Document Document Title
US09012724B2 Hybrid carrot variety PURPLE SNAX
The present invention relates to plants of a carrot variety PURPLE SNAX and seeds and progeny thereof. The invention further relates to methods for producing a carrot plant by traditional breeding methods. The invention further relates to a method for producing a carrot plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes.
US09012720B2 Compositions and methods for modifying gene expression using the promoter of ubiquitin conjugating protein coding gene of soybean plants
A polynucleotide isolated from soybean plants capable of initiating transcription and with sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 1 is provided. In some aspects, the polynucleotide has sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 1 of at least 40%, is the reverse complement or the reverse of such sequences. In some aspects, the polynucleotide is linked to expression enhancers or sequences of interest. In some embodiments, a recombinant vector comprises the polynucleotide. In some aspects, the recombinant vector comprises enhancers, termination sequences, or sequences of interest. In some embodiments a transformed cell, plant, plant part, or propagulum comprise the polynucleotide.
US09012719B2 Modification of multidomain enzyme for expression in plants
Compositions and methods for expressing a multidomain enzyme in a plant are provided. The compositions include plants, seeds, plant tissues, and plant parts expressing a modified multidomain enzyme enzyme. The modified multidomain enzyme has a heterologous linker region that is not cleaved when the modified multidomain enzyme is expressed in a plant. In various embodiments, the linker region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:18, 19, or 20. Further provided are methods for producing a modified multidomain enzyme enzyme comprising cultivating plants expressing the modified multidomain enzyme. Downstream uses of transgenic plant material of the invention include agronomical and industrial uses, for example, human food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, biofuel, industrial alcohol, fermentation feedstocks, and the like.
US09012717B2 Human lambda light chain mice
Genetically modified mice are provided that express human λ variable (hVλ) sequences, including mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse λ light chain locus, mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse κ light chain locus, and mice that express hVλ sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hVλ sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human λ variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human λ variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided.
US09012715B2 Absorbent article having a wetness indicator
An absorbent article having an outer cover with an interior surface and an opposite exterior surface, an absorbent core positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, and a wetness indicator graphic located on the outer cover. The wetness indicator graphic has a permanent graphic defining at least one non-printed area and a changing graphic located within the at least one non-printed area of the permanent graphic such that the permanent graphic and the changing graphic together give the appearance of a uniform graphic.
US09012714B2 Wound treatment device
A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug and a cover for covering the wound surface and the plug, wherein said plug consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer, one second surface layer and one intermediate space arranged between said surface layers. At least the first surface layer is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space is provided with isolating threads elastically holding the first surface layer and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.
US09012708B2 Method for production of styrene from toluene and methane
A process is disclosed for making styrene by converting methanol to formaldehyde in a reactor then reacting the formaldehyde with toluene to form styrene in a separate reactor.
US09012703B2 Process for purifying (hydro) fluoroalkenes
The invention relates to a process for removing one or more undesired (hydro)halocarbon compounds from a (hydro)fluoroalkene, the process comprising contacting a composition comprising the (hydro)fluoroalkene and one or more undesired (hydro)halocarbon compounds with an aluminum-containing absorbent, activated carbon, or a mixture thereof.
US09012700B2 Method for continuous production of nitrobenzene
The invention relates to a method for producing nitrobenzene, in which crude nitrobenzene is first produced by nitrating benzene and said crude nitrobenzene is then washed in succession in at least one acid wash, in at least one alkaline wash and in at least one neutral wash, at least one additional wash with an aqueous solution of a potassium salt being interposed between the last alkaline wash and the first neutral wash.
US09012698B2 Method of extracting lutein/xanthophylls from natural materials and highly purified lutein/xanthophylls obtained from the method thereof
The present invention provides the new method for extracting lutein from natural materials wherein the said method comprises of modification of natural lutein ester in the natural materials to free lutein and/or low molecular weight lutein ester, extraction of the said natural materials with supercritical fluid at the optimal conditions. The said method yields high amount of crude lutein with high purity due to the mild condition used for extraction. Therefore, no degradation of the desired product is occurred. The crude lutein can be further purified with chromatography in order to obtain the highly purified lutein. The method according to this invention can be applied to the extraction of xanthophylls or others beside lutein.
US09012696B2 Process for the alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons with olefins
Process for the alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons by means of olefins containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, which comprises feeding the hydrocarbon, olefin, and possibly water, to the head of a fixed-bed reactor, operating with a “trickle flow” regime, containing at least one layer of a catalyst comprising a medium-or large-pore zeolite.
US09012695B2 Process for neutralizing an unneutralised polyether polyol
A process for neutralizing an unneutralized polyether polyol prepared using a base catalyst according to the invention comprises the steps of addition of a polyprotic acid to the unneutralized polyether polyol, the highest pKa-value of the polyprotic acid being less than 3.5, wherein, per kilogram of unneutralized polyether polyol, “A” moles of said polyprotic acid are added to the unneutralized polyether polyol, such that (n−1)*A
US09012694B2 Process for the production of alcohols
The present invention provides a process for the production of aldehydes and/or alcohols, which process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting an oxygenate and/or olefinic feed in a reactor in the presence of a molecular sieve catalyst to form an effluent comprising olefins, comprising propylene; (b) separating the effluent comprising olefins as obtained in step (a) into at least a first olefinic product fraction comprising propylene and a second olefinic product fraction; (c) subjecting at least part of the first olefinic product fraction as obtained in step (b) to a hydroformylation process to form aldehydes; (d) separating at least part of the aldehydes as obtained in step (c) into at least a first product fraction of aldehydes and a second product fraction of aldehydes; and (e) hydrogenating at least part of the aldehydes in the first and/or second product fraction of aldehydes as obtained in step (d) to form a first product fraction of alcohols and/or a second product fraction of alcohols; (f) recycling at least part of the first and/or second product fraction of alcohols obtained in step (e) to step (a).
US09012693B2 Process for the preparation of vitamin K2
Using a combination of Kumada, Suzuki and Biellmann chemistry, various menaquinones can synthesized rapidly and with stereochemical integrity offering a new way of preparing these vitamin K2 components for the pharmaceutical market. In one embodiment a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) is defined including a step in which (i) a compound of formula (II) is reacted formula (III) wherein R is an alkyl group; LG is a leaving group; m is an integer from 0 to 8; n is an integer from 0 to 9; and X is hydrogen, halide, hydroxyl or protected hydroxyl; in the presence of a copper, nickel or palladium catalyst.
US09012691B2 Process for preparing primary intermediates for dyeing keratin fibers
A process has been developed for preparing 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-benzenediamine (IV-a), other compounds of formula (IV), and the salts thereof, all of which may be used as primary intermediates in compositions for dyeing keratin fibers.
US09012686B2 Acrylic acid from lactide and process
Technical grade acrylic acid derived from renewable resources utilizing a homogeneous nickel catalyst system by a process including reacting lactide with acetic acid to form 2-acetoxypropionic acid in the presence of a homogeneous nickel catalyst, pyrolyzing, with or without a catalyst, the 2-acetoxypropionic acid to acrylic acid and acetic acid, condensing and collecting the pyrolysis products in the presence of polymerization inhibitor(s) and purfying the acrylic acid by distillation in the presence of polymerization inhibitor(s). Acrylic acid and methyl acrylate are produced from methyl 2-acetoxypropionate which comes from fermentation derived lactic acid. The disclosed process will produce a “green” (i.e. renewable resources derived) acrylic acid and methyl acrylate ester.
US09012684B2 Aminocarboxylate powders with improved purity and flowability properties
Provided is a method for preparing stable free flowing solid aminocarboxylate chelants by adding to a chelant that contains residual alkaline metal hydroxide a free or partially neutralized carboxylic acid such that the free or partially neutralized acid neutralizes at least a portion of the alkaline metal hydroxide; and isolating therefrom the free-flowing solid chelant.
US09012681B2 α-keto peracids and methods for producing and using the same
The present invention provides α-keto peracids and methods for producing and using the same. In particular, α-keto peracids are useful as antimicrobial agents.
US09012678B2 Processes for the preparation of fesoterodine
The invention relates to improved process for the preparation of fesoterodine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, specifically fesoterodine fumarate of formula (1). The invention relates to solid state forms of a novel salt of fesoterodine and process for the preparation thereof. The invention also relates to highly pure fesoterodine fumarate substantially free of impurity X at RRT 1.37. The invention also provides solid particles of pure fesoterodine fumarate wherein 90 volume-percent of the particles (D90) have a size of higher than 200 microns.
US09012677B2 Amino acid derivatives and absorbable polymers therefrom
The present invention relates to the discovery of new class of hydrolysable amino acid derivatives and absorbable polyester amides, polyamides, polyepoxides, polyureas and polyurethanes prepared therefrom. The resultant absorbable polymers are useful for drug delivery, tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, adhesion prevention, bone wax formulations, medical device coatings, stents, stent coatings, highly porous foams, reticulated foams, wound care, cardiovascular applications, orthopedic devices, surface modifying agents and other implantable medical devices. In addition, these absorbable polymers should have a controlled degradation profile.
US09012676B2 Processes for producing aryl carbamates, isocynates and polyureas using diaryl carbonate
A preparation of aryl carbamates can be achieved readily by carbonylation of an aromatic polyamine compound with diphenyl carbonate (DPC) using a combination of an organic acid and a tertiary amine as a catalyst. Aryl carbamate can be converted into 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) by heating it at about 200 to about 230° C. in a non-polar solvent containing inhibitor such as benzoyl chloride. In another application, trans-ureation of biscarbamates with an amine or mixed amines is found to be extremely facile in a polar solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and tetramethylene sulfone (TMS) in absence of any catalyst to make polyurea polymers of high molecular weights. Thus, efficient green-chemistry processes based on biscarbamates in making isocyanate products as well as urea prepolymers, urea elastomers and urea plastics have been developed in all in excellent yields without using reactive phosgene or 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate separately in the trans-ureation polymerizations.
US09012674B1 Ethyl (2R)-2-acetamido-3-(4-methylbenzoylsulfanyl)propanoate and uses thereof
A novel substituted N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) derivative and methods of using this compound for the treatment of diseases and/or conditions, including but not limited to diseases and/or conditions of, or involving, the Central Nervous System (CNS), including schizophrenia adrenoleukodystrophy, mitochondrial diseases (e.g. Leigh syndrome, Alpers' disease, and MELAS), Huntington's disease, trichotillomania, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, drug craving, and drug addiction.
US09012672B2 Dihydroxypropylamide-modified polysiloxane compound
A modified polysiloxane compound is represented by following Formula (1), in which R1 to R9 represent hydrocarbon groups selected from linear alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, branched chain alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and cyclic alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; p and q represent average numbers of siloxane units indicated in parentheses, where p is a number of 1 or more and q is a number of 2 or more; and “A” represents a group selected from a group represented by following Formula (2), a group represented by following Formula (3), and hydrogen atom. The modified polysiloxane compound has at least a siloxane unit wherein “A” is the group represented by following Formula (2), and a siloxane unit wherein “A” is the group represented by following Formula (3).
US09012671B2 Process for preparing amino-mercapto functional organopolysiloxanes
A method of making amino-mercapto functional organopolysiloxanes is disclosed by reacting (A) a dialkoxydialkylsilane, (B) an amino functional alkoxy silane, and (C) a mercapto functional alkoxy silane, via a condensation reaction. The amino-mercapto functional organopolysiloxanes products are useful in textile and fabric treatments.
US09012669B2 Efficient processes for large scale preparation of phosphaplatins antitumor agents
An efficient process for synthesizing phosphaplatins in large quantities is disclosed by adding platinum complex to a concentrated pyrophosphate solution at pH from between about 6.0 to 8.5. After stirring, the temperature and pH are lowered to precipitate out desired phosphaplatins. Particularly, the disclosed processes reduce the need to use large volumes of starting materials, and shorten the reaction time. In addition, disclosed is a process for recycling un-reacted materials from a first phosphaplatins synthesis.
US09012666B2 Method for producing 30-halogenated betulinic acid
The invention discloses a method for producing 30-halogenated betulinic acid. Betulin is used as a raw material and selectively oxidized and halogenated to generate 30-betulinic acid, and the selected oxidation and halogenation agent has high selectivity and does not affect C-3 hydroxyl or carbon-carbon double bonds. Oxidation and halogenation are completed in one step, so the process route is short, the treatment method is simple, and the product is purified easily.
US09012663B2 Methods for assaying α-L-iduronidase enzymatic activity
Methods for assaying α-L-iduronidase enzymatic activity and methods for screening newborns for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type-I.
US09012652B2 Processes for producing cycloalkylcarboxamido-pyridine benzoic acids
The present invention relates to a process of providing the 3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid in substantially free form (Compound 1).
US09012649B2 Method for producing optically active 2-arylpiperidinium salt
Disclosed is a method for producing an optically active 2-arylpiperidinium salt, comprising asymmetrically hydrogenating a pyridinium salt in the presence of an iridium complex and hydrogen, the 2-arylpiperidinium salt being represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1, R2, X, *, and m are as described in Description, the pyridinium salt being represented by the following general formula (2): wherein R1, R2, X, and m are as described in Description, and the iridium complex being represented by the following general formula (3): IrH(Z)(Q)(PP*)  (3), wherein Z, PP*, and Q are as described in Description, or the following general formula (4): [{IrH(PP*)}2(μ-Z)3]Z  (4), wherein Z and PP* are as described in Description.
US09012644B2 Compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist and beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist activity
Compounds of formula (I) act both as muscarinic receptor antagonists and beta2 adrenergic receptor agonists and are useful for treating and/or preventing broncho-obstructive and inflammatory diseases.
US09012638B2 Process for preparing EDDN and/or EDMN by conversion of FACH and EDA
A process for reacting formaldehyde cyanohydrin (FACH) with ethylenediamine (EDA) in a reactor with limited backmixing at a temperature in the range from 20 to 120° C., wherein the residence time in the reactor is 300 seconds or less.
US09012635B2 Pyridone amides and analogs exhibiting anti-cancer and anti-proliferative activities
Compounds useful in the treatment of mammalian cancers and especially human cancers according to Formula I are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment employing the compounds disclosed herein are also disclosed.
US09012633B2 [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine compounds and their use
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds, and more specifically to certain triazolo compounds (referred to herein as TAZ compounds), and especially certain [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine compounds, which, inter alia, inhibit AXL receptor tyrosine kinase function. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit AXL receptor tyrosine kinase function, and in the treatment of diseases and conditions that are mediated by AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, that are ameliorated by the inhibition of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase function, etc., including proliferative conditions such as cancer, etc.
US09012627B2 Method to produce uretonimine-modified isocyanate composition
A method to produce uretonimine-modified isocyanate composition comprises Providing an organic isocyanate composition having two or more isocyanate groups; Reacting, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, said polyisocyanate composition to form uretonimine-modified isocyanate composition comprising carbodiimide groups and uretonimine groups; terminating said reacting by the addition of an amount of oxalic acid mono alkyl ester halide.
US09012625B2 Method for the synthesis of a trisaccharide
The present invention relates to an improved synthesis of a trisaccharide of the formula (1), novel intermediates used in the synthesis and the preparation of the intermediates.
US09012623B2 In vivo gene silencing by chemically modified and stable siRNA
The present invention provides compositions for RNA interference and methods of use thereof. In particular, the invention provides small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) having modification that enhance the stability of the siRNA without a concomitant loss in the ability of the siRNA to participate in RNA interference (RNAi). The invention also provides siRNAs having modification that increase targeting efficiency. Modifications include chemical crosslinking between the two complementary strands of an siRNA and chemical modification of a 3′ terminus of a strand of an siRNA. Preferred modifications are internal modifications, for example, sugar modification, nucleobase modification and/or backbone modifications. Such modifications are also useful, e.g., to improve uptake of the siRNA by a cell. Functional and genomic and proteomic methods are featured. Therapeutic methods are also featured.
US09012613B2 QTL controlling Sclerotinia stem rot resistance in soybean
Markers associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance are provided. Methods of identifying resistant, and susceptible plants, using the markers are provided. Methods for identifying and isolating QTL are a feature of the invention, as are QTL associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance.
US09012610B2 Diagnostic kit for IGFBP-4 proteolytic fragments in a patient sample
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a cardiovascular or cancer disease by detecting IGFBP-4 (Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-4) fragments in a patient sample. Antibodies specifically recognizing novel epitopes originated by enzyme-dependent cleavage of IGFBP-4 are also disclosed.
US09012609B2 Anti-serum albumin binding variants
The invention relates to improved variants of the anti-serum albumin immunoglobulin single variable domains, as well as ligands and drug conjugates comprising such variants, compositions, nucleic acids, vectors and hosts.
US09012608B2 G immunoglobulin used against anthrax toxins
An immunoglobulin of the G class (IgG) directed against the protective antigen (PA) of the anthrax toxin, includes: a light-chain variable region including an amino-acid sequence having at least 90% amino-acid identity with the sequence SEQ ID No1 such as defined in the description, and a heavy-chain variable region including an amino-acid sequence having at least 90% amino-acid identity with the sequence SEQ ID No2 such as defined in the description, characterized in that it consists of an IgG1 or an IgG2.
US09012605B2 Crystalline polypeptides
Crystalline formulations of therapeutic peptides, along with methods for making and using the same, are provided.
US09012599B2 Nitrogen-containing condensed heterocyclic compounds for OLEDs
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (1), formula (2), formula (3) and formula (4) which are suitable for use in electronic devices, in particular organic electroluminescent devices.
US09012596B2 Copolymers and methods of use thereof
Copolymers, such as block copolymers, having at least one block that is a random copolymer of ε-caprolactone and α-carboxy-ε-caprolactone are described. Also described are methods of using such copolymers, such as, for example, in medical devices.
US09012593B2 Method for preparing an aromatic liquid crystal polyester resin and method for preparing a compound of aromatic liquid crystal polyester resin
Methods of preparing an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin and an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin compound are disclosed. A method of preparing an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin may include: acetylating a first monomer including an amino group by a reaction with a carboxylic acid anhydride; acetylating a second monomer including a hydroxyl group and not including an amino acid group with an additional carboxylic acid anhydride; and synthesizing an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester prepolymer by a condensation polymerization reaction of the acetylated first and second monomers with dicarboxylic acid. A method of preparing an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin compound may use the aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin prepared according to the forgoing method.
US09012589B2 Plasticizers for aqueous suspensions of mineral particles and hydraulic binder pastes
The invention relates to a compound of following formula (I): the preparation method thereof and the use of same.
US09012588B2 Organohydrogenpolysiloxane, making method, and addition-cure silicone composition
An organohydrogenpolysiloxane comprising at least two structural units of —(HR1SiO)a— wherein R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, and a is an integer of 2-50, which are connected together via a SiH-free structural unit, is a novel crosslinking agent. A silicone composition comprising an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, the organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and a catalyst is curable through addition reaction, adherent to plastic substrates, and useful for coating purposes.
US09012587B2 Photo-patternable dielectric materials and formulations and methods of use
Silsesquioxane polymers, silsesquioxane polymers in negative tone photo-patternable dielectric formulations, methods of forming structures using negative tone photo-patternable dielectric formulations containing silsesquioxane polymers, and structures made from silsesquioxane polymers.
US09012586B2 Curable organopolysiloxane composition and optical semiconductor device
A curable organopolysiloxane composition that can be used as a sealant or a bonding agent for optical semiconductor elements and comprises at least the following components: (A) an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane that comprises constituent (A-1) of an average compositional formula and constituent (A-2) of an average compositional formula; (B) an organopolysiloxane that contains silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms and comprises constituent (B-1) containing at least 0.5 wt. % of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms and represented by an average molecular formula, constituent (B-2) containing at least 0.5 wt. % of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms and represented by an average compositional formula, and, if necessary, constituent (B-3) of an average molecular formula; and (C) a hydrosilylation-reaction catalyst. The composition can form a cured body that possesses long-lasting properties of light transmittance and bondability, and relatively low hardness.
US09012583B2 Flow improver for oils and fats
The present invention provides a flow improver for oils and fats, by which a sufficient improvement in the flowability of oils and fats can be achieved, when oils and fats are used as fuels. This flow improver for oils and fats comprises a polymer including constitutional units (I), (II), and (III), and having a weight-average molecular weight in the range of 5,000 to 100,000. The molar fraction a of the constitutional unit (I) is in the range of 0.4 to 0.8, the molar fraction b of the constitutional unit (II) is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3, and the molar fraction c of the constitutional unit (III) is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3.
US09012579B2 Ionomer compositions and methods of making and using same
A method comprising contacting at least one metal salt of an organic acid with at least one aromatic compound in a reaction zone under conditions suitable for the formation of a polymer, wherein the metal salt of an organic acid comprises a metal and at least one unsaturated organic acid moiety. A composition comprising polystyrene and a metal salt of cinnamic acid. An article made from a composition comprising polystyrene and a metal salt of cinnamic acid. A composition comprising polystyrene and a salt of a fatty acid. An article made from a composition comprising polystyrene and a salt of a fatty acid.
US09012577B2 Method for preparing linear alpha-olefins with improved heat removal
The present invention relates to a method for preparing linear alpha-olefins by oligomerizing of ethylene in the presence of a first organic solvent and a homogenous catalyst in a reactor, characterized in that the reactor overhead is cooled by means of a refrigerant.
US09012570B2 Continuous production of poly(vinyl butyral)
The present invention provides a method for continuously producing poly(vinyl butyral) in which the acetalization of poly(vinyl butyral) is carried out using a poly(vinyl alcohol) varnish provided to a mixing region of a high shear mixer at an elevated temperature, which reduces the amount of energy required compared to conventional processing because at least one cooling and heating cycle is eliminated, or makes the recuperation of energy more straightforward.
US09012563B2 Silane-grafted olefin polymers, compositions and articles prepared therefrom, and methods for making the same
The invention relates compositions containing at least one silane-grafted polyolefin, and in particular, to compositions containing at least one silane-grafted ethylene/α-olefin polymer, which has a melt viscosity less than 50,000 cP, and adhesives containing the same. In one embodiment, the at least one silane-grafted ethylene/α-olefin polymer is formed from an ethylene/α-olefin polymer that has a molecular weight distribution from 1 to 3.5. The invention also relates to the preparation of the silane-grafted polymers, by reacting, for example, an ethylene/α-olefin polymer with at least one silane compound and at least one initiator.
US09012562B2 Acrylic adhesive for assembling elements contacting biological substances
The present invention relates to acrylic adhesive composition comprising a mixture of at least one polyol tri(meth)acrylate monomer and at least one polyalkylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate monomer for assembling elements made of plastic materials, like PMMA or SAN, or inorganic material, like glass or metals, employed for manufacturing of devices for the distribution or containment of biological substances, like proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antigens, DNA, and the like. The present invention also relates to devices for the distribution or containment of biological substances assembled with the above mentioned acrylic adhesive composition, and particularly thermal or piezoelectric ejecting devices, and biochip microarray, as well as to a method for assembling thereof.
US09012560B2 Rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention provides a rubber composition that can enhance the fuel economy, wet-grip performance, and abrasion resistance in a balanced manner, and a pneumatic tire using this rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition that contains a rubber component, silica, and a silane coupling agent, wherein the rubber component contains, based on 100% by mass of the rubber component, not less than 5% by mass of a conjugated diene polymer containing a constituent unit based on a conjugated diene and a constituent unit represented by formula (I) below, at least one terminal of the polymer being modified with a specific compound; an amount of the silica is 5 to 150 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component; and the silane coupling agent contains a mercapto group.
US09012557B1 Method of making and treating synthetic sporting surfaces
Disclosed is a method of making sporting surfaces, particularly animal racing surfaces such as horse racing tracks, comprising mixing a polysiloxane polymer or polymers with a mixture of solid materials. This invention overcomes many of the problems associated with prior art surfaces, and can be used to modify or repair such prior art surfaces, or can be incorporated into newly manufactured surfaces to greatly enhance their physical properties. The invention imparts highly desirable physical characteristics to manufactured sporting surfaces, extends the temperature range throughout which these surfaces can be used, and provides a more consistent, reliable and long lasting surface.
US09012556B1 Low reflectance chemical agent resistant coating compositions
A powder coating composition comprising: (a) a first acrylic powder resin having a hydroxyl value of at least about 180; (b) a second acrylic powder resin having a hydroxyl value less than about 45; (c) a crosslinker reactive with the hydroxyl functional acrylic resins; and (d) wollastonite.
US09012554B2 Use of surface modified calcium carbonate in adhesives, sealants and/or caulks
The present invention relates to the use of surface modified calcium carbonate as a filler in adhesives, sealants, and/or caulks, wherein the surface modified calcium carbonate is a mineral pigment product formed in situ by the double and/or multiple reaction between a calcium carbonate and the reaction product or products of the said carbonate with gaseous CO2 formed in situ and/or coming from an external supply, and the reaction product or products of the said carbonate with one or more moderately strong to strong H3O+ ion donors, and at least one aluminum silicate and/or at least one synthetic silica and/or at least one calcium silicate and/or at least one silicate of a monovalent salt and/or at least one aluminum hydroxide and/or at least one sodium and/or potassium aluminate. It further relates to method of producing adhesives, sealants, and/or caulks comprising surface modified calcium carbonate, as well as to the adhesives, sealants, and/or caulks obtained by this process.
US09012551B2 Rubber composition and molded rubber products
To provide a rubber composition capable of sufficiently abrading a sealing lip while sliding it in an initial stage of rotation and sufficiently reducing a running torque, and further capable of securing a sufficient sealing property. The composition includes a first compounding ingredient which is one or more kinds selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide and barium sulfate in an amount of 50 to 200 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component, and a second compounding ingredient which is one or two kinds selected from the group consisting of carbon black and a silica in an amount of more than 0 parts by mass and 50 parts by mass or lower.
US09012550B2 Flame retardant polycarbonate compositions, methods of manufacture, and articles formed therefrom
A composition comprising: a first polycarbonate comprising a poly(siloxane-carbonate); a second polycarbonate different from the first polycarbonate; and optionally, a third polycarbonate different from the first and second polycarbonate; wherein the first polycarbonate is present in an amount effective to provide the siloxane units of in the first polycarbonate in an amount of at least 0.3 wt %, and the second polycarbonate is present in an amount effective to provide the bromine of the second polycarbonate in an amount of at least 7.8 wt %; and further wherein an article molded from the composition has an OSU integrated 2 minute heat release test value of less than 65 kW-min/m2 and a peak heat release rate of less than 65 kW/m2, and an E662 smoke test Dmax value of less than 200.
US09012547B2 Hydrosilylation cured silicone resins plasticized by organophosphorous compounds
In various embodiments, provided are novel curable silicone compositions; films and adhesives comprising one or more cured products of said compositions, the films and adhesives exhibiting properties of mechanical flexibility and low flammability. Additionally, the films and adhesives may exhibit one or more of high transparency, low haze, and high refractive index.
US09012545B2 Composition and method for preparing pattern on a substrate
A copolymer composition and a method of processing a substrate to form line space features thereon are provided.
US09012543B2 Benzoxazine compounds derivated from phenolphthalein having flame-retardant properties and a process for their preparation
The instant invention relates to 3,3′-bis(3,4-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone and analogues based on phenolphthalein, formaldehyde and a primary amine. Such compounds are, when cured to form polymeric networks, difficultly inflammable and resistant to high temperatures. Such compounds may especially be used in the production of printed wiring boards.
US09012541B2 Rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention provides a rubber composition that allows uniform dispersion of microfibrillated plant fibers so as to improve the required performance for a tire in a balanced manner, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition prepared from a masterbatch obtained by mixing rubber latex, microfibrillated plant fibers and a cationic polymer, wherein 0.01 to 5 parts by mass of the cationic polymer is added per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component of the rubber latex.
US09012540B2 Rubber composition for tire tread and pneumatic tire
A rubber composition for a tire tread includes a modified diene rubber comprising a styrene butadiene rubber and/or a polybutadiene rubber, having a functional group such as an amino group or a hydroxyl group, silica, a silane coupling agent, a lignin derivative, and a carbon masterbatch. The carbon masterbatch comprises a styrene butadiene rubber, and carbon black having iodine adsorption of from 60 to 130 g/kg, and a ratio of the amount (B) of a rubber in the carbon masterbatch to the amount (A) of the modified diene rubber is B/A=0.25 to 1. The total amount of the carbon black and the silica is from 40 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component, the proportion of the silica in fillers is from 25 to 80% by mass, and the amount of the lignin derivative is from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass.
US09012539B2 Method for reducing the emission of aldehydes and volatile organic compounds of wood materials
The present invention relates to a method for the production of wood material made of fragmentation products containing lignocelluloses, wherein these wood materials have a reduced emission of volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, particularly formaldehyde. Specifically, the invention relates to methods for the production of wood materials having reduced emission of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes, wherein a certain combination of compounds is utilized in order to prevent the emission of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes, particularly formaldehydes, from the produced wood material. The present invention further relates to wood material that can be produced according this method, particularly OSB panels, particle board, and MDF panels. Finally, the present invention provides compositions suitable in the treatment of wood material to reduce the emission of aldehydes, particularly formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds.
US09012537B2 Process for producing polyimide siloxane solution composition, and polyimide siloxane solution composition
There may be provided a process for producing a polyimide siloxane solution composition having a further improved long-term viscosity stability; and a polyimide siloxane solution composition. In the process for producing the polyimide siloxane solution composition by polymerizing/imidizing a tetracarboxylic acid component and a diamine component consisting of (a) a diaminopolysiloxane, (b) a diamine having a polar group and (c) a diamine other than (a) and (b) in a solvent, the tetracarboxylic acid component and the diamine component excluding (b) the diamine having a polar group are polymerized/imidized to provide a reaction mixture solution, and then (b) the diamine having a polar group is added to the reaction mixture solution last, and the mixture is polymerized/imidized.
US09012531B2 Dental compositions comprising mixture of isocyanurate monomer and tricyclodecane monomer
Hardenable compositions are described comprising at least one multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated isocyanurate monomer and at least one multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated tricyclodecane monomer. In favored embodiments, the compositions further comprise filler and are suitable dental restorations.
US09012529B2 Hot-melt composition comprising hydrocolloids
A hot-melt formulation useful as a wound dressing comprises a chemically crosslinked polymer matrix obtainable from prepolymers crosslinkable by means of photopolymerization. Hydrocolloids are embedded in the chemically crosslinked polymer, matrix. The formulation is obtainable by combining the prepolymers and hydrocolloids, and heating and processing the mixture through a slot die, wherein the mixture has a viscosity of less than 100 Pa*s and a processing temperature of less than 150° C. The prepolymers are crosslinked by means of photopolymerization by irradiation with UV light.
US09012527B2 Curable compositions for three-dimensional printing
Curable, phase-change compositions and inks used for printing three-dimensional objects including a curable monomer, a photoinitiator, a wax and a gellant, where the composition of the cured formulation has a room temperature modulus of from about 0.01 to about 5 Gpa. The curable monomer includes acrylic monomer, polybutadiene adducted with maleic anhydride, aliphatic urethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, or acryloxypropyl t-structured siloxane.
US09012525B2 Tire processing method and tire processing device
In a tire constituted with a thermoplastic material and a material different from the thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic material and the material different from the thermoplastic material are easily and efficiently separated. While a tire 10 formed of a thermoplastic material is being turned, heated air is ejected from a nozzle 46 of a heating apparatus 44, and the surface of a crown portion 16 is melted. An end portion of a cord 26 embedded in a helical arrangement, which is formed of a material different from the thermoplastic material, is extracted from the melted region, and is sequentially wound onto a reel 58.
US09012516B2 Copolymer, composition and method for modifying rheology
A copolymer for modifying rheology is formed of monomer units consisting essentially of at least one first monomer unit comprising a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane having an ethylenically unsaturated radical; at least one second monomer unit comprising an unsaturated oligo-poly(dimethyl siloxane)(meth)acrylate; and a sufficient amount of at least one unsaturated water-soluble monomer, such that the copolymer is soluble in water. A composition may comprise an electrolyte and the copolymer. The rheology of an environment comprising an electrolyte may be modified by adding the copolymer to the environment.
US09012515B2 Oil formulations with thickeners
This invention is based on unexpected effect of at least one thickener to maintain suspension or dispersion of solid particles in an oil medium. Such effect of thickener enables significant higher weight ratio of solid particles in such suspension composition as compared to previously known compositions. As a consequence, the suspension compositions provided herein enable more active ingredient in the solid particle to be present in a fixed volume or weight of such composition as compared to previously known compositions. One advantage of the suspension composition provided herein can be for aerial spraying of active ingredient such as herbicides, insecticides, or other growth regulating compounds.
US09012506B2 Cross-linked fatty acid-based biomaterials
Fatty acid-derived biomaterials, methods of making the biomaterials, and methods of using them as drug delivery carriers are described. The fatty acid-derived biomaterials can be utilized alone or in combination with a medical device for the release and local delivery of one or more therapeutic agents. Methods of forming and tailoring the properties of said biomaterials and methods of using said biomaterials for treating injury in a mammal are also provided.
US09012505B2 Antimicrobial compounds and uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel antimicrobial compounds, methods of their production as well as uses thereof.
US09012498B2 Biodegradable lipids for the delivery of active agents
The present invention relates to a cationic lipid having one or more biodegradable groups located in the mid- or distal section of a lipidic moiety (e.g., a hydrophobic chain) of the cationic lipid. These cationic lipids may be incorporated into a lipid particle for delivering an active agent, such as a nucleic acid. The invention also relates to lipid particles comprising a neutral lipid, a lipid capable of reducing aggregation, a cationic lipid of the present invention, and optionally, a sterol. The lipid particle may further include a therapeutic agent such as a nucleic acid.
US09012497B2 Cyclohexyl carbamate compounds as active anti-cellulite ingredients
The present invention relates to the cosmetic, dermatological or therapeutic use of certain cyclohexyl carbamate compounds of formula (I) given below, preferably as anti-cellulite actives. The invention further relates to compositions and cosmetic, dermatological or therapeutic products comprising such compounds of formula (I), which are preferably suitable for the prophylaxis (prevention) and cosmetic treatment (combating) of cellulite in human beings, corresponding methods and novel compounds of formula (I) wherein A denotes wherein X, Y and Z independently of one another denote hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl or C2-C4-alkenyl, wherein optionally two of the radicals X, Y and Z are covalently bonded to one another under formation of a bicyclic ring system, in such a bicyclic ring system two of the radicals X, Y and Z together preferably form a radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, B denotes NR1R2, wherein R1 denotes hydrogen or an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 denotes an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and wherein optionally R1 and R2 are covalently bonded to one another, preferably so that B is a 3 to 8 membered ring.
US09012496B2 Pharmaceutical compositions of (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[D][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide and administration thereof
A pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound 1, (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxo-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide, and at least one excipient selected from: a filler, a disintegrant, a surfactant, a glidant and a lubricant, the composition being suitable for oral administration to a patient in need thereof to treat a CFTR mediated disease such as Cystic Fibrosis. Methods for treating a patient in need thereof include administering the pharmaceutical composition of Compound 1 are also disclosed.
US09012492B2 Apocynin-lipoic acid conjugates and uses thereof
The present application relates to novel apocynin-lipoic acid covalent conjugates, compositions comprising these compounds and their use, in particular for the treatment of diseases, disorders or conditions that are mediated by oxidative stress. In particular, the present application includes compounds of Formula (I), and compositions and uses thereof.
US09012489B2 Phenyl-3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-yl-methanones and the use thereof as medicament
Substituted phenyl-3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-yl-methanones which are glycine transporter-1 (GlyT1) inhibitors. These are useful for the treatment of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's Disease and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
US09012488B2 Crystalline polymorphic forms of an antidiabetic compound
The present invention relates to polymorphic forms of a compound of formula A: This compound is useful as a glucagon receptor antagonist and serves as a pharmaceutically active ingredient for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and related conditions, such as hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome. Hydrates, hemihydrates, anhydrates and similar polymorphic forms are included.
US09012482B2 Drug containing benzophenone derivative or its salt
Pharmaceutical agents characterized by containing benzophenone derivatives represented by the general formula: wherein the each substituent is as defined in the specification, or salts thereof have suppressive effect on RANKL production, suppressive effect on OPG reduction and inhibitory effects on differentiation/activation of osteoclasts, and are extremely useful for treating, for example therapy and/or prevention, of various diseases in which differentiation/activation of osteoclast are involved, such as osteoporosis.
US09012474B2 Fluoroquinolone compositions
The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising (i) a fluoroquinolone, (ii) a salt formed between a carboxylate anion and a divalent metal cation, (iii) a liquid comprising an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, glycerol formal, and (iv) optionally water. The invention further relates to methods of treating or preventing a condition in an animal comprising administering to the animal in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition of the invention.
US09012467B2 Compositions for intratumoral administration
The present disclosure describes compositions for intratumoral administration which include a tissue-stabilizing agent and a therapeutic agent.
US09012466B2 Substituted tricyclic pyrazolo-pyrimidine compounds
The present invention relates to substituted tricyclic pyrazolo-pyrimidine compounds and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing substituted tricyclic pyrazolo-pyrimidine compounds and methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof.
US09012463B2 Inhibitors of bruton's tyrosine kinase
Described herein are kinase inhibitor compounds of Formula IV: wherein Rb, R6, T, Y, and Z are defined herein. Also described herein are methods for synthesizing such inhibitors, and methods for using such inhibitors in the treatment of diseases. Further described herein are methods, assays and systems for determining an appropriate inhibitor of a protein, including a kinase.
US09012461B2 FAK inhibitors
A compound of the formula (I): where R1 or R2 is a cyclc amine group and R5 is an aromatic group with a carbonyl containing substituent for use as a FAK inhibitor.
US09012457B2 2-carboxamide-4-piperazinyl-benzofuran derivative
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I), and to pharmaceutical compositions containing said compound and to the use of said compound in therapy, for instance in treating cognitive disorders, as well as to intermediates useful in the preparation thereof.
US09012455B2 Pharmaceutical compositions containing an indoyl isoquinoline containing compound and uses thereof
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and in particular imatinib resistant CML is treated using compositions and methods in which a Rad51-inhibitor and a kinase inhibitor are administered. Most preferably, the Rad51 inhibitor comprises an indolyl isoquinoline structure and the kinase inhibitor is a BCR-ABL inhibitor.
US09012454B2 Sexual dysfunction
This document provides methods and materials related to treating mammals (e.g., humans) having a sexual dysfunction that is refractory to treatment with a PDE V inhibitor. For example, methods and materials related to the use of an ACE inhibitor and/or an angiotensin II receptor blocker with a PDE V inhibitor to treat mammals having a sexual dysfunction (e.g., erective dysfunction) that is unresponsive to treatment with a PDE V inhibitor are provided.
US09012453B2 Deuterated 1-piperazino-3-phenyl indanes for treatment of schizophrenia
The present invention relates to deuterated 1-piperazino-3-phenyl-indanes and salts thereof with activity at dopamine receptors D1 and D2 as well as the 5HT2 receptors in the central nervous system, to medicaments comprising such compounds as active ingredients, to the use of such compounds in the treatment of diseases in the central nervous system, and to methods of treatment comprising administration of such compounds.
US09012450B2 Substituted heteroaryl aldehyde compounds and methods for their use in increasing tissue oxygenation
Provided are substituted heteroaryl aldehydes and derivatives thereof that act as allosteric modulators of hemoglobin, methods and intermediates for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modulators, and methods for their use in treating disorders mediate by hemoglobin and disorders that would benefit from increased tissue oxygenation.
US09012447B2 5-HT3 receptor antagonists
The present invention provides 5-HT3 receptor antagonists of Formula (I): which are useful for the treatment of diseases treatable by inhibition of 5-HT3 receptor such as emesis, pain, drug addiction, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, and GI disorders. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and processes for preparing such compounds.
US09012445B2 Substituted 4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzyl analogues as positive allosteric modulators of mAChR M1 receptors
In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted 4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzyl analogs compounds, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (mAChR M1); synthesis methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US09012439B2 Use of electrophilic compounds for inducing platelet production or maintaining platelet function
The present invention is directed to a method of inducing platelet production that includes contacting a megakaryocyte with an electrophilic compound under conditions effective to induce platelet production by the contacting megakaryocyte. Methods of treating a patient for low platelet levels, increasing the circulating half-life of platelets, and improving the quality (activity) of platelets are also disclosed herein, which involve administering the electrophilic compound to a patient an effective amount to achieve the desired effect. Pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic systems are also disclosed for carrying out these therapeutic treatments.
US09012435B2 Glucocorticoids attached to nitrate esters via an aromatic linker in position 21 and their use in ophthalmology
The invention relates to nitrooxy derivatives of fluocinolone acetonide, triamcinolone acetonide, betamethasone and beclomethasone, methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treating diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration and other diseases of retina and macula lutea.
US09012434B2 Natural combination hormone replacement formulations and therapies
Estrogen and progesterone replacement therapies are provided herein. Among others, the following formulations are provided herein: solubilized estradiol without progesterone; micronized progesterone without estradiol; micronized progesterone with partially solubilized progesterone; solubilized estradiol with micronized progesterone; solubilized estradiol with micronized progesterone in combination with partially solubilized progesterone; and solubilized estradiol with solubilized progesterone.
US09012433B2 Substituted tetracycline compounds
The present invention pertains to tetracycline compounds of formula (VIIa): R5*, R5*′, R7r*, and R9m* are defined herein. These tetracycline compounds can be used to treat tetracycline compound-responsive states, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
US09012431B2 Boron-containing small molecules as anti-inflammatory agents
Compounds and methods of treating anti-inflammatory conditions are disclosed.
US09012429B2 Methods and compositions for the prevention of and treatment of infections utilizing chitosan-derivative compounds
The present invention is directed to the treatment and prevention of nosocomial infections or MRSA infections utilizing soluble chitosan or chitosan derivative compounds. These chitosan-derivative compounds, e.g., chitosan-arginine and chitosan-acid amines, exhibit bactericidal activity against bacterial pathogens, e.g., drug resistant bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
US09012423B2 Methods for treatment of alport syndrome
Provided herein are methods for the treatment of Alport Syndrome, using modified oligonucleotides targeted to miR-21. In certain embodiments, a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 improves kidney function and/or reduces fibrosis in subjects having Alport Syndrome. In certain embodiments, administration of a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 delays the onset of end-stage renal disease in a subject having Alport Syndrome. In certain embodiments, a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 delays the need for dialysis or kidney transplant in a subject having Alport Syndrome.
US09012416B2 Tobramycin formulation
This invention provides a pharmaceutical solution formulation comprising tobramycin, water, sodium chloride and sodium citrate, wherein the formulation has a pH of 4.5-7.0 and an osmolality of 135-200 mOsmol/Kg.
US09012413B2 FGF receptor-activating N-acyl octasaccharides, preparation thereof, and therapeutic use thereof
The invention relates to FGF receptor-activating N-acyl octasaccharides having Formula (I), wherein: R1 is an O-alkyl group optionally replaced by one or more aryl or cycloalkyl groups, R2 is an OSO3− or hydroxyl group, R3 is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or alkyl-cycloalkyl group, R4 is a disaccharide having Formula (II), R6 is a disaccharide having Formula (III), and R8 is a disaccharide having Formula (IV), where R5, R7, and R9 are OSO3− or hydroxyl groups. The invention further relates to the preparation of said octasaccharides and to the therapeutic use thereof.
US09012411B2 Formulations from derivatives of curcumin, paclitaxel, and aspirin
The invention provides novel compounds and formulations of turmeric oil, fish oil, aspirin and anti-cancer drugs (paclitaxel) having anti-inflammatory, analgesic and/or anti-cancer activity.
US09012409B2 B7-H5, a costimulatory polypeptide
B7-H5 costimulatory polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids to enhance a T cell response are provided herein.
US09012399B2 Controlled release of growth factors and signaling molecules for promoting angiogenesis
The present invention comprises compositions, methods, and devices for delivering angiogenic factors and signaling molecules to a target tissue, and controlling the release of these factors and signaling molecules to spatially and temporally restrict their release and dissemination, for the purpose of promoting angiogenesis in target tissues.
US09012398B2 Acylated exendin-4 compounds
This invention provides Exendin-4 compounds derivatized at a lysine 14 residue to give an acylated lysine, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compositions for treating diabetes.
US09012392B2 Treating liver diseases
This document provides methods and materials related to treating liver conditions. For example, the methods and materials relating to the use of cAMP inhibitors to treat liver conditions are provided.
US09012390B2 Fluorocarbon emulsion stabilizing surfactants
Surfactants (e.g., fluorosurfactants) for stabilizing aqueous or hydrocarbon droplets in a fluorophilic continuous phase are presented. In some embodiments, fluorosurfactants include a fluorophilic tail soluble in a fluorophilic (e.g., fluorocarbon) continuous phase, and a headgroup soluble in either an aqueous phase or a lipophilic (e.g., hydrocarbon) phase. The combination of a fluorophilic tail and a headgroup may be chosen so as to create a surfactant with a suitable geometry for forming stabilized reverse emulsion droplets having a disperse aqueous or lipophilic phase in a continuous, fluorophilic phase. In some embodiments, the headgroup is preferably non-ionic and can prevent or limit the adsorption of molecules at the interface between the surfactant and the discontinuous phase. This configuration can allow the droplet to serve, for example, as a reaction site for certain chemical and/or biological reactions. In another embodiment, aqueous droplets are stabilized in a fluorocarbon phase at least in part by the electrostatic attraction of two oppositely charged or polar components, one of which is at least partially soluble in the dispersed phase, the other at least partially soluble in the continuous phase. One component may provide collodial stability of the emulsion, and the other may prevent the adsorption of biomolecules at the interface between a component and the discontinous phase. Advantageously, surfactants and surfactant combinations of the invention may provide sufficient stabilization against coalescence of droplets, without interfering with processes that can be carried out inside the droplets.
US09012387B2 Metal conservation with stripper solutions containing resorcinol
Resist stripping agents useful for fabricating circuits and/or forming electrodes on semiconductor devices for semiconductor integrated circuits and/or liquid crystals with reduced metal and metal alloy etch rates (particularly copper etch rates and TiW etch rates), are provided with methods for their use. The preferred stripping agents contain low concentrations of resorcinol or a resorcinol derivative, with or without an added copper salt, and with or without an added amine to improve solubility of the copper salt. Further provided are integrated circuit devices and electronic interconnect structures prepared according to these methods.
US09012386B2 Grease composition for hub unit bearing employing an angular contact ball bearing and hub unit bearing
The invention provides a grease composition for a hub unit bearing employing an angular contact ball bearing, containing (a) as a thickener a mixture of diurea compounds represented by formula (I): R1—NHCONH—R2—NHCONH—R1, formula (II): R1—NHCONH—R2—NHCONH—R3, and formula (III): R3—NHCONH—R2—NHCONH—R3 wherein R1 is cyclohexyl group, R2 is a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, R3 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and (R1/(R1+R3))×100=85 to 95 mol %; (b) a base oil; (c) a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate; and (d) a calcium sulfonate. The grease composition of the invention, when used in the hub unit bearing, shows minimum leakage, excellent anti-flaking properties and satisfactory bearing lubrication life.
US09012380B2 Lubricant base oil, lubricant composition for internal combustion engine and lubricant composition for driving force transmitting device
The lubricating base oil of the invention is characterized by satisfying at least one of the following conditions (a) or (b). (a) A saturated compound content of 95% by mass or greater, and a proportion of 0.1-10% by mass of cyclic saturated compounds among the saturated compounds. (b) The condition represented by the following formula (1). 1.435≦n20−0.002×kv100≦1.450  (1) wherein n20 represents the refractive index of the lubricating base oil at 20° C., and kv100 represents the kinematic viscosity (mm2/s) of the lubricating base oil at 100° C.
US09012374B2 Methods for manufacturing molecular arrays
The methods of the present invention provide methods for manufacturing a master substrate and methods for manufacturing replica arrays from the master substrate. The methods may be used, for example, directly to manufacture or “print” peptide arrays from a DNA array; however, the methods are applicable to a wide range of manufacturing applications for use any time multiple copies of an array needs to be printed.
US09012371B2 Mixtures of binding proteins
Described are methods for producing libraries of cells expressing at least two separate single polypeptide chain binding proteins, in which the binding proteins have different target epitopes. Such libraries are made by integration of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide chains into the genome of the host cell, and selecting for cells that have successfully integrated these nucleic acids. The selected cells are preferably subjected to a cloning step. Mixtures of binding proteins are produced without having to individually produce each of the components of the mixture. A library of cells wherein essentially each cell encodes at least two single polypeptide chain binding proteins having different target epitopes is also herewith provided, as well as methods for producing a composition comprising at least two separate single polypeptide chain binding proteins having different target epitopes.
US09012369B2 Look-through mutagenesis for developing altered polypeptides with enhanced properties
A method of mutagenesis by which a predetermined amino acid is introduced into each and every position of a selected set of positions in a preselected region (or several different regions) of a polypeptide to produce a library of polypeptide analogs is disclosed. The method is based on the premise that certain amino acids play a crucial role in the structure and function of proteins and thus is capable of identifying and distinguishing functional amino acid residues (“hot spots”) from non-functional amino acids residues (“cold spots”) within a polypeptide or portion thereof. Libraries can be generated which contain only desired polypeptide analogs and are of reasonable size for screening. The libraries can be used to study the role of specific amino acids in polypeptide structure and function and to develop new or improved polypeptides such as antibodies, antibody fragments, single chain antibodies, enzymes, and ligands.
US09012367B2 Rapid screening method of translational fusion partners for producing recombinant proteins and translational fusion partners screened therefrom
Disclosed are a method for rapid screening of suitable translational fusion partners (TFPs) capable of inducing expression or secretory production of non-producible proteins, which are difficult to produce in conventional recombinant production methods, from a variety of genetic sources, and protein secretion-inducing TFPs obtained using the method.
US09012366B2 Device and method for the densification of filaments in a long superconductive wire
A device for the high pressure densification of superconducting wire from compacted superconductor material or superconductor precursor powder particles, has four hard metal anvils (5, 6, 7, 8) with a total length (L2) parallel to the superconducting wire, the hard metal anvils borne in external independent pressure blocks (9, 10, 11), which are in turn either fixed or connected to high pressure devices, preferably hydraulic presses. At least one of the hard metal anvils is a free moving anvil (6) having clearances of at least 0.01 mm up to 0.2 mm towards the neighboring hard metal anvils (5, 8), so that no wall friction occurs between the free moving anvil and the neighboring anvils. This allows for high critical current densities Jc at reduced pressure applied to the hard metal anvils.
US09012363B2 Granular controlled release agrochemical compositions and process for the preparation thereof
A granular agrochemical composition is disclosed including a granular core material having a water soluble portion with a first coating layer applied on the surface of the core material and a second coating layer applied on the surface of the first coating layer. The first coating layer includes a wax composition having a biologically active ingredient incorporated therein and the second coating layer includes a polymeric composition. The granular agrochemical composition exhibits a controlled rate of release of the biologically active ingredient therefrom over a period greater than about 30 days from the date of initial exposure of the granular composition to moisture whereby essentially all of the biologically active ingredient incorporated in the wax material of the first coating layer is released from the granular composition before the water soluble portion of the granular core material is released from the granular composition.
US09012361B2 Composition and method for controlling pests
The present invention provides: a composition for controlling pests comprising, as active ingredients, ethaboxam and avermectin; a method for controlling pests which comprises applying effective amounts of ethaboxam and avermectin to a pest, a plant or soil for growing plant; and so on.
US09012358B2 Monolithic reactor
A monolith catalyst carrier for insertion in a tube of a tubular reactor has a container for holding a monolith catalyst in use. The container has a bottom surface closing the container and a skirt extending upwardly from the bottom surface of the container to a position below the location of a seal and spaced therefrom. The skirt is positioned such that there is a space between an outer surface of the monolith catalyst and the skirt. A seal is located at or near a top surface of the monolith catalyst and extends from the monolith catalyst by a distance which extends beyond an outer surface of the skirt.
US09012357B2 Lithium extraction composition and method of preparation thereof
This invention relates to a particulate extraction material for the extraction of lithium from a geothermal brine or lithium containing solution. The particulate material includes an inorganic or polymer based substrate that includes a lithium aluminate intercalate layer applied to the exterior of the substrate, wherein the lithium aluminate intercalate layer is operable to capture lithium ions from solution.
US09012352B2 Catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis having excellent heat transfer capability
The present invention relates to a catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis which has excellent heat transfer capability. This catalyst contains (1) central core particle or particles made of a heat transfer material (HTM) selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a ceramic, and a mixture thereof; and (2) outer particle layer which surrounds the central core particles and is attached to the surfaces of the central core particles by a binder material layer. The outer particle layer has a support and catalyst particles in a powder form containing metal particles disposed on the support. The catalyst having such a dual particle structure shows excellent heat transfer capability and, thus, exhibits high selectivity to a target hydrocarbon. Therefore, the catalyst of the present invention is useful in a fixed-bed reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for producing hydrocarbons from synthetic gas.
US09012349B1 Method of synthesizing bulk transition metal carbide, nitride and phosphide catalysts
A method for synthesizing catalyst beads of bulk transmission metal carbides, nitrides and phosphides is provided. The method includes providing an aqueous suspension of transition metal oxide particles in a gel forming base, dropping the suspension into an aqueous solution to form a gel bead matrix, heating the bead to remove the binder, and carburizing, nitriding or phosphiding the bead to form a transition metal carbide, nitride, or phosphide catalyst bead. The method can be tuned for control of porosity, mechanical strength, and dopant content of the beads. The produced catalyst beads are catalytically active, mechanically robust, and suitable for packed-bed reactor applications. The produced catalyst beads are suitable for biomass conversion, petrochemistry, petroleum refining, electrocatalysis, and other applications.
US09012346B2 Wet lamination process for reducing mud cracking in fuel cell components
Methods of making a substantially crack-free electrode layer are described. The methods include depositing an electrode ink on a substrate; placing a solid polymer film on a surface of the wet electrode ink; drying the electrode ink; and removing the solid polymer film from the surface of the dry electrode ink to form the substantially crack-free electrode layer on the substrate.
US09012343B2 Glass for chemical strengthening
There is provided a glass for chemical strengthening having a black color tone and excelling in characteristics preferred for the purposes of housing or decoration of an electronic device, that is, bubble quality, strength, and light transmittance characteristics. A glass for chemical strengthening contains, in mole percentage based on following oxides, 55% to 80% of SiO2, 3% to 16% of Al2O3, 0% to 12% of B2O3, 5% to 16% of Na2O, 0% to 4% of K2O, 0% to 15% of MgO, 0% to 3% of CaO, 0% to 18% of ΣRO (where R represents Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba or Zn), 0% to 1% of ZrO2, and 0.1% to 7% of a coloring component having at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of Co, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr, V and Bi.
US09012342B2 Melt composition for the production of man-made vitreous fibres
The invention relates to a melt composition for the production of man-made vitreous fibers and man-made vitreous fibers comprising the following oxides, by weight of composition: SiO239-43 weight % Al2O320-23 weight % TiO2up to 1.5 weight % Fe2O35-9 weight %, preferably 5-8 weight % CaO8-18 weight % MgO5-7 weight % Na2Oup to 10 weight %, preferably 2-7 weight % K2Oup to 10 weight %, preferably 3-7 weight % P2O5up to 2% MnOup to 2% R2Oup to 10 weight % wherein the proportion of Fe(2+) is greater than 80% based on total Fe and is preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and most preferably at least 97% based on total Fe.
US09012339B2 Multiaxial fabric for ballistic applications
The invention concerns multiaxial fabrics comprising a first layer comprising a plurality of first yarns being substantially parallel in a first direction; a second layer comprising a plurality of second yarns being substantially parallel in a second direction and skew of off-set with respect to the first yarns; a third yarn layer comprising a plurality of third yarns being substantially parallel in a third direction and skew of off-set with respect to the first yarns and second yarns; a fourth yarn layer comprising a plurality of fourth yarns being substantially parallel in a fourth direction and skew of off-set with respect to the first, second and third yarns; at least one fiber network layer; and a transverse yarn interlaced transversely within the multiaxial fabric where each layer may be arranged in any sequential order and optionally coated with a high viscosity polymer that has a glass transition temperature Tg in the range of about −40 to about 0° C., and a zero shear melt viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C.
US09012336B2 Method for conformal treatment of dielectric films using inductively coupled plasma
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for processing a substrate. The substrate having a feature with a layer thereon is exposed to an inductively coupled plasma which forms a substantially conformal layer.
US09012335B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A silicon carbide semiconductor device having excellent electrical characteristics including channel mobility and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device includes: an epitaxial layer forming step of preparing a semiconductor film of silicon carbide; a gate insulating film forming step of forming an oxide film on a surface of the semiconductor film; a nitrogen annealing step of performing heat treatment on the semiconductor film on which the oxide film is formed, in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere; and a post heat treatment step of performing, after the nitrogen annealing step, post heat treatment on the semiconductor film on which the oxide film is formed, in an atmosphere containing an inert gas. The heat treatment temperature in the post heat treatment step is higher than that in the nitrogen annealing step and lower than a melting point of the oxide film.
US09012334B2 Formation of a tantalum-nitride layer
A method of forming a material on a substrate is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a tantalum nitride layer on a substrate disposed in a plasma process chamber by sequentially exposing the substrate to a tantalum precursor and a nitrogen precursor, followed by reducing a nitrogen concentration of the tantalum nitride layer by exposing the substrate to a plasma annealing process. A metal-containing layer is subsequently deposited on the tantalum nitride layer.
US09012332B2 Test piece and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed are a test piece and the manufacturing method thereof The test piece includes an insulating substrate and a circuit pattern structure formed on the insulating substrate, wherein circuit pattern structure includes a first metal pattern layer, a second metal pattern layer, a third metal pattern layer, a fourth metal pattern layer, and a fifth metal pattern layer. The first metal pattern layer, the second metal pattern layer, the third metal pattern layer, the fourth metal pattern layer, and the fifth metal pattern layer have same pattern shapes and positions thereof are overlapping in a plane. The first metal pattern layer and the second metal pattern layer are nano-metal films formed by vacuum coating, therefore, the test piece has excellent uniformity of film and low resistance to provide a stable test current to prevent the judging mistakes and to improve the test efficiency.
US09012331B2 Etching method and non-transitory storage medium
Provided is a method of selectively etching a portion of silicon existing on a surface of a substrate to be processed, which includes: loading the substrate to be processed into a chamber; and supplying an FNO gas and an F2 gas that are diluted with an inert gas into the chamber such that the FNO gas and the F2 gas are reacted with the portion of silicon existing on the surface of the substrate to be processed.
US09012329B2 Nanogap in-between noble metals
A nanogap of controlled width in-between noble metals is produced using sidewall techniques and chemical-mechanical-polishing. Electrical connections are provided to enable current measurements across the nanogap for analytical purposes. The nanogap in-between noble metals may also be formed inside a Damascene trench. The nanogap in-between noble metals may also be inserted into a crossed slit nanopore framework. A noble metal layer on the side of the nanogap may have sub-layers serving the purpose of multiple simultaneous electrical measurements.
US09012328B2 Carbon addition for low resistivity in situ doped silicon epitaxy
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of forming epitaxial layers and devices having epitaxial layers. The methods generally include forming a first epitaxial layer including phosphorus and carbon on a substrate, and then forming a second epitaxial layer including phosphorus and carbon on the first epitaxial layer. The second epitaxial layer has a lower phosphorus concentration than the first epitaxial layer, which allows for selective etching of the second epitaxial layer and undesired amorphous silicon or polysilicon deposited during the depositions. The substrate is then exposed to an etchant to remove the second epitaxial layer and undesired amorphous silicon or polysilicon. The carbon present in the first and second epitaxial layers reduces phosphorus diffusion, which allows for higher phosphorus doping concentrations. The increased phosphorus concentrations reduce the resistivity of the final device. The devices include epitaxial layers having a resistivity of less than about 0.381 milliohm-centimeters.
US09012324B2 Through silicon via process
A through silicon via process includes the following steps. A substrate having a front side and a back side is provided. A passivation layer is formed on the back side of the substrate. An oxide layer is formed on the passivation layer.
US09012322B2 Selective etching of copper and copper-barrier materials by an aqueous base solution with fluoride addition
Wet-etch solutions for conductive metals (e.g., copper) and metal nitrides (e.g., tantalum nitride) can be tuned to differentially etch the conductive metals and metal nitrides while having very little effect on nearby oxides (e.g., silicon dioxide hard mask materials), and etching refractory metals (e.g. tantalum) at an intermediate rate. The solutions are aqueous base solutions (e.g., ammonia-peroxide mixture or TMAH-peroxide mixture) with just enough hydrofluoric acid (HF) added to make the solution's pH about 8-10. Applications include metallization of sub-micron logic structures.
US09012320B2 Three-dimensional semiconductor memory devices and methods of fabricating the same
Example embodiments relate to a three-dimensional semiconductor memory device including an electrode structure on a substrate, the electrode structure including at least one conductive pattern on a lower electrode, and a semiconductor pattern extending through the electrode structure to the substrate. A vertical insulating layer may be between the semiconductor pattern and the electrode structure, and a lower insulating layer may be between the lower electrode and the substrate. The lower insulating layer may be between a bottom surface of the vertical insulating layer and a top surface of the substrate. Example embodiments related to methods for fabricating the foregoing three-dimensional semiconductor memory device.
US09012319B1 Methods of forming gate structures with multiple work functions and the resulting products
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes removing sacrificial gate structures for NMOS and PMOS transistors to thereby define NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, forming a high-k gate insulation layer in the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, forming a lanthanide-based material layer on the high-k gate insulation layer in the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, performing a heating process to drive material from the lanthanide-based material layer into the high-k gate insulation layer so as to thereby form a lanthanide-containing high-k gate insulation layer in each of the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, and forming gate electrode structures above the lanthanide-containing high-k gate insulation layer in the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities.
US09012316B2 Method for forming ultra-shallow boron doping regions by solid phase diffusion
A method for forming an ultra-shallow boron dopant region in a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes depositing, by atomic layer deposition (ALD), a boron dopant layer in direct contact with the substrate, where the boron dopant layer contains an oxide, a nitride, or an oxynitride formed by alternating gaseous exposures of a boron amide precursor and a reactant gas. The method further includes patterning the dopant layer and forming an ultra-shallow dopant region in the substrate by diffusing boron from the boron dopant layer into the substrate by a thermal treatment.
US09012314B2 Method for forming patterned doping regions
A method for forming doping regions is disclosed, including providing a substrate, forming a first-type doping material on the substrate and forming a second-type doping material on the substrate, wherein the first-type doping material is separated from the second-type doping material by a gap; forming a covering layer to cover the substrate, the first-type doping material and the second-type doping material; and performing a thermal diffusion process to diffuse the first-type doping material and the second-type doping material into the substrate.
US09012312B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes (a) forming a buried diffusion layer of a first conductivity type in a semiconductor substrate of a second conductivity type, (b) forming a first impurity region by implanting an impurity of the first conductivity type, (c) diffusing the buried diffusion layer and the first impurity region to an extent that the buried diffusion layer and the first impurity region are not connected by performing a first thermal process on the semiconductor substrate, (d) forming a second impurity region by implanting an impurity of the first conductivity type at a concentration higher than that of in step (b), and (e) diffusing the buried diffusion layer, the first impurity region, and the second impurity region by performing a second thermal process on the semiconductor substrate.
US09012302B2 Intrench profile
A method of etching a recess in a semiconductor substrate is described. The method may include forming a dielectric liner layer in a trench of the substrate where the liner layer has a first density. The method may also include depositing a second dielectric layer at least partially in the trench on the liner layer. The second dielectric layer may initially be flowable following the deposition, and have a second density that is less than the first density of the liner. The method may further include exposing the substrate to a dry etchant, where the etchant removes a portion of the first liner layer and the second dielectric layer to form a recess, where the dry etchant includes a fluorine-containing compound and molecular hydrogen, and where the etch rate ratio for removing the first dielectric liner layer to removing the second dielectric layer is about 1:1.2 to about 1:1.
US09012294B2 Manufacturing method of non-volatile memory device
Each of the step of forming a first variable resistance layer (18a) and the step of forming a second variable resistance layer (18b) includes performing a cycle once or plural times, the cycle consisting of a first step of introducing a source gas composed of molecules containing atoms of a transition metal; a second step of removing the source gas after the first step; a third step of introducing a reactive gas to form a transition metal oxide after the second step; and a fourth step of removing the reactive gas after the third step. The step of forming the first variable resistance layer (18a) is performed in a state in which the substrate is kept at a temperature at which a self-decomposition reaction of the source gas does not occur. One or plural of conditions used for forming the second variable resistance layer (18b) is/are made different from the one or plural conditions used for forming the first variable resistance layer (18a), the conditions being the temperature of the substrate, an amount of the introduced source gas and an amount of the introduced reactive gas.
US09012292B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same
A method for fabricating semiconductor memory device, includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a lower region which includes a first data storage device, which is carried by the semiconductor substrate; forming a switching device which is carried by the first data storage device; and forming an upper region which includes a second data storage device, which is carried by the switching device. The step of forming the first storage device includes forming a first electrode having a cylindrical or pillar shape, the first electrode being connected to the switching device.
US09012288B2 Semiconductor devices with field plates
A III-N device is described with a III-N material layer, an insulator layer on a surface of the III-N material layer, an etch stop layer on an opposite side of the insulator layer from the III-N material layer, and an electrode defining layer on an opposite side of the etch stop layer from the insulator layer. A recess is formed in the electrode defining layer. An electrode is formed in the recess. The insulator can have a precisely controlled thickness, particularly between the electrode and III-N material layer.
US09012280B2 Method of manufacturing a super junction semiconductor device with overcompensation zones
According to an embodiment, a super junction semiconductor device may be manufactured by introducing impurities of a first impurity type into an exposed surface of a first semiconductor layer of the first impurity type, thus forming an implant layer. A second semiconductor layer of the first impurity type may be provided on the exposed surface and trenches may be etched through the second semiconductor layer into the first semiconductor layer. Thereby first columns with first overcompensation zones obtained from the implant layer are formed between the trenches. Second columns of the second conductivity type may be provided in the trenches. The first and second columns form a super junction structure with a vertical first section in which the first overcompensation zones overcompensate a corresponding section in the second columns.
US09012277B2 In situ doping and diffusionless annealing of embedded stressor regions in PMOS and NMOS devices
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to methods for forming dual embedded stressor regions in semiconductor devices such as transistor elements and the like, using in situ doping and substantially diffusionless annealing techniques. One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming first and second cavities in PMOS and NMOS device regions, respectively, of a semiconductor substrate, and thereafter performing first and second epitaxial deposition processes to form in situ doped first and second embedded material regions in the first and second cavities, respectively. The method further includes, among other things, performing a single heat treating process to activate dopants in the in situ doped first and second embedded material regions.
US09012275B2 Method of forming thin film transistor
A method of forming TFT is provided. The TFT includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a first protective pattern, a second protective pattern, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconductor channel layer, and a passivation layer. The first protective pattern and the second protective pattern are disposed on the gate insulating layer above the gate electrode. The source electrode is disposed on the gate insulating layer and the first protective pattern. The drain electrode is disposed on the gate insulating layer and the second protective pattern. The semiconductor channel layer is disposed on the gate insulating layer, the source electrode, and the drain electrode. In an extending direction from the source electrode to the drain electrode, a length of the first protective pattern is shorter than that of the source electrode, and a length of the second protective pattern is shorter than that of the drain electrode.
US09012271B2 Thin film transistor array substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a substrate of a display device is disclosed. The method comprises forming a pixel electrode having a side edge that is under a patterned thermosetting insulating material layer. The method also comprises forming, from the patterned thermosetting insulating material, an insulating layer that covers the side edge of the pixel electrode by heat-treatment of the patterned thermosetting insulating material. As a result of the heat treatment of the patterned thermosetting insulating material, the patterned thermosetting insulating layer melts over the side edge of the pixel electrode.
US09012268B2 Leadless packages and method of manufacturing same
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to leadframe strips and methods of forming packages that include first separating adjacent leads of a leadframe strip and subsequently singulating components into individual packages. In one embodiment, the adjacent leads are separated by etching through the leads, thereby providing electrical isolation of the adjacent packages. In that regard, if desired, the individual adjacent packages may be electrically tested in leadframe strip form. Subsequently, the individual packages are formed by sawing through the encapsulation material.
US09012260B2 Controlling ReRam forming voltage with doping
An internal electrical field in a resistive memory element can be formed to reduce the forming voltage. The internal electric field can be formed by incorporating one or more charged layers within the switching dielectric layer of the resistive memory element. The charged layers can include adjacent charge layers to form dipole layers. The charged layers can be formed at or near the interface of the switching dielectric layer with an electrode layer. Further, the charged layer can be oriented with lower valence substitution side towards lower work function electrode, and higher valence substitution side towards higher work function electrode.
US09012259B2 Thin film transistors formed by organic semiconductors using a hybrid patterning regime
The present disclosure describes a process strategy for forming bottom gate/bottom contact organic TFTs in CMOS technology by using a hybrid deposition/patterning regime. To this end, gate electrodes, gate dielectric materials and drain and source electrodes are formed on the basis of lithography processes, while the organic semiconductor materials are provided as the last layers by using a spatially selective printing process.
US09012258B2 Method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display apparatus using at least two deposition units
An organic layer deposition apparatus, a method of manufacturing the same, and an organic light-emitting display apparatus using the same, and an organic light-emitting display apparatus manufactured using the method, are disclosed. An organic layer deposition apparatus is suitable for mass production of organic light-emitting display apparatuses on large-size substrates, and enables high-precision patterning. A method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display apparatus by using the organic layer deposition apparatus, and an organic light-emitting display apparatus manufactured using the method, are disclosed.
US09012257B2 Vapor deposition apparatus and method, and method of manufacturing organic light emitting display apparatus
A vapor deposition apparatus, which is capable of performing a thin film deposition process and improving characteristics of a formed thin film, includes a chamber having an exhaust opening; a stage located in the chamber, and including a plurality of mounting surfaces on which the plurality of substrates may be mounted; and an injection unit having at least one injection opening for injecting a gas into the chamber in a direction parallel with surfaces of the plurality of substrates.
US09012256B2 Process for producing photovoltaic device
A process for producing a photovoltaic device that can improve the power generation characteristics of a solar cell having a heterojunction composed of a p-type crystalline Ge (substrate), an i-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer, and an n-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer. A process for producing a photovoltaic device (100) comprising a heterojunction cell (1) prepared by sequentially stacking an i-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer (12) and an n-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer (13) on top of a substrate (p-type crystalline Ge (11)), the process comprising a PH3 exposure treatment stage of adjusting the temperature of the substrate (11), from which a surface oxide film has been removed, to a prescribed temperature, and subsequently placing the substrate in a vacuum chamber and exposing the substrate to PH3, an i-layer deposition stage of depositing the i-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer (12) on the PH3-exposed substrate, an n-layer deposition stage of depositing the n-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer (13) on the i-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer (12), and an electrode formation stage of forming electrodes (2, 3, 4) on the surface of the n-type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer, and on the back surface of the substrate (11).
US09012255B1 MEMS package
A method of manufacturing a MEMS package includes initially providing a substrate formed of a first material and defining a bore therein. The bore is substantially completely lined with a second material that is different from the first material. A micromachined component having a fluid passageway formed therein is affixed to the substrate such that the bore and the fluid passageway are in fluid communication.
US09012253B2 Gallium nitride wafer substrate for solid state lighting devices, and associated systems and methods
Gallium nitride wafer substrate for solid state lighting devices, and associated systems and methods. A method for making an SSL device substrate in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes forming multiple crystals carried by a support member, with the crystals having an orientation selected to facilitate formation of gallium nitride. The method can further include forming a volume of gallium nitride carried by the crystals, with the selected orientation of the crystals at least partially controlling a crystal orientation of the gallium nitride, and without bonding the gallium nitride, as a unit, to the support member. In other embodiments, the number of crystals can be increased by a process that includes annealing a region in which the crystals are present, etching the region to remove crystals having an orientation other than the selected orientation, and/or growing the crystals having the selected orientation.
US09012245B1 Methods of making integrated circuit products
In the disclosed methods, integrated circuit (IC) dice are manufactured from a common specification, and the IC dice are tested for defective circuitry. Respective defect sets are generated to indicate defective circuitry in the IC die. The dice are assigned to bins based on the respective defect sets. For each bin, all IC dice assigned to the bin have equivalent respective defect sets. Product definitions are provided, and each product definition indicates a respective set of circuitry required for a corresponding product. Respective sets of packages are manufactured for each product. In the manufacturing of each package of a respective set of packages for each product, one or more IC dice are selected from a subset of the plurality of bins such that the IC dice have respective defect sets allowed by the product definition of the product. The selected IC dice are then manufactured into the package.
US09012233B2 Water absorbing material
Provided is a water absorbing material having a granular core portion and a coating layer portion coating the granular core portion, which enables a test result after use to be clearly determined by developing vivid and uniform color. In the water absorbing material, the coating layer portion is composed of 90 wt % to 96 wt % of a substrate and 10 wt % to 4 wt % of an excretion test material, the excretion test material contains a porous adsorbent having an adsorbance of 20 wt % or greater and including micropores, and an excretion test indicator adsorbed on the micropores of the porous adsorbent, and the excretion test indicator is added in an amount more than 0.1 wt % and not more than 1.0 wt % relative to the total amount of the coating layer portion.
US09012220B2 Cells, nucleic acid constructs, cells comprising said constructs and methods utilizing said cells in the treatment of diseases
The present invention relates to cells capable of expressing IDO, nucleic acid constructs for expression of IDO, cells comprising said constructs and methods of utilizing said cells in the treatment of diseases. In particular the present invention relates to cells which express IDO in the absence of exposure to IFN-gamma, and to their use in preparation and/or generation of immunomodulatory cells specific for an antigen.
US09012218B2 Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method to increase the expression of markers associated with the pancreatic endocrine lineage.
US09012215B2 Methods for identifying leukemia stem cells and distinguishing them from normal hematopietic stem cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: uses in diagnosis, treatment, and research
Using the methods of the present invention, intermediate (int) levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity reliably distinguished leukemic CD34+CD38− cells capable of engrafting immunodeficient mice, from residual normal hematopoietic stem cells that exhibited relatively higher ALDH activity. Minimal residual disease (MRD) detected during complete remission was enriched for the CD34+CD38−ALDHint leukemic cells, and the presence of these cells after therapy highly correlated with subsequent clinical relapse. The methods of the present invention can distinguish normal from leukemic CD34+CD38− cells, and identifies those AML cells associated with relapse. Methods of prediction of relapse of AML patients and methods of treatment are also provided.
US09012213B2 Bacteria mediated gene silencing
Methods are described for the delivery of one or more small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to a eukaryotic cell using a bacterium or BTP. Methods are also described for using this bacterium to regulate gene expression in eukaryotic cells using RNA interference, and methods for treating viral diseases and disorders. The bacterium or BTP includes one or more siRNAs or one or more DNA molecules encoding one or more siRNAs. Vectors are also described for use with the bacteria of the invention for causing RNA interference in eukaryotic cells.
US09012212B2 Method and device for continuous membrane adsorption
A method and system is provided for yielding biopharmaceutical products involving a chromatographic separation process. The method comprises: providing a plurality of membrane adsorber cartridges; providing a plurality of valves, communicatively coupled to said plurality of membrane adsorber cartridges; and switching the valves, so as to interconnect said membrane adsorber cartridges to operate in a countercurrent flow mode. The system comprises multiple membrane adsorber cartridges that are interconnected and configured to operate in a countercurrent flow mode. Furthermore, the configuration comprises a valve assembly that allows the cartridges to be subjected to different steps in the process by automatic switching of the valves. In this way, cartridges are recycled many times during the purification of a batch.
US09012203B2 Microfluidic device, system, and method for controlled encapsulation of particles or particle clusters
A microfluidic device for controlled encapsulation of particles of sub-millimetric dimensions, or clusters of such particles, the device comprising: a first duct for delivering a first liquid phase containing particles for encapsulating in suspension; a second duct for conveying a flow of a second liquid phase that is immiscible with said first liquid phase; the first duct opening out into the second duct and forming a fluidic junction therewith; at least one microfluidic duct for discharging the first liquid phase flowing in said first duct and provided with a mouth located upstream from said junction and liable to be obstructed, at least in part, by a particle in suspension, thereby causing pressure to rise in the first duct. The invention also provides a microfluidic system including such a device, and a method of encapsulation based on using such a device.
US09012200B2 Composition of bacterial strains, bioremediation mixture and use of this composition for the removal of contaminants from the soil and the method for purifying the soil contaminants
The object of the present invention is a composition of bacterial strains which may comprise Stenotrophomonas sp. strain 2L, Stenotrophomonas sp. strain 5L, Stenotrophomonas sp. strain 6L, Stenotrophomonas sp. strain 3N, Achromobacter sp. strain 4P, Arthrobacter sp. strain 1N, Brevundimonas sp. strain 2N, Brevundimonas sp. strain 5N, Brevundimonas sp. strain 6N, Pseudomonas sp. strain 3G, and Pseudomonas sp. strain 4, deposited under the number KKP 2041p (IAFB Collection of Industrial Microorganisms—Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology in Warsaw), a bioremediation vaccine (bioremediation mixture) which may comprise the composition of these strains, the use of the vaccine in the removal of contaminants from the soil, and the method for the treatment of contaminated soil.
US09012198B2 Method for orthopoxvirus production and purification
The present invention relates to a method for producing and purifying a wild type, an attenuated and/or a recombinant Orthopoxvirus. The present invention relates to a purified wild type, attenuated and/or recombinant Orthopoxvirus obtained by the method of the invention and to a pharmaceutical composition, preferably a vaccine, comprising said purified Orthopoxvirus for the treatment and/or the prevention a cancer, an infectious disease and/or an autoimmune disorder, and uses thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of an immortalized avian cell line obtained from an avian cell belonging to the Anatidae family, in particular Cairina moschata immortalized avian cell lines comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding a telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and optionally an E1A nucleic acid sequence, for the production of a wild type, attenuated and/or recombinant Orthopoxvirus according to the process of the invention.
US09012191B2 Dry grind ethanol production process and system with front end milling method
A dry grind ethanol production process and system with front end milling method is provided for improving alcohol and/or by-product yields, such as oil and/or protein yields. In one example, the process includes grinding corn kernels into particles then mixing the corn particles with a liquid to produce a slurry including oil, protein, starch, fiber, germ, and grit. Thereafter, the slurry is subjected to a front end milling method, which includes separating the slurry into a solids portion, including fiber, grit, and germ, and a liquid portion, including oil, protein, and starch, then milling the separated solids portion to reduce the size of the germ and grit and release bound starch, oil, and protein from the solids portion. The starch is converted to sugar, and alcohol is produced therefrom then recovered. Also, the fiber can be separated and recovered. Oil and protein may be separated and recovered as well.
US09012190B2 Use of thiamine and nicotine adenine dinucleotide for butanol production
The invention relates generally to the field of industrial microbiology and alcohol production. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of thiamine, biosynthetic precursors of thiamine, nicotinic acid, nicotinamid, nicotinic acid riboside, nicotinamid riboside, or other biosynthetic precursors of nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to improve butanol production. Butanol production can be improved by providing sufficient amounts of thiamine, biosynthetic precursors of thiamine, nicotinic acid, nicotinamid, nicotinic acid riboside, nicotinamid riboside, or other biosynthetic precursors of nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in the production media.
US09012188B2 Conditioning of SO2-ethanol-water spent liquor for fermentation by clostridia
The present invention relates to producing chemicals and biofuels from wood material, e.g. mixed forest biomass. Specifically, the invention concerns a process for conditioning spent liquor produced by SO2-ethanol-water (SEW) fractionation of wood chips for fermentation to butanol, ethanol and acetone/isopropanol (so called ABE process) by Clostridia bacteria.
US09012185B2 Thermal cycling device with phase changing fluids
The invention provides systems, devices, and methods for heating and cooling chemical or biological samples, such as genetic materials during Polymerase Chain Reaction (“PCR”). The systems, devices, and methods comprise use of a fluid that performs repeated heating and cooling cycles, e.g., ‘thermal cycling’, on sample reactants with a phase changing fluid during evaporation and condensation. The systems, devices, and methods eliminate the need for a heating block as a means to obtain fast and uniform thermal cycling. The disclosure also describes the use of an optical system in conjunction with the thermodynamic cycler for real-time detection. Ultimately, uniformity and speed of the thermodynamic cycler provides for higher sensitivity and throughput of gene replication and detection.
US09012184B2 End modification to prevent over-representation of fragments
The invention relates to a method of preparing a 5′ and 3′ modified library of template polynucleotides and also the use of the 5′ and 3′ modified library of templates in methods of solid-phase nucleic acid amplification. In particular, the invention relates to a method of preparing a 5′ and 3′ modified library of template polynucleotides which have common sequences at their 5′ ends and at their 3′ ends, wherein over-representation of “end” sequences of the primary polynucleotide molecules from when the 5′ and 3′ modified library is generated is greatly reduced or prevented.
US09012183B2 Use of template switching for DNA synthesis
A method of preparing a DNA copy of a target polynucleotide using template switching is described. The method includes mixing a double stranded template/primer substrate made up of a DNA primer oligonucleotide associated with a complementary oligonucleotide template strand with a target polynucleotide in a reaction medium and adding a suitable amount of a non-retroviral reverse transcriptase to the reaction medium to extend the DNA primer oligonucleotide from its 3′ end to provide a DNA copy polynucleotide. The DNA copy polynucleotide includes a complementary target DNA polynucleotide that is synthesized using the target polynucleotide as a template. Methods of adding nucleotides to the double stranded template/primer substrate are also described. The method can be used to facilitate detection, PCR amplification, cloning, and determination of RNA and DNA sequences.
US09012182B2 Method for producing purine nucleosides and nucleotides by fermentation using bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus or Escherichia
Methods for producing purine nucleosides, and purine nucleotides, such as inosine and 5′-inosinic acid are provided which include using a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus or to the genus Escherichia wherein the purine nucleoside productivity of said bacterium is enhanced by increasing an activity of the YdhL protein. Also disclosed is the amino acid sequence of the YdhL protein from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and the gene encoding it.
US09012177B2 Methods and compositions for improving sugar transport, mixed sugar fermentation, and production of biofuels
The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure further relates to methods of increasing transport of cellodextrin into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing cellodextrin, methods of co-fermenting cellulose-derived and hemicellulose-derived sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports a pentose into the cell, methods of increasing transport of a pentose into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing pentose sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports a pentose into the cell.
US09012168B2 Assays for detection of glycosaminoglycans
Disclosed herein are novel methods, assays and kits useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of subjects with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), The methods, assays and kits are particularly useful for detecting the presence of one or more glycosaminoglycans which correlate to MPS and its severity in a variety of biological samples.
US09012152B2 Anti-bacterial peptides and methods of treating diseases using same
Isolated peptides comprising no more than ten amino acids and having anti-bacterial properties are disclosed. In one embodiment the peptides have a consensus amino acid sequence X1X2X3X4X5, wherein X1 and X5 comprise polar amino acids. In another embodiment, the peptides have a consensus amino acid sequence X1X2X3X4X5, wherein X2 and X4 are asparagine (N) residues and X3 is tryptophan (W). Compositions comprising same are also disclosed and uses thereof.
US09012149B2 Methods for detection and quantitation of small RNAs
Improved methods that increase the specificity and sensitivity of detection of small RNAs, including miRNAs, using oligonucleotide primers and nucleic acid amplification, are provided. Reaction conditions that result in preferential decrease in cDNA synthesis of RNAs other than the small RNA molecules targeted for detection during miRNA tailing and reverse transcription reactions are described. Using these reaction conditions greater sensitivity and specificity of amplification of small RNAs including miRNAs is achieved.
US09012145B2 Protein tyrosine phosphatase mutations in cancers
Tyrosine phosphorylation, regulated by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and kinases (PTKs), is important in signaling pathways underlying tumorigenesis. A mutational analysis of the tyrosine phosphatase gene superfamily in human cancers identified 83 somatic mutations in six PTPs (PTPRF, PTPRG, PTPRT, PTPN3, PTPN13, PTPN14), affecting 26% of colorectal cancers and a smaller fraction of lung, breast and gastric cancers. Fifteen mutations were nonsense, frameshift or splice site alterations predicted to result in truncated proteins lacking phosphatase activity. Five missense mutations in the most commonly altered PTP (PTPRT) were biochemically examined and found to reduce phosphatase activity. Expression of wild-type but not a mutant PTPRT in human cancer cells inhibited cell growth. These observations suggest that the tyrosine phosphatase genes are tumor suppressor genes, regulating cellular pathways that may be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
US09012144B2 Short cycle methods for sequencing polynucleotides
The invention provides methods for sequencing a polynucleotide comprising stopping an extension cycle in a sequence by synthesis reaction before the reaction has run to near or full completion.
US09012143B2 Polymorphisms in genes affecting ace-related disorders and uses thereof
A method for predicting a subject's risk factors for ACE-related disorders includes detecting the allelic status of one or more polymorphisms in a nucleic acid sample of the subject.
US09012141B2 Compositions and methods comprising KLK3 of FOLH1 antigen
The present invention provides KLK3 peptides, FOLH1 peptides, recombinant polypeptides comprising same, recombinant nucleotide molecules encoding same, recombinant Listeria strains comprising same, and immunogenic and therapeutic methods utilizing same.
US09012138B2 RNA sequence-specific mediators of RNA interference
The present invention relates to a Drosophila in vitro system which was used to demonstrate that dsRNA is processed to RNA segments 21-23 nucleotides (nt) in length. Furthermore, when these 21-23 nt fragments are purified and added back to Drosophila extracts, they mediate RNA interference in the absence of long dsRNA. Thus, these 21-23 nt fragments are the sequence-specific mediators of RNA degradation. A molecular signal, which may be their specific length, must be present in these 21-23 nt fragments to recruit cellular factors involved in RNAi. This present invention encompasses these 21-23 nt fragments and their use for specifically inactivating gene function. The use of these fragments (or chemically synthesized oligonucleotides of the same or similar nature) enables the targeting of specific mRNAs for degradation in mammalian cells, where the use of long dsRNAs to elicit RNAi is usually not practical, presumably because of the deleterious effects of the interferon response. This specific targeting of a particular gene function is useful in functional genomic and therapeutic applications.
US09012137B2 Disintegration of cellular components in whole blood by freeze-thawing
The present invention refers to a method of processing a biological fluid which comprises cellular components by a freezing/thawing treatment. The method is particularly useful for preparing biological samples for analyte detection.
US09012135B2 Methods, reagents and kits for preservation of nucleic acids in biological samples
Provided is a nucleic acid preservative comprising at least one reducing agent, at least one chaotropic substance, at least one polyamine substance and at least one chelating agent and uses thereof, and a method for the preservation of nucleic acids in a biological sample. Further provided are kits for use in the preservation of nucleic acids in a biological sample, and more particularly, a blood sample.
US09012132B2 Coating material and method for photolithography
Provided is a method including providing a substrate and forming a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) on the substrate. The BARC includes a first portion overlying a second portion, which has a different composition than the first portion. The different composition may provide a different dissolution property of the BARC in a developer. A photoresist layer is formed on the first portion of the BARC. The photoresist layer is then irradiated and developed. The developing includes using a developer to remove a region of the photoresist layer and a region of the first and second portions of the BARC.
US09012129B2 Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, novel compound, and acid generator
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) including a compound represented by (b1-1), a compound represented by (b1-1′) and/or a compound represented by (b1-1″) (R1″-R3″ represents an aryl group or an alkyl group, provided that at least one of R1″-R3″ represents a substituted aryl group being substituted with a group represented by (b1-1-0), and two of R1″-R3″ may be mutually bonded to form a ring with the sulfur atom; X represents a C3-C30 hydrocarbon group; Q1 represents a carbonyl group-containing divalent linking group; X10 represents a C1-C30 hydrocarbon group; Q3 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; Y10 represents —C(═O)— or —SO2—; Y11 represents a C1-C10 alkyl group or a fluorinated alkyl group: Q2 represents a single bond or an alkylene group; and W represents a C2-C10 alkylene group).
US09012125B2 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 can be used in a lithography process that employs light having a wavelength of 193 nm or less as the exposure light source, an acid generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, and a polymeric compound (C) having a structural unit (c0) represented by general formula (c0) shown below, wherein the amount of the polymeric compound (C) is less than 25 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the base component (A). In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R1 represents an organic group having one or more primary or secondary alcoholic hydroxyl groups, or a chain-like tertiary alcoholic hydroxyl group.
US09012120B2 Production process of toner for electrostatic image development
The production process is a process for producing a toner for electrostatic image development. The process has an aggregating step of adding an aggregating agent composed of a compound having a divalent or trivalent metal element into a dispersion with fine particles of a binder resin dispersed in an aqueous medium, and an aggregation terminating step of adding an aggregation terminating agent into the dispersion. The aggregation terminating agent is composed of a compound having at least one of a structure (1) represented by a formula (1) and a structure (2) represented by a formula (2). In the formulae (1) and (2), R1 to R9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or an organic group. At least one of R1 and R4 or at least one of R5 and R6 represents a hydroxy group.
US09012118B2 Toner compositions and processes
Toners are provided which possess excellent blocking characteristics. The toners include cores including amorphous resins having low glass transition temperatures, amorphous resins having high glass transition temperatures, and crystalline resins, and shells including amorphous resins having high glass transition temperatures.
US09012111B2 Photo-curable resin composition, photo-curable dry film, patterning process, protective film, and electric/electronic part
A photo-curable resin composition comprising an epoxy-containing polymer, a photoacid generator in the form of an onium salt having tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate anion, a solvent, and optionally an epoxy resin crosslinker forms a coating which serves as a protective film for the protection of electric/electronic parts.
US09012110B2 Method of production of a holographic sensor
A method for the production of a holographic sensor which comprises a support medium supporting a reflection hologram wherein the support medium interacts with its physical or chemical environment to create an optical response which is a change in one or more optical properties of the hologram, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing a colloidal dispersion of a recording material into the support medium; and b) ablating the colloidal particles of the recording material using a pulsed laser to form the holographic element in the support medium. The method of production can be used to introduce a reflection holographic grating into a hydrophobic support medium, in particular, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which possesses an extraordinary ability to swell in the presence of both liquid and/or gaseous low molecular weight hydrocarbons and organic solvents and thus has many applications as a holographic sensor.
US09012109B2 Pre-treatment method for membrane electrode assembly
A method for pre-treating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell is disclosed. According to the method of the invention, the MEA is subjected to multiple wet/dry cycles prior to assembly of the MEA into the fuel cell stack. The pre-treatment wet/dry cycles of the present invention eliminate or reduce the irreversible dimensional changes which occur in the polymer electrolyte membrane in the MEA throughout the wet/dry cycles of fuel cell operation. This reduces stress applied to the MEA throughout wet/dry cycles which occur during operation of the fuel cell. Consequently, the formation and propagation of pinholes in the membrane is reduced, increasing the lifetime of the MEA.
US09012108B2 Fuel cell electrodes with triazole modified polymers and membrane electrode assemblies incorporating same
Embodiments of the present anhydrous fuel cell electrodes comprise an anhydrous catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, wherein the anhydrous catalyst layer comprises at least one catalyst, about 5 mg/cm2 to about 100 mg/cm2 of phosphoric acid added as a catalyzing reagent during formation of the catalyst layer, and a binder comprising at least one triazole modified polymer, wherein the triazole modified polymer comprises a polysiloxane backbone and a triazole substituent.
US09012107B2 Cathode catalyst for fuel cell, method of preparing same, and membrane-electrode assembly comprising same
The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes an RuSe alloy having an average particle size of less than or equal to 6 nm. The cathode catalyst may also include a metal carbide. The RuSe alloy is a highly active amorphous catalyst.
US09012105B2 Membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell
A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a resin frame member. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first catalyst layer and a first gas diffusion layer. The second electrode includes a second catalyst layer and a second gas diffusion layer. The resin frame member includes an outer peripheral portion and an inner peripheral projection. A first space includes a gap between an outer peripheral end face of the second gas diffusion layer and an inner-side end face of the inner peripheral projection. A second space includes a gap between an outer peripheral end face of the first gas diffusion layer and an inner-side wall face of the outer peripheral portion. The first space has a dimension different from a dimension of the second space.
US09012102B2 Process to recover performance of fuel cell catalysts
Disclosed herein are processes for recovering performance of fuel cells by recovering fuel cell catalyst activity and methods of testing the durability and activity performance of fuel cells. One catalyst recovery process disclosed herein for a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly comprises operating the fuel cell for a first recovery cycle with fuel gas supplied to an anode of the fuel cell and an oxidant supplied to a cathode of the fuel cell while drawing a current from the fuel cell at steady state throughout the first recovery cycle, the first recovery cycle having a predetermined time period. The fuel cell has reached end of life due in part to intermittent use prior to operating the fuel cell for the first recovery cycle. A life of the fuel cell improves when the first recovery cycle is complete.
US09012089B2 Electric storage device
A positive electrode system of an electric storage device includes first and second positive electrodes. The first and second positive electrodes include current collectors, and first and second positive-electrode mixture layers, respectively. The negative electrode system of the electric storage device has a negative electrode including a current collector and a negative-electrode mixture layer. The first positive electrode and the second positive electrode are arranged across the negative electrode. The first positive-electrode mixture layer and the second positive-electrode mixture layer are connected to each other, and of different types. Through-holes are formed in the current collector of the negative electrode arranged between the first positive-electrode mixture layer and the second positive-electrode mixture layer.
US09012088B2 Anode composition comprising acrylonitrile-acrylic acid copolymer as binder, method for preparing the anode composition and lithium secondary battery using the anode composition
An anode composition for a lithium secondary battery is provided. The anode composition comprises an anode active material, a conductive material, and an acrylonitrile-acrylic acid copolymer with a high molecular weight as a binder. The acrylonitrile-acrylic acid copolymer has a molar ratio of acrylonitrile to acrylic acid of 1:0.01-2. Further provided are a method for preparing the anode composition and a lithium secondary battery using the anode composition. The binder has improved resistance to an electrolyte solution due to its enhanced adhesive strength. In addition, the use of the anode composition prevents the active material layer from being peeled off or separated from a current collector during charge and discharge to achieve improved capacity and cycle life characteristics of the battery.
US09012084B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery is provided with a positive electrode active material layer a containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode active material layer containing a negative electrode active material, an electrolyte layer formed between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, and a modification material disposed at an interface between an electrolyte material and at least one electrode active material among the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, and having a higher relative permittivity than the relative permittivity of the electrolyte material.
US09012080B2 Needle-like microstructure and device having needle-like microstructure
A needle-like structure of silicon is provided. A crystalline silicon region is formed over a metal substrate by an LPCVD method, whereby whisker-like crystalline silicon which is a polycrystalline body and grows in the <110> direction or the <211> direction with {111} the plane as a twin boundary can be obtained. Whisker-like crystalline silicon grows while forming a twin crystal (introducing stacking faults), and an initial nucleus is provided so that the normal direction <111> of the twin boundary is always included in the plane perpendicular to the growth direction of whisker-like crystalline silicon (in a transverse cross section). Such a material is used as a negative electrode active material of a lithium-ion secondary battery and for a photoelectric conversion device such as a solar battery.
US09012079B2 Electrode comprising structured silicon-based material
A composite electrode includes an active component directly bonded to a current collector. The direct bonding provides a low resistance contact between the current collector and the active material. The active component can be provided as fibers of silicon. The fibers can be free or attached to a support.
US09012074B2 Electrode for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery including same
An electrode for a lithium secondary battery, including a surface having surface roughness of about 800 nm to about 1000 nm, and a lithium secondary battery including the same. In one embodiment, the lithium secondary battery has improved cycle-life characteristics.
US09012073B2 Composite compositions, negative electrodes with composite compositions and corresponding batteries
Compositions are described that can provide high energy density active materials for use in negative electrodes of lithium ion batteries. These materials generally comprise silicon and/or tin, and may further comprise carbon and/or zinc as well as other elements in appropriate embodiments. The active materials can have moderate volume changes upon cycling in a lithium ion battery.
US09012069B2 Single cell for a battery for making electrical contact
A single cell for a battery includes electrodes, preferably electrode foils, which are arranged within a cell housing. A current output lug is electrically connected to each electrode, and at least electrodes of opposite polarity are separated and electrically insulated from one another by a separator, preferably a separator foil. Current output lugs having the same polarity are electrically conductively connected to a pole, wherein the respective poles are guided from the interior of the cell housing to the outside. Each pole is electrically conductively connected to an electrically conductive area on an outer side of the cell housing, wherein the relevant two areas of different polarity are electrically insulated from one another. The pole lugs which are arranged on the relevant areas project in a free-standing manner out of the cell housing.
US09012068B2 Battery cell and battery module using the same
A battery module may include a plurality of battery cells aligned in one direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including: a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, a bus bar for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, the bus bar being fastened to the first electrode terminal or the second electrode terminal of any one of the plurality of battery cells, and the first electrode terminal or the second electrode terminal of an adjacent one of the plurality of battery cells, and a housing accommodating the plurality of battery cells electrically connected by the bus bar. The first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal of adjacent battery cells may be spaced differently, for example, a battery cell may have first and second electrode terminals spaced at different distances from a center of a top side of the respective battery cell.
US09012066B2 Anode and secondary battery
A secondary battery capable of improving the cycle characteristics and the swollenness characteristics is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The anode includes an anode active material layer having a plurality of fine pores on an anode current collector. The anode active material layer contains an anode active material and an anode binder. A change rate of a mercury intrusion into the plurality of fine pores measured by mercury penetration technique is distributed to show a peak in the pore diameter range from 30 nm to 10000 nm, both inclusive.
US09012065B2 Secondary battery and battery pack having the same
A secondary battery including a case having an opening; an electrode assembly housed in the case; at least one current collector coupled to an uncoated portion of the electrode assembly and forming an electrode terminal, wherein the case has a coupling groove recessed toward the at least one current collector; and a cap plate coupled to seal the opening of the case.
US09012063B2 Battery module
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells aligned in one direction, first and second end plates, the plurality of battery cells being positioned between the first and second end plates, and a top plate covering top surfaces of the battery cells, the top plate including first and second ends connected to the first and second end plates, respectively, via first and second fastening portions, respectively, the first and second fastening portions being different from each other.
US09012053B2 Electrode assembly and rechargeable battery including the same
An electrode assembly and a rechargeable battery including the same, the electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator are spiral-wound in a jelly-roll structure, the first electrode includes at least two first uncoated regions separated from each other and a first tab coupled to one of the first uncoated regions and a second tab coupled to another of the first uncoated regions, the first tab and the second tab protruding from one side of the jelly-roll structure, the first tab is disposed near a center of the jelly-roll structure and the second tab is disposed near an outer circumference of the jelly-roll structure, and a width of the first tab is smaller than a width of the second tab.
US09012052B2 Battery pack including an adhesion sheet
A battery pack includes a battery cell; a case housing the battery cell; and an adhesion sheet surrounding at least a portion of an exterior surface of the case, wherein the adhesion sheet includes a base part and an adhesion part, the base part having a bending line corresponding in position to an edge of the case, and the adhesion part being on a bottom surface of the base part and including air exhaustion paths.
US09012050B2 Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap assembly including a cap plate having a short-circuit hole and sealing an opening of the case; and a short-circuiting member including a short-circuiting plate arranged at the short-circuit hole and a connection plate covering at least a portion of the short-circuit hole at an exterior side, the connection plate being spaced apart from the cap plate and electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and the case and the cap assembly are electrically insulated from the electrode assembly.
US09012049B2 Method and device for application of a pressure to a battery
A method and device is disclosed for application of a pressure to a battery which has at least one or more cells, in order to reduce adverse effects on operation which occur because of different battery states of charge. The device is designed to carry out the method such that the pressure is adjusted as a function of the respective battery volume and/or of the respective battery state of charge.
US09012046B2 Magnetic recording medium, method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus
According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium is formed by performing gas ion irradiation by using a magnetism deactivating gas on a stack including a perpendicular magnetic recording layer, an Ru nonmagnetic underlayer containing a magnetism deactivating element selected from chromium, titanium, and silicon, and a nonmagnetic substrate. Before gas ion irradiation, the perpendicular magnetic recording layer contains platinum and at least one of iron and cobalt. Gas ion irradiation is performed using nitrogen gas alone or a gas mixture of nitrogen gas and at least one gas selected from the group consisting of helium, hydrogen, and B2H6.
US09012042B2 Condensed-cyclic compound, organic light-emitting device comprising the same, and flat panel display apparatus
A condensed-cyclic compound represented by Formula 1 below, an organic light-emitting device including the same, and a flat panel display apparatus including the organic light-emitting device: X1, Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4, Ar5, Ar6, Ar7, Ar8, Ar9, Ar10, Ar11, and Ar12 being described in the detailed description of the invention. The organic light-emitting device including an organic layer including the compound above has low driving voltage and high emission efficiency.
US09012035B2 Organic electroluminescence device
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescence device having a longer drive life. The organic electroluminescence device includes a light emitting layer which contains a luminescent dye and a host material having a nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic ring. The luminescence resulting from the hole transport layer adjacent to the light emitting layer is less than one-hundredth of the luminescence resulting from the luminescent dye.
US09012034B2 Organic electroluminescence element
An organic electroluminescence element includes at least a light-emitting layer between a pair of electrodes, wherein the light-emitting layer is divided into at least three layers, an intermediate layer containing an electron blocking material or a hole blocking material is disposed between the divided light-emitting layers, an Ea value of the electron blocking material is smaller than an Ea value of a host material of the divided light-emitting layer adjacent on a cathode side or an Ip value of the hole blocking material is larger than an Ip value of a host material of the divided light-emitting layer adjacent on the anode side of the intermediate layer, and a difference of ΔEa or ΔIp is controlled to specific range.
US09012032B1 MCrAlY bond coat with enhanced Yttrium layer
One or more embodiments relates to an MCrAlY bond coat comprising an MCrAlY layer in contact with a Y—Al2O3 layer. The MCrAlY layer is comprised of a γ-M solid solution, a β-MAl intermetallic phase, and Y-type intermetallics. The Y—Al2O3 layer is comprised of Yttrium atoms coordinated with oxygen atoms comprising the Al2O3 lattice. Both the MCrAlY layer and the Y—Al2O3 layer have a substantial absence of Y—Al oxides, providing advantage in the maintainability of the Yttrium reservoir within the MCrAlY bulk. The MCrAlY bond coat may be fabricated through application of a Y2O3 paste to an MCrAlY material, followed by heating in a non-oxidizing environment.
US09012030B2 Process chamber component having yttrium—aluminum coating
A substrate processing chamber component comprising a chamber component structure having an yttrium-aluminum coating. The yttrium-aluminum coating comprises a compositional gradient through a thickness of the coating.
US09012029B2 Method of bonding panels of dissimilar material and bonded structure
A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.
US09012026B2 Semiaromatic polyamide comprising a chain ending
The invention relates to a copolyamide comprising at least two different units corresponding to the following general formulation: A/X.T A is chosen from a unit obtained from an amino acid, a unit obtained from a lactam and a unit corresponding to the formula (Ca diamine).(Cb diacid), with a representing the number of carbon atoms of the diamine and b representing the number of carbon atoms of the diacid, a and b each being between 4 and 36, advantageously between 9 and 18, X.T denotes a unit obtained from the polycondensation of a Cx diamine and of terephthalic acid, with x representing the number of carbon atoms of the Cx diamine, x being between 9 and 36, advantageously between 10 and 18, characterized in that said copolyamide exhibits: a content of amine chain ends of greater than or equal to 20 μeq/g, a content of acid chain ends of less than or equal to 100 μeq/g, and a content of unreactive chain ends of greater than or equal to 20 μeq/g, and to the process for the preparation of said copolyamide, to a composition comprising this copolyamide and to the use of this copolyamide and of such a composition.
US09012023B2 Hard coat coating composition for metal base material and molded product
A hard coat coating composition for a metal base material, includes a coated film forming component including a urethane(meth)acrylate (A) having a carboxyl group and having a solid fraction acid value being value of 0.5 to 2.0 mgKOH/g, a urethane(meth)acrylate (B) not having a carboxyl group, a thermoplastic resin (C) having a carboxyl group and having a solid fraction acid value of 1.0 to 30 mgKOH/g, and a silane coupling agent (D).
US09012022B2 Polymer coatings
The present disclosure relates to polymer coatings covalently attached to the surface of a substrate and the preparation of the polymer coatings, such as poly(N-(5-azidoacetamidylpentyl)acrylamide-co-acrylamide) (PAZAM), in the formation and manipulation of substrates, such as molecular arrays and flow cells. The present disclosure also relates to methods of preparing a substrate surface by using beads coated with a covalently attached polymer, such as PAZAM, and the method of determining a nucleotide sequence of a polynucleotide attached to a substrate surface described herein.
US09012021B2 Composition of matter for composite plastic contact elements featuring controlled conduction pathways, and related manufacturing processes
Exemplary embodiments provide composite materials, methods for making and processing these materials, and systems for using the composite materials. The disclosed composite material (or composite member) can include fiber-like and/or particulate materials incorporated within a binder polymer. For example, the composite member can include fibril-shaped, semi-conductive elements that are contained in a suitable binder polymer to achieve a particular resistance value, wherein the fibrils can be integrated and interlinked in a manner as to create an array of resistive elements that precisely define and control current flows through the related device. The composite member can therefore have resistive characteristics and, none or neglectablely low amount of capacitive or inductive characteristics. The composite member can be used in electric test market, e.g., as high performance, dynamic probes/sensors for very frequency and/or complex mixed-frequency signals.
US09012016B2 Decorated enamelled part
The invention relates to an enamelled part (3, 11, 21) for a dial comprising a ceramic substrate (31) coated with a first enamel layer (4′, 12, 24, 33) to improve the appearance of said part. According to the invention, the part includes at least one other enamel layer (6′, 8′, 9, 14, 16, 25, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45) partially covering the first enamel layer (4′, 12, 24, 33) so as to form a decoration with a similar improved appearance.The invention concerns the field of timepieces, jewellery and gems.
US09012013B2 Expandable face mask with reinforcing netting
Herein are disclosed face masks that are provided in a generally flat configuration and are capable of being expanded to a cup-shaped configuration. Such masks comprise at least one porous layer that comprises at least one pleat and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least one pleat. The mask further comprises reinforcing netting laminated to the outer surface of the porous layer.
US09012010B2 Nanofiber sheet and method for manufacturing the same
A nanofiber sheet that has a high degree of transparency, a high modulus of elasticity, a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion as well as high degrees of flatness and smoothness, in particular, a nanofiber sheet produced as a uniform and flat sheet having a high optical transmittance with cellulose as the only component. This sheet has the following characteristics: Calculated for a thickness of 60 μm, the transmittance for parallel rays of light having a wavelength of 600 nm is equal to or higher than 70%; The Young's modulus measured in accordance with the JIS K7161 method is equal to or greater than 10 GPa; The coefficient of linear thermal expansion measured in accordance with the ASTM D606 method is equal to or smaller than 10 ppm/K.
US09012006B2 Multi-layer assembly with retention feature
A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few.
US09012001B2 Unbonded, flexible pipe
The invention relates to an unbonded, flexible pipe having a length and comprising from inside out, a tubular inner sealing sheath, at least one metal armor layer and an outer sealing sheath of a sealing material. The unbonded, flexible pipe comprises at least one stiffened length section comprising a stiffening cover partially or totally surrounding the outer sealing sheath in the stiffened length section. The stiffening cover comprises a layer of a stiffening material having a flexural modulus which is higher than the flexural modulus of the sealing material, wherein the flexural modulus is determined according to ISO 178.
US09011998B2 Polyaryl ether ketone polymer blends
Phase separated blends of polyaryl ether ketones, polyaryl ketones, polyether ketones, polyether ether ketones and mixtures thereof with at least one polysulfone etherimide, wherein the polysulfone etherimide has greater than or equal to 50 mole % of the polymer linkages contain at least one aryl sulfone group are described. Such blends have improved load bearing capability at high temperature. In another aspect a high crystallization temperature, especially at fast cooling rates, is achieved.
US09011997B2 Multi-layered ceramic enclosure
Techniques for fabricating a laminated ceramic housing that can be used for a handheld computing device that includes an enclosure having structural walls formed from a multi-layered ceramic material that can be radio-transparent. The multi-layered ceramic housing can be formed of a plurality of ceramic materials such as zirconia and alumina in any combination. The multi-layer ceramic substrate includes an inner layer and surface layers that sandwich the inner layer. The multi-layer ceramic substrate has an increased transverse strength due to the surface layers having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is less than that of the inner layer.
US09011994B2 Gas-barrier multilayer film
A gas-barrier multilayer film including: a base member; and at least one thin film layer formed on at least one surface of the base member, wherein at least one layer of the thin film layer(s) satisfies at least one of requirements (A) and (B).
US09011993B2 Optical compensation structure and display device
An optical compensation structure and a display device are disclosed. The former comprises a front side polarizer and a rear side polarizer arranged at both sides of a VA liquid crystal unit; the front side polarizer includes a front side polarization unit and a first front side TAC film; the absorption axis of the front side polarization unit is perpendicular to the horizontal normal of the VA liquid crystal unit; the rear side polarizer includes a rear side polarization unit and a biaxial film; and the absorption axis of the rear side polarization unit is parallel to the horizontal normal. The region having serious dark-state light leakage can be transferred from a horizontal viewing angle to a vertical viewing angle, which improves the display effect. Meanwhile, there is no addition of the number of layers of the biaxial film which reduces the cost.
US09011988B2 Liquid-crystal compound, liquid-crystal composition, light absorption anisotropic film, and liquid-crystal display device
A liquid-crystal compound denoted by general formula (I) below wherein each of the groups is defined and Dye denotes an azo dye residue denoted by general formula (II) with X and n also being defined. The azo liquid-crystal compound is capable of orientation with a high degree of orientation order.
US09011986B2 Hydrogen passivation induced dispersion of carbon nanotubes and graphene
Methods for dispersing carbon nanoparticles in a media (e.g., an alcohol such as ethanol, a resin such as an epoxy, etc.) are generally provided. The method can include: immersing the carbon nanoparticles into the media, and ultrasonicating the media containing the carbon nanoparticles in the presence of hydrogen gas source. The carbon nanoparticles have dangling bonds on the surface of the carbon nanoparticles, such that the dangling bonds on the surface of adjacent carbon nanoparticles are covelantly bonded to each other. Upon ultrasonicating the media containing the carbon nanoparticles in the presence of hydrogen gas source (e.g., hydrogen gas), the dangling bonds on the surface of the carbon nanoparticles are replaced with carbon-hydrogen bonds.
US09011983B2 Process for curing a composition by electron beam radiation, and by gas-generated plasma and ultraviolet radiation
A process for producing polymeric films by applying a liquid composition onto a surface of a substrate under vacuum conditions in a vacuum chamber. The composition has a first component which is polymerizable or crosslinkable in the presence of a sufficient amount of an acid; and a cationic photoinitiator which generates an acid upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, electron beam radiation or both to cause polymerizing or crosslinking of the first component. A gas which emits ultraviolet radiation upon exposure to electron beam radiation is introduced into the vacuum chamber. The composition and the gas are exposed to electron beam radiation to cause the cationic photoinitiator to generate an amount of an acid to cause polymerizing or crosslinking of the first component. The composition is exposed to both electron beam radiation and gas-generated ultraviolet radiation and cured.
US09011982B2 Method for a layer-wise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object
A method for a layer-wise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object has a first step of providing a layer of a material in powder form or a liquid material on a support or a layer that has already been solidified at selected positions previously and a second step of directing a focussed photon or particle beam (8′) selectively at selected positions of the layer. In the second step, the photon or particle beam is selected such that it brings about a change of the absorption of the material when hitting the layer. After the termination of the second step, a third step is carried out, in which the layer is irradiated by means of electromagnetic radiation (18′) such that the material is homogenously solidified at those positions of the layer that correspond to the cross-section of the object to be formed.
US09011981B2 Method for making a textile covering and textile covering
A textile coating is made from a web of fibers including a first area and a second area. The first area is a cohesion area where the fibers of the web are integrated into a tight entanglement holding the fibers and located on only a portion of the thickness of the web. A method for making the textile coating includes: applying an alternating electric field to the web having at least one face bearing a heat-meltable powdery binder, thereby introducing said powdery binder into the web, so as to concentrate the binder at the first area, then melting the binder by supplying heat, and leaving the binder to cure or causing it to cure.
US09011979B2 Process for producing polymer-containing coatings
The present invention relates to a process for producing polymer-containing coatings for surfaces by in situ precipitation of calcium carbonate. The invention is additionally directed to the polymer-containing coating as such and to surfaces to which such polymer-containing coatings have been applied. The polymer-containing coatings preferably have antibacterial action.
US09011977B2 Corrosion inhibitors in breakable microcapsules to passivate scratched metals
Microencapsulated chemical(s), as water-soluble solid particles, are embedded in at least one the paint layers on the surface of a magnesium article used in an automobile. If the protective paint film is scratched or otherwise mechanically disturbed to expose the surface of the magnesium article the capsules will be ruptured. This will expose the encapsulated chemical(s) to ambient water enabling them to dissolve and form an aqueous solution capable of reacting with the exposed magnesium to form a protective passivating layer on the exposed magnesium to resist corrosion. In a second embodiment the encapsulated chemicals include a deliquescing compound for extraction of moisture from the atmosphere sufficient to induce dissolution of the passivating layer-forming chemical(s) and trigger the formation of the passivating layer in the absence of ambient water.
US09011975B2 Treatment of filaments or yarn
A method for treating an aromatic polyamide filament or yarn to improve its adhesion to rubber wherein, the method comprises exposing the filament or yarn to a first mixture of reagents comprising multi-functional isocyanate oligomers and multi-functional epoxy oligomers, wherein the ratio of total isocyanate groups to total epoxy groups in the mixture is in the range of from 0.8 to 1.2, and heating the exposed filament or yarn to a temperature of at least 100 degrees C. whereby the epoxy and isocyanate oligomers cross-link and form a network on the surface of the filament or yarn.
US09011972B2 Treatment of tailings streams
A process for the treating a mature fine tailings stream is provided. Treatment comprises contacting an alkali metal silicate or polysilicate microgel and an activator with mature fine tailings, entrapping the sand and clay fines within a polysilicate microgel, spreading the silica microgel over a surface, and allowing the silica microgel to dry, and producing a trafficable surface.
US09011967B2 Multicolor electronic devices and processes of forming the same by printing
There is provided a process of forming a regular array of rows of subpixels on a workpiece. The subpixels having 3 different colors, and a subpixel pitch s. Of the three colors, q colors are formed by printing and r colors are formed by a non-printing method. The process includes the steps: (1) providing a printing head having z nozzles arranged in a row with a spacing between the nozzles of p, where z=3n1 and p=2s, the printhead being at a first position relative to the workpiece; (2) providing q different printing inks, one for each of the q printed colors; (3) supplying each of the printing inks to the nozzles in a regular alternating pattern; (4) printing a first set of z rows of subpixels with the printing head; (5) moving and printing in a first pattern with the steps: (a) moving the workpiece laterally relative to the printing head by a distance d1, where d1=3n2; and (b) printing a set of z rows of subpixels with the printing head; (6) moving and printing in a second pattern with the steps: (c) moving the workpiece laterally relative to the printing head by a distance d2, where d2=3n3, such that d1+d2=pz; and (d) printing a set of z rows of subpixels with the printing head; (7) repeating steps (5) and (6) multiple times in the same order; and (8) applying r colors by a non-printing method.Variables include: n1, an integer greater than 0; n2 and n3, odd integers, such that n2+n3=2n1; q, an integer from 1-3; and r, an integer, such that q+r=3.
US09011962B2 Bovine meat compositions having enhanced quality, nutritive and health values obtained from enrichment diets
The present invention relates to improved meat products produced by novel methods of increasing the selenium and Vitamin E content in beef by feeding special enriched diets. The present invention further provides improved meat products having increased Vitamin E retention, reduced TBARS and/or improved water holding capacity in comparison to meat products not obtained from beef cattle fed said special enrichment diet.
US09011961B2 Eutectic mixtures of esterified propoxylated glycerols with digestible fats
Disclosed are methods for producing esterified propoxylated glycerols and eutectic mixtures containing one or more esterified propoxylated glycerols and one or more digestible fats. Food products containing the eutectic mixtures are also disclosed.
US09011959B2 Compositions containing novel canola protein isolate
A novel canola protein isolate made predominantly of 2S canola protein and having equal to better solubility properties and improved clarity properties, has an increased proportion of 2S canola protein and a decreased proportion of 7S canola protein. The novel canola protein isolate is formed by heat treatment or isoelectric precipitation of aqueous supernatant from canola protein micelle formation and precipitation, to effect precipitation of 7S protein which is sedimented and removed. Alternatively, the novel canola protein isolate may be derived from a selective membrane procedure in which an aqueous canola protein solution containing 12S, 7S and 2S canola proteins is subjected to a first selective membrane technique to retain 12S and 7S canola proteins in a retentate, which is dried to provide a canola protein isolate consisting predominantly of 7S canola protein, and to permit 2S canola protein to pass through the membrane. The permeate is subjected to a second selective membrane technique to retain 2S canola protein and to permit low molecular weight contaminants to pass through the membrane, and the retentate from the latter membrane technique is dried.
US09011953B2 Method and UHT installation for treating heat-sensitive liquid food products
The invention concerns a process for the treatment of heat-sensative fluid food products (P) in a UHT system (1), particularly dairy such as milk, cream, milk protein concentrate. The invention has the task, in a UHT system whose basic structure using an infusion chamber is described in [4], of ensuring an equal and constant dwell time as well as an equal and constant temperature trend for the entire treated food product downstream of an outlet of a mechanism in which the food product is subjected to direct heating by the introduction of steam, and to minimize fouling during heat maintenance of the food product in this area. This is achieved using process technology in that: The heated food product (P*) upstream of its heat main undergoes a predetermined pressure increase (Δp) at a predetermined, unchanging location, and The pressure level upstream of the location before the relief lies above the pressure upstream of the location before the pressure increase (Δp) (FIG. 1).
US09011952B2 Method and apparatus for the separation of seeds from fruit pulp/slurry/pomace
The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for separation of seeds from fruit pulp/skin/twigs, in general, coming out from juice producing industry as a waste and in particular from apple pomace. The method involves addition of apple pomace and water in a particular ratio to a vessel (1), mixing with an agitator (6, 8) at optimum rpm for sufficient period, allowed to stand followed by secondary agitation. Based on difference in bulk density, seeds were separated from pomace. The seedless pomace withdrawn from horizontal (13) or inclined (14) outlets and seeds collected in seed collection chamber were removed through bottom valve (11). The seed trap (15) provided at inclined outlet (14) helps in their retention in the vessel (1). The seedless pomace is recovered by filtration from water. This spent water can be recycled for few times and then purged. Easy to handle separation device is energy efficient, compactly designed and can be used to separate the seeds efficiently up to 97%.
US09011946B2 Encapsulated acid, method for the preparation thereof, and chewing gum comprising same
Delayed release in chewing gum of a food-grade acid, is provided by encapsulating the food-grade acid in specific amounts of a poly(vinyl acetate) and a fatty acid salt. When incorporated into a chewing gum, the food-grade acid encapsulated in poly(vinyl acetate) and fatty acid salt provides a more delayed release of a sour flavor than food-grade acid encapsulated in poly(vinyl acetate) alone.
US09011944B2 Polyphenol composition
A polyphenol composition derived from Camellia sinensis and contains flavonol aglycones and flavonol glycosides, in a weight ratio [(B)/(A)] of the following total contents (B) to (A) is from 0.01 to 18, wherein (A) total content of the flavonol aglycones contained in solids of the polyphenol composition after hydrolysis as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and (B) total content of the polyphenols contained in solids of the polyphenol composition as measured by the ferrous tartrate method.
US09011940B2 Bitter-taste inhibitor and ginseng composition comprising same
The present invention relates to a bitter-taste inhibitor containing indigestible maltodextrin, and to a ginseng composition comprising the bitter-taste inhibitor. According to the present invention, the particular bitter taste of ginseng may be eliminated without the loss of a marker component found in ginseng, thereby enabling the easy intake of ginseng.
US09011939B2 Sulphated arabinogalactans, apiogalacturonans and sulphated heteroglycans for treating diseases caused by the influenza virus
The present invention relates to polysaccharides selected from sulphated arabinogalactans, apiogalacturonans and sulphated heteroglycans intended to be used as a drug for the preventive or curative treatment of an influenza virus, as well as to the pharmaceutical compositions including, in particular in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier: either an extract of Codium fragile, including sulphated arabinogalactans, or an extract of Zostera marina or Lemna minor, including apiogalacturonans, or an extract of Caulerpa racemosa, including sulphated heteroglycans.
US09011938B2 Methods and formulations for treating chronic liver disease
An anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic antioxidant formulation for treatment of hepatic oxidative stress and cirrhosis is disclosed. The antioxidant formulation can further include at least one of a hepatitis C virus-specific or a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-specific formulation comprising one or more compounds to retard the progression of liver fibrosis and possibly reverse an established fibrosis. Methods of treatment or therapies for treating chronic liver disease and chronic hepatitis are also provided.
US09011937B2 Method of treating neurological conditions with extract of Nerium species or Thevetia species
A method of treating neurological condition in a subject by administration of an extract, or fraction or sub-fraction thereof, of Nerium species or Thevetia species is provided, wherein the extract, or fraction or sub-fraction thereof, excludes oleandrin and neriifolin. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease or stroke are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the extract, or a fraction or sub-fraction thereof, to a subject. The extract can be present in a pharmaceutical composition.
US09011933B2 Therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating warts with tellurium compounds
A novel method for treating skin and mucosal membrane ailments caused by human papilloma viruses, which utilizes tellurium-containing compounds, is disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing tellurium-containing compounds for treating such ailments.
US09011932B2 Contact lens care system with peroxide
A contact lens disinfection system that includes a peroxide disinfection solution in combination with a lens closure. The disinfection solution comprises 0.5 wt. % to 6 wt. % hydrogen peroxide or a chemical precursor of hydrogen peroxide, and an amino buffer component. The closure includes securing elements to position and maintain a pair of contact lenses in the disinfection solution, and a peroxide neutralization catalyst comprising platinum. In combination with the closure, the disinfection solution exhibits a pseudo first-order, half-life of hydrogen peroxide over an initial sixty minutes of neutralization from 12 minutes to 30 minutes in the lens closure.
US09011929B2 Composition for inducing tissue regeneration by activating platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
The present invention relates to a composition for cartilaginous tissue repair and to a production method therefor. The present invention comprises the steps of: (a) dissolving freeze-dried fibrinogen in an aprotinin solution; (b) dissolving freeze-dried thrombin in a stabilizing solution; (c) mixing an enriched collagen solution with thrombin and the stabilizing solution; and installing the fibrinogen solution (a) to one side of a dual kit and the solution (c) containing the collagen to the other side, and then mixing and injecting into damaged cartilaginous tissue. In the present invention, which is constituted as described above, biomaterials such as collagen and fibrin are mixed so as to allow damaged cartilaginous tissue to be repaired to a state allowing transplantation onto the tissue, and efficient regeneration is induced, thereby making it possible to reduce surgery-related stress on people and animals while inducing relatively rapid and efficient cartilage repair and regeneration.
US09011928B2 Compositions for achieving a therapeutic effect in an anatomical structure
Compositions and methods of using the compositions are provided for forming an embolus within a region of an anatomical lumen for a transitory period in order to achieve a therapeutic effect.
US09011924B2 Biphasic lipid-vesicle compositions and methods for treating cervical dysplasia by intravaginal delivery
This invention relates to biphasic lipid-vesicle compositions and methods for treating cervical displasia by intravaginal delivery.
US09011923B2 Suspension formulations
The present invention relates to suspension formulations, especially those for delivering a pharmaceutically active agent in aerosol form using a spray or aerosol device, such as a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI). The formulations may be for pulmonary, nasal, buccal or topical administration, but are preferably for pulmonary inhalation.
US09011921B2 Sustained-release polymeric microparticles containing poorly water-soluble drug and method for preparing the same
A sustained-release microparticle containing a poorly water-soluble drug is disclosed. The sustained-release microparticle containing a poorly water-soluble drug has a multivalent metal ion salt of polylactic acid having at least one terminal carboxyl group or a derivative thereof. The poorly water-soluble drug is entrapped in the multivalent metal ion salt of polylactic acid or a derivative thereof The polylactic acid has at least one terminal carboxyl group or a derivative thereof has an average molecular weight number from 500 to 5,000 daltons. A method for preparing a sustained-release polymeric microparticles containing a poorly water-soluble drug is provided.
US09011915B2 Conveniently implantable sustained release drug compositions
This invention provides for biocompatible and biodegradable syringeable liquid, implantable solid, and injectable gel pharmaceutical formulations useful for the treatment of systemic and local disease states.
US09011912B2 Extended-release oral dosage forms for poorly soluble amine drugs
Oral dosage forms for poorly soluble amine drugs are provided. Such dosage forms include an ionizable compound such as an organic acid, an amphiphilic polymer and a release rate-controlling membrane. Such dosage forms allow for the consistent release of the active agent in both gastric pH conditions and in the intestine. Methods of making such dosage forms are also provided.
US09011911B2 High drug load tablet
The present invention pertains to a high drug load tablet comprising an active ingredient Compound I of formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount from about 30% to 80% in weight of the active moiety based on the total weight of the tablet.
US09011910B2 Implantable tizanidine compositions and methods of treatment thereof
A method of treating the symptoms of spasticity comprises implanting a reservoir-based drug delivery composition into a subject to systemically deliver a therapeutically effective amount of tizanidine to the subject for a long period of time (e.g., one month or one year). The drug delivery composition may include a rate-controlling excipient (e.g., an elastomeric polymer) defining a reservoir containing at least one discrete solid dosage form (e.g., one or more pellets), which includes tizanidine free base and optionally, a sorption enhancer.
US09011908B2 Progesterone solutions for increased bioavailability
Fill materials for hydrophobic drugs, such as progesterone, and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The fill material contains the hydrophobic drug dissolved in one or more fatty acids. The concentration of the hydrophobic drug is typically from about 7% to about 50% by weight of the fill material. The concentration of the one or more fatty acids is from about 60% to about 95% by weight of the carrier. The formulation also contains an organic acid and one or both of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable alcohols and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable mono-, di-, or triesters of medium or long chain fatty acids. The fill material can be encapsulated in a hard or soft capsule. The formulations described herein have a higher dissolution rate and faster onset of dissolution compared to micronized progesterone suspended in an oil and thus should have increased bioavailability in vivo.
US09011906B2 Escalating dosing regimen for effecting weight loss and treating obesity
The present invention is drawn to novel topiramate compositions as well as methods for effecting weight loss, e.g., in the treatment of obesity and related conditions, including conditions associated with and/or caused by obesity per se. The present invention features an escalating dosing regimen adapted for the administration of topiramate and optionally a sympathomimetic agent such as phentermine or bupropion, in the treatment of obesity and related conditions.
US09011905B2 Low dose topiramate/phentermine composition and methods of use thereof
A method for effecting weight loss by administering a combination of topiramate and phentermine is provided. The phentermine is generally administered in immediate release form, in a daily dose in the range of 2 mg to 8 mg, in combination with a daily dose of topiramate selected to prevent the loss of effectiveness of phentermine alone. Methods for treating obesity, conditions associated with obesity, and other indications are also provided, as are compositions and dosage forms containing low doses of phentermine and topiramate, e.g., 3.75 mg phentermine and 23 mg topiramate.
US09011903B2 Cationic lipids for therapeutic agent delivery formulations
Here described are compounds of formula I: wherein R1 and R2 is independently selected from a group consisting of C10 to C18 alkyl, C12 to C18 alkenyl, and oleyl group; wherein R3 and R4 are independently selected from a group consisting of C1 to C6 alkyl, and C2 to C6 alkanol; wherein X is selected from a group consisting of —CH2—, —S—, and —O— or absent; wherein Y is selected from —(CH2)n, —S(CH2)n, —O(CH2)n—, thiophene, —SO2(CH2)n—, and ester, wherein n=1-4; wherein a=1-4; wherein b=1-4; wherein c=1-4; and wherein Z is a counterion; as well as compositions and pharmaceutical formulations including compounds of formula I which are useful for the delivery of therapeutic agents; and methods of using these compositions and formulations.
US09011901B2 Method of promoting hemostasis by using a dressing comprising extract of chamomile and nettle
The present invention provides hemostatic compositions comprising components of the flowers of pharmaceutical chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and the leaves of dioecious nettle (Urtica dioica). Further inclusion of a biocompatible polymeric base, particularly an alignate, generates a composition with excellent and broad spectrum hemostatic capabilities, with concurrent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The invention further provides methods of using the inventive compositions in to reduce or stop bleeding, as well as a variety of apparatuses useful in hemostatic contexts that incorporate the inventive compositions. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides hemostatic dressings in which a polymeric layer incorporating chamomile and nettle components is applied to a textile or fabric material, for example a non-woven viscose.
US09011895B2 EB matrix production from animal tissue and its use for tissue repair
A method of forming and preserving a bioremodelable, biopolymer scaffold material by subjecting animal tissue to chemical and mechanical processing. In addition to skin tissue, another source of EBM is a blood vessel. EBM may be used for hernia repair, colon, rectal, vaginal and or urethral prolapse treatment; pelvic floor reconstruction; muscle flap reinforcement; lung tissue support; rotator cuff repair or replacement; periosteum replacement; dura repair; pericardial membrane repair; soft tissue augmentation; intervertebral disk repair; and periodontal repair. EBM may also be used as a urethral sling, laminectomy barrier or spinal fusion device.
US09011894B2 Sterile hyaluronic acid polymer compositions and related methods
The present application provides sterile hyaluronic polymer compositions than are useful, e.g., as medical devices, biomedical adhesives, and sealants. Generally, provided are sterile dry compositions comprising a thiol-derivatized hyaluronic acid and one or more stabilizing excipients. Also provided are related kits and methods. The compositions described herein are particularly robust to sterilizing irradiation, and substantially maintain both their molecular weight and gelation parameters such as gelation time after sterilization, such that such sterile compositions are capable of hydrogel formation.
US09011892B2 Artemisinin with berberine compositions and methods of making
An all-natural herbal composition and methods of preparing the same are provided. The novel Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) consists of artemisinin and its derivatives and berberine, the two active substances mixed with various selected excipient compounds to form a single pill, tablet or capsule for treatment and prevention of malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, dysentery, Lyme disease, babesiosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Helicobacter Pylori, and colitis, in adults and children. A tablet or pill for children is formulated to be chewable.
US09011889B2 Insecticide-containing polymeric material
The present invention relates to an insecticide-containing polymeric material containing at least one embedded insecticidally active ingredient in the polymeric matrix and having excellent biological activity, and also to the products produced from this polymer and to their use for protecting humans, animals and plants against arthropods, particularly for controlling insects.
US09011888B2 Organic-inorganic composite particles, process for producing the same, dispersion containing the particles, and cosmetic containing the particles
Organic-inorganic composite particles includes inorganic oxide particles each of which has a cationic charge on the particle surface and polymer gel molecules which are derived from a natural substance, have an anionic functional group and one or more hydroxyl groups in a molecule and have both a shrinking and a swelling property, the polymer gel molecules are electrostatically bonded to surfaces of the inorganic oxide particles; a process for producing the particles; a dispersion containing the particles; and a cosmetic containing the particles. These organic-inorganic composite particles have good dispersibility not only in aqueous solvents such as water but also in non-aqueous solvents and further have characteristics that aggregation of the particles scarcely occurs.
US09011887B2 Encapsulate with a cationic and anionic polymeric coating
The present application relates to high efficiency particles and compositions, such as consumer products, comprising such high efficiency particles as well as processes for making and using such high efficiency particles and compositions comprising such high efficiency particles. Such high efficiency particles and compositions provide enhanced benefit agent delivery to a situs that is treated with such high efficiency particles and compositions.
US09011886B2 Hair cosmetic composition
A leave-on type hair cosmetic composition having the following two layers A and B: Layer A of an oil layer containing the following component (a) in an amount of 0.5-40% by mass in the hair cosmetic composition, (a) a highly polymerized silicone selected from dimethicone and dimethiconol and having a number average degree of polymerization of 1,000-20,000; and Layer B of a water layer containing the following components (b) and (c), (b) a water-soluble polymeric thickening agent, and (c) water.
US09011881B2 Pharmaceutical composition for treating urinary system disorders
A pharmaceutical composition for treating urinary system disorders includes a carbon material carried by a water-containing carrier and having a carbon content over 60 percentage by weight (wt %), such that both of the carbon material and the water-containing carrier constitute a pharmaceutically acceptable water-containing carrier carrying the carbon material, and the carbon material falls within a range of 0.1 mg/ml to 500 mg/ml per unit dose and has a diameter from 2 nm to 2 mm, such that the pharmaceutical composition is capable of reducing symptoms of cystitis by contacting the carbon material with a bladder or related tissues of the bladder in an animal body.
US09011868B2 Use of a PCV2 immunogenic composition for lessening clinical symptoms in pigs
The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition that comprises a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for treatment of several clinical manifestations (diseases). Preferably, the clinical manifestations are associated with a PCV2 infection. Preferably, they include lymphadenopathy, lymphoid depletion and/or multinucleated/giant histiocytes. Moreover, the clinical symptoms include lymphadenopathy in combination with one or a multiple of the following symptoms in pigs: (1) interstitial pneumonia with interlobular edema, (2) cutaneous pallor or icterus, (3) mottled atrophic livers, (4) gastric ulcers, (5) nephritis and (6) reproductive disorders, e.g. abortion, stillbirths, mummies, etc. Furthermore the clinical symptoms include Pia like lesions, normally known to be associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infections.
US09011867B2 Use of specific peptides in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)
The present invention relates to the use of a peptide comprising or essentially consisting of a sequence motif as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) or of Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM). Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of an activated T-cell specifically recognizing the peptide of the present invention or an antigen presenting cell which specifically presents a peptide epitope of the present invention for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) or of Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM). The present invention also relates to a method for the ex vivo manufacture of an activated T-cell of the present invention comprising the steps of: a) obtaining T-cells from a sample of a subject suffering from MGUS or SMM, b) contacting said T-cells with a peptide of the present invention, and c) collecting the activated T-cells. The present invention relates further to a method for the ex vivo manufacture of an antigen presenting cell of the present invention comprising the steps of: a) obtaining immature antigen presenting cells from a sample of a subject suffering from MGUS or SMM, b) contacting said immature antigen presenting cells with a peptide of the present invention, and c) collecting the mature antigen presenting cells.
US09011865B2 Combination of a c-Met antagonist and an aminoheteroaryl compound for the treatment of cancer
The invention also relates to a composition comprising an antibody antagonist to c-Met and an aminoheteroaryl compound, particularly as a medicament. The present invention also comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising said anti c-Met antibody and said aminoheteroaryl compound as combination products for simultaneous, separate or sequential use. The invention relates to the use of the composition of the invention for the treatment of cancer in a mammal.
US09011863B2 Combinations of kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer
The present invention provides methods of treating cancer by administering a compound of formula I, optionally as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate and/or hydrate thereof, in combination with an inhibitor that targets HER2 and/or HER3.
US09011856B2 Antibodies specific for sclerostin and methods for increasing bone mineralization
Compositions and methods relating to antibodies that specifically bind to TGF-beta binding proteins are provided. These methods and compositions relate to altering bone mineral density by interfering with the interaction between a TGF-beta binding protein sclerostin and a TGF-beta superfamily member, particularly a bone morphogenic protein. Increasing bone mineral density has uses in diseases and conditions in which low bone mineral density typifies the condition, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone fractures.
US09011854B2 Anti-DLL3 antibody drug conjugates and methods of use
Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.
US09011853B2 B7-H4 fusion proteins and methods of use thereof
Fusion proteins containing B7-H4 polypeptides are disclosed. The B7-H4 fusion proteins can include full-length B7-H4 polypeptides, or can contain a fragment of a full-length B7-H4 polypeptide, including some or all of the extracellular domain of the B7-H4 polypeptide. Methods for using the fusion proteins to downregulate T cell activation and for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and disorders are also disclosed. The B7-H4 fusion proteins are useful for treating inflammation by inhibiting or reducing differentiation, proliferation, activity, and/or cytokine production and/or secretion by ThI, ThI 7, Th22, and/or other cells that secrete, or cause other cells to secrete, inflammatory molecules, including, but not limited to, IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-beta, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, IL-22, IL-21, and MMPs; or enhancing IL-IO secretion by Tregs, increasing the differentiation of Tregs, increasing the number of Tregs, or combinations thereof.
US09011852B2 Anti-C5a antibodies
The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to C5a and to use of the antibodies in methods for treating or preventing complement-associated disorders such as, but not limited to, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, severe burn, antiphospho lipid syndrome, asthma, lupus nephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US09011848B2 Human binding molecules capable of neutralizing influenza virus H5N1 and uses thereof
Described are binding molecules such as human monoclonal antibodies that bind to influenza virus H5N1 and have neutralizing activity against influenza virus H5N1. Also described are nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, and compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of identifying or producing the antibodies. The antibodies can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of an influenza virus H5N1 infection. In certain embodiments, the antibodies provide cross-subtype protection in vivo, such that infections with H5, H2, H6, H9, and H1-based influenza subtypes can be prevented and/or treated.
US09011847B2 Anti-FAP antibodies and methods of use
The invention provides antibodies against Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) and methods of using the same.
US09011843B2 Formulations including monovalent alginate to enhance effectiveness of administered digestive enzymes
Disclosed are alginate formulations that help protect digestive enzymes in the formulations from denaturation during passage through the acidic stomach environment, and from other sources, following ingestion. The formulation changes consistency to permit release of the enzymes in the less-acidic gut. They contain monovalent alginate salts (sodium, potassium and ammonium alginate) but are designed to not include significant quantities of compounds which would generate divalent ions and thereby convert the monovalent alginate to a divalent alginate when exposed to aqueous solution. A buffering agent that does not react with the digestive enzymes or the monovalent alginate, and which does not generate divalent ions on exposure to aqueous solution, can be included. A chelating agent which binds divalent ions may be administered with the formulation. Additionally, the formulation may be admixed with inert excipients suitable for oral delivery. It is preferable that the ingredients are dried before formulation.
US09011842B2 Use of proteases for gluten intolerance
The present technology relates to an enzyme composition. The enzyme composition may be used to treat gluten intolerant subjects, including suffering from non-Celiac gluten intolerance and/or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. The enzyme composition may also be used to reduce gluten exposure in certain individuals. For example, the enzyme composition may also be used as a prophylactic to reduce exposure to gluten oligopeptides.
US09011840B2 Activated mesenchymal stem cells for wound healing and impaired tissue regeneration
Inflammatory cytokines e.g. IFN-γ, serve as initiating stimuli for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) immunosuppresive activity in vivo. Other inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF alpha, the molecule hemoxygenase I, and TLR ligation of MSC, may also provide such a response. Activated MSC's promote tissue regeneration in conditions such as aging, where regeneration is impaired. Wound healing in aged mammals was enhanced by restoring tensile strength to the levels of younger mammals. Activated MSCs were useful in treating wounds in diabetic primates.
US09011832B2 Heteroatom containing cyclic dimers
The present invention provides cyclic dimers of alpha acids and polymers derived therefrom. Also provided are processes for preparing and methods of using the cyclic dimers and the polymers derived from the cyclic dimers.
US09011827B2 Composition and process for treating keratinous substrates with at least two immiscible cosmetic compositions
A process for treating a keratinous substrate involving: (a) providing at least a first composition having a continuous phase whose major ingredient has a solubility parameter corresponding to δ; (b) providing at least a second composition having a continuous phase whose major ingredient has a solubility parameter corresponding to δ′; and (c) combining (a) and (b) prior to, or during, their application onto the keratinous substrate, and wherein the difference between δ and δ′ is greater than 12, and wherein the major ingredient is chosen from a hydrophilic polar material, an organic non-polar material and an inorganic non-polar material.
US09011826B2 Cosmetic and dermatological formulations including isononyl benzoate
A method for the preparation of a formulation including adding at least one substance of the general formula (I) wherein R1 is an unbranched or branched C9-alkyl radical to at least one component selected from the group of an emollient, emulsifier, surfactant, thickener, viscosity regulator, stabilizer, UV light protection filter, antioxidant, hydrotropic agent, filler, film-forming agent, pearlescent additive, deodorant active compound, antiperspirant active compound, insect repellent, self-tanning agent, preservative, conditioning agent, perfume, dyestuff, biogenic active compound, care additive, super-oiling agent, and solvent.
US09011824B2 Silica abrasive-free dentifrice composition
A dentifrice composition providing superior shine and polish, low RDA and effective whitening comprising a calcined aluminum oxide polishing agent, a water soluble condensed phosphate such as an alkali metal phosphate salt and an orally acceptable carrier or excipient is described. The composition is free of a silica abrasive.
US09011819B2 Optical imaging contrast agents and uses thereof
The present invention generally relates to microbubble contrast agent compositions which are detectable by optical imaging methods, such as fluorescence, near-infrared or bioluminescence. Uses of the described compositions for imaging and therapeutic applications are contemplated.
US09011818B2 Materials and methods for biological imaging
Water soluble InAs(ZnCdS) semiconductor nanocrystals with bright and stable emission in the near infrared (NIR) wavelength range have been prepared. The NIR semiconductor nanocrystals can be functionalized to enable imaging of specific cellular proteins. In addition, the utility of the NIR region for in vivo biological imaging is clearly demonstrated by the superior ability of InAs(ZnCdS) semiconductor nanocrystals to image tumor vasculature.
US09011813B2 Method and system for producing integrated hydrogen from organic matter
A method for production of hydrogen from organic matter, includes: pyrolysis of a feed of organic matter by passing a gaseous treatment stream essentially having carbon dioxide through the organic matter, the pyrolysis producing, on the one hand, a pyrolysis gas stream having the gaseous treatment stream, steam and volatile organic compounds originating from the organic matter, and on the other hand pyrolysis chars having carbon components; oxycombustion of at least a proportion of the volatile organic compounds present in the pyrolysis gas stream, by injection of oxygen, upstream of a layer of redox filtering matter comprising high-temperature carbon components; and after the oxycombustion, passing the oxidized pyrolysis gas stream through the redox layer, the passage producing a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen obtained by deoxidation of steam by the high-temperature carbon components.
US09011808B2 Method for removing impurities from gas flows comprising oxygen
A process for removing impurities, in particular oxides of sulphur (SOx) and/or oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from oxygen-containing gas streams by scrubbing with at least one washing agent is described. In order to achieve effective gas purification in an economical manner even in the case of so-called large “oxyfuel” furnaces which operate with oxygen as fuel gas, it is proposed to convert the impurities at an elevated pressure of at least 2 bar with at least one basic constituent of the washing agent into salts and to wash out said impurities as dissolved salts.
US09011807B2 8-ring small pore molecular sieve as high temperature SCR catalyst
Described is a selective catalytic reduction catalyst comprising an iron-promoted 8-ring small pore molecular sieve. Systems and methods for using these iron-promoted 8-ring small molecular sieves as catalysts in a variety of processes such as abating pollutants in exhaust gases and conversion processes are also described.
US09011802B2 Covered rack for holding fluid receptacles
A sample rack configured to hold receptacles and to be inserted into the structure below the cover includes a sample rack having receptacle-receiving pockets, each with a resilient element and a positioning feature for holding receptacles of varying sizes in a predetermined position within the receptacle receiving pocket, and a cover including features for preventing a receptacle from being pulled out of its receptacle-receiving pocket when the transfer mechanism is withdrawn from the receptacle.
US09011799B2 Laboratory sample instrument with printed circuit board cable device
The invention relates to a laboratory sample instrument with a cable holding space in which a printed circuit board cable device is arranged. The printed circuit board cable device has at least one printed circuit board with first and second sides and, arranged in succession, at least one first circuit board section, at least one second circuit board section and at least one third circuit board section, and with a number of conductor tracks arranged in parallel with respect to one another and extending from a first track section arranged in the first circuit board section, via the second circuit board section to the third circuit board section, in which a second track section is arranged, wherein, in the second circuit board section, at least one conductor track is arranged on the first side of the board and at least one track is arranged on the second side.
US09011797B2 Microfluidic system including a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel
A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.
US09011794B2 Time temperature indicator
The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicator and methods of manufacturing and use thereof. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator comprises a time temperature indicator comprising at least one metal layer or metal containing layer and in direct contact to the metal layer or to the metal containing layer at least one doped polymer layer, wherein the dopant is an acid, a base or a salt or a photolatent acid or a photolatent base which dopant is added to the polymer, and/or at least one polymer layer wherein a polymer is functionalized with acidic or latent acidic or basic or latent basic groups; or a time temperature indicator comprising at least one polymer layer containing metal particles and a photolatent acid or a photolatent base, or at least one polymer layer containing metal particles wherein the polymer is functionalized with latent acidic or latent basic groups.
US09011793B2 Blood glucose monitoring system, strip accommodation device, strip storage device, and automated blood collection device
The present invention relates to a blood glucose monitoring system, a strip accommodation device, a strip storage device, and an automated blood collection device, wherein the blood glucose monitoring system has the strip accommodation device formed integrally therewith, the strip accommodation device being configured to convert a rotary motion of a cover of an operating member into an upward linear motion and to eject one of a plurality of strips through an ejection hole, thereby easily storing the strips therein, preventing the contamination of the strips from the foreign matters like outside moisture, and accurately and easily measuring the concentration of the glucose in the blood.
US09011784B2 Catalyst with lanthanide-doped zirconia and methods of making
The invention generally relates to three-way catalysts and catalyst formulations capable of simultaneously converting nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into less toxic compounds. Such three-way catalyst formulations contain ZrO2-based mixed-metal oxide support oxides doped with an amount of lanthanide. Three-way catalyst formulations with the support oxides of the present invention demonstrate higher catalytic activity, efficiency and longevity than comparable catalysts formulated with traditional support oxides.
US09011781B2 Catalysts having catalytic material applied directly to thermally-grown alumina and catalytic methods using same; improved methods of oxidative dehydrogenation
The invention describes catalysts, methods of making catalysts, methods of making a microchannel reactor, and methods of conducting chemical reactions. It has been discovered that superior performance can be obtained from a catalyst formed by directly depositing a catalytic material onto a (low surface area) thermally-grown alumina layer. Improved methods of conducting oxidative dehydrogenations are also described.
US09011779B1 Device for measurement of exhaled ethanol concentration
Described is a personal device and methods for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of gas. The device and method may utilize a chemically selective sensor element with low power consumption integrated with circuitry that enables wireless communication between the sensor and any suitable electronic readout such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. In preferred form, the sensor circuitry relies upon the quantum capacitance effect of graphene as a transduction mechanism. Also in preferred form, the device and method employ the functionalization of the graphene-based sensor to determine the concentration of ethanol in exhaled breath.
US09011775B2 Cation exchange capacity titration unit
Disclosed herein is a cation exchange capacity titration unit comprising a titration cell having a closed bottom end in fluid communication with an open top end; a recirculation loop comprising a pump and a sensing unit, wherein the pump comprises a pump inlet in fluid communication with the bottom end of the titration cell, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with a sensing unit inlet, the sensing unit inlet being in fluid communication with a sensing unit outlet, wherein the sensing unit outlet is in fluid communication with the top end of the titration cell such that operation of the pump results in an analyte sample flowing from the bottom end through the pump, through the sensing unit, and back into the top end of the titration cell in a continuous loop. A method of determining the cation exchange capacity of a sample is also disclosed.
US09011769B2 Dual chamber blood reservoir
A blood reservoir may be used in combination with other elements such as a heart lung machine (HLM), oxygenator, heat exchanger, arterial filter and the like to form an extracorporeal blood circuit that may be employed in a procedure such as a bypass procedure. The blood reservoir may be configured to receive, filter and store blood from a number of sources including vent blood (from within the heart), venous blood (from a major vein), purge blood (from a sampling line) and cardiotomy or suction blood (from the surgical field).
US09011767B2 Transportable vacuum assisted decontamination unit and decontamination process
The disclosed invention relates to a portable, vacuum assisted decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a vacuum assisted decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.
US09011766B2 Method for enhancing the shelf life of donor blood by laser biostimulation
A method for increasing the shelf life of donor blood contemplates the following steps. In the first step blood is transferred to a sterile container and mixed with an anticoagulant as indicated in step 20. The anticoagulant and donor blood are centrifuged in step 22 at about 4,000 rpm for about 15 minutes. After centrifuging the red blood cells are separated and placed in a sterile tube. In the next step the red blood cells are irradiated by a laser that emanates a wavelength of about 633 nm for a time period of about 24 hours. During rotation the RBCs are rotated to provide uniform exposure. Such laser biostimulation produces an enhancement of shelf life of donor blood by 66%.
US09011762B2 Method for manufacturing conductors and semiconductors
The invention relates to a sintering method for manufacturing structures by sintering. In addition, the invention relates to a sintered product, an electronic module, and new uses. In the method, a particle material containing conductive or semiconductive encapsulated nanoparticles is sintered, in order to increase its electrical conductivity, by applying a voltage over the particle material. In the method, a substrate is typically used, one surface of which is at least partly equipped with a layer containing nanoparticles. The method is based on thermal feedback between the voltage feed and the nanoparticles. The invention permits the manufacture of conductive and semiconductive structures and pieces by sintering at room temperature and at normal pressure.
US09011760B2 Hardening device
An object of the present invention is to provide a hardening method and a hardening device capable of successfully hardening a shaft and an inner wall of a hole of a work in which the hole is formed close to the shaft on a flat plate. A hardening device for hardening a shaft and an inner wall of a hole, the shaft extending vertically from a flat plate and the hole being formed adjacent to the shaft, includes a first heating coil that is a conductive body facing the shaft and a second heating coil that is a helical conductive body having at least a portion inserted into the hole, so that the first heating coil and the second heating coil heat the shaft and the inner wall of the hole respectively and simultaneously.
US09011757B2 Aluminum-titanate-based ceramic honeycomb structure, its production method, and starting material powder for producing same
A ceramic honeycomb structure having a large number of flow paths partitioned by porous cell walls, the cell walls comprising at least main crystals of aluminum titanate, in which MgO and SiO2 are dissolved to form a solid solution, and glass phases, the glass phases containing 40-80% by mass of SiO2 and 1-20% by mass of MgO, the average size of the glass phases being 30 μm or less in a cross section of the cell walls, and the area ratio of the glass phases to the total area of the main crystals of aluminum titanate and the glass phases being 2-12% in a cross section of the cell walls, and its production method.
US09011756B2 Thin-walled plastic container for pressurization
This invention proposes a light-weight, thin-walled plastic container, in particular made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), intended for post-filling pressurization so as to increase the rigidity of said container, and a process for manufacturing such container.
US09011752B2 Electromagnetic wave transmission lines using magnetic nanoparticle composites
The disclosure pertains to a method of orientating particles by their easy axes in a selected area of a composite comprising the particles dispersed in a matrix. The method comprises liquefying and then solidifying the matrix at the selected area while applying an external magnetic field on the composite. The composite can be used for a transmission line component for directing high frequency electromagnetic waves. The particles are preferably superparamagnetic nanocrystallite particles and matrix is preferably a polymeric material.
US09011751B2 Highly convertible endolumenal prostheses and methods of manufacture
Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body.
US09011750B2 Injection molding device and method for discharging heat medium for injection molding device
The injection molding device of the present invention is provided with a supply pipe which supplies a heat medium to a mold, a discharge pipe which discharges the heat medium from the mold, a mold temperature adjustor to which the supply pipe and the discharge pipe are connected to adjust the temperature of the mold, and a discharge rate adjusting unit which is provided with a variable flow control valve installed on the discharge pipe to adjust a flow rate of the heat medium, a discharge pipe variable flow control valve bypass pipe for bypassing the variable flow control valve and a discharge pipe bypass on-off valve installed on the bypass pipe to change a flow rate of the heat medium and which is installed at a position upstream from the mold temperature adjustor on the discharge pipe.
US09011747B2 Method for manufacturing fiber-reinforced plastic
A method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic includes placing a compressible reinforcing fiber base material made of discontinuous reinforcing fibers in a cavity of a mold, injecting melted thermoplastic resin into the cavity, and impregnating the resin into the reinforcing fiber base material, wherein the mold is adapted to change a cavity volume of the mold, and the reinforcing fiber base material after having been or while being impregnated with the thermoplastic resin is compressed in the cavity by reducing the cavity volume of the mold after injecting the melted thermoplastic resin.
US09011743B2 Liquid crystal polyester fibers and method for producing the same
Disclosed are liquid crystal polyester fibers, which have a peak half-width of 15° C. or greater at an endothermic peak (Tm1) observed by differential calorimetry under a temperature elevation of 20° C./minute from 50° C., polystyrene equivalent weight average molecular weight of 250,000 or more and 2,000,000 or less, and a variable waveform of less than 10% in terms of the half inert diagram mass waveform determined by a Uster yarn irregularity tester. Also disclosed is a method for producing liquid crystal polyester fibers, wherein liquid crystal polyester fibers are formed into a package, the fibers are then subjected to solid-phase polymerization, and the solid-phase polymerized liquid crystal polyester fibers are unrolled from the package and successively heat treated without being once taken up. The heat treatment temperature is controlled at a temperature of the endothermic peak temperature (Tm1) of the solid-phase polymerized liquid crystal polyester fibers+60° C. or higher, and the speeds of the fibers before and after heat treatment are regulated, respectively, by first and second rollers.
US09011738B2 Monomer beads for producing a proton-conducting membrane
Monomer beads which can be obtained according to a process in which i. one or more aromatic tetraamino compounds are mixed with one or more aromatic carboxylic acids comprising at least two acid groups per carboxylic acid monomer in an extruder and melted at 190° C.-270° C.; ii. the melt is dropletized at 190° C.-270° C. by means of a die located at the extruder outlet; iii. the liquid droplets are collected, cooled and allowed to solidify. The monomer beads are particularly suited to the production of a proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles.
US09011736B2 Injection molding flow control apparatus and method
An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow to a mold cavity including a controller instructing a valve system to drive an actuator and a valve pin and including instructions that instruct the valve system to drive an actuator and a valve pin and including instructions that instruct the valve system to move from a start position to one or more intermediate drive rate positions and subsequently from the one or more intermediate drive rate positions to a high drive rate position on receipt by the controller of a signal from a position sensor that is indicative of the valve pin having reached a second position.
US09011733B2 Dielectric fluids compositions and methods
Green compositions and technologies are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of providing dielectric fluids, heat transfer fluids or cooling fluids. The dielectric fluid, heat transfer fluid, or cooling fluid can comprise one or more by-product or co-product containing glyceride and fatty acid mixtures extracted from an ethanol process. In an embodiment, the present invention provides compositions of dielectric fluids, heat transfer fluids or cooling fluids. The dielectric fluid, heat transfer fluid, or cooling fluid can comprise one or more glyceride and fatty acid mixtures extracted from an ethanol process.
US09011731B2 Method for preparing negative electrode material of lithium ion battery
A method for preparing a negative electrode material of a lithium ion battery is provided. In the method, a solvent-thermal reaction of a graphite material and a modifier precursor in an organic solvent is conducted to form a reaction product. And then, the reaction product is dried. Next, a heat treatment is applied to the dried reaction product to obtain the negative electrode material. The negative electrode material prepared by the method has improved cycle stability and high current performance.
US09011729B2 Organic thin-film transistor
An organic thin film transistor including at least a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, an insulator layer and an organic semiconductor layer, at least one of the source electrode and the drain electrode including a conductive polyaniline composition containing (a) a substituted or unsubstituted polyaniline composite which is protonated by an organic protonic acid or its salts represented by M(XCR4(CR52COOR6)COOR7)p and (b) compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group.
US09011725B2 System and process for the production of syngas and fuel gasses
The production of gasses and, more particularly, to systems and methods for the production of syngas and fuel gasses including the production of hydrogen are set forth. In one embodiment system and method includes a reactor having a molten pool of a material comprising sodium carbonate. A supply of conditioned water is in communication with the reactor. A supply of carbon containing material is also in communication with the reactor. In one particular embodiment, the carbon containing material may include vacuum residuum (VR). The water and VR may be kept at desired temperatures and pressures compatible with the process that is to take place in the reactor. When introduced into the reactor, the water, the VR and the molten pool may be homogenously mixed in an environment in which chemical reactions take place including the production of hydrogen and other gasses.
US09011721B2 Halo-silicate luminescent materials and preparation methods thereof
Halo-silicate luminescent materials and preparation methods thereof are provided. The said luminescent materials are represented by the following general formula: (Ba1-yAy)2-xSiO4:Eux, Dz@ Mn, wherein A is selected from one or two of Sr, Ca, Mg or Zn, D is selected from one of F or Cl, M is selected from at least one of Ag, Au, Pt, Pd or Cu metal nano-particles; @ is coating; (Ba1-yAy)2-xSiO4:Eux, Dz, is shell; 0.001
US09011719B2 White-light LED red phosphor and method of manufacturing the same
A white-light LED red phosphor and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The luminescent materials are represented by the general formula: Ca1-y-m-e-rYyMmXx-pPpZzNn:Eue, Rf, wherein M is at least one selected from Sr, Ba, Sc, Li, Na and K; X is at least one selected from B, Al and Ga, and Al must be contained; Z is at least one selected from Si, V and Nb, and Si must be contained; R is at least one selected from Dy, Er, Tm and Lu, and Dy must be contained; 0.001≦y≦0.2, 0.001≦m≦0.2, 0.5≦x≦1.5, 0.5≦z≦1.5, 0.001≦p≦0.1, 2≦n≦4, 0.001≦e≦0.2 and 0.001≦r≦0.1. The phosphor according to the present invention has features such as good chemical stability, high luminous efficiency, and good anti-luminous attenuation performance, etc.
US09011709B2 Electrolyte composition and energy storage device including the same
The present invention relates to an electrolyte of an energy storage device. An electrolyte composition in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrolyte salt, a carbonate solvent, and at least one nitrile solvent of acetonitrile and propionitrile.
US09011708B2 Thermal insulator using closed cell expanded perlite
The present invention relates to a thermal insulator using closed cell expanded perlite. The thermal insulator using closed cell expanded perlite of the present invention includes: expanded perlite 10 to 84 wt %ç, including dried and expanded perlite ore particles, having a surface with a closed cell shape, as an active ingredient; a liquid binder 15 to 85 wt %; and a reinforcing fiber 0.25 to 5 wt %. Accordingly, the present invention provides a thermal insulator, which enhances the rigidity of expanded perlite, minimizes porosity and gaps between the expanded perlite particles, by reducing compression ratio during compression molding, which results in lower density, improves constructability by lowering thermal conductivity, reduces material and energy costs and can reduce the area required for equipment installation by reducing the thickness of the thermal insulator.
US09011704B2 Methods for texturing magnetic head surface
A method according to one embodiment includes contacting an oxidant with an AlTiC portion of a magnetic head for recessing TiC grains of the AlTiC portion. A method according to another embodiment includes contacting a peroxide with an AlTiC portion of a magnetic head for recessing TiC grains of the AlTiC portion from a media bearing surface of the AlTiC portion.
US09011701B2 Method and device for treatment of liquid materials based on organic waste products
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for the treatment of liquid material based on organic waste products, in particular sludge from sewage disposal plants and the like, wherein the sludge material is added and mixed with chemicals, in particular sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and/or ammonia, during the vaporization and degasification of liquid from the material to increase the solids content thereof. The present invention is characterized, inter alia, in that the material is continuously introduced at the upper part of a vertical mixing vessel (1), in which the material is subject to mixing, after which the material is passed on into a reactor tank (8) for sulphuric acid treatment and at the same time, while sinking through the sulphuric acid treatment reactor tank (8), is exposed to an impact action from a number of rotary processing means (9) disposed in the reactor tank (8), after which the material is passed on into a reactor tank (14) for ammonia treatment and at the same time, while sinking through the ammonia treatment reactor tank (14), is exposed to an impact action from a number of rotary processing means (9) disposed in the reactor tank (14), after which the material is finally passed on into a drier (15) in which the material is dried until a desired solids content is achieved.
US09011700B2 Systems, devices, and methods for directly energizing water molecule composition
Systems, devices, and methods for generating energized water molecules and administering same to a human or other biological subject. The system includes a humidifying apparatus, and excitation apparatus, and a control system. The system may further include a fluid management system to assist in the delivery of energized water molecules.
US09011699B2 Ultrasonic agglomeration of microalgae
Systems are provided with varying flow chamber configurations which acoustically agglomerate microorganisms such as algae for separation from a host fluid such as water. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US09011692B2 Method for removal of volatile phosphates from hydrocarbons
This application relates to processes for selectively removing anionic phosphate molecules from contaminated hydrocarbon oil using the ion exchange activity of acid activated clay. The methods are particularly applicable to the removal of volatile phosphates from hydrocarbons contaminated during fracturing operations.
US09011688B2 Seawater desalination system and energy exchange chamber
An energy exchange chamber is used for exchanging pressure energy between concentrated seawater discharged from a reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus and a part of seawater to be treated by the reverse-osmosis membrane separation apparatus in a seawater desalination system. The energy exchange chamber includes a concentrated seawater distributor communicating with a concentrated seawater port and configured to distribute a flow of concentrated seawater all over a horizontal plane of an interior of a chamber, and a seawater distributor communicating with a seawater port and configured to distribute a flow of seawater all over the horizontal plane of the interior of the chamber. The concentrated seawater and the seawater introduced into the chamber are brought into direct contact with each other over the horizontal plane of the interior of the chamber to exchange pressure energy between the concentrated seawater and the seawater introduced into the chamber.
US09011682B2 Reverse osmosis device
The device for producing ultrapure water according to the reverse osmosis principle, comprising a reverse osmosis filter which is subdivided by the RO membrane into a primary circuit and into a secondary circuit, and a pump for the primary circuit, and a flow resistance valve required downstream of the RO membrane for pressure build-up in the primary circuit is characterized in that at least one cleaning chamber with decalcifying ability and a discharge valve are located in the primary circuit and that the flow in the primary circuit is adjustable via a valve.
US09011678B2 Blood purification apparatus and blood purification circuit
The present invention provides a blood purification apparatus and a blood purification circuit, by which a circuit can be shared by different modes for performing respective continuous blood purification methods, a structure of the apparatus performing the continuous blood purification methods can be simplified, and CHF, CHD, CHDF, and ECUM can be performed. The blood purification apparatus and the blood purification circuit according to the present invention includes: a first supply fluid channel (3) having one end connected to a supply fluid container (1) containing a supply fluid flowing in the first supply fluid channel (3); a first branched part (4) connected to the other end of the first supply fluid channel (3); a first supply fluid pump (10a) connected to the first branched part (4); a second supply fluid channel (7) which has one end connected to the first supply fluid pump (10a) and the other end connected to a dialyzer (6) that filters and dialyzes blood, and in which the supply fluid from the first supply fluid pump (10a) flows; a second supply fluid pump (10b) connected to the first branched part (4); and a third supply fluid channel (9) in which a supply fluid from the second supply fluid pump (10b) flows, having one end connected to the second supply fluid pump (10b) and the other end connected to a vein side blood channel (16) in which blood taken from a patient flows.
US09011673B2 Method of forming a paraffinic product by thermal cracking
The present invention relates to a method of forming a paraffinic product that involves providing a paraffinic feed having an initial average carbon chain length of greater than 20. The paraffinic feed is a product of a gas-to-liquids process, such as a Fischer-Tropsch process. The paraffinic feed is subjected to thermal cracking at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, which results in the formation of a paraffinic product. The paraffinic product has a final average carbon chain length of less than or equal to 20. The paraffinic product is typically liquid at ambient temperature, such as at 25° C.
US09011668B2 Antimicrobial provision of titanium and titanium alloys with silver
A method for the antimicrobial provision of implant surfaces with silver, in which the method comprises an anodizing of the implant surface with an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte has a silver-yielding substance. Alternatively, the method comprises a silver implantation or a silver PVD deposition.
US09011664B2 Electric demineralizer
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical deionization apparatus having a novel constitution with excellent deionization efficiency. As means for solving this problem, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical deionization apparatus having deionization compartments, concentration compartments and electrode compartments partitioned from one another by a plurality of ion exchange membranes between a cathode and an anode, wherein, in the deionization compartments and/or the concentration compartments and/or the electrode compartments, at least one of anion exchange fibrous material layers and cation exchange fibrous material layers are disposed on one another intersecting a water-passing direction.
US09011662B2 Droplet actuator assemblies and methods of making same
The invention provides droplet actuator assemblies and systems and methods of manufacturing the droplet actuator assemblies. In certain embodiments, two-piece enclosures are used to form a droplet actuator assembly that houses a droplet operations substrate. In certain other embodiments, one-piece enclosures are used to form a droplet actuator assembly that houses a droplet operations substrate. In the plastic injection molding process for forming substrates of the droplet actuator assemblies of the present invention may utilize insert molding (or overmolding) processes for forming a gasket in at least one substrate, thereby avoiding the need for providing and installing a separate gasket component. Further, the droplet actuator assemblies may include features that allow ultrasonic welding processes to be used for bonding substrates together. The manufacturing systems of the present invention for fabricating the droplet actuator assemblies may utilize continuous flow reel-to-reel manufacturing processes.
US09011659B2 Sensor apparatus for detecting a gas concentration and a particle concentration of an exhaust gas
A sensor apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode at a predefined distance from one another. The sensor apparatus includes a substrate arranged in a predefined first region of the sensor carrier such that the first electrode and the second electrode are substantially electrically decoupled from one another if the outer side of the sensor carrier is substantially free of particles. A third electrode is coupled to a solid electrolyte that is additionally coupled to the second electrode. A diffusion barrier is coupled to the third electrode in a predefined third region and the exhaust gas is applied to the third electrode only in the third region via the diffusion barrier.
US09011658B2 Sampling plate
The present invention relates to a sampling plate. In particular the invention relates to a sampling plate for measuring certain selected properties of a liquid sample, such as the glucose levels in a blood sample. Sampling plates of the present invention have a sample zone (20) for receiving a liquid sample and an overflow reservoir (26) linked to the sample zone (20) via an overflow channel (26a), so that excess blood sample can be redirected away from the sample zone (20) and contained.
US09011656B2 Small volume test strips with large sample fill ports, supported test strips, and methods of making and using same
The present disclosure provides small volume analyte sensors having large sample fill ports, supported analyte sensors, analyte sensors having supported tip protrusions and methods of making and using same.
US09011654B2 Dummy substrate, and start method of, retention/modification method of deposition condition, and stop method of deposition apparatus using same
This dummy substrate is for use in an inline reactive sputtering apparatus. The main unit thereof is made of a rectangular-plate-like frame structure in which an opening portion in a rectangular shape is formed in a metal plate in a similar shape. It is configured such that a contact portion of a carrier with the main unit is covered with the main unit. As a result, even while the sputtering apparatus is in operation, there is no possibility of the occurrence of undesirable situations such as glass cracking, making it possible to significantly increase the number of times the dummy substrate is used. Furthermore, the dummy substrate continues to cover the contact portion with the carrier. Thereby, it is possible to prevent deposition of a substance left in a sputter deposition chamber, especially a compound thin film, on the contact portion of the carrier with the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent undesirable situations such as an abnormal discharge due to the deposition of the compound thin film. As a result of these, it is possible to start (activate) an apparatus that deposits a compound thin film by the sputtering method, retain and modify a deposition condition in the apparatus, and stop (deactivate) the apparatus in a shorter time, and more efficiently and at a lower cost than before.
US09011653B2 Sputtering target
Provided is a sputtering target characterized by containing Ag and C. The sputtering target contains Ag in addition to Fe, Pt and C. By allowing the sputtering target to contain Ag, the sputtering target has high density. As a result, when the sputtering target is placed in a vacuum atmosphere in the sputtering process, the amount of a gas emitted from the sputtering target can be reduced, and the properties of a thin film formed by sputtering can be improved. Moreover, even when the sputtering target is produced by low-temperature sintering, it has high density.
US09011646B2 Mechanical pyrolysis in a shear retort
Mechanical visbreaking and pyrolysis between counter-rotating coaxial centrifugal impellers in a continuous radial counterflow process minimizes wastewater discharges. In one example, a cataclastic shear retort comminutes, shear thins, and shear heats an axial feed, such as tar sand, oil shale, coal tailings, distillation bottoms, or lignite. Pyrolyzing the feedstock in this shear retort yields a product stream of gases, naphthas, and oils which first mixes with the feedstock and then is axially extracted, while spent solids are simultaneously extruded from the periphery as coked devolatilized residue, such as char sand for upgrading soil to terra preta. Recirculation of shear-heated solids in long residence time within the shear retort brings heat from the spent solids at the periphery to the feedstock without an external heated sand loop. CO2 emissions from combustion to heat water for oil extraction are eliminated.
US09011643B2 Cellulase composition containing cellulase and papermaking polymers for paper dry strength application
Disclosed herein are cellulase compositions useful as papermaking performance additives for improving paper dry strength of a paper product and reducing refining energy in papermaking processes, and improving paper production. These cellulase compositions are formulated using cellulase, papermaking contaminant control polymers, protein stabilizers and cellulase enhancers. These cellulase compositions measure higher in endo-cellulase activity with better stability than conventional cellulase, and have shown differentiating performance in improving paper dry strength properties versus cellulase alone.
US09011639B2 Waterless degumming system
A method and system for cleaning lignin and other gums from lignocellulosic fiber is disclosed. Lignocellulosic fiber is rapidly depressurized to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The fiber is exposed to ionized air during the rapid depressurization. The fiber is then repressurized to a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.
US09011637B2 Plasma processing apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A plasma processing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which can prevent a discharge from occurring between a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer or the like, and a base material of a lower electrode or a peripheral structure of the base material, and can improve yield and productivity. The plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and a plurality of lifter pins for supporting a substrate to be processed. Each of the lifter pins includes a pin body part and a lid part which is disposed on a top portion of the pin body part and has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the pin body part. The lower electrode includes through-holes for lifter pins each of which includes a pin body receiving part, which has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the lid part and receives the pin body part, and a lid receiving part, which is formed in an upper portion of the pin body receiving part and receives the cover portion, and in which the lifter pins are disposed. In a state where the lifter pins are lowered, the lid part is received in the lid receiving part, and the upper portion of the pin body receiving part is blocked by the lid part.
US09011636B2 Automatic matching method, computer-readable storage medium, automatic matching unit, and plasma processing apparatus
A controller 90 of an automatic matching unit includes a first and a second matching control unit 100, 102 for respectively variably controlling the electrostatic capacitances of a first and a second variable capacitors 80, 82 through a first and a second stepping motor 86, 88 such that a measured absolute value ZMm and a measured phase Zθm of a load impedance obtained by an impedance measuring unit 84 become close to a predetermined reference absolute value ZMs and a predetermined reference phase Zθs, respectively; and a gain control unit 112. The gain control unit 112 variably controls a proportional gain of at least one of the first and the second matching unit based on current electrostatic capacitances NC1 and NC2 of the first and the second variable capacitors 80, 82 obtained by a first and a second electrostatic capacitance monitoring unit 108, 110, respectively.
US09011634B2 Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method
Provided are a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method, by which plasma damage is reduced during processing. At the time of performing desired plasma processing to a substrate (5), a process chamber (2) is supplied with an inert gas for carrying in and out the substrate (5), pressure fluctuation in the process chamber (2) is adjusted to be within a prescribed range, and plasma (20) of the inert gas supplied in the process chamber (2) is generated. The density of the plasma (20) in the transfer area of the substrate (5) is reduced by controlling plasma power to be in a prescribed range, and the substrate (5) is carried in and out to and from a supporting table (4).
US09011632B2 Support disk fixing apparatus, manufacturing method for a semiconductor device using this apparatus, and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
A support disk fixing apparatus which includes an upper surface to which a wafer is bonded, a lower surface, a cylindrical side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a chamfered portion between the upper surface and the side surface, includes a base upon which the support disk is placed; and a fixture that is provided on the base, and that has a first surface that abuts against the side surface of the support disk and covers the side surface of the support disk, and a second surface that abuts against the chamfered portion of the support disk and covers the chamfered portion of the support disk.
US09011624B2 Adhesive sheet and method for manufacturing adhesive sheets
A method for manufacturing an adhesive sheet according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing an adhesive sheet including a long peeling base material 1 and an adhesive layer 2 provided on the peeling base material 1 in the form of an island, the method including a peeling step of, after laminating a long adhesive layer 2 on the peeling base material 1, peeling off an unnecessary portion 6 of the adhesive layer 2 so that a predetermined portion of the adhesive layer is left on the peeling base material 1 in the form of an island, wherein, in the peeling step, the width W of a narrow portion 8, which is the narrowest in width in a short direction of the unnecessary portion 6 of the adhesive layer 2, is adjusted so that the breaking strength in the narrow portion 8 is 200 g or more.
US09011620B2 Double transition joint for the joining of ceramics to metals
The invention is directed to effective means for joining materials having dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion, such as advanced ceramics with metallic compounds. Moreover, the present invention relates to furnace tubes and methods of fabricating a joint between two different materials, which is compositionally graded to provide a substantially graded coefficient of thermal expansion between the joint materials.
US09011615B2 Bake hardening steel with excellent surface properties and resistance to secondary work embrittlement, and preparation method thereof
Provided are a bake hardening steel having a crystalline grain size of ASTM No. 9 or more and a method for preparing the bake hardening steel by controlling the winding, rolling and cooling conditions. The bake hardening steel includes: C:0.0016˜0.0025%, Si:0.02% or less, P:0.01˜0.05%, S:0.01% or less, sol.Al:0.08˜0.12%, N:0.0025% or less, Ti:0.003% or less, Nb:0.003˜0.011%, Mo:0.01˜0.1%, B:0.0005˜0.0015% or less, balance Fe and other inevitable impurities, wherein % is weight %, and Mn and P satisfy the relation of −30(° C.)≧803P−24.4Mn−58.
US09011614B2 High-strength galvanized steel sheet with excellent formability and method for manufacturing the same
A high-strength galvanized steel sheet has excellent mechanical properties such as a TS of 1200 MPa or more, an El of 13% or more, and a hole expansion ratio of 50% or more and a method for manufacturing the same. A high-strength galvanized steel sheet excellent in formability contains 0.05% to 0.5% C, 0.01% to 2.5% Si, 0.5% to 3.5% Mn, 0.003% to 0.100% P, 0.02% or less S, and 0.010% to 0.5% Al on a mass basis, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, and has a microstructure which contains 0% to 10% ferrite, 0% to 10% martensite, and 60% to 95% tempered martensite on an area basis as determined by structure observation and which further contains 5% to 20% retained austenite as determined by X-ray diffractometry.
US09011611B2 Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method
A cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned having oil is immersed, a cleaning water supply device that supplies cleaning water from a lower side of the cleaning tank to the inner portion thereof, a recovery device in which an upper end opening is provided at a position that is lower than a liquid surface of the cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank, and that recovers the cleaning water overflowed due to the cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank through the cleaning water supply device and the oil floating on the liquid surface of the cleaning water from the opening, and a contact member that is disposed so that an edge of the liquid surface of the cleaning water contacts therewith, and in which the portion contacting the edge of the liquid surface of the cleaning water is formed of glass.
US09011606B2 Method for clearing blockages in in-situ artificial lumens
Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. An elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices/methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation/aspiration feature.
US09011605B2 Substrate cleaning method and roll cleaning member
There is provided a substrate cleaning method which optimizes the shape of a roll cleaning member and can efficiently clean a substrate surface with a high degree of cleaning and reduce the number of defects remaining on the substrate surface. The substrate cleaning method performs scrub cleaning of a surface of a substrate with a roll cleaning member, having a large number of nodules on the surface and extending linearly over approximately an entire length of a diameter of the substrate and which forms a cleaning area between it and the substrate surface, by bringing the nodules into contact with the substrate surface while rotating the roll cleaning member and the substrate each in one direction. During this scrub cleaning, the area of contact between the nodules and the substrate surface in the cleaning area is made smaller in a forward-direction cleaning area.
US09011602B2 Pin lifting system
An aspect of the present invention is drawn to a device for use with an electrostatic chuck having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being separated from the bottom surface by a width, the electrostatic chuck additionally having a hole therein, the hole having a first width at the top surface and having a second width at the bottom surface, the first width being less than the second width, the top surface being capable of having wafer disposed thereon. The device includes a pin, a shaft, a neck portion and an outer housing portion. The pin has a pin width less than the first width. The shaft has a pin-holding portion, an end portion and a central portion disposed between the pin-holding portion and the end portion. The central portion has a first bearing portion. The outer housing portion has a first end and a second end and includes a second bearing portion. The shaft is disposed within the outer housing portion and is moveable relative to the outer housing portion. The neck portion is disposed at the first end. The second bearing portion is stationary relative to the neck portion. The first bearing portion is movable relative to the second bearing portion.
US09011594B1 Methods for forming functionalized carbon black with amino-terminated polyfluorodimethylsiloxane for printing
A method for forming functionalized carbon black useful for uniform dispersion in a surface material of a printing system component includes providing carbon black; providing a fluoropolymer having a terminal amino group; and mixing the amino-terminated fluoropolymer and the carbon black, wherein the fluoropolymer is amino-terminated PDMS.
US09011592B2 Transparent inorganic-organic hybrid materials via aqueous sol-gel processing
A sol to form an inorganic-organic hybrid coating having a thick highly transparent hard coating is described. The hybrid coating is formed from a combined aqueous sol with least one hydrolyzable silane and at least one hydrolyzable metal oxide precursor where the only organic solvents present are those liberated upon hydrolysis of the silanes and metal oxide precursors. In one embodiment an inorganic-organic hybrid coating is formed by combination of a sol, prepared by the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane with an excess of water, and a sol, prepared by the hydrolysis of titanium tetrabutoxide and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane with a deficiency of water. A plastic substrate can be coated with the combined sol and the combined sol gelled to a thickness of at least 5 μm with heating to less than 150° C.
US09011585B2 Treatment solution for insulation coating for grain-oriented electrical steel sheets
A treatment solution for an insulation coating of grain-oriented electrical steel sheets includes at least one selected from phosphates of Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Zn, Al and Mn; colloidal silica in a proportion of 0.5 to 10 mol in terms of SiO2; and a water-soluble vanadium compound in a proportion of 0.1 to 2.0 mol in terms of V, relative to PO4:1 mol in the phosphates.
US09011582B2 Oxygen enrichment device
Disclosed is an oxygen enrichment that can follow changes in adsorption performance in response to changes in the temperature of the usage environment and can reduce power consumption. The oxygen enrichment device has a purge step control means that controls a purge step time to increase/decrease the length of a purge step so as to maximize the oxygen concentration by changing opening/closing timing of a flow-channel switching means while the oxygen enrichment device is running.
US09011571B2 Method, arrangement and pelletising plant
A method for the oxidation and sintering of pellets includes the introduction of a first medium into a compartment through an inlet connected to the compartment and the heating of the medium in the inlet through the use of a combustion arrangement. The use of the combustion arrangement includes the ignition of the fuel, the combustion of the fuel, and the transfer of combustion heat to the first medium that is present at the combustion arrangement. In a region in the inlet outside the direct passage of the first medium, the ignition of the fuel, the combustion of the fuel and the transfer of combustion heat to the first medium take place. By the introduction of a second medium into the region in the direct vicinity of the combustion arrangement, the combustion of the fuel and the transfer of combustion heat also to the second medium take place.
US09011568B2 Filter for internal combustion engines
A filter for internal combustion engines, includes a rigid external casing provided with at least an inlet for a fluid to be filtered and an outlet for the fluid when filtered, and a filter cartridge located internally of the external casing, which includes a plurality of tubular filter walls arranged parallel to one another which are destined to be crossed by the fluid flowing from the inlet towards the outlet of the external casing; the external casing being conformed such as to delimit a pouch a transversal section of which, performed along a perpendicular plane to axes of the tubular filter walls, exhibits a prevalent line of development and a small width with respect to the prevalent line of development; the tubular filter walls being arranged internally of the pouch, side by side with one another, forming a single row which follows the prevalent line of development of the pouch.
US09011567B2 Spunbonded nonwoven fabric and filter using same
The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, which comprises a single-component polyester-based fibers, having a high basis weight and a high rigidity by embossing, which is difficult to attain in the conventional art. Further, the present invention provides a filter base material having excellent pleatability, pleat retention property and durability, and a filter using thereof. The present spunbonded nonwoven fabric is obtained by subjecting a deposited fiber assembly to a thermocompression bonding by embossing with a pair of an embossing roll and a flat metal roll, and has a basis weight of 150 to 400 g/m2, a longitudinal bending repulsion of 20 to 60 mN and a longitudinal tensile strength of 400 N/5 cm or more.
US09011565B2 Attachable air filter for an air vent register
An attachable air vent filter assembly for attachment to an air vent register of a HVAC system is disclosed comprising a filter housing having sidewalls and an open top, and the sidewalls being adapted to fit over the vent register. A removable filter carried within the housing having a filter medium for filtering air exiting from the vent register, and at least one air exit opening in the top of the housing for delivering air filtered by the filter medium directly into the interior space.
US09011564B2 Unit for pumping air containing particles and separating the particles from the air
A unit (2) for pumping air containing particles (5) and separating the particles (5) from the air comprises a housing (10) having a space (20) for receiving and storing the particles (5), and an air pumping device (30) being arranged inside the housing (10) and comprising a basic fan (31) intended for pumping air out of the particle storage space (20), and another fan (32) intended for separating the particles (5) from the air. A gap (22) is present between the fan arrangement of the air pumping device (30) and the housing (10), and in order to avoid a flow of air containing particles (5) through the gap (22), at least a major portion of the basic fan (31) is uncovered, so that a relatively strong pumping action on the basis of an interaction of an outer surface of the basic fan (31) with a stationary wall is avoided.
US09011563B2 Methods for orienting superabrasive particles on a surface and associated tools
Methods of making a superabrasive tool precursor are disclosed, along with such precursors and associated tools. Particularly, methods are disclosed for orienting superabrasive particles in a viscous binding material in order to provide tools based thereupon and having desired performance characteristics.
US09011562B2 Method for operating a reformer furnace and reforming plant
A method for producing a synthesis-gas product gas and a vapor stream includes catalytic steam reforming a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock in a steam reformer. The hot synthesis-gas product gas stream is cooled in a heat exchanger to form a cooled synthesis-gas product gas stream and a first partial vapor stream, which is supplied to the product vapor stream. The reforming furnace is operated so as to burn a burner feedstock in burners, cool a hot flue gas stream from the burners in a heat exchanger to form a cooled flue gas stream and a second partial vapor stream, and separate the cooled flue gas stream into a waste gas stream and a flue gas recirculation stream. The flow of the recirculated flue gas is increased with decreasing flow of the synthesis-gas product gas to obtain an approximately constant product vapor stream by increasing the second partial vapor stream.
US09011561B2 Solids circulation system and method for capture and conversion of reactive solids
A solids circulation system receives a gas stream containing char or other reacting solids from a first reactor. The solids circulation system includes a cyclone configured to receive the gas stream from the first reactor, a dipleg from the cyclone to a second reactor, and a riser from the second reactor which merges with the gas stream received by the cyclone. The second reactor has a dense fluid bed and converts the received materials to gaseous products. A conveying fluid transports a portion of the bed media from the second reactor through the riser to mix with the gas stream prior to cyclone entry. The bed media helps manipulate the solids that is received by the cyclone to facilitate flow of solids down the dipleg into the second reactor. The second reactor provides additional residence time, mixing and gas-solid contact for efficient conversion of char or reacting solids.
US09011558B2 Image displaying device and image displaying system
An image displaying device includes: a display section cyclically switching a plurality of image streams, thereby time-divisionally displaying the plurality of image streams, each of the plurality of image streams being provided for corresponding one of a plurality of shutter mechanisms performing opening-closing operations at timings different from each other; and a dithering processing section performing a dithering process on a plurality of input images by using a plurality of masks, each of the plurality of masks having a pattern of two-dimensionally-arranged grayscale values, the pattern differing from a pattern of another mask, and then supplying a plurality of resultant images produced through the dithering process to the display section. The dithering processing section controls the dithering process in such a manner that the plurality of masks are sequentially and cyclically switched in synchronization with shutter open timings for each of the shutter mechanisms.
US09011556B2 Fuel composition containing a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide
The present disclosure is directed to a middle distillate fuel composition comprising a friction modifying effective amount of a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide derived from maleic anhydride, polyisobutylene and ammonia; and a middle distillate fuel. A method for modifying friction in a compression engine comprising providing to the engine the disclosed fuel composition is also disclosed. Moreover, there is disclosed a method for improving fuel mileage.
US09011553B2 Flexible laminate and method for the production thereof
A flexible laminate formed from at least a first layer comprising a first flexible elastomer and a second layer comprising a second flexible elastomer, which are connected to one another by an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer comprises parylene and is applied to the first layer such that the intermediate layer has an irregular surface with irregularities. The second flexible elastomer or an adhesive connected to the second layer is applied in liquid form to the intermediate layer such that the irregularities the intermediate layer are at least partially filled.
US09011552B2 Method of mending a groin defect
A method of mending a groinal defect such as an indirect inguinal hernia, a direct inguinal hernia, and/or a femoral hernia. A space between the external oblique aponeurosis and the internal oblique aponeurosis is dissected superiorly and laterally to create a site for receiving a lateral portion of a prosthetic repair patch. Dissection medially and inferiorly between the two aponeuroses leads to a transversalis fascia, which is explored downwardly and, at the pubic bone, dissected to reach the preperitoneal space of Retzius. A medial portion of a prosthetic repair patch may be positioned in the space of Retzius with a lateral portion of the prosthetic repair patch positioned in the dissected space between the two aponeuroses. So positioned, the prosthetic repair patch protects the myopectineal orifice that is susceptible to each of the indirect inguinal hernia, direct inguinal hernia, and femoral hernia.
US09011551B2 Multimodality left atrial appendage occlusion device
A left atrial appendage occlusion device is provided that acts in conjunction with a wireless transponder unit. The occlusion device provides a seal of the left atrial appendage opening, while the transponder is inserted into the left atrial appendage to sense one or more physiological conditions and relay the sensed information over wireless communication. Further, all or part of the left atrial appendage may be filled using a biocompatible inert filling material injected into the left atrial appendage as part of deployment of the transponder unit.
US09011549B2 Expanding trial stem for orthopaedic surgery
A trial device and a method for using the device in surgery are disclosed. The device includes a body including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a post or trunion projecting therefrom. The distal portion extends from the proximal portion and includes a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms being movable with respect to one another. The body further includes a cavity formed therein so as to extend through the proximal portion and into the distal portion. The device further includes a driver adapted for sliding engagement within the internal cavity of the body such that movement of the driver, preferably in a distal direction, causes movement of a portion of the first arm away from a portion of the second arm.
US09011545B2 Spinal intervertebral disk replacement material for nucleus pulposus and production method thereof
The present invention is directed to a method for replacing a nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disk, which method includes: providing a spinal intervertebral disk replacement molded-dry-product for nucleus pulposus including a polyvinylalcohol gel having a percentage of saturated water content of 18 to 50 wt % before irradiation and being irradiated with γ ray at an intensity of 20 to 100 kGy; and inserting the spinal intervertebral disk replacement molded-dry-product for nucleus pulposus into a prosthetic space inside an anulus fibrosus through an incision opening of the anulus fibrosus, wherein the molded-dry-product changes its shape into an almost cylindrical or almost elliptically cylindrical shape so that a hollow region comes into existence at a shape deformation rate of 150 vol % or more and at a volume swelling ratio of 135 vol % or less by water absorption.
US09011544B2 Polyaryletherketone artificial intervertebral disc
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, in one embodiment, includes upper and lower prosthesis plates and a movable core. The prosthesis plates and optionally the core are formed of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) for improved imaging properties. A metallic insert is provided on each of the PAEK prosthesis plates providing a bone ongrowth surface.
US09011541B2 Systems and techniques for restoring and maintaining intervertebral anatomy
Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.
US09011540B1 Overlay or implant and method for improving stability of the implant
A spinal implant and an overlay for interlocking with the face of the implant. Grooves and/or channels of the overlay interlock with the face of the implant. The overlay assists in securing the implant within the surgically created cavity.
US09011538B2 Methods of spinal nucleus replacemennt
A multi-piece intervertebral disc augmentation implant that may be assembled within the annulus fibrosus is disclosed. The implant may be guided into a precise location through a relatively small opening in the annulus fibrosus with the aid of an elongated guide.
US09011536B2 Apparatus and method for sequentially anchoring multiple graft ligaments in a bone tunnel
An apparatus for anchoring at least two graft ligaments within a longitudinal bone tunnel includes a longitudinal sleeve having at least two ligament-contacting surfaces located in lateral opposition to a sleeve inner lumen. The sleeve is configured for at least partial insertion into the bone tunnel with each graft ligament positioned laterally adjacent a different ligament-contacting surface and at least partially located between the bone tunnel and the sleeve. An actuating member has proximal and distal actuating member ends. An asymmetrically offset profile is defined by the sleeve and/or the actuating member. The asymmetrically offset profile has engagement thresholds. The actuating member is inserted into the sleeve to cause frictional engagement of each graft ligament with both the bone tunnel and at least one ligament-contacting surface, the frictional engagement of each graft ligament being temporally spaced apart from the frictional engagement of at least one other graft ligament.
US09011534B2 Apparatus and method for tibial fixation of soft tissue
Methods for fixation of a soft tissue graft in a bone including: forming in the bone a tunnel defining an entrance opening and an exit opening at opposite ends of the tunnel, the tunnel including an anterior wall surface and a posterior wall surface opposite to the anterior wall surface; positioning the soft tissue graft within the tunnel such that the soft tissue graft extends through both the entrance opening and the exit opening of the tunnel; inserting a graft fixation apparatus into the tunnel and driving spikes of the graft fixation apparatus into the posterior wall surface to mount the graft fixation apparatus to the posterior wall surface of the tunnel such that the graft fixation apparatus is anterior to the posterior wall surface and is not recessed beneath the posterior wall surface; and securing the soft tissue graft inside the tunnel with the graft fixation apparatus.
US09011532B2 Accommodating intraocular lenses
An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. Certain haptic features improve the accommodative performance of the haptic, such that compressive/tensile forces may be more efficiently transferred from the haptic to optic. Furthermore, certain aspects also provide enhanced bag-sizing capability so that the IOL better fits within the capsular bag.
US09011528B2 Flexible annuloplasty prosthesis
A flexible annuloplasty prosthesis for repairing a heart valve having a valve annulus. The annuloplasty prosthesis comprises a flexible body defining an exterior of the prosthesis formed of a biocompatible material and configured to rest against and support the heart valve annulus upon implantation. The flexible annuloplasty prosthesis has a height of not more than 2.5 mm. This low profile characteristic enhances a surgeon's ability to implant the prosthesis. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible body is a fabric material folded onto itself along a length thereof, with the annuloplasty prosthesis being characterized by an elevated longitudinal stiffness.
US09011525B2 Catheter deliverable artificial multi-leaflet heart valve prosthesis and intravascular delivery system for a catheter deliverable heart valve prosthesis
A heart valve prosthesis includes a collapsible stent and a one-piece multi-leaflet valve. The stent includes at least one length of wire having a series of turns forming a spring-like stent. The one-piece multi-leaflet valve is attached to the stent and includes a cylinder of polyester material secured thereto at three points. The stent is collapsible in a radial direction between a contracted state and an expanded state. The contracted state has a radial dimension smaller than a radial dimension of the expanded state. The stent is spring biased toward the expanded state such that it occupies an active state when implanted into a heart. The active state has a radial dimension that is between the radial dimension of the contracted state and the radial dimension of the expanded state such that a radial load generated by the bias of the collapsible stent is sufficient to retain the heart valve prosthesis in the heart.
US09011521B2 Methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.
US09011518B2 Stent with enhanced friction
A stent for placement in a body lumen is fabricated by forming a tube having an un-deployed diameter sized for the tube to be placed on a deployment balloon and advanced through a body lumen to a deployment site. The tube is expandable upon inflation of the balloon to an enlarged diameter sized for the tube to be retained within the lumen at the site upon deflation and withdrawal of the balloon. The tube has a stent axis extending between first and second axial ends of the tube. The tube has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The tube is polished to polish the exterior surface to a smooth surface finish and with at least a portion of the interior surface having a rough surface finish rougher than the surface finish of the exterior surface.
US09011516B2 Medical devices including composites
Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, a medical device includes an elongated hollow body formed of a polymeric matrix containing one or more regions of a pre-determined weight percent of carbon nanotubes in general alignment in a pre-determined orientation. The medical device can have a compressed state with a first transverse dimension and an expanded state with a second relatively greater transverse dimension.
US09011515B2 Heart valve assembly systems and methods
Heart valve assembly systems and methods configured for medical interventional procedures. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment.
US09011512B2 Large vessel closure device and method
A low profile stent device consisting of a stent plus an optional covering is placed percutaneously into a blood vessel to provide vascular closure to a nearby large diameter arteriotomy site. A self-expanding stent device is mounted onto a balloon for postdilitation and is held in a small diameter configuration by an outer case. A balloon expandable stent device has hinge and strut features that provide it with crush resistance. The cone and sheath of the deliver catheter serves as a dilator and introducer sheath to assist in delivery. An attachable guidewire reduces profile by eliminating a guidewire lumen. A locator balloon placed through the large diameter arteriotomy introducer sheath assists positioning.
US09011511B2 Balloon catheter
Balloon catheters and stent delivery systems including bifurcated stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example bifurcated stent delivery system may include an elongate shaft including a proximal section, a midshaft section, and a distal section. The proximal section may include a tubular member having a plurality of slots formed therein. The slots may be arranged in one or more sections having differing slot densities. The midshaft section may include a guidewire port in fluid communication with a guidewire lumen formed in the shaft. A main branch balloon may be coupled to the shaft. A side branch balloon may be disposed adjacent to the main branch balloon. A stent may be disposed on the main branch balloon and on the side branch balloon.
US09011497B2 Bone anchoring system
Methods and apparatus for connecting to a bone, which avoid the use of bone screws. A triangular shaped modular implant is used, with two sides of the structure and their respective vertex secured generally within the bone, with the base of the triangle outside the bone. These two arms, whether straight or arcuate, are cannulated, and are held together at their distal ends by a tightened cable that runs through both of the arms. The proximal ends of these arms are connected to a base side that completes the triangular structure. The device may be inserted into a vertebra and the base used for vertebral fusion. Alternatively, the arms themselves may be used to stabilize and fixate adjacent vertebrae, by insertion through adjacent vertebrae trans-segmentally. In the latter case, the vertex may be within the intervertebral space or within the vertebral body close to the intervertebral space.
US09011496B2 Offset variable angle connection assembly
A method of securely connecting a spinal implant to a bone anchor by using an offset connection assembly. The variable angle connection assembly is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. The connection assembly will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.
US09011494B2 Composite vertebral rod system and methods of use
A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section including a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and a second elongated section including a second material having a second modulus of elasticity. A first intermediate section is disposed between the first section and the second section, and includes a third material having a third modulus of elasticity. The intermediate section has an arcuate inner surface that defines a cavity and an open end. The first modulus and the second modulus are each greater than the third modulus such that the first and second sections provide a reinforced configuration of the vertebral rod and the intermediate section has a relatively flexible configuration.
US09011492B2 Facet joint implants and delivery tools
A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.
US09011491B2 Facet device and method
A spine prosthesis is provided and in particular, related to the facet joint of a spine. A spinal implant comprises a facet prosthesis including an insert to be positioned within a joint capsule between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise a member having two opposing facet interfacing portions. A facet prosthesis exerts a distraction force between facets of a facet joint and may comprise a curable material to be injected into the facet joint. A facet prosthesis may also comprise a pair of magnets, each magnet coupled to a facet and oriented with like poles facing each other to provide a distracting force away from each other. A spine implant may also include an insert to be positioned within the joint capsule, a securing member comprising an elongate portion extending through part of a facet, and an anchor to anchor the securing member to the facet.
US09011483B2 Extendible tourniquet cuff with stabilizer for improved utility and safety
A surgical tourniquet cuff that includes a stabilizer component that facilitates application of an overlapping cuff around the limb of a patient. The stabilizer is fixed to the cuff, and requires no tying or similar user manipulation to secure the overlapping cuff in alignment with the underlying cuff. The stabilizer improves the stability of the inflated cuff to prevent sideways shifting motion of overlapping cuff portions as the cuff is applied to the limb. The stabilizer also provides a handle mechanism to enable the user to snugly apply the overlapping cuff around the patient's limb while the overlapping portions remain properly aligned along their long axes. The stabilizer is designed to also facilitate attaching together two tourniquet cuffs end-to-end, with respective bladders overlapping and in proper alignment so that those attached cuffs can be used as a single, extended surgical cuff applied around a patient's limb.
US09011480B2 Aneurysm treatment coils
Systems and devices for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms are described. Various configurations of coiled implants may be used as stenting devices or aneurysm coils. The implants include one or more filaments wound about a longitudinal axis to form a generally tubular shape. Lateral flexibility of the implants may be manipulated by, for example, adjusting a pitch between adjacent filaments, using different materials for the filaments, employing different filament cross-sectional shapes, grouping filaments into pluralities of varying flexibilities, and nesting inner coils within outer coils.
US09011466B2 Bi-directional suture passer
A bi-directional suture passing instrument configured to approach soft tissues perpendicularly, enables safer and more efficient surgical repairs and minimally invasive techniques to be employed, useful in areas such as annulus repair, meniscal repair, shoulder arthroscopy, hernia repair, laparoscopic repair, and wound closure.
US09011462B2 Shockwave balloon catheter system
A system for breaking obstructions in body lumens includes a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the balloon being arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon, and an arc generator including at least one electrode within the balloon that forms a mechanical shock wave within the balloon. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the arc generator.
US09011461B2 Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument configured to perform circumcision includes a hollow body having each of an anterior open end and an axially opposed posterior open end. A dome shaped member is attached in a detachable manner to the anterior end of the hollow body and has a generally semispherical shape. One or more apertures are formed through a wall of the dome shaped member and are sized to pass urine therethrough. An elongated handle is centered on the longitudinal axis and has a portion thereof positioned adjacent a juncture with one of the anterior end of the hollow body and the apex of the dome shaped member being weaker than any other portion of the body or the generally dome shaped member, whereby a reciprocation of the elongated handle causes the elongated handle to fracture at the juncture and become detached from the hollow body or the generally dome shaped member.
US09011460B2 Foreign object extractor
The foreign object extractor has an elongated hollow tube with a central lumen through its entire length providing fluid connection between an engaging end and a vacuum source. The engaging end has a nominally round transverse cross-section and is shaped to engage a foreign object to be removed from the human body. The engaging end flares so as to expose the internal surface of the elongated hollow tube for engagement with the foreign object. An adhesive is disposed on the exposed internal flared surface of the distal end. Pneumatic suction is applied through the lumen of the extractor and the suction serves to bring the foreign object into contact with the adhesive coated surface of the extractor to form a bond between the extractor and the object to be extracted.
US09011458B2 Surgical instrument and method of disassembling a tibial prosthesis
An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes an anchor configured to be coupled to a prosthetic tibial component, a shaft coupled to the anchor, and a separator coupled to the shaft. The separator is configured to move along the shaft between a first position in which the separator is spaced apart from the prosthetic tibial component and a second position in which the separator is positioned between the tibial tray and the sleeve of the prosthetic tibial component.
US09011457B2 Aiming arm for bone plates
An aiming guide aligns a surgical tool with a hole in a bone plate. The aiming guide includes an arm portion having a longitudinal axis, top and bottom surfaces, and first and second ends. The aiming guide further includes a handle portion having upper and lower ends. The handle portion is, at its lower end, connected to the bone plate. The handle portion is, at its upper end, connected to the arm portion. Bores extend from the top surface to the lower surface of the arm portion. Each bore is configured and dimensioned to receive a tool guide in at least two different preset positions which locates the channel in at least two different hole positions. The bore includes two diametrically opposed slots extending along at least a portion of a length of the bore, the slots configured and dimensioned to mate with diametrically opposed knobs extending radially outward from a tool guide. The tool guide has a head and a sleeve portion, which has a centered channel. The sleeve portion and channel are eccentric with respect to the head portion. The tool guide is inserted in a first preset position in order to align a surgical tool with one portion of a two-portion bone plate hole, or in a second preset position rotated 180 ° from the first preset position, in order to align a surgical tool with the second portion of a two-portion bone plate hole.
US09011456B2 Method for orienting an acetabular cup and instruments for use therewith
A patient-specific acetabular guide for use in orienting an acetabular component with respect to an acetabulum of a patient as part of a surgical procedure includes a body having a bottom contact surface that has a portion that is shaped and configured to initimately receive and interlockingly mate with an acetabular notch of the patient's acetabulum in accordance with a three-dimensional image of the acetabulum of the specific patient. The three-dimensional image can be in the form of a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient's acetabulum that is constructed at least in part on 3D image data of the pelvic region of the patient.
US09011451B2 Instruments for use in the implantation of an ankle prosthesis and method of using the same
Instruments for use in implanting an orthopedic ankle prosthesis includes a center-transfer instrument and a number of bone cutting blocks. A method of using such instruments is also disclosed.
US09011450B2 Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument for positioning a rod includes a rod holder, a sleeve, and a pusher rod. The rod holder is configured to releasably grip a first end of a rod therebetween. The sleeve is disposed about the rod holder and slideable between an extended position to hold the tines in a rod gripping position and a retracted position to permit release of the rod from the tines. The pusher rod is slidably disposed within the rod holder and has a plurality of rod receiving notches configured to engage the rod such that the rod is held at a selected angle with respect to the pusher rod.
US09011449B1 Screw and rod fixation system
A pedicle screw and rod fixation assembly including a pair of opposing tabs having a proximal end and a distal end, the pair of opposing tabs being coupled to one another about the distal end thereof by a screw head member, a decoupling mechanism for decoupling the pair of opposing tabs from the screw head member, a rod receiving slot between the pair of opposing tabs, and a sliding member configured for coupling to the pair of opposing tabs. The sliding member and the pair of opposing tabs are configured for allowing movement of the sliding member distally along the pair of opposing tabs and preventing movement of the sliding member proximally along the pair of opposing tabs.
US09011448B2 Orthopedic navigation system with sensorized devices
A low-cost and compact electronic device toolset is provided for orthopedic assisted navigation. The toolset comprises wireless sensorized devices that communicate directly with one another. A computer workstation is an optional component for further visualization. The sensorized devices are constructed with low-cost transducers and are self-powered. The toolset is disposable and incurs less hospital maintenance and overhead. As one example, the toolset reports anatomical alignment during a surgical workflow procedure. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09011447B2 Rod contouring alignment linkage
Pedicle screws are designed to provide polyaxial coupling to pedicles of a vertebra. Intermediate pieces are attached to the pedicles screws and receive extender shafts. Extenders are inserted in the intermediate piece. The extenders project the anatomic points located in the cage outside the patient's body to facilitate proper contouring of a rod. An alignment linkage is used to ensure that the extenders are parallel to each other. The alignment linkage includes a linkage frame, an articulating linkage and a locking member. The articulating linkage has all rotational degrees of freedom and thereby adapts to any varying trajectories of the extenders and distance between the extenders. The alignment linkage includes a locking member with a pop-up indicator. The pop-up indicator notifies the users when the locking member is tightened with two of the extenders in non-parallel configuration.
US09011446B1 Osteotome system
A plurality of osteotomes that are linked together via a recess and a matching projection such that the osteotomes remain linked when used to manipulate bone.
US09011443B2 Low profile reamers and methods of use
Low profile reamers and methods of use are provided which can, in general, allow a hole to be drilled in bone. In one embodiment, a low profile retractable bone reamer is provided having an elongate shaft with a cutting element disposed on a distal end of the elongate shaft that can be configured to drill a hole in bone. The elongate shaft and cutting element can have first and second longitudinally separated portions that are movably coupled to each other. The reamer can be configured to move between a retracted configuration, in which a the reamer has a reduced, low profile configuration, and a non-retracted configuration, in which both longitudinally separated portions of the cutting element can be positioned adjacent to one another to form a single cutting element.
US09011440B2 Bone screw
A system and method are for bone fixation. A radially expandable sleeve is inserted over an elongated shaft of a bone screw. The bone screw and radially expandable sleeve are inserted into a transverse opening extending through a bone fixation device positioned in a bone until the radially expandable sleeve is fully housed within the transverse opening. The bone screw is further screwed into the bone relative to the radially expandable sleeve to cause expansion of the radially expandable sleeve within the bone fixation device, thereby locking the sleeve to the bone fixation device.
US09011438B2 Radiolucent orthopedic fixation plate
An orthopedic fixation plate comprises a plurality of cylindrical holes for attaching connectors of a external fixation system, wherein the fixation plate comprises two supporting elements around each orifice of a cylindrical hole wherein the supporting elements are connected with a sleeve and said supporting elements are also connected with a longitudinally oriented ring element arranged in a radial distance of said sleeve.
US09011431B2 Electrical ablation devices
An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency.
US09011430B2 Lumenal remodeling device and methods
A device and method suitable for remodelling the internal surface of a hollow vessel at least partially occluded by a mass is provided. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a tip portion located at the distal terminus of the body, and at least one heating element located proximally to the tip portion within the distal end. The at least one heating element is configured to be greater in dimension proximally than distally and thereby tapers towards the distal end. Furthermore, the at least one heating element is arranged so that it can be deployed outwardly from the body of the device and in so doing exert an expansion force on the hollow vessel. The at least one heating element is capable of delivering sufficient energy to remodel the internal surface, and if necessary caused localized ablation, of the hollow vessel without inducing closure of the hollow vessel.
US09011427B2 Surgical instrument safety glasses
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly housing a wireless circuit board. The wireless circuit board transmits a signal to a set of safety glasses worn by a surgeon using the surgical instrument during a procedure. The signal is received by a wireless port on the safety glasses. One or more lighting devices on a front lens of the safety glasses change color, fade, or glow in response to the received signal to indicate information to the surgeon about the status of the surgical instrument. The lighting devices are disposable on peripheral edges of the front lens to not distract the direct line of vision of the surgeon.
US09011425B2 Ablation system
An ablation device comprising a positioning catheter adapted to be positionable in a heart and comprising a fixation mechanism for fixing the positioning catheter in the heart, and an ablation catheter adapted to ablate material of the heart using the ablation catheter, wherein the ablation catheter is designed to ablate tissue along an isthmus of the heart, wherein the positioning catheter and the ablation catheter are provided to be movable relative to one another.
US09011424B2 Method and device for optimized coagulation of biological tissue
Maximum HF current is initially introduced into tissue at a pre-specified maximum coagulation voltage. In this initial state, the tissue behaves in accordance with Ohm's law and can take up the maximum energy per unit of time. After the tissue has changed from an initial state to a state in which the tissue impedance or resistance is voltage-dependent, the HF parameters are selected such that the maximum possible energy input per unit of time is set.
US09011420B2 Compatible cryogenic cooling system
A method of operating a medical system, including coupling a medical system to an outlet of a fluid distribution network having a plurality of fluid outlets in a patient treatment center; delivering fluid from the outlet to the medical system; compressing the delivered fluid with the medical system; decreasing the moisture content of the delivered fluid with the medical system; cooling the fluid with the medical system; delivering the fluid from the medical system to a medical device; and removing the fluid from medical device with the medical system.
US09011419B2 Disposable electromagnetic energy applicator
A skin treatment apparatus that includes, a disposable electrode carrier with a plurality of voltage-applying dome-shaped elements protruding from the surface of the electrode carrier. Further, the protruding elements are spaced apart in a pattern. The apparatus operates to apply a voltage to at least some of the protruding elements. The apparatus applies a voltage to the protruding elements with a magnitude that is sufficient to result in an electrical break down of the skin and thereby cause electric current enabling the desired treatment.
US09011417B2 Apparatus and method for controlled fluid cooling during laser based dental treatments
A system for dental tissue treatment includes a system for directing a laser beam to an area of dental tissue to be treated, and a fluid-delivery system for directing and controlling a flow of a fluid. The fluid is directed to at least a portion of the area to be treated and the fluid flow is controlled to substantially prevent both a change in laser energy absorption by the dental tissue and attenuation of treatment efficiency due to fluid interference with the laser beam. The fluid present in at least a portion of the area to be treated may prevent or reduce the likelihood of melting of enamel in that area.
US09011416B2 Apparatus and method for controlled fluid cooling during laser based dental treatments
A system for dental tissue treatment includes a system for directing a laser beam to an area of dental tissue to be treated, and a fluid-delivery system for directing and controlling a flow of a fluid. The fluid is directed to at least a portion of the area to be treated and the fluid flow is controlled to substantially prevent both a change in laser energy absorption by the dental tissue and attenuation of treatment efficiency due to fluid interference with the laser beam. The fluid present in at least a portion of the area to be treated may prevent or reduce the likelihood of melting of enamel in that area.
US09011412B2 Apparatus, system and method for manipulating a surgical catheter and working device with a single hand
Systems and methods are disclosed that include a guide catheter apparatus insertable through a external body passage of a subject. The guide catheter apparatus includes a substantially rigid shaft and a handle. The shaft has a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a lumen extending between the proximal opening and the distal opening. The handle has a structure to allow a position of the guide catheter to be controlled by some or all of three fingers of one hand of an operator of the handle. The structure of the handle is adapted to permit the operator to position a thumb and index finger of the hand to manipulate a working device inserted into the lumen of the guide catheter, where the working device is manipulable via a portion of the working device immediately adjacent to the handle.
US09011410B2 Spinal multisegmental cell and drug delivery system
Delivery devices and methods related thereto may be used in humans for spinal delivery of cells, drugs or vectors. The patient population may include patients with spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinal ischemia and any other spinal neurodegenerative disorders which will require spinal cell, vector or drug delivery. Unlike conventional methods which require multiple injection sites to make multiple, localized substrate deliveries, the delivery devices and methods of the present invention may allow for multiple substrate delivery locations with homogeneous substrate delivery with a single injection site.
US09011408B2 Functionally-closed, sterile blood processing solution system and method
Delivering a blood processing solution to blood in a blood bag includes coupling a first tube to a vented spike at one end and to a Y-shaped tube connector at a second end. An in-line microbiotic barrier filter is coupled to the first tube between its ends. A second tube is coupled to a transfer bag at one end and to the Y-shaped tube connector at its other end. A third tube is coupled to the output of the Y-shaped tube connector and sealed at its distal end. The blood bag includes a fourth tube that is sealed at a distal end. The third tube is welded to the fourth tube using a sterile tubing welder, wherein a functionally-closed, sterile flow path through which the blood processing solution can flow into the blood bag is maintained.
US09011406B2 Underpants type disposable diaper
A disposable diaper which can be used both as a tape-fastening type and an underpants type by joining the both side portions of the front body part and back body part respectively to thereby form joined portions on both sides along with a waist opening and a pair of right and left leg openings and in this diaper, perforated lines are formed on the both side portions of the front body part so as to extend from an edge of the waist opening to edges of the leg openings and at least one pair of fastening tapes having hook members on inner surfaces thereof and straddle the perforated lines.
US09011396B2 Disposable wearing article with moveable skin-contactable sheet
A disposable wearing article has a skin-contactable sheet moveable relative to a chassis. The chassis includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet and a liquid-absorbent panel interposed between these inner and outer sheets. The absorbent panel lies at least in the crotch region and extends into the front and rear waist regions in the longitudinal direction. In the rear waist region, a skin-contactable sheet adapted to come in contact with the wearer's skin is attached to the inner surface of the inner sheet. The skin-contactable sheet has front and rear ends extending in the transverse direction and lateral portions extending in the longitudinal direction and only the lateral portions are bonded to the inner sheet.
US09011390B2 Method and device for micro-dosing a liquid
Methods and devices for micro-dosing a liquid are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for a time controlled micro-dosing of a liquid from a liquid reservoir includes: receiving the liquid reservoir with a structure wherein the structure is portable; securing the liquid reservoir to the structure; connecting a second end of a drive unit to a piston disposed within the liquid reservoir; activating a drive motor; displacing the drive unit with respect to the structure towards the piston in an axial direction with the drive motor; moving the piston axially within the liquid reservoir; and micro-dosing the liquid from the liquid reservoir.
US09011386B2 Device for delivering medicament
The present invention relates to a device for the delivery of predetermined doses of liquid medicament to a patient, which medicament is intended to be inhaled by the patient or intended to be injected into the body of the patient. The device is adapted to be in a medicament delivery state and in a medicament non-delivery state. When the device is in a medicament delivery state, said device is adapted to drive a piston into a cartridge containing the liquid medicament to be delivered, with a force that is above or equal to a predetermined minimum force value and below a predetermined maximum force value. The minimum force value is the lowest force value needed to deliver the predetermined dose and the maximum force value is the first force value at which it exists a risk of damaging the cartridge or the components of the device.
US09011381B2 Microaccess kit comprising a tapered needle
The present technology is directed to introducer needle assemblies comprising a tapered needle; as well as to kits comprising a tapered needle, a guidewire and a dilator and sheath; as well as to methods of introducing a dilator to the interior of a patient's body as part of an interventional procedure.
US09011369B2 High flux basket catheter for efficient continuous flow peritoneal dialysis
A catheter for use in continuous flow peritoneal dialysis comprising an inflow tube and an outflow tube, wherein both are connected on one end to a dialysis machine. The inflow tube is divided into a plurality of smaller inflow auxiliary tubes, and the outflow tube is divided into a plurality of smaller outflow auxiliary tubes. The auxiliary tubes each contain a plurality of apertures for the rapid and efficient movement of dialysis solution in and out of the peritoneal cavity. The auxiliary tubes are covered by a sheath prior to implantation, which is then removed, thereby deploying, preferably into an open-basket shape, the auxiliary tubes within the peritoneal cavity which separate to allow for the continuous flow of dialysis solution. This reduces the time required to complete the procedure and increases its efficiency by reaching a larger surface area of the peritoneal cavity, all without kinking or blocking.
US09011368B2 Methods for improving cerebrospinal fluid flow
The disclosure describes a method for improving cerebrospinal fluid flow and improving functions of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier by restoring its capacity to filter toxins into cerebrospinal fluid. In some examples, the method includes accessing a cisterna magna space and withdrawing a volume of cerebrospinal fluid from the cisterna magna space. After withdrawal, the same volume of cerebrospinal fluid is infused back into the cisterna magna space to exert pressure, which is transmitted as kinetic energy to the membrane of the blood-CSF barrier. This re-establishes the membrane with a proper electrochemical potential difference such that normal filtration mechanisms resumes with ongoing CSF production.
US09011367B2 Device and method for injecting pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel E.G. a vein
The purpose of the invention is to develop an improved device for injecting pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel (e.g. veins), especially tributaries and perforating veins to treat them through thermofibrosis. The device of the invention includes a water pulse generator that produces micro pulses of pressurized sterile water; a hand piece that transforms pulses of water coming from the generator into pulses of steam; an endoluminal catheter with a tubular part for delivering the steam into the vessel; connection means between the hand piece and the endoluminal catheter; and a programmable central processing unit (cpu) to control the water pulse generator and the hand piece.
US09011365B2 Adjustable gastrointestinal bifurcation (AGB) for reduced absorption of unhealthy food
This invention is a device and method for adjustably and reversibly reducing nutrient absorption from food passing through a person's gastrointestinal tract using an Adjustable Gastrointestinal Bifurcation (AGB) and a flow-control member. The Adjustable Gastrointestinal Bifurcation (AGB) includes: a first food-flow route (comprising a first branch of the AGB) through the person's gastrointestinal tract wherein there is normal absorption of nutrients from food; and a second food-flow route (comprising a second branch of the AGB) through the person's gastrointestinal tract wherein there is reduced absorption of nutrients from food. The flow-control member adjusts the types and/or amounts of food which are diverted through the second food-flow route versus the first food-flow route.
US09011362B2 Method of treating COPD with artificial arterio-venous fistula and flow mediating systems
A method for treatment of COPD, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia including creation of an artificial arterio-venous fistula and installation of a flow mediating device proximate the fistula. The flow mediating device is operated to limit flow as medically indicated to provide the optimum amount of bypass flow.
US09011360B2 Liquid collection container and extracorporeal circuit
A liquid collection bag is used as a part of an extracorporeal circuit and is connected via a tube to a storage container containing a priming solution. The collection container collects the priming solution from the storage container by a pressure differential between the pressure inside the collection container and the pressure inside the storage container. The liquid collection container is a flexible bag body having a partition part dividing the inside of the bag body into a first space and a second space. In addition, a communication part communicates the first space with the second space.
US09011359B2 Systems and methods for single needle continuous plasma processing
Certain examples describe systems and methods for increasing plasma extracted from donor blood. An example method includes receiving blood extracted from a donor connected to a blood collection machine. The example method includes filtering the blood using a filtration device to remove at least a portion of plasma included in the blood to separate the plasma removed from remaining blood. The example method includes routing the plasma removed for collection. The example method includes re-filtering the remaining blood using a or the filtration device to remove additional plasma from the remaining blood. The example method includes routing the additional plasma removed for collection.
US09011352B2 Fall detection and/or prevention systems
There is provided a fall detection and/or prevention system, comprising one or more sensors for detecting characteristics of movement of a user of the fall detection and/or prevention system and for generating corresponding signals; processing means for analyzing the signals from the one or more sensors using a fall detection algorithm to determine if a fall has taken place or is likely to take place; wherein the processing means is further adapted to update said fall detection algorithm based on the result of the analysis of the signals and an indication whether a fall has actually taken place from the user or a third party.
US09011350B2 Allergy testing device and method of testing for allergies
An allergy testing system comprises a skin test device having a grip portion for holding the device. One or more legs extend from the grip, and each leg is oriented to interact with a well containing a potential allergen. Each leg has a test head, and each test head has a plurality of elongated spike members. The elongated spike members have a sharp end configured to receive the potential allergen from a well and to puncture a patient's skin. In addition, each test head has at least one touch activator. The touch activator is longer than the plurality of elongated spike members, such that during an allergy test, the touch activator comes into contact with the skin prior to the elongated spike members, causing the touch activators to activate nerve tissue that blocks transmission of pain, resulting in a reduction of pain and/or discomfort during testing.
US09011349B2 Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters
Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.
US09011348B2 Air sampling apparatus and methods
An air sampling apparatus is disclosed, including a closed loop system for extracting air to be sampled into an analysis device such as a gas chromatograph, which is further coupled to an output. The closed loop sample extraction method reduces contaminants that can otherwise be introduced into air samples.
US09011347B2 Methods and apparatus for determining breathing effort characteristics measures
One or more respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured by coupling patient monitor apparatus (e.g., a photoplethysmograph (“PPG”)) to the patient in order to produce a patient monitor signal that includes signal indicia indicative of effort the patient is exerting to breathe. A breathing or respiratory effort signal for the patient is extracted from the patient monitor signal. A respiratory characteristic signal is extracted (at least in part) from the effort signal. This may be done, for example, on the basis of an amplitude feature of the effort signal and a relative time of occurrence of that amplitude feature. Alternatively, the respiratory characteristic signal may be based on a relationship between two amplitude features of the effort signal, with or without regard for specifics of the times of occurrence of those amplitude features. A breath air flow meter may also be coupled to the patient, if desired, in order to produce a flow signal. One or more of the respiratory characteristic measures may also be partly based on the flow signal.
US09011342B2 Physiological sensor delivery device and method
An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve, such as a fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based FabryPerot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor.
US09011341B2 Apparatus to monitor obstructive sleep apnea termination
The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting and monitoring obstructive sleep apnea. The apparatus measures sinus tachycardia and a change in the atrial-ventricular conduction, and includes a controller for receiving the measurement of the sinus tachycardia and the change in the atrial-ventricular conduction to detect obstructive sleep apnea based upon the sinus tachycardia and the change in the atrial-ventricular conduction.
US09011337B2 Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling ultrasound power output and stability
Some embodiments provide a method of providing ultrasound energy having a stable power output. The method can comprise providing ultrasound energy from a ultrasound transducer; determining a power level threshold of the ultrasound energy; monitoring a power level of the ultrasound energy over time of the ultrasound energy; communicating a power level to a controller; adjusting the frequency of the ultrasound energy upon a change in the power level; and maintaining the power level threshold of the ultrasound energy.
US09011334B2 Access disconnect detection
Techniques are disclosed for monitoring the flow of blood returning to a patient from an extracorporeal therapy machine, such as a hemodialysis machine or an apheresis machine. Blood returning from such a machine is pumped, typically by a peristaltic pump, which returns the blood in pulsed flow or pulses. This flow can be sensed by Doppler flow sensors or accelerometers as it returns to the patient. If the flow is interrupted by dislodgement of the venous access needle, or by leaking of blood from the needle, these sensors will detect significantly different flow or vibrations. A controller can then cease therapy, alert a caregiver, or sound an alarm.
US09011330B2 Implantable vascular system biosensor with grown capillary beds and uses thereof
An implantable biocompatible biosensor is described herein. The biosensor includes a chip layer including a plurality of holes fabricated vertically there through, a power source, one or more sensors on the chip layer and coupled to the power source and a hydrogel matrix including one or more angiogenesis stimulating factors in contact with the chip layer. The stimulating factors stimulate growth of organic material through the plurality of holes when the biosensor is implanted in a subject.
US09011329B2 Lumenally-active device
Embodiments of a lumenally-active system and method of use and control thereof are disclosed. According to various embodiments, a lumenally-active device is positioned in a body lumen of an organism, where the device may sense a parameter of a fluid in the body lumen and perform an action on the fluid. Control logic and/or circuitry may be located on the device, or the system may include a separate control module. Liquid or gaseous fluids may be treated by embodiments of the device. Actions may include, for example, modification of a body fluid by addition or removal of a material, or by modification of a property of a body fluid or a component thereof.
US09011326B2 Soft tissue shield for trans-orbital surgery
A surgical shield protects collateral soft tissue from damage during a trans-orbital surgical procedure in the head of a patient. The shield may be provided as an elongated flexible sheath having one or more thin flexible sidewalls that can conform to the tissue around or bearing on the shield. Other areas or sidewalls of the shield may be thicker to better resist perforation by surgical instruments, and/or to better maintain the access lumen of pathway to the surgical site.
US09011323B2 Method and apparatus for soft tissue retraction
A soft tissue retractor includes a retractor body and a proximal projection extends generally perpendicular to the proximal end of the retractor body. An illumination waveguide engages a slot in the retractor blade to provide illumination to a surgical site while maintaining total internal reflection in the waveguide. An illumination input is formed into the proximal end of the illumination waveguide for conducting light from a source to the illumination waveguide. The proximal projection is configured for application of counter traction without the need for squeezing the retractor body. The proximal projection may be weighted to balance the soft tissue retractor as well as enabling the retractor to provide counter traction by itself. The configuration of the proximal projection further enables self-retraction by including a flat foot to prevent rolling and sliding of the retractor when it is providing self-retraction.
US09011320B2 Transluminal endoscopic surgery kit
A transluminal surgery kit and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the kit may include an endoscope, a surgical instrument, and an overtube. The surgical instrument may be an injection needle. The overtube, whose primary function is to provide a substantially sterile pathway for the surgical instrument, may include a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of longitudinal bores. A film may cover the distal end of the tubular member. One of the bores may be appropriately dimensioned to coaxially receive the distal end of the endoscope, with the proximal end of the endoscope preferably not being inserted into the bore but extending proximally therefrom. A fastener for securing the tubular member to a lumen wall within a patient, together with a tool for inserting the fastener through the lumen wall, may be disposed within another one of the bores.
US09011319B2 Conical laparoscopic apparatus for minimally invasive surgery
A single body port or body flange access device having an oval shape and associated stabilizer anchor for performing laparoscopic surgery is disclosed. The device is slipped into the body anchor stabilizer first so that the anchor stabilizer lifts up fat and peritoneum inside the body thereby keeping the operating area clear and acting to hold the body flange in place. The device further has a plurality of crisscrossing conduits assuming the shape of a cone through which surgical instruments may be inserted. The instruments are manipulated so that triangulation is obtained using one patient body flange while standard surgical procedures are performed on the patient. Due the oval shape of the device, the device minimally rotates while instruments are manipulated.
US09011318B2 Steerable, follow the leader device
A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US09011312B2 Generating artificial pulse
In order to produce a pulsatile blood flow pattern that includes time periods of relatively high blood flow rates and time periods of relatively low blood flow rates, the operating speed of a blood pump can be selectively controlled to produce an operating speed pattern that includes time periods of relatively high rotation speeds and periods of relatively low rotation speeds. For example, the blood pump is rotated at a first speed for a first period of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased from the first speed to a second speed and is operated at the second speed for a second amount of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased to a third speed for a third amount of time. If desired, the operating speed pattern can be repeated to continue the pulsatile blood flow pattern.
US09011308B2 Equipment and method for the forming of paper containers
The invention concerns the equipment for forming of paper containers starting from a continuous wet paper belt. It comprises a mobile semi-mold and a fixed semi-mold defining an impression corresponding to the container to be produced. Around the mobile semi-mold (15) are provided concentrically an upper cutting blade (18), an upper pleating/crimping ring (19) and an upper rim former (20); around the fixed semi-mold (14) are provided a counter cutting blade (21), an upper counter pleating/crimping ring (22) and a counter rim former (23), associated respectively with the cutting blade, the pleating/crimping ring and rim former on board associated with a mobile semi-mold. And this, respectively, to cut from the initial paper tape a length of paper depending on the measurements of the container to be formed, to pleat/crimp a peripheral crown of said blank paper during the closing stroke of the semi-molds, and to form a crimped rim around the lateral wall of the container during the opening stroke of said semi-molds.
US09011307B2 Method for manufacturing a paper container
A process for realizing a container from a foldable sheet comprises stages of at least partially inserting a closure element made of paper material (extensible paper) provided with a base wall and a lateral wall internally of a housing chamber of the container. The lateral wall of the closure element is inserted and located at a portion of the wall of the container. Also comprised is a stage of contemporary deformation of the lateral wall of the closure element and the portion of wall of the container in order to realize corresponding grooves on the parts, destined to define coupling and decoupling surfaces by rotation between the closure element and the container. The use of extensible paper advantageously enables easy realization of the coupling grooves by rotation.
US09011306B2 Semiconductive roller
The semiconductive roller according to the present invention includes a nonporous roller body made of a rubber composition containing styrene-butadiene rubber and epichlorohydrin rubber as rubber components.
US09011304B2 Functional power grip
The disclosure includes a variety of functional power grips. An exemplary grip includes a generally elongate handle portion having a gripping surface for a user, and a generally flexible member having a first end and a second end, the generally flexible member having a cross sectional dimension that is substantially the same as the handle portion, wherein the first and second ends of the generally flexible member are attached to first and second ends of the handle portion, the handle portion and generally flexible member cooperating to form a loop, and a strap disposed about the generally flexible member for attaching the functional power grip to a piece of exercise equipment.
US09011303B2 Wheeled exercise device
A wheeled exercise device includes a first wheel part and a second wheel part coupled to the first wheel part, with the first and second wheel parts coupled together on a central axle therethrough so as to form a central main wheel with a generally flat center circumference and angled outer circumferential sides. The device includes a pair of handles, each handle extending outward and downward at an angle from the central axle from a corresponding wheel part.
US09011297B2 Universal punching bag support apparatus
This disclosure describes an apparatus and methods to support a punching bag, or a punching bag and rebound platform, within a doorway or other architectural opening. Mounting the apparatus does not involve modifying or altering the supporting architectural structures and surfaces (e.g., with screws, brackets, adhesives, etc.). Clamps are instrumental in safely securing the apparatus and stabilizing it for high-performance use of a plurality of punching bags. Adjustment mechanisms not only facilitate the mounting of the apparatus to a plurality of doorframes and other architraves but also accommodate the height and depth preferences of a user. In addition, a folding mechanism allows the apparatus to be compacted for storage or transport.
US09011296B2 Therapeutic exercise apparatus with multiple selectively interlockable sliding platforms
An exercise apparatus comprises a frame having two parallel tracks, two platforms mounted on the first track by a sliding bearing, and two platforms mounted on the second track by a sliding bearing. The tracks are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the platforms on different tracks to move freely past each other. A transverse interlock allows selective connection of platforms on different tracks for movement together and a longitudinal interlock allows selective connection of platforms on the same track for movement together. The frame includes cross braces connecting the rails at their ends, and the rails, cross braces, and platforms all include connecting points for permitting the user to selectively connect to and between the frame and the platforms a variety of exercise accessories or appliances. The accessories can include elastic resistance bands, cord and pulley assemblies, handles, weights, and appliances for administering physical therapy.
US09011295B2 Aerobic step
An aerobic step includes a body having a middle exercise area and four sides. A maximum height of the body is positioned in the middle exercise area. The middle exercise area has a domed shape and curves downwardly to the four sides. The four sides define two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides. The middle exercise area includes a layer of material co-molded with and supported by a main body portion which promotes gripping and non-slippage. The layer of material includes a pattern of grooves. Two handles are defined along a lower portion of the body in the form of cutouts. An edge material is co-molded with and positioned on the lower edge of the body for contacting the ground. The body has a convex upper surface, and a concave lower surface which promotes stacking for storage, or for adding additional height by nesting two or more steps together.
US09011294B2 Method and apparatus for fitness exercise
A method of exercising a human body, the method comprising: providing a sliding element having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body, and a sliding surface adapted to slide on a exercise floor; placing the sliding element on an exercise floor and placing the human body limb on the body portion; and performing an exercise routine including sliding the sliding element by moving the human body limb. The exercise routine includes routines performed with the human body in a standing position; routines performed with the human body in a prone position; routines performed with the human body in a supine position; and routines performed with the human body in a side-lying position. The invention also includes an exercise device for exercising a human body, the device comprising: a sliding disc having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body; and a sliding surface adapted to slide on an exercise floor.
US09011293B2 Method and system for monitoring and feed-backing on execution of physical exercise routines
A system for monitoring performance of a physical exercise routine comprises a Pilates exercise device enabling a user to perform the physical exercise routine, a plurality of motion and position sensors for generating sensory information that includes at least position and movements of a user performing the physical exercise routine; a database containing routine information representing at least an optimal execution of the physical exercise routine; a training module configured to separate from sensory information at least appearance of the Pilates exercise device, compare the separated sensory information to the routine information to detect at least dissimilarities between the sensory information and the routine information, wherein the dissimilarities indicate an incorrect execution of the physical exercise routine, the training module is further configured to feedback the user with instructions related to correcting the execution of the physical exercise routine by the user; and a display for displaying the feedback.
US09011292B2 Wearable device assembly having athletic functionality
A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.
US09011288B2 Multi-ratio transmission
A multi-stage transmission with eight forward and one reverse gear, including input and output shafts, planetary gear sets, gear stages shift elements and shafts. The input shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and, via clutch (15), can couple shaft (5), which couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and which, via clutch (58), can couple shaft (8), which couples the sun gear of gearset (P3). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6) and the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (3) couples the sun and ring gears of respective gearsets (P1, P3) and can couple, via brake (03), the housing (G). The carrier of gearset (P2) couples shaft (4), which can couple the output shaft via the gear stage (S1) and clutch (24). The carrier of gearset (P3) couples shaft (7), which couples gear stage (S2) and the output shaft. Clutch (46) can block gearset (P2).
US09011287B2 Dual piston transmission clutch
A transmission assembly may include a first clutch and a second clutch. The second clutch may include a clutch pack, a pressure chamber, a first piston, and a second piston. The first piston may be configured to push against the clutch pack when pressurized fluid is directed into the pressure chamber. The second piston may be configured to push against the first piston when pressurized fluid is directed into the pressure chamber at a time when the first clutch is unactuated and inhibited from pushing against the first piston at a time when the first clutch is actuated.
US09011285B2 Drive arrangement
In a drive arrangement for wheels of a motor vehicle which are driven by means of an electric machine via a differential, the electric machine includes a rotor and a stator and drives a drive element of the differential whose output shafts output to the wheels of the motor vehicle. In order to achieve a structurally compact construction which enables favorable transmission ratios the rotor outputs to the drive element of the differential and that by interposing a gear mechanism, the drive element and/or the output shafts are supported offset to the rotation axis of the rotor.
US09011284B2 Hybrid power train for a motor vehicle
A transmission comprises a transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and three power paths situated between the transmission input shaft and a main gear set. The main gear set comprises two single planetary gear sets a first, a second, a third and a fourth shafts. An electric motor is connected with at least one of the four shafts. The first shaft can be connected with the first power path via a first switching element and with the third power path via a second switching element. The second shaft can be connected with the first power path via a third switching element and with the third power path via a fourth switching element. The third shaft is constantly connected with the transmission output shaft. The fourth shaft can be connected with the second power path via a fifth switching element and can be fixed by a sixth switching element.
US09011279B2 Throwing dart
A throwing dart having a handle that provides a user with tactile biofeedback. The handle includes a handle body having an exterior body surface defined by a first octant, a second octant, a third octant, a fourth octant, a fifth octant, a sixth octant, a seventh octant, and an eighth octant. The handle includes at least a first tactile reference indentation, or projection, that extends longitudinally along the exterior body surface and is confined to a first tactile octant. The first tactile reference indentation, or projection, is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to improve a user's accuracy.
US09011276B2 Football kicking tee
A tee for holding an American style football during place kicking has a base with a receptacle. A block is removably inserted into the base, with the block having a front cup and a rear cup. A plurality of radial tabs in the front cup can independently bend and deflect to securely hold footballs having a range of different sizes and shapes. The tabs may be provided on fingers, with each finger having an upright arm joined to a ring base, and with a tab attached to and extending radially inwardly from each upright arm.
US09011275B2 Golf ball with single thermoplastic cover layer of heterogeneous composition
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a single cover layer of heterogeneous composition. One embodiment of the invention describes a method wherein a core, comprising one or more layers, has pre-molded hemispherical cover cups placed about the core and each cover cup has at least two layers of distinct resinous materials, and the cover cups are heated and compressed such that the resinous materials in the cover cups intermingle with each other to form a single heterogeneous cover layer.
US09011270B2 Iron type golf club head
An iron type golf club head includes a head main body, a toe-side weight member made of a metal material having specific gravity ρ2 larger than that of the head main body and disposed on a toe-side of the head main body, and a heel-side weight member made of a metal material having specific gravity ρ3 larger than that of the head main body and disposed on a heel-side of the head main body. The head main body includes a face main portion having a face to hit a golf ball, and a tubular hosel portion provided continuously on a heel-side of the face main portion and having a shaft inserting hole. A distance from the center of gravity Gt of the toe-side weight member to the center of gravity Gh of the heel-side weight member ranges from 50 to 120 mm.
US09011269B2 Customizable center-of-gravity golf club head
A metal golf club head that allows a user to customize the location of the center of gravity. The metal golf club head comprises a hollow body with a weighting port. The weighting port allows a user to place weighting material inside the hollow body, customizing the location of the center of gravity, the swing weight, the total weight, and the balance of the golf club.
US09011265B2 Golf club and golf club head with a crown recessed feature
A golf club includes a shaft and a club head. The club head includes a ball striking face, a heel, a toe, a rear, and a crown. The crown may include a substantially horizontally-oriented forward crown region extending rearwardly from the ball striking face. The crown further may include a primary recessed feature located rearward of the forward crown region and extending from the heel to the toe of the club head. The recessed feature may have a floor and a front wall extending upward from the floor to the forward crown region. The crown may further include a substantially horizontally-oriented rearward crown region extending forwardly from the rear of the club head. The recessed feature may be located between the forward crown region and the rearward crown region. A back wall of the recessed feature may extend upward from the floor to the rearward crown region.
US09011261B2 Rotating water play device
A rotating water play device generally comprises a static shaft typically fixedly mounted to a ground surface and a platform mounted for rotation on the shaft. The platform allows at least one person to stand on it and impart a rotating motion thereto. The shaft is configured to be connected to a water source and comprises a hollow axial bore and at least one radial opening. The platform comprises a sleeve pivotally mounted to the shaft, the sleeve comprising at least one radial opening in fluid communication with at least one dispensing opening located on the platform, typically at the periphery thereof. The radial openings of the shaft and of the sleeve are configured to be in intermittent or continuous fluid communication, whereby water can flow through the shaft and then through the platform before exiting the platform.
US09011260B2 Device and method for automatic swing control
A device and a method for automatic swing control are disclosed. The device and method are used for the automatic swing control of an overhang. The device for automatic swing control comprises an actuator and a movable block. The movable block comprises a hanger and an angle sensing device. The hanger is pivotably mounted on the lower end of the movable block and is used to suspend the overhang. The angle sensing device is electrically connected to the actuator, and used to sense the movement parameters of the hanger, and starts the selective rotation of the actuator when the swing angle is less than a preset value, so that when the hanger is at its predicted highest swing position, the movable block moves toward the direction where the hanger is about to move after the hanger passes its actual highest swing position to drag the overhang to swing.
US09011255B1 Drive shaft coupling having sealed interior passage for pressurized fluid
A coupling for connecting a rotating tube cleaning shaft to a tube cleaning machine where high pressure fluid is pumped through the coupling, where the coupling is sealed to contain the high pressure fluid, and where a machine driven rotary flexible shaft passes through the coupling.
US09011249B2 Method and apparatus for use of movement and position sensors with portable handheld wagering devices
A gaming system includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one wagering game, a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game, and a controller operative to process signals output from a movement sensor. A movement sensor is disposed in the handheld gaming machine to sense movements of the handheld gaming machine and/or a sub-portion thereof and to output signals relating to the movements to the controller.
US09011247B2 Controlling casino lighting content and audio content
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting coordinated wagering game light and sound effects across multiple presentation devices in a casino. In some embodiments, the operations can trigger wagering game audio effects from lighting commands produced by network lighting controllers. The triggered audio can match characteristics of the light effects. The operations can include receiving, at a casino content presentation device, lighting data from a network lighting controller. The casino content presentation device associates the lighting data with a light effect and determines a sound effect, coupled with, or tied to, to, the light effect. The operations can further include presenting the sound effect on speakers associated with the casino content presentation device, and across other casino content presentation devices in the casino, as part of a casino-wide, synchronized, multi-media show.
US09011246B1 Systems and methods for immersive backgrounds
An immersive interactive system includes a platform with specialized panel(s) supporting placement of a static background scene and one or more displays; a play area proximal to the platform; an object recognizer to detect one or more items of interest on or near the play area; one or more sensors to detect one or more user activities on the platform; and a processor coupled to the one or more displays, wherein the processor correlates and serves video and optional audio to the one or more displays based on detected object activities and sensor data.
US09011242B2 System and method for determining and acting on a user'S value across different platforms
Individual users may log into the same online game from multiple different social networking platforms. The disclosed technology provides a way to unite users' accounts such that users that have logged into the online game from different social networking platforms can have their progress in the online game preserved regardless of which social networking platforms the user logged in from. Business intelligence about differences in the user's value when logging in from the different social networking platforms can be determined and incentivizing actions can be performed on the social networking platforms based on the business intelligence.
US09011241B2 Tournament gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods
Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one embodiment, a gaming device provides a base game in a normal, non-tournament mode, and the player's eligibility to play a tournament game is also determined. An eligible player is prompted to select a desired tournament game from a list of available tournaments while base game is in the normal, non-tournament mode. In response to the player's selection of a tournament game, the gaming device is reconfigured from the normal mode to a tournament mode. The gaming device processes game play in the tournament mode and creates a final tournament score for the player.
US09011240B2 Remote gaming system allowing adjustment of original 3D images for a mobile gaming device
A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are reestablished. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format is adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.
US09011239B2 Game system
One object is to provide a video game system that can technically restrain real money trade. In accordance with one aspect, a server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a determination unit 58 configured to determine whether an exchange of exhibited game contents and bid game contents is concluded based on a game content parameter value characterizing the exhibited game contents and the game content parameter value characterizing the bid game contents; and an updating unit 61 configured to update an owned game content storage unit 52 such that, only when the determination unit 58 determines that the exchange is concluded, the exhibited game contents are stored in association with player identification information of a bidder player and the bid game contents are stored in association with player identification information of an exhibitor player.
US09011237B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming
A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to evaluate a game outcome based on the selected symbols and to identify a scatter outcome when a plurality of special symbols are disposed in the display area at any display position, and a prize allocator. The prize allocator is arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a scatter outcome exists and to determine the prize awarded to a player using the plurality of special symbols. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
US09011234B2 Integrated card and slot machine mechanic
Embodiments described herein allow the users to influence various aspects of a game by selecting digital objects associated with a user's digital object collection to be integrated into customized digital object holders to provide a slot machine like functionality. Each of the digital object holders can have a number of positions, and each position can have a digital object associated with it. The user can choose which digital objects are associated with each digital object holder, in accordance with a rule set which can control which digital object can be associated with the digital object holder.
US09011232B2 Gaming machine and gaming method
A gaming machine executes a normal mode game to rearrange symbols on the first display, based on at least one first table for determining symbols to be rearranged in the normal mode game, and triggers a chance mode game including a plurality of chance rounds when the rearranged symbols satisfies a first condition. The gaming machine closes the door when the chance mode game is triggered, and determining a chance type of the chance mode game. The gaming machine executes each chance round of the chance mode game to rearrange the symbols based on a second table for the determined chance type among a plurality of second tables, by controlling opening or closing of the door and displaying an object image on the display panel according to the determined chance type.
US09011231B2 Gaming system, gaming device and method for offering a guaranteed win
A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.
US09011230B2 System and method for presenting payouts in gaming systems
A system, apparatus and method for presenting payouts in primary and/or secondary gaming activities. A plurality of concentric wheels, rings, or other shapes are provided, where each includes a plurality of different symbols, numbers, or other indicia that can be used as a part of a collective payout award. The wheels, rings, or shapes are rotated, and at least one segment designator is provided to demarcate segments of each wheel, ring, or shape as an active segment when the wheels, rings, or shapes stop spinning. The payout amount is based on the aggregate of the symbols, numbers, and/or other indicia presented via the segment designator(s) when the spinning wheels, rings, or shapes have come to rest. In an alternate embodiment, the segment designators are rotated, and demarcate segments of each wheel, ring, or shape as an active segment when the segment designators stop spinning.
US09011227B2 Casino game with pay line multipliers
A poker machine apparatus has a pay line multiplier that is randomly selected for each active pay line. The pay line multiplier varies for each round of play. An extra wager may be required from the player to activate this feature during the play of a casino game. A player makes a wager to activate at least two pay lines to be played in the casino game. For each active pay line, a multiplier is randomly selected from a group of various multipliers and the selected multiplier is assigned to the activated pay line. The casino game is then played to achieve an outcome on each pay line. Each pay line that has a winning outcome has any associated award increased by the multiplier for that pay line.
US09011225B2 Gaming system and method providing a video poker game with community cards
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a video poker card game having community cards. Upon receiving a wager, the gaming system provides the player with a quantity of player hands. The gaming system enables the player to discard one or more of the player hands. The gaming system then displays an initial quantity of community cards to the player. The gaming system further enables the player to discard one or more player hands, prior to displaying the remaining community cards. The remaining player hands are each evaluated by combining with the community card against a paytable, to determine an award, if any, won by the player.
US09011224B1 Three dimensional lamp array game system
A hand-held, cubic, transparent game system containing a cubiform array of individual LEDs arranged as a cubic matrix of rows and columns, an inclinometer, sound chip and speaker and a timer. Electronic control circuitry including a game-programmed processor is connected between the inclinometer and the LED array to control visible operating states of individual lamps in response to output signals from the inclinometer, according to rules of a game program. Sequential LEDs in a direction of inclination are momentarily flashed to define a traveling cursor. Turning the housing through 90 degrees transfers cursor between a row and a column.