最新美国发明专利第2015-04-28期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US09018556B2	Microparticle sorting method There is provided a microparticle sorting method, including a procedure of collecting a microparticle in a fluid that flows through a main channel in an area that is formed in a manner that a vertical cross-section increases in a flow direction of the fluid at a branch channel which is in communication with the main channel by generating a negative pressure in the branch channel.
US09018555B2	Security cover plate for light switch An light switch cover plate constructed of a durable and ruggedized break-resistant material that securely covers the light switch switching mechanism and includes, uniquely keyed mounting members, and a uniquely keyed switching implement operably connected to a switching lever to effect switching on and off the light switch switching mechanism.
US09018553B1	Reducing biasing forces within a sealing device A device and method are disclosed for use in sealing a toggle-operated apparatus mounted upon a panel. The actuator of the apparatus initially is in an operating position extending along a given axial direction and is movable through angular displacement away from that orientation into another operating position, by an operating force applied in a transverse direction. A boot member of the device is constructed of a resiliently flexible elastomeric material and includes an apical section for placement over the actuator upon sealing the apparatus, and an intermediate section configured and dimensioned to facilitate angular displacement of the apical section, along with angular displacement of the actuator to operate the apparatus, while reducing any resulting resilient biasing force tending to return the apical section toward orientation in the given axial direction to less than any transversely directed force capable of moving the actuator out of the another operating position.
US09018552B2	Electrical contact including stainless steel material An electrical contact including stainless steel material is disclosed with advantages of good fusing resistance, good abrasion resistance and low contact electrical resistance. The electrical contact includes silver-based material and the stainless steel material. The stainless steel material is dispersed in the silver-based material and weight percentage thereof accounting to the electrical contact is 0.01% to 35%.
US09018551B2	Handlebar switch for motorcycle A handlebar switch for a motorcycle that achieves reduction in size of a switch case, while enhancing a degree of freedom in layout of a plurality operating and other types of switches. A handlebar switch includes: a switch case that includes case half bodies, joined together across a handlebar and a plurality of operating switches, such as a horn switch, protruding from the switch case; and a substrate disposed inside the switch case in a position substantially orthogonal to a direction of an axis of the handlebar, the substrate having a plurality of contacts for generating electric signals in a manner operatively associated with an operation of the operating switch. In the handlebar switch, each of the contacts is electrically connected by pressure applied in a direction substantially identical to the direction of the axis of the handlebar.
US09018545B2	Arrangement for and method of preventing overhanging weighing platter of scale from tipping at product checkout system and method of mounting and removing the weighing platter without tools A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.
US09018540B2	Wired circuit board including an insulating layer formed with an opening filled with a conductive portion and producing method thereof A wired circuit board includes an insulating layer to be formed with an opening extending therethrough in a thickness direction of the wired circuit board, a conductive layer formed on one surface of the insulating layer in the thickness direction and including a one-side terminal portion, an other-side terminal portion formed on the other surface of the insulating layer in the thickness direction, disposed so as to overlap the opening and the one-side terminal portion when projected in the thickness direction, and used to be connected to an electronic element via a conductive adhesive, and a conductive portion filling the opening to provide electrical conduction between the one-side terminal portion and the other-side terminal portion.
US09018539B2	Printed circuit board and method for manufacturing the same The present invention relates to a printed circuit board including: a first circuit pattern formed on a first insulator; a second insulator formed on the first insulator; a second circuit pattern having a pad of which a portion is embedded in the second insulator and a via which penetrates the second insulator to electrically connect the first circuit pattern and the pad; and a third circuit pattern formed on the second insulator, and it is possible to reduce a size of the via without increasing an aspect ratio.
US09018538B2	Wiring substrate having columnar protruding part A method of making a wiring substrate includes forming a first metal layer on a surface of a support member, the first metal layer having at least one columnar through hole that exposes the surface of the support member, forming a columnar metal layer that fills the columnar through hole, forming an insulating layer on the columnar metal layer and on the first metal layer, forming an interconnection layer on a first surface of the insulating layer such that the interconnection layer is electrically connected to the columnar metal layer through the insulating layer, and forming a protruding part including at least part of the columnar metal layer by removing at least the support member and the first metal layer, the protruding part protruding from a second surface of the insulating layer opposite the first surface and serving as at least part of a connection terminal of the wiring substrate.
US09018535B2	Touch panel and method for manufacturing a touch sensor layer of the touch panel A touch panel includes a touch sensor layer including a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode, wherein an arrangement direction of the first transparent electrode can be perpendicular to that of the second transparent electrode, and both of the first and second transparent electrodes include two transparent metallic patterns which are stacked and electrically connected to each other.
US09018534B2	Method of manufacturing power module substrate and power module substrate A method of manufacturing a power module substrate in which a plurality of ceramic substrates and metal plates are alternately laminated, and bonded, and the metal plates on both sides of the ceramic substrates are in a connected state through penetration holes formed in the ceramic substrate, wherein, when the ceramic substrates and the metal plates are laminated, columnar metallic members that are longer than the penetration holes are inserted into the penetration holes in the ceramic substrate, and, when the ceramic substrates and the metal plates are bonded, the metallic members are pressurized and plastically deformed so that the metal plates on both sides of the ceramic substrates are bonded through the metallic members.
US09018532B2	Stretchable circuit assemblies A stretchable circuit assembly includes first and second printed circuit boards, discrete conductive wires or flexible circuits including ends connected to the first and second printed circuit boards, and a stretchable interconnect in which the discrete conductive wires or flexible circuits and a portion of the first and second printed circuit boards are embedded. Main surfaces of the flexible circuits are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to main surfaces of the stretchable interconnect. A method of making a stretchable circuit assembly includes the steps of providing electrical interconnects, a first printed circuit board, and a second printed circuit board, shaping the electrical interconnects to have an oscillating configuration, and forming a stretchable interconnect such that the electrical interconnects, a portion of the first printed circuit board, and a portion of the second printed circuit board are embedded within the stretchable interconnect.
US09018526B2	Electrical device cover An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slidable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.
US09018525B1	Wiring devices with graduated indicators Systems and methods for providing electrical wiring devices having off-center installation capabilities are described. An electrical wiring device has at least one elongated mounting hole for accepting a mounting fastener in more than one location. For example, an electrical wiring device such as a single-gang, double 15A outlet device may have an installation ear at each of the upper and lower ends of the device, wherein each of the installation ears contains an elongate hole for accepting a fastener such as a screw in more than one position. Additionally, each installation ear includes include markings adjacent to the elongate holes to mark installation positions such as left, center and right that facilitate off-center installation.
US09018522B2	Lattice matchable alloy for solar cells An alloy composition for a subcell of a solar cell is provided that has a bandgap of at least 0.9 eV, namely, Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz with a low antimony (Sb) content and with enhanced indium (In) content and enhanced nitrogen (N) content, achieving substantial lattice matching to GaAs and Ge substrates and providing both high short circuit currents and high open circuit voltages in GaInNAsSb subcells for multijunction solar cells. The composition ranges for Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz are 0.07≦x≦0.18, 0.025≦y≦0.04 and 0.001≦z≦0.03.
US09018521B1	Inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cell with DBR layer adjacent to the top subcell A multijunction solar cell comprising an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap; a middle second solar subcell adjacent to the first solar subcell and having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap; a graded interlayer adjacent to the second solar subcell; the graded interlayer having a third band gap greater than the second band gap; a third solar subcell adjacent to the interlayer, the third subcell having a fourth band gap smaller than the second band gap such that the third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to the second subcell; and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer adjacent to the upper first subcell.
US09018519B1	Inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cells having a permanent supporting substrate The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a solar cell that includes providing a semiconductor growth substrate; depositing on said growth substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell; applying a metal contact layer over said sequence of layers; affixing the adhesive polyimide surface of a permanent supporting substrate directly over said metal contact layer and permanently bonding it thereto by a thermocompressive technique; and removing the semiconductor growth substrate.
US09018517B2	Silicon heterojunction photovoltaic device with wide band gap emitter A photovoltaic device including a single junction solar cell provided by an absorption layer of a type IV semiconductor material having a first conductivity, and an emitter layer of a type III-V semiconductor material having a second conductivity, wherein the type III-V semiconductor material has a thickness that is no greater than 50 nm.
US09018516B2	Solar cell with silicon oxynitride dielectric layer Solar cells with silicon oxynitride dielectric layers and methods of forming silicon oxynitride dielectric layers for solar cell fabrication are described. For example, an emitter region of a solar cell includes a portion of a substrate having a back surface opposite a light receiving surface. A silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy, 0
US09018511B2	Spring-loaded heat exchanger fins A heat exchanger includes a first plate and a second plate connected to the first plate to define a duct between the first plate and the second plate. At least one elastic cooling fin is disposed inside the duct between the first plate and the second plate. The at least one elastic fin exerts a load on the first plate.
US09018510B2	Musical instrument, method and recording medium At a timing at which a music playing operation is made by way of a music playing member, it is determined whether the position coordinates of the music playing member belong to any of a plurality of regions arranged on a virtual plane based on layout information store in memory, and in a case of having determined as belonging to the region, it is determined whether the pitch angle of the music playing member detected by way of a pitch angle sensor belongs to the pitch angle range corresponding to the region, and in the case of having determined as belonging to the pitch angle range corresponding to the region, the generation of a sound of a musical note corresponding to the region is instructed.
US09018507B2	Musical instrument that generates electronic sound, light-emission controller used in this musical instrument, and control method of musical instrument A musical instrument (1) includes a stick (10) to be held by a player and provided with a marker (15) at a leading end that emits light and switches off; a camera unit (20) that captures an image of the player holding the stick (10); and a center unit (30) that generates a percussion instrument sound based on a position of the marker (15) while emitting light in image-capture space captured by the camera unit (20), in which the stick (10) causes the marker (15) to emit light under the condition of detecting start of a down swing movement by the player, and causes the marker (15) to switch off under the condition of detecting the end of this movement.
US09018506B1	System and method for creating audible sound representations of atoms and molecules System and method creates audible sound representations for atoms and molecules. Musical notes or musical note combinations (chords) are assigned to each element in elemental periodic table. Musical notes or musical note combinations (chords) are assigned to atomic and molecular bonds (covalent and ionic, intra and inter molecular interactions) and to all molecular functional groups. This invention creates a new representation format, the audible sound format, for atoms and molecules in addition to text and image formats currently used in schools, universities, research institutes and industries, etc.
US09018503B2	Practice time calculating apparatus, a practice time calculating method, and a computer readable recording medium An apparatus is provided, for calculating a practice time. The apparatus is used by a user to calculate such practice time that he/she requires to improve his/her playing technique to reach a predetermined progressing level at the playing technique. In the apparatus, a progressing-level evaluating unit evaluates a progressing level of a playing technique of the user who operates a playable unit. A history of the evaluated progressing level is recorded in a progressing-level recording unit. An operation-number counting unit counts the number of operations executed on the playable unit by the user every unit time. A history of the counted number of operations is recorded in an operation-number recording unit. A practice-time calculating unit calculates the practice time based on the history of the progressing level recorded in the progressing-level recording unit and the history of the number of operations recorded in the operation-number recording unit.
US09018502B2	Guitar pick holder ornament A guitar pick holder with a recessed rim and a rear support plate for receiving and securing guitar picks. A fastener or a hoop for accepting a material provides means for the guitar pick to be ornamentation. An opening in the holder allows visibility to the guitar pick when the guitar pick is placed in the holder ornament.
US09018500B2	Bracing system for stringed instrument A bracing structure for a soundboard for a musical instrument is disclosed, the bracing structure being a unitary sheet structure having a plurality of elongate semi-tubular elements. Each of the elongate semi-tubular elements has a length, a thickness, a width, a height and an interior resonance space. The sheet structure may be formed of two or more layers. The elongate semi-tubular elements function as traditional braces, however, the shape of the elongate semi-tubular elements may be modified to provide a desired tonal quality.
US09018497B1	Maize inbred PH1VVD A novel maize variety designated PH1VVD and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1VVD with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1VVD through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1VVD or a locus conversion of PH1VVD with another maize variety.
US09018496B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH902675 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH902675. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH902675, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH902675 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH902675.
US09018491B2	Plants and seeds of corn variety CV701635 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV701635. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV701635, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV701635 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV701635 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV701635.
US09018490B2	Plants and seeds of corn variety CV684080 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV684080. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV684080, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV684080 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV684080 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV684080.
US09018481B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH984051 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH984051. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH984051, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH984051 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH984051.
US09018471B1	Soybean cultivar S130090 A soybean cultivar designated S130090 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S130090, to the plants of soybean cultivar S130090, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S130090, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S130090. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S130090. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S130090, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S130090 with another soybean cultivar.
US09018469B1	Soybean cultivar 21264635 A soybean cultivar designated 21264635 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 21264635, to the plants of soybean cultivar 21264635, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 21264635, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 21264635. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 21264635. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 21264635, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 21264635 with another soybean cultivar.
US09018466B2	Soybean variety 01046975 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046975. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046975. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046975 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046975 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09018463B2	Soybean cultivar S120078 A soybean cultivar designated S120078 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S120078, to the plants of soybean cultivar S120078, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S120078, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S120078. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120078. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120078, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S120078 with another soybean cultivar.
US09018455B1	Soybean variety ‘G04-1618RR’ Herein provided is a new soybean variety designated ‘G04-1618RR’ as well as the seeds, plants and derivatives of the new soybean variety ‘G04-1618RR’. Also provided are tissue cultures of the new soybean variety ‘G04-1618RR’ and the plants regenerated therefrom. Methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the new soybean variety ‘G04-1618RR’ with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods are also provided.
US09018451B2	Optimized expression of glyphosate resistance encoding nucleic acid molecules in plant cells A nucleic acid molecule encoding a 5-enolpyruvyl-3-phosphoshikimic acid synthase (EPSPS) that provides resistance to glyphosate is provided, that has been optimized for expression in both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and preferably in soybeans. Methods of use are also provided.
US09018449B2	Transformation methods for Guayule using Agrobacterium and reduced light to slow metabolism and enhance recovery This invention is directed to a new technique of genetic transformation using low light conditions and leaf strips in the Guayule plant, Parthenium argentatum. The invention also relates to new lines of Guayule, created through this technique.
US09018447B2	Methods for increasing starch content in plants Methods and compositions for increasing the starch content in green tissues of a plant are provided. The method comprises down-regulating the activity of starch degradation enzymes in a plant. The resulting transgenic plants of the invention have increased starch content in green tissues and exhibit a starch excess phenotype. In one embodiment the method involves manipulating a monocot plant to down-regulate the activity of a starch degradation enzyme. The plants are useful for improving the yield of free sugars from plant biomass and increase dried green tissue storage stability.
US09018446B2	Genes that increase plant oil and method for using the same This invention is intended to be used to search for a transcription factor having novel functions of increasing the weight of an individual plant, increasing the weight of a given tissue per individual plant, or improving the productivity of a given substance per individual plant and to improve such properties in the plant. The weight of an individual plant is increased, the weight of a given tissue per individual plant is increased, the productivity of a given substance per individual plant is improved, or the content of a given substance per given tissue of a plant is increased via expression of a transcription factor that has been modified to suppress transcription accelerating activity.
US09018438B2	Screening method for anticancer drugs Use of an animal model of spontaneous metastasis bearing a tumor derived from a cell line RM72 (Accession No. NITE BP-1110) allows simultaneous evaluation of tumorigenesis and spontaneous cancer metastasis. Use of a screening method using the animal model of spontaneous metastasis allows the obtainment of a substance having an anticancer activity and/or an anti-metastatic activity. Use of another screening method for selecting a substance that increases the expression of RECK in a cancer cell allows the obtainment of a substance that can serve as an active ingredient in an anticancer drug.
US09018435B2	Paper diaper Provided is a paper diaper which is safe to a wearer thereof and also has additional values of, for example, developing a plurality of colors and providing a practical effect of instantaneously detecting that the wearer has urinated, or the like. In a paper diaper 11 including a back sheet 13 for covering an outer side of an absorption body 14 for absorbing urine, an indicator portion 15 containing a colorless color-developing agent formed of an electron-donating coloration compound is formed by application on a wide range of an inner surface of the back sheet 13, and a color development assisting agent 16 is provided on the indicator portion 15. The color development assisting agent 16 is dissolved in the urine to contact the indicator portion 15, thus to cause the indication portion 15 to develop a color.
US09018434B2	Absorbent articles with intricate graphics Absorbent articles are disclosed that have been printed with active graphics alone or in combination with permanent graphics to create a wetness indicator. Different active graphic compositions and/or permanent graphic compositions are combined so as to make the wetness indicator very prominent on the article. In addition, when the absorbent article is wetted, the active graphics undergo a change that is easily noticed by the wearer or the caregiver for the wearer. In one embodiment, for instance, active graphics are positioned within a distinctive frame. The frame focuses a person's attention onto the active graphics. The active graphics fill most of the surface area of the frame such that when the absorbent article is wetted, a clearly noticeable change occurs.
US09018428B2	Reactor and agitator useful in a process for making 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene Disclosed is a reactor and agitator useful in a high pressure process for making 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd) from the reaction of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (240fa) and HF, wherein the agitator includes one or more of the following design improvements: (a) double mechanical seals with an inert barrier fluid or a single seal; (b) ceramics on the rotating faces of the seal; (c) ceramics on the static faces of seal; (d) wetted o-rings constructed of spring-energized Teflon and PTFE wedge or dynamic o-ring designs; and (e) wetted metal surfaces of the agitator constructed of a corrosion resistant alloy.
US09018424B2	Method of producing diol or triol A method for producing a diol or triol, which has a step of removing impurities contained in a diol- or triol-containing solution, is provided. In the method, a diol- or triol-containing solution is filtered through a nanofiltration membrane having a polyamide-containing functional layer. The diol- or triol-containing solution is then collected from the permeate flow of the nanofiltration membrane.
US09018421B2	Separation of aromatic aldehydes A method for separating and recovering an aromatic aldehyde from a mixture thereof that also contains tar and light and heavy impurities, includes feeding the liquid flow containing this mixture into an evaporator, vaporizing the mixture in order to separate, on the one hand, a gaseous flow containing the aromatic aldehyde, the light impurities, the heavy impurities that can be vaporized at the selected evaporation temperature and pressure and, on the other hand, a liquid flow essentially containing the tar, and recovering the aromatic aldehyde from the separated gaseous flow.
US09018420B2	Use of supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) catalyst systems in the hydroformylation of olefin-containing mixtures to aldehyde mixtures with a high content of aldehydes unbranched in the 2 position The present invention provides a composition comprising: a) an inert porous support material, b) an ionic liquid, c) a metal selected from group 9 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, d) a phosphorus-containing organic ligand, e) at least one organic amine. The present invention further provides a process for hydroformylating olefin-containing hydrocarbon mixtures to aldehydes with addition of the inventive composition as a catalytically active composition, wherein: a) the water content of the olefin-containing hydrocarbon mixture is adjusted to not more than 20 ppm, b) the content of polyunsaturated compounds in the olefin-containing hydrocarbon mixture is adjusted to not more than 3000 ppm, c) a molar ratio of organic amines according to claims 10-13 to phosphorus-containing organic ligands according to claims 8-9 of at least 4:1 is established, d) a molar ratio of phosphorus-containing organic ligands according to claims 8-9 to rhodium of at least 10:1 is established.
US09018419B2	Combinatorial synthesis of libraries of macrocyclic compounds useful in drug discovery A library of macrocyclic compounds of the formula (I) where part (A) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)y— bivalent radical or a covalent bond; where part (B) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)z— bivalent radical, or a covalent bond; where part (C) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)t— bivalent radical, or a covalent bond; and where part (T) is a —Y-L-Z— radical wherein Y is CH2 or CO, Z is NH or O and L is a bivalent radical. These compounds are useful for carrying out screening assays or as intermediates for the synthesis of other compounds of pharmaceutical interest. A process for the preparation of these compounds in a combinatorial manner, is also disclosed.
US09018414B2	Substituted 3-phenylpropionic acids and the use thereof The present application relates to novel 3-phenylpropionic acid derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US09018412B2	α-keto alkylperacids and methods for producing and using the same The present invention provides α-keto alkylperacids and methods for producing and using the same. In particular, α-keto alkylperacids are useful as antimicrobial agents.
US09018402B2	Production and use of 1,2,4-trioxolane compounds, ozonides, with bleaching properties for the whitening of teeth, skin, and hair Stable, bio-compatible, 1,2,4-Trioxolane compounds are produced and applied to living tissue, teeth, and hair, for the cosmetic purpose of bleaching or whitening.
US09018400B2	Functionalized polyhedral octavinylsilsesquioxanes and a method to obtain the functionalized polyhedral octavinylsilsesquioxanes A new functionalized polyhedral octavinylsilsesquioxanes having the general formula 1, in which R1 denotes: (1) any aryl group other than a non-substituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted in position four with a halogen or the groups-trimethylsilylethynyl, 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxaborolane-2-yl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3′,5′-bis(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl or benzo[d][1,3]-dioxol-5-yl; (2) any heteroaryl group; or (3) groups including coupled aromatic rings. Additionally, a method to obtain new and known functionalized polyhedral octavinylsilsesquioxanes having the general formula 1, by the silylating coupling of octavinylsilsesquioxane with olefins in the presence of a ruthenium complex catalyst.
US09018392B1	Compounds, compositions and methods for crop enhancement A novel compound, 1,2-dimethyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-5-hydroxy benzimidazole, an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and an agriculturally acceptable solvate thereof, for crop enhancement is provided. Related compositions and methods are also provided.
US09018390B2	Hepatitis C virus inhibitors The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US09018387B2	Complexes of imidazole ligands Metal imidazolate complexes are described where imidazoles ligands functionalized with bulky groups and their anionic counterpart, i.e., imidazolates are described. Compounds comprising one or more such polyalkylated imidazolate anions coordinated to a metal or more than one metal, selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, transition metals, lanthanide metals, actinide metals, main group metals, including the chalcogenides, are contemplated. Alternatively, multiple different imidazole anions, in addition to other different anions, can be coordinated to metals to make new complexes. The synthesis of novel compounds and their use to form thin metal containing films is also contemplated.
US09018379B1	Process of preparing solifenacin or salt thereof, and novel intermediate used in the process Disclosed herein is a method of preparing solifenacin or a salt thereof, including the steps of: (a) reacting (R)-quinuclidinol with bis(pentafluorophenyl)carbonate in an organic solvent to prepare a solifenacin intermediate, (3R)-1-azabicyclo[2,2,2]oct-3-yl pentafluorophenylcarbonate, and (b) reacting the solifenacin intermediate with (1S)-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in an organic solvent to prepare solifenacin. The method is advantageous in that high-purity solifenacin or a salt thereof can be simply and efficiently prepared with high yield using a novel intermediate.
US09018375B2	Substituted chromenes as kinase modulators The present invention provides PI3K protein kinase modulators of formula (I): wherein R, R1, R2, L1, Cy1, Cy2 and n are as described herein, methods of preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and methods of treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of kinase mediated diseases or disorders with them.
US09018373B2	Method for preparing temsirolimus A method for preparing temsirolimus, the method including: using a substituted aromatic aldehyde to protect 2,2-dimethylol propionic acid to produce intermediate II; carrying out reaction between the intermediate II and 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride; carrying out condensation reaction between a resulting product and rapamycin to produce intermediate III; and finally using sulfuric acid to remove a protecting group from the intermediate III to yield temsirolimus.
US09018364B2	Nucleic acids, compositions and methods for the excision of target nucleic acids Nucleic acids, compositions, and methods that allow for the excision of one or more loci from the genome of a host cell are provided herein. In particular, provided herein is an excisable nucleic acid construct comprising, in a 5′ to 3′ orientation: a first tandem repeat nucleic acid, a first homing endonuclease recognition site, a target nucleic acid, a second homing endonuclease recognition site, and a second tandem repeat nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the excisable nucleic acid construct is integrated into the host cell genome, and the target nucleic acid can be excised from the host cell genome by contacting the homing endonuclease recognition sites with one or more appropriate homing endonucleases.
US09018360B2	Modified biotin-binding protein The present invention provides a modified biotin-binding protein comprising an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or its modified sequence and having a biotin-binding activity and replacement selected from the group consisting of: 1) replacement of the 36th serine residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid residue that does not form a hydrogen bond; 2) replacement of the 80th tryptophan residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a hydrophilic amino acid residue; 3) replacement of the 116th aspartic acid residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid residue that does not form a hydrogen bond; 4) replacement of the 46th proline residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a threonine, serine, or tyrosine residue and replacement of the 78th threonine residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid residue that does not form a hydrogen bond; 5) replacement of the 46th proline residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a threonine, serine, or tyrosine residue and replacement of the 116th aspartic acid residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid that does not form a hydrogen bond; and 6) replacement of the 46th proline residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a threonine, serine, or tyrosine residue, replacement of the 78th threonine residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid residue that does not form a hydrogen bond, and replacement of the 116th aspartic acid residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid that does not form a hydrogen bond.
US09018352B2	Peptide compositions and therapeutic uses thereof Compounds comprising R-G-Cysteic Acid (i.e., R-G-NH—CH(CH2—SO3H)COOH or Arg-Gly-NH—CH(CH2—SO3H)COOH) and derivatives thereof, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, stereoisomers, multimers, cyclic forms, linear forms, drug-conjugates, pro-drugs and their derivatives. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such compounds including methods for inhibiting cellular adhesion to RGD binding sites or delivering other diagnostic or therapeutic agents to RGD binding sites in human or animal subjects.
US09018343B2	Polyamide-imide copolymer film and method of preparing polyamide-imide copolymer Disclosed herein is a polyamide-imide copolymer film, comprising a copolymer resin in which a unit structure derived from TFDB (2,2′-bistrifluoromethyl-4,4′-biphenyl diamine), a unit structure derived from 6FDA (4,4′-(hexa-fluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride), a unit structure derived from BPDA (3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride) and a unit structure derived from TPC (terephthaloyl chloride or 1,4-benzenedicarbonyl chloride) are copolymerized, wherein the copolymer resin has a weight average molecular weight of 10,000˜400,000.
US09018337B2	Process for producing polycondensation product The present invention relates to a process for producing a polycondensation product by polycondensing monomers including (A) an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound containing a polyether chain, (B) optionally an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound which is different from monomer (A), and (C) an aldehyde, in the presence of a protonation catalyst, wherein the aldehyde is provided by a fast-releasing aldehyde source and a slow-releasing aldehyde source.
US09018331B2	Polydiorganosiloxane polyamide copolymers having organic soft segments Polydiorganosiloxane polyamide, block copolymers having organic soft segments and methods of making the copolymers are provided.
US09018330B2	Use of curable mixtures comprising silane group-containing compounds and phosphonic acid diester or diphosphonic acid diester as adhesives The use of curable mixtures comprising (A) at least one phosphonic diester and/or at least one diphosphonic diester and (B) at least one compound containing at least two condensable silane groups, as coupling agents, particularly as coupling agents in laminates comprising at least one substrate, at least one coating, at least one adhesive layer, and at least one sheet, and also a new process for producing such laminates using the coupling agents, the laminates which are producible using the coupling agents, and thermally curable mixtures comprising the coupling agents and at least one thermally curable polyester (C).
US09018323B2	Polymer derivative of cytidine metabolic antagonist [Problem]To provide a novel polymer derivative of a cytidine metabolic antagonist which allows release of a medicament irrespective of enzymes of the living body and is expected to have high therapeutic effects. [Solution]The polymer derivative of a cytidine metabolic antagonist in which a substituent represented by the general formula (I) or the general formula (II) [wherein R7 and R8 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted (C1-C6)alkyl group, R6 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted (C1-C40)alkyl group, an optionally substituted (C1-C40)aralkyl group, an optionally substituted aromatic group, an amino acid residue in which the carboxy group is protected, or an optionally substituted sugar residue, CX—CY represents CH—CH or C═C (double bond), and A represents the residue of the cytidine metabolic antagonist except the amino group at the position 4] is bonded to the side-chain carboxy group of a block copolymer of a polyethylene-glycol structural moiety and a polymer having 10 or more carboxy groups.
US09018314B1	Polyphenols and high-performance resins from syringaldehyde A method to generate renewable high performance composites and thermoplastics. These materials can be generated from a renewable phenol (syringaldehyde) that can be derived from lignocellulosic biomass. The use of syringaldehyde as a precursor to composites has the potential to reduce the cost and environmental impact of structural materials, while meeting or exceeding the performance of current petroleum derived resins.
US09018310B2	Polymer blend composition for automotive flooring applications A polymer blend composition, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an impact modified polypropylene copolymer, and a low density polyethylene polymer. The ratio of an amount, by weight, of the impact modified polypropylene copolymer to an amount, by weight, of the low density polyethylene polymer is between about 6:4 to about 9:1.
US09018306B2	Curable fluorine-containing polymer composition There is provided a curable fluorine-containing polymer composition which is rapidly cured at relatively low temperature by hydrosilylation reaction to form a coating film having not only high hardness and flexibility but also water- and oil-repellency, thereby giving stain-proofing effect for a long period of time, especially maintaining property of removing and wiping-off stain. The curable fluorine-containing polymer composition comprises a fluorine-containing polymer comprising a fluorinated ethylenic monomer unit and an un-fluorinated ethylenic monomer unit, in which a part or the whole of the un-fluorinated ethylenic monomer units are units represented by the formula: where R1 is hydrogen atom or methyl group; R2 is a hydrocarbon group having ethylenic C═C; X is —C(O)NH— or —C(O)—; R3 is —O—, —O[CH(R4)]mO—, —(CH2)mO—, —OC(O)—(CH2)nO— or —(CH2)mOC(O)—(CH2)nO—, where R4 is —H, —OH, —CH2OH or —O—X—R2, a siloxane compound having hydrogen atom bonded to silicon atom, a catalyst for hydrosilylation reaction, and a siloxane compound having no hydrogen atom bonded to silicon atom.
US09018305B2	Chromatography matrices including novel Staphylococcus aureus protein a based ligands The present invention relates to chromatography matrices including ligands based on one or more domains of immunoglobulin-binding proteins such as, Staphylococcus aureus Protein A (SpA), as well as methods of using the same.
US09018299B2	Colored fluid and multi-phase liquid colored composition An object of the present invention is to provide a colored liquid with superior separability from polar solvents for use with an electrowetting or electrofluidic device that uses a coloring agent added as a colorant to a nonpolar solvent. A colored liquid according to the present invention contains a nonpolar solvent and a colorant, and the colorant is a modified pigment containing a pigment (A) and a polymer (P) formed on a surface thereof by polymerizing a polymer (B) soluble in a nonaqueous solvent and at least one polymerizable unsaturated monomer (C) that is soluble in the nonaqueous solvent and that becomes insoluble or poorly soluble in the nonaqueous solvent after polymerization. A multi-phase liquid colored composition according to the present invention contains the colored liquid and a polar solvent immiscible with the colored liquid.
US09018298B2	Flame retarded formulations The present invention relates to the use of pelletized flame retardants and flame retardant compositions in the formation of flame retarded formulations, the resulting flame retarded formulations, and molded and/or extruded articles made from such flame retarded formulations.
US09018290B2	Rubber composition with improved bis-silane reinforcement The present disclosure is directed to tire rubber compositions containing at least one rubbery polymer (with 10 to 100 weight percent of monomer units derived from conjugated diene monomer having between 4 and 8 carbon atoms and 0 to 90 weight percent of monomer units derived from vinyl aromatic monomer); 0.5 to 100 phr of silica filler; 0.05 to 20 phr of a bi-functional silica coupling agent; and 1 to 30 phr of a non-elastomer reactive filler reinforcing agent capable of interacting with at least two silica particles. The bi-functional silica coupling agent and the filler reinforcing agent are utilized in a weight ratio of from 1:100 to 1:0.2. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the tire rubber compositions.
US09018289B2	Rubber composition for tread and pneumatic tire It is an object of the present invention to provide: a rubber composition for a tread, which improves processability, rolling resistance, wet skid performance, abrasion resistance, and handling stability in good balance; and a pneumatic tire having a tread produced from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tread, including: a rubber component; an aromatic vinyl polymer; silica; and a mercapto group-containing silane coupling agent, wherein the aromatic vinyl polymer is a resin obtained by polymerization of α-methylstyrene and/or styrene, and the amount of the aromatic vinyl polymer is 3 to 25 parts by mass, and the amount of the silica is 15 to 150 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.
US09018287B2	Method and composition for preventing oxidation A composition for inhibiting oxidation includes an anionic, hydrophilic, water soluble polymer, an anionic surfactant, and water.
US09018284B2	Oxygen scavenging additives for plastic containers The present invention provides a composition comprising: a base polymer; at least one compound having the structure of Formula I or II wherein Ar is an o-, m-, or p-phenylene moiety, a substituted phenylene moiety, or a naphthalene moiety; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, and aryl; and X is O or —(CH2)n—; n=0, 1, or 2; and p=0, 1, or 2; and; and at least one transition metal in a positive oxidation state, said metal being present in the composition in an amount of from about 10 to about 400 ppm, wherein said compound is present in an amount of from about 0.10 to about 10 weight percent of the composition.
US09018283B2	Resin composition A resin composition containing: (A) a cellulose ester, (B) a styrene-based resin, and (C) a titanium dioxide, and not containing a compatibilizer between the component (A) and the component (B), in which the content of the component (A) is within a range of 95 to 50% by mass, the content of the component (B) is within a range of 5 to 50% by mass, and the content of the component (C) relative to 100 parts by mass of the sum of the amount of component (A) and the amount of component (B) is within a range of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass.
US09018278B2	Surface treated calcium carbonate filler for resin and resin composition containing the filler Provided is a surface treated calcium carbonate filler for resins, which comprises calcium carbonate particles, the surface of which has been treated with at least one surface active agent (A) selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, alicyclic carboxylic acids, resin acids, and salts thereof and with at least one compound (B) having the ability to chelate alkaline earth metals, the compound (B) being selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acids, polycarboxylic acids, and salts thereof. The surface treated calcium carbonate filler for resins of the present invention deteriorates little with time, has satisfactory dispersibility in resins, and can give a sheet or film which has a satisfactory balance among durability, weatherability, strength, and thermal stability, and is useful as a battery separator or a light reflector.
US09018277B2	Paste-like bone cement The present invention relates to a kit comprising at least two pastes, A and B. Paste A contains at least one monomer for radical polymerization; and at least one barbituric acid derivative as polymerization initiator. Paste B contains at least one monomer for radical polymerization; and at least one heavy metal compound as polymerization accelerator that is selected from heavy metal salts and heavy metal complexes. Paste B contains less than 0.01% by weight, relative to the total weight of paste B, of a peroxide; at least one of the pastes A and B contains-at least one filling agent that is poorly soluble or insoluble in the monomer for radical polymerization in either paste A or B respectively; and at least one of the pastes A and B contains at least one inorganic halide salt.
US09018272B2	Flexible polyurethane foam and method of producing same A flexible polyurethane foam comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component in the presence of a blowing agent. The isocyanate component comprises a polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate component and a monomeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate component. The monomeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate component comprises 2,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. The flexible polyurethane foam is substantially free of supplemental flame retardant additives and exhibits flame retardance under flammability tests according to California Technical Bulletin 117 regulations.
US09018270B2	Method for producing polymers comprising multiple repeat units of bicyclic diamines A method of forming a polymer is provided, the method comprising: Providing a first monomer comprising one or more aromatic moieties, the first monomer comprising at least two amino groups, each of the amino groups being attached to an aromatic moiety; and contacting said first monomer with formaldehyde or a source of methylene. Polymers made by such a method and uses of such polymers are also described.
US09018269B2	Process for producing expanded polyolefin resin particles and expanded polyolefin resin particles A process for producing expanded polyolefin resin particles with use as a foaming agent of water contained in an aqueous dispersion medium. The process includes dispersing polyolefin resin particles together with the aqueous dispersion medium into a closed vessel; heating the polyolefin resin particles up to or above a softening temperature of the polyolefin resin particles and pressurizing the polyolefin resin particles; and releasing the polyolefin resin particles into a zone whose pressure is lower than an internal pressure of the closed vessel. The polyolefin resin particles are composed of a polyolefin resin composition including polyolefin resin, polyvalent alcohol and a foam nucleating agent.
US09018259B2	Treatment of cancer using benzoic acid derivatives The present invention provides a method of treating cancer using benzoic acid derivatives, alone or in combination with standard treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also provided are methods of screening for benzoic derivatives based on their ability to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase or to bind to and activate PXR/SXR xenobiotic receptors.
US09018258B2	Substituted 1-benzylcycloalkylcarboxylic acids and the use thereof The present application relates to novel substituted 1-benzylcycloalkylcarboxylic acid derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, and to their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, especially for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US09018255B2	Esters of (acyloxymethyl)acrylamide, a pharmaceutical composition containing them, and their use as inhibitors of the thioredoxin—thioredoxin reductase system The subject of the present invention are novel esters of (acyloxymethyl)acrylamide, a pharmaceutical composition containing them and their use in the production of drugs for the prophylaxis or treatment of oncogenic diseases and diseases connected with increased cell proliferation.
US09018253B2	Phenylcarbamate compound and muscle relaxant containing the same A novel phenylcarbamate compound and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same are provided. More specifically, a novel phenylcarbamate compound, a composition for muscle relaxation containing the phenylcarbamate compound as an active ingredient, and a method of muscle relaxation comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the phenylcarbamate compound, are provided.
US09018251B2	Method for treating brain cancer or reducing temozolomide-resistance of brain cancer cells Provided is a method for treating brain cancer or reducing temozolomide-resistance of brain cancer cells in a subject, comprising administrating to the subject an effective amount of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of (Z)-butylidenephthalide of formula (I), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of (Z)-butylidenephthalide, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester of (Z)-butylidenephthalide, and combinations thereof:
US09018245B2	Method for promoting immune response comprising inhibiting CD22 function in B cells The purpose of the present invention is to elucidate a relationship between deregulation of signaling by CD22 and a rapid response of B cells by IgG-BCR and the like, and to provide a method capable of inducing a rapid immune response and defending against infection instead of vaccine. The present invention relates to a method for promoting an immune response causing such a strong proliferation of clones and production of a large amount of antibody-producing cells as those seen in the memory immune response even in the naive B cells expressing IgM-BCR and IgD-BCR by inhibiting the CD22 function in B cells; and to a method for screening a substance capable of promoting the immune response based on a change in the CD22 function in B cells.
US09018244B2	Benzopyran compounds, compositions and uses thereof Benzopyran compounds with strong anti-estrogenic activity and essentially no estrogenic activity are provided, which are OP-1038, which is 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4-{2-[(3R)-3-methylpyrrolidin-1-yl]ethoxy}phenyl)-2H-chromen-7-ol, and OP-1074, which is (2S)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4-{2-[(3R)-3-methylpyrrolidin-1-yl]ethoxy}phenyl)-2H-chromen-7-ol. OP-1074 is a pure anti-estrogen when tested in the agonist mode and a complete anti-estrogen when tested in the antagonist mode. These compounds are useful for the treatment or prevention of a variety of conditions that are modulated through the estrogen receptor in mammals including humans.
US09018241B2	Hetero-substituted acetanilide derivatives as analgesic agents Hetero-substituted acetanilide derivatives are disclosed as analgesic agents. The compounds of the invention are useful in methods for treating a disease or condition in a mammal characterized by pain and/or fever.
US09018237B2	Methods for improved wound closure employing olivamine and endothelial cells The present disclosure relates to compositions for and methods of improving wound healing, including compositions for and methods of treating chronic wounds, and compositions for the inhibition and treatment of necrosis and extended quiescence that result in cellular necrosis instead of normal proliferation. The methods for wound healing administer one or more compositions including hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein with cells derived from umbilical cord blood.
US09018233B2	Diaminoaryl derivatives substituted by carbamate and pesticidal composition containing same The invention relates to diaminoaryl derivatives substituted by carbamate, salts thereof and a pesticidal composition containing the same, which exhibit superior pest control effects against various insect pests of insect species, in particular against moths such as the diamondback moth or Spodoptera litura.
US09018231B2	Sulfone compounds as 5-HT6 receptor ligands The present invention relates to novel sulfone compounds as 5-HT6 receptor ligands of the formula (I), and their derivatives, prodrugs, tautomers, stereoisomers, polymorphs, solvates, hydrates, metabolites, N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and compositions containing them. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of above said novel compounds, and their derivatives, prodrugs, tautomers, stereoisomers, polymorphs, solvates, hydrates, metabolites, N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and compositions containing them.These compounds are useful in the treatment/prevention of various disorders that are related to 5-HT6 receptor functions.
US09018228B2	Nematocidal sulfonamides Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein Z is O or S; and R1, R2, R3, Q and n are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling a parasitic nematode comprising contacting the parasitic nematode or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.
US09018227B2	Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists The invention provides novel nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists, for example, phantasmidine and derivatives thereof, for example a compound of formula (I). Also disclosed are methods of treating disorders responsive to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Myasthenia Gravis, Tourette's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, pain, and cognitive dysfunction by treatment with the nicotinic acetylcholine for agonists.
US09018223B2	Certain amino-pyrimidines, compositions thereof, and methods for their use Provided are compounds of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, X and m are as defined herein. Also provided is a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.Also provided are methods of using a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09018220B2	Mesoionic pesticides Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, wherein X is O or S; Y is O or S; and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.
US09018216B2	Solid forms of (R)-2-(5-(2-(3-ethylureido)-6-fluoro-7-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)propan-2-yl dihydrogen phosphate and salts thereof The invention relates to solid forms of the Formula (I) wherein X is —PO(OH)2, —PO(OH)O−M+, or —PO(O−)2.2M+, wherein M is a monovalent cation such as Na+, K+, Li+, or NH4+. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the solid form of the compound and method of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US09018215B2	Heteroaromatic compounds, medicaments containing said compounds, use thereof and processes for the preparation thereof The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I) and the tautomers and the salts thereof, particularly the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids and bases, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on epithelial sodium channels and the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly diseases of the lungs and airways.
US09018214B2	Bicyclic heterocycle compounds and their uses in therapy The invention relates to bicyclic heterocycle compounds of formula (I): or tautomeric or stereochemically isomeric forms, N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or the solvates thereof; wherein R1, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, p and E are as defined herein; to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer.
US09018211B2	Inhibitors of the renal outer medullary potassium channel This invention relates to compounds having structural Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are inhibitors of the Renal Outer Medullary Potassium (ROMK) channel (Kir1.1). The compounds of Formula I are useful as diuretics and natriuretics and therefore are useful for the therapy and prophylaxis of disorders resulting from excessive salt and water retention, including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and chronic and acute heart failure.
US09018209B2	Compounds and methods for the treatment of viruses and cancer The present invention relates to compounds according to the formula I: Where Ra is H or an optionally OH-substituted C1-C3 alkyl; R1 is OR1, an optionally substituted C4-12 carbocyclic group which may be saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic) or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R1 is an optionally substituted C1-C14 hydrocarbyl group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R2, R3 and R4 are each independently H, an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group (preferably CH3, CH2CH3 or CF3), halogen (preferably F, Cl, Br), OR, CN, NO2, a C1-C6 thioether, a C1-C6 thioester group, an optionally substituted CO2R group, an optionally substituted COR group or an optionally substituted OCOR group (preferably R4 is H); R is H or an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl group; RHET is an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or polymorphs thereof.
US09018207B2	Method of treatment or prophylaxis The present invention is directed to methods and agents that are useful in the prevention and amelioration of signs and symptoms associated with neuropathic conditions. More particularly, the present invention discloses the use of angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2 receptor) antagonists for the treatment, prophylaxis, reversal and/or symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain, including mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal or mechanical allodynia, diabetic pain and entrapment pain, in vertebrate animals and particularly in human subjects. The AT2 receptor antagonists may be provided alone or in combination with other compounds such as those that are useful in the control of neuropathic conditions.
US09018203B2	Pharmaceutical composition of salicylanilide-derived small molecules and preparation and application thereof The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition of salicylanilide-derived small molecules include: (a) a compound which structure is selected from formula I or formula II: (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and excipient. The present invention also provides the synthesis method of the pharmaceutical composition and the application thereof.
US09018202B2	Methods for treating diseases of the retina Disclosed herein is a method of treating disorders of the retina comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a compound selected from the group consisting of olanzapine, certain of its metabolites, clozapine, and n-desmethyl clozapine.
US09018201B2	Dihydropyridophthalazinone inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) for use in treatment of diseases associated with a PTEN deficiency A compound having the structure set forth in Formula (I) and Formula (II): wherein the substituents Y, Z, A, B, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein. Provided herein are inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase activity. Also described herein are pharmaceutical compositions that include at least one compound described herein and the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein to treat diseases, disorders and conditions associated with a PTEN deficiency that are ameliorated by the inhibition of PARP activity.
US09018195B2	Use of 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compounds for treating skin photoaging The present invention relates to the use of a 2,5-dihydroxybenzene derivative represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, isomer, or prodrug thereof for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of, inter alia, actinic keratosis.
US09018191B2	Phosphonoxy quinazoline derivatives and their pharmaceutical use Quinazoline derivatives of formula (I): wherein A is 5-membered heteroaryl containing a nitrogen atom and one or two further nitrogen atoms; compositions containing them, processes for their preparation and their use in therapy.
US09018186B2	Method of treating hyperproliferation of cells using a nucleolin specific aptamer Improved G-rich oligonucleotide (GRO) aptamers specific to nucleolin, a method of preparing the aptamers, and a use of the aptamers for diagnosing and/or treating a nucleolin-associated disease, are provided.
US09018177B2	Cosmetic compositions for increasing bioavailability of the active compounds baicalin and/or vitamin C Aqueous compositions comprising a) at least one active compound and b) at least one hydrotrope in an amount effective to increase transdermal penetration of the active compound, and methods for increasing bioavailability of active compounds are provided.
US09018176B2	Inducers of hematopoiesis and fetal globin production for treatment of cytopenias and hemoglobin disorders The present invention generally relates to compositions containing chemical compounds and compositions and pharmaceutical formulations of the compounds which increase the expression of total hemoglobin or globin protein such as embryonic or fetal globin, or the proliferation of hemoglobin expressing and other blood cells. These compositions can be used to treat or prevent the symptoms associated with anemia, sickle cell diseases, thalassemia, and other blood cell deficiencies and blood disorders. The invention also relates to methods for administering these compositions to subjects and for use as medical aids for the treatment and prevention of blood and other disorders.
US09018174B2	Mouse model and treatment of hereditary inclusion body myopathy Disclosed herein are methods of treating HIBM in a subject comprising identifying subject in need thereof, and administering to the subject a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide, glycol, peptidyl, or prodrug thereof, wherein the compound is a compound that is biosynthesized in a wild type individual along a biochemical pathway between glucose and sialic acid, inclusive. Also disclosed herein are vectors comprising a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, recombinant cells comprising these vectors, and recombinant animals comprising the cells. In addition, methods of identifying a compound having therapeutic effect for HIBM are disclosed.
US09018173B2	Materials and methods for suppressing inflammatory and neuropathic pain N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV2.2) are critical mediators of neurotransmitter release and are thought to be involved with transmission of nociception. The use of conventional CaV2.2 blockers in pain therapeutics is limited by side effects. Reported herein is a means to suppress both inflammatory and neuropathic pain without directly blocking CaV2.2, but rather by inhibiting the binding of the axonal collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2), a protein known to enhance CaV2.2 function. A 15 amino acid peptide of CRMP-2 fused to the protein transduction domain of the HIV tat protein (TAT CBD3) reduced meningeal blood flow induced by activation of the trigeminovascular system, prevented inflammation-induced tactile hypernociception induced by intraplantar formalin and nocifensive behavior following corneal capsaicin application, and reversed neuropathic hypernociception produced by the antiretroviral drug 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine. Preventing CRMP-2—mediated enhancement of CaV2.2 function suppressed inflammatory and neuropathic nociception, providing a method for treating pain and inflammation.
US09018171B2	Uses of an immunomodulatory protein (GMI) from Ganoderma microsporum The invention provides a method for inhibiting EGF receptor activity comprising contacting an EGF receptor with an immunomodulatory protein (GMI) from Ganoderma microsporum, or a recombinant thereof. Also provided is a method for treating invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, comprising administering an effective amount of an immunomodulatory protein (GMI) from Ganoderma microsporum, or a recombinant thereof, to a subject in need of such treatment.
US09018170B2	Reduced volume formulation of glatiramer acetate and methods of administration A method for reducing frequency of relapses in a human patient afflicted with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) comprising administering to the patient 0.5 ml of an aqueous pharmaceutical solution of 20 mg glatiramer acetate and 20 mg mannitol.
US09018169B2	Peptides for suppressing inflammation Provided herein are peptides that exhibit ApoE biological activity, as well as compositions and pharmaceutical formulations that include the peptides. The peptides, compositions, and methods disclosed herein have broad applications as they can be used to treat a broad spectrum of injury, diseases, disorders, and clinical indications.
US09018168B2	Therapeutic method for treating congestive heart failure The present invention relates to a method of treating congestive heart failure (CHF) in a subject comprising administering a peptide derived from atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) prohormone (eg vessel dilator; VSDL) or a mimetic thereof. In a particular application, the invention provides a method of treating the particular indication known as acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF). Devices for intravenous or subcutaneous infusion for use in the method of the invention are also disclosed.
US09018165B2	Process for the synchronization of ovulation for timed breeding without heat detection A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts without heat detection by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred without heat detection at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.
US09018160B2	Peptide tyrosine tyrosine analogues Peptide analogues of PYY, compositions comprising said analogues and methods of using said analogues for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disorders, for example disorders of energy metabolism such as diabetes and obesity, and for a reduction in appetite, reduction in food intake or reduction of calorie intake in a subject.
US09018157B2	Prevention and treatment of inflammation and organ injury after ischemia/reperfusion using MFG-E8 Provided are methods for preventing and treating inflammation and organ injury after ischemia/reperfusion, and methods for treating lung injury, comprising administering a milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor VIII (MFG-E8) to a subject. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising MFG-E8 in dosage form for preventing and treating inflammation and organ injury after ischemia/reperfusion, and for treating lung injury, and methods of preparing a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating inflammation and organ injury after ischemia/reperfusion, and for treating lung injury, comprising formulating MFG-E8 in a pharmaceutical composition.
US09018148B2	Method and system for screening lubricating oil compositions A method for screening a lubricating oil composition having at least one base oil of lubricating viscosity and at least one lubricating oil additive is provided, the method comprising the steps of (a) inputting into a computational device an amount of each of the at least one lubricating oil additive, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil composition and, optionally, a value of at least one property associated with each of the at least one base oil of lubricating viscosity; (b) computing a prediction of at least one lubricating oil composition property-determining test result for the lubricating oil composition; (c) computing a cost for the lubricating oil composition; and (d) outputting the results. Also provided are systems and computer program devices for screening lubricating oil compositions.
US09018147B2	Cement-based particulates and methods of use Methods of making particulates for use in a subterranean application comprising: providing particulates of a settable composition comprising a cementitious material, a filler material, and an activator of the cementitious material; and pre-curing the particulates until the particulates reach a crush strength of about 50 psi or greater; and curing the pre-cured particulates at a temperature in the range of about 230° F. to about 600° F., so that at least a portion of the particulates comprise a newly formed crystalline phase.
US09018146B2	Method of treating a well with viscoelastic surfactant and viscosification activator A well treatment fluid contains a viscoelastic surfactant and a viscosification activator. The viscosification activator enhances the viscosity of the well treatment fluid in contrast to a treatment fluid that does not contain a viscosification activator.
US09018144B2	Polymer composition, swellable composition comprising the polymer composition, and articles including the swellable composition A polymer composition includes a base polymer comprising a hydrocarbon rubber, an acrylic copolymer, and a refined oil in which the acrylic polymer is dispersed. The polymer composition is swellable when treated with an aqueous medium, non-aqueous medium, or both. A sealing element for a flow channel includes an expandable section filled with a swellable composition that swells when treated with a swelling material. The swellable composition includes the polymer composition, and the swelling material may be aqueous, non-aqueous, or both.
US09018143B2	Metallic particle activated oxidative breaking method and system A method for breaking the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a water soluble polymer or a VES is disclosed. The method includes providing an aqueous fluid. The method also includes adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order: a water soluble polymer in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid having a viscosity, a water soluble oxidizing agent configured to generate free radicals and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles dispersed within the gelled aqueous fluid, the metallic particles configured to dissolve in the gelled aqueous fluid and provide a reducing agent to accelerate the generation of free radicals. The method further includes dissolving the metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid to provide a source of at least one transition metal ion in an amount effective accelerate the generation of free radicals and reduce the viscosity.
US09018137B2	Method for identification and purification of multi-specific polypeptides The document pertains to a method for the purification of a ternary mixture of dimeric antibodies of the type AA, AB, BB, characterized in that for the separation of the three components and in particular for the isolation of the multi-specific fraction AB multicolumn counter current solvent gradient purification chromatography with a stationary phase load of more than 1 mg antibody mixture per milliliter stationary phase is used. It furthermore relates to a method for the identification of in particular bispecific antibody systems, which are particularly suitable for the application of such a purification method.
US09018135B2	Pesticidal compositions A pesticidal composition comprising (a) a pesticidal effective amount of at least one compound of formula I in which Q is i or ii or iii or an agrochemically acceptable salt or an N-oxide thereof, and (b) a plant growth regulator, where the ratio of compound of formula I to plant growth regulator is from 20:1 to 1:25.
US09018133B2	Active compound combinations The present invention relates to compositions, in particular within a fungicide composition, which comprises (A) a dithiino-tetracarboximide of formula (I) and a further fungicidally active compound (B). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops, to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and to the treated seed.
US09018130B2	Honeycomb structural body for exhaust gas purification A honeycomb structural body and a method for the manufacturing thereof. The manufacturing method includes (i) providing a plurality of silicon carbide honeycomb segments, each having a cell structure and at least one outer wall; (ii) subjecting the honeycomb segments to an oxidizing thermal treatment forming a surface layer of silicon oxides on the at least one outer wall; and (iii) bonding the plurality of oxidized honeycomb segments so as to form the honeycomb structural body in the substantial absence of organic binders with the interposition of a sealing material including a mixture of one or more silicon carbide powders, one or more ceramic fibers, and one or more inorganic binders.
US09018125B2	Diethylzinc composition, method for heat stabilization, and compound for heat stabilization [Object]To improve heat stability of diethylzinc which is used for a catalyst of polymerizing, an organic synthetic reaction reagent and a raw materials for providing a zinc film by MOCVD. And to offer the diethylzinc composition being superior in heat stability, even if it handles for a long term a metal zinc particle does not precipitate.[Solving Means]Use a diethylzinc composition added a compound which is added an aromatic compound as an additive which has isopropenyl group bonded as a side chain.
US09018122B2	Nanostructures having crystalline and amorphous phases The present invention includes a nanostructure, a method of making thereof, and a method of photocatalysis. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in contact with the crystalline phase. Each of the crystalline and amorphous phases has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanoparticle comprising a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. The amorphous phase is in a selected amount. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes crystalline titanium dioxide and amorphous titanium dioxide in contact with the crystalline titanium dioxide. Each of the crystalline and amorphous titanium dioxide has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale.
US09018121B2	Bimetallic catalyst and use in xylene production The invention is directed to a bimetallic catalyst system adapted for the manufacture of xylenes, a process for making said catalyst system, and to the process of manufacture of xylenes using said catalyst system, providing, in embodiments, improved selectivity by at least one of higher ethylene saturation and low xylene loss, decreased susceptibility to poisoning from feedstream impurities, and ability to operate at less severe conditions.
US09018118B2	Dielectric thin film-forming composition, method of forming dielectric thin film and dielectric thin film formed by the method A liquid composition is provided for forming a thin film in the form of a mixed composite metal oxide in which a composite oxide B containing copper (Cu) and a composite oxide C containing manganese (Mn) are mixed into a composite metal oxide A represented with the general formula: Ba1-xSrxTiyO3, wherein the molar ratio B/A of the composite oxide B to the composite metal oxide A is within the range of 0.002
US09018115B2	Light-emitting glass, light-emitting device equipped with the light-emitting glass, and process for producing light-emitting glass Provided is a light-emitting glass which is applicable to, e.g., white illuminators including a light-emitting diode as a light source, and which emits light of a warm white color when irradiated with near ultraviolet light and combines long-term weatherability with high heat resistance; a light-emitting device containing same and a process for producing same. The light-emitting glass includes, as the base glass, borosilicate or silicate glass having a separated-phase structure, whereby the base glass is efficiently doped with, for example, transition metal ion clusters which emit light of a warm white color upon irradiation with near ultraviolet light. With this glass, it is possible to attain increases in excitation wavelength and emission wavelength. The glass thus emits, based on a multiple scattering effect, high-intensity light of a warm white color upon irradiation with near ultraviolet light.
US09018110B2	Apparatus and methods for microwave processing of semiconductor substrates Methods and apparatus for radiation processing of semiconductor substrates using microwave or millimeter wave energy are provided. The microwave or millimeter wave energy may have a frequency between about 600 MHz and about 1 THz. Alternating current from a magnetron is coupled to a leaky microwave emitter that has an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the outer conductor having openings with a dimension smaller than a wavelength of the emitted radiation. The inner and outer conductors are separated by an insulating material. Interference patterns produced by the microwave emissions may be uniformized by phase modulating the power to the emitter and/or by frequency modulating the frequency of the power itself. Power from a single generator may be divided to two or more emitters by a power divider.
US09018107B2	Low K precursors providing superior integration attributes A deposition for producing a porous organosilica glass film comprising: introducing into a vacuum chamber gaseous reagents including one precursor of an organosilane or an organosiloxane, and a porogen distinct from the precursor, wherein the porogen is aromatic in nature; applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents to deposit a film, containing the porogen; and removing substantially all of the organic material by UV radiation to provide the porous film with pores and a dielectric constant less than 2.6.
US09018106B1	Film deposition with improved in-wafer uniformity A method of forming a material layer on a substrate is provided. The method is based on a combination of an overheating before deposition and a cooling of the reaction chamber during a second deposition stage. The second deposition stage follows a first deposition stage preferably carried out at a predetermined temperature. This combination makes it possible to compensate for the reactant gas depletion across wafer throughout the whole deposition process. The method can be conveniently used when growing a nitride layer to be used as a hard mask during shallow trench isolation (STI) region formation.
US09018105B2	CVD method and CVD reactor The invention relates to a device and a method for depositing semiconductor layers, in particular made of a plurality of components on one or more substrates (21) contacting a susceptor (2), wherein process gases can be introduced into the process chamber (1) through flow channels (15, 16; 18) of a gas inlet organ (8), together with a carrier gas, said carrier gas permeating the process chamber (1) substantially parallel to the susceptor and exits through a gas outlet organ (7), wherein the products of decomposition build up the process gases as a coating at least in regions on the substrate surface and on the surface of the gas outlet organ (7) disposed downstream of the susceptor (2) at a distance (D) from the downstream edge (21) thereof. In order to deposit contamination-free layers in sequential process steps without intermediate replacement or intermediate cleaning of the gas outlet organ, according to the invention the distance (D) is great enough to prevent products of decomposition outgassing from the coating of the gas outlet organ (7) at the second process temperature from reaching the substrate (21) by counterflow diffusion.
US09018104B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device, method for processing substrate and substrate processing apparatus There is provided a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, including forming an insulating film having a prescribed composition and a prescribed film thickness on a substrate by alternately performing the following steps prescribed number of times: supplying one of the sources of a chlorosilane-based source and an aminosilane-based source to a substrate in a processing chamber, and thereafter supplying the other source, to form a first layer containing silicon, nitrogen, and carbon on the substrate; and supplying a reactive gas different from each of the sources, to the substrate in the processing chamber, to modify the first layer and form a second layer.
US09018103B2	High aspect ratio etch with combination mask A method for etching features in a stack is provided. A combination hardmask is formed by forming a first hardmask layer comprising carbon or silicon oxide over the stack, forming a second hardmask layer comprising metal over the first hardmask layer, and patterning the first and second hardmask layers. The stack is etched through the combination hardmask.
US09018102B2	Technique for reducing plasma-induced etch damage during the formation of vias in interlayer dielectrics by modified RF power ramp-up When performing plasma assisted etch processes for patterning complex metallization systems of microstructure devices, the probability of creating plasma-induced damage, such as arcing, may be reduced or substantially eliminated by using a superior ramp-up system for the high frequency power and the low frequency power. To this end, the high frequency power may be increased at a higher rate compared to the low frequency power component, wherein, additionally, a time delay may be applied so that, at any rate, the high frequency component reaches its target power level prior to the low frequency component.
US09018101B2	Patterned graphene structures on silicon carbide In a method for making graphitic ribbons in a face of a carbide crystal (110), in which an elongated trench (120) is formed along a predetermined path in the face (112) of the carbide crystal (110), the trench (120) including a horizontal floor (124) coupling two vertical walls (122), the trench (120) following a path on which it is desired to form a graphitic ribbon (130). The carbide crystal (110) and the trench (120) are subjected to an annealing environment for an amount of time sufficient to cause a graphene ribbon (130) having a V-shaped cross section to form along the predetermined path of the trench (120).
US09018098B2	Silicon etch with passivation using chemical vapor deposition A silicon layer is etched through a patterned mask formed thereon using an etch chamber. A fluorine (F) containing etch gas and a silicon (Si) containing chemical vapor deposition gas are provided in the etch chamber. The fluorine (F) containing etch gas is used to etch features into the silicon layer, and the silicon (Si) containing chemical vapor deposition gas is used to form a silicon-containing deposition layer on sidewalls of the features. A plasma is generated from the etch gas and the chemical vapor deposition gas, and a bias voltage is provided. Features are etched into the silicon layer using the plasma, and a silicon-containing passivation layer is deposited on the sidewalls of the features which are being etched. Silicon in the passivation layer primarily comes from the chemical vapor deposition gas. The etch gas and the chemical vapor deposition gas are then stopped.
US09018096B2	Structures comprising planar electronic devices A method of manufacturing a structure comprising substantially planar electronic devices comprises providing an active material layer having a plurality of insulative features formed therein. The features at least partly inhibit electrical current flow and define at least a first substantially planar electronic device in the layer having at least first and second terminals comprising an area of the active material layer. A patterned dielectric layer having an exposed surface patterned with at least a first depression arranged over the first terminal is formed over the active material layer. Dielectric material is removed from at least a base of the first depression to expose a first terminal surface and form a hole through the dielectric material to the first terminal. The hole is at least partly filled with electrically conductive material to form an electrical connection to the first terminal. Corresponding structures and electrical circuits are also described and claimed.
US09018095B2	Formation of conductive circuit, conductive circuit, and conductive ink composition A conductive circuit is formed by printing a pattern of an ink composition and curing the pattern. The ink composition is a substantially solvent-free, liquid, addition curable, ink composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least two SiH groups, (C) conductive particles having an average particle size ≧5 μm, (D) conductive micro-particles having an average particle size <5 μm, (E) a thixotropic agent, and (F) a hydrosilylation catalyst.
US09018093B2	Method for forming layer constituted by repeated stacked layers A method for forming a layer constituted by repeated stacked layers includes: forming a first layer and a second layer on a substrate under different deposition conditions to form a stacked layer, wherein the film stresses of the first and second layers are tensile or compressive and opposite to each other, and the wet etch rates of the first and second layers are at least 50 times different from each other; and repeating the above step to form a layer constituted by repeated stacked layers, wherein the deposition conditions for forming at least one stacked layer are different from those for forming another stacked layer.
US09018091B2	Methods for forming a sensor array package Various methods for forming a low profile assembly are described. The low profile assembly may include an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit as well as components associated with the integrated circuit may be positioned below a surface plane of a printed circuit board in which the integrated circuit is located. The integrated circuit may include bond wires configured to electrically connect the integrated circuits to other components. The low profile assembly may include forming various layers over a substrate and later removing some of the layers.
US09018081B2	Light emitting diode (LED) using three-dimensional gallium nitride (GaN) pillar structures A method is provided for fabricating a light emitting diode (LED) using three-dimensional gallium nitride (GaN) pillar structures with planar surfaces. The method forms a plurality of GaN pillar structures, each with an n-doped GaN (n-GaN) pillar and planar sidewalls perpendicular to the c-plane, formed in either an m-plane or a-plane family. A multiple quantum well (MQW) layer is formed overlying the n-GaN pillar sidewalls, and a layer of p-doped GaN (p-GaN) is formed overlying the MQW layer. The plurality of GaN pillar structures are deposited on a first substrate, with the n-doped GaN pillar sidewalls aligned parallel to a top surface of the first substrate. A first end of each GaN pillar structure is connected to a first metal layer. The second end of each GaN pillar structure is etched to expose the n-GaN pillar second end and connected to a second metal layer.
US09018080B2	Wafer processing method A wafer processing method of dividing a wafer along a plurality of crossing streets formed on the wafer to obtain individual chips. The wafer processing method includes a modified layer forming step of applying a laser beam having a transmission wavelength to the wafer along each street to thereby form a modified layer inside the wafer and a dividing step of applying an external force to the wafer to thereby divide the wafer into the individual chips along each street with the modified layer functioning as a division start point. In the modified layer forming step, the modified layer is formed at each intersection of the crossing streets at a height where cracking can be avoided on the corner edges of each chip obtained by dividing the wafer.
US09018078B2	Method of making a 3D integrated circuit A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit, including the steps of forming first transistors on a first semiconductor layer; depositing a first insulating layer above the first semiconductor layer and the first transistors, and leveling the first insulating layer; depositing a conductive layer above the first insulating layer, and covering the conductive layer with a second insulating layer; bonding a semiconductor wafer to the second insulating layer; thinning the semiconductor wafer to obtain a second semiconductor layer; and forming second transistors on the second semiconductor layer.
US09018075B2	Plasma processing method The present invention provides a plasma processing method in which sideetching and microloading can be suppressed in a plasma processing method of forming trenches with a mask having a minimum opening width of 20 nm or less. The plasma processing method of the present invention is characterized by including the steps of forming trenches by plasma etching, forming a nitride film on sidewalls of trenches using plasma, and forming an oxide film on sidewalls and bottom surfaces of the trenches using plasma.
US09018072B2	ESD protection device and method An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection clamp (21, 21′, 70, 700) for protecting associated devices or circuits (24), comprises a bipolar transistors (21, 21′, 70, 700) in which doping of facing base (75) and collector (86) regions is arranged so that avalanche breakdown occurs preferentially within a portion (84, 85) of the base region (74, 75) of the device (70, 700) away from the overlying dielectric-semiconductor interface (791). Maximum variations (ΔVt1)MAX of ESD triggering voltage Vt1 as a function of base-collector spacing dimensions D due, for example, to different azimuthal orientations of transistors (21, 21′, 70, 700) on a semiconductor die or wafer is much reduced. Triggering voltage consistency and manufacturing yield are improved.
US09018066B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device structure A method of fabricating a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes the following step. A gate dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. A gate electrode is on the gate dielectric layer. The gate dielectric layer exposed by the gate electrode is treated. A first etching process is performed to remove at least a portion of the gate dielectric layer exposed by the gate electrode. A spacer is formed on the sidewall of the gate electrode. A second etching process is performed to form recesses in the substrate beside the gate electrode. Besides, during the first etching process and the second etching process, an etching rate of the treated gate dielectric layer is greater than an etching rate of the untreated gate dielectric layer.
US09018065B2	Horizontal epitaxy furnace for channel SiGe formation A method and apparatus are provided for recessing a channel region of the PFET and epitaxially growing channel SiGe in the recessed region inside of a horizontally oriented processing furnace. Embodiments include forming an n-channel region and a p-channel region in a front side of a wafer and at least one additional wafer, the n-channel and p-channel regions corresponding to locations for forming an NFET and a PFET, respectively; placing the wafers inside a horizontally oriented furnace having a top surface and a bottom surface, with the wafers oriented vertically between the top and bottom surfaces; recessing the p-channel regions of the wafers inside the furnace; and epitaxially growing cSiGe without hole defects in the recessed p-channel regions inside the furnace.
US09018064B2	Method of doping a polycrystalline transistor channel for vertical NAND devices A method of doping the polycrystalline channel in a vertical FLASH device is disclosed. This method uses a plurality of high energy ion implants to dope the channel at various depths of the channel. In some embodiments, these ion implants are performed at an angle offset from the normal direction, such that the implanted ions pass through at least a portion of the surrounding ONO stack. By passing through the ONO stack, the distribution of ranges reached by each ion may differ from that created by a vertical implant.
US09018063B2	MOSFETs with channels on nothing and methods for forming the same A method includes performing an epitaxy to grow a semiconductor layer, which includes a top portion over a semiconductor region. The semiconductor region is between two insulation regions that are in a substrate. The method further includes recessing the insulation regions to expose portions of sidewalls of the semiconductor region, and etching a portion of the semiconductor region, wherein the etched portion of the semiconductor region is under and contacting a bottom surface of the semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor layer is spaced apart from an underlying region by an air gap. A gate dielectric and a gate electrode are formed over the semiconductor layer.
US09018061B2	Semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment, includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate, a silicon film including silicon provided on the first insulating film, a second insulating film provided on the silicon film, a hafnium alloy-containing film provided on the second insulating film, the hafnium alloy-containing film including oxygen and an alloy of hafnium and a metal other than hafnium, a third insulating film provided on the hafnium alloy-containing film, and an electrode provided on the third insulating film.
US09018056B2	Complementary field effect transistors using gallium polar and nitrogen polar III-nitride material A device with N-Channel and P-Channel III-Nitride field effect transistors comprising a non-inverted P-channel III-Nitride field effect transistor on a first nitrogen-polar nitrogen face III-Nitride material, a non-inverted N-channel III-Nitride field effect transistor, epitaxially grown, a first III-Nitride barrier layer, two-dimensional hole gas, second III-Nitride barrier layer, and a two-dimensional hole gas. A method of making complementary non-inverted P-channel and non-inverted N-channel III-Nitride FET comprising growing epitaxial layers, depositing oxide, defining opening, growing epitaxially a first nitrogen-polar III-Nitride material, buffer, back barrier, channel, spacer, barrier, and cap layer, and carrier enhancement layer, depositing oxide, growing AlN nucleation layer/polarity inversion layer, growing gallium-polar III-Nitride, including epitaxial layers, depositing dielectric, fabricating P-channel III-Nitride FET, and fabricating N-channel III-Nitride FET.
US09018054B2	Metal gate structures for field effect transistors and method of fabrication The present invention relates to combinations of materials and fabrication techniques which are useful in the fabrication of filled, metal-comprising gates for use in planar and 3D Field Effect Transistor (FET) structures. The FET structures described are of the kind needed for improved performance in semiconductor device structures produced at manufacturing nodes which implement semiconductor feature sizes in the 15 nm range or lower.
US09018050B2	Rolled-up transmission line structure for a radiofrequency integrated circuit (RFIC) A rolled-up transmission line structure for a radiofrequency integrated circuit (RFIC) comprises a multilayer sheet in a rolled configuration comprising multiple turns about a longitudinal axis, where the multilayer sheet comprises a conductive pattern layer on a strain-relieved layer. The conductive pattern layer comprises a first conductive film and a second conductive film separated from the first conductive film in a rolling direction. In the rolled configuration, the first conductive film surrounds the longitudinal axis, and the second conductive film surrounds the first conductive film. The first conductive film serves as a signal line and the second conductive film serves as a conductive shield for the rolled-up transmission line structure.
US09018043B2	Method of encapsulating a micro-device by anodic bonding A method for encapsulating at least one micro-device, comprising at least the following steps: bonding a face of a first substrate comprising at least one material impermeable to noble gases, in contact with a second substrate comprising glass and with a thickness of about 300 μm or more; etching at least one cavity through the second substrate such that side walls of the cavity are at least partly formed by remaining portions of the second substrate and that an upper wall of the cavity is formed by part of said face of the first substrate; anodic bonding of the remaining portions of the second substrate in contact with a third substrate in which the micro-device is formed, such that the micro-device is encapsulated in the cavity.
US09018042B2	Method for fabricating a chip having a water-repellent obverse surface and a hydrophilic reverse surface In order to provide a novel method for producing a chip having a water-repellent obverse surface and a hydrophilic reverse surface, the characteristic of the present disclosure lies in that the obverse surface of the chip having a hydroxyl group is brought into contact with an organic solvent in which R1—Si(OR2)3 or R1—SiY3 is dissolved in a second hydrophobic solvent, while the reverse surface of the chip is protected by the water film, so as to form a water-repellent film on the obverse surface of the chip.
US09018041B2	Package for semiconductor device including guide rings and manufacturing method of the same An example embodiment relates to a semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes a first substrate including a first pad, a second substrate upwardly spaced apart from the first substrate and including a second pad opposite to the first pad. At least one electrode is coupled between the first pad and the second pad. The semiconductor package includes a guide ring formed at a periphery of the electrode between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US09018040B2	Power distribution for 3D semiconductor package A method including a printed circuit board electrically coupled to a bottom of a laminate substrate, the laminate substrate having an opening extending through the entire thickness of the laminate substrate, a main die electrically coupled to a top of the laminate substrate, a die stack electrically coupled to a bottom of the main die, the die stack including one or more chips stacked vertically and electrically coupled to one another, the die stack extending into the opening of the laminate substrate, and an interposer positioned between and electrically coupled to a topmost chip and the printed circuit board, the interposer providing an electrical path from the printed circuit board to the topmost chip of the die stack.
US09018036B2	Methods of forming patterns on a substrate A method of forming patterns on a substrate, the method including: placing a mask having an opening defining a portion of one surface of a substrate on which patterns are to be formed on the substrate; forming a first modification layer in the opening by ejecting a surface modification ink onto a surface of the substrate through the opening; ejecting a target ink having droplets of sizes larger than those of a surface modification ink such that the target ink is distributed on the first modification layer in the opening; and removing the mask.
US09018034B2	Apparatus and method for manufacturing of thin film type solar cell Disclosed is an apparatus and method for manufacturing a thin film type solar cell, which enables the enhancement of productivity, the apparatus for manufacturing a thin film type solar cell including a first electrode forming unit; a first separation part; an optoelectric conversion layer forming unit; a contact line forming unit; a printing unit; and an etching process unit, wherein the etching process unit removes the optoelectric conversion layer in a second separation part to expose the first electrode in the second separation part through a wet etching process.
US09018031B2	Manufacturing method of solid-state image sensor A single crystal silicon layer is formed on a principal surface of a first wafer by epitaxial growth. A silicon oxide layer is formed on the single crystal silicon layer. Next, a defect layer is formed inside the single crystal silicon layer by ion implantation, and then, the second wafer is bonded to the silicon oxide layer on the first wafer. After that, an SOI wafer including the silicon oxide layer formed on the second wafer and the single crystal silicon layer formed on the silicon oxide layer is formed by separating the first wafer including the single crystal silicon layer from the second wafer including the single crystal silicon layer in the defect layer. Then, a photodiode is formed in the single crystal silicon layer. An interconnect layer is formed on a surface of the single crystal silicon layer which is opposite to the silicon oxide layer.
US09018024B2	Creating extremely thin semiconductor-on-insulator (ETSOI) having substantially uniform thickness An extremely thin semiconductor-on-insulator (ETSOI) wafer is created having a substantially uniform thickness by measuring a semiconductor layer thickness at a plurality of selected points on a wafer; determining a removal thickness to be removed at each of the plurality of selected points such that removal of the removal thickness results in a substantially uniform within-wafer semiconductor layer thickness; implanting a species into the wafer at each of the plurality of selected points with at least one of a dose level and an energy level based on the removal thickness for the respective point; and polishing the semiconductor layer to thin the semiconductor layer.
US09018021B2	Method and apparatus for depositing a layer on a semiconductor wafer by vapor deposition in a process chamber A layer is deposited onto a semiconductor wafer by CVD in a process chamber having upper and lower covers, wherein the wafer front side temperature is measured; the wafer is heated to deposition temperature; the temperature of the upper process chamber cover is controlled to a target temperature by measuring the temperature of the center of the outer surface of the upper cover as the value of a controlled variable of an upper cover temperature control loop; a gas flow rate of process gas for depositing the layer is set; and a layer is deposited on the heated wafer front side during control of the upper cover temperature to the target temperature. A process chamber suitable therefor has a sensor for measuring the upper cover outer surface center temperature and a controller for controlling this temperature to a predetermined value.
US09018017B2	Reagents for reducing leukocyte interference in immunoassays Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with one or more leukocidal reagents that reduce or eliminate the metabolic activity of leukocytes, and performing an immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of analyte in the sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with one or more enzymes and optionally one or more enzyme substrates and cofactors.
US09018015B2	Method of securing a chain of custody of a specimen of a donor A method of securing a chain of custody of a specimen of a donor prevents tampering with or accidental mismanagement of the specimen. The method includes providing a tamper evident seal operable to indicate that an assaying device has been tampered with once the seal is sealed, the seal including a label having at least one portion including a machine-readable indicia area. The assaying device comprises a collection cup and a cap that carries at least one test strip.
US09018014B2	Vectors for directional cloning The invention provides vectors and methods for directional cloning.
US09018012B2	Vectors and methods for genetic immunization Improved DNA vaccine plasmids are disclosed. The improved plasmids eliminate all extraneous sequences, and have superior eukaryotic expression, improved yield and stability during bacterial production, facilitate flexible targeting of antigens to various intracellular destinations, and novel RNA-based functionality. These vectors are utilized in novel immunization methods wherein combinations of immunostimulatory DNA vaccine plasmids that target antigens to various intracellular destinations are used to elicit improved immune response.
US09018005B2	Method of deriving progenitor cell line We disclose a method comprising: (a) providing an embryonic stem (ES) cell; and (b) establishing a progenitor cell line from the embryonic stem cell; in which the progenitor cell line is selected based on its ability to self-renew. Preferably, the method selects against somatic cells based on their inability to self-renew. Preferably, the progenitor cell line is derived or established in the absence of co-culture, preferably in the absence of feeder cells, which preferably selects against embryonic stem cells. Optionally, the method comprises (d) deriving a differentiated cell from the progenitor cell line.
US09018003B2	Modulators of alpha-synuclein toxicity Disclosed are genes that, when overexpressed in cells expressing alpha-synuclein, either suppress or enhance alpha-synuclein mediated cellular toxicity. Compounds that modulate expression of these genes or activity of the encoded proteins can be used to inhibit alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity and used to treat or prevent synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. Also disclosed are methods of identifying inhibitors of alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity.
US09018002B2	Method to trigger RNA interference A method to generate siRNAs in vivo is described, as are constructs and compositions useful in the method. The method does not depend on the use of DNA or synthetic constructs that contain inverted duplications or dual promoters so as to form perfect or largely double-stranded RNA. Rather, the method depends on constructs that yield single-stranded RNA transcripts, and exploits endogenous or in vivo-produced miRNAs or siRNAs to initiate production of siRNAs. The miRNAs or siRNAs guide cleavage of the transcript and set the register for production of siRNAs (usually 21 nucleotides in length) encoded adjacent to the initiation cleavage site within the construct. The method results in specific formation of siRNAs of predictable size and register (phase) relative to the initiation cleavage site. The method can be used to produce specific siRNAs in vivo for inactivation or suppression of one or more target genes or other entities, such as pathogens.
US09018001B2	Kit for the optimisation of protein synthesis/secretion The invention relates to a kit to be used for the identification of a secretion cassette, which in eukaryotic cells gives rise to a higher level of synthesis/secretion of a protein of interest, the coding sequence of which being flanked by the first and the second set of genetic elements, respectively, compared to the other secretion cassettes present in the kit containing the coding sequence at the corresponding position, as well as to a method wherein the kit is used and the use of the kit, whereby the best secretion cassette will be obtained.
US09017999B2	Importation of mitochondrial protein by an enhanced allotopic approach The inventors demonstrate that mRNA sorting to the mitochondrial surface is an efficient way to proceed to such an allotopic expression, and that this mRNA sorting can be controlled by selecting appropriate mitochondrion-targeting sequence (MTS) and appropriate 3′UTR sequences. The CDS sequence which codes for the protein to be delivered into the mitochondrion is guided by these appropriate MTS and 3′UTR sequences from the nuclear compartment to the mitochondrion-bound polysomes (where the CDS is translated), and aids in an efficient translocation of a mature functional protein into the mitochondria. Appropriate MTS and 3′UTR sequences correspond to those of nuclearly-transcribed mitochondrially-targeted mRNAs. The inventors demonstrate that, to obtain a stable therapeutically-effective importation, both an appropriate MTS and an appropriate 3′UTR should preferably be used.
US09017997B2	Bioreactor The invention relates to a bioreactor for cultivating cells having a filter bag for separating culture fluid and cells, the filter medium of the filter bag having a degree of swelling of less than 1%. The bioreactor according to the invention is characterized by a high durability of the filter bag thereof.
US09017996B2	Bacteria analyzer, method for analyzing bacteria, and a computer program product A bacteria analyzer comprising: a sample preparing section for preparing a measurement sample from a specimen; a detector for detecting bacteria contained in the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; and a controller including a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations, comprising: obtaining the distribution state of bacteria detected by the detector; setting a bacteria count region according to the obtained bacteria distribution state; and counting the number of bacteria contained in the set bacteria count region is disclosed. Method for analyzing bacteria, and a computer program product for bacteria analyzer are also disclosed.
US09017995B2	Liquid-transport and analytical test device A liquid-transport device has a liquid-tight support (12) on which there is applied a start zone (24; 24′) for applying transport liquid to be transported and a target zone (26, 28; 26a-e) into which the transport liquid is to be transported and also a conduction zone that extends between the start zone (24, 24′) and the target zone (26, 28; 26a-e) and that has a microporous transport layer (14) in which the transport liquid flows by capillary force from the start zone (24; 24′) to the target zone (26, 28; 26a-e). The conduction zone has a multiplicity of open flow channels separated from one another by microporous bridges having open-pored side walls.
US09017989B2	Means for reducing acetoin buildup in alcoholic fermentation media The invention relates to yeasts expressing the gene BDH1 coding for Bdh1p, characterized in that they catalyze, in an alcoholic fermentation medium, the reduction of acetoin into 2,3-butanediol by a rate at least twice higher than that of the initial stem. The invention can particularly be used for the fermentation of fruit juice and for producing 2,3-butanediol.
US09017988B1	Hybrid mushroom strain B14528 and descendants thereof A hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus, designated as strain B14528, includes a representative culture of the strain, which has been deposited under NRRL Accession No. 50900. A method of producing a hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus comprising: mating a homokaryotic line J12998-s39 with a homokaryotic line BW-s191. Additionally, mushrooms, parts of the culture and products incorporating the culture are provided.
US09017986B2	Minicell based delivery of biologically active compounds Minicells are used to deliver biologically active compounds including radioisotopes, polypeptides, nucleic acids, small molecules, drug molecules, and chemotherapeutic agents. In some cases, the minicell displays ligands or binding moieties that target the minicell to a desired host cell.
US09017985B2	Photosynthetic microorganisms enriched in selenium using selenohydroxy acid compounds, used thereof in nutrition, cosmetics and pharmacy The invention relates to the enrichment of photosynthetic microorganisms in organic selenium using selenohydroxy acid compounds, in particular 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid, in D or L form, or an enantiomer, salt or ester or amide derivative of these compounds, and also to the use of the microorganisms thus enriched in animal or human nutrition, in cosmetics or in pharmacy.
US09017984B2	Enhanced production of fatty acid derivatives Genetically engineered microorganisms that produce fatty alcohols from a sugar source by way of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, as well as methods of their use are provided.
US09017977B2	Method for the enzymatic production of 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid from acetone and acetyl-coa Described is a method for the production of 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid by enzyme-catalyzed covalent bond formation between the carbon atom of the oxo group of acetone and the methyl group of a compound which provides an activated acetyl group. Also described are recombinant organisms which produce 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, and related compositions and methods.
US09017975B2	Production and secretion of fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives The invention relates to acyl-CoA-independent methods of producing fatty alcohols in recombinant host cells engineered to express an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase. The recombinant host cells may be photosynthetic microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria. Isolated nucleic acid molecules, vectors, and recombinant host cells expressing an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase, and systems for producing fatty alcohols via an acyl-CoA-independent pathway, are also provided. Also provided are microorganisms engineered for the secretion of fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives, including fatty alcohols, and methods of producing fatty acid derivatives using such engineering microorganisms.
US09017970B2	RNA polyphosphatase compositions, kits, and uses thereof The present invention relates to the discovery of RNA 5′ polyphosphatase enzymes not previously described in the art, methods for discovery of said enzymes, compositions of said enzymes, methods for making said enzymes, and various methods and kits for using said enzymes for biomedical research, for human and non-human diagnostics, for production of therapeutic products, and for other applications. In particular, some embodiments provide compositions, kits and methods for employing RNA polyphosphatases for isolation, purification, production, and assay of capped RNA using a biological sample or a sample from an in vitro capping reaction wherein the sample also contains RNA that is not capped. Other embodiments provide compositions, kits and methods wherein RNA polyphosphatases comprise signal-amplifying enzymes for analyte-specific assays.
US09017969B2	Sugar-chain modified yeast and method for producing glycoprotein using the same The present invention provides: genetically modified yeasts such as mutant yeasts having an ability to produce N-linked sugar chains of Man5GlcNAc2 and a decreased ability to produce O-linked sugar chains, mutant yeasts having an ability to produce N-linked sugar chains of Man5GlcNAc2 and further having an ability to produce N-linked sugar chains of GlcNAc1Man5GlcNAc2, and mutant yeasts having an increased ability to produce and secrete proteins and an ability to produce N-linked sugar chains of Man5GlcNAc2; and a method for producing glycoproteins using them.
US09017965B2	Hybrid 3′ untranslated regions suitable for efficient protein expression in mammalian cells The present invention describes the use of hybrid short 3′ untranslated (3′UTR) regions which are composed of two regions, one region from an 3′ untranslated region of a stable eukaryotic mRNA, and another region from the downstream end of an 3′ untranslated region of another eukaryotic mRNA that contains a polyadenylation (polyA) signal. The use of such hybrid regions allows for an efficient protein expression when used in conjunction with circular or linear expression DNA molecules. The present invention provides a recombinant DNA that is composed of a promoter, a protein coding region, and the hybrid 3′UTR in a continuous and directional orientation. The efficient expression systems of the invention are suitable for the economical and efficient production of therapeutic proteins and for use with both transient and stable expression systems.
US09017964B2	Preparing biological samples for analysis Methods and devices for preparing a biological sample for analysis are described. The biological sample from an organism has at least macromolecule having a primary structure that naturally degrades after the sample is removed from the organism. The method includes causing the biological sample to adopt a shape to permit rapid and uniform heating. The shaped sample is then rapidly and uniformly heated, thereby altering a secondary structure of the macromolecule while preserving its primary structure.
US09017963B2	Method for detecting microorganisms Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms, for example, wound pathogens in a sample, by contacting a sample with an enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, and detecting modification or the absence of modification of the substrate, as an indicator of the presence or absence of the enzyme in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.
US09017960B2	Crystal structure of amino terminal portion of influenza virus polymerase PA subunit and use thereof Present invention discloses the three-dimensional crystal structure of the N-terminus polypeptide of influenza virus polymerase subunit (PA_N of SEQ ID NO:7). PA_N of SEQ ID NO: 1 is residues 1—50 to 150-300 of influenza virus polymerase subunit PA. In the three-dimensional structure, at least 40% of atoms show the same atomic coordinates, compared to that listed in Table 1. Namely, in the three-dimensional structure of influenza virus polymerase subunit PA_N of SEQ ID NO: 7, 40% of atomic coordinates on carbon skeleton of residues of influenza virus polymerase subunit PA_N of SEQ ID NO: 7, show less than or equal to 1.7 Å of average variance, compared to the atomic coordinates listed in Table 1. Present invention also discloses the expression, purification, crystallization methods, and three-dimensional crystal structure of 256 residues in the N-terminus of influenza virus polymerase subunit PA, and applications of the crystal structure of SEQ ID NO: 7 on drug screening and designing.
US09017959B2	5.9 kDa peptide immunoassay method Disclosed is an immunoassay method whereby a 5.9 kDa peptide which results from the degradation of the α-E chain and α chain of human fibrinogens and which is used as a peptide marker for diagnosing hepatic disease can be specifically assayed in a biological sample containing contaminating peptides by bringing antibodies that recognize the N terminal of said peptide marker and antibodies that recognize the C terminal of said peptide marker into contact with said peptide marker, forming immune complexes of said peptide marker and the two antibodies, and immunoassaying the obtained immune complexes.
US09017956B2	Use of the genes in the Hog, Ras and cAMP pathway for treatment of fungal infection Provided herein are uses of genes for HOG, Ras and cAMP signal transduction pathways to treat fungal infection. To regulate the HOG pathway of Cryptococcus neoformans, roles of SSK1, TCO2, SSK2, PBS2, HOG1, ENA1 and NHA1 genes were investigated to find that a biosynthesis level of ergosterol is increased when these genes are inhibited. When the genes are inhibited, a large amount of ergosterol is distributed on a fungal cell membrane. Accordingly, since there are many working points of an ergosterol-binding antifungal agent, an efficiency of the ergosterol-binding antifungal agent can be considerably improved. To regulate the Ras and cAMP pathways of Cryptococcus neoformans, roles of RAS1, RAS2, CDC24, GPA1, CAC1, ACA1, PKA1, HSP12 and HSP122 genes were investigated to find that a sensitivity to a polyene- or azole-based drug is increased when these genes are inhibited. Therefore, an antifungal pharmaceutical composition including an inhibitor against the gene or protein encoded by the same can be used as an excellent combined antifungal agent which can reduce a conventional amount of an antifungal agent used and increase an efficiency.
US09017955B2	Fibrinogen assay The present invention is directed to a method of detecting intact fibrinogen, comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample containing at least some fibrinogen optionally converted at least in part to fibrin, and optionally containing thrombin; b) solubilizing the sample in a solubilizing solution that inhibits thrombin activity; c) after optional SDS-PAGE transferring/applying a portion of said sample to a protein-binding membrane; d) reacting the fibrinogen with a primary monoclonal antibody capable of binding to fibrinopeptide A moiety; and e) detecting the quantity of intact fibrinogen in the sample by quantifying the amount of the bound primary monoclonal antibody.
US09017951B2	Anti-FcRH5 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of use A method of determining the presence of FcRH5 in a biological sample suspected of containing FcRH5 is provided comprising exposing the biological sample to an isolated monoclonal anti-FcRH5 antibody.
US09017950B2	Method for enhancing enzyme assays Additives capable of controlling the reaction rate between substrate and enzyme to form a dye in enzyme assays with absorbance, chemiluminescence, and fluorescence are effective tools for optimizing enzyme assays. A dye can be formed rapidly from the reaction between enzyme and substrate in the presence of a catalyst. Using relatively high concentration of dye formed from the rapid reaction, trace levels of analytical materials can be quantified using absorbance, chemiluminecence and fluorescence detection. A dye can be formed from a relatively slow reaction between enzyme and substrate in the presence of a surfactant such as Triton X-100 and β-cyclodextrin. Using relatively low concentration of dye from the slow reaction, a high concentration of analytical material can be quantified without any dilution using absorbance, chemiluminescence, and fluorescence.
US09017948B2	Assays and other reactions involving droplets The present invention generally relates to droplets and/or emulsions, such as multiple emulsions. In some cases, the droplets and/or emulsions may be used in assays, and in certain embodiments, the droplet or emulsion may be hardened to form a gel. In some aspects, a heterogeneous assay can be performed using a gel. For example, a droplet may be hardened to form a gel, where the droplet contains a cell, DNA, or other suitable species. The gel may be exposed to a reactant, and the reactant may interact with the gel and/or with the cell, DNA, etc., in some fashion. For example, the reactant may diffuse through the gel, or the hardened particle may liquefy to form a liquid state, allowing the reactant to interact with the cell. As a specific example, DNA contained within a gel particle may be subjected to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, e.g., by using PCR primers able to bind to the gel as it forms. As the DNA is amplified using PCR, some of the DNA will be bound to the gel via the PCR primer. After the PCR reaction, unbound DNA may be removed from the gel, e.g., via diffusion or washing. Thus, a gel particle having bound DNA may be formed in one embodiment of the invention.
US09017947B2	Soybean event MON89788 and methods for detection thereof The present invention provides for soybean plant and seed comprising transformation event MON89788 and DNA molecules unique to these events. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of these DNA molecules in a sample.
US09017946B2	Systems and methods for monitoring the amplification of DNA A system and method for amplifying and detecting nucleic acids are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes: a microfluidic device comprising a channel for receiving a sample of solution containing real-time PCR reagents; a temperature control system configured to cycle the temperature of the sample; an excitation source for illuminating the sample; a fiber optic probe comprising (i) an optical fiber having a distal end and a proximal end and (ii) a probe head connected to the distal end of the optical fiber and positioned between the distal end of the optical fiber and the channel; and a detector configured to detect emissions exiting the proximal end of the optical fiber.
US09017943B2	Methods and compositions related to nucleic acid binding assays Small molecule fluorescent probes for established drug targets such as nucleic acids including DNA and RNA has been developed and disclosed herein. These nucleic acid probes bind to multiple DNA and RNA structures, and to sites crucial for nucleic acid function, such as DNA and RNA major grooves. Displacement of the probes by other binders such as small molecule compounds and/or proteins illicits a fluorescence change in the probe that once detected and analyzed provide binding information of these other binders of interest. Similarly, changes in fluorescence upon binding of the probes to nucleic acid have been applied to screen nucleic acid of different sequence and conformation. The nucleic acid probes and method of uses disclosed herein are advantageously suitable for high-through put screening of libraries of small molecule compounds, proteins, and nucleic acids.
US09017941B2	Microchip for analyzing nucleic acid and method of nucleic acid analysis using the same A method for nucleic acid analysis including injecting a slight amount of nucleic acid sample for analysis, characterized in that most of a nucleic acid sample which is not used, excluding the slight amount of the nucleic acid sample which is used for analysis, can be obtained as a pure product which is not contaminated with a fluorescent material, and a microchip for analyzing nucleic acid which enables such method for nucleic acid analysis, are provided. The method for nucleic acid analysis may analyze at least two different nucleic acid samples in a continuous manner by sequentially injecting the at least two different nucleic acid samples.
US09017937B1	Nanopore sequencing using ratiometric impedance The invention relates to devices and methods for nanopore sequencing. The invention includes arrays of nanopores having incorporated electronic circuits, for example, in CMOS. The invention includes devices having sample and reference pores connecting sample, measurement and reference chambers, wherein potential measurements in each chamber is used to provide an accurate determination of current through a sample nanopore, improving nanopore sequencing.
US09017936B2	Assays for agents affecting megakaryocyte development Methods and kits for identifying candidate anti-megakaryocyte agents are disclosed.
US09017931B2	Patterning process and resist composition A negative pattern is formed by coating a resist composition comprising a polymer comprising recurring units having a tertiary ester type acid labile group having a plurality of methyl or ethyl groups on alicycle and an acid generator onto a substrate, prebaking, exposing to high-energy radiation, baking, and developing in an organic solvent developer so that the unexposed region of resist film is dissolved away and the exposed region of resist film is not dissolved. The resist composition exhibits a high dissolution contrast during organic solvent development and forms a fine hole or trench pattern of dimensional uniformity.
US09017928B2	Methods for manufacturing resin structure and micro-structure A resin structure for the formation of a micro-structure is manufactured by (A) applying a composition comprising a polymer, a photoacid generator, an epoxy compound, and an organic solvent onto a substrate, (B) heating the composition to form a sacrificial film, (C) exposing imagewise the film to first high-energy radiation, (D) developing the film in an alkaline developer to form a sacrificial film pattern, (E) exposing the sacrificial film pattern to UV as second high-energy radiation, and (F) heating the substrate at 80-250° C. The exposure dose of first high-energy radiation in step (C) is up to 250 mJ/cm2. At the end of step (F), the sacrificial film has a sidewall angle of 80°-90° relative to the substrate.
US09017927B2	Patterning of transparent conductive coatings A method of patterning a conductive polymer includes providing a conductive polymer layer coated over a first support followed by pattern-wise transferring a layer containing polyvinyl acetal from a second support onto the conductive polymer to form a mask with at least one opening. The masked conductive polymer is subjected to treatment through the opening that changes the conductivity of the conductive polymer by at least one order of magnitude in areas not covered by the mask.
US09017925B2	Photoresist resin composition and method of forming patterns by using the same A method for forming a pattern includes forming a photosensitive film by coating a photosensitive resin composition on a substrate, exposing the photosensitive film to light through a mask that includes a light transmission region and a non-light transmission region, coating a developing solution on the photosensitive film, and forming a photosensitive film pattern by baking the photosensitive film, wherein the photosensitive resin composition includes an alkali soluble base resin, a photoacid generator and a photoactive compound.
US09017922B2	Chemically amplified resist composition and patterning process A chemically amplified resist composition comprising a base polymer and an amine quencher in the form of a β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-aminovaleric acid, 6-aminocaproic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid. 8-aminooctanoic acid or 9-aminononanoic acid derivative having an unsubstituted carboxyl group has a high contrast of alkaline dissolution in rate before and after exposure and forms a pattern of good profile at a high resolution, minimal roughness and wide DOF.
US09017921B2	Photoresist composition and method of forming a black matrix using the same A photoresist composition includes a binder resin combined with a black dye, a monomer, a photo-polymerization initiator and a remainder of a solvent.
US09017919B2	Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, novel compound and acid generator A resist composition containing a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein the acid generator component (B) includes an acid generator (B1) having a group represented by general formula (b1-1) shown below in the cation moiety.
US09017918B2	Monomer, polymer, chemically amplified positive resist composition, and patterning process A polymer is obtained from a hydroxyphenyl methacrylate monomer having an acid labile group substituted thereon. A positive resist composition comprising the polymer as a base resin has a very high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure, a high resolution, a good profile and minimal line edge roughness of a pattern after exposure, a retarded acid diffusion rate, and good etching resistance.
US09017916B1	Preparing resin emulsions A process for making a latex emulsion including contacting a resin dissolved in a solvent with an absorbent glass that binds the solvent to produce a latex emulsion.
US09017914B2	Toner for developing electrostatic latent image A toner for developing an electrostatic latent image includes toner particles. An average aspect ratio of the toner particles, having predetermined diameters of at least 3 μm and less than 10 μm, is in the range from about 0.820 to about 0.900, and the difference between the maximum value and minimum value among the average aspect ratios D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, and D9 is up to 0.07. Dn represents an average aspect ratio of those toner particles having a diameter of at least n μm and less than n+1 μm.
US09017911B2	Electrophotographic toner In the present invention, provided is an electrophotographic toner in which low temperature fixing is achieved, and high storage stability is obtained without generating tacking with respect to fixed images to be formed. It is a feature that this electrophotographic toner possesses at least a binder resin, a colorant and a releasing agent, wherein the releasing agent comprises an ester compound and an aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid compound.
US09017899B2	Fluorine containing ionomer composite with ion exchange function, preparation method and use thereof Provided is a composite which is comprised of one or more ion exchange resin(s) and fluorine containing polymer fiber, wherein the fiber and the film-forming resin form a triazine-ring crosslinked structure, so that the film prepared from the composite is of good airtightness and stability, as well as high ion exchange capacity and high conductivity. The preparation method of the composite, the product prepared from this composite and the use thereof are also provided.
US09017896B2	Fuel cell system having fuel cell box and ventilation device An fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel cell box, a ventilation device, an air intake duct, and a gas outlet pipe. The fuel cell is disposed in the fuel cell box. The ventilation device is provided to supply air to the fuel cell box. The air intake duct connects the ventilation device to the fuel cell box to supply air from the ventilation device into the fuel cell box. The gas outlet pipe is connected to the air intake duct and connects an inside space of the fuel cell box to an outside space of the fuel cell box through the air intake duct. The gas outlet pipe has an opening cross-sectional area smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of the air intake duct.
US09017886B2	Variable anode flow rate for fuel cell vehicle start-up A fuel cell system is disclosed with a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the fuel cell stack including an anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold, a sensor for measuring at least one of an environmental condition affecting the fuel cell stack and a characteristic of the fuel cell stack, wherein the sensor generates a sensor signal representing the measurement of the sensor; and a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and controlling a flow rate of a fluid flowing into the anode supply manifold based upon the analysis of the sensor signal.
US09017883B2	Rechargeable lithium battery The present invention discloses a rechargeable lithium battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode including lithium titanate represented by Chemical Formula 1, and an electrolyte impregnating the positive and negative electrodes and including a sultone-based compound and maleic anhydride, wherein the sultone-based compound and the maleic anhydride are respectively included in an amount of about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt % based on the total weight of the electrolyte. Chemical Formula 1: Li4−xTi5+x−yMyO12. In Chemical Formula 1, M is an element selected from Mg, V, Cr, Nb, Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, W, Al, Ga, Cu, Mo, P, or a combination thereof, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1.
US09017881B2	Electrolyte comprising amide compound and electrochemical device containing the same Provided are an electrolyte comprising an amide compound of a specific structure, in which an alkoxy group is substituted with an amine group, and an ionizable lithium salt, and an electrochemical device containing the same. The electrolyte may have excellent thermal and chemical stability and a wide electrochemical window. Also, the electrolyte may have a sufficiently low viscosity and a high ionic conductivity, and thus, may be usefully applied as an electrolyte of electrochemical devices using various anode materials.
US09017872B2	Lithium titanate composite material, method for making the same, and lithium ion battery using the same A lithium titanate composite material includes lithium titanate particles and an AlPO4/C composite layer disposed on a surface of the lithium titanate particles. The AlPO4/C composite layer includes aluminum phosphate and carbon. The lithium titanate composite material, as an anode active material, can be applied to a lithium ion battery to increase its electrochemical stability.
US09017871B2	Negative-electrode terminal for cell A negative-electrode terminal for a cell in which separation between a first metal layer and a second metal layer hardly takes place is provided by suppressing excess formation of an intermetallic compound on a bond interface between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. This negative-electrode terminal for a cell includes a clad portion formed by bonding a first metal layer made of Al or an Al alloy and a second metal layer containing Ni and Cu and consisting of one or a plurality of layers to each other. The first metal layer includes a connected region connected with a cell terminal connecting plate and a stacked region adjacent to the connected region on the side of the same surface, while the second metal layer is bonded to the first metal layer in the stacked region and configured to be connectable to cell negative electrodes of cells.
US09017870B2	Negative electrode material for an electrical storage device, and negative electrode for an electrical storage device using the same Provided is a negative electrode material for an electricity storage device, comprises, a negative electrode active material comprising a compound containing at least SnO and P2O5, and a binder comprising a thermosetting resin. Also provided is a negative electrode for an electricity storage device, comprising a current collector having a surface coated with the negative electrode material for an electricity storage device. Further provided is a method of producing the negative electrode for an electricity storage device, the method comprising the steps of: coating the surface of the current collector with the negative electrode material for an electricity storage device; and carrying out heat treatment of the current collector at 150 to 400° C. under reduced pressure.
US09017867B2	Self assembled multi-layer nanocomposite of graphene and metal oxide materials Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.
US09017865B2	Lithium primary battery and method of producing same The lithium primary battery comprises: a positive electrode; a negative electrode including lithium or a lithium alloy; a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte. A surface of the negative electrode on a side of the carbon material layer has first ruggedness and adheres to a surface of the carbon material layer on a side of the negative electrode. A surface of the carbon material layer on a side of the separator has second ruggedness. The first ruggedness and the second ruggedness correspond to each other. The first ruggedness and the second ruggedness may be ruggedness formed by pressing the carbon material layer onto the surface of the negative electrode, thereby deforming the carbon material layer and the surface of the negative electrode.
US09017863B2	Method for preventing erroneous loading of component-to-be-loaded on main body side apparatus, component-to-be-loaded and battery pack In case a similar component-to-be-loaded is erroneously loaded on a main body side apparatus, contact of terminals are avoided. To this end, a video camera (main body side apparatus) 1 has a main body side terminal 30, and a battery pack (component-to-be-loaded) 100 has a battery side terminal (component-to-be-loaded side terminal) 120. In the vicinity of the battery side terminal of the component-to-be-loaded, a discriminating tab 111 is provided, and a blocking portion 19 is provided in the vicinity of the main body side terminal of the video camera (main body side apparatus) for determining whether or not its loading is permitted based on the combination of concave and convex engagement with respect to the above-mentioned discriminating tab, and when the loading is not permitted due to the interference between the blocking portion and the above-mentioned discriminating tab, an electric connection between the main body side terminal and the battery side terminal (component-to-be-loaded side terminal) is not to be established.
US09017856B2	Stacked battery with electrode having break portion The stacked battery includes a negative electrode (46) and a positive electrode (41). The negative electrode has a negative electrode main portion (50) and a negative electrode lead (52). The positive electrode has a positive electrode main portion (45) and a positive electrode lead (51). The negative electrode main portion and the positive electrode main portion are stacked in a thickness direction with the negative electrode lead and the positive electrode lead extending in different directions as viewed from above. The positive electrode lead is fixed to a positive electrode case. In the positive electrode lead, a break place (X) is provided outside the negative electrode main portion as viewed from above when the negative electrode and the positive electrode are placed on top of each other. The break place (X) is broken when a shock is applied to the electrodes.
US09017855B2	Connection-member for electrical connection of battery cells Disclosed herein are a connection member for electrically interconnecting a plurality of battery cells in a battery pack in which the battery cells are mounted, wherein the connection member includes at least two terminal contact parts, which are connected to electrode terminals of neighboring battery cells, and a connection part for interconnecting the terminal contact parts, and wherein the terminal contact parts are lower in height, by a size corresponding to the thickness of a pack case, than the connection part such that the connection member connects the electrode terminals of the battery cells while the connection member is mounted on the outer surface of the pack case, and a battery pack including the same. Consequently, the connection member according to the present invention has the effect of effectively interconnecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells through a simple assembly process. Also, the connection member according to the present invention can be directly mounted on the pack case without using an additional auxiliary member.
US09017854B2	Structural energy storage assemblies and methods for production thereof Described herein are multi-functional composite materials containing energy storage assemblies that can be significantly resistant to tension/compression stress. The energy storage assemblies can contain at least one energy storage layer that contains an insulating layer having a plurality of openings arranged in a spaced apart manner, and a plurality of energy storage devices, each energy storage device being contained within one of the openings. The energy storage devices can be electrically connected to one another. The energy storage layer can contain a support material upon which electrical connections are formed. One or more energy storage layers can be disposed between two or more stress carrying layers to form an energy storage assembly that can have significant resistance to tension/compression stress. Energy storage devices suitable for use in the energy storage assemblies can include, for example, batteries, capacitors and/or supercapacitors. Methods for producing the energy storage assemblies are also described.
US09017846B2	Structure for mounting cylindrical battery on electric vehicle A cylindrical battery includes a pair of female terminals. One of the pair of female terminals is placed at the axial center of the battery, and provided to recede from one end surface of the battery. The other terminal is placed in a position away from the axial center, to recede from the one end surface of the battery. A male thread portion is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the battery. A handle portion is provided on another end surface of the battery. A female thread portion to be threadedly engaged with the male thread portion is provided in an inner peripheral surface of the battery box. A pair of male terminals are provided on a bottom surface of the battery box. The battery is designed to be detachably mounted inside the battery box by being rotated inside the battery box.
US09017841B2	Electrochemical device with high capacity and method for preparing the same Disclosed is a method for preparing an electrochemical device, comprising the steps of: charging an electrochemical device using an electrode active material having a gas generation plateau potential in a charging period to an extent exceeding the plateau potential; and degassing the electrochemical device. An electrochemical device, which comprises an electrode active material having a gas generation plateau potential in a charging period, and is charged to an extent exceeding the plateau potential and then degassed, is also disclosed.
US09017834B2	Lubricants for data storage Disclosed herein are compounds of formula I: X-(L-Z)p-L-R[L-(Z-L)p-Y]q (I) wherein L is a perfluoropolyether; R is q can be an integer equal to or greater than 1; p can independently be integers from 0 to 7; X and Y can independently be chosen from: —OH, —CH2CH2OH, CH2CH2OCH2CH2OH, —CH2CH(OH)CH2OH, —C6H5, —CH2C6H5, —CH2CH(OH)CH3, F, —CF3, —CF2CF3, piperonyl, triazine, benzotriazole, and derivatives thereof; and Z, if present, can independently be chosen from: —C6H4—, —CH2C6H4CH2—, —CH2CH(OH)CH2—, —CH2CH(OH)CH2CH(OH)CH2—, —CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2—, —CH(CH2OH)—, or —CH(C6H5)—.
US09017828B2	Compound including indole derivative in which two tertiary amines are substituted, organic electronic element using same, and terminal thereof Disclosed are a compound represented by Formula below, including an indole derivative in which two tertiary amines are substituted, an organic electronic element using the same, and a terminal thereof.
US09017826B2	Visible/near-infrared porphyrin-tape/C60 organic photodetectors Porphyrin compounds are provided. The compounds may further comprise a fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon or a fused heterocyclic aromatic. Fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon s and fused heterocyclic aromatics may extend and broaden absorption, and modify the solubility, crystallinity, and film-forming properties of the porphyrin compounds. Additionally, devices comprising porphyrin compounds are also provided. The porphyrin compounds may be used in a donor/acceptor configuration with compounds, such as C60.
US09017825B2	Anthracene derivatives and their use in organic electroluminescent devices The present invention relates to anthracene derivatives which are suitable for use in organic electroluminescent devices, and to organic electroluminescent devices containing these anthracene derivatives.
US09017823B2	Machine component with a cavitation resistant coating A machine component may include a body made of an iron alloy. The body may include a surface, and a coating fused to the surface. The coating may be an alloy including phosphorous, carbon, and iron. The coating may have solidus temperature of less than or equal to about 1000° C., and a hardness greater than or equal to about 50 HRC.
US09017822B2	Wiring member, resin-coated metal part and resin-sealed semiconductor device, and manufacturing method for the resin-coated metal part and the resin-sealed semiconductor device There is provided a semiconductor device that suppresses the occurrence of resin burrs and has favorable electrical connectivity and bond strength, and a manufacturing method for such semiconductor device. A resin-coated metal part is manufactured by forming an organic coating by depositing a material including functional organic molecules on a wiring lead composed of a metallic material. Each of the functional organic molecules includes a main chain, a first functional group having a metal bonding property, and a second functional group. The first functional group and the second functional group are provided at different ends of the main chain. Thereafter the functional organic molecules self-assemble by bonding of the first functional groups to metal atoms of the wiring lead. After performing the organic coating formation step, resin is adhered to a predetermined surface area of the wiring lead having the organic coating formed thereon.
US09017820B2	Laminated glass lens for spectacles In a laminated glass lens for spectacles, first and second glass lens substrates (each about 1 mm thick) are bonded together with an adhesive agent layer therebetween. A liquid substance of a solventless adhesive to which a pigment containing a tetraazaporphyrin compound is added together with an organic solvent is dropped onto the first glass lens substrate in the form of a droplet, and the second glass lens substrate is pressed against the first glass lens substrate with a relatively light load to spread the droplet into a layer having a thickness of 5 to 150 micrometers, and allowing the thus spread layer to be cured as the adhesive layer.
US09017819B2	Plastic substrates having a scratch-resistant coating, in particular housings of electronic devices, having high transparency, method for the production thereof, and use thereof The disclosed method comprises applying a transparent coating composition to a plastics substrate, the composition comprising30% to 60% by weight of a nanoparticles (B), 15% to 40% by weight, of urethane (meth)acrylates (A1) having 3 to 5 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 0% to less than 10% by weight of urethane (meth)acrylates (A2) having more than 5 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 0% to less than 10% by weight of urethane (meth)acrylates (A3) having less than 3 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 55% to 80% by weight of compounds (C1) having 4 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 0% to 15% by weight of compounds (C2) having 2 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, and 0% to 15% by weight of compounds (C3) having 3 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, the sum of the weight fractions of film-forming components (A1), (A2), (A3), (C1), (C2), and (C3) being in each case 100% by weight.
US09017818B2	Coating compositions and coatings produced from them and featuring high scratch resistance in association with good results in the Erichsen cupping test and good antistonechip properties The present invention relates to coating compositions comprising (A) at least one hydroxyl-containing polyacrylate and/or at least one hydroxyl-containing polymethacrylate and (B) at least one compound containing isocyanate groups and having at least one structural unit (I) of the formula (I) —NR—(X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x) (I), and having at least one structural unit (II) of the formula (II) —N(X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x)n(X′—SiR″y(OR′)3-y)m (II), where (i) (A) has a glass transition temperature of less than 10° C., (ii) (B) contains more than 10 to more than 90 mol %, of at least one structural unit of the formula (I) and 10 to less than 90 mol % of at least one structural (II), based on the entirety of the structural units (I) and (II), and (iii) 10 to 60 mol % of the isocyanate groups of the diisocyanate and/or polyisocyanate parent structure of (I) and (II). The invention provides multistage coating processes using these coating compositions.
US09017813B2	Doped carbon nanotubes and transparent conducting films containing the same Transparent conducting electrodes include a doped single walled carbon nanotube film and methods for forming the doped single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) by solution processing. The method generally includes depositing single walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in a solvent and a surfactant onto a substrate to form a single walled carbon nanotube film thereon; removing all of the surfactant from the carbon nanotube film; and exposing the single walled carbon nanotube film to a single electron oxidant in a solution such that one electron is transferred from the single walled carbon nanotubes to each molecule of the single electron oxidant.
US09017808B2	Composite thermal interface material system and method using nano-scale components A method of manufacturing a thermal interface material, comprising providing a sheet comprising nano-scale fibers, the sheet having at least one exposed surface; and stabilizing the fibers with a stabilizing material disposed in at least a portion of a void space between the fibers in the sheet. The fibers may be CNT's or metallic nano-wires. Stabilizing may include infiltrating the fibers with a polymerizable material. The polymerizable material may be mixed with nano- or micro-particles. The composite system may include two films, with the fibers in between, to create a sandwich. Each capping film may include two sub films: a palladium film closer to the stabilizing material to improve adhesion; and a nano-particle film for contact with a device to be cooled or a heat sink.
US09017806B2	High airflow micro-truss structural apparatus An apparatus for maintaining an environmental state of a working surface includes: a first micro-truss layer including: a plurality of first struts extending along a first direction; a plurality of second struts extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third struts extending along a third direction, the first, second, and third struts interpenetrating one another at a plurality of nodes, the first, second, and third struts interpenetrating one another at non-perpendicular angles, the apparatus having a contact surface configured to contact the working surface and having an open porosity configured to allow air to flow to the contact surface, wherein a total surface area of the contact surface is between about 1% and about 50% of a total surface area of the working surface.
US09017805B2	Polyimide-graphene composite material and method for preparing same The present disclosure relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material and a method for preparing same. More particularly, it relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material prepared by adding modified graphene and a basic catalyst during polymerization of a polyimide precursor so as to improve mechanical strength and electrical conductivity and enable imidization at low temperature and a method for preparing same.
US09017804B2	Method to reduce dislocations in SiC crystal growth A method of forming an SiC crystal including placing a seed crystal of SiC in an insulated graphite container; placing a source of Si and C atoms in the insulated graphite container, where the source of Si and C atoms is for transport to the seed crystal to grow the SiC crystal; placing the container into the furnace; heating a furnace to a temperature from about 2,000° C. to about 2,500° C.; evacuating the furnace to a pressure from about 0.1 Torr and about 100 Torr; filling the furnace with an inert gas; and introducing dopant gas into the furnace with a controlled flow so as to form a plurality of stratified layers wherein each layer has dopant concentration different from a layer directly below and a layer directly above it. A 4H-SiC crystal made by the method. A 4H-SiC substrate cut from the SiC crystal made from the method.
US09017803B2	Substrate for wallboard joint tape and process for making same A multi-ply paper substrate is provided, which comprises at least two plies bonded to one another by an adhesive; a basis weight of 80-200 gsm; an internal bond of 10-180 milli-ft.-lb/sq. in. as measured by TAPPI method 541; an MD tensile of 20-300 lbf/inch width as measured by TAPPI method 494; and a CD tensile of 10-300 lbf/inch width as measured by TAPPI method 494. Methods of making and using the paper substrate, products made therefrom, and uses of the paper substrate are also provided.
US09017792B2	Tri-barrier ceramic coating A tri-barrier ceramic coating system is provided having a base thermal barrier layer, an intermediate CMAS barrier layer, and a top erosion barrier layer, and the method of applying such a coating system to a substrate. The base layer has a typical columnar structure with inter-columnar gaps and intra-columnar micro-pores that provides the stress tolerance during thermal cycles. The intermediate CMAS barrier layer has the fiber-like columns with inter-columnar nano-pores and a grid structure on the bottom of the layer. The fine structured intermediate layer covers the gaps between the columns of the base layer and will block CMAS infiltration effectively. The top erosion resistant layer contains wider TBC columns with narrow inter-columnar gaps and a modified cauliflower-like TBC head that provides erosion resistance for the underlying layers. The tri-barrier coating microstructure will further reduce the thermal conductivity as comparing to the conventional single layer system.
US09017790B2	Absorbent sheet products and method for folding same A stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products comprising a plurality of absorbent sheets and a method of folding and stacking the same. Each one of the absorbent sheets is folded twice about a first axis to define two inwardly folded inner panels and at least once about a second axis to define at least two outer panels sandwiching the inner panels therebetween. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, Each of the absorbent sheet products comprises at least one outer panel at least partially sandwiched between a pair of outer panels of an adjacent one of the absorbent sheet products of the stack. Each one of the absorbent sheet products is entirely detached from all other absorbent sheet products of the stack.
US09017789B2	Insulation assemblies for engine housings and associated methods of use and manufacture Insulation assemblies and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an insulation assembly includes a plurality of insulation panels that are configured to releasably attach to an interior surface of an engine housing. The individual insulation panels can include a first surface configured to face the interior surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface and configured to face an engine in the housing. The insulation panels can each further include an attachment portion on the first surface carrying one or more first fasteners that releasably attach to a corresponding portion of the interior surface. The insulation panels can additionally include an attachment strap carried on the second surface. The attachment strap carries a second fastener that releasably attaches to a corresponding portion of the interior surface.
US09017784B2	Pipe having improved high temperature resistance The present invention relates to a pipe made of a polyethylene composition comprising a polyethylene base resin, which comprises c. an ethylene copolymer as fraction (A), and d. an ethylene homo- or copolymer as fraction (B), with fraction (A) having a lower molecular weight than fraction (B), wherein the polyethylene base resin is obtainable in a polymerization process in which a single-site catalyst (SSC) is used in the polymerization of at least one of fractions (A) and (B), the base resin having (i) a density of below 940 kg/m3, and (ii) a MFR5 at 190° C./5.00 kg of at least 0.20 g/10 min, and the polyethylene composition having a time to failure of at least 250 h measured according to ISO 1167 at 95° C. and 4.3 MPa.
US09017783B2	Hot melt adhesive composition for bonding WPP substrates The invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition including an amorphous poly-alpha-olefin, an amorphous propylene/butene copolymer, a grafted polyethylene, and a wax. The hot melt adhesive composition can be used for bonding woven polypropylene substrates. The invention also provides an adhesive bonded woven polypropylene bag.
US09017778B2	Adhesive composition, and polarizing plates and LCDs utilizing the adhesive composition The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, and a polarizer and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device using the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, and more particularly, to a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition including (A) an acrylic copolymer and (B) a liquid optically-anisotropic compound having a mesogen core in its structure. The liquid optically-anisotropic compound having a mesogen core in its structure according to the present invention has superior solubility and compatibility with pressure-sensitive adhesive resin, and thus the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition including the liquid optically-anisotropic compound can relax stress caused by shrinkage of the polarizer and effectively compensate negative birefringence. Therefore, the polarizer and the LCD device using the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition can prevent light leakage originating from stress concentration in spite of long-term use.
US09017777B2	Inorganic films using a cascaded source for battery devices A method for manufacturing thin films for a battery device. The method includes vaporizing a precursor material from a liquid source to form droplets ranging from, for example, about 10 microns to about 20 microns. Thereafter, the method includes subjecting the droplets from about 10 to about 20 microns to a megasonic energy source to cause formation of a plurality of smaller droplets ranging from, for example, about 0.25 micron to about 5 microns which are then directed to a heated substrate, where through a heterogeneous reaction a film of material overlying the surface region is formed. The method includes irradiating (e.g., ultra-violet, infra-red, or plasma) the film of material using electromagnetic radiation to process the film to cause a recrystallization of the film to form larger sized crystalline materials. Optionally, the method includes sequentially performing the vaporizing, reacting/releasing, and irradiating to build up a thickness of the film of material.
US09017775B2	Treatment of parts with metallized finish areas with a differentiated appearance The invention relates to a process for the treatment of parts for creating a surface with areas with shiny and matte appearances, in which on the surface previously coated with a first layer of copper and a second layer of metal a selective etching of the second layer is performed, wherein the selective etching of the second layer is performed according to the area or areas to be glazed with respect to the rest of the part. The process allows a finish with areas of a different shine (from mirror shine to matte), the differences in thickness of which cannot be observed by the human eye without optical aids.
US09017766B2	Methods and devices comprising soluble conjugated polymers Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving soluble conjugated polymers are provided. The conjugated polymers have a sufficient density of polar substituents to render them soluble in a polar medium, for example water and/or methanol. The conjugated polymer may desirably comprise monomers which alter its conductivity properties. In some embodiments, the inventors have provided cationic conjugated polymers (CCPs) comprising both solubilizing groups and conductive groups, resulting in conductive conjugated polymers soluble in polar media. The different solubility properties of these polymers allow their deposition in solution in multilayer formats with other conjugated polymers. Also provided are articles of manufacture comprising multiple layers of conjugated polymers having differing solubility characteristics. Embodiments of the invention are described further herein.
US09017761B2	Low cost, high density C-C composites densified by CVD/CVI for aircraft friction materials Carbon-carbon composites made by needling together woven or nonwoven fabric made from carbon-containing fibers followed by carbonizing the fabric preforms are described. The carbon fiber preforms can be needled either in a carbonized or in an uncarbonized state. The uncarbonized fiber preforms would go through a carbonization/heat-treat step following the needling process. Final preform thickness and fiber volume is also controlled at carbonization, for instance by varying the level of pressure applied to the preforms during carbonization. For example, the preforms may be unconstrained during carbonization (i.e., no pressure is applied to them) or the preforms may be constrained during carbonization, typically by means for applying pressure (e.g., weight placed on top of the preforms). The preforms are then infiltrated via CVD/CVI processing in order to increase their density, resulting in a carbon-carbon composite which is suitable for use as, for instance, a brake disc or pad in aircraft and automotive brake systems.
US09017757B2	Hydrogen separation membrane with a carrier, fuel cell and hydrogen separation apparatus having same, and method of manufacturing same A method of manufacturing a hydrogen separation membrane with a carrier is characterized by including a first step of providing, between the hydrogen separation membrane and the carrier that supports the hydrogen separation membrane, a low-hardness metal membrane having a hardness that is lower than the hardness of the hydrogen separation membrane, and a second step of joining the hydrogen separation membrane, the low-hardness metal membrane, and the carrier by a cold joining method. In this case, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the hydrogen separation membrane, the low-hardness metal membrane, and the carrier and, as a result, it is possible to prevent damaging of the hydrogen separation membrane. The adhesion of the contact between the hydrogen separation membrane and the carrier is also improved. The result is that it is not necessary to increase the severity of the cold joining conditions.
US09017755B1	Methods for making fruit or vegetable extract from by-products A process for making a fruit or vegetable extract including diffusing, screening, and pressing the pomace, and spinning, filtering and concentrating juice from the pomace to form an extract. Also, the pomace may be hydrated at various points during this process by water or by reclaimed condenser condensate. Also included is an extract made using the present inventive methods.
US09017754B2	Method for producing hen egg The object of the invention is to enable production of high quality eggs in poultry and to provide a method for improving productivity thereof. The invention provides a method for producing a hen egg having improved quality and productivity, the method characterized in having a step for feeding a hen on supplemented feed obtained by adding to poultry feed an immunostimulating substance produced by cytolysis that accompanies sporulation of MRE symbiotic bacteria and/or on supplemented drinking water obtained by adding the immunostimulating substance to drinking water, wherein the immunostimulating substance is obtained by culturing the MRE symbiotic bacteria, leaving the resulting culture fluid in a depleted state to thereby cause the symbiotic bacteria to convert to endospores, and removing impurities including the endosporic symbiotic bacteria from the culture fluid.
US09017753B2	Oil or fat composition containing diglycerides Provided is an oil or fat composition rich in diacylglycerol, including a high content of oleic acid in a constituent fatty acid thereof and having a good appearance at normal temperature. Specifically, the oil or fat composition satisfies the following items (1) to (4): (1) the oil or fat composition includes diacylglycerol in an amount of 20 mass % or more; (2) constituent fatty acids of the diacylglycerol include oleic acid in an amount of 30 mass % or more; (3) the mass ratio of the content of (B) 1,3-dipalmitin diacylglycerol to the content of (A) 1,2-dipalmitin diacylglycerol, [(B)/(A)], in the diacylglycerol is 1.45 or less; and (4) the mass ratio of the content of (D) 1,3-diacylglycerol to the content of (C) 1,2-diacylglycerol, [(D)/(C)], in the diacylglycerol is 1.2 or more.
US09017747B2	Glutamic acid containing seasoning and method for producing the same Provided are a seasoning that contains deep and rich flavor of ingredients mainly composed of a large amount of glutamic acid, and a method for producing the seasoning. The glutamic acid content in a glutamic acid containing seasoning liquid thus produced is not lowered even after long-term storage thereof. Herein, a protein raw material such as wheat gluten, defatted soybeans, and an extracted residue of dried and fermented fish shavings is enzymatically decomposed by the liquid koji. In that step, a zinc containing compound or zinc yeast is added to the mixture of the raw materials such that the zinc concentration is set in the range from 5 ppm or more to 700 ppm or less as a conversion amount of pure zinc. This procedure facilitates the enzymatic decomposition to produce an excellently flavored seasoning liquid or powder including a large amount of glutamic acid.
US09017744B2	Method of using isomaltulose to suppress blood glucose level increase A method for reducing blood glucose level increase is provided that includes: providing a reducer of blood glucose level increase, wherein the reducer comprises isomaltulose; having an individual ingest the reducer; and having the individual consume a carbohydrate having an α-1,6-glucosyl bond ratio of from 0% to less than 50% relative to the total bonds among constituent saccharides, wherein the reducer is ingested before or after or simultaneously with consuming the carbohydrate, and wherein the reducer reduces an increase in the individual's blood glucose level caused by consuming the carbohydrate. The reducer of blood glucose level increase includes isomaltulose (PALATINOSE™) as an active ingredient so that when the reducer is ingested and a carbohydrate having an α-1,6-glucosyl bond ratio of from 0% to less than 50% relative to the total bonds among constituent saccharides is consumed, an increase in blood glucose level caused by ingesting the carbohydrate is reduced.
US09017735B2	Modulation of KCNQ potassium channel activity for treatment of psychiatric disorders and the symptoms thereof Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating a psychiatric disorder or symptoms thereof in a patient. The compositions comprise a compound that modulates KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channel activity and the methods include administering an effective amount of the compound that modulates KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channel activity.
US09017734B2	Pesticidal composition comprising sulphur, an insecticide and an agrochemical excipient The present invention relates to an pesticidal composition comprising an effective amount of a sulphur; an effective amount of at least one insecticide selected from the group consisting of cartap fipronil, pirimicarb, buprofezine, thiachloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, diafenthiuron, novaluron, flubendiamide, spirotetramat, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid or salts thereof, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.
US09017731B2	Composition comprising a mixture of dextro- and levo-amphetamines complexed with ion-exchange resin particles to form drug resin particles The invention relates to dosage forms that provide prolonged therapy. In particular, the invention relates to dosage forms including various pluralities of drug-containing resin particles. In a particular embodiment, the drug dosage form comprises a mixture of dextro- and levo-amphetamines complexed with ion-exchange resin particles to form drug resin particles. The invention also relates to methods of making these dosage forms and methods of treating using these dosage forms.
US09017724B2	Catalytic radiofluorination One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing radiofluorinated substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and alkenyl compounds. In a preferred embodiment, potassium fluoride-18 is used. Another aspect of the invention relates to piperazine compounds containing fluorine-18 that are useful as imaging agents. In certain embodiments, the piperazine compounds contain a quaternary amine. Another aspect of the invention relates to arylphosphonium compounds containing fluorine-18 that are useful as imaging agents. In certain embodiments, the phosphonium compound is a tetraaryl phosphonium salt. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of obtaining a positron emission image of a mammal, comprising the steps of administering to a mammal a compound of the invention, and acquiring a positron emission spectrum of the mammal.
US09017721B2	Formulation of diclofenac The present invention relates to methods for producing particles of diclofenac using dry milling processes as well as compositions comprising diclofenac, medicaments produced using diclofenac in particulate form and/or compositions, and to methods of treatment of an animal, including man, using a therapeutically effective amount of diclofenac administered by way of said medicaments.
US09017720B2	Polysaccharide capsules and method of preparation The present invention is directed to seamless capsules and methods for making seamless capsules having a high oil content as described herein. More specifically, the present invention is directed to seamless capsules, and methods for making seamless capsules, made from a process involving the steps of: (a) preparing an emulsion comprising oil, water, an emulsifier, and at least one of a water-soluble monovalent metal salt, polyvalent metal salt, and an acid, wherein said oil is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of said emulsion; with the proviso that said emulsion does not contain marmelo mucilage; and (b) adding portions of said emulsion to an aqueous gelling bath comprised of at least one ionic polysaccharide thereby encapsulating said portions of said emulsion in a polysaccharide gel membrane, and optionally (c) drying the resulting capsules by removing water.Improved methods are described for preparing seamless capsules comprising oil and water emulsions containing high concentrations of oil, where the emulsions are suitable for encapsulation into capsules of a polysaccharide gel. Of particular interest are emulsions of oil and water, where the oil is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the emulsion and the capsule is, for example, an alginate gel. Oils that are a pharmaceutical active agent, a nutritional supplement or a food; or oils that act as a carrier therefore, are also of particular interest. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the emulsion may contain further solid or liquid or gaseous components and be mixed to a dispersion before the encapsulation. The capsules of the invention are suitable for a variety of applications, e.g., pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, veterinary, agricultural, cosmetic, or food applications.
US09017717B2	Bandage for facilitating transdermal respiration and healing A bandage includes a reservoir filled with a perfluorochemical fluid, saturated with oxygen. Oxygen passes through a permeable membrane to the skin or wound to promote healing, and carbon dioxide travels from the skin or wound to the reservoir.
US09017715B2	Prevention of molecular weight reduction of the polymer, impurity formation and gelling in polymer compositions Polymer and drug containing compositions and method of preparing such compositions are disclosed. The dispersed phase formulation has a polymer, a pharmaceutically or biologically active agent and a small fraction of low pKa acid additive. Stable, filter sterilizable, non-gelling solutions containing GnRH analogs at least at levels typically used in sustained release formulations and a method of increasing solubility of a high level of a GnRH analog or a freeze-dried antgonist of GnRH in a polymer containing solution are also disclosed. The amount of the acid additive in the polymer solution is such that it is sufficient to increase the solubility of the high level of the GnRH analog in the polymer solution without affecting the release characteristics of the microspheres prepared therefrom.
US09017714B2	Nerve regeneration-inducing tube A nerve regeneration-inducing tube is provided which is excellent in cell growth property, resistance to pressure, shape recovery property, and anti-kink property in a nerve regeneration-inducing tube where a collagen solution is applied on the outer surface of a tubular body woven with ultrafine fiber comprising biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymer while collagen is filled in the inner area of the tubular body. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube has a degradation speed which is adjusted so as to make it suitable for the connection of nerve gaps of more than 40 mm. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube includes collagen coated on the outer surface of a tubular body woven with fiber bundles where plural ultrafine fibers comprising a biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymer are bundled. The tubular body mostly comprises a first polymer which is biodegradable and bioabsorbable and a second polymer which has higher biodegradability and bioabsorbability than those of the first polymer.
US09017712B2	Filler composition for tissue reinforcement The present invention relates to a filler composition for tissue reinforcement, including hyaluronic acid and alkylene diamine crosslinked hydrogel. The filler composition exhibits the positive physical properties required for tissue reinforcement, such as biocompatibility and swelling ability, as well as useful effects in that the same can remain in vivo for a long time.
US09017711B2	Soft tissue wrap Compositions and methods for treating and healing injured soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments are provided. The composition may be a wrap comprising human collagen in the form of a sheet. The human collagen has been processed so that is retains proteins that are associated with it in its natural state. The sheet may optionally be coated on one or more sides with one or more of additional human collagen, therapeutic agents, additional soft tissue growth factors or hydroxyapatite.
US09017705B2	Cosmetic method using a composition containing siloxane resins and a non-volatile oil The invention relates to a cosmetic method for making-up and/or caring for keratin materials, in particular the skin, whereby a cosmetic composition is applied to the keratin materials, said cosmetic composition taking the form of an emulsion and comprising siloxane resins and a non-volatile hydrocarbon oil. In particular, the invention relates to compositions used to care for or make-up the aforementioned keratin materials.
US09017700B2	Production of a viable, storable worm egg suspension The present application describes a novel, advantageous purification method which guarantees the embryonation capability and the viability of a worm egg suspension. The T. suis worm eggs are first treated in a non-embryonated condition in a sulfuric acid solution at about =ph 2. Bacteria and viruses are thereby killed successfully. The germination number of yeasts and fungi is reduced. In a second step, the pH-value is increased and an orally tolerated preservative is added. Yeasts and fungi are thereby killed successfully. The suspension medium used in the second purification step can then be used as a culture medium for additional production (embryonation) and storage.
US09017699B2	Adjuvancy and immune potentiating properties of natural products of Onchocerca volvulus The present invention relates to a method for potentiating a specific immune response to an antigen in a mammal in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of Ov-ASP, or at least one subunit of Ov-ASP, and an antigenic moiety.
US09017693B2	Apoptotically active peptides Specific amino acid sequences and peptides and/or peptide mimetics deducted therefrom influencing apoptosis, and the use thereof for the production of pharmaceuticals as diagnostic tools are shown.
US09017690B2	Epitopes related to coeliac disease The invention herein disclosed is related to epitopes useful in methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing coeliac disease. Therapeutic compositions which comprise at least one epitope are provided.
US09017689B2	Peptides for vaccine against birch allergy The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides for preventing or treating allergy to birch, and in particular to optimal combinations of peptides for preventing or treating said allergy.
US09017686B2	Multispecific antibodies The invention provides multispecific antibodies and methods of making and using such antibodies.
US09017682B2	Treatment of neuroinflammatory conditions using antibodies directed against MCAM Methods, uses, agents and compositions useful for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis, and for the identification and selection of inflammatory cytokine-secreting T cell or a precursor thereof, based on the expression and/or modulation of melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) are disclosed.
US09017681B2	Adenylyl cyclases as novel targets for antibactrial interventions The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating a disease caused by bacterial infection by administering an effective amount of a modulator of bacterial adenylyl cyclase. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions useful for preventing or treating a disease, with the compositions containing a therapeutically effective amount of a modulator of bacterial adenylyl cyclase. The invention also provides screening methods for identifying selective modulators of bacterial adenylyl cyclase that do not substantially modulate adenylyl cyclase of the subject. The invention also provides methods for culturing bacterial pathogens and methods for inducing the pathogenic state in vitro.
US09017679B2	Immunomodulating tumor necrosis factor receptor 25 (TNFR25) agonists, antagonists, and immunotoxins Compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents can either stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system or have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein are capable of inhibiting CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation.
US09017678B1	Method of treating rheumatoid arthritis using antibody to IL6R The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09017676B2	Destruction of tumor cells by trifunctional bispecific antibodies with low to medium expression levels of tumor-associated target antigens The use of trifunctional bispecific antibodies for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prophylaxis and treatment of tumor diseases is provided. Trifunctional bispecific antibodies bind to tumor-associated antigens including Her2/neu, CD20, EpCAM, G250, proteoglycans, GD3. GD2, MHC II, EGF-R and CEA expressed on tumor cells at low to medium expression levels. Also provided are methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of tumor diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a trifunctional bispecific antibody to a patient in need thereof.
US09017675B2	Humanized and chimeric monoclonal antibodies to CD47 Humanized or chimeric anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies are provided. The antibodies bind to and neutralize human CD47, and find use in various therapeutic methods. Preferred are non-activating antibodies. Embodiments of the invention include isolated antibodies and derivatives and fragments thereof, pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more of the humanized or chimeric anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies; and cell lines that produce these monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are amino acid sequences of the antibodies.
US09017674B2	Antibodies to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor The current invention relates to high-affinity antibodies to Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to a human to treat diseases and method of using such antibodies.
US09017672B2	Hexon Tat-PTD modified adenovirus and uses thereof The invention provides a hexon Tat-PTD modified adenovirus, a gene delivery vector based on the modified adenovirus that enhances gene delivery efficiency, and an oncolytic agent based on the modified adenovirus that enhances tumor cell killing efficiency and improves therapeutic outcome.
US09017670B2	Anti-Tie2 antibodies and uses thereof The present invention provides antibodies that bind to Tie2 and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human Tie2 and block the interaction between Tie2 and one or more Tie2 ligands such as angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), angiopoietin 3 (Ang3) and/or angiopoietin 4 (Ang4). The antibodies of the invention are useful, inter alia, for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with one or more Tie2 biological activities including angiogenesis.
US09017666B2	Broccoli based nutritional supplements A nutritional supplement is provided containing two broccoli based components that are combined and, when ingested, react in the intestines to provide sulforaphane. Processes for producing the broccoli components of the nutritional supplement are also provided. The broccoli components are treated separately using supercritical fluid extraction to remove oils. The temperature and pressure of the supercritical extraction processes are controlled to provide broccoli components having the desired properties for the nutritional supplement.
US09017664B2	Gelatin-transglutaminase hemostatic dressings and sealants An adhesive material for medical use comprising gelatin and a non-toxic cross-linking material such as transglutaminase. An optional embodiment of the invention includes dressings in which a layer of a transglutaminase is sandwiched between a first and second layer of gelatin. The hemostatic products are useful for the treatment of wounded tissue.
US09017661B2	Cardiac repair by reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes The present invention involves the use of transcription factors including Tbx5, Mef2C, Hand2, myocardin and Gata4 to reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.
US09017658B2	Cardiac tissue repair by mitotically inactivated pluripotent and/or embryonic stem cells The present invention is directed to the use of mitotically and/or lethally inactivated stem cells for the repair of damaged organs and/or tissues. Stem cells are mitotically and/or lethally inactivated and transplanted into damaged tissue. Any form of ex vivo inactivation of stem cells may be used such that the stem cells cannot undergo mitosis or cell division before in vivo application. Mitotically and/or lethally inactivated stem may be used to ameliorate numerous disease, injury, traumatic, ischemic, aging, and/or degenerative conditions in different types of organs and/or tissues.
US09017653B2	Nitric oxide-releasing compositions and methods The invention relates to nitric oxide-releasing compositions comprising polyacrylonitrile polymers that are diazeniumdiolated, and to medical devices comprising such compositions, as well as to methods of making and using the compositions and medical devices.
US09017648B2	Cosmetic composition comprising a supramolecular compound capable of establishing hydrogen bonds, and a particular additional ingredient The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, (i) a supramolecular compound that may be obtained by reaction between: —at least one oil bearing at least one nucleophilic reactive function chosen from OH and NH2, and —at least one junction group capable of establishing hydrogen bonds with one or more partner junction groups, each pairing of a junction group involving at least three hydrogen bonds, the said junction group bearing at least one isocyanate or imidazole reactive function capable of reacting with the reactive function borne by the oil, the said junction group also comprising at least one unit of formula (I) or (II): (ii) and at least one additional ingredient preferably chosen from: —silicone elastomers, —polyesters that may be obtained by reacting: a tetraol containing from 4 to 10 carbon atoms; a saturated, linear or branched monocarboxylic acid containing from 9 to 23 carbon atoms; a cyclic dicarboxylic acid containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; and an aromatic monocarboxylic acid containing from 7 to 11 carbon atoms, —film-forming agents chosen from silicone resins and film-forming polymers, preferably chosen from the group comprising: a film-forming block ethylenic copolymer, a vinyl polymer comprising at least one carbosiloxane dendrimer-based unit, a dispersion of acrylic or vinyl radical homopolymer or copolymer particles dispersed in the said liquid fatty phase, —structuring agents chosen from semicrystalline polymers and thickeners comprising at least one group and preferably at least two groups capable of establishing hydrogen interactions, chosen from: polymeric thickeners, and organogelling agents. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment process comprising the application of the said composition.
US09017644B2	Methods of treating autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory disorders The present invention relates to dendrimer compositions configured for treating inflammatory disorders and autoimmune disorders, and related methods of synthesis. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for treating rheumatoid arthritis with PAMAM dendrimers having functional ligands configured for treating rheumatoid arthritis (e.g., therapeutic agents, pro-drugs, targeting agents, trigger agents, imaging agents) (e.g., methotrexate).
US09017642B2	Oxygen removal A process for reducing free oxygen in a hydrocarbon gas stream comprises the steps of (i) forming a gas mixture containing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon, (ii) mixing the hydrogen gas mixture with a gaseous hydrocarbon stream containing free oxygen, and (iii) passing the resulting hydrocarbon gas mixture over a conversion catalyst that converts at least a portion of the free oxygen present in the gaseous hydrocarbon to steam.
US09017638B2	Graphene prepared by using edge functionalization of graphite Disclosed is a method for producing graphene functionalized at its edge positions of graphite. Organic material having one or more functional groups is reacted with graphite in reaction medium comprising methanesulfonic acid and phosphorus pentoxide, or in reaction medium comprising trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, to produce graphene having organic material fuctionalized at edges. And then, high purity and large scaled graphene and film can be obtained by dispersing, centrifugal separating the functionalized graphene in a solvent and reducing, in particular heat treating the graphene. According to the present invention graphene can be produced inexpensively in a large amount with a minimum loss of graphite. (FIG. 1)
US09017635B2	Continuous manufacturing apparatus and method for carbon nanotubes having gas separation units The present invention relates to a continuous manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube having gas separation units and a continuous manufacturing method for a carbon nanotube using the same. According to the present invention, the present invention has an effect to provide the continuous manufacturing apparatus of the carbon nanotube and continuous manufacturing method using the same, in which it makes possible to perform a rapid processing; has excellent productivity and excellent conversion rate of carbon source; can significantly reduce the cost of production; can reduce energy consumption because a reactor size can be decreased as compared with capacity; and a gas separation unit that not generate a waste gas.
US09017634B2	In-line manufacture of carbon nanotubes Mass production of carbon nanotubes (CNT) are facilitated by methods and apparatus disclosed herein. Advantageously, the methods and apparatus make use of a single production unit, and therefore provide for uninterrupted progress in a fabrication process. Embodiments of control systems for a variety of CNT production apparatus are included.
US09017630B2	Method for producing hydridosilanes The invention relates to a method for producing hydridosilanes from halosilanes by a) reacting i) at least one halosilane of the generic formula SinX2n+2 (with n≧3 and X═F, Cl, Br and/or I) with ii) at least one catalyst of the generic formula NRR'aR″bYc with a=0 or 1, b=0 or 1, and c=0 or 1, and formula (I), wherein aa) R, R′ and/or R″ are —C1-C12 alkyl, —C1-C12 aryl, —C1-C12 aralkyl, —C1-C12 aminoalkyl, —C1-C12 aminoaryl, —C1-C12 aminoaralkyl, and/or two or three groups R, R′ and R″ (if c=0) together form a cyclic or bicyclic, heteroaliphatic or heteroaromatic system including N, with the proviso that at least one group R, R′ or R″ is unequal —CH3 and/or wherein bb) R and R′ and/or R″' (if c=1) are —C1-C12 alkylene, —C1-C12 arylene, —C1-C12 aralkylene, —C1-C12 heteroalkylene, —C1-C12 heteroarylene, —C1-C12 heteroaralkylene and/or —N═, or cc) (if a=b=c=0) R═≡C-R′″ (with R′″═—C1-C10 alkyl, —C1-C10 aryl and/or —C1-C10 aralkyl), while forming a mixture comprising at least one halosilane of the generic formula SimX2m+2 (with m>n and X═F, Cl, Br and/or I) and SiX4 (with X═F, Cl, Br and/or I), and b) hydrogenating the at least one halosilane of the generic formula SimH2m+2 while forming a hydridosilane of the generic formula SimH2m+2. The invention also relates to the hydridosilanes producible according to said method and to their use.
US09017625B2	Upgrading of titaniferous material A method of upgrading a titaniferous material includes nitriding and reducing a titaniferous material which includes TiO2 and Fe oxides in the presence of nitrogen and carbon to convert the TiO2 to TiN and to reduce most of the Fe oxides to Fe. The Fe is oxidized in preference to the TiN to form Fe2+ ions, whereafter the Fe2+ ions are removed to produce an upgraded low-Fe TiN bearing material.
US09017624B2	Continuous process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons A method comprising: providing an alkyl halide stream; contacting at least some of the alkyl halides with a coupling catalyst to form a product stream comprising higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen halide; contacting the product stream with a solid reactant to remove at least a portion of the hydrogen halide from the product stream; and reacting the solid reactant with a source of oxygen to generate a corresponding halogen.
US09017615B2	Electrically heated catalyst Electricity is suppressed from flowing to a case (4) of an electrically heated catalyst (1). Provision is made for a heat generation element (2) to be electrically energized to generate heat, the case (4) in which the heat generation element (2) is contained, a mat (5) arranged between the heat generation element (2) and the case (4), an electrode (6) connected to the heat generation element (2) from outside of the case (4), an insulation part (7) to plug a gap between the case (4) and the electrode (6), an electrode chamber (8) which is a space formed around the electrode (6) at an inner side of the case (4) and at an outer side of the heat generation element (2), and which is formed by providing a gap between the electrode (6) and the mat (5), and a circulation passage (9) which is provided with two opening portions (91) either at an upstream side or at a downstream side of the heat generation element (2), and which is connected from one of the opening portions (91) to the other of the opening portions (91) while passing through around said electrode (6).
US09017614B2	Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine In an internal combustion engine, inside of an engine exhaust passage, an NOx adsorption part and an NOx purification part are arranged. The NOx purification part has the property of reducing NOx which is contained in exhaust gas if the concentration of hydrocarbons is made to vibrate by within a predetermined range of amplitude and within a predetermined range of period. When NOx is to be desorbed from the NOx adsorption part, the current NOx which is contained in the exhaust gas and the NOx which is desorbed from the NOx adsorption part are reduced by making the concentration of hydrocarbons of the NOx purification part vibrate by the amplitude and period which are set for the current engine operating state, at least of which (ΔT·k) has been corrected so that the amount of hydrocarbons becomes greater.
US09017611B2	Biochip A biochip including a chip body, a first electrode and a second electrode is provided. The body has a first accommodating cavity, a second accommodating cavity and a micro-fluid channel. The micro-fluid channel is connected with the first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity. The first electrode has a first end and a second end. The first end is used for contacting a first probe of a detection apparatus. The second end is positioned in the first accommodating cavity. The second electrode has a third end and a forth end. The third end is used for contacting a second probe of the detection apparatus. The forth end is positioned in the second accommodating cavity.
US09017607B2	Decontamination system including environmental control using a decontaminating substance A system for decontaminating a medical device includes a decontamination chamber configured to retain the medical device and a chemical dispersion assembly configured to deliver a decontaminating fluid to the decontamination chamber. A pressure control assembly is connected to the decontamination chamber and configured to control the pressure in the decontamination chamber. The system also includes a system controller configured to control the decontamination chamber, chemical dispersion assembly, and pressure control assembly. A pressure in the decontamination chamber is reduced to within a sub-atmospheric pressure range in a first evacuation step and add a decontaminating fluid into the decontamination chamber at a first rate while increasing the pressure in the decontamination chamber. Adding the decontaminating fluid increases a relative humidity in the decontamination chamber to a level that improves the efficacy of the decontaminating fluid.
US09017601B2	Iron-based sintered alloy, iron-based sintered-alloy member and production process for them An iron-based sintered alloy of the present invention is an iron-based sintered alloy, which is completed by sintering a powder compact made by press forming a raw material powder composed of Fe mainly, and is such that: when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass, carbon is 0.1-1.0% by mass; Mn is 0.01-1.5% by mass; the sum of the Mn and Si is 0.02-3.5% by mass; and the major balance is Fe. It was found out that, by means of an adequate amount of Mn and Si, iron-based sintered alloys are strengthened and additionally a good dimensional stability is demonstrated. As a result, it is possible to suppress or obsolete the employment of Cu or Ni, which has been believed to be essential virtually, the recyclability of iron-based sintered alloys can be enhanced, and further their cost reduction can be intended.
US09017600B2	Methods of forming molybdenum sputtering targets In various embodiments, planar sputtering targets are produced by forming a billet at least by pressing molybdenum powder in a mold and sintering the pressed powder, working the billet to form a worked billet, heat treating the worked billet, working the worked billet to form a final billet, and heat treating the final billet.
US09017596B2	Slag removal apparatus and method An apparatus (20, 21) and method (80) operable to: feed (82) a granulated feedstock (26) into a chamber (22); apply (84) a melting or sintering energy (28) in programmable scans (30) producing a material deposit (32) overlaid with slag (34) in the chamber (22); position (86) a slag removal device (40, 52) such that its cutting surface (35) is coincident with a top surface (33) of the material deposit; cut or break the slag free (88) from the material deposit with the slag removal device; separate (92) the removed slag from a reusable portion of the granulated feedstock in a separator (42); and feed (94) the reusable portion of the granulated feedstock to the top surface of the material deposit for repeating (96) the above operations.
US09017595B2	Cellular ceramics apparatus and methods of production Cellular ceramic materials, for example closed cell glass ceramic materials, for use in construction of buildings comprising a clay material, carbon, and water used to form the cellular ceramic blocks, slabs and beams by expansion of the particles inside the ware. The cellular ceramic materials are produced by first mixing the clay, carbon and about 40% to about 70% water by weight of the clay in the mixture, allowing the mixture to cure, drying the cured mixture, then firing the dried mixture at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to melt the surface of the mixture. The clay material can be, for example, surface clays, ball clays, kaolin, shale, fly ash and/or bentonite. In another embodiment a mixture of volcanic ash, carbon and water can be formed and layered with the mixture of clay, carbon and water. The cellular ceramic materials are, in most cases, impervious to liquid, are capable of supporting substantial loads in tension and compression without reinforcement, and require no additional insulating material. Such cellular ceramic material may also be used in the construction of buildings with a metal skeleton comprising metal bars forming a structure for supporting the cellular ceramic building material.
US09017591B2	Method for manufacturing seamless belt for electrophotography A method capable of efficiently manufacturing a high-quality seamless belt for electrophotography is provided. The method is a method for manufacturing a seamless belt for electrophotography including a base layer having a thermoplastic resin composition, and a surface layer, wherein the method includes: (1) forming an energy curable coated film having a glass transition temperature on an outer surface of a test tube-shaped preform including a thermoplastic resin; then blow molding the preform to obtain a blow bottle; (2) irradiating the blow bottle with an energy ray to cure the coated film to thereby form the surface layer; and (3) cutting out a seamless belt from the blow bottle obtained in (2) and having a surface layer.
US09017589B2	Method for printing of three-dimensional objects A method for forming three dimensional objects is disclosed. The method includes printing building material, layer by layer, to form a three dimensional object on a printing tray by moving a printing block that comprises a printing head, at least two curing sources and a leveler in forward and reverse passages. The printing is done by moving the printing block in a forward passage when the distance between the printing block and the printing tray is such that the leveler does not touch a layer being built, adjusting a height position of the printing tray relative to the printing block prior to printing a reverse passage and moving the printing block in the reverse passage, wherein during the reserve passage the leveler touches and levels the layer being built.
US09017586B2	Polymeric structures and method for making same Polymeric structures, methods for making same, fibrous structures comprising same and fibrous product incorporating same are provided.
US09017583B2	Photosensitive resin composition, and light blocking layer and liquid crystal display using the same A photosensitive resin composition includes (A) a photopolymerization initiator including a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein in Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is the same as defined in the detailed description, (B) a binder resin, (C) a photopolymerizable monomer, (D) a colorant, and (E) a solvent, and a light blocking layer and liquid crystal display (LCD) using the same.
US09017581B2	Compound semiconductors and their application Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxCo4Sb12-zSez, where 0
US09017580B2	Fiber reinforced polymeric composites with tailorable electrical resistivities and process for preparing the same The present invention relates to polymer composite materials, more particularly relates to composite materials with tailor made surface electrical resistivities in the range of 109 to 10−1 Ω/sq. and process of making the same. The process for preparing Fiber Reinforced Polymeric (FRP) Composite, said process comprising acts of homogeneously mixing 1-30% by weight of different electrically conducting fillers in matrix resin system to obtain resin mix; wetting dry preforms using the resin mix; compacting the wetted preforms to obtain green composite; curing the green composite; and post-curing the cured composite to prepare the FRP Composite.
US09017575B2	Phosphorescent phosphor and phosphorescent pigment An object of the present invention is to provide a phosphorescent phosphor having an excellent afterglow luminance after 10 to 12 hours after sunset under the outdoor excitation conditions. The phosphorescent phosphor is represented by the formula (Sr1-a-b-x-yMgaBabEuxDyy)Al2O4, wherein a satisfies a relation 0.02≦a≦0.1, b satisfies a relation 0.03≦b≦0.15, x satisfies a relation 0.001≦x≦0.04, y satisfies a relation 0.004≦y≦0.05, and (a+b) satisfies a relation 0.08≦(a+b)≦0.2. The phosphorescent phosphor has an excellent afterglow luminance after a long period of period of time in a manner most suitable for outdoor applications.
US09017568B2	Process for increasing the hydrophilicity of silicon surfaces following HF treatment A method for performing an oxide removal process is described. The method includes providing a substrate having an oxide layer, and preparing a patterned mask layer on the oxide layer, wherein the patterned mask layer has a pattern exposing at least a portion of the oxide layer. An HF treatment of the substrate is performed to transfer the pattern at least partially through the oxide layer, wherein the HF treatment exposes a silicon surface. Following the performing of the HF treatment, a surface property of the silicon surface is modified, wherein the modifying includes administering at least one oxidizing agent to contact the silicon surface to cause chemical oxidation of the silicon surface. And, following the modifying of the surface property, at least a portion of the patterned mask layer or a residual portion of the patterned mask layer is removed.
US09017566B2	Anti-glare surface treatment method and articles thereof A glass article including: at least one anti-glare surface having haze, distinctness-of-image, surface roughness, and uniformity properties, as defined herein. A method of making the glass article includes, for example: depositing deformable particles on at least a portion of a glass surface of the article; causing the deposited deformable particles on the surface to deform and adhere to the surface; and contacting the surface having the adhered particles with an etchant to form the anti-glare surface. A display system that incorporates the glass article, as defined herein, is also disclosed.
US09017555B2	Device for treatment of waste liquid A waste liquid treatment apparatus with enhanced treatment capacity for a pre-treatment facility of a liquid radwaste treatment system for a nuclear power plant. The waste liquid treatment apparatus includes: a water tank into which a waste liquid is introduced and from which filtered permeated water is discharged; a waste liquid introduction section through which waste liquid is introduced into the water tank; submerged membranes annularly disposed and spaced apart from each other for filtering foreign substances from the waste liquid; a permeated water suctioning section suctioning the filtered water of the waste liquid and discharging the filtered water outside the water tank; an air supplying section supplying compressed air to the submerged membranes to remove foreign substances; and a porous support plate supporting the submerged membranes.
US09017554B2	Handle for underdrain An underdrain block including a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls defining a hollow interior and having a longitudinal axis, wherein the sidewalls, top wall, or both comprise at least one external detail. A handle is detachably connected to the external detail for transportation and positioning of said underdrain block. The external detail may comprise one of a protrusion or a receptacle for receiving a protrusion and the handle may include the other of a protrusion or a receptacle for receiving a protrusion. Also, a method of installing an underdrain block lateral comprising at least one underdrain block including the steps of attaching a handle to external details on the underdrain block, lifting the underdrain block lateral by the handle, positioning the underdrain block lateral into the underdrain system, and detaching the handle from the external details of the underdrain block.
US09017552B2	Garden runoff treatment system A system for treating runoff water from a plastic container includes a tray having at least one drainage hole defined in a lower surface thereof. Remediation media is positioned within the tray for absorbing at least one nutrient from the runoff water. A container support member may be connected to the tray for supporting a number of potted plants above the space within the tray that is occupied by the remediation media.
US09017545B2	Process for hydrotreating inferior naphtha fraction Disclosed is a process for hydrotreating inferior naphtha fraction, comprising: (1) warming a recycle oil in a heating device; (2) mixing the inferior naphtha fraction with the recycle oil before and/or after the heating device; and (3) feeding the mixture of the inferior naphtha fraction and the recycle oil into a separating unit, wherein the gas-liquid separation is realized at least to obtain a gas phase and a liquid phase, wherein the gas phase comprises gasified inferior naphtha, wherein the gas phase enters a hydrotreating reactor to undergo hydrotreating, and wherein part of the liquid phase circulates to the heating device as the recycle oil; wherein warming of the recycle oil is controlled to ensure the temperature of gas phase from the separator at least reaches the inlet temperature of the hydrotreating reactor. Comparing with the prior art, the inventive process effectively solves the coking problem of the hydrogenating unit for inferior naphtha fraction.
US09017544B2	Determining blood glucose in a small volume sample receiving cavity and in a short time period The concentration of glucose in a blood sample is determined by methods utilizing test strips having a sample receiving cavity having a volume from about 0.3 μl to less than 1 μl and determining the glucose concentration within a time period from about 3.5 seconds to about 8 seconds.
US09017542B2	Process for recovering valuable metals from precious metal smelting slag The present invention provides a process for recovering valuable metals from precious metal smelting slag, comprising: smelting the precious metal smelting slag and a flux in a top-blown rotary furnace to produce a lead-bismuth alloy, wherein the precious metal smelting slag comprises Au, Ag, Bi and Pb; electrolyzing the lead-bismuth alloy at a current density ranging from 60 to 110 A/m2 to obtain lead cathode and lead anode slime; refining the lead anode slime to produce bismuth and silver-zinc crust, and extracting gold and silver separately from the silver-zinc crust. Through utilizing a top-blown rotary furnace as the smelting apparatus and adjusting the ratio of the flux, the present invention enriches the valuable metals gold, silver, bismuth, lead or the like to lead-bismuth alloy, ensures lower contents of gold, silver, bismuth and lead in the reducing slag and thereby increases the comprehensive recovery rates of gold, silver, bismuth and lead from the precious metal smelting slag.
US09017533B2	Apparatus for controlling radial distribution of plasma ion density and ion energy at a workpiece surface by multi-frequency RF impedance tuning In a physical vapor deposition plasma reactor, a multi-frequency impedance controller is coupled between RF ground and one of (a) the bias electrode, (b) the sputter target, the controller providing adjustable impedances at a first set of frequencies, said first set of frequencies including a first set of frequencies to be blocked and a first set of frequencies to be admitted. The first multi-frequency impedance controller includes a set of band pass filters connected in parallel and tuned to said first set of frequencies to be admitted, and a set of notch filters connected in series and tuned to said first set of frequencies to be blocked.
US09017532B2	Electroplating process, system and components thereof An electroplating system and components thereof facilitate an efficient electroplating process which in part reduces or eliminates the number of clips used on electroplating racks. Some electroplating racks may use skewers on which multiple plastic pieces are typically mounted. The plastic pieces may also be configured to be joined to form an assembly which is mounted on an electroplating rack. The configurations help reduce the time spent loading and unloading pieces on the racks.
US09017529B2	Electrolyzer apparatus and method of making it An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.
US09017528B2	Electro chemical deposition and replenishment apparatus A process electrolyte replenishment module adapted to replenish ions in a process electrolyte in a substrate electrochemical deposition apparatus having a first anode and a first cathode, the replenishment module having a second anode. A process electrolyte recirculation compartment is disposed in the frame configured so that the process electrolyte is recirculating between the replenishment module and the deposition apparatus. An anode compartment is coupled to the process electrolyte recirculation compartment having the second anode, that is a soluble anode, for immersion in a secondary anolyte, and having a first ion exchange membrane being a cationic member separating the secondary anolyte from the process electrolyte. A cathode compartment is provided in the frame coupled to the process electrolyte recirculation compartment having a second cathode for immersion in a secondary catholyte, and having a second ion exchange membrane being a monovalent selective membrane separating the secondary catholyte from the process electrolyte.
US09017522B2	Separation of components from a multi-component hydrocarbon stream which includes ethylene A process to separate a multi-component hydrocarbon stream which includes ethylene and other components with at least some of the components being present in a number of phases, is provided. The process includes in a first flash stage, flashing the multi-component hydrocarbon stream, from an elevated pressure and temperature to a pressure in the range of 10-18 bar(a), producing a first ethylene-containing vapor stream at a pressure in the range of 10-18 bar(a) and a multi-phase stream which includes some ethylene. In a second flash stage, the multi-phase stream is flashed to a pressure of less than 6 bar(a), producing a second vapor stream at a pressure of less than 6 bar(a) and a bottoms stream. The first ethylene-containing vapor stream is removed from the first flash stage, the second vapor stream is removed from the second flash stage and the bottoms stream is removed from the second flash stage.
US09017521B2	Process for heat treatment of biomass with a coolant solid A process for heat treatment of a solid, with a coolant solid, in which a stage for mixing the solid with the pre-heated coolant solid is carried out, with the coolant solid being a solid hydrocarbon. The solid hydrocarbon is ground, before the mixing stage with the solid, to obtain a solid hydrocarbon powder with a grain size of between 20 μm and 300 μm. The solid is ground, before the mixing stage with the coolant solid, to obtain solid pellets with a thickness of between 1 mm and 30 mm, a width of between 1 mm and 40 mm, and a length of between 1 mm and 100 mm. The mixing is carried out at a temperature of between 80° C. and 700° C.
US09017520B2	Paper coating or binding formulations and methods of making and using same Paper coating or binding formulations are provided that comprise aqueous copolymer emulsions including copolymers derived from one or more copolymerizable surfactants of formula I and one or more monomers. The paper coating or binding formulations can include one or more mineral fillers, coating pigments, or mixtures thereof, wherein the total weight concentration of the one or more mineral fillers, coating pigments, or mixtures thereof is 65% or higher, based on the total weight of the composition. Paper products coated with the paper coating or binding formulations, methods of making the paper coating or binding formulations, and methods of making the coated paper products are also disclosed.
US09017519B2	Process for the preparation of surface-treated calcium carbonate material and use of same in the control of organic material in an aqueous medium The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface-treated calcium carbonate, the use of this surface-treated calcium carbonate in a process for the control of organic material in an aqueous medium, as well as to a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and organic material, such as a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and to the use of such a composite.
US09017515B2	Web substrate having optimized emboss design The present disclosure provides for a fibrous structure having an initial total wet tensile strength of greater than about 118 g/cm and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments. Also, a fibrous structure having at least two plies is disclosed. One of the two plies has an initial total wet tensile strength of greater than about 118 g/cm and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments.
US09017513B2	Plasma monitoring probe assembly and processing chamber incorporating the same A plasma processing chamber is provided comprising one or more process gas inlets, one or more exhaust gas outlets, plasma generating hardware configured to generate a process gas plasma in a plasma processing portion of the plasma processing chamber, a wafer processing stage positioned in the plasma processing chamber, and a plasma monitoring probe assembly. The plasma monitoring probe assembly comprises an electrically conductive probe and an insulator sleeve assembly positioned about the electrically conductive probe. The insulator sleeve assembly comprises a plasma-side sleeve portion and a subterranean sleeve portion positioned about distinct portions of a longitudinal probe axis of the electrically conductive probe of the probe assembly. The plasma-side sleeve portion of the insulator sleeve assembly is constructed of material that is more resistant to plasma-based degradation than is the material of the subterranean sleeve portion of the insulator sleeve assembly, while the subterranean sleeve portion of the insulator sleeve assembly is constructed of material that is more electrically resistant than the material of the plasma-side sleeve portion of the insulator sleeve assembly.
US09017511B2	Aircraft protection device The invention relates to an aircraft protection device for protecting potentially exposed aircraft structures from direct impacts and a method of protecting an exposed edge of an aircraft component. The method includes the steps of winding filament around a foam core to create an impact protection device. A portion of the filament winding and foam core is removed from the impact protection device to create a receiving section whereby the receiving section is configured to correspond to and receive the exposed edge of the aircraft component. The impact protection device is secured to the exposed edge of the aircraft component such that the exposed edge is received in the receiving portion of the impact protection device.
US09017510B2	Method and apparatus for fabricating large scale integrated airfoils An airfoil is fabricated by assembling cured skins with spars having cured spar webs and uncured spar chords. The skins are bonded to the spars by curing the spar chords.
US09017509B2	Optical fibre fixed on substrates A method and apparatus are disclosed for the formation of optical fiber structures. An exemplary fiber laying head houses a source of optical fiber material to which an adhesive coating is applied prior to laying the adhesive-coated optical fiber material onto a substrate. The fiber laying head can also house a radiation source that generates a radiation beam to cure the adhesive in the adhesive-coated optical fiber material to form a bond between the adhesive-coated optical fiber material and the substrate.
US09017507B1	Method of manufacturing a composite shaft A composite shaft formed from a single flag of composite material having variable fiber orientation, and methods of forming said shaft, are disclosed herein. A preferred method includes preparing a sheet of prepreg material, dividing it into segments, deforming the segments, cutting a single flag and constructing a composite shaft from the single flag.
US09017506B2	Method for manufacturing core of rotating electrical machine A core of a rotating electrical machine is formed by laminating core plates, which are each formed by a plurality of core pieces. According to the method for manufacturing the core, a belt-like workpiece is first conveyed intermittently in its longitudinal direction. Then, while the workpiece is in a stopped state, side edges of a core piece are punched out. At a downstream position in the conveying direction of the workpiece, the remaining edges of the core piece are cut, so that the core piece is punched out. The punched out core pieces are lined up on a support. The core plate is thus formed, and the core pieces are laminated.
US09017498B2	Method for producing a fuel tank A method is provided for producing a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, with an insulation applied to an outer side of a fuel tank container by application of foam, wherein the fuel tank container is placed into a foam-encapsulating mold and at least partially encapsulated in the foam insulation, the foam-encapsulating mold forming a first mold half and the fuel tank container forming a second mold half.
US09017495B2	Methods of making smooth reinforced cementitious boards Methods and a reinforcement fabric are disclosed for making a reinforced smooth cementitious board having a cement skin adjacent to an outer face, by depositing a reinforcement fabric and a layer of hydraulic cementitious material, one on the other, wherein the reinforcement fabric comprises an open mesh united with a thin, porous nonwoven web.
US09017493B2	Method of manufacturing a sputtering target and sputtering target [Object] To provide a method of manufacturing a sputtering target and a sputtering target that are capable of achieving refinement and uniformity of crystal grains.[Solving Means] A method of manufacturing a sputtering target according to an embodiment of the present invention includes forging an ingot formed of metal by applying a stress in a first axis direction (z-axis direction) and a plane direction (xy-plane direction) orthogonal to the first axis direction. The ingot is additionally forged by applying a stress in a second axis direction (axial directions c11, c12, c21, c22) obliquely intersecting with a direction parallel to the first axis direction. The ingot is heat-treated at a temperature equal to or higher than a recrystallization temperature thereof. In such a manner, since slip deformation can be caused not only in the first axis direction and the plane direction orthogonal thereto but also in the second axis direction, the high density and uniformity of an internal stress can be achieved.
US09017492B2	Thin gauge steel sheet excellent in surface conditions, formability, and workability and method for producing the same The present invention provides ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet and a method for producing the same where coalescence and growth of inclusions in the molten steel are prevented and the inclusions are finely dispersed in the steel sheet, whereby surface defects and cracks at the time of press forming are prevented, growth of recrystallized grains at the time of continuous annealing is promoted, and a high r value (r value≧2.0) and elongation (total elongation≧50%) are exhibited, that is, ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet excellent in surface conditions, formability, and workability comprised of, by mass %, 0.00030.003%≦C≦0.003%, Si≦0.01%, Mn≦0.1%, P≦0.02%, S≦0.01%, 0.0005%≦N≦0.0025%, 0.01%≦acid soluble Ti≦0.07%, acid soluble Al≦0.003%, and 0.002%≦La+Ce+Nd≦0.02% and a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities, said steel sheet characterized by containing at least cerium oxysulfite, lanthanum oxysulfite, and neodymium oxysulfite.
US09017491B2	Hot-forged copper alloy part A hot-forged copper alloy part which has a tubular shape, in which an alloy composition contains 59.0 mass % to 84.0 mass % of Cu and 0.003 mass % to 0.3 mass % of Pb with a remainder of Zn and inevitable impurities, a content of Cu [Cu] mass % and a content of Pb [Pb] mass % have a relationship of 59≦([Cu]+0.5×[Pb])≦64, a shape of the forged part satisfies a formula of 0.4≦(average inner diameter)/(average outer diameter)≦0.92, 0.04≦(average thickness)/(average outer diameter)≦0.3, and 1≦(tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))≦10, a forging material which is to be hot-forged has a tubular shape and satisfies 0.3≦(average inner diameter/average outer diameter)≦0.88, 0.06≦(average thickness)/(average outer diameter)≦0.35, and 0.8≦(tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))≦12, and 0%≦(degree of uneven thickness)≦30%, 0≦(degree of uneven thickness)≦75×1/((tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))1/2 in any location in a tube axis direction.
US09017485B2	Ice dispensing and cleaning mechanism and process An ice dispensing system includes an ice hopper structure including a plurality of walls having inner surfaces that define an inner volume storing ice therein. The ice hopper may include a drain. A cleaning structure is coupled to the ice hopper structure. The cleaning structure includes a pump linked to a spray mechanism positioned within the inner volume of the ice hopper structure. The spray mechanism disperses a liquid on an inner surface of the ice hopper structure during a cleaning cycle of the ice dispensing mechanism.
US09017481B1	Process feed management for semiconductor substrate processing Embodiments related to managing the process feed conditions for a semiconductor process module are provided. In one example, a gas channel plate for a semiconductor process module is provided. The example gas channel plate includes a heat exchange surface including a plurality of heat exchange structures separated from one another by intervening gaps. The example gas channel plate also includes a heat exchange fluid director plate support surface for supporting a heat exchange fluid director plate above the plurality of heat exchange structures so that at least a portion of the plurality of heat exchange structures are spaced from the heat exchange fluid director plate.
US09017469B2	Spinning solution for industrial production of pure chitosan fiber and the method for fabricating the same It is an object of the present invention to provide a spinning solution for industrial production of pure chitosan fiber and the method for fabricating the same. The method comprises the steps of: step (a): screening a flake chitosan raw material and removing impurities; step (b): putting in a dissolving kettle the screened flake chitosan raw material with a weight which is 3%-8% of the total weight of the spinning solution, sealing the dissolving kettle, and evacuating into vacuum; step (c): adding 0.9%-6% acetic acid solution, and soaking at the room temperature for 40-60 minutes; step (d): uniformly stirring at a rate of 26-60 rpm for 7.5-19 hours under a pressure of ≦5000 pa in the dissolving kettle, standing for 1-3 hours, and obtaining a spinning solution. By using this method, it is possible to not only maintain the original state structure of the molecular chain of chitosan, but also fast and uniformly dissolve flake chitosan and the spinning solution fabricated by this method in unit time, so as to meet the requirements in the industrial continuous production.
US09017458B2	Method of concurrently filtering particles and collecting gases A system for concurrently filtering particles and collecting gases. Materials are be added (e.g., via coating the ceramic substrate, use of loose powder(s), or other means) to a HEPA filter (ceramic, metal, or otherwise) to collect gases (e.g., radioactive gases such as iodine). The gases could be radioactive, hazardous, or valuable gases.
US09017454B2	Method for removing SOx from gas using polyethylene glycol A method for removing SOx (x=2 and/or 3) from gas using a solution having polyethylene glycol as the main ingredient. First, SOx in the gas is absorbed by the solution of polyethylene glycol. Second, the solution of polyethylene glycol which has absorbed SOx is regenerated by one or more of the heating, vacuum, ultrasonic, microwave or radiation methods, thereby releasing the by-products of sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide. The regenerated solution of polyethylene glycol is recycled. When the water content of the regenerated solution of polyethylene glycol is high enough to affect the desulfurization, it needs to be removed. Removal methods include heating and rectification, absorption using a water absorbent, or a combination of these methods. The polyethylene glycol solution is recycled after dehydration.
US09017450B2	Nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.
US09017449B2	Nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.
US09017448B2	Composition for the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles in an ionic liquid and associated method The invention relates to a composition for synthesizing bimetallic nanoparticles, wherein the composition contains a first organometallic precursor and a second organometallic precursor having different decomposition rates and contained within an ionic liquid solution. The invention also relates to a method for synthesizing bimetallic nanoparticles, in which the composition is transformed under a hydrogen gas pressure between 0.1 and 10 MPa at a temperature between 0 and 150° C. until a suspension of bimetallic nanoparticles is obtained. The resulting nanoparticles are useful in diverse fields including the fields of catalysis and microelectronics.
US09017445B2	Highly aromatic compounds and polymers as precursors to carbon nanotube and metal nanoparticle compositions in shaped solids A method of making metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is disclosed. A mixture of a transition metal compound and an aromatic polymer, a precursor of an aromatic polymer, or an aromatic monomer is heated to form a metal nanoparticle composition, optionally containing carbon nanotubes.
US09017443B2	Phosphate fertilizers and methods of using the same A water-insoluble phosphate fertilizer, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The fertilizer may comprise at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium and magnesium and optionally at least one nutrient ion selected from the group consisting of potassium, ammonium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum or selenium. The fertilizer compounds are preferably water-insoluble, dilute acid-soluble, and free-flowing powders.
US09017441B1	Debris handling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner A dual storage dust collector for a vacuum cleaner has a hopper for receiving the dust from the vacuum and a dump tank for receiving the dust from the hopper. A valve between the hopper and the dump tank is operable whether or not the vacuum is running. Thus, whenever the valve is open, dust falls from the hopper into the dump tank and, whenever the valve is closed, the dump tank can be disconnected from the hopper and emptied without interruption of the vacuuming process. In another embodiment, the dump tank can be replaced by a disposable bag filled directly from the valve.
US09017439B2	Abrasive particles having particular shapes and methods of forming such particles An abrasive article includes a shaped abrasive particle including a body having a first height (h1) at a first end of the body defining a corner between an upper surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, and a second height (h2) at a second end of the body opposite the first end defining an edge between the upper surface and a third side surface, wherein the average difference in height between the first height and the second height is at least about 50 microns. The body also includes a bottom surface defining a bottom area (Ab) and a cross-sectional midpoint area (Am) defining an area of a plane perpendicular to the bottom area and extending through a midpoint of the particle, the body has an area ratio of bottom area to midpoint area (Ab/Am) of not greater than about 6.
US09017432B2	Process for demineralising coal A process for demineralizing coal includes the steps of forming a slurry of coal particles in an alkali solution, the slurry containing 10-30% by weight coal, maintaining the slurry at a temperature of 150-250° C. under a pressure sufficient to prevent boiling, separating the slurry into an alkalized coal and a spent alkali leachant, forming an acidified slurry of the alkalized coal, the acidified slurry having a pH of 0.5-1.5, separating the acidified slurry into a coal- containing fraction and a substantially liquid fraction, subjecting the coal-containing fraction to a washing step, particularly a hydrothermal washing step, in which the coal-containing fraction is mixed with water and a polar organic solvent or water and an organic acid to form a mixture and separating the coal from the mixture. The demineralized coal has an ash content of from 0.01-0.2% by weight and can be used a feed to a gas turbine.
US09017429B2	Fuel compositions Use in a gas oil fuel composition, which preferably comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, of a compound according to formula (I): wherein: R1 to R4 are each independently hydrogen or a C1-10 alkyl group, where such alkyl groups may be the same as or different from one another; and X is a nitrogen- or oxygen-containing group, for the purpose of reducing the cetane number of said fuel composition; preparation of such a fuel composition; and operating a fuel consuming system.
US09017425B2	Textile colouration A textile comprising a diacetylene compound which is capable of changing color when irradiated with light energy. Methods of imparting color to textiles comprising irradiating the textile with light energy are also provided.
US09017420B1	Inflatable interface for use between a limb liner and a limb prosthesis An interface for use between the socket of a prosthesis and a limb liner. The interface has a double-layered body having a bottom end and an open top end. A mounting pinhole can be formed through the bottom end so that a connector pin on the limb liner can extend through the interface and engage the prosthesis. Alternatively, the bottom end can be formed without a pinhole to accommodate a non-locking type liner. The interface has an interior layer, an exterior layer and an interposed gap space. A vent is provided for selectively controlling airflow into and out of the gap space. The gap space can be inflated in one of two ways. First, the gap space can be made self-inflating by placing open cell foam material into the gap space. Second, a manual pump can be attached to the interface that actively pumps air into the gap space.
US09017409B2	Spinal interbody spacer with semi-constrained screws An intervertebral implant system is disclosed which includes a spinal spacer for engagement between vertebrae and at least one semi-constrained bone screw assembly. The spinal spacer includes a body extending between first and second end surfaces to define opposing top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces. The second end surface of the body includes at least one aperture formed therethrough at an angle relative to the centerline axis and a screw opening defined therethrough. The semi-constrained bone screw assembly is adapted for insertion through the screw opening and includes a shank, a head and a rod member. The rod member is fixedly engageable with the shank and moveably coupled to the head such that both the rod member and the shank are moveable with respect to the head.
US09017401B2	Lens inserter apparatus and method A method for inserting a lens into a corneal pocket or flap includes providing a lens inserter device, opening a first leaf and a second leaf of the device, positioning a slot of each one of a first and a second lens shaped portion over a post on a packaging of the lens, positioning the lens between the first leaf and the second leaf, inserting the lens into the corneal pocket, and releasing the lens from the lens inserter device.
US09017400B2	Rapid exchange IOL insertion apparatus and methods of using A system for easily transferring an intraocular lens (IOL) from a lens case to an inserter, and then into a patient's eye. The lens case has a transfer mechanism therein which retains the IOL until engagement with the inserter. The transfer mechanism may include jaws having a closed configuration for retaining the IOL and an open configuration for releasing the IOL. Engagement of the inserter with the lens case automatically opens the jaws and transfers the IOL to the inserter. The IOL is transferred into a load chamber of a nosepiece rotatably coupled to a handpiece. After transfer of the IOL, the nosepiece is rotated from a load position to a delivery position. The IOL may have an optic and a haptic coupled to the optic, and the lens case may be capable of configuring the haptic as desired to facilitate its transfer into an inserter and/or into the eye. For instance, the lens case may fold one or both of the haptics over the optic. Preferably, the lens case maintains the haptic in this position during transfer of the intraocular lens into an inserter and/or inserter cartridge. A manifold for easily distributing a viscoelastic medium to the load chamber of the inserter is also provided.
US09017386B2	Iliac connectors A connector assembly comprising a connector, spinal rod receiver, a washer and a compression member is provided. The connector extends between a first end and a second end configured for coupling to a bone fastener. The first end of the connector contains an upper surface and a lower splined surface configured for mating with a lower splined surface of a washer disposed between the first end of the connector and the rod receiver. The rod receiver containing a receiver body coupled to a threaded shaft. The rod receiver is configured for receiving a spinal rod and is attachable to the first end of the connector for selectively adjusting the direction of at least a portion of a spinal rod. The compression member connects the receiver with the first end of the connector for securing the spinal rod into the receiver body. Methods of use are also disclosed.
US09017383B2	Unloading D-dynamic intervertebral device An unloading dynamic intervertebral device comprising a first bar and a second bar configured for providing an even, steady and adjustable decompression of the intervertebral interspinous space and for maintaining the distance between at least two vertebrae. The first bar may comprise a guideline with an elongated gap formed therein. The second bar may comprise a guide having at least one tang interposed within the elongated gap of the first bar, such that the first bar and the second bar are rotationally and slidably connected with each other about the tang. An end of the first bar and an opposing end of the second bar may comprise shaped bearings configured for bony elements of the spine. The first and second bar may be movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position.
US09017380B2	Surgical method, kit of parts, and implant A surgical method is provided, the method including the steps of: providing an artificial or allograft flexible planar structure; providing an implant, the implant including material liquefiable by mechanical oscillation, exposing a surface region of hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; positioning the implant on an exposed area of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; and fastening the implant to the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material by impinging the proximal end of the implant with mechanical oscillation and simultaneously pressing the implant against the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material while the distal end of the implant protrudes into a cavity of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material and regions of the liquefiable material are in contact with the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material, and thereby liquefying at least a portion of the liquefiable material, and letting the liquefiable material resolidify.
US09017379B2	Knotted suture end effector A suture including a knotted end effector is provided. The suture includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector formed from the body portion. The end effector includes first and second extensions which extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions when the end effector is in a permanent configuration. The extensions of the end effector extend substantially along the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in a temporary position. In embodiments, at least a portion of the end effector includes a shape memory material.
US09017378B2	Surgical thread comprising cells and method of manufacturing the thread A thread, in particular surgical thread includes a cell-retaining structure and cells and a method for manufacturing the thread.
US09017377B2	Occluder The invention relates to an occluder for closing a passage in a circulatory system comprising an expandable fixation unit for fixing the occluder on the passage, wherein the occluder can be transferred in the passage from a compact appearance into an expanded appearance. The occluder has a distal and a proximal axial part, in which the fixation unit is pivotally held. According to the invention, the fixation unit comprises distal fixation arms and proximal fixation arms, wherein the distal fixation arms are pivotally held in the distal axial part and the proximal fixation arms are pivotally held in the proximal axial part. The distal and the proximal fixation arms have free ends, which are interconnected by means of connecting members that can be moved relative to the fixation arms, wherein in each case a distal fixation arm is connected to a proximal fixation arm located diagonally opposed thereto. Said occluder is suited in particular for closing a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
US09017374B2	Device and method for sealing blood vessels The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for percutaneously sealing a puncture site in tissue tracts and vessels in human or animal bodies. One system includes a locating assembly that is used to locate the puncture site and can also provide temporary hemostasis when the system is used for closing a vessel puncture. The system also includes a compression assembly comprising a tubular member with a balloon on a distal end thereof. This balloon is at a fixed distance from the locator tip which locates the balloon outside the vessel wall at a predetermined distance. Inflation of this balloon causes forward elongation of the balloon which compresses subcutaneous tissue between the distal tip of the balloon and the vessel wall. This tissue compression against the puncture site is the mechanism that provides hemostasis.
US09017373B2	Septal closure devices A closure device for a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has proximal and distal occlusion members for applying compressive forces to tissue on opposite sides of septal defects to help close the defects. The devices are collapsible for delivery and deployment, and can be easily retrieved and redeployed or repositioned if needed.
US09017372B2	Blade deployment mechanisms for surgical forceps A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
US09017370B2	Vessel sealer and divider with captured cutting element The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members and a knife body. The first and second jaw members have a curved configuration and are disposed in opposed relation to each other. One or both of the jaw members include a ledge, a first knife channel and a second knife channel. The ledge is disposed along the length of one of the jaw members. The first knife channel is defined along the length of a portion of the ledge. The second knife channel is defined along the length of a portion of the jaw member, and below a bottom portion of the ledge such that the ledge covers a portion of the second knife channel. The knife body includes a knife blade at a distal end thereof and a recessed portion proximal to the knife blade.
US09017362B2	Occluding device An occluding device for occlusion within a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an expandable frame having an occluding portion disposed within a closure area of the frame. An anchoring component is attached to the frame to engage the body vessel. A coupling is attached to the frame for repositioning the device.
US09017361B2	Occlusive implant and methods for hollow anatomical structure Apparatus and methods for treating a hollow anatomical structure comprises an implant sized for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure. The implant comprises a plurality of loose, bulked fibers. The fibers are formed from one or more bioabsorbable materials. Upon implantation, the apparatus causes a partial occlusion of the hollow anatomical structure, followed by a complete or substantially complete occlusion.
US09017358B2	Endoscopic tools for the removal of balloon-like intragastric devices A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from a patient. The apparatus includes a delivery tube having a lumen and a retrieval tool able to slide within the lumen that can both puncture and grasp the intragastric balloon. The retrieval tool may have sharpened graspers with either a sharp tip and/or knife-like edges. Alternatively, the delivery tube itself may have sharpened cutting blades that deploy outward to puncture the intragastric balloon. One embodiment utilizes a suction cup tip on the delivery sheath and a sharpened puncture rod that extends past the distal tip of the lumen, for rapid deflation of a balloon. Various embodiments hasten the deflation process and simplify the manipulation required by the surgeon.
US09017355B2	Battery-powered hand-held ultrasonic surgical cautery cutting device A battery-powered, modular surgical device includes an electrically powered surgical instrument operable to surgically interface with human tissue and a handle assembly connected to the surgical instrument. The handle assembly has a removable hand grip and a handle body. The hand grip is shaped to permit handling of the surgical device by one hand of an operator, has an upper portion and a cordless internal battery assembly that powers the surgical instrument. The internal battery assembly has at least one energy storage cell. The handle body is operable to removably connect at least the upper portion of the hand grip thereto and create an aseptic seal around at least a portion of the hand grip when connected thereto and electrically couple the internal battery assembly of the hand grip to the surgical instrument and thereby power the surgical instrument for interfacing surgically with the human tissue.
US09017350B2	Expandable occlusive structure An apparatus for treating a hollow anatomical structure comprises an implant comprising a plurality of bioabsorbable fibers. The implant has a compressed state in which the implant can fit within a cylindrical tube having an inside diameter of 8 French or less. The implant is expandable from the compressed state to an expanded state in which the implant has sufficient size to span the inside diameter of a cylindrical tube having an inside diameter of 12 French or greater.
US09017349B2	Appendage clamp deployment assist device The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.
US09017346B2	Automated suture device A suture device including a hollow shaft; a pair of jaws disposed at an end of the hollow shaft, at least one of the jaws being actuated by an actuation arm coupled to an actuation mechanism, and each of the jaws including a channel formed therein for carrying a suture; a locking device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to grip an end of the suture; a cutting device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to cut an opposing end of the suture; and a heating device configured to remove the suture from the channels of the pair of jaws, and fuse the suture. The suture can include a core surrounded by an outer coating, wherein the outer coating has a melting point less than a melting point of the inner core.
US09017342B1	Hair threading system A Hair Threading Brace for the successful, sanitary operation of the Hair Threading procedure. The wearer of the threading brace can continue to offer the service of hair threading without requiring the wearer to either hold the thread in the mouth, a potentially unsanitary practice, or take the lengthy time to tie a loop around the neck. Additionally the wearer will be able to wind the thread around at least one bend on the device, which allows for the creation of a point of tension that can be used in the service of hair threading. The invention also calls for the addition of an optional wearers' mouth guard, which the wearer can choose to attach in order to protect both the wearer and the client from any debris that may be exhaled by the wearer, or caused by the threading technique, as is the case when the thread gently exfoliates skin off the client, into the air, by rubbing against its surface. The invention also covers an optional brace clasp, which when attached to the rear of the brace, specifically to two ear loops, creates a more secure brace for the wearer.
US09017341B2	Multi-piece dual-chamber leadless intra-cardiac medical device and method of implanting same A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) includes an electrode assembly configured to be anchored within a first wall portion of a first chamber of a heart. The electrode assembly includes an electrode main body having a first securing helix, an electrode wire segment extending from the body, and a first segment-terminating contact positioned on the electrode wire segment. The device further includes a housing assembly configured to be anchored within a second wall portion of a second chamber of the heart. The housing assembly includes a body having a second securing helix, a housing wire segment extending from the body, and a second segment-terminating contact positioned on the housing wire segment. The device also includes a connector block that electrically connects the electrode wire segment to the housing wire segment by retaining the first and second segment-terminating contacts.
US09017338B2	Surgical device for injecting cement in a bone cavity A surgical device and method for injecting cement in a bone cavity includes an elongated, hollow body to be inserted partially into the cavity. The body has an inner lumen with a distal opening to expel cement therefrom. An entry plug for the cement is connected to a cement pressurized supply. The entry plug is in fluid communication with the lumen to deliver cement through the entry plug, wherein the entry plug is movably mounted on the hollow body.
US09017336B2	Arthroplasty devices and related methods Arthroplasty jigs, arthroplasty jig blanks, and related methods and devices are disclosed. Some variations of the methods comprise forming an arthroplasty jig from a near-shape arthroplasty jig blank, where the near-shape arthroplasty jig blank has at least one feature specific to a target site to be matched by the arthroplasty jig. Certain of the methods comprise forming an arthroplasty jig having a first configuration from a near-shape arthroplasty jig blank having a second configuration approximating the first configuration. Some of the methods comprise forming a near-shape arthroplasty jig blank, where the near-shape arthroplasty jig blank is configured to be formed into an arthroplasty jig, and the near-shape arthroplasty jig blank has at least one feature specific to a target site to be matched by the arthroplasty jig.
US09017335B2	Hip implant registration in computer assisted surgery A computer assisted surgical navigation system and method is disclosed for registering the position of prosthetic hip joint components. Elements are applied to the pelvis and femur, generating a three-dimensional array. These two arrays combine to derive a reference point representing the native joint. A tracking device with a pre-determined shape and dimensions that precisely articulate with an acetabular cup component generates a third three-dimensional array. The device has a further shape and dimensions that independently articulate precisely with a neck portion of a femoral component, which represents a prosthetic joint center that is independently registered in the system. The tracking device concurrently registers the three dimensional positions of the femoral and acetabular prosthetic components, along with the prosthetic joint center and the native joint center, respectively enabling alterations in three dimensional location of the leg length and offset prior to reduction of the prosthetic joint.
US09017331B2	Bone staple, instrument and method of use and manufacturing A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.
US09017327B2	Medical instrument and method of performing a surgical procedure with the medical instrument A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends, an operating assembly at a proximal region of the frame, and a working assembly at a distal region of the frame. The working assembly has a cantilevered tip with a free end and is reconfigurable by an operator through the operating assembly by selectively reorienting the tip relative to: a) the frame; and b) a reference plane extending through the frame orthogonally to the central axis at a location on the frame spaced axially from the working assembly toward the operating assembly. The tip in one position projects in a first axial direction toward the reference plane. The working assembly has at least one cautery component that: a) contacts a human body part at the cutting location; and b) is operable to generate a current that dissects a contacted portion of the human body part.
US09017315B2	Device for processing eye tissue by means of femtosecond laser pulses For processing eye tissue (8) by means of femtosecond laser pulses, an ophthalmological device (1) includes a projection optical unit (2) for the focused projection of the femtosecond laser pulses into the eye tissue (8). Disposed upstream of the projection optical unit (2) is a first beam-deflecting scanner system (3) for scanning the eye tissue (8) with the femtosecond laser pulses along a processing line (s). A second beam-deflecting scanner system (5) is disposed upstream of the first scanner system (3) and is designed for scanning the eye tissue (8) with the femtosecond laser pulses on a scanning curve (f) superimposed on the processing line (s). The second scanner system (5) has a scanner speed that is a multiple of the scanning speed of the first scanner system (3), and comprises at least one deflection mirror, a first scanning axis (51) and a second scanning axis (52). A control module (8) controls the deflection of the femtosecond laser pulses about the first scanning axis (51) and the deflection of the femtosecond laser pulses about the second scanning axis (52) in accordance with a defined curve shape, a defined curve amplitude and a defined curve orientation of the scanning curve (f).
US09017313B2	Method and apparatus for computerized surgery An implant for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant may also include a wound disc replacement element. A method of performing spinal surgery on a patient comprises securely mounting a patient onto a patient support table; imaging a spinal region of the patient; building up a three-dimensional image file of the spinal region of the patient; storing the image file; and utilizing the image file for planning and carrying out computer controlled spinal surgery on the patient utilizing the implant. A computer-controlled surgical implant system comprises a steerable endosurgical implanting assembly operative to install the implant at a desired location in a patient; and a computerized controlled, which operates the steerable endosurgical implanting assembly.
US09017310B2	Transmucosal drug delivery device and method including microneedles Devices and methods for transmucosal drug delivery are provided. A device includes a housing configured for intralumenal deployment into a human or animal subject; a drug-dispensing portion which contains at least one drug; and a plurality of microneedles extending, or being extendable from, the housing, the plurality of microneedles being configured to disrupt at least one region of a mucosal barrier adjacent the housing at a selected time after being intralumenally deployed in the human or animal subject. The device is operable to dispense the drug from the housing to a region of the mucosal barrier disrupted by the plurality of microneedles.
US09017302B2	Thin film wound dressing A composite wound dressing and delivery apparatus includes a substantially transparent dressing layer having a lower surface that is coated with a pressure sensitive for applying the dressing layer over a wound to define a reservoir in which a negative pressure may be maintained. A substantially transparent backing layer adhered to the lower surface of the dressing layer in a releasable manner, and a vacuum port is centrally located on the dressing layer. The vacuum port is adapted to provide fluid communication between a vacuum source and the reservoir through the dressing layer. A targeting grid associated with either the dressing layer or the backing layer includes regularly spaced reference marks along at least two axes extending from the vacuum port.
US09017301B2	Transdermal drug delivery systems comprising a coated release liner The present invention refers to a transdermal delivery device comprising a backing layer, at least one adhesive layer, and a release liner coated with a UV-cured highly crosslinked silicone. The present invention also refers to a method of preparing a transdermal delivery device comprising a backing layer, at least one adhesive layer, and a release liner coated with a UV-cured silicone.
US09017293B2	Device for automatic injection of drug doses A device for the automatic injection of doses of a drug compound is described. The device has a sliding sheath which, when depressed with its front end against the injection site, interacts with cam means to activate triggering of a plunger, thus controlling delivery of a drug dose. Plunger guide means are provided for controlling the triggering sequence and means for arming the device in the dose delivery condition. Automatic needle re-sheathing and resetting of a lock-out condition after each dose is delivered are also provided.
US09017290B2	Catheter securement device A securement system (100) includes a device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. A securement system for an elongated medical article comprises an anchor pad (110) and a retainer (120) mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer (120) includes a channel (130) that has at least one abutment surface (160) corresponding to a contact surface on the medical article and a groove (210) configured to receive a spline (40) of the medical article. The medical article is placed into the channel (130). The medical article is secured within the channel by retaining at least one spline (40) and contact surface on the medical article.
US09017284B2	Method of implanting a PFO occluder in a patient Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (⅓ mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible.
US09017283B2	Magnetically guided catheter with concentric needle port A catheter adapted for ablation, mapping, injection, and directional control by an external magnetic system has a catheter body, an intermediate section, and a tip section having a tip electrode configured with an omnidirectional distal end and a concentric needle port. The tip electrode houses a magnetic device and a position sensor arranged in an integrated configuration, wherein the configuration facilitates a path in the tip section for a component, including an injection needle, to extend through the tip section for extension and retraction with reduced stress and friction. The integrated configuration is an efficient use of space in the tip electrode that allows the tip section to carry both the position sensor for determining location and orientation of the tip section and the necessary volume of magnetic or magnetizable material to accomplish magnetic navigation. The catheter also includes a very soft and flexible intermediate section and an even softer and more flexible distal transitional section carrying additional magnetic members to facilitate remote magnetic navigation.
US09017281B2	System having multiple pneumatically sealed trocars A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling configured and adapted to couple to a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid and a second coupling to couple to a secondary trocar assembly. A third coupling is provided to couple to a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings. Also provided is at least one valve member adapted and configured to be operable in at least first and second operating positions.
US09017273B2	Devices and methods for treating restless leg syndrome An exemplary system for generating a counter-stimulation in a patient suffering from RLS includes a device configured and arranged to generate a counter-stimulation in a patient suffering from RLS, the counter-stimulation of an amplitude, intensity, and time duration lower than that which would wake the patient and higher than that sufficient to relieve RLS, or sufficient to relieve RLS symptoms and allow the patient to return to sleep, a controller configured and arranged to drive the counter-stimulation generation device, the controller being in communication with the counter-stimulation device, and a base configured and arranged to hold the counter-stimulation generation device adjacent to a patient, the counter-stimulation device attached to the base. An exemplary method of treating RLS includes selecting a patient experiencing RLS, and stimulating a portion of the patient at an amplitude, intensity, and duration sufficient to act as a counter-stimulation to RLS.
US09017268B2	Medical guidewire Provided is a guidewire including a core shaft, an outer flexible tube, a stranded wire that extends parallel to the core shaft, and a hollow stranded-wire coil disposed in the outer flexible tube. The hollow stranded-wire coil is formed of multiple strands and surrounds the distal end portion of the core shaft and the stranded wire. Distal ends of the hollow stranded-wire coil, the core shaft, and the stranded wire are joined to a distal end of the outer flexible tube.
US09017262B2	Systems and methods for connection to a transducer in ultrasound probes Methods and systems for connection to a transducer in ultrasound probes are provided. One connection arrangement includes a connector having a transducer connection portion configured to couple to a transducer of an ultrasound probe and a scan head connection portion configured to extend from a scan head of the ultrasound probe containing the transducer. The transducer connection portion and the scan head connection portion being a single element.
US09017260B2	Sensor guided catheter navigation system A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures.
US09017259B2	Integrated sample acquisition and analyte measurement device A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.
US09017252B2	Access assembly with flexible cannulas An access assembly configured to receive one or more surgical instruments is provided. The access assembly includes a compressible port having a proximal end and a distal end, the port defining a plurality of longitudinal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end and a flexible cannula assembly received in each of the longitudinal passageway of the port. The cannula assemblies each including a seal configured to receive an instrument inserted therethrough in a sealing manner.
US09017249B2	Surgical access assembly and method of use therefor A surgical access assembly includes an access port and a seal anchor. The access port includes a proximal ring, an intermediate ring, a distal ring, and a sleeve defining a passage therethrough. In particular, the proximal, intermediate and distal rings are concentrically arranged with the passage of the sleeve, and the sleeve extends between the proximal and distal rings. The seal anchor is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the access port, and defines a lumen therethrough. At least one of the proximal, intermediate, and distal rings is configured and dimensioned to engage the seal anchor in a sealing relation therewith.
US09017246B2	Biliary catheter systems including stabilizing members Medical devices including devices and systems for endoscopic interventions that may access the biliary tree. An example biliary catheter system may include an endoscope having a working channel formed therein. An endoscopic instrument may be disposed in the channel. The endoscopic instrument may have a tool channel formed therein, a distal end, and a plurality of stabilizing members extending from the distal end. The plurality of stabilizing members may be configured to surround the ampulla of Vater during a biliary tract intervention.
US09017245B2	Penile implant Penile implant and system comprising such an implant. The penile implant comprises a number of features which improves the function of the penile implant, e.g. a certain surface structure and portions with specific functions.
US09017240B2	Transporting apparatus and sheet-processing machine with a transporting apparatus A transporting apparatus for transporting flat, sheet-like material through one or more processing stations of a sheet-processing machine includes at least one upper conveying apparatus and at least one lower conveying apparatus with conveying devices which are in contact with one another. The upper and lower conveying apparatuses are fastened in such a way that they can be altered freely in length. A sheet-processing machine with a transporting apparatus is also provided.
US09017239B2	Electrophotographic member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus An electrophotographic member whose performances are hardly changed even after a long-term use is provided. An electrophotographic member having a mandrel, an elastic layer and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer contains a titanium oxide film having chemical bonds represented by the following formula (1) and formula (2) is provided. O—Ti—O Formula (1) Ti—O—C Formula (2)
US09017235B2	Stretching and exercise device and method A stretching and exercise device has a first strap member having a pair of end portions, a second strap member having a pair of end portions, and a pair of resistance members connected between respective end portions of the first and second strap members. A third strap member has a pair of end portions attached to respective first and second surface portions of the second strap member. A fourth strap member is attached to a third surface portion of the second strap member different from the first and second surface portions thereof.
US09017233B2	Water resistance lower body reciprocating exerciser A lower body reciprocating exerciser includes a frame having two posts on two sides thereof. Two swing units are respectively connected to the two posts and an arm of each swing unit is connected with a cam of a transmission unit corresponding thereto. The cam is connected with a piston rod of a resistance unit corresponding thereto and the piston rod is connected with a piston located in a cylinder. An enclosed loop pipe is connected to outside of each of the cylinders and includes two sets of a check valve and an adjustable control valve. The loop pipe communicates with the space in the cylinder. The check valves and the adjustable control valves control the fluid in the cylinders to adjust the resistance force when the user swings the pedals and the arms, so that the user's bones and muscles of the lower body are exercised properly.
US09017231B2	Lower body muscle exercise device An exercise device comprises a plurality of parallel structures having adequate length or height to insert the active foot of an operator and further comprises foot support means interconnecting the plurality of parallel structures, means to secure weights, and means to add or subtract weights. The device may be constructed of rigid or flexible materials or a combination of rigid and flexible materials. The device may also comprise means to minimize swinging motion. An operator, having an active leg and foot, inserts an active foot within the space between parallel structures, engages the foot support means with an active foot to perform lower body muscle exercises, for example, the quadruped hip extension exercise for the benefit of the gluteus muscle group, leg extensions for the benefit of the vastus medialis muscle or leg contractions for the benefit of the posterior thigh muscle group.
US09017229B2	Basketball trainer for developing gripping strength and power A training device is disclosed, which includes a ball and an anchored connecting structure that is anchored to the ball. A distal portion of the anchored connecting structure is a connector, extending from a distal portion of the ball, that is capable of connecting with a motion resisting device. A proximate portion of the anchored connecting structure extends into an inner volume of the ball, whereby resistance is provided to twisting and pulling motions between the anchored connecting structure and the ball resulting from torsion and thrust loading during training.
US09017226B2	Attendant-assisting baby walker An attendant-assisting baby walker that allows an attendant to remain upright while comfortably helping a baby to practice walking is provided. The attendant-assisting baby walker includes an open-top body suit with attached right and left support straps. The body suit includes both a torso-encircling component and a crotch component. The crotch front and back attach at or near the lower front and lower back edges of the torso-encircling component, respectively. The torso-encircling component is configured with a zipper, allowing fast and easy placement and positioning of the baby. The support straps are preferably adjustable to accommodate attendants of varying heights. Optionally, the torso-encircling component is configured with a width-adjustment mechanism, such as one or more cinches to improve the fit.
US09017222B2	Machine for testing and training jumping and reaching ability A machine for testing and training jumping and reaching ability for use by athlete or by other people for recreation is disclosed having the following attributes: centrally balanced, light weight and portable, usable indoors or outdoors, resets to starting position after each use, signals contact by flashing light or sound, and has means of measuring the height reached by the extended hand.
US09017221B2	Delayed goal celebration A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The biometric monitoring device may track the completion progress towards one or more biometric performance goals and provide a goal celebration indicator upon completion of a biometric performance goal and subsequent receipt of an input signal. In some implementations, the completion of a biometric performance goal may be signaled prior to receipt of the input signal using a secondary indicator.
US09017217B2	Pilot downshifting system and method Methods and systems are provided for performing a multiple gear downshift of a transmission gear by transiently operating in an intermediate gear. In response to air mass flow not reaching a threshold for CAC self-cleansing for a set duration, the transmission gear may be downshifted from a higher gear to an intermediate gear, and then to a requested lower gear. Downshifting through an intermediate gear may also be controlled based on the gear shift request and maximum air mass flow levels for engine misfire.
US09017216B1	Engine ignition-transmission shift interlock A method for controlling a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission and engine includes automatically engaging a brake, locking the transmission in neutral and starting the engine, in response to a signal whose origin is remote from the vehicle representing a desired engine start; and automatically engaging a brake and locking the transmission in neutral in response to a second signal indicating that the driver has exited the vehicle while the engine is running.
US09017209B1	Power tools with reversible, self-shifting transmission Illustrative embodiments of power tools with reversible, self-shifting transmissions are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a power tool may comprise a motor having a motor shaft, an output shaft configured to be coupled to a tool element to rotate a fastener, and a transmission coupled between the motor shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotation from the motor shaft to the output shaft in a low-speed, high-torque mode and in a high-speed, low-torque mode. The transmission may be configured to self-shift between the low-speed, high-torque mode and the high-speed, low-torque mode in response to a change in a torque required to rotate the output shaft in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction.
US09017206B2	Gear device A gear device includes an outer cylinder, a plurality of crank shafts, a carrier which rotatably supports the plurality of crank shafts and rotates relative to the outer cylinder in synchronization with the rotation of the crank shafts, a plurality of spur gears fixed coaxially with the crank shafts at portions extending toward an outer side of the carrier in the crank shafts, an input gear which includes a gear part that engages with the plurality of spur gears, and transmits rotational drive force to each of the spur gears, and washer means comprising washers disposed outside the carrier. The input gear is regulated from moving in a radial direction of the input gear by engaging with the plurality of spur gears at a position outside the carrier in an axial direction, and regulated from moving in an axial direction of the input gear by the washers.
US09017195B2	Arrangement for lube oil supply a chain drive driving a transmission oil pump arranged offset the axis of a torque converter An arrangement for supplying oil to a chain drive which drives a transmission oil pump that is axially offset relative to a torque converter and embedded in an intermediate plate in a vehicle having a torque converter. The driven sprocket of the chain drive is supported by a converter neck mounted in a centering plate. A seal is provided between the converter neck and the sprocket and is arranged adjacent the sliding fit between the converter neck and the sprocket. To compensate for the suppression of lubrication of the seal, the neck bearing and the chain drive, a valve is integrated in the intermediate plate, and a duct is provided in the plane, in which the centering plate is screwed to the intermediate plate, such that excess oil flowing from the valve is selectively directed to the seal, the neck bearing and the chain drive.
US09017194B2	Top drive A distributed drive includes a frame, a main sprocket, and a plurality of drive assemblies mounted therearound for rotation of the main sprocket. The main sprocket has a circumferential drive rim around which the drive assemblies are mounted in driving engagement with the drive rim so as to selectively rotate the main sprocket relative to the frame. Each drive assembly includes at least two auxiliary sprockets lying substantially in the plane of the main sprocket. An endless belt is mounted around the auxiliary sprockets so that a span of the endless belt spans between a pair of the auxiliary sprockets in an arc-of-contact with the drive rim. At least one of the two auxiliary sprockets is a selectively driven drive sprocket for selective rotation of the main sprocket.
US09017192B1	Athletic training device An athletic training device for training athletes is provided. The athletic training device comprises a training ball having an outer cover and an inner air bladder. A predetermined amount of silicon is positioned between the outer cover and the inner air bladder wherein the silicon covers a least a portion of the inner air bladder.
US09017191B2	Mechanical broadheads with hinged rear blades A mechanical broadhead with a set of blades that mechanically activate via a fixed style blade that slides at impact. The blades may deploy inside a cavity of an animal or the blades may deploy outside a cavity of an animal. The blades are slideably secured in a body in accepting slots. The deployable blades may include a ratchet mechanism to lock the deployable blades in one or more positions. The mechanical broadhead maintains a low aerodynamic profile for proper flight via the deployable blades.
US09017190B2	Ball safety netting systems A ball safety netting system includes a net comprising a plurality of openings, a plurality of elongated poles having a lower end operably attachable to the ground in spaced-apart relationship, and a plurality of safety devices operably attachable to the plurality of poles and operably attachable to the net. The plurality of poles and the plurality of safety devices are operably sized and configured for use in supporting the net in a generally fixed upright relationship relative to the ground, and when a force exerted on the safety device exceeds a breaking point of the safety device, a portion of the net is detaches from the pole to reduce the likelihood of pole failure.
US09017188B2	System and method for improving a basketball player's shooting including a detection and measurement system A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are stored, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball. In another embodiment, a measuring or detection system is used in combination with or separate from a ball launcher. The system is adapted to measure at least one of a distance of a player from the a launcher, height of a shot made by the player after catching a basketball, release angle, release time, or arc of a shot; entry angle of the basketball into a goal; hold or release time; or shot arc.
US09017182B1	Golf training apparatus and method A golf training apparatus and method for maintaining proper position of a golfer's hands on the grip of a golf club during a swing. The apparatus is a strap assembly that wraps around the wrist of the upper hand and is secured to the shaft of the golf club just below the grip. A backswing loop secures the wrist to the top of the club grip. As the golfer swings the club, the apparatus maintains the hands in proper alignment resulting in proper swing mechanics that produce a straighter flight of the ball with reduced slice, draw or fade of the ball that may be imparted to the ball due to undesirable spin occurring throughout either the golfer's entire swing or a portion or thereof.
US09017180B2	Distributed scoring system In one embodiment, a distributed bowling center system includes two or more computing devices associated with respective bowling center peripherals. The bowling center peripherals are any electronic or mechanical device in a bowling center capable of detecting a bowling event or receiving input. Example bowling center peripherals include a pinsetter, a monitor, a bumper, a keypad, or a touchscreen. The bowling center peripherals are configured to perform at least one bowler center function. The computing devices are configured to execute at least one process related to a bowler center function of the associated peripheral. Each computing device is located physically closer to the peripheral than the other computer device. The computing devices are in communication via a network. The computing devices are configured to access a process map defining the communication, which is responsive to the at least one bowler center function.
US09017174B2	Slip clutch A slip clutch, including: a flywheel; and a vibration damper including: first and second cover plates; a flange; and at least one spring engaged with the cover plates and flange. The clutch includes a slip assembly, with a first plurality of circumferentially aligned surfaces: fixedly connected to the flywheel or formed with the flywheel; and at an acute angle with respective to a circumferential line, and a second plurality of circumferentially aligned surfaces: formed by a portion of the first cover plate radially outward of the spring; at an acute angle with respective to a circumferential line; and in contact with the first plurality of surfaces, or engaged with the first plurality of surfaces via an intermediate element in contact with the first and second pluralities of surfaces. The slip assembly includes a resilient element applying a force to the first cover plate in an axial direction toward the flywheel.
US09017173B2	Gaming system and method having promotions based on player selected gaming environment preferences A gaming system including a tracking system or a player tracking system and plurality of gaming machines. The gaming machines include at least one display device and a plurality of player preferences selections. These player preference selections enable a player to choose one or more elements of the background or an entertainment setting of the gaming machine while they are playing a game at the gaming machine. The gaming machine enables the player to enter identification information at the gaming machine and choose at least one preference. The gaming machine tracks all of the preference selections made by the player. Upon meeting certain promotional criteria, the gaming machine determines a promotion to provide the player based on the preferences of that player. That is, the player does not directly select any promotions. The gaming system determines personalized promotions for the player based on the preference selections made by that player.
US09017171B2	Systems and methods for socially motivated multiplayer gaming Various exemplary embodiments engage the community as a whole to complete game play tasks. In doing so, a large scale cooperative play may be achieved without having large groups of people directly connected to each other. These embodiments use the social graph to bring indirectly connected individuals together virtually to act as a greater force to solve a communal game play task. By solving the game play tasks globally, the player feels a connectedness to the community and their efforts that are not seen by players acting in isolation. The various exemplary embodiments also rewards players based upon group participation including granting larger rewards for larger participation. Furthermore, these embodiments may have a location based component to it, so that players come together a specific location in order to complete the communal task and claim the communal, and potentially location specific, reward.
US09017170B2	Method and apparatus for interactive gameplay across multiple computing platforms A method and apparatus is disclosed for enabling interactive gameplay across multiple platforms.
US09017167B2	Ergonomically configurable game controller An improved user input device is disclosed having ergonomically-configurable features to custom fit individual users. The arms of the gamepad may be extended from the body of the gamepad, and may be rotated. This may be at user determined angles, or may be set to a predetermined limit. The rotation may be on one or more axes depending on the specific implementation. Similarly, the thumb grooves may be extensible and/or rotatable. Further customization may be provided by modular user input systems.
US09017163B2	System and method for acquiring virtual and augmented reality scenes by a user A preferred method of acquiring virtual or augmented reality (VAR) scenes can include at a plurality of locations of interest, providing one or more users with a predetermined pattern for image acquisition with an image capture device and for each of the one or more users, in response to a user input, acquiring at least one image at the location of interest. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include for each of the one or more users, in response to the acquisition of at least one image, providing the user with feedback to ensure a complete acquisition of the virtual or augmented reality scene; and receiving at a remote database, from each of the one or more users, one or more VAR scenes. One variation of the method of the preferred embodiment can include providing game mechanics to promote proper image acquisition and promote competition between users.
US09017162B2	Gaming device having hard drive based media and related methods Various embodiments are directed to a gaming device that uses an internal hard drive for primary media storage. The software is installed on the hard drive without requiring physical access to the hard drive including, but not limited to, removal or replacement of the hard drive. According to one method, an install flash program is used to format and/or reformat an internal hard drive. Additionally, the install flash program is used to install media stored on a removable storage device onto the internal hard drive.
US09017159B2	Casino game with pay line multipliers A pay line multiplier 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.
US09017153B2	Elevator air pressure control device It is an object to ease discomfort feeling caused by ear fullness for passengers of an elevator. An air pressure control device 104 controls an air pressure in an elevator car 102 using an air pressure adjusting device 105 such as a blower, an air compressor, etc. In the air pressure control device 104, a departure/arrival control unit 121 largely changes the air pressure in the elevator car 102 in the first period which is a time zone at the time of departing from a departure floor (or at the time of arriving at an arrival floor), and an except departure/arrival control unit 122 slightly changes the air pressure in the elevator car 102 in the subsequent second period (or in a time period until arrival). By this 2-step air pressure control, the passenger is prompted to clear the ear in a short time T1, the ear fullness is resolved by the ear clearing, and thereafter, the passenger can ascend/descend with the elevator car 102 comfortably until arriving at the arrival floor.
US09017152B2	Method and apparatus for stunning poultry A method for stunning poultry in a slaughterhouse by means of supplying a stunning gas into a closed chamber wherein the poultry is advanced through a plurality of successive ambients between an inlet, wherein the stunning gas concentration is at a minimum, and an outlet, at which the stunning gas concentration is at a maximum. The stunning gas concentration increases progressively from each ambient to the successive ambient, initially with a minimum increase rate and thereafter with a higher increase rate up to the maximum concentration.
US09017150B2	Method of making a coated abrasive article having shaped abrasive particles and resulting product A method of making a coated abrasive article includes the steps of: applying a make coat to a first major surface of a backing; applying shaped abrasive particles to the make coat to form a first abrasive layer consisting essentially of shaped abrasive particles; applying diluent particles to the make coat over the shaped abrasive particles to form a final abrasive layer; applying a size coat over the final abrasive layer; curing the make and size coats; and wherein the shaped abrasive particles comprise a vertex opposite a base and a width of the shaped abrasive particle tapers from the base to the vertex.
US09017148B2	Apparatus for the truncation of railway rails A portable cutting apparatus (1) for the in situ truncation of railway rails (9) comprises a rail saw (2) having a motor (3) with a cyclic movement output member (4), a plate holder (5) adapted to carry an abrasive blade (6) and a movement transmitter (7) engaging the motor output member (4) and the plate holder (5) to set the plate holder (5) in a cyclic movement, a linkage structure (27) with a rail connector (29) and a saw connector (31) and a sawing position alternator (45) to autonomously and alternately move the plate holder (5) to and fro.
US09017138B2	Retaining ring monitoring and control of pressure A load cup apparatus for transferring a substrate in a processing system includes a pedestal assembly having a substrate support, an actuator, and a controller. The actuator is configured to move the pedestal assembly into a loading position in contact with a retaining ring of a carrier head and to generate a retaining ring thickness signal based on a distance travelled by the pedestal assembly. The controller is configured to receive the retaining ring thickness signal from the actuator.
US09017137B2	Pre-encased underwire assembly Disclosed herein are encased underwire assemblies and methods of manufacturing such assemblies for attachment to an article of clothing. An encased underwire assembly may comprise an underwire having an inner radius, an outer radius, a first end and a second end, and a fabric enclosure having a first fastened side adjacent the inner radius, a first sealed end adjacent the first end, and a second sealed end adjacent the second end of the underwire. In a method of manufacturing such assembly, a fabric enclosure may be created by bringing together opposite side edges of a fabric layer and fastening the opposite side edges to one another, inserting an underwire into a first open end of the fabric enclosure until a first end and a second end of the underwire are housed within the fabric enclosure, and sealing the first open end and a second open end of the fabric enclosure.
US09017135B2	Game calling device having varied pitch and intensity A game calling device including a mouthpiece having inlet and outlet portions and holes between the inlet and outlet portions, whereby sounds having varied pitch and intensity can be generated. The game calling device also includes an inner tubular member that at least partially houses a reed and configured to be selectively positioned on the axial direction of the reed so that the emitted sound can be varied based at least on the position of the inner tubular member along the reed and thereby allowing the game calling device to be used hands-free.
US09017133B2	Toy building block A toy building block (1) for stacking is provided on top (4) with one or more studs (3) and in the bottom (7) with recesses (6). The studs (4) show a toothwheel-like cross-section with rounded teeth crests (12) and rounded grooves (10) between the teeth (12) as well. The recesses (6) are provided each with a number of vertically extending lands (14) matching in shape the grooves (10). The studs easily slide in and out of the recesses (6), yet a rotational arretation of low play is obtained. Preferably, the building blocks are produced by a blowing process and may be provided with screws (21) for a safe interconnection. External slots (46) may allow the combination with panels (47) bearing images, additional functional elements etc.
US09017131B1	Hand manipulated construction vehicle toy This invention relates to hand manipulated toy construction equipment such as backhoes, trucks, etc. In one embodiment, the truck body is hollow at one end so that the truck may be manipulated by inserting one's arm into the truck body and grasping and manipulating a transverse dowel handle. Spring-loaded means are provided within the truck body and are coupled to the dumper to control the motion of the equipment. A sound module is also provided to simulate construction sounds.
US09017130B1	Method of attaching polarizing plate An method of attaching a polarizing plate to a liquid crystal display panel includes inspecting an alignment axis of the liquid crystal display panel using an optical axis inspector; controlling a position of the liquid crystal display panel with respect to a reference alignment axis, according to a result of the inspecting the alignment axis of the liquid crystal display panel; providing the polarizing plate to the liquid crystal display panel at the controlled position thereof; and attaching the polarizing plate to the liquid crystal panel at the controlled position thereof.
US09017129B2	Pressing device for assembling liquid crystal display panel and assembling method thereof A pressing device for assembling a liquid crystal display panel is provided. The pressing device includes a base plate, a pressing plate, a first cushion and a second cushion. The pressing plate is disposed opposite to the base plate and adapted to move toward or away from the base plate. The first cushion is disposed between the base plate and the pressing plate. The second cushion is disposed between the pressing plate and the first cushion, wherein one of the first cushion and the second cushion has a hollow zone corresponding to a display area of the liquid crystal display panel. A method for assembling a liquid crystal display panel is further provided.
US09017128B2	Manufacturing method for organic electroluminescent panel and organic electroluminescent panel manufactured using the same A simple manufacturing method for an organic electroluminescent panel in which organic electroluminescent elements are arranged and sealed by a sealing adhesive. The electroluminescent panel has excellent sealing properties and excellent durability as a result of the organic electroluminescent elements being adhered to one another by a heat-curable adhesive. The manufacturing method is for an organic electroluminescent panel in which at least a first electrode, an organic functional layer containing a light-emitting layer, an organic electroluminescent element having a second electrode, and a sealing substrate are bonded together on a substrate by the heat-curable adhesive. The method includes forming a heat-curable adhesive layer on the sealing substrate, subjecting the heat-curable adhesive layer formed on the sealing substrate to pre-heating treatment, bonding the pre-heated heat-curable adhesive layer to the organic electroluminescent element, and subjecting the heat-curable adhesive layer to heat curing, in the given order.
US09017125B2	Unitary security accessory for a surfboard Provided herein are improvements in surfboard security.
US09017121B1	Outboard marine drive with residual oil change drainage An outboard marine drive includes an upper powerhead having an engine, a downwardly depending driveshaft housing, and a lower gearcase having a propulsor for propelling a marine vessel. The engine has a removable oil filter for filtering lubricating oil for the engine, and a drip tray at the interface of the oil filter and the engine for collecting residual oil upon removal of the oil filter. The driveshaft housing has an oil sump below the engine and providing a reservoir for the lubricating oil. The oil sump has a drain fitting for draining oil therefrom. A connection hose extends from the drip tray downwardly to the oil sump drain fitting for delivering residual oil from the drip tray to the oil sump drain fitting and/or a valve.
US09017120B2	Outboard motor and watercraft including the same An outboard motor includes an engine, a water intake opening arranged to suck in water, and a water supply path arranged to supply the water sucked in through the water intake opening to the engine. The engine includes a water path arranged to cause the water supplied from the water supply path to flow in a water jacket of a cylinder head, a water jacket of an exhaust pipe, and a water jacket of a cylinder block in this order.
US09017113B2	Female terminal fitting Convex contact point structures are formed in a compressing portion of a female terminal and hard gold plating is selectively applied only to surfaces of the convex contact point structures. The convex structures are arranged to be able to stably support a male terminal tab, improve electrical connection stability and suppress gold plating abrasion. Hard gold plating is formed in very small ranges with high accuracy by using a laser plating method.
US09017112B1	Electrical wire nut with detachable break-off connectors The electrical wire nut with detachable break-off connectors includes a wire nut that includes a removable cap that separates from a distal end of the wire nut. The removable cap is removed to expose a plurality of different connectors that are in electrical connection with a threaded member located inside of the wire nut. The plurality of different connectors is individually removed to leave a selected connector in tact with respect to the threaded member. The electrical wire nut is configured to work with at least one electrical wire in order to provide an electrical connector that is in turn adapted for use with an electrical connector receptacle.
US09017111B2	Connector with a locking lance A locking lance (20) on the inner surface of a cavity (19) of a housing (11) includes a lance main body (21) and an inclined portion (22). The lance main body (21) is cantilevered forward toward the center of the cavity (19) from the inner surface of the cavity (19). The inclined portion (22) is connected to a front part of the lance main body (21) and is narrower than a rear part of the lance main body (21). A first inclined surface (31) of the inclined portion (22) faces the interior of the cavity (19) and inclines away from the center of the cavity (19) to the front. A second inclined surface (32) is opposite the first inclined surface (31), inclines toward the center of the cavity (19) to the front, and is tapered so that the first inclined surface (31) becomes gradually narrower toward the front.
US09017108B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a comprising a first housing, a second housing removably fittable to the first housing, and a lock block disposed on the second housing and engageable with the first housing to secure the second housing at a predetermined position with the first housing. The lock block includes a first groove extending along a length of the lock block, a side portion in contact with the first groove, an end portion in contact with the first groove and orthogonal to the side portion, a side lock disposed on the side portion and securable with the first housing, and a first lock that is provided integrally with the end portion and secured to the first housing.
US09017095B2	Flexible flat cable assembly having a protecting portion to protect golden fingers A flexible flat cable assembly comprises: a flexible flat cable having two opposite top and bottom surfaces, and defining a plurality of golden fingers exposed out of the top surface; and a base attached to the bottom surface of the flexible flat cable and defining a protecting portion formed on a front end thereof to shield front ends of the plurality of golden fingers.
US09017092B1	Electronic connector An electronic connector includes a base, a tapered extension protruding from the base, and a nose forming a terminal end of the tapered extension. The tapered extension includes first and second connection faces tapering toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a first symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes first and second flank surfaces that form respective opposing sides of the tapered extension between the first and second connection faces. The first and second flank surfaces may taper toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes a set of electrical contacts located along the first and second connection faces. The electronic connector may further include one or more magnetically attractable elements.
US09017091B2	Cable assembly having positioning structure for positioning internal printed circuit boards A cable assembly comprises a housing including an upper cover and a lower cover assembled with each other and a pair of first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs) received in the housing and sandwiched between the upper and lower cover. The upper cover defines a number of protruding portions formed therein. Each of the protruding portion defines two steps thereon. The first and second PCBs are spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction by the two steps of each of the protruding portions. The first and second PCBs respectively define a plurality of first and second openings cooperating with corresponding protruding portions.
US09017089B2	Electrical contact and method of manufacture In one embodiment is provided a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact from a piece of material by removal of material from the piece of material by machining. The removal of material comprises forming at least one first hole in a first end of the material to form a contact portion, the at least one first hole formed along a longitudinal axis; making at least two slits in the contact portion to produce contact fingers, the slits extending from the first end along at least a portion of length of the contact portion. A corresponding single piece female contact is provided. Another embodiment provides a latching mechanism for an electrical connector housing, the latching mechanism comprising: a planar body portion; a neck portion extending in a first direction from one end of the body portion, the neck portion including a raised portion; and a locking member.
US09017088B2	Electric connector An electric connector includes a housing having an opening and a bottom. The housing has a recess formed at the bottom and at least one electric terminal projects through a bottom of the recess into the housing. A sealant layer composed of cured light-curing resin at least partially fills the recess.
US09017081B2	Socket having a floating plate with a guide member and a biasing spring A socket for electric part which suppresses a warp of a floating plate caused by the bias power of the spring even if a bending stiffness of the floating plate is low. The socket for electrical part according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a unit body being located on a interconnection substrate and having through holes into which the contact terminals are inserted, a floating plate holding an IC package and vertically movably supported at the upper part of the socket body, a rivet put in the floating plate to guide a vertical movement of the floating plate, and a spring located between a part of the socket body and the rivet to biases the floating plate upward via the rivet.
US09017080B1	System and method for teaching injection techniques of the human head and face An anatomical model assembly of the human head for use in teaching medical personnel. The anatomical model has an inner base that is shaped as part of the human skull. A first layer of material covers the base. The first layer of material provides a visual indication of at least some muscle groups contained within a human head. A second layer of material is provided that covers the first layer. The second layer of material has an exterior that is shaped with at least some human facial features. The second layer of material and the first layer of material are separate, unattached layers. The material selected for the first layer mimics the suppleness of muscle. The material selected for the top second layer mimics the feel and elasticity of skin. The result is an anatomical model that can be used to accurately teach, plan and practice medical procedures.
US09017079B2	Information notification apparatus that notifies information of data of motion A data comparison apparatus 1 includes: an image acquisition unit 42 that acquires data of a plurality of motions; an interval identification unit 45 that identifies a predetermined interval that is common in data of the plurality of motions; a time period comparison unit 47 that compares the plurality of motions in the identified predetermined interval; and a notification unit 50 that notifies information corresponding to a comparison result of the time period comparison unit 47.
US09017077B2	Block learning game A learning toy that includes a frame and a plurality of blocks. Each block includes a different color on each face with a first face having a first color and a second face having a second color. Additionally, four different colors are separately assigned to each of the remaining faces and the color assignments vary between at least two blocks of the plurality of blocks. The plurality of blocks allow for consistency and variability. Consistency comes from the colors assigned to two faces staying the same between blocks and the variability comes from the colors assigned to remaining four faces varying between some blocks.
US09017070B2	Orthodontic appliance anchoring method and apparatus Orthodontic anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADS and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.
US09017067B2	Oxygen enrichment of premix air-gas burners A premix burner arrangement for safely oxygen-enriching a premix air-fuel combustion system is disclosed. In the disclosed burner arrangement, a first conduit is arranged and disposed to provide a first gas stream. The first gas stream is a self-reactive or self-flammable premixture comprising air and a combustible gas. At least one second conduit is arranged and disposed to provide a second gas stream circumferentially around the first gas stream. The second gas stream includes oxygen. The premix burner arrangement is configured to combust or react the first stream at a temperature at least 1000° F. greater than the temperature of the second stream. A method and combustion system including the premix burner arrangement are also disclosed.
US09017066B2	Multiple activation contact lighter The present invention relates to a lighter. The lighter includes a housing having a supply of fuel, an activating unit movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel, and at least two separate contact areas such that the user can apply enough force or torque with at least two fingers to overcome the torque/forces required to activate piezo, release the fuel the flame in which the activating unit has at least one internal surface.
US09017063B2	Injection molding apparatus with integrated hot runner system A hot runner injection molding apparatus comprising: a machine injection unit with a machine nozzle, a first machine platen fixed to a machine base, a second machine platen movable with respect to the first machine platen, a hot runner manifold, a plurality of hot runner nozzles, a movable valve pin plate connected to plurality of valve pins, at least one moving device for moving the movable plate with the valve pins (37) between at least two positions, whereupon the valve pins are displaced between at least two positions, wherein the first machine platen has a chamber within which the hot runner manifold, the movable valve pin plate and the moving device are arranged.
US09017062B2	Compact slide rail for injection molds A slide, like those used in injection molds, includes a closure unit with a first complementary profile complementary with the second complementary profile of a slide body, the complementary profiles being double wedge-shaped, where the double wedge has oblique end surfaces determining a fixed positioning and locked position between the closure unit and the slide body, such that the slide body includes a rail in the lower base coupleable to a slide guide on which the slide body slides.
US09017061B2	Method and apparatus for forming unit portions of frozen food materials An apparatus for forming pressed food products can utilize up to 98% chicken breast meat in high profit margin products. Breast meat is marinated and then extruded into a slab which is then frozen and shaped into a plank. The plank is sliced into unit portions which are then pressed into shaped portions with a preferred, or other, press. One preferred press linearly reciprocates unit portions into the press. This or another preferred press imparts three dimension exterior shape to the pressed food products.
US09017055B2	Device for coating intramedullary rods with cement A mold for forming a coated intramedullary (IM) nail can include a tubular member having an insertion end and an opposite end. The tubular member can comprise a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis between an outer surface and an inner surface. The sidewall can define at least one threaded inlet port therealong. The tubular member can be configured to receive the IM nail therein. The tubular member can be further configured to locate a flowable material against the IM nail within the inner surface.
US09017052B1	Positive displacement pump with improved rotor design An improved positive displacement pump provides improved wear characteristics. Specifically, rotor pads are provided on faces relative to an internal portion of the rotor housing as it relates to an end wall and a rear side of a cover plate. The rotor pads preferably have at least one of anti-galling and/or anti-friction or anti-wear characteristics thereby providing improvements over the prior art. A central member is preferably provided so that pad replacement may be relatively easily performed in the field in clean in place operations.
US09017050B2	Scroll refrigeration compressor with anti-return device The scroll refrigeration compressor includes a stationary volute and a moving volute provided with spiral wraps defining variable-volume compression chambers, a separating member sealably mounted on a plate of the stationary volute so as to allow a relative movement between the separating member and the stationary volute, a delivery chamber at least partially defined by the separating member and the sealed casing. The compressor further includes a bypass passage arranged to communicate the delivery chamber with an intermediate compression chamber, and a anti-return device comprising a closing member movable between closing and opening positions for closing and opening the bypass passage, and an enclosure, positioned between the separating member and the plate of the stationary volute, including a first portion sealably mounted in a housing defined by the separating member and oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compressor.
US09017044B2	Electromagnetic pump An electromagnetic pump including a reciprocating piston in a cylinder; an electromagnetic portion that moves the piston forward; a first biasing member that moves the piston backward; a support member that supports the first biasing member and defines a pump chamber together with the cylinder and the piston; an intake valve that is incorporated into the support member, is connected to an intake port and prohibits hydraulic fluid from moving in reverse; and a discharge valve that is connected to a discharge port and prohibits the hydraulic fluid from moving in reverse. The intake valve includes a ball, an opening portion of the intake port, and a second biasing member that presses the ball against the opening portion from a side opposite to a direction in which the hydraulic fluid moves. In the opening member, an inner peripheral surface that receives the ball is formed in a taper shape.
US09017043B2	Apparatus and system for sealing submersible pump assemblies An apparatus, system and method for sealing an electrical submersible pump assembly are described. An electric submersible pump (ESP) system for pumping solid-laden fluid comprises a thrust chamber of an ESP seal section, the thrust chamber sealed from well fluid on a downstream side by a stationary sand barrier and on an upstream side by a mechanical seal, the thrust chamber further comprising, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the thrust chamber, a head tubularly encasing the thrust chamber and threadedly coupled to a centrifugal pump intake, and a diamond-coated hydrodynamic bearing set inside the thrust chamber, wherein well fluid enters and exits the chamber through cross-drilled apertures in the head of the chamber, and wherein the well fluid forms a hydrodynamic film between the bearing set.
US09017036B2	High order shaped curve region for an airfoil A turbomachine blade with a localized dihedral feature has a high order polynomial shaped curve region.
US09017033B2	Fan blade platform A fan assembly includes a first fan blade with a rib extending therealong and a first fairing platform mounted on and supported from the first fan blade. The first fairing platform has a flange with a groove that mates with the rib.
US09017031B2	Annulus filler An annulus filler for mounting to a rotor disc of a gas turbine engine and for bridging the gap between two adjacent blades attached to the rotor disc. The annulus filler has a body portion including a lid which has a leading edge, a trailing edge and opposing side edges which connect respective ends of the leading and trailing edges. The lid defines an airflow surface for air being drawn through the engine. The annulus filler further has one or more attachment formations which, in use, connect the body portion to the rotor disc. The lid is configured such that the stiffness of the lid under compressive loading exerted on the opposing side edges by sideways blade movement is greater at the leading edge than at the trailing edge.
US09017029B2	Gas-turbine balancing device The present invention relates to a gas-turbine balancing device with at least one annular groove provided on the outer circumference of at least one intermediate or high-pressure rotor of an intermediate or high-pressure compressor, with at least one balancing element being arranged in the annular groove, and with the balancing element being moveable in the circumferential direction along the annular groove and provided with a fixing device.
US09017014B2	Aft outer rim seal arrangement An outer rim seal arrangement (10), including: an annular rim (70) centered about a longitudinal axis (30) of a rotor disc (31), extending fore and having a fore-end (72), an outward-facing surface (74), and an inward-facing surface (76); a lower angel wing (62) extending aft from a base of a turbine blade (22) and having an aft end (64) disposed radially inward of the rim inward-facing surface to define a lower angel wing seal gap (80); an upper angel wing (66) extending aft from the turbine blade base and having an aft end (68) disposed radially outward of the rim outward-facing surface to define a upper angel wing seal gap (80, 82); and guide vanes (100) disposed on the rim inward-facing surface in the lower angel wing seal gap. Pumping fins (102) may be disposed on the upper angel wing seal aft end in the upper angel wing seal gap.
US09017007B2	Pallet turntable, a method for turning a pallet and use of a pallet turntable The invention provides for a pallet turntable (1). The turntable (1) comprises a stationary bottom part (2) and a movable top part (3) comprising a platform (4) suitable for receiving a pallet (5), wherein the movable top part (3) is arranged linearly displaceable in a vertical direction with respect to the stationary bottom part (2). The turntable (1) further comprises guide means (6) for guiding an angular displacement around a direction of the vertical linear displacement in dependency of the linear displacement, at least when the movable top part (3) is being vertically linearly displaced in a direction towards the stationary bottom part (2). The invention further provides for a method for turning a pallet (5) and use of a pallet turntable (1).
US09017005B2	Skid steer loader lift linkage assembly A lift linkage assembly for a work machine having a work tool. The lift linkage assembly includes a frame, a boom arm, an upper link, a lower link, and a hydraulic actuator. The boom arm is configured to be pivotally coupled to the work tool and has a surface that defines a longitudinal axis. The upper link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The lower link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The hydraulic actuator has a rod that is pivotally coupled to the boom arm and moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper link, lower link, and hydraulic actuator are each spaced from the longitudinal axis.
US09017004B1	Loading and transporting rack system A collapsible loading and transporting rack system for transporting a first vehicle on a second vehicle equipped with side rails. The system has a plurality of attachment rails, a plurality of support beams, a plurality of platform members, and a plurality of generally rectangular planar ramps. The rail bottom surface sets on top of a horizontal top surface, and the rail inside surface sets against a vertical inside surface of a side rail of a vehicle so equipped. The side stop tie down projects horizontally out and away from the horizontal attachment rail for securing the ramp in a horizontal position. The side stop tie down is an attachment point for securing a vehicle to the system.
US09016995B1	Self-countersinking fastener A fastener includes a cylindrical shaft, a screw head located at an uppermost portion of the cylindrical shaft and comprising a tool indentation therein, a threaded portion on the cylindrical shaft comprising a plurality of external threads, and a countersinking portion located between the threaded portion and the screw head and comprising a cutting section. The countersink portion is tapered from a first diameter equal to a diameter of the threaded portion to a second diameter that is equal to or larger than a diameter or a maximum width of the screw head. The countersinking portion is configured to form a countersink hole in a receiving material as the fastener is rotated and forced into the receiving material.
US09016994B2	Threaded fastener A threaded fastener for attaching an article of hardware to another article comprising a material selected for example from the group consisting of wood, particle board, plastic and fiberglass. The article of hardware is provided with at least one through hole and the article of hardware is fixed to the article by the threaded fastener extending through the through hole in the article of hardware. A shaft of the threaded fastener is provided with a thread that is not a self tapping thread cutting thread; and a tapered shank of the threaded fastener is provided with a self tapping thread cutting thread.
US09016991B2	Bolt tightener device for tightening a through-bolt in a generator core A generator stator core through-bolt tensioning device that automatically tightens the nut on the through-bolts that hold together and compress laminate plates of the stator core in a high voltage generator. A controller receives a signal from a measuring device, such as a fiber Bragg grating that measures the strain on the bolt, and based on that signal determines whether the nut needs to be tightened. If the controller determines that tightening is necessary, it will cause the tensioning device to automatically tighten the nut while the generator is in service, and use the measuring device to provide feedback of the tensioning of the through-bolt to know when to stop the device from tightening the nut.
US09016990B2	Portable and removable anchor for truck bed slots An apparatus and method for providing a removable anchor for use in tying down a load, or for securing a winch cable for use in recovering a disabled vehicle or other load. The anchor may be removably attached to the deck/bed of a trailer or vehicle (e.g., a car carrier or wrecker/tow truck), using one or more slots or stake pockets located on a cargo surface of the deck. The removable anchor may include: a projection member shaped and sized to fit into a slot on the cargo surface, or to protrude through a stake pocket; a crown attached to, or integrally forming a part of, the projection member, and configured to receive and anchor one or more tie down connectors; and a key attached to, or integrally forming a part of, the projection member. The key can be passed into the slot and manipulated between removable and locked positions. Alternatively, the key may be used to removably secure the anchor to the stake pocket.
US09016985B2	Clamping system The invention relates to an indexable insert (1) for fitting in supporting tools (5) for the machining of workpieces, with an upper side (2) and an underside (3), on which clamping recesses are arranged, and with a circumferential geometry (4) joining the upper side (2) and the underside (3), wherein cutting corners and cutting edges (6) are arranged at the transition from the upper side (2) and the underside (3) to the circumferential geometry (4). In order that the clamping situation during machining is improved significantly, and at the same time the introduction of the clamping recesses is made easier, it is proposed that the clamping recess consists of grooves (10) which are arranged on two crossing straight lines (11), wherein the two straight lines (11) run at right angles in relation to each other and all the grooves (10) are arranged at the same distance from the center axis or longitudinal axis (12) of the indexable insert (1), and the crossing point (13) of the two straight lines (11) lies on the center axis or longitudinal axis (12) of the indexable insert (1).
US09016982B2	Canal water refill system A system for recirculating lock water includes a sealable storage area located near a lock for receiving water from the lock. The storage area is large enough to house the lock water with excess space between a maximum water level and the ceiling. The system also includes at least one compressor connected to the storage area to create a vacuum to withdraw the water from the lock into the storage area.
US09016981B2	Aquatic recovery and repair system An Oil/Gas Recovery System, a Rotating Encasement Fitting (REF) and Methods of Using. The Oil/Gas Recovery System comprises a flexible shroud open at an end facing a leaking drill line arising from the bottom of a body of water, a recovery system operably coupled to the flexible shroud by an intake line, and a delivery system, operably coupled to the flexible shroud by a delivery line. The flexible shroud is adapted to be lowered or raised in a body of water, so that the open end encloses a source of crude oil or gas to be recovered. The Rotating Encasement Fitting (REF) for sealing a compromised pipeline fracture, comprises bladder glands at each end of the REF and a pipeline having a fracture therein. The bladder glands can be activated by a supply line or remotely supplied for multiple charges.
US09016980B2	Apparatus for drilling site containment An apparatus for protecting against environmental contamination at a drilling site is disclosed. The apparatus is used to form a perimeter around the drilling site, the interior of which is covered by a geomembrane. The portion of the geomembrane found along the perimeter is placed in the groove of the apparatus's base. A key block is then fit into the grove, thereby holding the geomembrane in place by the tension created between the base and the key block. At those perimeter locations that will be traversed by vehicles and equipment, two ramp pieces replace the key block in holding the geomembrane tight against the base.
US09016977B2	Surface covering for enabling a surface to be crossed, in particular by vehicles The present invention provides a surface covering for enabling a surface, e.g. of the uneven, muddy, marshy, or sandy ground type, to be crossed by a vehicle, said surface covering including a double-ply textile core having two covered faces, each covered with at least one polymer layer, and a plurality of through tubular pockets extending substantially transversely through the thickness of the core between the two layers, and enabling respective stiffener bars to be inserted into each tubular pocket so as to make it possible, in particular, to increase the drivability and the load-bearing capacity of the surface when the surface covering is positioned on said surface.
US09016973B2	Mechanical method for improving bond joint strength A method for improving joint strength between a first and second member comprising the steps of: applying a sealant material including a matrix material at least partially encasing rigid components to the first and second members; joining the first and second members upon an application of force that is applied through the use of one or more fasteners; wherein a compressive force is applied to the exterior surface of both the first and second members by the one or more fasteners while the rigid components apply an internal tension force acting opposite of the compression force to the interior surface of both the first and second members proximate to the fastener to form a mechanical lock thereby reducing slippage and generally maintaining the joint in position.
US09016964B2	Printer with touch panel for receiving contact trajectory pattern for producing a print The disclosure discloses a printer including a feeder, a printing head configured to form desired print and producing a print, a discharge port disposed on one side of a housing, a display portion configured to display a print image, an operation portion disposed above the display portion, a detecting device configured to detect the operation input through contact to the operation portion, a first trajectory determining portion configured to determine whether or not a contact trajectory with a first predetermined pattern along a first direction has been input in a state where the print image is displayed on the display portion, and a printing control portion configured to control the feeder and the printing head when it is determined that the contact trajectory has been input so as to produce the print corresponding to the print image displayed and to discharge the print.
US09016961B2	Shoe camera mount A camera mount may include a base which may have a bottom portion and a top portion, a pair of opposing sidewalls that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from the base, and a platform that may be attached to the base. The platform may include a platform base, a connector member that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from a medial portion of the platform base, and a pair of opposing mounting walls that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from side portions of the platform base. The base may be adapted to be connected to a portion of footwear and the platform may be adapted to slidably engage a portion of a camera to retain the camera therein.
US09016959B2	Opto-electronic module with patchcords The invention relates to an electro-optical connection module, including a housing, at least one printed circuit board provided in the housing, an optical engine provided on the printed circuit board, the optical engine including at least one of a receiver device configured to transform optical signals received into electrical signals and a transmitter device configured to transform electrical signals received into optical signals, an optical engine port, and an electrical engine port, a pluggable optical port, an optical patch cable assembly connecting the optical engine port and the pluggable optical port for optical signal transmission, and a pluggable electrical port connected to the electrical engine port for electrical signal transmission.
US09016958B2	Pigtail-less optical connector assembly A pigtail-less optical connector assembly is described that is capable of data rates as high as 10 GHz. The described optical connector assembly connects the optical fiber connector to an optical die element mounted in the connector assembly using optical fiber ribbon and an optical deflecting device. The optical fiber connector is slideable within the connector assembly and is resiliently biased toward a home position. The connector assembly is designed to allow the optical fiber ribbon to flex without damaging the fiber ribbon as the optical fiber connector slides.

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