical dimension having the shortest axis, wherein surfaces of the nanocrystal normal or substantially normal to the axis of the vertical dimension comprise a layer of M ions passivated by a counter ion chemical species.
US08658061B2 Electrically conductive polymer compositions
The present invention relates to electrically conductive polymer compositions, and their use in organic electronic devices. The electrically conductive polymer compositions include (i) an intrinsically conductive polymer having at least one monomer unit which is a pyridine-fused heteroaromatic and (ii) a fluorinated acid polymer.
US08658059B2 Liquid crystal composite material and liquid crystal electro-optical display device
A liquid crystal composite material and a liquid crystal electro-optical display device are provided. A liquid crystal composite material, includes: a liquid crystal; a polymer; and a modified inorganic layered material, wherein the modified inorganic layered material is formed by modifying an inorganic layered material with a conjugated oligomer, and the conjugated oligomer has a quaternary ammonium group or sulfonate group.
US08658049B2 Method for manufacturing a touch panel
A method for manufacturing a touch panel includes the following steps. A mother plate is provided. A plurality of adhesive materials are formed on the mother plate. A plurality of cover glasses are disposed on the adhesive materials respectively. The adhesive materials are cured, whereby the cover glasses are attached to the mother plate. A plurality of circuit units are formed on the cover glasses respectively. The cover glass having the circuit unit is removed from the mother plate, wherein the bonding strength of the cured adhesive material is within a range about between 5 g/25 mm and 600 g/25 mm, whereby the adhesive material provides enough adhesive force between the cover glass and the mother plate, and the adhesive material cannot be stayed on a surface of the cover glass during a removing process.
US08658045B1 Oil spill recovery vessel and method therefore
An oil skimmer system on a marine vessel. The preferred embodiment contemplates a pickup wing pivotally mounted between two hulls in the forward section of the marine vessel, which is formed to collect and direct the oil to the pickup wing. The pickup wing is dynamically repositionable, the pickup wing mount having provided a mechanism for vertically positioning the unit in real time such that the front of the pickup wing is situated just below the water surface, to provide maximum collection of contaminants (in this case, hydrocarbons) floating thereupon. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pickup wing has a “teardrop” cross sectional profile, and is configured such that fluid motion over the its forward section, either from vessel motion or fluid current, provides a skimming action, so as to urge the surface contaminants over the wing and into a recovery area, where it is separated from the water and pumped into a collection tank.
US08658040B2 Modular valve system for countercurrent chromatography process
The invention relates to a chromatographic process for substance separation in the context of the preparation of chemicals such as, for example, chiral pharmaceuticals, isomers or biomolecules on the small-scale and production scale, based on Simulated Moving Bed (SMB=countercurrent chromatography) technology.
US08658039B2 Sonication for improved particle size distribution of core-shell particles
In one or more embodiments, a porous composite particulate material includes a plurality of composite particles including an acid-base-resistant core particle at least partially surrounded by one or more layers of acid-base-resistant shell particles. The shell particles are adhered to the core particle by a polymeric material. The shell particles and/or core particles may be made from an acid-base-resistant material that is stable in harsh chemical conditions. During application of the polymeric material/shell particle bilayer, the core particles are sonicated to homogenize the particle size distribution and minimize agglomeration of particles. Multiple bilayers of polymer/shell particles may be applied. In one embodiment, the core particle comprises generally spherical glassy carbon, while the shell particles may comprise nano-sized diamond particles. Other acid-base-resistant materials may be employed. The porous composite particulate materials may be used in separation technologies, including, but not limited to, chromatography and solid phase extraction.
US08658037B2 Method for determining physiological state of microbial community and wastewater treatment method
The present invention provides a method for determining the physiological state of a microbial community, which rapidly and precisely determines the physiological state of a microbial community present in a treatment tank of a wastewater biological treatment facility; and a wastewater treatment method utilizing the same. In the method for determining the physiological state of a microbial community of the present invention, the method includes the steps of staining the microbial community collected from a treatment tank of a wastewater biological treatment facility with a first fluorescent dye which binds to a nucleotide chain of a microbe in the microbial community, and a second fluorescent dye which is degraded by an enzyme in cells of the microbe to emit fluorescent light having a wavelength different from that of the first fluorescent dye; measuring a first fluorescent intensity (F1) derived from the first fluorescent dye and a second fluorescent intensity (F2) derived from the second fluorescent dye, regarding the stained microbial community; and determining the satisfactory degree of the physiological state of the microbial community.
US08658035B2 Apparatus and method for treating aqueous solutions and contaminants therein
The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to a apparatus including a substantially self-contained housing or container which is adapted to receive components including at least one counterelectrode (e.g. cathode) and at least one photoelectrode (e.g. anode) provided or arranged around at least one UV light source, and/or receive, contain and/or circulate fluid or aqueous solution.
US08658034B1 Mobile phase preparation device for liquid chromatography
A mobile phase delivery device for use with high pressure liquid chromatography includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets, wherein each inlet is fluidly coupled with a solvent source. The manifold further has a mobile phase outlet that outputs a mobile phase, composed of solvent or solvent mixture, onto an analytical line. The device further includes at least one pump for delivering solvent to the manifold, and a fluid branch in the manifold that is located at a point downstream of the plurality of inlets, and is fluidly coupled with at least one of a pressure sensor and a purge valve.
US08658032B2 Filter cartridge
A filter cartridge (60, 160) comprising a filter wall (63, 163) having a tubular shape and at least a support plate (61, 161) fixed to an end of the filter wall (63, 163), characterized in that a by-pass conduit (66, 166) is fashioned in the support plate (61, 161), which by-pass conduit (66, 166) is designed to place an internal volume (64, 164) delimited by the filter wall (63, 163) in communication with outside, which by-pass conduit (66, 166) is intercepted by a valve (70, 170) which is associated to the support plate (61, 161) in an out-of-center position with respect to a longitudinal axis (A, A2) of the filter wall (63, 163), the valve (70, 170) comprising an internally-hollow valve body (71, 171), which is provided with a hole (72, 172) suitable for setting the bypass conduit (66, 166) in communication with the internal cavity of the valve body (71, 171), an obturator (73, 174) housed in the internal cavity of the valve body (71, 171), and an elastically-acting element (75, 180) suitable for pressing the obturator (73, 174) against a valve seating (74, 179) such as to close the hole (72, 172), the valve (70, 170) being housed internally of a seating (67, 167) afforded in the support plate (61, 161).
US08658030B2 Method for deasphalting and extracting hydrocarbon oils
Provided herein are processes for deasphalting and extracting a hydrocarbon oil. The processes comprise providing an oil comprising asphaltenes and/or other impurities, combining the oil with a polar solvent an extracting agent to provide a mixture, and applying a stimulus to the mixture so that at least a portion of any asphaltenes and/or impurities in the oil precipitate out of the oil.
US08658026B2 Method for producing fuel with renewable content having reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
According to the present invention, organic material is converted to a combustible fluid feedstock comprising methane. A fuel production facility utilizes or arranges to utilize combustible fluid feedstock to generate renewable hydrogen that is used to hydrogenate crude oil derived hydrocarbons in a process to make liquid transportation or heating fuel. The renewable hydrogen is combined with crude oil derived hydrocarbons under conditions to hydrogenate the hydrocarbons with the renewable hydrogen.
US08658020B2 Process for upgrading kerosene to gasoline by ring contraction—ring opening—dehydrogenation
A process is disclosed for converting distillate to gasoline-range hydrocarbons using a two-stage catalyst system including a first catalyst containing a Group VIII metal and a zeolite, and a second catalyst containing a Group VIII metal, tin and an inorganic oxide support.
US08658018B2 Lubricant base oil blend having low wt% noack volatility
A lubricant base oil blend having a wt % Noack volatility less than 29, comprising a) a light base oil fraction having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. between 1.5 and 3.6, and a wt % Noack volatility both between 0 and 100 and less than a Noack Volatility Factor, and b) a petroleum-derived base oil fraction. A process to make the lubricant base oil blend having a wt % Noack volatility less than 29. Also, a pour point depressed lubricant base oil blend having a Brookfield viscosity at −40° C. of less than 18,000 cP, comprising the light base oil fraction, a petroleum-derived base oil fraction, and a pour point depressant.
US08658016B2 Carbon dioxide capture and conversion to organic products
Methods and systems for capture of carbon dioxide and electrochemical conversion of the captured carbon dioxide to organic products are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce a solvent to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. Step (B) may capture carbon dioxide with at least one of guanidine, a guanidine derivative, pyrimidine, or a pyrimidine derivative to form a carbamic zwitterion. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between an anode and a cathode sufficient for the cathode to reduce the carbamic zwitterion to a product mixture.
US08658007B2 Oxygen-producing inert anodes for SOM process
An electrolysis system for generating a metal and molecular oxygen includes a container for receiving a metal oxide containing a metallic species to be extracted, a cathode positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an oxygen-ion-conducting membrane positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an anode in contact with the oxygen-ion-conducting membrane and spaced apart from a metal oxide housed within the container, said anode selected from the group consisting of liquid metal silver, oxygen stable electronic oxides, oxygen stable crucible cermets, and stabilized zirconia composites with oxygen stable electronic oxides.
US08658006B2 System and method for electropolising devices
A system and method is described for electropolishing tubular metallic prostheses. In one aspect, the system provides a continuously changing set of points of contact between anode and prosthesis. In another aspect, the cathode is given a conical shape to correct for current concentrations that would otherwise exist and unevenly affect the amount of electropolishing over the length of the prosthesis.
US08658005B2 Electrical-discharge surface-treatment method
An electrode for an electrical-discharge surface-treatment method is molded with a metallic powder or a metallic compound powder having an average grain diameter of 6 micrometers to 10 micrometers. A coat on a surface of a workpiece is formed with a material constituting the electrode or a substance that is generated by a reaction of the material due to a pulse-like electrical discharge. The coat is built up with a material containing metal as a main constituent under conditions of a width of a current pulse for the pulse-like electrical discharge in a range of 50 microseconds to 500 microseconds and a peak of the current pulse equal to or less than 30 amperes.
US08658000B2 Preparation method of apigenin and dehydrosilybin mixture using radiation
A preparation method of chromenone derivatives using radiation is provided. The preparation method exposes commercially-available silybin in reaction solvent to radiation, to thereby concurrently obtain both dehydrosilybin and apigenin compounds, which are chromenone compounds, in a simple reaction step and with high yield. Because the compounds are prepared at economic cost, the preparation method can be advantageously used particularly for the purpose of mass production. Further, in consideration of good cancer cell viability suppression effect thereof, dehydrosilybin and apigenin prepared according to the preparation method can be advantageously used as a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of cancer.
US08657998B2 Method and apparatus for particulate removal from moving paper webs
An apparatus for removing particulate-carrying air from a moving web. The moving web has a first side and a second side. The apparatus includes a NACA duct positioned in a non-contacting relationship on a first side of the moving web, and at least partially submerged in a particulate-carrying boundary layer of the moving web. The NACA duct can have an intake opening and an exhaust opening such that when the intake opening is submerged in the boundary layer at least a portion of the particulate-carrying air from the boundary layer enters the intake opening and exits the exhaust opening, thereby scavenging particulate-carrying air from said boundary layer.
US08657996B2 Methods of using combinations of a lipase and an oxidant for pitch control in paper making processes and products thereof
A method is provided for controlling deposit-forming contaminants that comprise pitch or other fiber components which can interfere with the processing of the fibers, reduce paper quality, or both in papermaking systems. The method includes contacting fibers with a lipase and at least one peroxide source-free oxidant, and optionally nonionic surfactant, to liberate the organic contaminants from the fibers. Paper products of the method are also provided.
US08657993B2 Articles such as safety laminates and solar cell modules containing high melt flow acid copolymer compositions
A process of manufacturing a solar cell module, the process comprising: (i) providing a solar cell pre-laminate assembly comprising a solar cell component comprising one or a plurality of solar cells and an encapsulant film or sheet consisting essentially of a non-neutralized acid copolymer composition prepared from (a) non-neutralized acid copolymer of an alpha olefin and about 15 to about 23 wt % of alpha,beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons, based on the total weight of the acid copolymer, wherein the acid copolymer has a Melt Index of greater than 100 to about 600 g/10 min, and (b) about 0.01 to about 10 wt %, based upon the total weight of the acid copolymer composition, of organic peroxide; and (ii) laminating the pre-laminate assembly to form the solar cell module by subjecting the assembly to heat and, optionally, vacuum.
US08657991B2 Robotic solar panel string assembly process
The present invention is directed to a process for manufacture of a solar panel string assembly for a solar canopy including: horizontally aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; applying an adhesive with a robotic tool to an upper portion of the solar panel support channels, the robotic tool comprising a fixed track aligned parallel with the two solar panel support channels, a robotic arm assembly movably supported by the track, a positioning member for adjusting the position of the robotic arm assembly along the track, and wherein the robotic arm comprises an adhesive applicator and a vacuum lift component; and lifting with the vacuum lift component of the robot arm assembly of the robotic tool and aligning a solar panel on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of the solar panel.
US08657990B2 Nanotube-enhanced interlayers for composite structures
Carbon nanotube interlayer assemblies, methods of manufacturing carbon nanotube interlayer assemblies, and methods of manufacturing composite parts with carbon nanotube interlayer assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a composite structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes producing a plurality of carbon nanotubes on one or both sides of a substrate, and attaching the substrate to a first fiber layer. The method can further include positioning a second fiber layer adjacent to the first fiber layer to position the plurality of carbon nanotubes between the first and second fiber layers. The method can additionally include infusing the first and second fiber layers with resin, and curing the resin. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotube substrate can be attached to the first fiber layer by melt-bonding. In another embodiment, the carbon nanotube substrate can be attached to the first fiber layer with stitches.
US08657988B2 Method for applying carbon nanotube film
A method for applying carbon nanotube films is provided. The method includes the following steps. At least one pre-laid supporter is placed on a film application device including a rotation axis and a rotator. The rotator is capable of rotating about the rotation axis, and includes a number of support surfaces, wherein the at least one pre-laid supporter is attached on the plurality of support surfaces. A carbon nanotube film is drawn from a carbon nanotube array that is supported by a supplier. One end of the carbon nanotube film away from the carbon nanotube array is adhered to one of the at least one pre-laid supporter. The rotator is rotates about the rotation axis such that the carbon nanotube film is applied on the at least one pre-laid supporter; and cutting the carbon nanotube film with a cutter.
US08657987B2 Manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electronic monolithic ceramic components
A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electronic monolithic ceramic components, including a sheet supplier for supplying a plurality of ceramic green sheets of a plurality of types in a predetermined order, and a laminator for laminating the ceramic green sheets supplied by the sheet supplier. A plurality of trays is set in two vertical columns in a rack which is vertically movable. Each tray holds a stack of a plurality of ceramic green sheets of the same type. A particular tray positioned to a predetermined level by the vertical movement of the rack is drawn by a tray drawer device, and one ceramic green sheet is picked up from the tray, and is then conveyed to the laminator. The utilization efficiency of area in the sheet supplier is thus increased.
US08657986B2 Polyurethane plaster for the transdermal application of active substances, and method for the production thereof
A method for producing an active substance-containing polyurethane plaster for transdermal application is described, said plaster containing at least one active substance at a highly accurate declared dose. In the described method, a solvent-free active substance-containing polyurethane is produced by reactively coating a solvent-free active substance-containing polyurethane material (40), which is mixed in a coating unit (60) immediately before or during the application process, onto an elastic backing foil (20) that has been rendered non-extensible at least in the direction in which the applied polyurethane material is processed by means of a supporting, adhering auxiliary foil (30) which is at least mono-axially non-extensible.
US08657985B2 Encapsulated organic electronic devices and method for making same
Encapsulated organic electronic devices including organic light emitting diodes are made using an adhesive component as a mask while the device is being constructed. An adhesive-coated liner can be applied to the device substrate and openings created therein by removing portions of the liner and adhesive, or a patterned adhesive layer having openings therein can be formed on the device substrate, followed by deposition of the device layers and application of a sealing layer.
US08657984B1 Method for fabricating composite grid-stiffened structures with integrated fluid channels
A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened panel which incorporates a network of fluid channels and passageways into the ribs and face sheet is described. The method is comprised of a base tooling assembly, an expansion tooling assembly, a composite prepreg, plugs, a face sheet and a network of valves and pumps, wherein the prepreg is draped over said expansion tooling and assembled with the base tooling assembly to form a rib structure. Channel plugs are placed therein such that gaps between adjacent expansion tooling blocks are filled, and the entire rib structure assembly is autoclaved. The face sheet may be comprised of a plurality of layers, whereby channels are machined into the lower layer(s). The upper layer(s) are bonded to the lower layer(s) to seal the channels, and said face sheet is bonded to the rib structure.
US08657983B2 Pre-lamination core and method for making a pre-lamination core for electronic cards and tags
The disclosed pre-lamination core and the method of making such a pre-lamination core includes an electronic component or a non-electronic component, a bottom cover sheet, a top cover sheet, and a layer of thermosetting material between the bottom and top cover sheets. The pre-lamination core can be used in the manufacture of cards while using conventional equipment to apply top and bottom overlays to the pre-lamination core.
US08657981B2 Method of making a skin contacting product
The present disclosure is directed to a skin contacting product and a method of making same wherein the skin contacting product is formed of a laminated material having at least two distinct layers including a fabric layer and a film layer. The laminated material also has a film-like surface on a selected surface portion of the fabric layer which is formed by applying heat to the selected surface portion. The heat is applied at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to form the film-like surface wherein the temperature and the period of time are dependent upon the physical characteristics of the laminated material.
US08657980B2 Process for making a glass brick and brick obtained by said process
A process for making a brick comprises the steps of prearranging at least one pair of half-shells (3a, 3b) and fixing said half-shells (3a, 3b) to each other to define a main body (2) of the brick with a cavity {4} therein. The process further comprises the step of introducing a preset quantity of argon into said cavity (4), A brick comprises a pair of half-shells (3a, 3b) fixed to each other to define a main body (2) of said brick (1); said main body (2) exhibits an inner cavity (4); said cavity (4) holds a preset quantity of argon.
US08657979B2 Method of manufacturing a fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure
A fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure and a method of manufacturing the bladder and reinforcing structure are disclosed. In general, the reinforcing structure extends around the bladder, and the reinforcing structure is bonded to an exterior of the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is recessed into the bladder and extends along side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.
US08657976B2 Continuous web of optical film laminate with predefined slit lines, and method and system for manufacturing the same
An optical film laminate that has predefined slit lines for enhancing both product accuracy and manufacturing speed in liquid-crystal display element manufacturing to radically improve manufacturing yield. The optical film laminate formed as a continuous web with the predefined slit lines for use in a continuous manufacturing system by laminating optically functional film sheets to liquid-crystal panels. The optical film laminate having defect-free regions having a predefined length corresponding to the dimension of a liquid-crystal panel and defective regions having a predefined length different from the defect-free region, based on the detected position of defects. The optical film laminate having a carrier film releasably laminated to an adhesive layer, wherein defect-free normal polarizing sheets and a defective polarizing sheets are formed on the carrier film by forming slit lines corresponding to above regions along the transverse direction of the optical film laminate.
US08657969B2 High-strength galvanized steel sheet with excellent formability and method for manufacturing the same
A high strength galvanized steel sheet has a TS of 590 MPa or more and excellent processability. The component composition contains, by mass %, C: 0.05% to 0.3%, Si: 0.7% to 2.7%, Mn: 0.5% to 2.8%, P: 0.1% or lower, S: 0.01% or lower, Al: 0.1% or lower, and N: 0.008% or lower, and the balance: Fe or inevitable impurities. The microstructure contains, in terms of area ratio, ferrite phases: 30% to 90%, bainite phases: 3% to 30%, and martensite phases: 5% to 40%, in which, among the martensite phases, martensite phases having an aspect ratio of 3 or more are present in a proportion of 30% or more.
US08657958B2 CVD-Siemens monosilane reactor process with complete utilization of feed gases and total recycle
The present invention relates to a monosilane (SiH4) and hydrogen recycle process/system for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of monosilane-based CVD polysilicon. In particular, the present invention relates to the substantially complete silane utilization and unconverted (from the reactor) contamination-free complete silane and hydrogen recycle process of producing polysilicon chunk materials via the decomposition of gaseous silane precursors.
US08657955B2 Melt composition for gallium nitride single crystal growth and method for growing gallium nitride single crystal
It is provided a melt composition for growing a gallium nitride single crystal by flux method. The melt composition contains gallium, sodium and barium, and a content of barium is 0.05 to 0.3 mol % with respect to 100 mol % of sodium.
US08657954B2 Alkali-activated aluminosilicate binder containing glass beads
The invention relates to a mixture containing an alkali-activated aluminosilicate binder, said mixture, after hardening, containing at least 25% by weight of glass beads, based on the total mass. The hardened product has a surface which has very little tendency to soil and is easy to clean. A process for the preparation of the mixture according to the invention and the use thereof as joint filler are disclosed.
US08657953B2 Cement additive
A cementitious material manufactured by a process including adding, after pyroprocessing, at least one desugared molasses to at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material during manufacture of the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material. A method of manufacturing a cementitious material including adding, after pyroprocessing, at least one desugared molasses to at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material during manufacture of the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material.
US08657952B2 Bone graft substitute composition
A composition includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate, stearic acid, an accelerant, and a mixing solution. The composition can be injected, e.g., through a needle, and is capable of setting, e.g., in vivo, in a relatively short period of time to a relatively high hardness.
US08657951B2 Manufactured item for the building industry
A manufactured item for the building industry is disclosed, made mainly of bottom ash and/or debris coming from incineration processes of municipal solid waste or of waste which may be assimilated thereto and/or of RDF and of one or more binders. Such manufactured item may have the shape of small bricks, bricks, blocks, small blocks, curbs, interlocking paving blocks, panels, tiles, prefabricated slabs, beams, elements for walls, modular building elements, indoor and outdoor cladding elements, blocks, rocks, supports. Moreover, a process for the manufacture of an item for the building industry is disclosed, from bottom ash and/or debris coming from incineration processes of municipal solid waste or of waste which may be assimilated thereto and/or of FDR wherein the ash and/or debris undergo an oxidation process of the amphoteric metals and mixed with a binder.
US08657944B2 Inkjet ink
The present invention pertains to an aqueous inkjet ink comprising pigment stabilized to dispersion with anionic dispersant, wherein cations present in the ink comprise a mixture, in a certain molar ratio, of lithium and one or more of sodium, potassium, rubidium and/or cesium. The inks exhibit greatly extended latency.
US08657943B2 1-hydroxy-2-O-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine compounds, preparation process, antifouling composition, process for its preparation, method to prevent fouling, method to turn a surface into an antifouling surface, and, covered surface
1-OH-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine compounds and its analogs, pure or mixed, having formula WCH2CHXCH2PO3YCH2CH2Z, where W is preferably a hydroxyl group or an O-acyl group containing from 2 to 22 carbon atoms, and where X is preferably an O-acyl group containing from 2 to 22 carbon atoms or a hydroxyl (OH) and where Y may be an (O−) or OH and where Z is preferably a trimethyl-ammonium group [N+(CH3)3] can be protonated dimethyl ammonium [N+H(CH3)2] group. In the O-acyl groups containing 18 carbon atoms can be observed from 0 to 3 instaurations, useful as biocidal agents; processes for their preparation; and antifouling compositions, preferably paints useful in susceptible fouling surfaces, such as hulls of vessels. Methods to turn a surface into an antifouling surface, to a method to prevent fouling and to the antifouling surfaces comprising a coating of the said antifouling composition.
US08657940B2 Separation and capture of liquids of a multiphase flow
Assembly to separate a multiphase flow, comprising at least one compact separation unit chosen among an in-line deliquidiser and an in-line phase splitter, said compact separation unit is arranged to receive the multiphase flow for separation thereof to a gas flow and a mainly liquid containing flow, an outlet for gas, arranged to receive the gas flow from the compact separation unit and possible additional gas flows, one or more conduit separators, arranged to receive the mainly liquid containing flow from the compact separation unit and any additional liquid containing flows, having an outlet for liquid from the at least one conduit separator in a low-lying part thereof.
US08657939B2 Air dryer cartridge for a compressed air treatment system of a vehicle
An air dryer cartridge for a compressed air treatment system of a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, has a spring cover and a support element, which together define a volume of the air dryer cartridge in the assembled state of the air dryer cartridge. A desiccant box arranged inside the volume and filled with a desiccant is provided. The spring cover and the carrier element can be coupled via a snap connection.
US08657938B2 Air-supply system for breathing
Disclosed is a system for supplying breathing air to a work space, which adopts a triple air-supply structure including a main air-supply unit for compressing, drying and filtering air supplied from the atmosphere so that breathing air is supplied to the work space, a plant air-supply unit for supplying industrial air used in a process plant to the work space, and an emergency air-supply unit for supplying breathing air to the work space in an emergency, wherein the operation of respective air-supply units is organically controlled, thus increasing the reliability of the air supply.
US08657936B2 Direct replacement air filter with automatic filter media advance and wireless communications
The invention is directed to a direct replacement air filtration or handler filter that is placed within an air flow channel within an air handler unit having a housing. A motor in communication with a controller and having an at least one sensor input or a timer or a transceiver and processing module. A filter media storage area is located on one end of the housing, with a pleated, folded filter media folded and compactly stored inside the filter media storage area. An exposed filter media containment area is located on an opposed end within the housing with the filter media extending therebetween. The filter media being paid out or advanced from the filter media storage area across the housing where it is exposed to air within the air flow channel as it removes contaminants from the air. The motor can be activated by said controller in response to input from the at least one sensor or based on a timed input from said timer and rotate an at least one movement member to move the filter media across the exposure area. This allows for higher efficiency operation and reduces maintenance and energy costs. The sensors and communications capability allow for the use of the filter in providing Air Quality Management (AQM). AQM allows the filter to monitor the quality of the air as it passes through the filter and interact with a network system to monitor the air quality at the point of filtration.
US08657935B2 Combination of expansion and cooling to enhance separation
A method and system for expanding, separating, and compressing a multi-phase fluid. An expander receives and expands the multi-phase fluid to generate a lower-pressure fluid which can more efficiently be separated in a separator. Expanding the fluid also drives a main shaft adapted to drive at least the separator and a compressor coupled thereto. The separator receives the lower-pressure fluid, separates any higher-density components from the lower-density components disposed therein, and provides a substantially dry gas to the compressor to be re-compressed and discharged from the system.
US08657931B2 Gearbox deoiler with sychnronizer
A gearbox that includes an inlet configured to receive a mixture of air and oil from an external source and a deoiler. The deoiler includes a shaft including an outlet passage formed on an inner portion of the shaft, a separator unit coupled to and surrounding a portion of the shaft and including an inlet port, and a synchronizer including one or more blades and that is coupled to the shaft proximate the inlet port.
US08657929B2 Method for treating exhaust gas
Presented is a method and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas. A series of filters and conditioning units are used to separate and extract various substances from the exhaust gas, typically originating from an industrial process. In an exemplary embodiment, a cyclone filter, a ceramic filter, a baghouse filter, and a pair of gas conditioners are used to initially separate and extract iron-rich dust from an exhaust gas and then extract zinc from the gas.
US08657926B2 Device and method for condensing water
A device for condensing water includes a container with a plurality of openings and a heat transfer zone arranged in an interior of the container. The heat transfer zone includes a bulk material layer and/or a fiber layer and/or a textile layer and/or a grid layer and/or a lattice layer and/or a perforated plate. The interior of the container is subdivided by the heat transfer zone into a first zone and a second zone. Further, the heat transfer zone has at least in sections an open porosity and/or channels through which process gas can flow from the first zone to the second zone and through which a further process gas in the form of cooling gas can flow in a reverse direction. A permeable region of the heat transfer zone partially includes materials which have a thermal conductivity of more than 20 W(mK)−1 in a temperature range up to 300° C.
US08657925B2 Method for flue gas scrubbing
A method of scrubbing flue gas includes introducing flue gas comprising an acidic gas through an inlet into a tower; spraying an acid-absorptive fluid into the tower such that the acid-absorptive fluid contacts the flue gas; accumulating the acid-absorptive fluid in a recycle tank portion of the tower; and introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the acid-absorptive fluid in the recycle tank portion of the tower, wherein the oxygen-containing gas is introduced through at least one opening of an aerator, each of the at least one openings are positioned to release the oxygen-containing gas at least at a distance greater than or equal to a predetermined radial distance from the flue gas inlet, the predetermined radial distance being equal to at least 10% of a diameter of the recycle tank portion of the tower.
US08657923B2 Microporous carbon material, manufacturing method thereof, and hydrogen storage method using microporous carbon material
The present invention provides a microporous carbon material capable of expressing functions that supported metal has while maintaining pore functions that the microporous carbon material inherently possesses. The microporous carbon material 5 includes: a three-dimensional long-range ordered structure within a range from 0.7 nm or more to 2 nm or less; and micropores 2a, wherein a transition metal 4 is supported on surfaces of the micropores 2a. The microporous carbon material is obtained by a method including: introducing an organic compound on a surface of and inside the micropores of a porous material containing transition metal, and obtaining a composite of the microporous carbon material containing the transition metal and the porous material by carbonizing the organic compound by a chemical vapor deposition method; and removing the porous material. Alternatively, the microporous carbon material is obtained by a method including: introducing an organic compound on a surface of a porous material and obtaining a microporous carbon material by a chemical vapor deposition method; and supporting the transition metal on a surface of the microporous carbon material by immersing and impregnating the microporous carbon material in a transition metal salt solution.
US08657922B2 Pressure swing adsorption-type gas separation method and separation apparatus
A method which separates a component which is easily adsorbed by an adsorbent and a component which is not easily adsorbed by the adsorbent, from a feed gas which includes at least two kinds of components, with adsorption columns, wherein the adsorbent is filled in the adsorption columns and has strong adsorbability with respect to at least one kind of component included in the feed gas, and also has weak adsorbability with respect to at least one kind of other components included in the feed gas, and a temperature of the adsorbents which is filled in the column is maintained to be higher than the highest temperature of an ambient temperature around the adsorption columns which is variable throughout the year.
US08657921B2 Shell and tube heat exchanger and method for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution
A shell-and-tube heat exchanger, for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification, includes a bundle of tubes arranged vertically and parallel to each other in a shell chamber through which a fluid heat-transfer medium flows. The upper end of each tube is fixed in an upper tube sheet and the lower end of each tube is fixed in a lower tube sheet, and the polymer solution flows through the tubes in the direction of gravity. One feature is that a multilayer woven wire fabric is attached to the top of the upper tube sheet. The finest meshed layer of the fabric has a mesh width of 50 μm to 1000 μm. The invention also relates to a method for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and use of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
US08657920B2 Apparatus for purifying hydrogen and method for using the same
An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.
US08657916B2 Pyrometallurgical method
A method for the pyrometallurgical processing of sulphide material containing nickel using a fluxing composition that includes calcium. The fluxing composition forms a slag having an Fe/CaO ratio of between about 0.5 and 5.0 by weight and an SiO2/Fe ratio of less than 0.2 by weight.
US08657906B2 Direct replacement air filter with automatic pleated filter media advance
The invention is directed to replacement media advancing air filter in air handling units with a flow channel. The filter having a housing and an exposure slot with filter media storage area that has an unexposed pleated, folded filter media portion stored therein. The filter media portion being folded and stacked in and compactly held at least in part within the storage area. A motor is coupled to a power supply and in communication with a controller. The motor moves a movement member that moves a portion of the filter media from a stored state in the storage area into the exposure slot and is exposed to the air in the air flow channel creating an exposed portion of the filter media. The exposed portion is collected within a containment area as a further portion of media is moved into the exposure slot to replace the exposed portion therein.
US08657903B2 Cyclone separator
A cyclone separator (100; 100′) including a first cyclone component (10; 10′) having at least one substantially cylindrical cell pipe (12) including a guide device (14), a particle outlet (30) for separated particles, and a second cyclone component (20; 20′) including at least one immersion pipe (22). The immersion pipe (22) is received in the cell pipe (12), at the outflow side end and is connected at least partially to the outflow side end of the cell pipe (12) and includes a central outlet (24) for the purified gas stream.
US08657902B2 Apparatuses for separating catalyst particles from an FCC vapor
Apparatuses for separating solid catalyst particles from a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) vapor are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a vessel formed with a vessel wall. A conduit is positioned within the vessel and is configured to direct flow of an FCC vapor-solid stream. The apparatus also includes a channel positioned within the vessel and in fluid communication with the conduit. The channel has a channel inlet with an inlet cross-sectional area and a channel outlet with an outlet cross-sectional area less than about 75% of the inlet cross-sectional area. The channel outlet is configured to direct the vapor-solid stream tangentially toward the vessel wall to separate the solid catalyst particles from the FCC vapor.
US08657898B2 Air filter spin flow inlet/outlet housing
An air filtration unit for conveying bulk granular material from a tank trailer, and uses air pressure to achieve granular flow, the air filtration unit incorporates an intake that induces a spiral flow, the unit incorporates a lid at the back end of the filter housing, and a baffle structure at the intake inlet of the unit, to dampen sound.
US08657896B2 High flow rate separator having paired coalescer and demister
A separator is disclosed. The separator includes a gas/liquid separator vessel, an enclosure, a coalescer and a demister. The gas/liquid separator vessel has a first end, a second end, a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first separation chamber. The first inlet can be adjacent to the first end. The enclosure is positioned within the first separation chamber of the liquid separator vessel. The enclosure has a second inlet, a second outlet, a drain positioned therebetween, and a second separation chamber. The second inlet can be directed towards the first end of the gas/liquid separator vessel. The second separation chamber defines a flow path for a gas stream in which the flow path passes sequentially through the second inlet, second separation chamber and the second outlet. The coalescer is positioned in the second separation chamber to intercept the flow path of the gas stream. The demister is positioned in the second separation chamber between the coalescer and the second outlet to intercept the flow path of the gas stream.
US08657889B2 Arrangement for holding a substrate in a material deposition apparatus
An arrangement (1) for holding a substrate (10) in a material deposition apparatus, which substrate (10) has a deposition side (10a) upon which material (M) is to be deposited, and which arrangement (1) comprises: a shadow mask (20) comprising a number of deposition openings (Di); a support structure (30) comprising a number of surround openings (Si); and a support structure holding means (6) for holding the support mask (30) and/or a substrate holding means (5) for holding the substrate (10), such that the support structure (30) is on the same side as the deposition side (10a) of the substrate (10), and the shadow mask (20) is positioned between the substrate (10) and the support structure (30) such that at least one deposition opening (Di) of the shadow mask (10) lies within a corresponding surround opening (Si) of the support structure (30).
US08657886B2 Systems and methods for actuating a prosthetic ankle
Systems and methods for sensing actuating a prosthetic ankle are disclosed. In one example, the system, such as an actuated prosthetic ankle joint, detects that the user has moved to a relaxed position, such as sitting, reclining, crawling, or leaning. In response, the actuated prosthetic ankle joint actively adjusts the angle between the members of the ankle to a relaxed state. The system may further detect when the user has moved to exit the relaxed position, and may actively adjust the angle between the members of the ankle to an exit state.
US08657885B2 Pyloric valve obstructing devices and methods
Methods, devices and systems facilitate intermittent and/or partial obstruction of a pyloric valve. Devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve and a tissue engagement portion for contacting tissue adjacent the pyloric valve to obstruct the valve. Some embodiments also include a positioning member extending from the tissue engagement portion for helping position the device for obstructing the valve. A retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining a position of the device in the stomach. Some embodiments are deliverable into the stomach through the esophagus, either by swallowing or through a delivery tube or catheter. Some embodiments are fully reversible. Some embodiments self-expand within the stomach, while others are inflated or otherwise expanded.
US08657882B2 Expandable intervertebral devices and methods of use
The present application is directed to an expandable intervertebral device. One context in which the device may be used is a corpectomy procedure to replace one or more vertebral members. The device is adjustable between a first orientation with a first overall height, and a second orientation with a second overall height. The device generally includes an inner member, an outer member, and a gear. Rotation of the gear causes relative movement between the inner and outer members to move between the first and second orientations and adjust the overall height.
US08657881B2 Meniscal repair scaffold
Methods and apparatus for treating meniscal tissue damage are disclosed, including a biocompatible meniscal repair device comprising a biocompatible tissue repair scaffold and a cell growth conduit flap. The tissue repair scaffold is adapted to be placed in contact with a defect in the meniscus and can preferably provide a structure for supporting meniscal tissue and/or encouraging tissue growth. The cell growth conduit flap, which is attached to the tissue repair scaffold, allows communication between the synovium and the tissue repair scaffold.
US08657876B2 Methods and apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye
Apparatus and methodology for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye. The apparatus includes a cartridge for holding an IOL and a handpiece with a body member for receiving the cartridge, an injector rod that is receivable by the body member, and a drive mechanism that longitudinally oscillates the injector rod in the body member when a rotational force is applied about a longitudinal axis in a single direction. In other words, a constant rotation in a single direction of the drive mechanism causes the injector rod to move distally and proximally in discrete increments, with the distal increments being larger than the proximal increments. Accordingly, the injector rod urges an IOL out of the handpiece in a two-steps-forward, one-step-back manner, thereby minimizing or eliminating the chance of the injector rod engaging with the IOL.
US08657873B2 System for improving cardiac function
A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge.
US08657872B2 Cardiac valve repair system and methods of use
Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing or replacing a defective cardiac valve including an anchor having a double helix configured to engage the cardiac valve leaflets of a diseased or defective cardiac valve, and a replacement valve body disposed in an expandable stent configured to be disposed within the anchor so that the anchor limits expansion of the expandable stent. The expandable stent of the replacement valve body may be self-expanding or mechanically expanded, e.g., using a balloon catheter or catheter-based mandrel and the valve body may be formed of animal tissue or a synthetic fabric.
US08657870B2 Implant delivery apparatus and methods with electrolytic release
Implant release apparatus includes a connector connecting a lead having an electrolytically erodible portion and a restraint that restrains the implant. In one embodiment, the connector can include or comprise a nonconductive member.
US08657868B2 Rotating stent delivery system for side branch access and protection and method of using same
A system for treatment of a vessel bifurcation and its method of use comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft, a portion of which is characterized as an axle about which a rotatable assembly is disposed and rotatable thereabout. The system employs a series of lumens, openings and/or ports to provide a balloon mounted on the rotatable assembly with fluid communication to the catheter shaft.
US08657865B2 Conical balloon for deployment into side branch
A bifurcated catheter assembly has an undeployed state and a deployed state. The assembly comprises a bifurcated inflation shaft defining a shaft inner lumen, a first balloon defining a first balloon lumen, and a second balloon defining a second balloon lumen. The inflation shaft has a first inflation shaft defining a first lumen and a second inflation shaft defining a second lumen. The first balloon defines a first balloon lumen which is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The second balloon defines a second balloon lumen which is in fluid communication with the second lumen. The second balloon has a conical shape.
US08657864B2 Portable patient temperature adjustment apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for the in situ or in transit adjustment of the core body temperature of a patient. Devices according to some embodiments include a control unit and pressure chamber adapted to apply a pulsating negative pressure to a limb of the patient. An adjustment temperature applied during the application of the pulsating pressure can heat or cool the patient as necessary. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for efficient heating and/or cooling of a patient. In addition, devices and methods provide such functionality in a portable device that can be manually carried by an individual.
US08657863B2 System and method for cooled airflow for dermatological applications
A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.
US08657852B2 Closure device
A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.
US08657851B2 Surgical tweezers
The invention provides tweezers for microsurgery, in particular opthalmological surgery, the tweezers comprising a one-piece working part (1) of U-shape, with the free ends (2a, 3a) of each branch (2, 3) being shaped into a point, the part being derived from a flat blank of thickness (e) constituting the dimension perpendicular to the plane (P) in which the branches (2, 3) move, and elements for manipulating the working part together forming a handle for gripping the tweezers, wherein each element is in the form of an elongate body (4, 5) presenting a convex outside surface (4a, 5a) and a substantially plane surface (4b, 5b) having a longitudinal groove (6, 7) hollowed out therein to house one of the branches (2, 3) of the working part (1), the end of each handle element facing towards the points being provided with centering means (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) co-operating with a complementary centering member of the corresponding end of the other element.
US08657848B2 Magnetically retrievable vena cava filter and retrieval device therefor
The disclosure pertains to magnetically retrievable vena cava filters having a low torque associated therewith when subjected to a strong external magnetic field and retrieval devices therefor. The vena cava filter may include a magnetically permeable sphere or a spherical dipole magnet located within the spherical cavity of the apical hub wherein the spherical dipole magnet is free to rotate about any of three mutually orthogonal axes. The retrieval device is capable of substantially containing the vena cava filter in a collapsed state and includes a magnetically active member capable of interacting with the vena cava filter. The retrieval device may optionally include a supplemental mechanical latch.
US08657847B2 Embolic protection device having expandable trap
An embolic protection device for use in medical, veterinary, non-medical or industrial applications where removal of an obstruction from a small diameter vessel or vessel-like structure could produce particles, which, if allowed to remain in the vessel, could cause undesirable complications and results. One embodiment comprises a catheter for insertion into a vessel and a trap operably connected to the catheter and to a rotatable member. Rotating the rotatable member relative to the catheter actuates the trap. One embodiment comprises a rotatable member that actuates a flexible strut between an arcuately expanded position and a helically twisted position, and a membrane operably connected to the flexible strut.
US08657846B2 Guide catheter and method of use
A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.
US08657837B2 Tissue fixation devices and a transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device and assembly using same
Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together. The fasteners include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. The first and second members are substantially parallel to each other. The fasteners may be deployed in limited spaces and in various applications including the restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve.
US08657835B2 Automated intraocular lens injector device
An intraocular lens injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. An electric drive system longitudinally translates the plunger so that its tip engages an insertion cartridge to fold and displace an intraocular lens disposed within and to inject the folded lens into the lens capsule of an eye. A control circuit is configured to start translation of the plunger, responsive to user input, to detect at least one fault condition based on a counter-electromotive force produced by the electric motor, and to stop translation of the plunger assembly responsive to the detected fault condition, which may comprise excessive resistance to forward or rearward translation of the plunger or insufficient resistance to forward translation of the plunger.
US08657834B2 Double offset surgical tool handle assembly having a locking linkage aligned along two different planes
A surgical tool handle for releasable connection to a surgical tool is described. The tool handle comprises a housing providing a linkage chamber extending from a proximal housing grip end to a distal housing tool end for receiving a surgical tool. A tool linkage is partially housed within the housing linkage chamber comprising an axial handle region extending along axis A-A and a radiused housing region curving about a focal point. That way, a locking pawl of the tool linkage changes planes from its proximal end to a distal extending hook end. This provides a relatively short connection to a surgical tool that is optimum in the tight space requirements of a minimally invasive hip surgery.
US08657833B2 Double offset surgical tool handle assembly to provide greater offset from the coronal plane
A surgical tool handle for releasable connection to a surgical tool is described. The tool handle comprises a housing providing a linkage chamber extending from a proximal housing grip end to a distal housing tool end for receiving a tool. A tool linkage is partially housed within the linkage chamber. That way, manipulation of the tool linkage causes a locking pawl to pivot with respect to the housing from an open configuration ready to receive a tool for attachment to the housing to a closed configuration engageable with the tool supported at the distal housing tool end.
US08657826B2 Apparatus and devices for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct
Apparatus and devices for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.
US08657822B2 Surgical kit for cartilage repair comprising implant and a set of tools
A surgical kit for cartilage repair at an articulating surface of a joint, including a medical implant and a set of tools. The medical implant includes a substantially plate shaped implant body having a predetermined cross-section that substantially corresponds to the area of the damaged cartilage. The set of tools includes a guide tool including a positioning body and a guide channel. The positioning body has a cartilage contact surface that has a shape and contour that is designed to correspond to and to fit the contour of the cartilage or subchondral bone in the joint in a predetermined area surrounding the site of diseased cartilage. The guide channel has a cross-sectional profile that is designed to correspond to the cross-section of the plate shaped implant body. Additional tools in the set of tools have a cross-sectional profile that is designed to correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the guide channel.
US08657820B2 Bone plate and keel systems
Systems and methods for stabilizing portions of bone are provided. In some aspects, a bone plate system includes a plate configured to be fastened to at least one bone portion. The plate includes a keel slot and a locking assembly. The bone plate system also includes a keel configured to extend into the at least one bone portion through the keel slot. The locking assembly is configured to substantially prevent the keel from dislodging from the plate when the keel extends into the at least one bone portion through the keel slot.
US08657817B2 HF surgical instrument
The invention relates to an HF surgical instrument for treating, in particular for cutting and coagulating, biological tissue by means of an HF current. The HF surgical instrument comprises an HF generator for supplying an HF current to a cutting electrode and at least one control device for interrupting an HF current circuit. The control device comprises a current monitoring device, which detects the amplitude of the HF current and then generates a first switch-off signal when the HF current decreases over a defined period of time and/or the HF current falls below a threshold value characterizing a state of the treated tissue, as well as an arc monitoring device, which generates a second switch-off signal when an arc is formed between the cutting electrode and the tissue. The control device is configured in such a way that the HF current circuit is interrupted in response to the first switch-off signal or the second switch-off signal.
US08657813B2 Circular thermal capsulotomy tool and system
A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes an air pressure unit, a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the tool, and a slidable shaping element. A capsulotomy and movement control unit provides electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a relatively small corneal incision. Then, the burning element is opened to a full circular, extended configuration, by pressing the shaping element against both joints of the bands, allowing a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element.
US08657812B2 Side-firing laser fiber with internal bent fiber and related methods
A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment includes a distal end portion of an optical fiber disposed inside a lumen defined along a curved path within a capillary. The distal end surface of the optical fiber can be substantially flush with a portion of an outside surface of the capillary that defines a transmissive portion. The distal end portion of the optical fiber and the curved path can be collectively configured to direct laser energy through the transmissive portion in a lateral or side-fired direction that is offset from a longitudinal axis or centerline of the capillary. In some embodiments, more than one optical fiber can be disposed along the curved path. In other embodiments, more than one curved path can be defined within the capillary such that a distal end portion of an optical fiber can be disposed along each of the curved paths.
US08657806B2 Device suitable for carrying on the body of a user to generate vacuum for medical applications
A device for carrying on the body of a user to generate a vacuum for medical applications, having a vacuum-producing device and a disposable vessel, with a suction tube connection leading to Ihe body, wherein the vacuum-producing device is disposed in a first housing part of the device and the vessel forms a second housing part of the device, and the housing parts are separably fixed one against the other, the device having body fastening means. The housing pans can be separably fixed to each other by a positive-action locking mechanisms and the locking mechanism having a manually operable operating element. The first and/or second housing part is constituted for manual gripping so that the device or the first or second housing part can be gripped and separated from the other housing part, and the manually operable operating element is provided in the region of the manual gripping.
US08657805B2 Complex shape steerable tissue visualization and manipulation catheter
Complex steerable catheter visualization and tissue manipulation systems and their methods of use are disclosed herein. The deployment catheter is articulated using various steering mechanisms. Tissue visualization is accomplished from the visualization hood at the distal end of the deployment catheter, the hood having an ability to expand and other features to facilitate visualization and articulation at the tissue surface.
US08657802B2 Pull-on wearable article with informational image
A pull-on wearable article includes a main portion including an outer cover, the main portion defining a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region extending between and connecting the front and rear waist regions. First and second extendable side panels extend between and connect the main portion front waist region and the main portion rear waist region to form the article in a closed waist configuration, at least a portion of each side panel being extendable between a relaxed state and an extended state. The article defines first and second side regions, each side region including one of the first and second side panels and a transverse region of the main portion bordering the respective side panel. An informational image is disposed in at least the first side region. The article may further include a texture feature formed in an outer surface of the article and positioned proximate to the informational image to form a composite image. Alternatively or additionally, the image includes a cognitively functional graphic.
US08657801B2 Switching device and an irrigation system comprising the device
The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.
US08657800B2 Suction device having a rotary switch
A suction device having a rotary switch is provided. A main body of the suction device is provided with a patient-end connector, an oxygen supply connector, a suction connector, a cleaning connector and a connecting portion. The rotary switch is assembled with the connecting portion and can be switched between a first position and a second position. The rotary switch is provided with two opposite suction holes. When the rotary switch is located in the first position, the two suction holes are aligned with the patient-end connector and the suction connector to thereby communicate the patient-end connector with the suction connector. When the rotary switch is located in the second position, the communication between the patient-end connector and the suction connector is shut off.
US08657793B2 Space saving plunger cap and rod assembly
A syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel defining a chamber and having a stopper disposed within the chamber, a sleeve having a first end and a second end and extending at least partially about the syringe barrel, and a cap associated with a second end of the sleeve. The syringe assembly also includes a plunger rod having a first end associated with the cap and a second end, wherein the plunger rod is transitionable from a pre-use position, in which at least a portion of the second end of the plunger rod extends along a portion of a barrel sidewall, to a ready-to-use position in which the plunger rod is aligned with the stopper. Upon proximal movement of the sleeve in a direction away from a first end of the barrel, the plunger rod is configured for lateral movement with respect to the cap into the ready-to-use position.
US08657792B1 Medicinal tube lubricating system and associated use thereof
A medicine delivering tube capable of transporting fluid from an existing medicine dispensing unit to the patient preferably includes a protective sleeve concentrically positioned about the medicine delivering tube such that a lubricant receiving zone is intercalated between an outer surface of the medicine delivering tube and an inner surface of the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve preferably includes a plurality of holes spaced along a major surface area of the protective sleeve. A lubricant dispensing unit is in fluid communication with the protective sleeve thereby injecting lubricant into the lubricant receiving zone for reducing friction between the outer surface of the medicine delivering tube and the inner surface of the protective sleeve. In this manner, upon applying an external force to the protective sleeve, the lubricant is caused to egress the protective sleeve via the holes thereby reducing friction along an outer surface of the protective sleeve.
US08657790B2 Access device with blunting device
A device may include a hollow needle, a dilator mounted coaxially on the needle, and a sheath mounted coaxially on the dilator. The dilator may be slideably displaceable relative to the sheath.
US08657787B2 Injector having low input power
A powered injector that stores energy at a low rate when not in use and delivers energy at a high rate during injection. Energy may be stored in a highly responsive energy storage device, such as a capacitor, for rapid delivery of power to the injector motor. In certain embodiments, wires connecting the powered injector to a power supply may be relatively small and inexpensive because the current and voltage loads placed on the wires are relatively low.
US08657786B2 Needle array assembly and method for delivering therapeutic agents
A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of fluid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.
US08657784B1 Catheter stop
A catheter stop includes an obstruction attached to a catheter at a location that represents the maximum acceptable insertion depth of the catheter into a tracheal tube without causing damage to a patient or the tube. In one embodiment, the obstruction is a pad having a pair of opposing adhesive wings for securing the pad to the catheter. In another embodiment, the obstruction is formed of a triangular housing having a pair of hinged sections that open and close in a clamshell-type fashion. Each section includes a longitudinal, semi-cylindrical, bore that cooperates with the bore on the other section to form a tubular passageway for accommodating the catheter when the sections are closed. A clamp on an edge of one section detachably engages a latch on the corresponding edge of the other section to secure the housing about the catheter.
US08657781B2 Automated alignment
Systems and method are disclosed whereby elongate medical instruments may be registered to adjacent tissue structures and other structures, and may be navigated and operated in a coordinated fashion to maximize ranges of motion, ease of use, and other factors. A method for registering an instrument relative to nearby structures may comprise moving a portion of the instrument between two in situ positions, tracking movement during this movement with both a kinematic model and also a localization sensor based configuration, determining the orientation of the tracked portion relative to both the instrument coordinate system used in the kinematic modeling and also a localization coordinate reference frame, and adjusting the orientation of the instrument coordinate reference frame to minimize the difference between determined orientations using the kinematic model and localization sensors. Methods and configurations for navigating coupled and registered instrument sets are also disclosed.
US08657779B2 Insulin pump based expert system
An apparatus comprising a pump configured to deliver insulin, an input configured to receive blood glucose data, a user interface, and a controller communicatively coupled to the pump, the input, and the user interface. The controller includes a blood glucose data module to compare the blood glucose data to a target blood glucose level for an insulin pump user. The controller is configured to present a question related to the blood glucose level via the user interface when the blood glucose level is different than the target blood glucose level, receive a response to the question via the user interface, and present a recommended user action based at least in part on the response. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08657775B2 Method of treating a subject suffering from end stage renal disease against cardiovascular disease
The present invention relates to high cut-off hemodialysis membranes for the treatment of chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients, with the potential to improve long-term survival of these patients by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, through down-regulation of monocyte activation in the blood. Monocytes are the major circulating blood cells involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease. High cut-off hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients results in a sustained decrease in expression of monocyte cell-surface proteins that direct the movement of these cells from the blood to the walls of blood vessels, where they promote the progression of arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD); heart disease, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.
US08657774B1 Spinal decompression device and method of use
There is provided a device for use with a patient. The device includes a first load line including an anchor attachment end and a first inline end. The anchor attachment end is sized and configured to be attachable in a terminating manner to an anchor object. The device further includes a second load line including a head attachment end and a second inline end. The head attachment end is sized and configured to attach to a head of the patient. The device further includes an elastomeric member disposed between and attached to the first and second inline ends. The elastomeric member has a significantly lower linear elastic modulus than each of the first and second load lines. The device further includes an adjustment element sized and configured to adjust the tension in an effective tension length of the device.
US08657770B1 Spinal stretching and decompression device
A spinal stretching and decompression device (10) that is effective for treating a plurality of spinal disorders or lower back conditions, such as sciatica. The device (10) is worn around a person's mid-section, and encompasses the person's buttocks and crotch region, during an exercise or stretching session. There are two embodiments of the device (10) with both embodiments comprising a base support belt (12 or 112), a lower support unit (44) that is attached to the base support belt (12 or 112), a first side support belt (72) and a second side support belt (92). The two side support belts pass through loops on the base support belt (92) and each belt is secured together around a person's waist. The difference between the two embodiment is that the first embodiment elements are integrally attached, and the second embodiment elements are removably attached by multiple buckles.
US08657769B2 Thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis
A thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis includes an upper body support for use with a torso orthosis. The upper body support has an anterior assembly including an anterior plate secured to the torso orthosis, a sternal assembly connected to the anterior plate, and a pectoral assembly connected to the sternal assembly. A posterior assembly is connected to the torso orthosis and is connected to the pectoral assembly by at least one strap. The sternal assembly has at least one pivot point arranged to pivot the sternal assembly relative to the anterior plate.
US08657761B2 Apparatus for inserting needle
Provided is an apparatus for inserting a needle capable of obtaining automation of tissue sample collection or drug injection and operation stability by applying a link mechanism between a needle inserted into a specific part of a human body and a power source for providing a drive force. The apparatus includes a needle unit inserted into a human body, a drive unit configured to provide a drive force to the needle unit such that the needle unit reciprocates between an insertion position at which the needle unit is inserted into the human body and a withdrawal position at which the needle unit is withdraw to the outside of the human body, and a guide unit including a plurality of guide links each having at least two links relatively rotated by the drive force of the drive unit and radially disposed around the needle unit, and configured to guide the needle unit such that the needle unit translates between the insertion position and the withdrawal position in a longitudinal direction of the needle unit.
US08657756B2 Implantable device employing movement sensing for detecting sleep-related disorders
Methods and systems for evaluating a pathological condition include acquiring movement information, such as electromyogram (EMG) information, and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) information, and detecting the presence of a pathological condition using both movement and SDB information. Methods may involve sensing physiological signals including at least muscle movement signals. Sleep-related disorders are detected using the sensed physiological signals, the sleep-related disorders including at least an involuntary muscle movement disorder and sleep-disordered breathing. Methods and systems also provide for detecting and treating a sleep-related disorder using movement and SDB information. Cardiac, respiratory, nerve stimulation, drug, or a combination of such therapies may be delivered to treat a detected or diagnosed pathological condition.
US08657755B2 System and method of measuring changes in arterial volume of a limb segment
A medical diagnostic device performs diagnostics for assessing the ability of the arteries to respond to an increase in blood flow. The medical diagnostic device determines relative changes in arterial volume of the limb segment during a time period after a stimulus relative to the arterial volume of the limb segment during a baseline period using the amplitudes or other portions of the component pulse waves (such as early systolic components) of volume pulse waves during the baseline period and after the stimulus.
US08657750B2 Method and apparatus for motion-compensated ultrasound imaging
An ultrasound imaging system and method include acquiring first ultrasound data, the first ultrasound data comprising data of a first plane through a structure of interest. The ultrasound imaging system and method include tracking the motion of a landmark based on the first ultrasound data. The ultrasound imaging system and method acquiring second ultrasound data, the second ultrasound data including data of a second plane through the structure of interest, the second plane being distinct from the first plane, where the position of the second plane is adjusted to track the motion of the landmark. The ultrasound imaging system and method also includes generating an image based on the second ultrasound data.
US08657749B2 Ultrasonic puncture needle
An ultrasonic puncture needle used in combination with an ultrasonic endoscope including a distal-end hard part, a bendable part, and an operation part, includes: a sheath inserted into an insertion channel of the ultrasonic endoscope; a needle tube that includes an opening; a releasing mechanism that releases a substance. In a state in which the needle tube is disposed inside the bendable part, a periphery of the needle tube receives a force from an inner wall of the insertion channel while the bendable part is in a bent state by the operation part. The needle tube is rotated around a long axis of the insertion channel by the force, such that an axis line matching the direction of the opening in the needle tube protruding from the insertion channel becomes substantially parallel with an ultrasonic scanning face of the ultrasonic endoscope.
US08657740B2 Instrument access device
An instrument access device comprises first, second and third instrument seals for sealing around instruments extended through the device. The seals have respective connector sleeves. Each sleeve connects a base to one of the instrument seals. The device also comprises two insufflation/desufflation ports. Each of the ports comprises a connector extending from the base, a tube extending from the connector, a luer connector and a removable cap. The luer connector is used for connection to any suitable supply line for insufflation gas or for discharge if insufflation gas. In use, the insufflation/desufflation ports facilitate independent control of insufflation and desufflation as may be required during a surgical procedure. Access sleeve at the proximal end is cut-off, folded over the inner proximal ring and is held in place between the base and the inner proximal ring when the base is fitted. The proximal end of the sleeve that is generated when the sleeve is pulled upwardly to retract an incision is removed from the field of use.
US08657738B2 Endoscope system and illumination light control method therefor
In an endoscope system, a light guide for conducting illumination light from a light source to an endoscope distal end consists of a first fiber bundle and a second fiber bundle. Optical fibers of the first fiber bundle have a smaller numerical aperture than optical fibers of the second fiber bundle. A light volume control mechanism is controlled to project the illumination light only from the first fiber bundle in a close-up inspection mode. In an ordinary inspection mode, the illumination light is projected only from the second fiber bundle. When the volume of light projected from the second fiber bundle toward a target site is insufficient in the ordinary inspection mode, the light volume control mechanism is controlled to let the illumination light be projected from the first fiber bundle.
US08657737B2 Electronic endoscope system, an electronic endoscope processor, and a method of acquiring blood vessel information
The system includes an illuminating unit, an electronic endoscope, a unit for outputting first image data having different wavelength bands from the imaging signal, a unit for producing blood vessel information from the first image data, a unit for setting a given region in an image as reference value region, a unit for calculating a reference value for the blood vessel information based on second image data for a region within a reference value region, a unit for calculating relative value blood vessel information from the difference between the blood vessel information and the reference value blood vessel information, a unit for producing a simulated-color relative value blood vessel information image from the relative value blood vessel information, and a monitor for displaying a relative value blood vessel information image.
US08657736B2 Medical robotic system having entry guide controller with instrument tip velocity limiting
A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulatable instruments extending out of its distal end, an entry guide manipulator providing controllable four degrees-of-freedom movement of the entry guide, and a controller configured to limit joint velocities in the entry guide manipulator so as to prevent movement of tips of the articulatable instruments from exceeding a maximum allowable linear velocity when the entry guide manipulator is being used to move the entry guide.
US08657734B2 Implantable universal docking station for prosthetic hearing devices
A system for implantation in a recipient comprising: first and second functional implantable components configured to interoperate in order to stimulate the recipient's ear, and an implantable docking station having a plurality of interfaces, the interfaces comprising: a first interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to the first component, and at least a second interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to the second component, wherein one of the plurality of interfaces is configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to a third component, and wherein the third component is configured to perform an analogous function as one of the first and second components.
US08657730B2 Umbilicus for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system
An umbilicus is provided for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system. The umbilicus has a pair of anchor portions, at least one fluid-transmitting lumen, and a drive shaft. The fluid-transmitting lumen and drive shaft extend between the anchor portions. The lumen and drive shaft may be comprised of different materials. If multiple lumen are provided, they may either be separate from each other and the drive shaft or defined in a single umbilicus body which also provides a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the drive shaft.
US08657727B1 Resistance training exercise device including governor
A resistance training exercise device includes a stretchable cord having an internal cavity and a governor in the form of a limit band situated within that cavity and including first and second end segments. A retaining member attaches each of the end segments to the cord so as to impart stretching motion to the limit band when the cord is stretched during exercising. The retaining members provided at each end of the limit band each include a cup-shaped outer member and an inner, member having an outer peripheral surface. Each end segment of the limit band is positioned through an opening in the cup-shaped outer member and is secured to the inner member.
US08657724B2 Folding treadmill
A folding treadmill includes a base frame, a running platform having a first end thereof pivotally connected to the base frame, a lifting mechanism mounted to one end of the base frame and to the first end of the running platform for lifting the associated first end of the running platform relative to the base frame A damping device is mounted to the base frame, and a folding mechanism having a lift cylinder is installed in the running platform and a link is pivotally connected between the lift cylinder and the damping device.
US08657716B1 Drive train component with structural cover
A drivetrain component is provided that may include a housing, a component, a cover and a pair of bearings. The housing may define an internal cavity and a pair of bearing bulkheads. The component may be received in the internal cavity. The cover may be coupled to the housing and may close a side of the internal cavity. The cover may include a pair of bearing caps. Each of the bearing caps may be mounted to a corresponding one of the bearing bulkheads. The pair of bearings may be received on the component. Each bearing may be engaged to an associated one of the bearing bulkheads and an associated one of the bearing caps.
US08657714B1 Journal bearing and method of facilitating hydrodynamic oil flow, load capacity and optimization of bearing performance
A journal bearing for use in an epicyclical gearbox including a journal pin, a journal bearing body into which the journal pin is disposed and at least one lubricating fluid inlet. The lubricating fluid inlet is configured to provide for an input of a lubricating fluid in a loaded arc portion proximate at least one high pressure point exerted upon the journal bearing body during a high pressure event, thereby permitting a free flow of a lubricating fluid there between the journal pin and the journal bearing body during the high pressure event. In an embodiment, the journal pin is configured to mimic the shape of the journal bearing body at least at a high pressure point exerted upon the journal bearing body during a high pressure event. An epicyclical gearbox including the journal bearing and method of facilitating a hydrodynamic oil flow in the planet gear journal bearing.
US08657710B2 Universal hockey puck
A hockey puck for use on both ice and non-ice surfaces. The puck has a plurality of conically shaped apertures extending at an angle from the top to the bottom of the puck to provide a stabilized cushion of air when the puck is in motion. The cushion of air reduces the friction between the puck and the surface, enabling the puck to remain at a high speed for a longer time period. The puck can be manufactured in a standard weight of 6 ounces for regular use or a lighter puck in the range of 4 to 4.25 ounces for junior hockey, street hockey or roller-hockey use. The annular side surface of the puck can be knurled or dimpled to enhance controllability and aerodynamics. Additionally, the corners of the puck can be rounded to reduce the effect of snow-plowing.
US08657708B2 Portable target game training device
A Portable Target Game Training Device for training play by a user that elevates a target comprised of a base, a stand connected to the base, a rotatable shaft connected to the stand, an arm connected to the rotatable shaft connection means between the arm and the rotatable shaft and a target secured to the remote end of the arm. The arm can be forced to bow by tethered cords connected to the rotatable shaft. When the target is hit, the arm, the cords and the shaft rotate. The speed and character of rotation and counter rotation is governed by stretching and easing an elastic cord connected to the base of the device and the top of the rotatable shaft. The angle of the shaft vis a vis the stand may be adjusted. The height of the stand may be adjusted.
US08657707B2 Swing analysis method
An analysis method includes the steps of: measuring a swing of a golf club to which a sensor capable of measuring accelerations in directions of three axes and angular velocities or angles about the three axes is attached; obtaining an index for classifying the swing based on a measuring result of the sensor; and classifying the swing based on the index. The index includes the item (a) or (b): (a) a grip angular velocity at least at one time during a downswing; and (b) a grip velocity at least at one time during the downswing. Preferably, times of an address, a top, and an impact are determined in the analysis method.
US08657706B2 Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a drag coefficient (CD) below about 0.255 at a Reynolds Number (Re) of about 165,000 and at a spin rate in the range of about 3,400 rpm to about 3,550 rpm and below about 0.330 at a RE of about 80,000 and at a spin rate in a range of about 2,900 rpm to about 3,000 rpm.
US08657697B2 Play system accessory with motion-activated sound module
An accessory for a play system comprises a support configured to be suspended from or supported on the play system; and a sound module coupled with the support. The sound module comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the support and a sound-emitting device for emitting sounds in response to motion of the support as detected by the motion detector.
US08657696B1 Trampoline arena
A trampoline arena includes a framework assembly having a plurality of frame elements defining an outwardly sloping outer wall, and a deck, a plurality of voids being defined between the framework elements. The arena also includes a plurality of trampolines connected to the frame elements along peripheries thereof and extending across the plurality of voids to further define the outwardly sloping outer wall and deck, and a padding assembly including a plurality of pads overlying the frame elements and the peripheries of the trampolines.
US08657693B2 Torsional shock absorbing apparatus
The torsional shock absorbing apparatus includes a boss, a cam member provided on the boss to be integrally rotated with the boss and having a cam surface formed in an oval shape, and an arm member disposed between the cam member and a coil spring to transmit the rotation torque of the disc plates to the boss. The arm member has one end portion held in contact with the cam surface and the other end portion held in engagement with circumferential one end portion of the coil spring, and is swingable around the center of a pin provided on the disc plates.
US08657689B2 Annular flow distribution control of lubrication oil between concentric rotary shafts
A concentric cylinder drive assembly (1) used for the transmission of power in industrial machinery is disclosed. More specifically, a concentric drive assembly (1) with a hollow outer cylinder (5) having an internal surface with a bi-directional surface lay; an inner cylinder (3) having an external surface with a unidirectional surface lay oriented at a predetermined angle (φ) along the length of the cylinder; an annular channel established between the outer and inner cylinders having a predetermined gap (7); and a lubrication oil that substantially fills the annular channel is presented.
US08657688B1 Promotion generation engine for a money transfer system
A money transfer system is promoted by providing a user access to a game or contest generated by a promotions engine computer. The user is directed to a customer relations portal accessible via an access device to participate in the game or contest. The customer relations portal comprising a server configured to manage the game or contest and associated with the promotions engine computer. A response is received from the user at the server related to the user's participation in the game or contest. The server determines whether the user is to receive a reward or prize based on the response from the user, and an output is provided to the user on the access device indicating whether the user is to receive the reward or prize.
US08657687B2 Presenting and controlling wagering game marketing information
Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with a first part (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) that presents first content associated with one or more wagering games and a second part (e.g., a main content display area) that concurrently presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers. Some embodiments are directed to determining, based on concurrent presentation of the first content and the second content, that one or more awards are available from a first of the content providers conditional upon performance of one or more activities indicated by a second of the content providers, and the browser application presents one or more indicators to indicate the one or more awards and/or the one or more activities.
US08657686B2 Synthetic environment character data sharing
Synthetic environment character data sharing is described, including retrieving data from a first computer configured to interact with a synthetic environment by a game server, the first computer and the game server being in data communication with each other and configured using a client-server network topology, determining one or more attributes associated with the first computer relative to the synthetic environment in real-time or substantially real-time by accessing a file updated by the first computer, the file being stored on the game server, and generating a display on a second computer using the data, the display being presented using a synthetic environment mapping application, including at least a location and a login status associated with the first computer relative to the synthetic environment.
US08657681B2 Safety scheme for gesture-based game system
Technologies are generally described for a safety scheme for a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system may include determining whether an obstacle exists within a playing space associated with a game being currently played on the gesture-based game system, and generating in a display area associated with the game a barrier image associated with the obstacle.
US08657675B1 Bonus jackpots in enriched game play environment
Systems and methods for a providing a jackpot bonus in a gaming system A jackpot bonus element is generated in an entertainment game portion of a hybrid game and a gambling game in a gambling game portion of the hybrid game is triggered when a player initiates an encounter in the entertainment game with the bonus element. It is then determined if the player wins the gambling game triggered by the player's encounter with the bonus element in the entertainment game a payout is provided to the player when it is determined that the player has won the gambling game.
US08657672B2 Electronic gaming device
The present invention relates to an electronic gaming machine having a game server to which a gaming apparatus can be connected, wherein the game server has a ticket block including a plurality of electronic game tickets which are each individually characterized by a winning number combination, wherein the gaming apparatus can be connected to a credit store associated with it which can be loaded by an input apparatus and including a ticket purchasing apparatus for purchasing a game ticket while reducing the credit stored in the credit store. The gaming apparatus has a gaming device which can be actuated in dependence on a course of a game while using as the basis the data of the same game ticket in a plurality of game rounds from the credit store and then from a winnings store.
US08657670B2 Data access and communication system
A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The gaming machine includes a determining module for determining whether or not at least one further prize, following the awarding of an initial prize, is to be awarded, the determining module using the value of that initial prize in determining the probability of the player successfully winning the at least one further prize.
US08657669B2 Gaming machine power fail enhancement
An operating system for a gaming system includes a data producer which generates non-reproducible data relating to a transaction carried out in respect of the gaming system. A data consumer is in communication with the data producer for storing data relating to the non-reproducible data. A game controller is in communication with the data producer and the data consumer which effects communications between the data producer and the data consumer by means of a transaction-based protocol. The invention also relates to the use of data storage device for a gaming system that includes a local power supply.
US08657663B2 Slot machine displaying count of symbols determining prize and control method thereof
A slot machine comprising a display and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (A) variably displaying a plurality of symbols on the display, and then stop-displaying the symbols; (B) determining a prize based on the number of the symbols of respective types stop-displayed on the display; and (C) displaying sequence numbers on each of the plurality of symbols of the type corresponding to the prize determined in the processing (B).
US08657659B2 Networked wagering game with a randomly-selected feature game
Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods that include a randomly selected feature game are disclosed. One disclosed aspect provides for a wagering game including a primary game and a plurality of feature games. One or more of the plurality of feature games is selected for play upon a triggering event associated with the primary game. In another disclosed aspect, the wagering game may also include at least two types of progressives including wide-area progressives, casino-wide progressives, bank progressives and stand-alone progressives. Another disclosed aspect provides a pay table, wherein the pay table changes dynamically according to the size of a wager.
US08657653B2 Homogeneous polishing pad for eddy current end-point detection
Homogeneous polishing pads for polishing semiconductor substrates using eddy current end-point detection are described. Methods of fabricating homogeneous polishing pads for polishing semiconductor substrates using eddy current end-point detection are also described.
US08657650B2 Grinding wheel dressing system
A grinding wheel dressing assembly includes a driving gear rotatable about a central axis and a dressing ring engaged with the driving gear. Rotation of the driving gear about the central axis results in rotation of the dressing ring about an offset axis, which is offset from the central axis. The dressing ring includes a contact surface generally normal to the offset axis and adapted to remove dull CBN particles from a substantially planar grinding surface of a grinding wheel that comes into contact with the contact surface.
US08657646B2 Endpoint detection using spectrum feature trajectories
A method of polishing includes polishing a substrate, making a sequence of measurements of light reflected from the substrate while the substrate is being polished, at least some of the measurements of the sequence of measurements differing due to material being removed during polishing, for each measurement in the sequence, determining a first value of a first characteristic and a second value of a different second characteristic of the light to generate a sequence of first values and second values, storing a predetermined path in a coordinate space of the first characteristic and the second characteristic, for each measurement in the sequence, determining a position on the path based on the first value and the second value, and determining at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate based on the position on the path.
US08657642B2 R/C car with demolition features
A radio controlled R/C car including, a body supported on a plurality of wheels including at least one drive wheel, a remote control in communication with a controller on the car, a plurality of removable panels each panel including a latch to hold the panel in a first position on the car body and each latch associated with a plunger movable from a first position holding the latch in place to a second position releasing the latch, a first spring biasing the plunger to the first position and a second spring loaded by the latch the second spring biasing the panel away from the first position such that the panel springs away from the car body to simulate a crash. Once all the panels are released a sound plays and a driver ejects from the car and the car stops. Two or more cars can be used in a demolition derby where the last car still running with a driver would be the winner.
US08657638B1 Systems and methods for determining oil level in outboard motors
In systems and methods for determining oil level in a marine outboard motor having an internal combustion engine, a control circuit determines whether oil has drained back into a sump from the internal combustion engine. An oil sensor senses an oil level in the sump. The control circuit calculates a characteristic of the actual oil level of the outboard motor based upon the oil level after the oil has drained back into the sump and based upon a trim position of the outboard motor.
US08657637B1 Multi-engine Jack Plate
A multiple engine jack plate, comprising, in combination, a transom plate, a center plate connector, a pair of outer slides and a pair of inner slides. There is at least one hydraulic cylinder coupling the transom plate and the slides. There is a hydraulic pump system having a pump and a hydraulic fluid flow control valve and a hydraulic fluid reservoir holding a volume of hydraulic fluid.
US08657635B2 Terminal and connector using the same
A terminal configured to be pressed into and fixed to a base material has a press-fit fixing portion configured to be pressed into the base material, a branch portion extending from the press-fit fixing portion, a plurality of extension portions that extend from the branch portion in a meandering manner, such that at least one meandering slit is formed thereby, a tip portion integrated with a free end of the extension portion, and a movable contact portion formed on the tip portion that is configured to protrude out of a contacting hole of the base material so as to be taken in and out.
US08657632B2 I/O connector
A connector includes an insulating housing having a rear wall of which a front side extends forward to form a tongue portion and a back side defines a concave groove in accordance with the tongue portion. The tongue portion defines a plurality of terminal grooves. A plurality of terminals each has a fixing portion fixed in a rear of the terminal groove with a rear end thereof further projecting into the concave groove, a contact portion disposed in the terminal groove, and a soldering tail stretching outside the insulating housing. A water-proof member is formed in the concave groove by injecting molten water-proof colloid in the concave groove to seal up intervals between the fixing portions of the terminals and inner sides of the rears of the terminal grooves. A metal shell is molded in the insulating housing.