最新美国发明专利第2011-08-23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
US08003692B2	Methods and compositions to inhibit edema factor and adenylyl cyclase Fluorene-based molecules and their derivatives are described in compositions for the treatment of intestinal fluid loss.
US08003690B2	Topical nanoparticulate spironolactone formulation The invention relates to a topical nanoparticulate spironolactone formulation comprising nanoparticles having a mean diameter, measured by a photon correlation spectroscopy, in the range of from about 300 nm to about 900 nm. The nanoparticles are incorporated into a crystalline network system comprising a dispersion of solid crystals of polar lipids, said lipids exposing their hydrophilic side outwards and their hydrophobic side inwards towards the spironolactone nanoparticles.
US08003688B2	Method of treating symptoms of common cold, allergic rhinitis and infections relating to the respiratory tract The present invention relates to methods of treating conditions and/or symptoms related to common cold of the upper and/or lower respiratory tract and/or eyes. In particular the invention relates to the methods of treating conditions and/or symptoms related to common cold comprising administration of a flavonoid or administration of a flavonoid in combination with a metal. The invention furthermore describes compositions comprising a metal and a flavonoid useful for the treatment of conditions and/or symptoms relates to common cold.
US08003687B2	Esters of compounds in the leptomycin family Esters of compounds in the leptomycin family, having a structure according to formula I where R, R10, R11, R12, R13, and R14 are as defined herein, exhibit anti-tumor properties.
US08003685B2	Thiophene analogues for the treatment or prevention of flavivirus infections Compounds represented by formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, X, Y, and Z are as defined herein, are useful for treating flaviviridae viral infections.
US08003683B2	Acetylated amino acids as anti-platelet agents, nutritional and vitamin supplements This invention relates to pharmaceutical compounds and nutritional supplements that are acetylated derivatives of naturally occurring amino acids and acetylated derivatives of peptides derived from naturally occurring amino acids containing hydroxyl groups. They are as useful as anti-platelet drugs, and as nutritional supplements.
US08003682B2	Indole compounds, a process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them Compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl group, R2 represents a linear or branched (C1-C6)alkyl group, and n represents from 1 to 6. Medicaments.
US08003681B2	2-(5-bromo-4-(4-cyclopropylnaphthalen-1-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)acetic acid and methyl ester A series of S-triazolyl α-mercaptoacetanilides having general structure (1) are provided, where Q is CO2H, CONR2, SO3H, or SO2NR2. The compounds inhibit several variants of the reverse transcriptase of HIV, and are useful in the treatment of HIV infections.
US08003672B2	CB-1 receptor modulator formulations Described herein are solid, stable pharmaceutical formulations of cannabinoid receptor inverse agonists, such as taranabant, and processes of making such formulations. Additionally, described herein are solid stable pharmaceutical formulations of cannabiniod inverse agonists, such as taranabant, and an additional therapeutic agent, as well as processes for making such pharmaceutical formulations.
US08003669B2	Remedy for sleep disturbance The present invention has been made based on the finding that a compound acting on the ORL-1 receptor as an agonist acts as a non-photic entrainment factor, and advances the circadian rhythm phase, and provides a novel therapeutic agent for a sleep disorder such as circadian rhythm sleep disorder, more particularly, an agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a sleep disorder, which contains an ORL-1 receptor agonist, and a novel compound useful as such agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment.
US08003666B2	Hydrate for medical purposes The present invention relates to [7-[(7S)-7-amino-7-methyl-5-azaspiro[2.4]heptan-5-yl]-6-fluoro-1-[(1R,2S)-2-fluorocyclopropyl]-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid hemihydrate. This hemihydrate is stable and easy to prepare, and has excellent properties for a pharmaceutical bulk powder.
US08003663B2	Pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds, and their use as PDE4 inhibitors The invention provides N-{[1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo [3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl}-4-({8-[(2-hydroxyethyl) (methyl)amino]octanoyl}amino)benzamide, whose formula is or a salt thereof, such as the monohydrochloride salt thereof. The invention also provides the use of the compound or salt as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type IV (PDE4) and/or for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of inflammatory and/or allergic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or rhinitis (e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis).
US08003662B2	Heterobicyclic thiophene compounds and methods of use Compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases and for treating disorders mediated thereby. Methods of using compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions are disclosed.
US08003659B2	Macrocyclic serine protease inhibitors Provided herein are macrocyclic serine protease inhibitor compounds, for example, of Formula I, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and processes of preparation thereof. Also provided are methods of their use for the treatment of an HCV infection in a host in need thereof.
US08003655B2	Substituted sulphoximines as TIE2 inhibitors and salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, methods of preparing same and uses of same The invention relates to substituted sulphoximines according to the general formula (I): in which A, E, G, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, m, p, q, are given in the claims, and salts thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said substituted sulphoximines, to methods of preparing said substituted sulphoximines as well as the use thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases of dysregulated vascular growth or of diseases which are accompanied with dysregulated vascular growth, wherein the compounds effectively interfere with Tie2 signalling.
US08003652B2	Use of acetyl L-carnitine in combination with propionyl L-carnitine and Sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction The use of acetyl L-carnitine in combination with propionyl L-carnitine and sildenafil is described for the preparation of a medicament and/or dietetic product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction secondary to all those conditions in which there is distress or iatrogenic damage of the lesser pelvis within which the neurovascular bundles of the penis run.
US08003645B2	Preventives or remedies for Alzheimer's disease, or amyloid protein fibril-formation inhibitors, which include a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl compound The present invention relates to preventives or remedies for Alzheimer's disease, or to amyloid protein fibril-formation inhibitors, which include as an active ingredient a compound of general formula (I) below or a pharmacologically permitted salt thereof; and also to nitrogen-containing heteroaryl derivatives having specific substituents, or pharmacologically permitted salts thereof, which are valuable as preventives or remedies for Alzheimer's disease, or as amyloid protein fibril-formation inhibitors: (where, R1 and R2 are H or alkyl; Z1 and Z2 are H, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl or halogeno; Z3 is alkoxy, SH, alkylthio, NH2, mono- or di-alkylamino, OH or halogeno; Z4 and Z5 are H or halogeno; and A is 4,6-pyrimidine-1,3-diyl, 1,3,5-triazine-2,6-diyl, etc).
US08003643B2	Inhibitors of Akt activity The present invention is directed to compounds which contain substituted pyridazines and pyrimidines moieties which inhibit the activity of Akt, a serine/threonine protein kinase. The invention is further directed to chemotherapeutic compositions containing the compounds of this invention and methods for treating cancer comprising administration of the compounds of the invention.
US08003639B2	Substituted prolinamides, the preparation thereof and the use thereof as pharmaceutical compositions The present invention provides new substituted prolinamides of the general formula (I) in which D, L, E, G, J, M, R3, R4, R5, and R13 are defined as in claim 1, their tautomers, their enantiomers, their diastereomers, their mixtures and their salts, more particularly their physiologically tolerated salts with organic or inorganic acids or bases, which exhibit valuable properties.
US08003638B2	7-pyrazolylbenzazepines having affinity for D3 receptor Compounds of formula (I) or a salt thereof are disclosed: wherein R1 is pyrazolyl substituted by two or three substituents independently selected from halogen, C1-4alkyl and haloC1-4alkyl; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R3 is quinolinyl, oxazolyl or phenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by one or two halogen, C1-4alkyl or haloC1-4alkyl. Processes for preparation and uses of the compounds in medicine, for example for the treatment of schizophrenia or drug dependency, are also disclosed.
US08003637B2	Stabilized atypical antipsychotic formulation A pharmaceutical composition that contains an atypical antipsychotic drug and succinic acid, fumaric acid or a mixture of succinic acid and fumaric acid.
US08003635B2	Superoxide dismutase mimics for the treatment of ocular disorders and diseases The use of SOD mimics particularly pentaazacycle Mn(II) complex SOD mimics, for the treatment of AMD, DR, and retinal edema is disclosed.
US08003634B2	Analogs of benzoquinone-containing ansamycins and methods of use thereof The present invention provides analogs of benzoquinone-containing ansamycins and uses thereof for treating and modulating disorders associated with hyperproliferation, such as cancer. The present invention provides analogs of benzoquinone-containing ansamycins where the benzoquinone is reduced to a hydroquinone and trapped by reaction with a suitable acid, preferably ones that increase the solubility and air stability of the resulting 17-ammonium hydroquinone ansamycin analog.
US08003632B2	Cholinesterase inhibitors for treating inflammation A method of treating a subject with a cytokine-mediated inflammatory disorder comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable cholinesterase inhibitor, provided that the inhibitor is not galantamine.
US08003625B2	Phosphoramidate alkylator prodrugs Phosphoramidate alkylator prodrugs can be used to treat cancer when administered alone or in combination with one or more anti-neoplastic agents.
US08003624B2	Functionally selective ALPHA2C adrenoreceptor agonists In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of indolines as inhibitors of α2C adrenergic receptor agonists, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more conditions associated with the α2C adrenergic receptors using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions.
US08003622B2	Peptide biosynthesis and pain therapy The invention provides an expression cassette comprising a DNA sequence encoding amino acids 1-99 of human preproenkephalin, a DNA sequence encoding a precursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide flanked by dibasic cleavage sites and optionally a DNA sequence encoding a marker protein (such as Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)) all in operable linkage and under control of a promoter. Where the encoded precursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide is an agonist for an opioid receptor, the invention further provides a method of treating neuropathic pain by administering the gene transfer vector comprising such an expression cassette to a patient. The invention also provides a method for detecting a peptide having a desired effect comprising introducing a library of DNA sequences encoding one or more precursors of carboxy-amidated peptides into host cells; expressing the carboxy-amidated peptides encoded in the library to provide expression products; and screening from the polypeptide expression products for the desired effect.
US08003618B2	Focal calcium channel modulation Disclosed is an invention for focally modulating the activity of a calcium channel in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention features a method that includes contacting a pre-determined tissue or organ region with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a GEM protein or a variant thereof to express the GEM protein or variant within the region. Typical methods further include expressing the GEM protein or variant so as to modulate the activity of the calcium channel. The invention has a wide spectrum of useful applications including treating a medical condition associated with unsuitable calcium channel activity.
US08003615B2	Stable vitamin B6 derivative A compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a glycosyl group, a phosphate group, or a cyclic phosphate group bound to R2; R2 represents —CH2OH, —CHO, —CH2NH2, —CH2-amino acid residue, or —CH2—OPO2H; and R3 represents hydrogen atom, or —PO3H2, and a composition for cosmetics, medicaments, foodstuffs, and/or feeds containing the aforementioned compound or a salt thereof.
US08003612B2	Small peptides for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other beta-amyloid protein disorders Use of a peptide or pharmaceutical composition comprising Leu-Ala-Phe-Val-Leu-Arg-Lys-amide having at least one D amino acid for the reduction of beta-amyloid protein, modulating APP processing, modulating activity of APP secretases, treatment of beta-amyloid protein diseases and the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
US08003608B2	Inflammation-inhibiting compounds The present invention relates to the use of a compound of the formula Lys-X where X is a hydroxyl group, an amino group, alkoxy, Pro or Pro-Thr, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the treatment of inflammations. The invention also relates to the use of αMSH for inducing tolerance.
US08003606B2	Inhibiting serum response factor (SRF) to improve insulin sensitivity Described are methods of improving glycemic control/improving insulin sensitivity by administering an inhibitor of serum response factor (SRF) activity, and methods of identifying new compounds for use in the described methods of treatment.
US08003604B2	Hepatitis C virus inhibitors Macrocyclic peptides having the general formula: are disclosed. Compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds to inhibit HCV are also disclosed.
US08003600B2	Preparation for use of aspartate and vitamin B12 or biotin for regulating ketone bodies It has been found that high amounts of aspartate equivalents in combination with vitamin B12 and/or biotin, especially in relative absence of glutamate equivalents, improve the metabolism of ketobodies and/or lactate in a mammal's body, especially in diseased or traumatic conditions. As a result, levels of ketobodies and lactate can be decreased and unphysicologically high acidity normalized. Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an enteral nutritional or a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of disturbed ketone and lactate metabolism, i.e. elevated concentrations of ketone bodies, lactate and/or other organic acids and/or insufficient pH homeostasis, especially elevated concentrations of ketone bodies and/or lactate, in a mammal's blood, wherein the composition comprises high amounts of aspartate equivalents in combination with vitamin B12 and/or biotin, preferably in relative absence of glutamate equivalents.
US08003595B2	Amino acid sequences facilitating penetration of a substance of interest into cells and/or cell nuclei The invention concerns an amino acid sequence capable of facilitating penetration of a substance of interest into cells and/or cell nuclei, characterized in that it is capable of reacting in vivo with aminoglycans. Optionally the sequence is derived from a protein of human origin.
US08003594B2	Foamable moisturizing compositions Foamable moisturizing compositions are disclosed. The compositions can include quaternary ammonium surfactant, humectant, secondary solubilizer, and thickening agent. In one embodiment, the composition can be contained in a non-aerosol dispensing container that mixes the composition with air causing the composition to foam when dispensed.
US08003591B2	Method for conditioning textiles Fatty branched polyalkoxylates, particularly of the formula: R1O(AO)mR2 (I) where R1 is C8 to C30 aliphatic hydrocarbyl or acyl; AO is predominantly branched alkyleneoxy, particularly propyleneoxy; m is from 2 to 50; and R2 is H or a is C1 to C4 aliphatic hydrocarbyl or acyl, are used as fabric conditioners in CO2 based dry cleaning systems. The cleaning medium may include detergent surfactant and/or non surfactant cleaning additive or may be free from such additives in which case the treatment can be provided in a rinse cycle in a cleaning process.
US08003590B2	Detergent composition comprising reactive dye The present invention relates to a solid laundry detergent composition comprising a detersive surfactant and a reactive dye, wherein upon contact with water the composition has an equilibrium pH of 10.5 or greater at a concentration of 4 g/l in de-ionized water and at a temperature of 20° C.
US08003589B2	Laundry composition According to the present invention there is provided a laundry detergent composition, comprising a hueing dye and a pearlescent agent, wherein the hueing dye exhibits a hueing efficiency of at least 10 and a wash removal value in the range of from about 30% to about 85%.
US08003588B2	Composition and method using same to remove urethane products from a substrate A composition for removing urethane products from a wide variety of substrates without the need for scraping, scrubbing, sanding, sandblasting and the like is provided. The composition is formed by combining water, a polar organic solvent, a mixture of organic esters, a hydrocarbon, and a polyether. The composition may optionally be formed by combining the components recited above along with an anionic surfactant. The composition may optionally be formed by combining the components recited above along with a thickener.
US08003586B2	Cleaning solution for an automatic biochemical analyzer A cleaning solution for automatic biochemical analyzers includes: at least one anionic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal citrate, and a buffering agent stabilizing the pH value above 13.0. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution provides low residual rate of proteins, low residual rate of lipids, desirable within-batch repeatability in clinical testing, low level of cross-contamination, and low level of reactant deposit after cleaning, without affecting test results of the biochemical analyzer. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution has no corrosive effects on the liquid path and reaction cup of the analyzer. The ingredients of the cleaning solution may also be biodegradable.
US08003585B2	Cationic polymers and fixative applications therefor This invention relates to cationic Cassia polymers and to their use in hair fixative applications. The cationic Cassia polymers demonstrate superior stiffness profiles and a high level of curl retention when subjected to high humidity conditions for extended periods of time.
US08003578B2	Method of treating a well and a subterranean formation with alkali nitrate brine Brine-based well treatment compositions containing alkali nitrate exhibit greater thermal stability when used in deep wells than substantially similar brine-based well treatment compositions which do not contain an alkali nitrate. The brine is thickened with a water-soluble crosslinkable polymer and crosslinking agent. The enhanced thermal stability of the well treatment compositions allows use of the fluids at elevated temperatures, for instance as high as 400° F.
US08003573B2	Method for remediating flow-restricting hydrate deposits in production systems A method to remove hydrate plugs in a production system by passing a non-hydrate-forming or a hydrate-forming gas, which forms hydrates at a higher pressure than the existing hydrate, through the flow-restricting hydrate.
US08003572B2	Method for the treatment of a ubiquitin conjugating disorder The present invention provides methods for identifying compounds that selectively bind one or more active sites within an ubiquitin conjugating enzyme. The compounds identified by the methods are useful in the treatment of disorders attributed to dysregulated ubiquitin conjugating enzyme function, specifically in hyperproliferative disorders.
US08003567B2	Nanocomposite support materials The present teachings are directed toward hexagonally patterned porous titania synthesized from a titanium isopropoxide precursor using a viscous template of surface-active agents separating nanoscopic bicontinuous channels of water and isooctane. Subsequent catalyst metal salt reduction in the aqueous nanochannels deposits well-separated catalyst metal nanoparticles on the pore surfaces. These nanocomposites exhibit significantly higher carbon monoxide oxidation efficiency than that obtained with known supports with higher specific surface area; efficiency is believed to be due to decreased mass transfer resistance provided the presently disclosed support material.
US08003565B2	Platinum-ruthenium containing catalyst formulations for hydrogen generation A method and catalysts for producing a hydrogen-rich syngas are disclosed. According to the method a CO-containing gas contacts a water gas shift (WGS) catalyst, optionally in the presence of water, preferably at a temperature of less than about 450° C. to produce a hydrogen-rich gas, such as a hydrogen-rich syngas. Also disclosed is a water gas shift catalyst formulated from: a) Pt, its oxides or mixtures thereof; b) Ru, its oxides or mixtures thereof; and c) at least one of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, V, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Rh, Ir, Ge, Sn, Sb, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, and Eu. Another disclosed catalyst formulation comprises Pt, its oxides or mixtures thereof; Ru, its oxides or mixtures thereof; Co, its oxides or mixtures thereof; and at least one of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, V, Mo, Mn, Fe, Rh, Ir, Ge, Sn, Sb, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, and Eu, their oxides and mixtures thereof. The WGS catalyst may be supported on a carrier, such as any one member or a combination of alumina, zirconia, titania, ceria, magnesia, lanthania, niobia, zeolite, perovskite, silica clay, yttria and iron oxide. Fuel processors containing such water gas shift catalysts are also disclosed.
US08003562B2	Silica base composite photocatalyst and process for producing the same A silica base composite photocatalyst that has appropriate water purification capability, inhibiting precipitation of metal oxides; and a process for producing the same. The silica base composite photocatalyst is one composed mainly of a composite oxide phase consisting of an oxide phase (first phase) composed mainly of silica component and a titania phase (second phase) wherein the ratio of presence of the second phase increases aslope toward the surface layer, characterized in that at least one metal oxide selected from among strontium titanate and barium titanate is contained in the second phase.
US08003561B2	Fuel cell The invention aims at providing a platinum black material, without using an expensive and rare material, which is excellent in CO poisoning inhibiting effect, H2S poisoning inhibiting effect, SO4 poisoning inhibiting effect and HCHO poisoning inhibiting effect, and a method for fluorinating platinum black. The platinum black material is characterized by fluorine adsorbed on its surface. The method for fluorinating platinum black is characterized by allowing platinum black to stand in a mixed gas atmosphere of n inert gas and fluorine in a low-pressure chamber to make fluorine adsorbed on the surface of the platinum black.
US08003549B1	Methods of forming moisture barrier for low K film integration with anti-reflective layers A nitrogen-free anti-reflective layer for use in semiconductor photolithography is fabricated in a chemical vapor deposition process, optionally plasma-enhanced, using a gaseous mixture of carbon, silicon, and oxygen sources. By varying the process parameters, a substantially hermetic layer with acceptable values of the refractive index n and extinction coefficient k can be obtained. The nitrogen-free moisture barrier anti-reflective layer produced by this technique improves plasma etch of features such as vias in subsequent processing steps.
US08003547B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A substrate processing apparatus, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and a method of confirming an operation of a liquid flowrate control device are provided. The substrate processing apparatus comprises: a process chamber accommodating a substrate; a liquid source supply system supplying a liquid source into the process chamber; a solvent supply system supplying a solvent having a vapor pressure greater than that of the liquid source into the process chamber; a liquid flowrate control device controlling flowrates of the liquid source and the solvent; and a controller controlling the liquid source supply system, the solvent supply system, and the liquid flowrate control device so that the solvent is supplied into the liquid flowrate control device than the solvent supply system to confirm an operation of the liquid flowrate control device before the liquid source supply system supplies the liquid source into the process chamber.
US08003545B2	Method of forming an electronic device including forming features within a mask and a selective removal process A method of forming an electronic device can include forming a patterned mask layer overlying a underlying layer such that the mask layer has a first feature, a second feature, and a third feature, and the first feature is between the second feature and the third feature. The first feature can be spaced apart from the second feature by a first opening in the mask layer, and can be spaced apart from the third feature by a second opening in the mask layer. The method can further include selectively removing portions of the underlying layer under the first opening, the second opening, the second feature, and the third feature, and also removing the second feature and the third feature while leaving substantially all of the first feature and a significant portion of the underlying layer under the first feature.
US08003541B2	Methods of forming variable resistance memory cells, and methods of etching germanium, antimony, and tellurium-comprising materials A method of etching a material that includes comprising germanium, antimony, and tellurium encompasses exposing said material to a plasma-enhanced etching chemistry comprising Cl2 and CH2F2. A method of forming a variable resistance memory cell includes forming a conductive inner electrode material over a substrate. A variable resistance chalcogenide material comprising germanium, antimony, and tellurium is formed over the conductive inner electrode material. A conductive outer electrode material is formed over the chalcogenide material. The germanium, antimony, and tellurium-comprising material is plasma etched using a chemistry comprising Cl2 and CH2F2.
US08003540B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an underlying layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming a hard mask layer over the underlying layer; forming first etch patterns over the hard mask layer; forming second etch patterns between the first photoresist patterns; etching the hard mask layer using the first and second etch patterns as an etch mask to form a hard mask pattern; and etching the underlying layer using at least the hard mask pattern. The first and second etch patterns are formed on the same layer.
US08003534B2	Method of forming semiconductor devices in wafer assembly An apparatus and method for holding a semiconductor device in a wafer. A bar is connected to the wafer. A first sidewall comprises a first end and a second, and is connected to the bar at its first end. A first tab comprises a first end and a second end, and is connected to the second end of the first sidewall at its first end and connected to the first side of the semiconductor device at its second end. The thickness of the first tab is less than the thickness of the bar and the thickness of the first sidewall.
US08003533B2	Method for forming a laminated structure having a wettability-variable layer A disclosed laminated structure includes a wettability-variable layer containing a wettability-variable material whose surface energy changes when energy is applied thereto and including at least a high-surface-energy area having high surface energy and a low-surface-energy area having low surface energy; and a conductive layer formed on the high-surface-energy area. The high-surface-energy area includes a first area and a second area extending from the first area and having a width smaller than that of the first area.
US08003529B2	Method of fabrication an integrated circuit A method of forming an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate and forming on the substrate a shield structure comprising a shield member and a ground strap. The shield member comprises a non-metallic portion, and the ground strap comprises a metallic portion.
US08003527B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes forming an interlayer dielectric film above a semiconductor substrate; forming a first wiring trench with a first width and a second wiring trench with a second width that is larger than the first width inr the interlayer dielectric film; forming a first seed layer that includes a first additional element in the first wiring trench and the second wiring trench; forming a first copper layer over the first seed layer; removing the first copper layer and the first seed layer in the second wiring trench while leaving the first copper layer and the first seed layer in the first wiring trench; forming a second seed layer in the second wiring trench after removing the first copper layer and the first seed layer in the second wiring trench; and forming a second copper layer over the second seed layer.
US08003524B2	Plating seed layer including an oxygen/nitrogen transition region for barrier enhancement An interconnect structure which includes a plating seed layer that has enhanced conductive material, preferably, Cu, diffusion properties is provided that eliminates the need for utilizing separate diffusion and seed layers. Specifically, the present invention provides an oxygen/nitrogen transition region within a plating seed layer for interconnect metal diffusion enhancement. The plating seed layer may include Ru, Ir or alloys thereof, and the interconnect conductive material may include Cu, Al, AlCu, W, Ag, Au and the like. Preferably, the interconnect conductive material is Cu or AlCu. In more specific terms, the present invention provides a single seeding layer which includes an oxygen/nitrogen transition region sandwiched between top and bottom seed regions. The presence of the oxygen/nitrogen transition region within the plating seed layer dramatically enhances the diffusion barrier resistance of the plating seed.
US08003523B1	Methods for forming a plurality of contact holes in a microelectric device A method including: forming a dielectric layer over a substrate of a microelectronic device; forming a photoresist layer over the dielectric layer; performing a first exposure of the photoresist layer to permit portions of the dielectric layer to be removed at a first plurality of locations; subsequent to performing the first exposure, performing a second exposure of the photoresist layer to permit portions of the dielectric layer to be removed at a second plurality of locations different from the first plurality of locations; removing the portions of the dielectric layer at each of i) the first plurality of locations and ii) the second plurality of locations; and etching the dielectric layer at each of i) the first plurality of locations and ii) the second plurality of locations to respectively form a contact hole at each of the i) the first plurality of locations and ii) the second plurality of locations.
US08003521B2	Semiconductor processing Devices, methods, and systems for semiconductor processing are described herein. A number of method embodiments of semiconductor processing can include forming a silicon layer on a structure, forming an opening through the silicon layer and into the structure, and selectively forming a resistance variable material in the opening such that the resistance variable material does not form on the silicon layer.
US08003519B2	Systems and methods for back end of line processing of semiconductor circuits A BEOL manufacturing process for forming a via process between two metal lines on a semiconductor wafer comprises depositing a portion of a first metal adhesion layer within a patterned via hole, followed by a cooling step. The cooling step is then followed by formation of the remainder of the first metal adhesion layer and formation of a second metal adhesion layer within the patterned via hole. This process of forming the remaining portion of the first metal adhesion layer can be referred to as a wafer load, unload, load (LUL) process. By using a LUL process, thermal history is minimized, which reduces Al extrusion at the via interfaces.
US08003508B2	Method of forming gate line of semiconductor device A method of forming a gate line of a semiconductor device, wherein when an etch process for forming a gate line is performed, a loading effect is improved, thereby enhancing the operating speed of a semiconductor device. According to a method of forming a gate line of a semiconductor device in accordance with an aspect of the invention, a stack layer is formed over a semiconductor substrate that includes a first area and a second area. Hard mask patterns are formed over the stack layer so that the hard mask patterns are denser in the first area than in the second area. Next, a loading compensation layer is formed before the stack layer is etched, or the loading compensation layer is deposited after the stack layer is partially etched. Accordingly, a loading effect occurring when the stack layer is etched can be offset.
US08003504B2	Structure and method for fabrication of field effect transistor gates with or without field plates A method for fabrication of a field effect transistor gate, with or without field plates, includes the steps of defining a relatively thin Schottky metal layer by a lithography/metal liftoff or metal deposition/etch process on a semiconductor surface. This is followed by depositing a dielectric passivation layer over the entire wafer and defining a second lithographic pattern coincident with or slightly inset from the boundaries of the previously defined metal gate layer. This is followed by etching the dielectric using dry or wet etching techniques and stripping the resist, followed by exposing and developing a third resist pattern to define the thicker gate metal layers required for electrical conductivity and also for the field plate if one is utilized. The final step is depositing gate and/or field plate metal, resulting in a gate electrode and an integral field plate.
US08003501B2	Method of doping P-type impurity ions in dual poly gate and method of forming dual poly gate using the same A method of doping p-type impurity ions in a dual poly gate, comprising: forming a polysilicon layer doped with n-type impurity ions on a substrate with a gate insulation layer being interposed between the polysilicon layer and the substrate; exposing a region of the polysilicon layer; implementing a first doping of p-type impurity ions into the exposed region of the polysilicon layer by ion implantation so with a projection range Rp to a predetermined depth of the polysilicon layer; and implementing a second doping of p-type impurity ions into the exposed region of the polysilicon layer doped with the p-type impurity ions by plasma doping with a sloped doping profile.
US08003498B2	Particle beam assisted modification of thin film materials Several examples of a method for processing a substrate are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method may include: introducing a plurality of first particles to a first region of the substrate so as to form at least one crystal having a grain boundary in the first region without forming another crystal in a second region, the second region adjacent to the first region; and extending the grain boundary of the at least one crystal formed in the first region to the second region after stopping the introducing the plurality of first particles.
US08003497B2	Diluted magnetic semiconductor nanowires exhibiting magnetoresistance A method for is disclosed for fabricating diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) nanowires by providing a catalyst-coated substrate and subjecting at least a portion of the substrate to a semiconductor, and dopant via chloride-based vapor transport to synthesize the nanowires. Using this novel chloride-based chemical vapor transport process, single crystalline diluted magnetic semiconductor nanowires Ga1-xMnxN (x=0.07) were synthesized. The nanowires, which have diameters of ˜10 nm to 100 nm and lengths of up to tens of micrometers, show ferromagnetism with Curie temperature above room temperature, and magnetoresistance up to 250 Kelvin.
US08003493B2	Method of splitting a substrate A process for splitting a semiconductor substrate having an identification notch on its periphery, by creating a weakened zone in the substrate by implanting atomic species into the substrate while the substrate is held in place on a portion of its periphery during the implanting; and splitting the substrate along the weakened zone by placing the held portion of the substrate in a splitting-wave initiation sector while positioning the notch for initiating a splitting wave followed by the propagation of the wave into the substrate. During splitting the notch is positioned so that it is in a quarter of the periphery of the substrate diametrically opposite the sector for initiating the splitting wave or in the quarter of the periphery of the substrate that is centered on the sector.
US08003490B2	Integrated circuit and method including an isolation arrangement An integrated circuit and method including an isolation arrangement. One embodiment provides a substrate having trenches and mesa regions and also auxiliary structures on the mesa regions. A first isolation structure covers side walls and a bottom region of the trenches and at least partially side walls of the auxiliary structure. A liner on the first isolation structure fills the trenches and gaps between the auxiliary structures with a second isolation structure; and the second isolation structure is pulled back, wherein upper sections of the liner are uncovered.
US08003487B2	Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device using a layer suspended across a trench In methods of forming a trench, first patterns separated from each other by a first width and second patterns separated from each other by a second width are formed on a substrate. The second width is wider than the first width. The substrate is etched using the first patterns and the second patterns to form a first trench having a first depth and a preliminary second trench having a second depth. A sacrificial layer is formed to fill up a space between the first patterns. The substrate is etched using the sacrificial layer to form a second trench having a third depth deeper than the second depth.
US08003486B2	Method of making a semiconductor device having a strained semiconductor active region using edge relaxation, a buried stressor layer and a sacrificial stressor layer The present invention relates to creating an active layer of strained semiconductor using a combination of buried and sacrificial stressors. That is, a process can strain an active semiconductor layer by transferring strain from a stressor layer buried below the active semiconductor layer and by transferring strain from a sacrificial stressor layer formed above the active semiconductor layer. As an example, the substrate may be silicon, the buried stressor layer may be silicon germanium, the active semiconductor layer may be silicon and the sacrificial stressor layer may be silicon germanium. Elastic edge relaxation is preferably used to efficiently transfer strain to the active layer.
US08003483B2	Method for manufacturing SOI substrate Forming an insulating film on a surface of the single crystal semiconductor substrate, forming a fragile region in the single crystal semiconductor substrate by irradiating the single crystal semiconductor substrate with an ion beam through the insulating film, forming a bonding layer over the insulating film, bonding a supporting substrate to the single crystal semiconductor substrate by interposing the bonding layer between the supporting substrate and the single crystal semiconductor substrate, dividing the single crystal semiconductor substrate at the fragile region to separate the single crystal semiconductor substrate into a single crystal semiconductor layer attached to the supporting substrate, performing first dry etching treatment on a part of the fragile region remaining on the single crystal semiconductor layer, performing second dry etching treatment on a surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer subjected to the first etching treatment, and irradiating the single crystal semiconductor layer with laser light.
US08003479B2	Low temperature deposition and ultra fast annealing of integrated circuit thin film capacitor Some embodiments of the invention include thin film capacitors formed on a package substrate of an integrated circuit package. At least one of the film capacitors includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a dielectric layer between the first and second electrode layers. Each of the first and second electrode layers and the dielectric layer is formed individually and directly on the package substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08003475B2	Method for fabricating a transistor structure A method for fabricating a transistor structure with a first and a second bipolar transistor having different collector widths is presented. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, introducing a first buried layer of the first bipolar transistor and a second buried layer of the second bipolar transistor into the semiconductor substrate, and producing at least a first collector region having a first collector width on the first buried layer and a second collector region having a second collector width on the second buried layer. A first collector zone having a first thickness is produced on the second buried layer for production of the second collector width. A second collector zone having a second thickness is produced on the first collector zone. At least one insulation region is produced that isolates at least the collector regions from one another.
US08003474B2	Electrically programmable fuse and fabrication method An electrically programmable fuse includes an anode, a cathode, and a fuse link conductively connecting the cathode with the anode, which is programmable by applying a programming current. The anode and the fuse link each include a polysilicon layer and a silicide layer formed on the polysilicon layer, and the cathode includes the polysilicon layer and a partial silicide layer formed on a predetermined portion of the polysilicon layer of the cathode located adjacent to a cathode junction where the cathode and the fuse link meet.
US08003473B2	Bipolar transistor with silicided sub-collector Embodiments of the invention provide a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes defining a sub-collector region in a layer of doped semiconductor material; forming an active region, a dielectric region, and a reach-through region on top of the layer of doped semiconductor material with the dielectric region separating the active region from the reach-through region; and siliciding the reach-through region and a portion of the sub-collector region to form a partially silicided conductive pathway. A semiconductor device made thereby is also provided.
US08003468B2	Separation methods for semiconductor charge accumulation layers and structures thereof Devices and methods for isolating adjacent charge accumulation layers in a semiconductor device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a bit line formed in a semiconductor substrate, a charge accumulation layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a word line formed on the charge accumulation layer across the bit line, and a channel region formed in the semiconductor substrate below the word line and between the bit line and its adjacent bit line. For the semiconductor device, the charge accumulation layer is formed above the channel region in a widthwise direction of the word line, and a width of the word line is set to be narrower than a distance between an end of the channel region and a central part of the channel region in a lengthwise direction of the word line.
US08003464B2	Methods of manufacturing semiconductor device having recess channel array transistor Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device having an RCAT are provided. The method includes forming a first recess having a first depth formed in an active region of a semiconductor substrate, and a second recess having a second depth that is less than the first depth formed in an isolation layer. The depth of the second recess is decreased by removing the isolation layer from the upper surface of the isolation layer by a desired thickness. A gate dielectric layer is formed on an inner wall of the first recess and a gate is formed on the gate dielectric layer.
US08003463B2	Structure, design structure and method of manufacturing dual metal gate Vt roll-up structure A structure, design structure and method of manufacturing is provided for a dual metal gate Vt roll-up structure, e.g., multi-work function metal gate. The method of manufacturing the multi-work function metal gate structure comprises forming a first type of metal with a first work function in a central region and forming a second type of metal with a second work function in at least one edge region adjacent the central region. The first work-function is different from the second work function.
US08003451B2	Method of manufacturing array substrate of liquid crystal display device The embodiment of the invention discloses an exemplary method, in which a gate line, a gate electrode, and a pixel electrode are formed in a first step; a multilayer structure is formed on the gate line and the gate electrode in a second step; and a data line and source/drain electrodes are formed in a third step.
US08003450B2	Thin film transistor, method of fabricating a thin film transistor and flat panel display device having the same A thin film transistor (TFT) includes a substrate, a transparent semiconductor layer on the substrate, the transparent semiconductor layer including zinc oxide and exhibiting a charge concentration of about 1×1014 atom/cm3 to about 1×1017 atom/cm3, a gate electrode on the substrate, a gate insulating layer between the gate electrode and the transparent semiconductor layer, the gate insulting layer insulating the gate electrode from the transparent semiconductor layer, and source and drain electrodes on the substrate, the source and drain electrodes being in contact with the transparent semiconductor layer.
US08003447B2	Multi-chip module for battery power control A multi-chip module suitable for use in a battery protection circuit. The multi-chip module includes an integrated circuit chip, a first power transistor, a second power transistor, a first connection structure electrically coupling the integrated circuit chip to the first power transistor, a second connection structure electrically coupling the integrated circuit chip to the second power transistor, and a leadframe structure comprising a first lead, a second lead, a third lead and a fourth lead, wherein the integrated circuit chip, the first power transistor, and the second power transistor are mounted on the leadframe structure. A molding material covers at least part of the integrated circuit chip, the first power transistor, the second power transistor, the first connection structure, and the second connection structure.
US08003446B2	Flexible diode package and method of manufacturing A single step packaging process that both melts a solder and also cures an adhesive about a microelectronic circuit. The process finds technical advantages by simplifying packaging of a die that may be coupled to a planar flexible lead, which leads to a lower production cost and quicker manufacturing time. The planar flexible lead may be adapted to bend and flex during mechanical stress and during extreme temperature cycling, and allow direct mounting of the device to a member by easily welding or soldering. The invention may comprise a flexible solar cell diode that can be closely positioned on solar panels at an extremely low cost.
US08003439B2	Board on chip package and manufacturing method thereof A method of manufacturing a board on chip package including laminating a dry film on a carrier film, one side of which is laminated by a thin metal film; patterning the dry film in accordance with a circuit wire through light exposure and developing process, and forming a solder ball pad and a circuit wire; removing the dry film; laminating an upper photo solder resist excluding a portion where the solder ball pad is formed; etching the thin metal film formed on a portion where the upper photo solder resist is not laminated; mounting a semiconductor chip on the solder ball pad by a flip chip bonding; molding the semiconductor chip with a passivation material; removing the carrier film and the thin metal film; and laminating a lower photo solder resist under the solder ball pad. The board on chip package provides a high density circuit since a circuit pattern is formed using a seed layer.
US08003438B2	Circuit module and manufacturing method thereof A circuit module includes an electronic component, a ceramic multilayer substrate and a resin wiring substrate. The ceramic multilayer substrate is provided with a wiring layer disposed on top thereof and a cavity in which the electronic component is mounted, wherein a space between the electronic component and the cavity is filled with a thermosetting resin and a surface of the filled cavity is planarized. The resin wiring substrate has an insulating adhesive layer disposed at one side thereof and provided with at least one opening filled with a conductive resin. The ceramic multilayer substrate and the resin wiring substrate are bonded by the insulating adhesive layer, and the wiring layer on the ceramic multilayer substrate is electrically connected with the conductive resin.
US08003437B2	Semiconductor device fabricating method and fabricating apparatus Respective attracting openings of a bonding head are disposed so as to avoid joining regions at which bump electrodes (obverse electrodes) of a semiconductor chip are joined with bump electrodes of a package substrate. Bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) that are connected to the bump electrodes are provided at a reverse side of the semiconductor chip at positions opposing the bump electrodes. Because the attracting openings do not overlap the joining regions, the bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) are not suctioned at the joining regions.
US08003434B2	Reduced dark current photodetector A photo-detector comprising: a photo absorbing layer comprising an n-doped semiconductor exhibiting a valence band energy level; a barrier layer, a first side of the barrier layer adjacent a first side of the photo absorbing layer, the barrier layer exhibiting a valence band energy level substantially equal to the valence band energy level of the doped semiconductor of the photo absorbing layer; and a contact area comprising a doped semiconductor, the contact area being adjacent a second side of the barrier layer opposing the first side, the barrier layer exhibiting a thickness and a conductance band gap sufficient to prevent tunneling of majority carriers from the photo absorbing layer to the contact area and block the flow of thermalized majority carriers from the photo absorbing layer to the contact area. Alternatively, a p-doped semiconductor is utilized, and conductance band energy levels of the barrier and photo absorbing layers are equalized.
US08003432B2	Consumable adhesive layer for thin film photovoltaic material A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. The method forms a first electrode layer overlying the surface region of the transparent substrate. The method also forms a thin layer of indium material, using a sputtering target of indium material, overlying the first electrode layer to act as an intermediary glue layer to facilitate attachment to the first electrode layer. In a specific embodiment, the method forms a copper material overlying the thin layer of indium material. The method also forms an indium layer overlying the copper material to form a multi layered structure including at least the thin layer of indium material, copper material, and the indium layer. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-layered structure has a first thickness. In a specific embodiment, the method also subjects at least the multi-layered structure to thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a copper indium disulfide alloy material while consuming substantially all of the indium layer from at least the treatment process of the multi-layered structure. In a preferred embodiment, the copper indium disulfide alloy material comprises an atomic ratio of copper indium ranging from about 1.35 to about 3.00. In a specific embodiment, the copper indium disulfide alloy material has a second thickness of more than two times of the first thickness of the multi-layered structure. The method consumes substantially all of the thin layer of indium material into a portion of the copper indium disulfide alloy material during at least the thermal treatment process. The method causes formation of a copper sulfide material overlying the copper indium disulfide alloy material during at least the thermal treatment process.
US08003431B2	Method for antireflection treatment of a zinc oxide film and method for manufacturing solar cell using the same Provided are a method for antireflection treatment of a zinc oxide film and a method for manufacturing a solar cell using the same. In the anti-reflection treatment, a substrate is prepared, then a polycrystalline zinc oxide film is formed on the substrate. A surface of the polycrystalline zinc oxide film is textured. Here, the roughening of the surface of the polycrystalline zinc oxide film comprises wet-etching the polycrystalline zinc oxide film on the substrate using an etching solution mixed with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
US08003424B2	Method for fabricating CMOS image sensor with pocket photodiode for minimizng image lag A CMOS image sensor includes a photosensitive device, a floating diffusion region, a transfer transistor, and a pocket photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type. The floating diffusion region is of a second conductivity type. The transfer transistor has a channel region disposed between the photosensitive device and the floating diffusion region. The pocket photodiode is of the second conductivity type and is formed under a first portion of a bottom surface of the channel region such that a second portion of the bottom surface of the channel region abuts the semiconductor substrate.
US08003421B2	Method for manufacturing compound semiconductor substrate, compound semiconductor substrate and light emitting device A method for manufacturing a compound semiconductor substrate includes at least the processes of epitaxially growing a quaternary light emitting layer composed of AlGaInP on a GaAs substrate; vapor-phase growing a p-type GaP window layer on a first main surface of the quaternary light emitting layer, the first main surface being opposite to the GaAs substrate; removing the GaAs substrate; and epitaxially growing an n-type GaP window layer on a second main surface of the light emitting layer, the second main surface being located at a side where the GaAs substrate is removed. The method includes the process of performing a heat treatment under a hydrogen atmosphere containing ammonia after the process of removing the GaAs substrate and before the process of epitaxially growing the n-type GaP window layer.
US08003417B2	Organic electroluminescent display device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent display device may comprise forming transistors on a substrate, forming a lower electrode over an insulating layer, forming an insulating layer on the transistors, the lower electrode being coupled to a source or a drain of each of the transistors, forming a bank layer on the lower electrode, the bank layer having openings to expose part of the lower electrode, forming a bus electrode on the bank layer, forming an organic light-emitting layer to cover the lower electrode, the bank layer, and the bus electrode, patterning the organic light-emitting layer using a laser, thereby exposing the bus electrode placed on the bank layer, and forming an upper electrode on the organic light-emitting layer so that the upper electrode comes into contact with the exposed bus electrode.
US08003416B2	Method of making a semiconductor chip assembly with a post/base heat spreader and dual adhesives A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a post and a base, mounting a first adhesive on the base including inserting the post through an opening in the first adhesive, mounting a conductive layer on the base including aligning the post with an aperture in the conductive layer, providing a conductive trace that includes a pad, a terminal and a selected portion of the conductive layer, then flowing a second adhesive into and downward in a gap between the post and the conductive trace, solidifying the second adhesive, then mounting a semiconductor device on a heat spreader that includes the post and the base, electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the conductive trace and thermally connecting the semiconductor device to the heat spreader.
US08003413B2	Penetrating hole type LED chip package structure using a ceramic material as a substrate and method for manufacturing the same An LED chip package structure includes a ceramic substrate, a conductive unit, a hollow ceramic casing, many LED chips, and a package colloid. The ceramic substrate has a main body, many protrusions extended from the main body, many penetrating holes respectively penetrating through the protrusions, and many half through holes formed on a lateral side of the main body and respectively formed between each two protrusions. The conductive unit has many first conductive layers respectively formed on the protrusions, many second conductive layers respectively formed on inner surfaces of the half through holes and a bottom face of the main body, and many third conductive layers respectively filled in the penetrating holes. The hollow ceramic casing is fixed on the main body to form a receiving space. The LED chips is received in the receiving space. The package colloid is filled in the receiving space for covering the LED chips.
US08003412B2	Method and apparatus for measurement and control of photomask to substrate alignment A method, structure, system of aligning a substrate to a photomask. The method comprising: directing light through a clear region of the photomask in a photolithography tool, through a lens of the tool and onto a set of at least three diffraction mirror arrays on the substrate, each diffraction mirror array of the set of at least three diffraction minor arrays comprising a single row of mirrors, all mirrors in any particular diffraction mirror array spaced apart a same distance, mirrors in different diffraction mirror arrays spaced apart different distances; measuring an intensity of light diffracted from the set of at least three diffraction mirror arrays onto an array of photo detectors; and adjusting a temperature of the photomask or photomask and lens based on the measured intensity of light.
US08003410B2	Method of operating quantum-mechanical memory and computational devices A method of operating a quantum system comprising computational elements, including an insulated ring of superconductive material, and semi-closed rings used as an interface between the computational elements and the external world, is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises providing an electrical signal, e.g. a current, in an input ring magnetically coupled to a computational element, which generates a magnetic field in the computational element and sensing the change in the current and/or voltage of an output element magnetically coupled to the computational element. The electrical input signal can be an AC signal or a DC signal. The computational element is electromagnetically coupled with other adjacent computational elements and/or with the interface elements. The corresponding magnetic flux between the computational elements and/or the interface elements acts as an information carrier. Ferromagnetic cores are used to improve the magnetic coupling between adjacent elements.
US08003409B2	Semiconductor nanoparticle fluorescent reagent and fluorescence determination method The present invention measures defect fluorescence exhibited from a defect level mainly on a semiconductor nanoparticle surface site which has an energy level existing inside the forbidden band of energy levels inside the semiconductor nanoparticle.
US08003408B2	Modification of metal nanoparticles for improved analyte detection by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) A SERS active particle having a metal-containing particle and a cationic coating on the metal-containing particle, wherein the SERS active particle carries a positive charge is disclosed. Also, a SERS active particle having a metal-containing particle and a non-metallic molecule, wherein the metal-containing particle is derivatized with the non-metallic molecule is disclosed. In addition, several methods of modifying the nanoparticles surfaces of a SERS active particle and of improving the interaction between the SERS active particle and an analyte are disclosed.
US08003405B2	Calibrating dispensing device performance for complex and/or non-aqueous liquids A method for determining the volume of a test liquid aliquot used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. The method is useful for determining the volume of an aliquot of a test liquid which is complex, non-aqueous or both. A mixture contains the test liquid and a stock solution including a first dye, the first dye having absorbance characteristics which are measurably distinguishable from the absorbance characteristics of a second dye. The mixture is mixed with a diluent including the second dye to form a sample solution used to measure absorbances of the first dye and the second dye. The test liquid and the stock solution are combined gravimetrically in a controlled ratio so that the flow characteristics of the test-stock mixture correspond to the flow characteristics of the test liquid and without affecting the ability to distinguish the absorbance characteristics between the first dye and the second dye.
US08003398B2	Methods and compositions for detecting glyphosate and metabolites thereof The present invention provides various methods and compositions which allow for determining the presence or amount of glyphosate, N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or aminomethyl phosphoric acid (AMPA) and its various metabolites in a variety of test matrices. In one method, determining the presence or amount of N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA in a test sample comprises providing the test sample suspected of containing N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA; extracting the N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA from the test sample; and, detecting the N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA in the extract. In other methods, the presence or amount of at least one of glyphosate, N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) or a metabolite thereof in a test sample is determined. The method comprises providing the test sample suspected of containing at least one of glyphosate, N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or AMPA or a metabolite thereof, extracting from the test sample at least one of the glyphosate, N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or AMPA; and, detecting at least one of the glyphosate, the N-acetylglyphosate, the N-acetyl AMPA and the AMPA from the test sample; wherein detection of the glyphosate, N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or AMPA occurs without derivatization of the glyphosate, the N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or the AMPA.
US08003397B2	Glucose monitoring by viscometric sensing of polymeric fluid A polymeric sensing fluid for detecting the presence of glucose and systems and methods of its use are generally disclosed. The polymeric sensing fluid includes a polymer in a solvent (e.g., an aqueous solvent). The polymer has a plurality of boronic acid moieties extending from its polymeric backbone. As such, the polymeric sensing fluid is configured to increase in viscosity upon addition of glucose due to crosslinking between the boronic acid moieties of the polymer and glucose.
US08003394B2	Methods for metal assays using optical techniques An improved optical method for determining metal or a metal compound thereof in a sample with organic impurities. The optical method comprises of solvating the metal in a liquid medium and then mixing this liquid medium with an optical indicator and then measuring the presence of the metal. The improvement lies in removing any organic impurities by the addition of an additive, where the said additive is removed before the optical indicator is added.
US08003393B1	Method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer The present disclosure relates to a method for assessing if a patient is affected with a lung cancer. The method includes analyzing the presence and amount of β-citronellol contained in the urine excreted from the patient and determining if the presence and amount of β-citronellol is indicative of lung cancer.
US08003392B2	Diagnostic test for the detection of early stage liver cancer Described are methods and kits to detect early stage hepatocellular carcinoma or a change in the gradation of hepatocellular carcinoma in mammals. The diagnostic marker is based on the profiling and identification of diagnostic carbohydrates present in a body fluid, such as blood serum.
US08003390B2	Responses to singlet oxygen The physiological response of a phototroph to singlet oxygen is altered by modulating the interaction between an anti-sigma factor, ChrR, and a sigma factor, σE, or by altering expression of a gene product required for viability in the presence of singlet oxygen.
US08003389B2	Buffer solution for electroporation and a method comprising the use of the same A method for introducing biologically active molecules into animal or human cells using electric current includes suspending the cells and dissolving the biologically active molecules in a buffer solution which has a buffer capacity of at least 20 mmol×l−1×pH−1 and an ionic strength of at least 200 mmol×l−1 at a change in the pH from pH 7 to pH 8 and at a temperature of 25° C. to form a suspension. The method further includes applying an electric voltage to the suspension so as to introduce the biologically active molecules into animal or human cells.
US08003388B2	Method for creating perfusable microvessel systems A method for creating networks of perfusable microvessels in vitro. A mandrel is drawn through a matrix to form a channel through the matrix. Cells are injected into the channel. The matrix is incubated to allow the cells to attach inside the channel. The channel is perfused to remove unattached cells to create a parent vessel, where the parent vessel includes a perfusable hollow channel lined with cells in the matrix. The parent vessel is induced to create sprouts into the surrounding matrix gel so as to form a microvessel network. The microvessel network is subjected to luminal perfusion through the parent vessel.
US08003385B2	In vitro germinal centers The present invention incorporates germinal centers (GCs) into three-dimensional (3D) engineered tissue constructs (ETCs). In an embodiment, we have incorporated the GC in the design of an artificial immune system (AIS) to examine immune responses to vaccines and other compounds. Development of an in vitro GC adds functionality to an AIS, in that it enables generation of an in vitro human humoral response by human B lymphocytes that is accurate and reproducible, without using human subjects. The invention also permits evaluation of, for example, vaccines, allergens, and immunogens, and activation of human B cells specific for a given antigen, which can then be used to generate human antibodies. In an embodiment of the present invention the function of the in vitro GC is enhanced by placing FDCs and other immune cells in a 3D ETC; FDCs appear more effective over a longer time (antibody production is sustained for up to about 14 days.
US08003382B2	Nucleic acid molecules encoding a house dust mite allergen Der f VII, and antigenic peptides thereof Isolated nucleic acids encoding allergens of the species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, Der p VII and Der f VII, respectively, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Der p VII activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 22, 177 daltons is described. A cDNA encoding a peptide having Der f VII activity is also described. The nucleic acids of the invention can be used as probes to detect the presence of Der p VII or Der f VII nucleic acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity. Peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.
US08003377B2	Pico liter well holding device and method of making the same The present invention broadly comprises a holding device for studying cells comprising at least one cavity adapted to receive cells in a medium consisting essentially of water, the cavity having a substrate and a generally inert wall, wherein the substrate includes a surface for receiving the medium, and wherein the surface includes a multiplicity of pico liter wells and is characterized in that the substrate is substantially translucent and has a refractive index equal to the refractive index of the medium. The invention further comprises a method of making the holding device comprising providing a carrier plate, applying an adhesive layer to the carrier plate, depositing a curable substrate on the adhesive layer, applying a second layer of adhesive to the substrate, attaching a wall structure to the second layer of adhesive, forming a multiplicity of pico liter wells in the substrate, curing the substrate, and removing the template.
US08003373B2	Optical detector for enzyme activation Activation of an enzyme in a bodily fluid is detected based on the amount of cleavage of a substrate for the enzyme. The substrate is tagged with two fluorescent dyes—a donor and an acceptor. The tagged substrate is presented to the bodily fluid. A device emits energy at a first wavelength into the bodily fluid, and detects energy at second and third wavelengths emitted by the dyes in response to the energy at the first wavelength. Prior to enzymatic cleavage of the substrate, the acceptor emits energy at the third wavelength in response to energy at the second wavelength received through fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) from the donor. After enzymatic cleavage of the substrate, the donor emits energy at the second wavelength. The device can determine the concentration of activated enzyme within the bodily fluid based on the relative intensities of energy, at the second and third wavelengths.
US08003372B2	Device for performing cell assays A device for performing cell assays has at least one assay site. The site comprises a pair of stimulating electrodes and a cell confinement cavity for confining at least one cell in an extracellular fluid medium. The cell confinement cavity and the stimulating electrodes are arranged so that, in use, each cell is exposable to an electrical field generated by a potential difference applied across the stimulating electrodes. The stimulating electrodes are spaced a distance apart such that the potential difference can induce field stimulation of each cell and simultaneously be below the level that would result in electrolysis of the extracellular fluid medium.
US08003370B2	Thermal cycling apparatus This invention provides an apparatus for providing heating and cooling of samples in sample vessels having uniform temperature profiles. The apparatus can be used for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with control and uniformity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to efficiently transfer heat to and from reaction vessels.
US08003369B2	Bacteriolytic agent The present invention is a bacteriolytic agent containing a cationic surfactant (A) of which a counteranion is an acid having a pKa (25° C.) of 0 to 10. As the counterion, a carboxylate anion is preferable. As the cationic surfactant (A), a quaternary ammonium salt-type surfactant is preferable. Examples of the useful substance include a protein, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, an antibiotic, sugars or vitamins.The bacteriolytic agent of the present invention is excellent in a bacteriolytic power in a step of extracting a useful substance from a microorganism (useful substance producing bacterium etc.). In addition, denaturation of the useful substance during the step is small.
US08003367B2	Method for producing L-amino acids by fermentation using bacteria having enhanced expression of xylose utilization genes A method for producing an L-amino acid, such as L-histidine, L-threonine, L-lysine, L-glutamic acid, and L-tryptophan, using bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has increased expression of genes, such as those of the xylABFGHR locus, which encode the xylose utilization enzymes, is disclosed. The method includes cultivating the L-amino acid producing bacterium in a culture medium containing xylose, and collecting the L-amino acid from the culture medium.
US08003366B2	Bacillus bacterium strain capable of decomposing/volume-reducing plant residue Disclosed is a method for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue to a satisfactory level within a short period. Also disclosed is a bacterium for use in the method. Further disclosed is a material for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue, which contains the bacterium. A bacterium is found which is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue under natural conditions satisfactorily and stably. The bacterium can be used for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue. A material containing cells of Bacillus pumilus KS-C4 strain (FERM BP-10842) that is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue or a culture of the cell is added to a plant residue.
US08003365B2	Biosynthesis of commodity chemicals Methods, enzymes, recombinant microorganism, and microbial systems are provided for converting suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, such as those derived from biomass, as well as various aldehydes and/or ketones, into commodity chemicals, such as biofuels. Commodity chemicals produced by the methods described herein are also provided. Commodity chemical enriched, refinery-produced petroleum products are also provided, as well as methods for producing the same.
US08003364B2	Purification of vaccinia viruses using hydrophobic interaction chromatography The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (VV) and/or Vaccinia virus (VV) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.
US08003353B2	Cyanocobalamin low viscosity aqueous formulations for intranasal delivery A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.1 comprising intranasally administering an aqueous solution of a cyanocobalamin, wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of at least 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of a cyanocobalamin.
US08003352B2	Method of obtaining a product sugar stream from cellulosic biomass The invention relates to a process for obtaining a product sugar stream from a cellulosic biomass, comprising pretreating the cellulosic biomass to hydrolyze a portion of the cellulose and hemicellulose to produce glucose, acetic acid and a sugar monomer, adding base to the pretreated cellulosic biomass to produce inorganic salt and acetate salt; hydrolyzing the neutralized cellulosic biomass with cellulase enzymes and separating insoluble residue from the resulting sugar stream; treating the clarified sugar stream using exclusion chromatography at a pH of 5 to 10 to produce a product sugar stream.
US08003348B2	Method for the mass expression of an antimicrobial peptide by co-expression of a basic antimicrobial peptide and an acidic peptide using a translational coupling system The present invention relates to a gene construct which is capable of achieving efficient production of an antimicrobial peptide in a microorganism, and a method for efficient mass production and separation of an antimicrobial peptide using the same. The gene construct of the present invention has a translationally coupled configuration of two independent and separate cistrons which encode an acidic peptide and a basic antimicrobial peptide, each having an opposite charge, under the control of a single promoter. The translationally coupled acidic peptide and basic antimicrobial peptide undergo charge-charge interaction simultaneously with expression thereof to neutralize the potential cytotoxicity of the antimicrobial peptide, resulting in prevention of antimicrobial peptide-mediated killing of host microorganisms. In addition, a conjugate of the acidic peptide and the antimicrobial peptide can be separated without chemical or enzymatic treatment. Therefore, it is possible to achieve easy mass production of antimicrobial peptides from recombinant microorganisms.
US08003347B2	Nucleic acids encoding ChemerinR ligands The present invention relates to a G-protein coupled receptor and a novel ligand therefor. The invention provides screening assays for the identification of candidate compounds which modulate the activity of the G-protein coupled receptor, as well as assays useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a disease or disorder related to the dysregulation of G-protein coupled receptor signaling.
US08003345B2	Antioxidant pharmaceutical compound, method for producing polypeptide and method of cure The invention relates to a pharmaceutical compound for antioxidant protection of cells, tissues and entire organism against hyperproduction of fee radicals. The inventive compound comprises an effective quantity of at least one antioxidant in the form of a main acting component. Said antioxidant is selected from a group consisting peroxiredoxine, a fragment thereof, dihydrolipoic acid and the combinations thereof with acceptable pharmaceutical additives. The inventive method for preventing and curing mammals consists in contacting the effective quantity of the compound with intercellular space of tissue, organ and entire mammal organism. Low toxicity of the compound makes it possible to increase the efficiency of treatment of multifactor actions on an organism, for example radiation, thermal, chemical burn, wounds and hurts as a result of disasters and fires.
US08003343B2	Method for determining diamine oxidase Disclosed is a method for determining histaminase (DAO; EC 1.4.3.6) activity in a sample. Said method comprises the following steps: an aqueous solution is supplied which contains a predefined amount of a diamine; the aqueous solution is mixed and incubated with the sample for a given period of time in conditions in which the diamine can be reacted with a DAO possibly present in the sample; the diamine is derivatized; the amount of derivatized diamine is determined; the predefined amount of diamine is compared to the amount of derivatized diamine; and the activity of histaminase possibly present is determined.
US08003342B1	Method for identifying farnesyl transferase inhibitors Disclosed are methods and compositions for the identification of inhibitors of farnesyl protein transferases, enzymes involved in the farnesylation of various cellular proteins, including cancer related ras proteins such as p21ras. One farnesyl protein transferase which is disclosed herein exhibits a molecular weight of between about 70,000 and about 100,000 upon gel exclusion chromatography. The enzyme appears to comprise one or two subunits of approximately 50 kDa each. Methods are disclosed for assay and purification of the enzyme, as well as procedures for using the purified enzyme in screening protocols for the identification of possible anticancer agents which inhibit the enzyme and thereby prevent expression of proteins such as p21ras. Also disclosed is a families of compounds which act either as false substrates for the enzyme or as pure inhibitors and can therefore be employed for inhibition of the enzyme. The most potent inhibitors are ones in which phenylalanine occurs at the third position of a tetrapeptide whose amino terminus is cysteine.
US08003336B2	Method of screening endothelial cells for angiogenic capability Provided is a method of screening a primary endothelial cell population for angiogenesis capability comprising: (a) measuring the percentage of cells that are positive for VEGF R2 and CD34, the level of VEGF R2, or measuring the VEGF R2 to VEGF R1 ratio in the population; and (b) selecting those populations where the measured percentage or the measured ratio is over a threshold value.
US08003333B2	Serum biomarkers for early detection of acute cellular rejection The present invention provides an improved method of diagnosing a subject having received an organ transplant with Acute Cellular Rejection (ACR). The method comprises obtaining a biological sample from the subject, detecting an amount of at least one protein indicative of ACR in the sample, and comparing the amount of the protein in the sample to a control, wherein a difference between the amount of the protein in the sample relative to the control indicates the subject has or is developing ACR. The difference can be an increase or a decrease. In one version the biological sample comprises a serum sample, and the transplanted organ is selected from a heart, kidney, liver, bone marrow, pancreas, eye, lung or skin. A kit and methods of treating a subject having an organ transplant for ACR and treating an immune suppressed subject are also provided.
US08003332B2	Inhibition of membrane fusion proteins Methods of inhibiting viral infection of a eukaryotic cell by a target virus having a class II virus fusion protein are provided. Also provided are methods of screening a test compound for the ability to inhibit infection by a virus having a class II viral fusion protein. Additionally provided herewith are aqueous-soluble proteins comprising a portion of a class II viral fusion protein comprising a Domain III of the viral fusion protein.
US08003331B2	Method for identifying target protein of drug and method for screening therapeutic agent for diabetes using the target protein A method for identifying a target protein of a compound having a pharmacological action by detecting a tertiary structural change of a target protein by binding a compound having a pharmacological action to a target protein with the use of a molecular chaperone protein having a characteristic of binding to a protein by recognizing a tertiary structural change of the protein is disclosed. Further, a method for screening a therapeutic agent for diabetes using a target protein of biguanide which is a therapeutic agent for diabetes and was found by the identification method, a screening tool which can be used in the screening method and a pharmaceutical composition for treating diabetes containing a substance obtained by the screening method are disclosed.
US08003329B2	Molecular counting by color-coded micelles The invention provides a method of determining ratios of target DNA molecules in a sample. A digital readout of the target DNA molecules is provided by converting ratios of target DNA molecules into equivalent ratios of amplifiable tags, which are, in turn, converted into ratios of color-coded micelles in an emulsion reaction. The micelles may be detected and counted by various methods, including by flow cytometers or slide-based imaging devices. The invention is useful for detection of relative expression levels of selected genes, gene copy number polymorphisms, allelic imbalance, relative levels of iRNAs, and related phenomena of scientific and medical interest.
US08003328B2	Bovine polymorphisms and methods of predicting bovine traits Methods of predicting the phenotype of a trait in a bovine subject are provided. The methods include obtaining information about polynucleotide sequences specifically regarding the identity of the nucleotides present at one or more identified single nucleotide polymorphisms and using this information to make predictions regarding the trait in the subject. Also provided are kits for and methods of determining the nucleotide present in a bovine subject at a position in which a single nucleotide polymorphism is correlated with a trait.
US08003326B2	Method for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and/or predicting autism spectrum disorder comprising determining the presence of microdeletions and microduplications on chromosomes 15 and 16.
US08003324B2	Modulation of sodium channels by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide The present invention relates to the use of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) or of its reduced form, NADH, as sodium channel modulators. The present invention also relates to the use of compositions containing NAD+ or NADH to treat conditions associated with sodium channel current, such as arrhythmia. NAD+ is found to increase sodium channel current, while NADH is found to decrease sodium channel current. Thus, conditions that are associated with decreased sodium channel current can be treated with NAD+, while conditions that is associated with increased sodium channel current can be treated with NADH.
US08003323B2	Reduction in bacterial colonization by administering bacteriophage compositions The present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of bacterial infection or sepsis in a susceptible patient by treating the susceptible patient with a pharmaceutical composition containing bacteriophage of one or more strains which produce lytic infections in pathogenic bacteria. Preferably, treatment of the patient reduces the level of colonization with pathogenic bacteria susceptible to the bacteriophage by at least one log. In a typical embodiment, the susceptible patient is an immunocompromised patient selected from the group consisting of leukemia patients, lymphoma patients, carcinoma patients, sarcoma patients, allogeneic transplant patients, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency patients, cystic fibrosis patients, and AIDS patients. In a preferred mode, the patients treated by this method are colonized with the pathogenic bacteria subject to infection by said bacteriophage.
US08003322B2	Method of amplifying a target nucleic acid by rolling circle amplification Provided is kit for and a method of amplifying a nucleic acid using rolling cyclic amplification (RCA), including amplifying a nucleic acid together with formation of a single-strand circular DNA template using RCA by reacting a reaction solution including: (a) two hairpin oligos, (b) a target nucleic acid, (c) a DNA ligase,(d) an endonuclease, (e) a DNA polymerase, and (f) a primer.
US08003321B2	Method of detecting DNA of arthroderma gypseum A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 3 and mutated sequences thereof.
US08003319B2	Systems and methods for controlling position of charged polymer inside nanopore Techniques for controlling the position of a charged polymer inside a nanopore are provided. For example, one technique includes using electrostatic control to position a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, and creating an electrostatic potential well inside the nanopore, wherein the electrostatic potential well controls a position of the linear charged polymer inside the nanopore.
US08003314B2	Methods for direct fluorescent antibody virus detection in liquids The present invention describes a liquid direct fluorescence antibody assay that is rapid and sensitive to detect respiratory virus in infected cells. The assay includes centrifugation of the specimen, incubation of sample and reagents in solution, and detection of the absence or presence of respiratory virus. Sapogenin is used as a detergent to permeabilize the cells for entry of the monoclonal antibodies to react with intracellular antigens. The cells are stained with fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies against the viral antigens along with a background stain and a fluorescent nuclear stain. This counter staining decreases background and allows co-localization of antigen and nuclear structures for enhanced detection.
US08003309B2	Photoresist compositions and methods of use in high index immersion lithography The present invention relates to a composition comprising a photoresist polymer and a fluoropolymer. In one embodiment, the fluoropolymer comprises a first monomer having a pendant group selected from alicyclic bis-hexafluoroisopropanol and aryl bis-hexafluoroisopropanol and preferably a second monomer selected from fluorinated styrene and fluorinated vinyl ether. The invention composition has improved receding contact angles with high refractive index hydrocarbon fluids used in immersion lithography and, thereby, provides improved performance in immersion lithography.
US08003306B2	Methods of forming electronic devices by ion implanting A method of forming an electronic device is provided that includes forming a resist layer over a substrate having a first region, a second region, and a third region. The method further includes directing radiation through a reticle, wherein the reticle comprises different radiation zones having significantly different transmission values with respect to each other, and the first region is exposed to a significantly different amount of radiation as compared to the second region. The method also includes removing part of the resist layer to leave a remaining portion such that the second region of the resist layer is significantly thinner than the third region of the resist layer, and then ion implanting the substrate while the remaining portion of the resist layer overlies the substrate to form a first implant region and a second implant region having different depths.
US08003300B2	Methods for fabricating complex micro and nanoscale structures and electronic devices and components made by the same This invention provides processing steps, methods and materials strategies for making patterns of structures for electronic, optical and optoelectronic devices. Processing methods of the present invention are capable of making micro- and nano-scale electronic structures, such as T-gates, gamma gates, and shifted T-gates, having a selected non-uniform cross-sectional geometry. The present invention provides lithographic processing strategies for sub-pixel patterning in a single layer of photoresist useful for making and integrating device components comprising dielectric, conducting, metal or semiconductor structures having non-uniform cross-sectional geometries. Processing methods of the present invention are complementary to conventional microfabrication and nanofabrication platforms, and can be effectively integrated into existing photolithographic, etching and thin film deposition patterning strategies, systems and infrastructure.
US08003295B2	Patterning process and resist composition used therein A pattern is formed by applying a first positive resist composition onto a substrate, heat treatment, exposure, heat treatment and development to form a first resist pattern, the first positive resist composition comprising a polymer having copolymerized recurring units having naphthol and recurring units with an alkaline solubility that increases under the action of acid; causing the first resist coating to crosslink and cure by irradiation of high-energy radiation of sub-200 nm wavelength; further applying a second positive resist composition onto the substrate, heat treatment, exposure, heat treatment and development to form a second resist pattern. The double patterning process reduces the pitch between patterns to one half.
US08003293B2	Pixelated photoresists A deliberately engineered placement and size constraint (molecular weight distribution) of photoacid generators, solubility switches, photoimageable species, and quenchers forms individual pixels within a photoresist. Upon irradiation, a self-contained reaction occurs within each of the individual pixels that were irradiated to pattern the photoresist. These pixels may take on a variety of forms including a polymer chain, a bulky cluster, a micelle, or a micelle formed of several polymer chains. Furthermore, these pixels may be designed to self-assemble onto the substrate on which the photoresist is applied.
US08003290B2	Developing agent and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing a developing agent by mixing a resin having a dissociable functional group and an aqueous medium, subjecting the mixture to mechanical shearing, finely pulverizing the pulverized mixture to form resin microparticles, adding a dispersion of colorant particles, causing the resin microparticles and colorant particles to agglomerate, and forming toner particles.
US08003288B2	Self-healing photoreceptor Disclosed is a photoconductive member including a self-healing composite coating having a polymer matrix, a photoconductive component, a healing material encapsulated within nano- or microcapsules, and an optional catalyst, that is capable of repairing physical damage to the photoconductive member when the capsule ruptures. Also disclosed is photoconductive member including a substrate, an undercoat layer, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an optional protective overcoat layer; in which one layer of the photoconductive member further includes a healing material encapsulated within nano- or microcapsules and an optional catalyst, and that is capable or reparing physical damage to the photoconductive member when the capsule ruptures. Also disclosed is an imaging forming apparatus including same.
US08003287B2	Electrophotographic photoconductor and image-forming apparatus The present invention provides an electrophotographic photoconductor comprising an electroconductive substrate and a photosensitive layer provided on the electroconductive substrate, wherein the photosensitive layer comprises a charge-generating material and a charge-transporting material, the charge-transporting material comprising a compound represented by the general formula (1): wherein Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent an optionally-substituted arylene or bivalent heterocyclic group; Ar3 and Ar4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or an optionally-substituted aryl or monovalent heterocyclic group, but are not simultaneously hydrogen atoms; or Ar3 and Ar4 may be taken together to form an optionally-substituted bivalent cyclic hydrocarbon or heterocyclic group; and n is 0 or 1.
US08003282B2	Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, and substrate with functional film for the mask blank Provided are a substrate with a conductive film for an EUV mask blank in which the generation of particles due to abrasion between an electrostatic chuck and the substrate is prevented; and a substrate with a multilayer reflective film and an EUV mask blank each employing such a substrate with a conductive film.A substrate with a conductive film to be used for producing a reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, the conductive film containing chromium (Cr) and nitrogen (N), the average concentration of N in the conductive film being at least 0.1 atomic % and less than 40 atomic %, the crystal state of at least a surface of the conductive film being amorphous, the sheet resistance of the conductive film being at most 27 Ω/□, and the surface roughness (rms) of the conductive film being at most 0.5 nm.
US08003281B2	Hybrid multi-layer mask A hybrid mask set for exposing a plurality of layers on a semiconductor substrate to create an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The hybrid mask set includes a first group of one or more multi-layer masks (MLMs) for a first subset of the plurality of layers. Each MLM includes a plurality of different images for different layers, the images being separated by a relatively wide image spacer. The hybrid mask set also includes a first group of one or more production-ready masks for a second subset of the plurality of layers. Each production-ready mask includes a plurality of similar images for a common layer, each image being separated by a relatively narrow scribe street.
US08003270B2	Fuel cell stacks and systems with fluid-responsive temperature regulation Fuel cell stacks and systems with thermal management systems to deliver a liquid heat exchange fluid into thermal communication with the stack and thereafter recycle the stream. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to selectively apportion the recycled liquid stream between a stream that, prior to reuse as a heat exchange stream, is returned to a fluid reservoir and/or selectively cooled, and/or selectively returned to the reservoir and mixed with heat exchange fluid in the reservoir, and a stream that is returned into thermal communication with the stack without returning the stream to the reservoir and/or without heating or cooling and/or without being mixed with additional heat exchange fluid. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to automatically apportion the recycled stream responsive to its temperature. In some embodiments, the system includes a thermostatic valve and/or selectively apportions the recycled stream without requiring an electronic controller or manual input.
US08003268B2	Modular regenerative fuel cell system A modular, regenerative fuel cell system that includes a plurality of dedicated or reversible electrochemical cell stack modules, where each such module is devoid of major fluid systems, is provided. The inventive system allows a user to specifically and effectively tailor the system to the demands of a particular application. If additional electrolysis capability and/or additional power are needed, only electrolysis cell stack modules and/or fuel cell stack modules are added to the system. The use of unnecessary or duplicative support equipment is avoided thereby rendering this system more cost effective and efficient.
US08003265B2	Gas conditioning device and method A humidification device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the humidification device includes at least one wet gas channel and at least one dry gas channel disposed in adjacent relationship to the at least one wet gas channel. The at least one wet gas channel and the at least one dry gas channel are adapted for exchange of moisture there between. A fuel cell system and a method of moisturizing a gas are also disclosed.
US08003262B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery separator having defined ratio of average pore diameter to maximum pore diameter and nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery using the same An object of this invention is to improve battery performance such as a rate capability of a nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery using a separator constituting a thermoplastic resin-based porous film containing a filler.This invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery separator which is formed from a porous film containing a thermoplastic resin and a filler contained in the thermoplastic resin and has a ratio of an average pore diameter (μm) to a maximum pore diameter (μm) defined by ASTM F316-86 of 0.6 or more as well as relates to a nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery using this separator.
US08003253B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including: a positive electrode; a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material that includes at least Si. The non-aqueous electrolyte includes lithium hexafluorophosphate as a main supporting electrolyte and has an acid content of not less than 50 ppm and not more than 200 ppm. The negative electrode has a potential of not less than 0.6 V and not more than 1.5 V relative to a Li electrode at an end-of-discharge voltage of the battery. The battery is prevented from suffering degradation of storage characteristics caused by the dissolution reaction of Si from the negative electrode during charging and the precipitation reaction of the dissolved Si.
US08003252B2	Electrode for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including same An electrode, for a rechargeable lithium battery, including a current collector; an active material layer disposed on the current collector; and a coating layer disposed on the active material layer. The coating layer includes a lithium ion conductive polymer and an inorganic material represented by Formula 1: MwHxPyOz, wherein M is an element selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, a Group 13 element, a Group 14 element, a transition element, a rare earth element, and a combination thereof; and 1≦w≦4, 0≦x≦4, 1 ≦y≦7, and 2≦z≦30.
US08003251B2	Electrochemical cell grommet having a sidewall with a nonuniform thickness The present disclosure relates generally to an electrochemical cell such as a battery, and more particularly to an improved grommet suitable for electrically insulating an anode can from a cathode can of an electrochemical cell. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an improved grommet that has a tubular sidewall that varies in thickness from top to bottom.
US08003250B2	High energy and power density electrochemical cells The energy density of the entire cell may be improved while retaining high power density by use of an alkali metal transition metal polyanion compound as the cathode and a thin film metal or metalloid anode. The thin film anode may be initially unalloyed or partially unalloyed. During use, the thin film anode may be only partially unalloyed relative to the theoretical maximum. The high volumetric capacity of the metal anode makes it possible to use a dense or porous thin film anode in conjunction with a relatively thin particle-based cathode to thereby improve the energy density of the cell.
US08003246B2	Energy store with guide rod An energy storage device is provided including multiple back-to-back-disposed storage cells, from the first end of which the plus pole is made to emerge and from the other end of which the minus pole is made to emerge, thereby creating a series circuit of the storage cells. In order to reduce fabrication costs, it is proposed that each of the storage cells have a continuous opening between the plus pole and the minus pole, through which opening a guide rod extends that secures the back-to-back-disposed storage cells in this position.
US08003245B2	Battery module having improved cooling efficiency A battery module includes a battery assembly having a plurality of unit batteries. A housing receives the battery assembly and has an coolant flow passage formed around the battery assembly. A divider is installed in the coolant flow passage to divide the coolant flow passage into a plurality of sub-coolant flow passages.
US08003242B2	Liquid retaining pressure relief valve for battery cells A liquid retaining pressure relief valve for electrochemical battery cells is provided including a pressure regulator and a membrane vent that are mounted to the top and bottom ends of a threaded valve housing or plug. The valve housing or plug screws into the cell cover from the outside of the cell such that the membrane vent is internal to the cell. The membrane vent includes a thin gas permeable liquid repellant membrane that is molded into the body of the vent. The membrane is preferably composed of an expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE) polymer.
US08003241B2	Lithium battery with external positive thermal coefficient layer A lithium-ion battery includes a first terminal in electrical communication with a first electrode of the battery, a second terminal in electrical communication with a second electrode of the battery, a cell casing that includes a lid electrically connected to the cell casing, and a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) layer in electrical communication with the first terminal and over the lid of the cell casing. A battery pack includes a plurality of such lithium-ion batteries as described above.
US08003240B2	Power disconnection apparatus for soft-shell Li ion battery A power disconnection apparatus includes a soft-shell Li ion battery and a power disconnection device. The soft-shell Li ion battery includes anode pin and a cathode pin and a soft shell enclosing the soft-shell Li ion battery. The power disconnection device includes a panel attaching to the surface of the shell of the soft-shell Li ion battery and a separation unit arranged at topside of the panel and corresponding to one of the anode pin and the cathode pin. The shell has expansion when the soft-shell Li ion battery is over-charged and the panel is move away from the soft-shell Li ion battery. Therefore, the separation unit disconnects power to the anode pin or the cathode pin.
US08003236B2	Method for making a master mold with high bit-aspect-ratio for nanoimprinting patterned magnetic recording disks, master mold made by the method, and disk imprinted by the master mold A method for making a master mold to be used for nanoimprinting patterned-media magnetic recording disks results in a master mold having topographic pillars arranged in a pattern of annular bands of concentric rings. The ratio of circumferential density of the pillars to the radial density of the concentric rings in a band is greater than 1. The method uses sidewall lithography to first form a pattern of generally radially-directed pairs of parallel lines on the master mold substrate, with the lines being grouped into annular zones or bands. The sidewall lithography process can be repeated, resulting in a doubling of the number of lines each time the process is repeated. Conventional lithography is used to form concentric rings over the radially-directed pairs of parallel lines. After etching and resist removal, the master mold has pillars arranged in circular rings, with the rings grouped into annular bands. The master mold may be used to nanoimprint the disks, resulting in disks having a BAR greater than 1, wherein BAR is the ratio of data track spacing in the radial direction to the data island spacing in the circumferential direction.
US08003231B2	Wear-resistant member with hard coating A member with alumina-based hard coating formed there-on wherein said hard coating contains nitrogen and has a composition represented by the formula (1) below: Al1-xMx(O1-yNy)z (1) (0≦x≦0.5, 00) where, M denotes at least one species of elements selected from those belonging to Group 4, Group 5, and Group 6 (excluding Cr), and such elements as Y, Mg, Si, and B. The hard coating based on γ-alumina, which is formed at temperatures no higher than 1000° C., is superior in wear resistance and heat resistance.
US08003230B2	Electroluminescent element An electroluminescent element includes host materials and guest materials in a part of an electroluminescent layer. Device characteristics (luminous efficiency, luminous characteristics, or the like) of the electroluminescent element is improved by using host materials and guest materials with a common skeleton (represented by the following general formula 14) for an electroluminescent layer interposed between a pair of electrodes in the electroluminescent element. In general formula 14, X1 to X3, each of which may be the same or different, are individually a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an amino group, a dialkylamino group, a diarylamino group, a vinyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, or a heterocyclic group which may have a substituent.
US08003227B2	Organic electroluminescent element The present invention relates to the improvement of phosphorescent organic electroluminescent devices by using materials of the formula (1), preferably triazines, pyrimidines, pyridazines and pyrazines, in the hole-blocking layer.
US08003214B2	Well treating materials comprising coated proppants, and methods The present invention is directed to an improved thermoplastic material-coated particulate composition useful for hydraulic fracturing treatments, gravel packing for sand control or other well formation treatments and especially the related methods of its use and is particularly directed to using a thermoplastic material as part of a particulate composition in a method for enhancing the stabilization of and reducing particulate flowback and fines transport in a well formation.
US08003209B2	Elastomeric bicomponent fibers comprising block copolymers having high flow Bicomponent fibers comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound has high flow and consists essentially of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a tackifier resin, an alpha-olefin copolymer, an alpha-olefin terpolymer, a wax or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a vinyl content of greater than 60 mol %. In a second embodiment the block copolymer has a vinyl content of less than 60 mol %. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spun bond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs.
US08003208B2	Hydrophilic fluoropolymer material A fluoropolymer material exhibiting an increased hydrophilicity prepared by processing the material in a jet mill or a cryogenic grinding mill.
US08003207B2	Adhesive bonding sheet, semiconductor device using same, and method for manufacturing such semiconductor device An adhesive bonding sheet having an optically transmitting supporting substrate and an adhesive bonding layer, and being used in both a dicing step and a semiconductor element adhesion step, wherein the adhesive bonding layer comprises: a polymer component (A) having a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 or more including functional groups; an epoxy resin (B); a phenolic epoxy resin curing agent (C); a photoreactive monomer (D), wherein the Tg of the cured material obtained by ultraviolet light irradiation is 250° C. or more; and a photoinitiator (E) which generates a base and a radical by irradiation with ultraviolet light of wavelength 200-450 nm.
US08003205B2	Spray-applied polyurethaneurea composites based on polyisocyanate prepolymers containing soft-segments This invention relates to sprayable polyurethaneurea compositions, composite articles comprising at least one layer of these polyurethaneurea compositions and at least one layer of a polyurethaneurea foam forming composition, and to a process for the production of these composites.
US08003201B2	Transparent molding composition A polyamide molding composition which can be used for production of a printable or printed item contains a) at most 90 parts by weight of a polyamide obtained from a lactam or from an amino carboxylic acid having at least 10 carbon atoms; and b) from 10 to 100 parts by weight of PA1010, wherein a total of components a) and b) is 100 parts by weight.
US08003200B2	Transparent electrically-conductive film A transparent electrically-conductive film of the present invention comprises a transparent film substrate, a hard coat layer formed on one side of the transparent film substrate, a SiOx layer with a thickness of 10 nm to 300 nm that is formed on the hard coat layer by a dry process, and a transparent electrically-conductive thin layer with a thickness of 20 nm to 35 nm that is formed on another side of the transparent film substrate. The transparent electrically-conductive film has good resistance to moisture and heat and high durability against pen-based input and can be prevented from cracking during a punching process and also prevented from waving or curling even in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.
US08003197B2	Retroreflective sheet for security and method for manufacturing the same The present invention is directed to providing a retroreflective sheet for security that is difficult to be counterfeited, cannot be reused if once released, includes a printed image that can be identified visually regardless of an object to be attached such as a colored glass and also can be identified visually clearly even in the night time, and is directed to providing a method for manufacturing the same. The retroreflective sheet for security of the present invention includes: a surface layer 1; a binder layer 2; high-refractive-index glass beads 3; a print resin layer 4; a focusing layer 5; a metal layer 6; and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 7 in this order, wherein the print resin layer 4 forms a mark, the high-refractive-index glass beads 3 are disposed in the binder layer 2, a position for disposing the high-refractive-index glass beads 3 does not coincide with a position of the print resin layer 4, when being observed from the surface layer 1 side in a thickness direction of the retroreflective sheet for security, and the print resin layer 4 is made of a composition containing a room temperature curing resin as a main component.
US08003194B2	Touch screen comprising antiglare coating articles The present invention relates to touch screen articles comprising an antiglare layer. The antiglare layer comprises aggregate inorganic oxide particles in a cured inorganic polymer matrix.
US08003186B2	Preform for optical element and optical element A preform for an optical element is provided which involves less amount of deformation of glass in molding, and readily improves lifetime of the mold. The present preform for molding an optical glass element 10 exhibits an almost circular shape having a predetermined diameter in top view, exhibits a flattened semicircular shape having a predetermined overall height in side view, has a concave face on the top surface such that the predetermined overall height is attained at approximately the central position of the aforementioned circular shape, and has a concave face so as to fit along the convex face of the top surface such that a space is provided on the bottom face. The under surface may be either a concave face or a convex face. Also, the top surface may be either a concave face or a convex face.
US08003184B2	Clean edged cards on plastic carrier A card sheet includes a top material having weakened separation lines and a carrier material of at least one layer of polymer. The weakened separation lines define the borders of cards. The carrier material is directly applied on an inner surface of the top material. The top material has an outer printable surface. The card sheet is constructed so as to allow the cards to be separated from the carrier material at an interface between the top material and the carrier material to form separate or separable cards after a printing operation on the printable surface.
US08003182B2	Customizable container identification device The present disclosure provides a container identification device including a protective top layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a marking layer secured to the bottom surface of the protective top layer, wherein a mark is made on the marking layer when a corresponding impression is made on the protective top layer. The container identification device further includes an adhesive layer secured to the marking layer.
US08003178B2	Container with improved release properties A container that has improved release properties for a viscous material configured to minimize residual material remaining in the container upon normal use thereof and also generally maintains the physical stability of a material in the container. The container includes a coating applied to a portion of the inner surfaces thereof that is effective to provide the improved release properties.
US08003165B2	Catalyst for carbon nanotube growth Nanoparticles are coated using thick-film techniques with a catalyst to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes thereon. In one example, alumina nanoparticles are coated with a copper catalyst. Such nanoparticles can be selectively deposited onto a substrate to create a field emission cathode, which can then be utilized within field emission devices.
US08003161B2	Method of manufacturing dielectric layer and method of manufacturing liquid jet head A method of manufacturing a dielectric film includes a coating step of coating sol made of an organic metal compound and forming a dielectric precursor film, a drying step of drying the dielectric precursor film, a degreasing step of degreasing the dielectric precursor film, and a baking step of baking the dielectric precursor film to form a dielectric film. The drying step includes a first drying step of drying the dielectric precursor film by heating the dielectric precursor film to a temperature lower than a boiling point of a solvent which is a main solvent of the sol and then holding the dielectric precursor film at the temperature for a predetermined period of time, and a second drying step of drying the dielectric precursor film further by reheating the dielectric precursor film and then holding the dielectric precursor film at the temperature for a predetermined period of time.
US08003155B2	Packed frozen sushi product A packed frozen sushi product comprising a vacuumed, frozen and hermetically sealed flexible plastic bag, an open-topped plastic box placed in the bag, a laminated metal foil placed on the bottom of said box, and a frozen sushi product contained in the box with a surface or surfaces of its sushi material or materials on the laminated metal foil; the plastic bag, the box, the laminated metal foil and the frozen sushi product being frozen together in a unified form, the packed frozen sushi product thereby being adapted for microwave cooking. Water vapor emanating from the sushi product in thawing is allowed to flow through a space formed around the sushi material to heat a shaped rice section and the sushi material or materials, thereby diminishing unevenness in temperature distribution after thawing. By virtue thereof, a packed frozen sushi product suitable for mass production is provided.
US08003153B2	Green leaf tea product and a process for the manufacture thereof A palatable green leaf tea from Camellia sinensis var. assamica is disclosed. Infusion of 2 g of the leaf tea in 200 ml water for 1.5 minutes at 90° C. produces a beverage comprising catechins in an amount of between 0.01 and 0.1% by weight of the beverage. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the leaf tea product wherein fresh leaf from var. assamica is macerated using a combination of a rotorvane and double-cone processor.
US08003152B1	Fast-hydratable konjac composition Disclosed is a fast-hydratable konjac composition and a process of modifying regular konjac. The invention further discloses the formulation of a synergistic composition with modified konjac and other supporting agents. The resulted product is readily hydrated in water to form a stable, highly viscous gel and solution.
US08003150B2	Flavonoid sugar addition products, method for manufacture and use thereof The present invention relates to flavonoid sugar addition products and a method for making the same. It also relates to the use of these addition products for modifying the taste of food products.
US08003145B2	Methods utilizing delayed dilution, mixing, and filtration for providing customized beverages on demand System for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer having a user interface, a customization director in communication with a customization data store and the user interface, wherein the customization director includes executable instructions for determining a users customized formulation; and a beverage delivery system in communication with the customization director, wherein the beverage delivery system includes executable instructions for delivering a customized beverage product. Method for delivering a customized beverage product to an individual including the steps of obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing the consumer a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, utilizing one or more of delayed dilution, delayed mixing, and delayed filtering, in any order.
US08003139B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating rheumatism, and method of making same A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of rheumatism and a method of preparing it are provided. The composition consists of an alcoholic extract of 1-4 parts by weight Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch.; 1-4 parts by weight Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.; 1-4 parts by weight Lycium barbarum L.; and 1-4 parts by weight Cuscuta chinensis Lam., or Cuscuta australis R. Br. The composition has substantial therapeutic efficacy, with mild side effects, and is easy to administer.
US08003133B2	Calcium phosphate delivery vehicles for osteoinductive proteins A composition for delivery of osteogenic proteins is disclosed. The composition comprises an osteogenic protein, a calcium phosphate material as a carrier, and an effective amount of an effervescent agent. Methods of making the compositions and methods of using the osteogenic compositions to treat osteoporotic and/or osteopenic bone are also disclosed.
US08003129B2	Enhanced transport using membrane disruptive agents Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes, coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof. The compounds can be coupled by ionic, covalent or H bonds to an agent to be delivered or to a ligand which forms a complex with the agent to be delivered. Agents to be delivered can be therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. Treatments which enhance delivery such as ultrasound, iontophoresis, and/or electrophoresis can also be used with the disrupting agents.
US08003125B2	Injectable drug delivery systems with cyclodextrin-polymer based hydrogels A cyclodextrin polymer-based injectable composition comprising cyclodextrin, a polymer which is capable of forming a hydrogel with the cyclodextrin, and a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one drug. The polymer is selected from poly(ethylene glycol), derivatives thereon or a copolymer with a poly(ethylene glycol) segment. The copolymer with a poly(ethylene glycol) segment may include a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyethers, polysaccharides, poly(amino acid)s, polypeptides, and proteins. The composition may be injected subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intradermally, or intracranially.
US08003120B2	Powder makeup compositions and methods An anhydrous powder composition wherein the ratio of platelet to non-platelet particulates is greater than about 5 to 1 respectively, which is preferably talc-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free; and a method for preparing the powder composition of the invention.
US08003118B2	Use of rifaximin for the prevention of aspiration pneumonia and/or sepsis An oral preparation consisting of a non-systemic antibiotic and a proton pump blocker used for prevention of aspiration pneumonia and sepsis; and a method of prevention of aspiration pneumonia and/or sepsis by orally administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of rifaximin.
US08003110B1	Metalloproteinase oligopeptides and their therapeutic use The invention discloses identification and therapeutic use of matrix metalloproteinase oligopeptides and peptidomimetics. The oligopeptides are used for making antibodies. The antibodies are used for diagnostic and treatment purposes of various diseases. In particular, the diseases may involve the mechanism of degradation of extracellular matrix by MMP's during cell proliferation cycle. Suppression of MMP activity seems to arrest tumor growth during cancer progression. MMP oligopeptides were used as vaccines to treat mice having murine melanoma B16FO induced tumor. There was a significant drop in tumor weight and size for the group of mice that were immunized with MMP oligopeptide.
US08003103B2	High affinity human antibodies to human IL-18 receptor An isolated antibody or antibody fragment that binds human interleukin-18 receptor alpha (hIL-18Rα), comprising a light chain variable region (LCVR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, and 81 and/or a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79, or a fragment or sequence modified by an amino acid substitution, deletion or addition thereof.
US08003102B2	Anti-CXCR4 antibodies The present invention provides antibodies that bind human CXCR4 and are characterized as having high affinity and strong neutralizing properties. The antibodies of the invention are useful in the treatment of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, or metastasis.
US08003101B2	Inflammatory mediator antagonists The present invention relates to methods of reducing cartilage degradation in a patient comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an antibody antagonist to the mature form of OSM.
US08003100B2	Antibodies that bind to 238P1B2 A novel gene (designated 238P1B2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 238P1B2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 238P1B2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 238P1B2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 238P1B2 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08003097B2	Treatment of cerebral amyloid angiopathy The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and methods to effect prophylaxis of CAA. The methods can treat CAA concurrently with Alzheimer's disease or separately. The methods can effect prophylaxis of CAA concurrently with Alzheimer's disease or separately. The methods involve administering antibody that is specific for the N-terminus of Aβ or an agent that can induce such an antibody.
US08003095B2	Method of using lipid acyltransferase A method for the in situ production of an emulsifier in a foodstuff, wherein a lipid acyltransferase is added to the foodstuff. Preferably the emulsifier is produced without an increase or without a substantial increase in the free fatty acid content of the foodstuff. Preferably, the lipid acyltransferase is one which is capable of transferring an acyl group from a lipid to one or more of the following acyl acceptors: a sterol, a stanol, a carbohydrate, a protein or a sub-unit thereof, glycerol. Preferably, in addition to an emulsifier one or more of a stanol ester or a stanol ester or a protein ester or a carbohydrate ester or a diglyceride or a monoglyceride may be produced. One or more of these may function as an additional emulsifier.
US08003088B2	Copolymer and detergent composition employing it A detergent composition containing a copolymer and a surfactant is provided. The copolymer comprises a cationic vinyl monomer (A) a specific vinyl monomer (B) having a hydroxyl group or an amide group, or 2,3-dihydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate wherein the proportion of the cationic vinyl monomer (A) is from 25 to 45 mol % of the copolymer. A method for cleaning an object by washing the object with the detergent composition is also provided.
US08003085B2	Water-based shampoo There is provided a shampoo capable of exhibiting a smooth feel of hair upon shampooing and rinsing and imparting good luster and manageability to finished hair. The water-based shampoo of the present invention contains silicone oil droplets dispersed therein wherein said oil droplets is composed of at least (A) 50 to 90% by mass of polydimethylsiloxane and (B) 2 to 50% by mass of a copolymer having a block chain constituted of an amino-modified organopolysiloxane chain and a polyoxyalkylene chain.
US08003083B2	Benzylidene malonamide and salt thereof, ultraviolet ray absorbent, and agent for external application to the skin The present invention is benzilidene malonamide represented by the following formula (1) and salts thereof, an ultraviolet absorbent consisting of said new compound, and an external preparation containing this ultraviolet absorbent.The object of the present invention is to provide a new ultraviolet absorbent that is highly soluble in water, has superior absorption capacity over a wide ultraviolet wavelength range, has no absorption in the visible region, and is also highly stable and safe.
US08003078B2	Targeted MR imaging agents MRI contrast agents that employ paramagnetic agents and chemical exchange saturation transfer (paraCEST) and which are coupled to targeted particulate delivery vehicles provide sufficient concentration of the paraCEST contrast agents to obtain useful images of target tissues or organs. In addition, the image contrast may be switched on or off with a presaturation radio frequency pulse, avoiding the necessity obtaining pre-injection and post-injection images.
US08003072B2	Superconductor fabrication A seed crystal for the fabrication of a superconductor is grown from a rare-earth oxide having the basic formula XwZtBaxCuyOz, X comprising at least one rare-earth element and Z being a dopant which raises the peritectic decomposition temperature (Tp) of the oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the dopant is Mg. Use of this rare-earth oxide material for seed crystals increases the temperature at which cold-seeding can be performed and thus enables the growth of a wider range of hulk superconductor materials by this process.
US08003070B2	Methods for forming particles from single source precursors Single source precursors are subjected to carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The carbon dioxide may be in a supercritical state. Single source precursors also may be subjected to supercritical fluids other than supercritical carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The methods may be used to form nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form chalcopyrite materials. Devices such as, for example, semiconductor devices may be fabricated that include such particles. Methods of forming semiconductor devices include subjecting single source precursors to carbon dioxide to form particles of semiconductor material, and establishing electrical contact between the particles and an electrode.
US08003064B2	Controlled copper leach recovery circuit The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage.
US08003063B2	Microfluidic devices and methods for multiple analyte detection The invention is directed to microfluidic devices comprising at least two processing channels, wherein each of the processing channels comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a high-flow-resistant and hydrophilic conduit; a distributing channel, wherein the distributing channel comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, and is in fluid communication with each inlet of the processing channels via the high-flow-resistant and hydrophilic conduit; and a flushing channel, wherein the flushing channel comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, and is in fluid communication with each outlet of the processing channels. The invention also provides methods of using the microfluidic devices.
US08003058B2	Air purification devices An air purification reactor is described that has a variety of improvements. In one aspect, the air purification reactor includes an ionizer (or plasma chamber), an electrostatic filter, a photocatalyst, and a UV light source that is distinct from the ionizer. The ionizer is arranged to introduce ions into a gaseous fluid stream passing through the air purification device. The electrostatic filter is located downstream of the ionizer and is arranged to electrostatically filter particles from the fluid stream. The UV light source is positioned to subject the photocatalyst to ultraviolet light and may be arranged upstream, downstream, or intermediate the electrostatic filter. With this arrangement, the ultraviolet light that impinges on the photocatalyst causes a photocatalytic oxidative reaction to occur at the photocatalyst that is capable of reducing volatile organic compounds carried in the fluid stream. In other (separate) aspects, the reactor includes an absorber or an oxidation catalyst. Generally, the various aspects of the invention may be used separately or in combination with one another.
US08003056B2	Gas analyzer apparatus and method of analyzing gases A gas analyzer apparatus includes a device or platform for supporting a predetermined quantity of a reagent capable of reacting with a predetermined gas to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent, a reservoir adapted to retain the reagent, a dispenser for dispensing a controlled quantity of the reagent from the reservoir to a predetermined position on the device for supporting the predetermined quantity of the reagent, and a detector that detects the presence of the predetermined gas upon the predetermined gas and the controlled quantity of reagent reacting to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent detectable by the detector, the detector adapted to detect a change in the controlled quantity of the reagent by detecting the change in the characteristic through the predetermined quantity of the reagent.
US08003055B1	Visual hydrogen detector with variable reversibility Methods, processes and compositions are provided for a visual or chemochromic hydrogen-detector with variable or tunable reversible color change. The working temperature range for the hydrogen detector is from minus 100° C. to plus 500° C. A hydrogen-sensitive pigment, including, but not limited to, oxides, hydroxides and polyoxo-compounds of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, chromium and combinations thereof, is combined with nano-sized metal activator particles and preferably, coated on a porous or woven substrate. In the presence of hydrogen, the composition rapidly changes its color from white or light-gray or light-tan to dark gray, navy-blue or black depending on the exposure time and hydrogen concentration in the medium. After hydrogen exposure ceases, the original color of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment is restored, and the visual hydrogen detector can be used repeatedly. By changing the composition of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment, the time required for its complete regeneration is varied from a few seconds to several days.
US08003053B2	Liquid container with variable extraction chimney A liquid container having a top opening, a base, and an extraction chimney which extends into the container and which is in alignment with the top opening is presented. The extraction chimney is intended for the withdrawal of liquid by a liquid-withdrawal element that is introduced into the liquid container through the extraction chimney. The extraction chimney has a liquid-permeable zone in its bottom region, adjacent to the liquid container base. The liquid permeability of the liquid-permeable zone of the extraction chimney can be adjusted between a setting for minimal liquid permeability and a setting for greater liquid permeability. The extraction chimney can be adjusted while the extraction chimney remains in the liquid container.
US08003052B2	Diagnostic tape cassette A diagnostic tape cassette especially for blood sugar tests comprises a test tape which is provided with a plurality of test fields for analysing body fluid, and a housing for receiving the test tape. The housing may have at least one housing part formed from a metal support and moulded-on plastic with integrated functional elements.
US08003051B2	Thermal structure for sample processing systems Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.
US08003049B2	Analyzer In an analyzer for analyzing a sample that reacts with a reagent 25, an analyzing tool 10, an infrared sensor 1 and a temperature controlling part 5 are provided. Inside the analyzing tool 10, a reaction cell 24 in which the sample and the reagent 25 react with each other and a heating element 33 that is heated by electrification are provided. The infrared sensor 1 is disposed outside the analyzing tool 10 so as to photoreceive an infrared ray 9 that is emitted from the reaction cell 24, and outputs a signal that is in accordance with an amount of the photoreceived infrared ray 9 to the temperature controlling part 5. The temperature controlling part 5 adjusts a heat value of the heating element 33 based on the signal from the infrared sensor 1.
US08003048B2	Automated standards sampling An automated standards sampling apparatus (50) and method for using such, apparatus are described. The apparatus can be integrated with a liquid analyzer to form a compact, integrated liquid analysis unit. When used in combination with a specially adapted vial se of standard liquids, the apparatus provides a system for automated, substantially error-free periodic calibration and accuracy verification for an online TOC analyzer (52). The automated standards sampling apparatus of this invention facilitates the easy introduction of known concentrations of standard solutions and “grab” samples into online TOC analyzers to satisfy regulatory compliance, calibration, and validation requirements. The automated standards sampling apparatus of this invention also provides substantially improved reliability, higher productivity and better performance when running the critical and regulatory driven System Suitability Test than does any conventional sampling equipment, and it is likely to find wide use in a variety of industrial applications other than its principal intended use in the pharmaceutical industry.
US08003045B2	Cast, heat-resistant austenitic stainless steels having reduced alloying element content A cast, austenitic steel composed essentially of, expressed in weight percent of the total composition, about 0.4 to about 0.7 C, about 20 to about 30 Cr, about 20 to about 30 Ni, about 0.5 to about 1 Mn, about 0.6 to about 2 Si, about 0.05 to about 1 Nb, about 0.05 to about 1 W, about 0.05 to about 1.0 Mo, balance Fe, the steel being essentially free of Ti and Co, the steel characterized by at least one microstructural component selected from the group consisting of MC, M23C6, and M(C, N).
US08003043B2	Systems and methods for accessing a furnace melt A method and apparatus for accessing a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient access to the molten metal melt in a furnace. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace aperture plug is reciprocated through a furnace aperture, the furnace aperture plug is retracted from the furnace aperture, access is provided to the molten metal melt in the furnace, and the furnace aperture plug is reinserted into the furnace aperture when the access is concluded.
US08003039B2	Method for tilting solid image build platform for reducing air entrainment and for build release A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build. The invention also provides for tilting the build elevator to reduce air entrainment and for releasing the build from the image plane.
US08003038B2	Process for producing resin molded article There is disclosed a process for producing a resin molded article by using a resin into which fine metal particles are so introduced as to be hardly dissolved at the melting temperature of the resin and as to obtain high solubility in a high-pressure carbon dioxide. This process comprises the steps of forming a high-pressure fluid by dissolving, in a high-pressure carbon dioxide, a fluorine-containing metal complex and a fluorine-based solution capable of dissolving the same metal complex; introducing the high-pressure fluid into a heated and molten resin; and molding the resin having the high-pressure fluid introduced thereinto, to shape the molded article.
US08003031B2	Method and apparatus for producing oriented slit film tapes The invention relates to a method for producing oriented slit film tapes, comprising the following steps: extruding melt polymer through a die (2); simultaneous quenching and melt-drawing of the molten polymer in the cooling device to form a film sheet (3); slitting the initial film sheet into a plurality of relatively narrow slit film tapes (4); stretching (8) at elevated temperature, by passing the slit film tapes through a heating medium (7) at a temperature just below the softening temperature of the slit film tapes; y annealing and cooling the oriented slit film tapes (10, 11); winding the slit film tapes (13); characterized in that before the stretching step, it has a stage of pre-stretching (108) made by passing the slit film tapes through one set of heated holding rollers (107) turning at a given speed and one set of cooled pre-stretch rollers (109) turning faster than the heated holding rollers, wherein at least one of the rollers of the set of holding rollers is heated and at least one of the rollers of the set of pre-stretch rollers is cooled. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method and to the products obtained by said method.
US08003016B2	Thermoplastic composition with improved positive temperature coefficient behavior and method for making thereof The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition that includes a first phase polymeric material, at least one conductive filler and a second phase polymeric material where in the first phase polymer and second phase polymer are in co-continuous in nature and said conductive composition exhibits positive temperature coefficient behavior. The invention also relates to a method of making a co-continuous conductive composition that exhibits positive temperature coefficient behavior.
US08003015B2	Composite positive electrode material for lithium ion battery and battery using the same The present invention provides a composite positive electrode material for a lithium ion battery, which is particularly excellent in high-rate discharge characteristics in a battery, and also provides a slurry, positive electrode and battery using the composite positive electrode material. The composite positive electrode material for a lithium ion battery contains: a positive electrode active material (a); a conductive material (b) having a primary particle diameter of 10 to 100 nm and/or a fibrous conductive material (c) having a fiber diameter of 1 nm to 1 μm; and a conductive material (d) having an aspect ratio of 2 to 50.
US08003014B2	Dielectric isolators The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of couplings attached to opposing ends of the tube. The dielectric isolator is capable of exhibiting an electrical resistance from about 105Ω to 108Ω at an applied potential of greater than 500 volts DC when measured from one coupling to the other coupling.
US08003012B2	Method for producing a palette of colors for persistent phosphors and phosphors made by same The current invention provides a persistent phosphor blend, along with techniques for making and using the blend. The persistent phosphor blend is made of at least one persistent phosphor combined with at least one other phosphor, where the excitation spectra of the one or more other phosphors overlap the emission spectra of the one or more persistent phosphors. The choice of the phosphors used allows the decay time and emission colors to be tuned for the specific application. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for making persistent phosphor blends with tunable colors. In yet another embodiment, applications for such a persistent phosphor blend are provided.
US08003010B2	Water-stable III-V semiconductor nanocrystal complexes and methods of making same A water-stable semiconductor nanocrystal complex that is stable and has high luminescent quantum yield. The water-stable semiconductor nanocrystal complex has a semiconductor nanocrystal core of a III-V semiconductor nanocrystal material and a water-stabilizing layer. A method of making a water-stable semiconductor nanocrystal complex is also provided.
US08003007B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display using the same A twisted nematic (TN) mode liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes first and second display panels facing each other to create an electric field therebetween, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second display panels. The liquid crystal layer contains liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy, and the liquid crystal layer has a structure in which long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned spirally from the first display panel to the second display panel when no electric field is created in the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal molecules have a dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈) in a range of 4.5 to 5.7, a splay elastic constant (K11) of 14 pN or less, and a bend elastic constant (K33) of 12 pN or greater.
US08003006B2	Difluorobenzene derivative and nematic liquid crystal composition using the same A nematic liquid crystal composition of the present invention includes one or at least two compounds represented by general formula (I) as a first component; and one or at least two compounds represented by general formula (II) as a second component, wherein a dielectric anisotropy is negative. The use of this nematic liquid crystal composition can provide a highly reliable liquid crystal display element capable of maintaining a high voltage-holding ratio even in a high temperature region, and achieving quick responsiveness without reducing the cell gap.
US08002989B2	Osmotic desalination process An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gasses. The constituent gasses and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Additionally, by using the waste steam from industrial sources and a heat pump to effectively distribute heat through the present method, the present method exhibits greater energy efficiency than prior art methods.
US08002988B2	Removal of contaminants from water using sugar based surfactant enhanced ultrafiltration Embodiments of the present invention relate to the removal of contaminants from water using sugar based surfactant enhanced ultrafiltration.Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a process for removal of an at least slightly water-soluble organic compound from an organic-contaminated water solution to provide a purified water solution, including: adding a surfactant to the organic-contaminated water solution in sufficient quantity to achieve at least a critical micellar concentration of the surfactant in the organic-contaminated water solution, wherein the surfactant comprises an alkylglycoside, to provide a micellar water solution comprising micelles comprising the surfactant and the organic compound; contacting an ultrafiltration membrane with the micellar water solution under pressure and temperature conditions sufficient for liquid flow through the ultrafiltration membrane to take place; and collecting liquid permeating the ultrafiltration membrane to provide the purified water solution.
US08002986B2	Apparatus and methods for control of waste treatment processes Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.
US08002984B1	Green sorption material mixes for water treatment Media compositions for use in wastewater treatment, stormwater treatment, CSO treatment and greenroof stormwater management systems as filtration media, plant growth media or pollutant retention media. Media composition includes at least one of a recycled material selected from a group consisting of tire crumb, wood sawdust and paper and a naturally occurring material selected from a group consisting of sand, limestone, sandy clay, expanded clay, organics used for processing geothermal water, organics used for agricultural drainage basins and filtration, and organics for aquaculture drainage and organics used for silviculture and forest drainage, and organics used as growing media.
US08002981B2	Fuel filter assembly with flow restriction sleeve A “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that an appropriate filter cartridge is installed. A flow control sleeve is provided on a standpipe to control the flow of fluid, for example fuel, into the standpipe. The sleeve can be axially moveable between closed and open positions, with one or more members on an installed filter cartridge designed to release the sleeve to permit the movement from the closed position to the open position to allow fluid flow. A spring acts on the sleeve to bias the sleeve back to the closed position upon removal of the filter cartridge. The sleeve can also be designed without axial movement, but nonetheless is configured to be opened and closed to control fluid flow into the standpipe.
US08002980B2	Heavy metal collection system A former (11) works, when supplied with wastewater containing heavy metals and hydrogen sulfide, to react heavy metals contained in wastewater with hydrogen sulfide to form sulfide salts, an acquirer (12) works, when supplied with sulfide salts and acid, to acquire hydrogen sulfide and heavy metal ions produced by reactions between sulfide salts and acid, a hydrogen sulfide supply line (13) supplies hydrogen sulfide acquired by the acquirer to the former, and a collection line (20) collects heavy metal ions.
US08002979B2	Waste disposal system Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to waste disposal methods and systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a waste disposal system is positioned under a sink in a building connected to a septic system for disposal of food waste and wastewater. The waste disposal system includes a grinding chamber, a centrifugal-pump chamber, and a straining chamber for separating food waste from wastewater. The straining chamber includes a filtration basket, and an outlet pipe.
US08002978B2	Friendly dispensers A user friendly system that permits an unskilled person to quickly add dispersant material to a fluid system with the user friendly system utilizing operator evident dispersant carriers such as drawers, hangars or insertable cartridges.
US08002976B2	Magnetic separation filtering and cleaning apparatus A magnetic separation filtering and cleaning apparatus for adding flocculant and magnetic powder to raw water containing pollutant particles to form magnetic floc in treated fluid and separating and removing the magnetic floc from the treated fluid, comprising: a magnetic field generation device being provided in a rotating body for suctioning the magnetic floc on a surface of the rotating body from the treated fluid containing the magnetic floc, a magnetic field rotating device for rotating the magnetic field generation device, a sludge recovery device for separating sludge including the magnetic floc mechanically from the surface of the rotating body of the magnetic field generation device; and a filtering device having a rotating net for filtering out the magnetic floc from the treated fluid including the magnetic floc and flowing down the treated fluid filtered through the rotating net.
US08002972B2	Petroleum products from oil shale A system for producing petroleum products from oil shale includes one or plural kiln lines made up of plural series-connected, indirect-fired, inclined rotary kilns. Plural kiln lines are operated for parallel processing. Oil shale is advanced through kilns in succession and exhausted from each kiln line substantially free of hydrocarbons. Successive kilns along the advancement of oil shale are maintained at successively higher temperatures. A fuel distinct from hydrocarbons in oil shale, such as syngas from a gasifier or hydrogen gas from a separator, drives pyrolysis to extract hydrocarbons. A refining unit located proximate to the kiln lines upgrades extracted hydrocarbons into petroleum products and separates the petroleum products by criteria. A heat extraction unit recovers heat from exhausted oil shale for reuse in kilns. A method involves drying oil shale followed by heating dry oil shale in successively hotter pyrolysis environments.
US08002969B2	Upgrading crude oil using electrochemically-generated hydrogen A method for upgrading a petroleum oil by a hydroprocessing reaction in which the oil is hydrogenated, includes the steps of: a. forming a liquid reaction mixture of the oil with water and an amphiphilic liquid in predetermined proportions to thereby render the oil and water miscible; b. introducing the liquid reaction mixture into an electrolytic reactor having one or more cathodic elements formed from a porous high surface area, conductive material; c. operating the reactor to form reactive hydrogen atoms whereby the oil is hydrogenated by the hydrogen atoms; d. removing the liquid mixture from the reactor; and e. separating the hydrogenated upgraded oil from the amphiphilic liquid and any remaining water, e.g., by distillation, recovering and recycling the amphiphilic liquid for use.
US08002963B2	Charge barrier flow-through capacitor-based method of deionizing a fluid Flow-through capacitors are provided with one or more charge barrier layers. Ions trapped in the pore volume of flow-through capacitors cause inefficiencies as these ions are expelled during the charge cycle into the purification path. A charge barrier layer holds these pore volume ions to one side of a desired flow stream, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the flow-through capacitor purifies or concentrates ions.
US08002961B2	Electrolyte and method of producing the same An electrolyte and method of producing the same. In one embodiment, the electrolyte includes water, ascorbic acid, a phosphorous donor, ammonium perchlorate, ferrous perchlorate, cobalt perchlorate, and a buffering agent.
US08002957B2	Sensor apparatus for measuring and detecting acetylene and hydrogen dissolved in a fluid A fuel cell sensor is provided for detecting the presence of acetylene and hydrogen in a fluid. The sensor includes a sensing element having first and second gas diffusing electrodes spaced from one another. The first gas diffusing electrode can be used for sensing acetylene. The second gas diffusing electrode can be used for sensing hydrogen. A fuel cell spacer having an acidic electrolyte is disposed between the sensing element and a common electrode. The sensing element can be configured to have a specific ratio of the area between the first gas diffusing electrode in relation to the area of the second gas diffusing electrode.
US08002956B1	Plating stand-off A stand-off for maintaining the separation between an electrode and an object during a flow-through electroplating process is disclosed. The stand-off comprises a substantially streamlined shape that mitigates the effects of shadowing during deposition.
US08002955B2	Cylindrical electrolysis cell An insulating end cap for a cylindrical electrolysis cell the type comprising at least two tubular electrodes with a cylindrical membrane arranged co-axially between them, comprises a first annular section with first and second axial ends, having at its first axial end a circular seating or one end of an outer cylindrical electrode and at its second end a circular aperture, of smaller diameter than the circular seating and co-axial therewith, to accommodate one end of the membrane. A second annular section of the end cap is detachably secured to the first and has a central circular aperture of smaller diameter than the central aperture of the first section and co-axial therewith, to accommodate one end of the inner cylindrical electrode. The two part construction of the end cap facilitates the assembly of the cell, and reduces the likelihood of breakage of the fragile ceramic membrane.
US08002952B2	Heat pump distillation A distillation column is disclosed with a folded design. The column includes a plurality of rectification zones and corresponding stripping zones Each rectification zone is linked to a heat pump or a stage of a heat pump. Overhead vapor from the top rectification zone is compressed and used to heat bottoms liquid from the bottom stripping zone. Similarly, overhead vapor from the middle rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid from a middle stripping zone and overhead from a lower rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid taken from the uppermost or top stripping zone. A single multiple stage heat pump compressor may be utilized as opposed to a plurality of heat pumps Because the heat exchanger from each rectification-stripping zone pair has a lower duty, economical stab-in heat exchangers may be utilized.
US08002950B2	Structured fabric for papermaking and method Fabric for making a bulky web. The fabric includes a machine facing side and a web facing side comprising pockets formed by more MD yarns than CD yarns. Adjacent pockets are offset from each other and are defined by MD and CD knuckles. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08002947B2	Plasma treatment system and cleaning method of the same A plasma treatment apparatus has a reaction vessel (11) provided with a top electrode (13) and a bottom electrode (14), and the first electrode is supplied with a VHF band high frequency power from a VHF band high frequency power source (32), while the bottom electrode on which a substrate (12) is loaded and is moved by a vertical movement mechanism. The plasma treatment system has a controller (36) which, at the time of a cleaning process after forming a film on the substrate (12), controls a vertical movement mechanism to move the bottom electrode to narrow the gap between the top electrode and bottom electrode and form a narrow space and starts cleaning by a predetermined high density plasma in that narrow space. In the cleaning process, step cleaning is performed. Due to this, the efficiency of utilization of the cleaning gas is increased, the amount of exhaust gas is cut, and the cleaning speed is raised. Further, the amount of the process gas used is cut and the process cost is reduced.
US08002943B2	Manufacturing process and system for floor tile A floor tile for a raised floor. The floor tile is defined by a shallow upwardly-opening metal pan defining a shallow compartment in which a main preformed one-piece concrete block is secured. The main concrete block is preferably formed from a plurality of one-piece preformed concrete sub-blocks which are adhesively adhered in sideward abutting relationship to define a plan profile corresponding to the main concrete block. The main concrete block is then adhesively secured within the compartment of the metal pan.
US08002942B2	Method for manufacturing electronic component A triaxial acceleration sensor which has a structure including a cover joined to a substrate including a mechanically operable functional unit to be sealed, is adapted in such a way that the joined state can be reliably obtained so as to not interfere with a displacement of the functional unit. A sealing frame is made of a heated polyimide on a periphery of an upper main surface of a substrate provided with a functional unit, and a sealing layer made of a polyimide is formed over an entire lower main surface of a cover. For integrating the substrate and the cover so as to seal the functional unit, the sealing frame and the sealing layer are joined to each other by heating and pressurizing the sealing frame and the sealing layer at a temperature that is about 50° C. to about 150° C. higher than a glass transition temperature of the polyimide while bringing the sealing frame and the sealing layer into contact with each other. In this case, a recess is formed in the vicinity of a portion of the sealing layer to be brought into contact with the sealing frame so that a bump, generated from the sealing layer which is deformed in the joining step, is prevented from protruding toward the functional unit.
US08002941B2	Method and apparatus for producing a package or for packaging a food product A package material with a tamper evident feature and methods of manufacture thereof, are disclosed herein. The package comprises a colored primer or lacquer coating applied along a portion of a seal and further comprising a peelable sealant. When opened the peelable sealant is separated from the portion of the seal containing colored primer or lacquer and removes a section of the coating, thus providing a visual indication that the package has been opened.
US08002940B2	Hose retainer for thermal blanket An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad. To enhance the input flow of air to the blanket, as well as to enable the blanket to be flatly folded for storage or shipping, a collapsible retainer mechanism is provided at the input port(s) of the blanket. The retainer mechanism opens up to a shape that facilitates the mating of an air hose to the input port. When folded to its collapsed position, the retainer mechanism, and the input port, would lie substantially coplanarly with the blanket. When configured to the position for accepting the air hose, the retainer mechanism is positioned substantially orthogonal to the blanket.
US08002939B2	Encapsulation tool and methods Methods and devices are provided for improving the encapsulation processes for an organic electronic device.
US08002933B2	Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
US08002931B2	360 degree mug wrap A method and apparatus are provided for of applying a sublimation transfer to a coffee cup having a handle connected at two locations to the cup. A sublimation transfer is placed around the container with a dye image an outer surface of the cup and extending beneath the handle. An elastic clamp wraps around the cup and sublimation transfer and extends beneath the handle to press the dye layer against the cup beneath the handle. The clamp has an elongated opening near one end of the clamp and the opening is placed over the handle to fasten the clamp to the cup. The wrapped cup and sublimation transfer is placed on a conveyor oven for sublimation heating, with the clamp being removed for reuse after the sublimation transfer of the dye layer onto the cup is completed.
US08002927B2	Process for gluing the tail of a convolutely wound web material thereto A process for sealing the tail of a convolutely wound web material is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (a) providing the convolutely wound web material having a tail portion connectively associated thereto; (b) disposing the tail portion away from an immediately subjacent convolution of the convolutely wound web material; (c) disposing a fluid upon the immediately subjacent convolution; and, (d) fixably and removeably disposing the tail portion of the convolutely wound web material upon the fluid disposed upon the immediately subjacent convolution.
US08002925B2	Process for applying a layered structure on a lens The invention relates to an improvement for applying a layered structure (1) onto a convex surface of a lens (10). After thermoforming the layered structure, a curvature direction of the layered structure is inverted. The structure is then applied on the lens surface by continuously pushing the structure (1) against the lens surface, starting from a contact point between a convex surface of the structure and the convex surface of the lens. The curvature direction of the layered structure is then inverted again, so that it recovers the curvature direction that resulted from thermoforming. Stresses within the layered structure are then reduced, and the structure can be assembled with the lens without defects.
US08002922B2	Power transmission belt and method of making a power transmission belt A method of forming a power transmission belt including the steps of: providing a first layer made from rubber and having first and second oppositely facing sides; providing a mold; pressing the first side of the first layer conformingly against a surface on the mold having alternating projections and recesses to thereby form alternating teeth and troughs on the first layer; locally pressing the second side of the first layer at locations coinciding lengthwise with the teeth to thereby eliminate or prevent the formation of discrete holes; and joining the first layer, having the alternating teeth and troughs thereon, to at least one other component to define the power transmission belt.
US08002918B2	Gas generating composition The present invention relates to a gas generating composition including a fuel, an oxidizing agent, a binder and an additive, the additive being one or two or more selected from complex basic carbonates represented by Formula (I) or (II) below; M1+M23+CO3(OH)2 (I) M32+M42+CO3(OH)2 (II) (In Formula (I), M1+ stands for H+, Li+, Na+, K+, or NH4+; M23+ stands for Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Co3+, In3+, Bi3+, Sb3+, B3+, Sc3+, or Ga3+; in Formula (II), M32+ and M42+ are mutually different, each standing for Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, or Be2+).
US08002917B2	Adjusting yield of a manufacturing process for energetic compounds through solubility modification A method of adjusting the yield of a manufactured compound comprising primarily two energetic materials to yield a product comprising primarily one of the two energetic materials. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of purifying a compound primarily comprising RDX and HMX to achieve a desired purity of RDX with an acceptable yield percentage. By adding sufficient acetonitrile (ACN) to the manufactured compound to dissolve it and form a solution; adding a pre-specified volume of water to the resultant solution and stirring sufficiently to precipitate at least the RDX; separating and drying the precipitate, a pre-specified purity and yield percentage of RDX may be obtained by varying the volume of water added. The process uses relatively environmentally benign recyclable solvents at ambient temperature and pressure reducing both environmental impact and energy costs.
US08002916B2	Energetic plasticizer for explosive charges An energetic material suitable for high-energy, plastic-bonded, explosive charges, the material including an energetic plasticizer containing an energetic nitrobutyl formal, wherein a composition of the energetic plasticizer contains at least 50%, by weight, of the energetic nitrobutyl formal.
US08002915B2	Gas generant compositions A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of wherein: R4 is a triazine ring; R1 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles; R2 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles; R3 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles.
US08002912B2	High strength L12 aluminum alloys High temperature aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about −420° F. (−251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, at least one of nickel, iron and chromium; at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium, and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium.
US08002906B2	Rare earth magnet and production process thereof The present invention provides a rare earth magnet, which is formed through at least hot molding, the rare earth magnet containing grains including an R2X14B phase as a main phase, and a grain boundary phase surrounding peripheries of the grains, in which R is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb and Ho, and X is Fe or Fe with a part being substituted by Co; in which an element RH is more concentrated in the grain boundary phase than in the grains, in which the element RH is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy, Tb and Ho; and the element RH is present with a substantially constant concentration distribution from the surface part of the magnet to the central part of the magnet.
US08002905B2	Fluxing agent for soldering metal components The aim of the invention is to provide a fluxing agent for soldering components, which creates one or more specific surface characteristics during the soldering process itself, thus obviating the need for the surface treatment process that is conventionally carried out after the soldering process. To achieve this, nanoparticles are added to a base substance.
US08002899B2	Method and apparatus for mask pellicle adhesive residue cleaning Aspects of the invention generally provide methods and apparatus for cleaning adhesive residual on a photomask substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processing cell, a support assembly configured to receive a photomask substrate disposed thereon disposed in the processing cell, a protection head assembly disposed above and facing the support assembly, and a head actuator configured to control the elevation of the protection head assembly relative to an upper surface of the support assembly. A cleaning device is provided and positioned to interact with the photomask substrate disposed on the support assembly. In another embodiment, a method of cleaning a periphery region of a photomask substrate includes providing a photomask substrate having a periphery portion and a center portion disposed on a support assembly in a processing cell, lowering a protection cover disposed in the processing cell to cover the center portion of the photomask substrate, providing a brush in the processing cell to clean the periphery portion of the photomask substrate.
US08002898B2	Material delivery systems and methods A method of determining one or more operational parameters of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a concentration of material, which is decreased at least partially due to water being added to the wash tank. The method also includes maintaining the concentration of material by dispensing material into the wash tank during a material dispensing operation. Additionally, the method includes generating a parameter indicative of a rate at which the material is dispensed during the material dispensing operation. The method also includes determining a presence of a water flow abnormality based at least partially on the generated parameter.
US08002897B2	At-home integrated cleaning and disinfection system and method for dental hardware An at-home integrated cleaning and disinfection system for dental hardware, for consumer use includes a compact and portable base unit sized for at-home use by a consumer, the base unit including a holding frame and an ultraviolet lamp. The system also includes a cleaning chamber within which dental hardware and a cleaning solution that includes hydrogen peroxide are receivable. The cleaning chamber fits within the holding frame in a manner such that contents of the cleaning chamber are exposed to light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp. A vibration mechanism is positioned so as to cause the cleaning chamber to vibrate while the cleaning chamber is fitted within the holding frame. To clean and disinfect dental hardware, the consumer places dental hardware in the cleaning chamber, fills the cleaning chamber with the cleaning solution, and inserts the cleaning chamber into the holding frame. The vibration mechanism is activated, so as to cause the cleaning chamber to vibrate while the cleaning chamber is fitted within the holding frame, and the ultraviolet lamp is activated, so as to expose contents of the cleaning chamber to light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp.
US08002896B2	Shadow frame with cross beam for semiconductor equipment A shadow frame and framing system for semiconductor fabrication equipment comprising a rectangular frame having four edges, the edges forming an interior lip with a top surface and an bottom engagement surface; and a cross beam disposed between at least two edges of the frame, the cross beam having a top surface and a bottom engagement surface, the engagement surface of the cross beam configured to be flush with the engagement surface of the lip; wherein one or more of the engagement surfaces are configured to cover metal interconnect bonding areas on a carrier disposed below the frame. The shadow frame is particularly useful in plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) applications used to make active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs) and solar cells.
US08002890B2	Mortar composition A method of preparing a mortar composition, comprising mixing of mortar materials comprising at least 25 to 45 parts by weight of high-early-strength portland cement, 40 to 60 parts by weight of sand, 0.05 to 0.12 parts by weight of polycarboxylic acid-based powdered water reducing agent, and 10 to 25 parts by weight of water, and not comprising any organic adhesives. Mixing of the mortar materials is achieved by agitating the same in an agitator until agitating load rapidly decreases. The mortar composition prepared in accordance with this invention has excellent ability to infiltrate into the surface to be adhered, and high bonding strength after hardening.
US08002886B2	Fluorochemical urethane compounds having pendent silyl groups used for surface treatment Fluorochemical urethane compounds and coating compositions derived therefrom are described. The compounds and composition may be used in treating substrates, in particular substrates having a hard surface such as ceramics or glass, to render them water, oil, stain, and/or dirt repellent. The compounds have the formula (Rf)xR1—(R2)y]z wherein Rf is a fluorine-containing group, R1 is the residue of a polyisocyanate. R2 is of the formula —NH—CO—X1—R3(CH2CH2—S—R5—Si(Y)p(R6)3p)q wherein X1 is —O— or —NR4—, where R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl, R3 is a polyvalent alkylene or arylene group, or combinations thereof, said alkylene groups optionally containing one or more catenary oxygen atoms, R5 is a divalent alkylene group, said alkylene group optionally containing one or more catenary oxygen atoms, Y is a hydrolysable group, R6 is a monovalent alkyl or aryl group, p is 1, 2 or 3, q is 1 to 5, x and y are each independently at least 1, and z is 1 or 2.
US08002881B2	Fume treatment method and apparatus using ultraviolet light to degrade contaminants An ultraviolet treatment chamber for treating exhaust streams, particularly those containing organic particulates, utilizes ultraviolet light energy very efficiently. This is done by setting up a circulating flow in a treatment plenum so that all of the effluent experiences a substantially uniform residence time without the need for baffles or other flow controllers that would block the ultraviolet light.
US08002880B2	Gas storage and dispensing system with monolithic carbon adsorbent A pyrolyzed monolith carbon physical adsorbent that is characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: (a) a fill density measured for arsine gas at 25° C. and pressure of 650 torr that is greater than 400 grams arsine per liter of adsorbent; (b) at least 30% of overall porosity of the adsorbent including slit-shaped pores having a size in a range of from about 0.3 to about 0.72 nanometer, and at least 20% of the overall porosity including micropores of diameter<2 nanometers; and (c) having a bulk density of from about 0.80 to about 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter, preferably from 0.9 to 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter.
US08002879B2	Uses of auxetic fibres There is disclosed a method of controlling pore size in a porous material comprising the steps of: providing a porous material comprising a plurality of interconnected auxetic fibres; and applying a tensile or compressive load to the porous material so as to vary the pore size of the porous material in order to produce a desired effect.
US08002878B2	Cyclonic separator and method for degassing a fluid mixture A method and cyclonic separator are disclosed for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and one or more gaseous and/or vaporizable components, wherein: —the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section (6) of a vortex tube (1) such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase; —the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; —the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into a liquid outlet conduit (4) which is located at or near the outer circumference of the vortex tube (1); and—the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a gas outlet conduit (3) which is located at or near a central axis of the vortex tube (1).
US08002877B1	Method of trapping ethylene Ethylene is a gaseous growth hormone produced by plant which triggers the ripening of fruits and vegetables. Titanium dioxide, positioned on a filter, acts to trap ethylene to remove the ethylene from a vegetation storage container. Sodium silicate is utilized to absorb moisture to reduce the absorption of moisture by the titanium dioxide to prolong the ethylene trapping capacity of the titanium dioxide. The filter, after becoming saturated to a desired extent with ethylene, is removed from the vegetation storage container and heated to facilitate a release of the ethylene from the titanium dioxide. This process provides for a reconditioning of the filter for continued use within the vegetation storage container. Producing an air flow and providing for exhaust of ethylene enhance the reconditioning of the filter during the application of heat.
US08002872B2	Methods of recovering and purifying secondary aluminum The invention provides efficient and effective processes for recovering metals such as aluminum, magnesium and lithium from mixed waste sources such as auto shredder residue, aluminum cans, waste particles of aluminum alloy and municipal waste. The metal-waste source is dissolved in a more noble metal solvent at a temperature at which contaminants do not dissolve. The purified metal is then recovered from the solvent, preferably by electrorefining.
US08002867B2	Housing assembly with bagging ring Embodiments of the invention generally include a filter housing having a bagging ring coated to enhance a bag-to-bagging ring seal. In one embodiment, the housing assembly includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an access port. A bagging ring is disposed around the access port and includes a material having a property that enhances the bag-to-bagging ring seal. Examples of materials that have a property that enhance the bag-to-bagging ring seal include materials that are attracted to a plastic bag, materials that are tacky, materials that have a static attraction to a plastic bag.
US08002866B2	Steam-water separator In a steam-water separator, a swirl vane (52) is provided inside a riser (51), an annular downcomer space (54) is formed by providing a downcomer barrel (53) outside the riser (51), a deck plate (55) is arranged above the riser (51) and the downcomer barrel (53) with a predetermined space therefrom, an orifice (56) and vents (57) are formed, and aperture ratios of plural slits (58a, 58b, 58c, and 58d) formed on the riser (51) are set at from 30% to 70%. Accordingly, the steam and the water is appropriately separated, and the separated steam is reliably discharged upward from the orifice while the separated water is allowed to reliably flow down through the downcomer space, thereby enhancing steam-water separating efficiency.
US08002865B2	Separator assembly A separator assembly for removing material that is entrained in a gas stream. The separator assembly comprises a housing having a head part which provides the upper end of the housing and a body part which provides the lower end of the housing. The separator assembly also comprises a shield which extends across the housing towards the lower end thereof so as to leave a collection space between it and the lower end in which material that is separated from the gas stream can collect. There is at least one opening in or around the shield through which the material can flow past the shield into the collection space. The separator assembly further comprises a liner sleeve which covers at least a part of the inside wall of the body part between the shield and the upper end of the body part.
US08002863B2	Engine air cleaner and device for mounting air cleaner on engine An engine air cleaner includes a cleaner element unit is housed within the upper cover body, and a skirt wall of the upper cover body extends further downward than the suction opening. A seal packing and the cleaner element unit are superimposed and fitted onto an outer periphery of an intake passage within the cleaner cover body. The seal packing is provided with a retaining projection that is tightly engaged with the intake passage. An air cleaner is disposed to be side by side with one side of the engine, a lower part of the cleaner cover body is joined integrally to and supported on the engine together with a carburetor via a pair of connecting bolts, and a reinforcing vertical wall portion of the cleaner cover body facing the engine across a gap is joined integrally to and supported on the engine via another connecting bolt.
US08002860B2	CMP abrasive, method for polishing substrate and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the same, and additive for CMP abrasive The present invention discloses a CMP abrasive comprising cerium oxide particles, a dispersant, an organic polymer having an atom or a structure capable of forming a hydrogen bond with a hydroxyl group present on a surface of a film to be polished and water, a method for polishing a substrate comprising polishing a film to be polished by moving a substrate on which the film to be polished is formed and a polishing platen while pressing the substrate against the polishing platen and a polishing cloth and supplying the CMP abrasive between the film to be polished and the polishing cloth, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of the above-mentioned polishing method, and an additive for a CMP abrasive comprising an organic polymer having an atom or a structure capable of forming a hydrogen bond with a hydroxyl group present on a surface of a film to be polished, and water.
US08002859B2	Manufacture of thermally stable cutting elements A method of forming a thermally stable cutting element that includes disposing at least a portion of a polycrystalline abrasive body containing a catalyzing material to be leached into a leaching agent; and subjecting the polycrystalline abrasive object to an elevated temperature and pressure is disclosed. Thermally stable cutting elements and systems and other methods for forming thermally stable cutting elements are also disclosed.
US08002858B2	Cutting segment, method for manufacturing cutting segment, and cutting tool comprising the same A cutting segment for a cutting tool used for cutting or drilling brittle workpieces, such as stone, brick, concrete and asphalt, a method for manufacturing the segment, and a cutting tool comprising the segment are disclosed. The segment comprises layers of diamond particles and two kinds of plate-shaped metal matrix layers comprising soft and hard metal matrix layers having different ductility. The plate-shaped metal matrix layers are arranged perpendicular to a cutting surface while being parallel to a cutting direction, and are alternately stacked perpendicular to the cutting direction. The layers of diamond particles are suitably arranged in the plate-shaped soft and hard metal matrix layers. The segment and the cutting tool comprising the same have excellent cutting ability, and the manufacturing process thereof can be simplified, thereby remarkably enhancing productivity.
US08002852B2	Lens dyeing method and lens dyeing apparatus A method of dyeing a lens, comprises the steps of: (a) applying a dyeing ink containing a sublimable dye onto a base material to produce a dyeing base body; (b) placing the dyeing base body and the lens so that a dye-applied surface of the dyeing base body and a surface of the lens to be dyed face each other in noncontact relation, and heating the dyeing base body under substantially a vacuum condition to sublimate and deposit the applied dye on the lens; and (c) heating the dye deposited surface of the lens by irradiation of infrared rays from one direction to fix the deposited dye on the lens.
US08002851B2	Thermochromic ink and coating compositions A thermochromic ink composition comprises at least one thermochromic optical-state change material, at least one thermally responsive pH modifier, and at least one base and at least one binder material. The quantity of the thermally responsive pH modifier is less than or equal to about 0.25 milli moles based on the amount of optical-state change material. The ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to a thermal stimulus. The thermochromic ink composition may comprise a nitro dye. A thermochromic coating composition formed using the thermochromic ink composition is also disclosed.
US08002845B2	Materials and methods for soft tissue augmentation The subject invention provides materials and methods for soft tissue augmentation. The materials and methods of the subject invention can, advantageously, be used to correct defects such as velopharyngeal insufficiency after cleft palate repair. Other uses include treatments for gastroesophageal acid-reflux, urinary incontinence, wrinkles and contour abnormalities.
US08002844B2	Inflatable hernia patch A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate an edge of the mesh layer. A filler is distributed across the apertures of the mesh to contain a fluid from passing through the mesh. The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected to form a chamber to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler.
US08002843B2	Polyurethanes for osteoimplants Biological-based polyurethanes and methods of making the same. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a biodegradable polyisocyanate (such as lysine diisocyanate) with an optionally hydroxylated biomolecule to form polyurethane. The polymers formed may be combined with ceramic and/or bone particles to form a composite, which may be used as an osteoimplant.
US08002841B2	Method of preparing an ankle joint for replacement, joint prosthesis, and cutting alignment apparatus for use in performing an arthroplasty procedure A method prepares an ankle joint of a patient for replacement. The patient includes a tibia (20) having a medial portion (22), a talus (40), and an ankle (10) having a medial portion. The method employs a cutting alignment apparatus (50) including a first portion external to the patient and a second portion, and surgically prepares and exposes the medial portion of the ankle for replacement. The second portion of the cutting alignment apparatus is coupled to the tibia, and a cutting guide (90) is disposed with respect to the cutting alignment apparatus. The medial portion of the tibia is detached, a portion of the tibia proximate the talus is cut, and a portion of the talus proximate the tibia is cut. An ankle prosthesis (100) is installed to the ankle, and the medial portion of the tibia is reattached.
US08002834B2	Intervertebral prosthetic disc with metallic core A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces and upper and lower plates. At least one of the curved surfaces of the core is metallic, and in some embodiments the entire core is metallic. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and a metallic inner curved surface which is shaped to slide over one of the curved surfaces of the core. In some embodiments, the center of rotation of the core is free to move relative to the upper and lower metallic plates. In some embodiments, one or more channels extend across one or both of the curved surfaces of the core for allowing passage of bodily fluid to promote lubrication between the core and at least one of the plates.
US08002831B2	Modular lateral expansion device A modular lateral expansion device to be inserted into a vertebral body. The modular lateral expansion device comprises a pair of complementary lateral members. Each of the lateral members includes a first end, a second end, a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a cavity configured through the top wall and the bottom wall. The top wall includes a top ridge and a top contour surface and the bottom wall includes a bottom ridge and a bottom contour surface. The top ridge and the bottom ridge are inwardly angled into the second lateral portion. The first lateral portion includes a plurality of cuts. The second lateral portion includes a first slot positioned at an edge of the second lateral portion and a second slot positioned in a substantially central area of the second lateral portion.
US08002830B2	Surface directed cellular attachment Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.
US08002829B2	Ear insert for relief of TMJ discomfort A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert has a predefined shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow in the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A scalloped indenture extends across a surface of the ear insert positioned behind the tragus.
US08002827B2	Systems and methods for ocular measurements A system for measuring the size of a capsular bag of an eye of a subject includes a size indicator and a sizing gauge. The size indicator is configured for insertion into a capsular bag and includes a peripheral portion and a pair of arms. The peripheral portion is configured to engage the capsular bag. Each of the arms has a proximal end and a distal end, the arms being joined to one another at the proximal ends. The peripheral portion is joined to the distal ends of the arms. The arms form an angle that depends on a size of the capsular bag into which the size indicator is placed. The sizing gauge has a body having a front surface, along with first and second features disposed along or behind the front surface. The features are configured to correspond to an angle that is within a predetermined range of angles of the arms of the size indicator when the size indicator is placed within a capsular bag.
US08002825B2	Implantable prosthetic valve for treating aortic stenosis A prosthetic valve for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a compressible and expandable frame formed with intersecting metallic bars and a valvular structure made with pericardial tissue. The frame is compressible for delivery into a patient's vasculature through an 18 F (5.7 mm) arterial introducer using a catheterization technique. The bars of the frame preferably have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm for providing the frame with sufficient radial strength to resist the recoil force exerted by the stenosed aortic valve after implantation. The prosthetic valve includes an internal cover made with pericardial tissue. The internal cover is fastened to an internal surface of the frame between an inlet end of the frame and the valvular structure for preventing regurgitation.
US08002823B2	Endoprosthesis coating An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes anchoring regions formed of polymer that enhance adherence of a coating, e.g. a drug eluting polymer coating, to a stent surface, e.g. made of ceramic. The anchoring regions can be formed using stamping processes.
US08002821B2	Bioerodible metallic ENDOPROSTHESES Endoprostheses such as stents are disclosed that are, or that include portions that are, bioerodible.
US08002819B2	Method and apparatus for radical prostatectomy anastomosis including an anchor for engaging a body vessel and deployable sutures A device for joining a first body vessel to a second body vessel including a cartridge having a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, a radially expandable anchor disposed at the distal end of the cartridge for engaging the first body vessel, the expandable anchor having an initial condition and an expanded condition wherein the expandable anchor is radially larger than the expandable anchor in the initial condition, and a plurality of sutures disposed within the cartridge and being deployable therefrom so as to engage the second body vessel, the sutures being threaded through the expandable anchor.
US08002816B2	Prosthesis for implantation in aorta and method of using same Prosthesis for implantation in the ascending aorta comprising a tubular body made of biocompatible graft material, a cuff at the proximal portion of the tubular body for biasing pressure onto a sino-tubular junction and that is configured to conform to the junction. A stent assembly can also be used to the prosthesis to bias pressure on the wall of a dissection to substantially deflate a false lumen.
US08002809B2	Dynamic cervical plate A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with grooves on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral bar is attached on one end of the shaft. The bar has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral bar is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the grooves on the shaft. The sliding bar has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to prevent screws from backing out of the holes.
US08002808B2	Variable angle adaptive plate A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.
US08002806B2	Bottom loading multi-axial screw assembly Anchor assemblies are provided to secure one or more implants along the spinal column that include a retainer in a receiver member. The retainer is configured to distribute the forces exerted on the retainer toward the proximal end of the retainer where it may deform without deforming, distorting or altering the retainer where it supports the anchor member in the receiver member. The desired positioning of the anchor member relative to the retainer and receiver member can thus be attained even when the retainer is subject to deformation forces.
US08002805B2	Intervertebral implant The invention relates to an intervertebral implant comprising a spacer constituted by first and second parts (12, 14), said parts being provided with mutual assembly means comprising first clip-fastener means (54, 56) secured to one of said parts, second clip-fastener means (49, 50) secured to the other part and suitable for cooperating with the first clip-fastener means to achieve releasable clip-fastening between the two parts, and guide means for guiding the two parts (12, 14) during clip-fastening, said guide means being distinct from the clip-fastening means and comprising: a substantially non-deformable first guide assembly (42, 44) secured to one of said parts; and a substantially non-deformable second guide assembly (46, 48) secured to the other part to co-operate with the first guide assembly.
US08002803B2	Deflection rod system for a spine implant including an inner rod and an outer shell and method A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08002802B2	Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement A spinal implant device includes a spacer region and an attachment region. The spacer region is adapted to be positioned between first and second spinous processes of first and second vertebral bodies to limit movement of the first spinous process and the second spinous process toward one another. The attachment region attaches to the first spinous process via a fastener that extends substantially along a long axis of the spinous process.
US08002797B2	Therapeutic, tilting, split table, traction apparatus A therapeutic, tilting, split table, traction apparatus for home use manually operated by the user to relieve back pain and/or to stretch lumbar spine and exercise back muscles and provide mechanical traction with the user in supine position. The apparatus having a upper tilting frame ,one end being back and head support and opposing end being a rolling or sliding carriage, pivotally hinged on base frame with approximately 13 kilograms of upper body weight offset unto the back support to offset the effect of the 13 kilogram spring used to retract the rolling or sliding carriage and keep body weight balanced for ease of use. Lower body is anchored by pelvic or waist harness to the rolling or sliding carriage. As the user releases latch, the frame tilts and simultaneously pushes up a rod and roller assembly, which is hinged to under back support and under rolling carriage, along the 35 degree incline track thereby pushing carriage away from back support creating traction/distraction force. Removable handles attached to base are used by the user to control tilt and traction force.
US08002794B2	Access and closure device and method Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make both steeply sloping and flat access paths into a vascular lumen is disclosed. The device can also form arteriotomies with sections cleaved between a vessel's intimae and adventitia. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.
US08002789B2	Stretch-resistant vaso-occlusive devices with flexible detachment junctions Disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices for forming occluding the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices comprising at least one polymer structure and methods of making and using these devices.
US08002783B2	Surgical device for bone surgery A surgical device (1) for bone surgery including a body (2) able to be gripped by the user and a tip (3) mounted at the head of the body and set in vibration at a modulated ultrasonic frequency to operate on bone tissue, the surgical device (1) being particularly suitable for oral surgical procedures such as bone sampling, excision of cysts, third molar extraction, preparation of alveolar sites, creation of an opening into the maxillary sinus (Caldwell Luc), elevation of the maxillary sinus by the crestal route and orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures such as osteoplasty, ostectomy and osteotomy.
US08002782B2	Curved clamp arm tissue pad attachment for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments The present invention relates to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to a curved clamp arm tissue pad attachment for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments. A curved clamp arm for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument is described. The curved clamp arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, with a top surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the curved clamp arm. The top surface comprises at least one hole. The clamp arm includes a bottom surface opposite the top surface, with the bottom surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the clamp arm. The bottom surface includes at least one engaging surface, where the hole in the top surface extends from the top surface to the engaging surface of the clamp arm. One embodiment of the curved clamp includes a plurality of the holes in the top surface, and a plurality of the engaging surfaces in the bottom surface, wherein each hole in the top surface extends through the curved clamp arm, terminating at a corresponding engaging surface on the bottom surface. The plurality of holes may also be staggered laterally from the proximal end of the clamp arm to the distal end of the clamp arm.
US08002777B2	Instrumentation and method for implanting a curved stem tibial tray A punch assembly for preparing a tibia bone for a prosthesis includes a static component configured to be supported by the tibia bone and a dynamic component that includes a punch having a stem. The dynamic component is supported for movement relative to the static component along a generally arcuate path to prepare an aperture having an arcuate contour in the tibia bone. A method of preparing a tibial aperture for is also disclosed.
US08002772B2	Non-imaging tracking tools and method for hip replacement surgery A surgical tool for mounting a trackable target to a human bone, suitable for fixation to a human femur. The tool includes a removable bone clamp and a releasable coupling member which is integrated with the removable bone clamp. The releasable coupling member is arranged to mate with a compatible coupling member mounted on the trackable target to establish a predetermined spatial relationship between the bone clamp and trackable target. The releasable and compatible coupling members form a releasable connection which is mechanically constrained to re-engage only in a re-engaged position that accurately recaptures the predetermined spatial relationship.
US08002771B2	Surgical system and procedure for treatment of medically refractory atrial fibrillation The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
US08002767B2	Multifunctional handle for a medical robotic system A handle used to control movement of a medical instrument. The medical instrument may be coupled to a robotic arm that is connected to a controller. The medical instrument may have a plurality of functions such as wrist locking and motion scaling. One of the functions may be selected through a graphical user interface operated by the end user. The handle may have a plurality of buttons. One of the buttons may allow the end user to control the selected function. For example, when wrist locking/unlocking is selected, depressing the button can toggle the medical instrument wrist between a locked state and an unlocked state.
US08002766B2	Catheter assembly A catheter assembly with a catheter and a package for a catheter are provided. The package and catheter is provided with a seal that restricts passage of fluid between the package and the catheter. The assembly allows the catheter to be used without complete removal from the package. During urination, the assembly prevents the flow of urine from the outlet of the catheter and back through the package in a direction towards the user of the catheter. The seal allows the catheter to be dispensed from the package while the sealing is maintained and the assembly thus allows non-contaminated insertion and use of the catheter while the catheter is partly maintained in the package.
US08002764B2	Cystotomy catheter capture device and methods of using same A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound and a sleeve that utilizes balloon inflation to capture the catheter. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound and a clamshell device. The clamshell device comprises two halves, one of which comprises two pins. One pin passes through the lateral holes in the tip of the catheter, and the other pin fits into a notch in the bottom half of the clamshell device. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound, a sleeve and a pin that passes through the lateral holes in the tip of the catheter. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound, a wire and a nodule, wherein the nodule captures the catheter by lodging in the tip of the catheter. The nodule could be a ball, hook, crimped wire or similar object. A method of capturing a catheter in an obese or non-obese patient.
US08002762B2	Pouch for absorbent pads A pouch for an absorbent pad is disclosed. The pouch (3) comprises a sheet of waterproof fabric formed into a pouch shape with a base (5) and a side wall (7) that extends from the base and is inwardly turned and defines an opening to insert a pad into the pouch so that the pouch covers the back and sides of the pad. In use, an assembly of the pouch and the pad received in the pouch can be positioned in a crotch region of an adult, child or baby in an operative position of the pad and with the pouch and the skin of the person enclosing the pad and forming a barrier to leakage from the pad.
US08002758B2	Systems and methods for removing ingested material from a stomach When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.
US08002757B1	Splash shield systems Splash shield systems for use with wide mouth irrigation squeeze bottles and other irrigation fluid sources.
US08002756B2	Method and apparatus for delivering a therapeutic substance through an injection port Adapters for utilizing a syringe or pen injector with a subcutaneous injection port to deliver a therapeutic substance through the injection port and methods of using the adapters are provided. A syringe adapter has a body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the body is configured to receive and engage the end of a syringe so that the cannula of the syringe is held at a fixed position with the respect to the adapter. The second end of the adapter configured to mate with a mating portion of the injection port. When the second end of the adapter engages the mating portion of the injection port, the adapter assures that the cannula of the syringe is properly aligned with the subcutaneous injection port and assures that the cannula penetrates the injection port to the proper depth. Adapters for use with pen style delivery systems are also disclosed. Additionally, an adapter to facilitate loading a syringe with a therapeutic substance from a vial is disclosed.
US08002754B2	Plunger rod and syringe A plunger rod useful for sliding a piston inserted in a syringe barrel has a threaded portion formed at an end of the plunger rod to attach the piston on the plunger rod and a flange formed at an opposite end of the plunger rod. The threaded portion and the flange are integrally connected together by a cylindrical member having an outer diameter such that the cylindrical member can be inserted with contact slidability in the syringe barrel, for example, an outer diameter equal to or slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the syringe barrel.
US08002748B2	Digital syringe with compensation control A syringe for performing a medical procedure includes a pressure sensor, a volume sensor, and a compensation circuit. The volume sensor measures a volume of a flowable material that is dispensed from the syringe, the pressure sensor measures a pressure being applied to the flowable material, and the compensation circuit calculates a delivered volume of the flowable material by accounting for system compliance (expansion) as the pressure is increased. By compensating for system compliance in this manner, a syringe can be used in high pressure procedures while still providing accurately controllable material delivery.
US08002745B2	Retractable syringe with plunger disabling system A retractable syringe includes a barrel, a collar mounted to the barrel, a retraction spring and a needle mount. The plunger includes a first plunger member and a second plunger member that are releasably coupled to initially compress the spring. The second plunger member further includes a seal to prevent fluid leakage between plunger and barrel. After depression of the plunger to deliver the syringe fluid contents, the first plunger member engages the needle mount with needle attached thereto and is rotatably uncoupled from the second plunger member to allow decompression of the retraction spring, which forces retraction of the first plunger member, needle mount and needle engaged therewith. The first plunger member and the collar include elements that co-operatively disable subsequent depression or withdrawal of the plunger. Following retraction of the first plunger member, the second plunger member and seal prevent refilling and re-use of the syringe.
US08002744B2	Non-compliant medical balloon A non-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer embedded in a continuous matrix of thermally-weldable polymer material defining a barrel wall, cone walls and neck walls. The fibers of the first fiber layer run substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fibers of the first fiber layer have a pattern of different lengths and are divisible into a first group and a second group based on length. Each fiber of the first group begins in the neck wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the neck wall at the opposite end of the balloon. Substantially all of the fibers of the first group have a generally uniform length. Each fiber of the second group begins in the cone wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the cone wall at the opposite end of the balloon. The length of the fibers of the second group varies progressively in accordance to their proximity to the fibers of the first group; the fibers of the second group closest to the fibers of the first group being longer than the fibers of the second group further from the fibers of the first group. The fiber of the second fiber layer winds circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the balloon substantially over the entire length of the balloon including the neck walls, the cone walls and the barrel wall.
US08002739B2	Deflectable microimplant delivery system The present invention provides a deflectable catheter-based system for assisting in the delivery of therapeutic agents, cellular materials and the like to one or more sites in a target body tissue. The system provides for one or more injections to a predetermined needle insertion depth with a single core needle that can be advanced and retracted from the tip of the catheter. The catheter assembly includes a handle subassembly having a mechanism for setting and limiting the depth of insertion of the needle, a slide for moving the injection needle between retracted and extended positions, a return spring for biasing the needle to the retracted position, and a modified pulley mechanism for compensating for catheter shaft compression when the catheter is deflected.
US08002738B2	Self-adhering lesion formation apparatus and methods A lesion formation apparatus including adhesive and cytotoxic material and methods associated with the same.
US08002734B2	Dual chamber container and process for its filling up A double chamber container for holding and combining a solid lyophilizate and a liquid reconstituting medium, comprising a cylindrical body with a closure at each of the two ends, an upper displaceable closure at the reconstituting medium end, and a lower closure at the lyophilizate end, a separating stopper that can be pushed in the cylindrical body and act as a seal between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, and a bypass arranged underneath the separating stopper, with a length L that is preferably greater than the height H of the separating stopper, wherein at the upper end in the wall of the cylindrical body or in the separating stopper means are provided that allow partial connection of the interior of the cylindrical body to the environment during the lyophilization.
US08002733B2	Device and method for rapid aspiration and collection of body tissue from within an enclosed body space Device and method for rapid extraction of body tissue from an enclosed body cavity. Hollow entry cannula with optional core element provides entry into body tissue space such as bone marrow. Aspiration cannula is inserted through cannula into body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through body cavity. Optional stylet within aspiration cannula aids in advancing aspiration cannula through body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at proximal end of aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. Aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through the same entry point, following different paths through tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.
US08002727B2	Methods and apparatus for leak detection in blood processing systems A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access.
US08002726B2	Method and composition for removing uremic toxins in dialysis processes Methods and devices for providing dialysis treatment are provided. The device includes a resin bed including zirconium phosphate, zirconium oxide, and urease.
US08002723B2	Neck brace A neck brace (10) is disclosed which comprises two sections (12, 14) which are releasably connected to one another along a split line (18). The ring has upwardly facing surfaces (30, 76.1, 20.2) which limit tilting movement of a helmeted head in all directions. The brace further has a column (68, 70) which extends downwardly from the ring for transferring loads to the wearer's back on each side of the spine.
US08002721B2	Thermal covering The present invention is directed to a thermal covering that delivers consistent therapy to a portion of a user's hand-wrist area, is easy to use and apply to the body, and is securely positionable on the body. The thermal covering can be entirely disposable after one use. The thermal covering can also have a disposable component and a reusable component that can be packaged individually together as a kit.
US08002719B2	Walking assistance device A walking assisting device having leg links connected to a load transfer portion, wherein each leg link is free to bend and stretch at a joint in the middle of the leg link, the leg link being formed to a length such that the joint projects forward of a reference line when a user is standing upright. The reference line is a line connecting a swing fulcrum of the leg link to a joint at the lower end of the leg link. Stability is improved by diminishing a moment in a forward tilting direction when the user is standing upright. The leg links are provided with an overhanging portion and a driving source mounted on the overhanging portion, which helps maintain balance relative to the reference line. The driving force is transmitted to the joint in the middle of the leg link via driving force transmission means.
US08002712B2	Breath and breath condensate analysis system and associated methods A system for collecting an exhaled breath sample and exhaled breath aerosol from a subject includes a condensation chamber having an outerwall defining an interior space. The outer wall has an inlet port and an outlet port therethrough in fluid communication with the interior space. The inlet port is placeable in fluid communication with an exhaled breath sample of the subject. A condensation element is positioned within the condensation chamber interior space and has a shape tapering downwardly toward a bottom tip thereof. A condensation of fluid on the condensation element is enhanced through various elements. A collection area is positioned within the condensation chamber's interior space beneath the condensation element bottom tip. The collection area is for collecting condensate accumulating on an outer surface of the condensation element and dropping from the tip thereof.
US08002710B1	Monitoring device for an interactive game A system and method (1000) for an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system (1000) preferably includes monitoring device (20) monitoring the vital signs of a user, an interface (1115), a game console (1010) and an accessory (1020). The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25) having an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35), and a pair of straps (26a and 26b). The monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article (25) is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle.
US08002709B1	Monitoring device for an interactive game A system and method (1000) for an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system (1000) preferably includes monitoring device (20) monitoring the vital signs of a user, an interface (1115), a game console (1010) and an accessory (1020). The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25) having an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35), and a pair of straps (26a and 26b). The monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article (25) is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle.
US08002708B2	Ultrasound beamformer with scalable receiver boards A beamformer for an ultrasound system and a method for developing a beamformer are provided. The beamformer includes an RF interface configured to be connected to receiver boards that are connected to a probe. The method includes providing receiver boards, wherein each of the receiver boards is capable of conveying a common number of channels per board and has substantially similar circuit components and layouts. The method also includes selecting a number of channels per probe to be conveyed in parallel between a probe and the receiver boards, wherein the channels per probe is an integer multiple of the channels per board. The method further includes determining a combination of the receiver boards to use in the beamformer based on the number of channels per probe, wherein the receiver boards are capable of being used in at least first and second different combinations that support first and second different numbers of channels per probe.
US08002707B2	Apparatus which displays medical trend graph and related information An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including an ultrasound probe, an image processor, a measurement processor, a graph processor, and a display. The ultrasound probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers and is configured to insonify and receive an echo signal resulting from the insonification. The image processor is coupled to the ultrasound probe and is configured to prepare image data based on the echo signal. The measurement processor is coupled to the image processor and is configured to conduct a measurement on the image data with respect to a predetermined parameter. The graph processor is coupled to the measurement processor and is configured to prepare a trend graph based on the measurement when the insonification and the image preparation are conducted more than one time. The display is coupled to the graph processor and is configured to display the trend graph with related information in a time phase on the trend graph.
US08002703B2	Ultrasonic imaging device This invention provides an ultrasonic imaging system that implements imaging by distinguishing sharply and definitely the echo components generated by scattering in a microbubble contrast medium, from the tissue harmonic components generated by nonlinear propagation of a transmitted pulse. This ultrasonic imaging system, constructed to transmit/receive ultrasonic pulses to/from a living body and form a contrast image of the inside of the living body by using the contrast-imaging microbubbles, repeats the transmitting/receiving operations four times in all, under the same transmitting/receiving focus conditions at different phase angles [(a)=0°, (b)=120°, (c)=−120°, (d)=180°] of the carrier of a transmitted pulse wave including a common envelope signal, sums up three time-series receive echo signals associated with (a), (b), (c), forms the contrast image, sums up two time-series receive echo signals associated with (a), (d), forms an image of the living body having a nonlinear pulse propagation property, and makes a superimposed display of the two kinds of images.
US08002700B2	Communications system for an implantable medical device and a delivery device A closed loop system for monitoring drug dose, intake and effectiveness includes a drug delivery device in data communications with at least one implantable medical device. The system is preferably implemented in a web-enabled environment in which a remote data center communicates with the implantable devices (IMDs) in a patient via a programmer or the pill dispenser. A physician, clinician, or other user may access the remote data center to review and monitor the IMDs or the drug delivery regime remotely. The system further provides a dynamic drug management system, compatible with a web-enabled interactive data communication environment that accurately monitors dose and specific drug effectiveness in a patient to enhance patient care.
US08002699B2	Endoscope and method for fixing optical fibers therein An endoscope has a shaft, a head disposed at a proximal end of said shaft and a light connection disposed at said head. Optical fibers extend from said proximal light connection to a distal end of said shaft. A sleeve in which a proximal end section of said light fibers is fixed is designed in such a way that it can be introduced in a linear movement without turning it into the light connection. Said sleeve is axially movable in said connecting piece.
US08002696B2	Endoscope system An endoscope system has an driving-section for driving an insertion-section having an instrument. The driving-section is supported by a pivoting section rotatively. The driving-section has two rollers facing each other. The insertion-section is disposed between the rollers. The insertion-section is extended or retracted by rotating the rollers if the rollers are disposed with respect to the extension/retraction direction. If the pivoting section is pivoted to be orthogonal to the extension/retraction direction, the insertion-section rotates around its axial line by the rotation of the rollers. By doing this, it is possible to rotate the instrument easily in the endoscope system for extending/retracting the instrument by electric power.
US08002689B2	Folder with signature removal and slowdown process A folder includes a cylinder having a first gripping device receiving a folded edge of a signature and rotating the signature at a first surface speed. A conveyor presses the signature against the outer surface and the conveyor contacts the signatures at a second surface speed slower than the first surface speed. The present invention also provides a method for removing signatures from a cylinder.
US08002688B2	Customized tab machine Disclosed is a tabbed divider making apparatus preferably adapted for use with smaller, more individualized jobs in an office or the like. The apparatus preferably includes a paper feeder, a film provider, a knife package for shearing a portion of the paper to create a tab, at least one strut, a pivotable arm, at least one spring, and a cam having an oblong shape. The rotation of the cam preferably causes movement between loaded and unloaded positions of the spring, which causes the knife package to shear the paper. Also disclosed is a removable film cartridge for use with the apparatus. The cartridge preferably includes a housing, a roll of film, one or more rollers, a creasing finger for creasing the film, and two or more opposed extensions for folding the film along the crease. Further disclosed is a method of producing a tabbed divider utilizing the above-mentioned apparatus.
US08002680B2	Adjustable dumbbell system A dumbbell is described including a handle having a grip and at least one end, an inner plate mounted on the handle adjacent the grip, in a fixed rotational orientation, a support plate rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the inner plate, at least one collar rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the support plate, and rotationally fixed with the support plate, a selector knob rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and rotationally fixed with the collar, a weight plate removably mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and a means for selectively securing the support plate to the inner plate to resist the rotation of the support plate, collar and selector knob with respect to the inner plate and handle.
US08002679B2	Chest exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support A chest exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame pivotally associated with the main frame and movable between a start position and an end position during an exercise, a user engagement device movably mounted relative to the frames and having at least one handle for gripping by a user positioned on the user support, and a connecting linkage which translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame. The user engagement device provides articulated motion so that the handle moves in a user-defined chest exercise movement path between a start position and an end position. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
US08002675B2	Foot-therapy and toe-aligning device Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.
US08002674B2	Dual deck exercise device An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
US08002669B2	Method for the operation of a drivetrain A method for operating a motor vehicle drivetrain comprising at least an automatic transmission and a drive assembly. The automatic transmission includes at least five shifting elements to transmit torque and/or power. In each forward and reverse gear, three shifting elements are engaged and the remaining two shifting elements are disengaged. Two consecutive gearshifts are carried out through selection of the five shifting elements. During a first gearshift, implemented as a multiple gearshift, a subsequent second gearshift, implemented as either a single or multiple gearshift, is prepared. During the first gearshift, a first shifting element is disengaged, a second shifting element is engaged, a third shifting element is prepared for disengagement in a subsequent second gearshift and a fourth shifting element is prepared for engagement. Further, during the first gearshift and the subsequent second gearshift, a fifth shifting element is retained in at least a substantially engaged state.
US08002667B2	Method for determining input speed acceleration limits in a hybrid transmission A powertrain system includes a transmission operative to transfer power between an input member and first and second torque machines and an output member. The first and second torque machines are connected to an energy storage device and the transmission is operative in a continuously variable operating range state. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes selecting an independently controllable parameter for the powertrain system, determining maximum and minimum motor torque constraints for the first and second torque machines and determining maximum and minimum power constraints for the energy storage device, determining maximum and minimum states for the independently controllable parameter for the powertrain system, and determining an achievable operating range for a parameter of interest based upon the maximum and minimum states for the independently controllable parameter for the powertrain system, the maximum and minimum motor torque constraints for the first and second torque machines and the maximum and minimum power constraints for the energy storage device.
US08002666B2	Method for controlling a motor vehicle drive train A method for controlling a motor vehicle drive train including a combustion engine, an electric machine and a transmission, which are coupled by a summation gear system, having two input and one output elements, and a clutch. One input element is coupled to the crankshaft of the combustion engine, the other input element is coupled to the rotor of the electric machine and the output element is coupled to the input shaft of the transmission and the clutch is arranged between two elements of the summation gear system, such that when the clutch is disengaged a speed difference between the combustion engine and the transmission input shaft is synchronized by the electric machine and, if necessary, by a controlled engagement of the clutch. To improve synchronization, at the beginning of the synchronization the clutch is brought to its contact point before the engagement of the bridging clutch.
US08002657B2	Low profile tensioner with arcuate spring A tensioner operable to substantially maintain a specified tension in a flexible drive, such as a belt or chain, includes a spring, mounted laterally to the pivot shaft of the tensioner, which biases the tensioner arm towards the flexible drive. The spring is arcuate in shape and is maintained in a correspondingly arc-shaped spring retainer on a mounting plate of the tensioner. The arcuate shape of the spring and spring guide on the tensioner arm follows as the tensioner arm pivots towards and away from the flexible drive. The tensioner also has a wear take up mechanism to maintain the friction bushing in continuous engagement with the tensioner arm.
US08002656B2	Tensioner for endless transmission belt A tensioner for an endless transmission belt includes a plunger body and a plunger. The plunger is movably provided in the plunger body to press the endless transmission belt. A pressure chamber provided between the plunger and the plunger body is configured to store hydraulic oil supplied from an oil pump. A check valve is provided in the plunger body, configured to be opened to supply the hydraulic oil to the pressure chamber when a pressure in the pressure chamber is lower than an oil pressure from the oil pump, and configured to be closed when the pressure is higher than the oil pressure. A relief valve is provided in the plunger body within a width of the plunger in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the plunger and configured to discharge the hydraulic oil in the pressure chamber when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value.
US08002654B2	Control system for belt-type continuously variable transmission A control system for controlling a belt-type continuously variable transmission having a pulley capable of varying its groove width to which a belt is applied, in which the pulley is provided with an oil chamber to which the oil pressure is fed so that the pulley clamps the belt, in which the capacity of the oil chamber is varied in accordance with a change in the groove width, and in which the oil pressure in the oil chamber is controlled in accordance with a deviation between a target oil pressure and an actual oil pressure, comprising: a pressure-receiving capacity change detecting device for detecting a change in the capacity of the oil chamber; and an oil pressure control contents altering device for altering a degree to reflect the deviation on the oil pressure control of the oil chamber on the basis of a change in the capacity.
US08002647B2	Golf ball A golf ball has an increased surface occupancy ratio of dimples, the dimples are shallow to restrain a lift acting on the golf ball flying in a high-speed region after the ball has been hit, and the lift of the golf ball flying in a low-speed region in the latter half of the trajectory is maintained for a long time, by which a longer carry can be obtained. The golf ball has plural dimples formed on the surface thereof, in which at least about 10 percent of dimples of all the dimples on the surface are noncircular dimples in which a boundary line between a land part and the dimple include a curved line part and a straight line part, and the noncircular dimples each have a flat bottom surface.
US08002645B2	Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to findable golf balls Golf ball locators and components of such locators and methods of operating such locators and processing signals within such locators. In one aspect of the inventions described herein, an exemplary method of initializing a golf ball locator includes receiving received RF signals while also transmitting signals used to locate balls and determining a parameter representative of received signal strength of the received RF signals and setting a threshold to determine when subsequent received signals are to cause an indication of golf ball detection. In another aspect of this disclosure, the golf ball locator is a handheld unit having a volume of less than about 150 inches cubed and includes a transmitter, a transmit antenna, a receiver, a receive antenna and a processor coupled to the transmitter and to the receiver, and the handheld unit achieves a signal isolation, between a second harmonic of a transmitted signal from the transmitter and the receiver's received signal, of greater than about 130 to 160 dB. Other aspects are also described.
US08002641B2	Method of making direct tension indicating washers A method of making a direct tension indicating washer including: forming a first surface having a discrete protuberance formed thereon; forming a second surface having a discrete indentation formed opposite the protuberance; and positioning an indicating material in the indentation, wherein the indicating material has a cured skin on an outside of the indicating material and a liquid core in an interior of the indicating material.
US08002640B2	Wheel hub/universal joint assembly with end teeth and wheel bearing A wheel hub/universal joint assembly having an axis of rotationA constant velocity universal joint with an outer joint part, an inner joint part, and torque transmitting ballsThe outer joint part has a first face toothing which engages a second face toothing provided at a collar on a sleeve portion of the wheel. Clamping means axially clamps the wheel hub to the outer joint part 22. The clamping means is axially supported on the wheel hub and the outer joint part 22. The ratio of the axial length BL of the wheel bearing 13 and the mean diameter DV of the face toothing is smaller than 0.63, i.e. BL/DV<0.63.
US08002629B2	Gaming machine with interactive scorecard A gaming machine (10) includes a controller for controlling operation of the machine (10), a primary display (16) is provided on which a game to be played is displayed. A secondary display (18) is also provided on which a scorecard (22), indicating prizes to be paid upon a winning game being achieved, is displayed. The game and the scorecard (22) are controlled by the controller and the scorecard (22) is a dynamic scorecard (22) with the relationship between combinations of symbols constituting a winning game and the prizes awarded by the scorecard (22) for that particular game changing from game to game.
US08002622B2	Method of playing multi-bet printed tickets, including instant game tickets Preprinted game tickets, such as instant game lottery tickets, are dispensed from a vending machine. Instead of having a fixed cost and a fixed prize amount, the game tickets may be purchased at different bet levels and credit values, both of which change the cost and prize amount.
US08002620B2	Gaming device providing an award based on a count of outcomes which meets a condition Methods and apparatus for providing an award based on a multiplicity of game outcomes. In one implementation the invention provides a method for providing a game. The method includes placing a bet by a player, playing of a game to produce a game outcome, evaluating a primary game outcome, paying a direct award if the primary outcome merits it, advancing a bonus accumulator if the primary outcome merits it, and if the bonus accumulator has advanced sufficiently, paying a bonus award to the player and clearing the bonus accumulator.
US08002619B2	Augmented reality wagering game system Augmented reality wagering game systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes presenting a first set of markings on a wagering game table, where the first set of markings is associated with a basic wagering game. The method can also include detecting an event associated with the basic wagering game. In one embodiment, after detecting the event, the method calls for presenting a second set of markings on the wagering game table, where the second set of markings is associated with a bonus wagering game.
US08002616B2	Agricultural combine with internal cob de-husking apparatus and system The combine includes internal apparatus incorporated into a system for threshing corn kernels from cobs, positively de-husking the cobs, cleaning other crop residue or material from the kernels, and direct the cleaned kernels and de-husked cobs to desired locations. The de-husking apparatus can include a modified type of husking bed, and is disposed for receiving a flow of grain, cobs and other residue from threshing apparatus of the combine, and positively grasping and pulling the remaining husks from the cobs and downwardly through the husking bed for disposal such as by discharge from the combine onto a field, with or separately from the other residue.
US08002614B2	Microbiocidal control in the processing of meat-producing four-legged animals Methods of processing four-legged slaughter animals for consumption as meat and/or meat product(s) are described. The methods comprise I) contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one N,N′-bromochloro-5,5-dialkylhydantoin, such contacting occurring at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination; or II) contacting the carcass of the animal, after exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one N,N′-bromochloro-5,5-dialkylhydantoin or III) contacting at least one raw meat product and/or at least one processed meat product derived from the carcass. The contacting can be done one or more times in each of I), II), and III). Considerable advantages, which are described, are realized when using such methods.
US08002613B2	Method and apparatus for processing carcasses A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.
US08002612B2	Attachment system for a sanding tool An attachment system for attaching an abrasive article, such as an abrasive sheet or disc, to a sanding tool includes an article having a first major surface including an attachment region with attachment material for attachment with an associated mating surface on the sanding tool, and a non-attachment region along at least a portion of an edge of the first major surface forming a sufficiently weak attachment with the associated mating surface to allow a user to grasp the abrasive article and separate the abrasive article from the sanding tool.
US08002609B2	Method of manufacturing ferrule assemblies A method of manufacturing a ferrule assembly. The method including first and second polishing operations. The first polishing operation including polishing only the end face of a ferrule of an assembly. The second polishing operation including polishing only the optical fiber of the assembly.
US08002608B2	Polishing of optical and non-optical tools for improved mold flow This invention is related to the process of polishing the optically critical surface of the front piece as well as the back piece, or non-optical surface, used to make molds used in double-sided molding process to make contact lens for reducing warpage of the mold, radius changes in different cavities and amount of cylindrical distortion. The polishing of both of the front piece and back piece causes the mold material to see a very similar coefficient of friction on both top and bottom surface and provides uniform flow front.
US08002607B2	Polishing apparatus and polishing method A polishing apparatus is provided for polishing wafers at a high yield rate even if roll-off exists. The polishing apparatus polishes a wafer by applying a pressure between a polishing member (polishing pad) 201 and the wafer held by a holding member (top ring) 52 and moving the polishing member relative to the wafer. The polishing apparatus includes a top ring 52 for holding the wafer, a pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting a supporting pressure with which the wafer is supported on a supporting surface by a retainer ring, and a control unit for controlling the pressure adjusting mechanism to bring the supporting pressure to a desired pressure based on a roll off quantity of the wafer. The top ring comprises an air bag 202 for pressing the wafer against the polishing pad, a retainer ring which surrounds the wafer, and an air bag for pressing the retainer ring.
US08002606B2	Trim adjustment for toy vehicle steering A toy vehicle includes a chassis, a right turning member that supports a right steerable road wheel and a left turning member that supports a left steerable road wheel. A rigid steering link extends across the chassis and has right and left ends that are operably connected to the right and left turning members. An actuator provides a pivoting motion on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally forward and rearward in the vehicle. The motion provided by the actuator moves the steering link side to side across the vehicle. The right and left road wheels are pivoted by the motion of the steering link. An adjustable trim mechanism includes a bias member that helps to maintain a neutral position of the steering link and a trim adjustment that modifies a position on the chassis at which the steering link and road wheels are maintained in the neutral position.
US08002603B2	Co-processable photoimageable silver and corbon nanotube compositions and method for field emission devices Described herein are methods of manufacturing an electrode and emitter in a field emission device, and devices formed from the methods. Compositions useful for the manufacture of an electrode and emitter in a field emission device are also described.
US08002602B2	Manufacturing method of vacuum airtight container A manufacturing method of a vacuum airtight container includes a baking step of baking, in a vacuum atmosphere, a container in which a first non-evaporable getter and a second non-evaporable getter having an activation temperature higher than that of the first non-evaporable getter are disposed. The baking step further includes steps of baking the entire container by increasing the temperatures of the container to a temperature T1 and holding the temperature T1, which is equal to or higher than an activation temperature of the first non-evaporable getter and is lower than an activation temperature of the second non-evaporable getter. After holding the temperature T1, the entire container is baked by increasing the temperature of the container to a temperature T2, which is higher than the activation temperature of the second non-evaporable getter.
US08002601B2	Organic electroluminescent device and the manufacturing method An organic electroluminescent device is disclosed. The device can include a substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, a partition wall next to the first electrode, an organic luminescence media layer including an organic luminous layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode which is on the organic luminescence media layer and facing the first electrodes, wherein the partition wall comprises a first partition wall and a second partition wall, the first partition wall covers a part of the first electrode, and the second partition wall is located on an inner side of the first partition wall.
US08002595B2	Electrical contact material, method of manufacturing the same, and electrical contact An electrical contact material includes a surface layer formed of a noble metal or an alloy containing the noble metal as a major constituent. An organic film having heat resistance is formed on a surface of the surface layer, and the organic film is formed of an organic compound having an ether bonding group. Accordingly, the electrical contact material has good corrosion resistance and sliding resistance.
US08002593B2	Electrical connector assembly An electrical connector assembly including a mounting ring having an interior region, a sealing surface at one axial end for securing to a surface, and a securement rim at an opposite axial end. A connector body having engagement surfaces can engage and seal to the mounting ring. The connector body can include electrical terminals extending into the interior region of the mounting ring for engaging mating electrical terminals.
US08002592B2	Data collecting connection Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a first body, a second body, and an electronic circuit. The first body includes a first end, a second end, and a middle section. The first body further includes a first conductor receiving area and a recessed cavity. The first receiving area extends from the first end to the second end. The cavity is at the middle section. The second body is adapted to be removably connected to the first body. The second body includes a first end, a second end, and a second conductor receiving area. The second conductor receiving area extends from the first end to the second end. The apparatus is adapted to receive an electrical conductor between the first receiving area and the second receiving area. The electronic circuit is at the cavity. The electronic circuit is configured to receive reference information corresponding to the electrical conductor.
US08002590B2	Electric connector and method of performing electronic connection A modular jack assembly having a housing and a plug interface contact (PIC) sled subassembly insertable into the housing. The PIC sled subassembly provides an electrical and mechanical interface between PICs and a male-type plug receivable in an opening in the housing. The PIC sled subassembly is defined in part by multiple slots formed in the PIC sled subassembly that receive the PICs. The design of the PICs compensates for independent near-end cross-talk vectors and far-end cross-talk vectors to obtain a desired level of electrical characteristics.
US08002587B2	Ring-like electical power supplying structure for receiving the electrical power plugs of a plurality of electrical appliances and powering the same A ring-like electrical power supplying structure for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment, includes a substantially planar structure having a central aperture through which a 3D volume of space extends for accommodating a plurality of appliance power plugs, appliance power cords and appliance power adapters. A plurality of mounting elements are provided on the substantially planar surface, for mounting a plurality of electrical receptacles, and at least one electronic PC circuit board. Electrical conductors are provided on the surface of the substantially planar structure for interconnecting the electrical receptacles and the electrical components, and supplying electrical power thereto, during device operation. A power supply cord is electrically connected to the electrical receptacles and the electrical components, and has an electrical power plug for plugging into a standard power receptacle, and supplying electrical power to the ring-like power supplying structure. A housing portion having a set of plug apertures, is aligned with said electrical receptacles, and allows appliance power plugs associated with the electrical appliances to plug into the electrical receptacles. A power cord portal allows a group of electrical power cords associated with the group of electrical appliances, to pass towards the electrical receptacles in a bundled manner, and the appliance power plugs associated with the group of electrical appliances to be plugged into the electrical receptacles.
US08002579B2	Coaxial connectors having compression rings that are pre-installed at the front of the connector and related methods of using such connectors Coaxial connectors include a connector body having a front end and a rear end, an inner contact post that is at least partly within the connector body and an internally-threaded nut that is positioned at the front end of the connector body and that is connected to at least one of the connector body and the inner contact post. A compression element is also provided that is attached to the internally-threaded rotatable nut.
US08002577B1	RJ-45 connector A connector includes a main body, a reflecting member, and a cable electrically connected to a rear end of the main body. An elastic latch is formed on a top of the main body opposite to the cable. The reflecting member is fitted to a rear portion of the main body, and two protrusions are formed on a top of the reflecting member. A surface of each protrusion is coated with reflective material, slanted, and opposite to the cable.
US08002576B1	Modular jack incorporated with LED compartment An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) with a mating space (13), a plurality of contacts (21) disposed in the insulative housing (1) with a mating portion (211) protruding into the mating space (13), a metallic shell (4) covering the insulative housing and a pair of LEDs (3) disposed at a corner of the insulative housing (1) and capable of emitting light indicating proper function thereof. Each LED (3) includes a pair of contact legs (31, 32), one of the contact legs (32) has a crank-shaped portion (320) sandwiched between a pair of protruding tubers (125a, 125b) formed by the insulative housing (1).
US08002572B2	HDMI DIY field termination products In some PCB connector embodiments the internal pins of the probe or wire terminal end could be set at between about 0.4 mm to about 2.0 mm provided that the contact point between the male probe end and the mating female connector is about 1.0 mm. Such embodiments would adjust for alternate connector configurations for connectors while maintaining the required HDMI specifications for the contact point. In other embodiments intermediate distances could be used of about 0.4 mm to about 0.5 mm; about 0.5 mm to about 0.6 mm; about 0.6 mm to about 0.7 mm; about 0.7 mm to about 0.8 mm; about 0.8 mm to about 0.9 mm; about 0.9 mm to about 1.0 mm; about 1.0 to about 1.1 mm; about 1.1 to about 1.2 mm; about 1.2 mm to about 1.3 mm; about 1.3 mm to about 1.4 mm; about 1.4 mm to about 1.5 mm; about 1.5 mm to 1.6 mm; about 1.6 mm to 1.7 mm; about 1.7 mm to 1.8 mm; about 1.8 mm to 19 mm and about 1.9 mm to 2.0 mm once again provided that the probe pins are finally configured to meet the about 1.0 mm requirement for the contact point.
US08002567B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector including a housing provided with an opening through which a flat circuit device is inserted into the housing, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing, and reinforcing mount members provided respectively on end portions of the housing in its longitudinal direction to be used for mounting the housing on a solid circuit board, wherein a holding member is formed in the reinforcing mount member to extend into the housing for engaging with the flat circuit device inserted in the housing to hold the same, a releasing member is formed in the housing to be movable with a first end portion thereof operative to project out of the housing and a second end portion thereof operative to engage with the holding member, and the releasing member is moved so that the second end portion of the releasing member causes the holding member to be released from engagement with the flat circuit device inserted in the housing when the first end portion of the releasing member is pushed toward the inside of the housing under a condition wherein the holding member is put in the engagement with the flat circuit device to hold the same in the housing.
US08002566B1	Self-locking electrical connector A self-locking electrical connector has (a) a first shell body for receiving a first set of contacts; (b) a clamping ring for holding the first set of contacts in engagement with a second set of contacts; (c) a multiplicity of first detent members; (d) a multiplicity of second detent members; and (e) biasing means for holding the first and second detent members in facing engagement. The biasing means includes at least one spring washer, an end cap and a retaining ring retained within the clamping ring. The at least one spring washer is disposed between the detent members and the end cap. The end cap is axially movable by a force applied by the retaining ring between (i) a non-mated position wherein the at least one spring washer applies less than a desired amount of force to the detent members, and (ii) a mated position wherein the at least one spring washer applies a precise amount of desired force to the detent members.
US08002563B2	Card edge connector having a spring member for locking with a module A card edge connector includes a longitudinal insulative housing having a receiving slot formed therein and extending in a longitudinal direction for insertion of a module; a set of contacts retained in the insulative housing and protruding into the receiving slot for mating with the module; an ejector rotatably attached to one longitudinal end of the insulative housing for latching with or ejecting the module; and a spring member retained in the other longitudinal end of the insulative housing and having a pair of resilient locking arms for locking with the module.
US08002557B2	Sink type electrical connector with L-shaped frame An electrical connector (4) comprises a frame (41) and a plurality of terminals (42) received in the frame. The frame comprises a first portion (410) defining a holding slot (4101), a second portion (411) extending angularly to the first portion and a retaining member (43) formed on the second portion. The terminals each has a contact section (425) and a solder tail (427) extending out of the frame. The plurality of terminals (42) are arranged two rows on the first portion (410) and one row on the second portion (411). The contact sections of two rows terminals on the first portion are located at opposite sides of the holding slot (4101) and the contact sections of one row terminals on the second portion expose to an outer surface of the second portion.
US08002552B2	Method and apparatus for toilet training A method and apparatus for toilet training for children or as an aid to urinary function for adults which presents two cues to the person. The first cue is an audible sound of water flowing. The second cue is visual observation of water flowing. The cues are presented in a structure which may be a rotatable hour glass shaped liquid containing device which permits the liquid to flow from one portion of the hour glass to the other when the device is rotated. A sound of flowing water is produced from sound storage means in the device. The liquid may be refilled or it may be pre-sealed at the factory. Two plates are proved at the ends of the hour glass to house a picture in one and a mirror in the other. The structure may be utilized free-standing, or attached to a rotatable base which, in turn, may be fixedly or removably mounted on a surface.
US08002551B2	Language skills teaching method and apparatus A student providing a multi-word response in a computerized language teaching system provides a manual input concurrently with each responsive word. For example, he might enter a keystroke correspondent to the first letter of each word. When using the teaching computer silently, a student will typically “speak” each word mentally as he enters a keystroke, so the limited experience is almost as effective as speaking out loud. When a student types one or more keystrokes concurrently with each word that he speaks, the computer will be able to detect when a student is responding with a correct word, but merely mispronouncing it. Also, since the computer will receive a keystroke as the student starts each new word, it is better able to distinguish the boundaries between words and recognize them more reliably.
US08002550B1	Graduated grid system used in the instruction of drawing and painting Children and adults interested in the visual arts often have trouble mastering basic drawing and painting skills due to a lack of structured instruction. A device composed of gridded drawing and painting apparatus is used to eliminate ongoing frustration that can occur during artistic training. Supporting charts and equipment used to maximize efficiency are also provided. A method to operate the device to its maximum potential is supplied. Procedures to advance a pupil through various stages of development are set forth. Alternate working methods that target the specific needs of various artists and art students are proposed. A routine for identifying optimal results is set forth, along with methods to measure that success. Examples of student artwork verify the logic of a system that ensures positive results.
US08002549B2	Set of artificial teeth with no abutment at highest contours The present invention is to provide a set of easily arranged artificial teeth in which shapes of abutment surfaces of adjacent artificial teeth are not varied. In the set of artificial teeth, at least two artificial teeth adjacent to each other in a mesial-distal direction respectively have highest contours, one of the highest contours on the adjacent sides is positioned on an occlusal surface side and a buccal surface side relative to the other, and the artificial teeth are abutted with each other at abutment positions between the highest contours of both the artificial teeth in the occlusal direction and the buccolingual direction. Parting lines of molds for forming the artificial teeth respectively pass through the highest contours.
US08002537B2	System for the production of preforms made of powder material, in particular tablets System for the production of preforms made of a powder material, in particular tablets, with a rotary tablet press, which is arranged in a housing supported by a frame in the housing, wherein an electric drive motor is integrated into the rotor of the tablet press and the rotor is swivel-mounted on a middle column of the frame, and a control cabinet for the tablet press, which contains among other things a machine computer for the operation of the tablet press, wherein the middle column is supported on a horizontal load-bearing element, which is arranged at a distance above a base plate placed on the floor and the control cabinet is arranged in the interim space between the horizontal load-bearing element and the base plate.
US08002536B2	Concrete block machine having a controllable cutoff bar A concrete block machine including a mold having at least one mold cavity, a feedbox driven back and forth between retracted and extended positions, wherein the feedbox is positioned over a top of the mold deposits concrete in the at least one mold cavity when at the extended position, a cutoff bar coupled to the feedbox and including a moveable cutoff element, and a drive system. The drive system is coupled to the moveable cutoff element and moves the moveable cutoff element to adjust a distance between the moveable cutoff element and the top of the mold as the feedbox is driven from the extended position to the retracted position such that the moveable cutoff element removes varying amounts of concrete deposited in the mold cavity so that a depth of concrete remaining in the mold cavity varies in a desired fashion in a direction of movement of the feedbox.
US08002534B2	Methods and apparatuses for cutting dough utilizing a shaped opening Methods and apparatuses for cutting dough are described. One described dough cutting apparatus comprises a barrel having two ends, a removable die comprising a shaped opening, the removable die adapted to be coupled to a first end of the barrel, and a knife adapted to cut dough extruded from the shaped opening. In one illustrative method for making doughnuts, dough is extruded and cut using such a dough cutting apparatus and the dough is then cooked.
US08002533B2	Injection molding machine for lost core technology An injection molding machine (10) comprises an injection molding tool (14) having a mold cavity, in which a molded part can be produced by overmolding a mold core of metal inserted into the mold cavity using an injection molding material, and a melting tool (18) by means of which the mold core overmolded with the injection molding material can be melted out, wherein the melting tool (18) comprises at least one current-carrying element (28) by which eddy currents can be generated in the material of the mold core.
US08002525B2	Turbine airfoil cooling system with recessed trailing edge cooling slot A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having a trailing edge cooling slot positioned within the generally elongated, hollow airfoil and extending from the trailing edge chordwise into the generally elongated, hollow airfoil toward the leading edge such that a secondary trailing edge is offset upstream from the trailing edge. As such, the trailing edge cooling slot reduces stress formation at the trailing edge of the turbine airfoil.
US08002524B2	Wind turbine aerodynamic separation control The present application provides a wind turbine system. The wind turbine system may include a number of blades, a number of wind speed sensors positioned on the blades, a controller in communication with the wind speed sensors, and one or more performance adjustment, mechanisms in communication with the controller. The controller activates the performance adjustment mechanisms in response to the wind speed sensors.
US08002522B2	Centrifugal pump A centrifugal pump comprising a pump housing made of injection-molded plastics with a first housing part, which is designed as a single piece with a suction connection and a pressure connection, and comprises a sealing area, by means of which said first housing part is joined in a liquid-tight manner to a second housing part, that receives an electric motor, and a motor housing part. In this centrifugal pump, very good leak tightness is achieved with minimum number of parts, minimum weight and minimum assembly costs with universal applicability without impairing the visual overall impression of the centrifugal pump. This objective is achieved in that the second housing part is made of a material that is permeable to laser light of a wavelength or a wavelength range, and the first housing part is made of a material that absorbs the same laser light, and the first housing part and the second housing part are heat-sealed to one another.
US08002519B2	Blower and air conditioner outdoor unit with the blower A blower is provided with an axial flow impeller 7, a fan motor 8 positioned in a suction side of the axial flow impeller 7, and a motor stay 9 supporting the fan motor 8. The motor stay 9 is substantially formed to have a linear shape and attached in parallel to a rotating surface of the axial flow impeller 7. An impeller blade front edge 17 of the axial flow impeller 7 is positioned in a region X which is closer to the motor stay 9 than a region Y in which an air flow turbulence in a wake flow of the motor stay 9 is expanded, and in which region X a range of the air flow turbulence is reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit the air flow turbulence in the wake flow of the motor stay 9 from affecting the aerodynamic characteristics and noise characteristics (for example, an increase of an NZ noise) of the axial flow impeller 7.
US08002517B2	Sensor Sensors (32, 52, 72) for determining a gap between a conductive member (34, 54, 74) such as a blade in a gas turbine engine and a seal segment (31, 51) are known to use capacitive variants in order to create an electrical signal indicative of the gap width. Thermal disparities can create problems with regard to sensor aging and accuracy. By creating a sensor incorporating a metal rod (33, 53, 74) typically integrally formed or associated with the seal segment (31, 51) and coupled through inductive coupling loops (35, 36; 55, 56; 75) it is possible to create a tuned circuit with a Q value which is more stable and therefore acceptable with regard to producing more accurate results at elevated temperatures with less problems with regard to thermal disparities.
US08002512B1	Material transport A material transport system and method of use is disclosed herein. The system includes a base assembly having an adjustable width, a material support platform hingedly attached to the base assembly, the platform supported angularly above the base assembly by at least two support tubes hingedly attached to the base assembly, a left pair and a right pair of rail guides aligned along the length of the base assembly, the rails removably attached to the underside of the base assembly, and a left pair and a right pair of wheels axially mounted between each rail guide pair, the bottom edges of the rail guides extending past the edges of the wheels, the system characterized in that the rail guides and wheels enable the transport system to be pulled along the rails of a ladder by wire, rope, or like component attached to the transport system.
US08002498B2	Systems and methods for underground storage of biogas Systems and methods for producing purified biogas are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes collecting biogas from a landfill, transporting the biogas to a first well, injecting the biogas into the first well, and pressurizing the first well to store the biogas.
US08002496B2	Irrigation pipe Irrigation pipe including a pipe having at least a longitudinal row of delivery holes arranged at predetermined distances and communicating with a dripping unit provided inside the pipe, and further having an inlet communicating with the inside of the pipe and an outlet communicating with at least one delivery hole. The inlets or outlets of some or all of the dripping units communicate with the inner space of the pipe or with some or all of the delivery holes through an inlet collecting channel or an outlet collecting channel or segments thereof.
US08002489B2	Shock absorber in elastomer material for a suspension connecting rod or other connecting component An absorber for a connecting component including a head with two faces parallel to each other is traversed by a bore forming a housing for a ball-joint including a cage. The absorber includes two elements in the form of discs, parallel to each other, each with a central opening sufficiently wide so as not to cover the portions of the ball-joint protruding in relation to the head and a connector configured to connect the two elements at their periphery.
US08002488B2	Soft close ring binder mechanism A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that do not snap together when they close and that easily open and close as pages accumulate. The mechanism includes a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion, moving the ring members apart or together. The mechanism further includes an actuating lever pivotally mounted on the housing. The lever moves a travel bar and locking elements for controllably pivoting the hinge plates, and therefore controllably moving the ring members apart and together. In particular, the locking elements cam the hinge plates to softly close the ring members. When the ring members are apart, the locking elements register with openings in at least one of the hinge plates. When the ring members are together, the locking elements are out of registration with the openings, blocking the hinge plates from pivoting to separate the ring members.
US08002486B1	Bath sponge with built-in soap dispenser A bath sponge that is equipped with a built-in soap dispenser constructed of a sponge body that has a first cavity on one side, and a handle portion that has a second cavity for holding a quantity of liquid soap that may be in fluid communication with the first cavity when a gate is opened by operating a push button gate release device.
US08002484B2	Portable terminal with keypad lifting mechanism A keypad lifting mechanism includes a fixing board, a first board, a guiding frame and a second board. Two stopping members are fixed on the fixing board. The first board is slidable relative to the fixing board. A plurality of wedges are formed on the guiding frame. The second board includes a plurality of protrusions. The second board slides up or down relative to the first board by engagement of the protrusions of the second board and the wedges of the first board. When the first board is moved relative to the fixing board, the guiding frame is stopped by the stopping members and the second board moving relative to the guiding frame so as to move up or down the second board.
US08002483B2	Photographic device and camera body having rectangular shaped opening, lens barrel attached to the same, and production method of the photographic device and the lens barrel A lens barrel comprising bayonet type mount projections to detachably attach to a lens-fitting unit of a camera body having a photographic region, wherein mount projections are formed to avoid cross-section of light path area where object light is introduced in the camera body.
US08002480B2	Mechanically activated remote device for actuating camera A device having a support in the form of a base plate for being fixed to a camera such as with the receptacle for a tripod in the base of the camera, a slotted tube extending from the support for holding a spring loaded plunger rod and an actuator pin extending through the plunger rod and through opposing slots in the slotted tube. The plunger is moved by a retractable line from a remote position to cause movement of the actuator pin to actuate the shutter release of the camera.
US08002475B2	Protection device for a speed sensor Protection device for a speed sensor, the sensor being provided with a reading surface which is arranged at a first determined distance from an encoder of a contact rolling bearing, and the protection device being coupled to the contact rolling bearing, and presenting a housing for the sensor, and at least one scraping element which is arranged in such a way as to face the encoder itself in order to remove any eventual impurities from the encoder.
US08002472B2	Slew bearing system A slew bearing system includes a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring concentrically positioned relative to each other forming at least upper and lower raceways there between, a plurality of bearing rollers positioned in each raceway between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, a plurality of delivery nozzles capable of delivering an air and oil mixture into the raceways adjacent the upper raceway, passages capable of fluidly communicating the air and oil mixture through the raceways and collecting some oil from the mixture adjacent the lower raceway, seals capable of regulating air flow through the passages and inhibiting outflow of oil from the raceways, and at least one exit port capable of outward flow of air and oil from the raceways adjacent the lower raceway.
US08002468B2	Bag with pouring spout There is provided a bag with a pouring spout that can surely improve opening properties and shape retention of a spout port part without the need to render the spout port part bulky, can prevent clogging of the spout port part caused by flexing of the spout port part, and can reliably and easily spout the contents of the bag. The bag with a pouring spout comprises a narrow-width spout port part provided at one end of a laminated film bag, characterized in that in the region of the spout port part, a tape shaped sheet material, which has been cut into a desired length, is applied to the inner surface of at least one of the laminated films provided on both respective sides of the bag.
US08002466B2	Irradiation verification device for radiotherapy installations, and method for handling thereof The present invention relates to an irradiation verification apparatus containing living cell material which is fixed in location on cell supports which are arranged between cell support holders. For irradiation verification, the z co-ordinate of the irradiation verification apparatus is adjusted in the direction of the beam axis Z so that, after irradiation, regions having killed cell material can be demarcated in spatial co-ordinates, with reference to an irradiation scheme, from regions having cell material of the irradiation verification apparatus that is still active. A container having an insert for the cell supports and also the cell support holders comprise a beam-transparent material. The cell support holders have a base plate and a top plate, between which the cell supports are arranged orthogonally to the holding plates.
US08002464B2	Device for guiding a cable The invention relates to a device for guiding at least one cable between a first system component connected to the cable and a second system component which is relatively rotatable and/or displaceable with respect to the first and is connected to the cable, whereby the cable exhibits a cable modality which can be changed by displacement and/or rotation of the second system component, whereby at least one device for adapting the cable modality is present. By making available a guide medium which allows the device for adapting the cable modality to be guided according to the displacement and/or rotation of the second system component, it is possible to provide a device which supports a mobile device without the function of the device being restricted by the cable guide.
US08002463B2	Method and device for determining the temperature of a substrate The publication discloses a method for determining a temperature of a substrate, comprising: providing a gas channel that is confined by at least one wall having a certain wall temperature; providing a substrate in said gas channel, proximate to the at least one wall, such that a gap exists between a surface of the substrate and the at least one wall; providing a gas flow with a certain mass flow rate through said gas channel, which gas flow extends at least partially through said gap; determining a pressure drop in the gas flow along the gas channel; and deriving from said pressure drop the temperature of said substrate using a pre-determined relation between the pressure drop along the gas channel, the wall temperature and the temperature of the substrate, at said mass flow rate. Also disclosed is a device for implementing the disclosed method.
US08002460B2	Hairspring for a balance wheel/hairspring resonator Hairspring for a balance wheel/hairspring resonator, comprising n blades, where n≧2, which are fastened via at least one of their respective homologous ends and wound in spirals with an angular offset capable of neutralizing the lateral forces liable to be exerted on its central arbor when one of the ends of each blade is moved angularly around said central arbor relative to its other end.
US08002455B2	Light-emitting panel A light-emitting panel (50) includes a first light source (511) for emitting first light of a first single color, a second light source (512) for emitting second light of a second single color and a light guide plate (52). The light guide plate (52) includes a light incident surface (55) for receiving the first and second light and a display surface (53). A plurality of first microstructures (561) and second microstructures (562) are formed at the display surface (53). The first and second microstructures (561,562) are configured for allowing the first and second light to exit therethrough. The first and second microstructures (561,562) are respectively arranged to form a first pattern (58) and a second pattern (59). A first dye material and second dye material are respectively applied to the first and second microstructures (561,562).
US08002448B2	Table lamp The table lamp contains a lamp base and an extension tube plugged vertically into the lamp base. A curved transparent light tube is attached along its entire length to a parallel and also curved back cover. The combination is joined to a top end of the extension tube. Two light generation assemblies are provided at the two ends of the light tube, respectively, each sequentially composed of a lens, a lens ring, a light emitting diode, a power circuit, a heat dissipation plate, and a heat dissipation element. The light from the light emitting diodes is projected into the light tube and, with a reflection layer along the inner wall of the light tube, the light is uniformly reflected towards the area beneath the table lamp.
US08002446B1	Virtual direct and indirect suspended lighting fixture A direct and indirect suspended component light fixture is described herein. The light engine of the fixture is recessed within a ceiling and contains a plurality of linear fluorescent lamps substantially surrounded by an ellipsoidal reflector. The ellipsoidal reflector reflect light downward through a light output region to a suspended diffuser, the suspended diffuser acting as both a provider of direct and indirect light to generate smooth and even illumination both in the indirect and direct light components.
US08002444B2	Numerical display architecture A numerical display architecture includes a circuit board substrate, a light emitting element, and a reflector. The circuit board substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and has at least one hole. The light emitting element is reversely mounted on the second surface, and a luminary source of the light emitting element is disposed in the hole through a first opening of the hole. The reflector is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board surface and partly or fully covers a second opening of the hole.
US08002440B2	LED lamp with remote control device A method for controlling a remote LED lamp includes: using a memory unit (452) to record a standard value for indicating a normal environmental brightness and a reference value for indicating a normal LED brightness; using a first sensor (41) to detect real-time brightness of the environmental light and transmit a signal (31) indicating the real-time brightness to the memory unit; using the memory unit to compare the signal with the standard value to obtain a result; using a driving unit (451) to control the LED light lamp to be turned on/off according to the result.
US08002438B2	Adjustable luminaire An adjustable luminaire includes a base, a tubular arm movably connected to the base, and a light assembly connected to the tubular arm and simultaneously moved with the movement of the tubular arm. The light assembly has at least two light shades pivoted relative to each other and a plurality of light sources disposed on the at least two light shades. The adjustable luminaire further includes a driving assembly mounted in the tubular arm and the base. The driving assembly movably connected to the light assembly. The driving assembly is simultaneously moved with the movement of the tubular arm to drive the light assembly for adjusting a pivoting angle between the at least two light shades so as to vary an illuminated area which is illuminated by the light sources.
US08002435B2	Orientable lens for an LED fixture A mounting surface for mounting a plurality of LEDs has a plurality of orientable lenses each individually affixed about a single LED. Each orientable lens has a primary reflector and a refracting lens that direct light emitted from a single LED to a reflective surface of the orientable lens that reflects the light off a primary LED light output axis.
US08002431B2	Apparatus and method for eliminating outgassing of sports lighting fixtures An apparatus and method for reducing lumen depreciation caused by other than lamp lumen depreciation. In one aspect, manufacturing and assembly of the fixture uses clean-room light techniques. In another aspect of the invention, materials that have a propensity to outgas are shielded from direct exposure to light energy. Other aspects of the invention include other methodologies to eliminate causes for lumen depreciation.
US08002429B2	Lantern candle with translucent casing A lantern candle comprises a candle and a cup for receiving it, wherein the cup comprises a casing made of absorbent material such as paper or cardboard or a multi-layer laminate based thereon, which is soaked with a wax so that the casing is substantially immediately translucent upon lighting the candle. A method for making a lantern candle comprises the steps of forming a casing by preparing an absorbent material such as paper or cardboard or a multi-layer laminate based thereon, forming a cup for receiving a candle by joining a bottom to the casing, introducing a candle wax and a wick into the prepared cup, and soaking the absorbent material or the paper or cardboard with wax, so as to render it substantially immediately translucent upon lighting the candle.
US08002427B2	Solar rechargeable light emitting diode lights A Christmas/Decorative light without wires. This is a solar rechargeable indoor/outdoor Christmas/Decorative light that is characterized by a bright long lasting LED and long lasting energy source. The rechargeable energy storage device is electrically coupled to a flexible solar array that powers the light. The light assembly is constructed with a small, flexible solar array that allows it to be used on a variety of light sizes including mini-light, C6, C7, and C9 bulb. The LED holder has a nearly unbreakable lens for illumination and allows for varying colors. The solar array is mounted on the casing and is maximized to collect the ambient/solar energy during the daylight hours. The light assembly is designed with a clip that allows it to be attached/mounted to a variety of indoor and outdoor structures including Christmas Trees and houses.
US08002426B2	Rail light A stair rail light attachable between first and second vertical stair rail posts and having an elongated central housing whose interior mounts an extrusion designed to hold and position a plurality of LED carrier members wherein the housing slidably engages respective mounting plugs pivotally attached to respective stair rail posts, thereby permitting the length of the rail light to be adjusted in the field.
US08002424B2	Lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet A lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: a spot light source which emits light relative to a central emission axis; and a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion.
US08002421B2	Light generating device, backlight assembly having the same, and display apparatus having the backlight assembly A light-generating device includes a driving substrate and a plurality of light source arrays. The driving substrate has a rectangular planar shape. The plurality of light source arrays is formed on the driving substrate. The light source arrays include at least one light emitting diode to generate light in response to power being applied through the substrate, and the light source arrays are spaced apart from each other. Thus, heat generated from the light-generating device is rapidly dissipated from the light-generating device, improving brightness of the light, brightness uniformity of the light and color reproducibility of the light.
US08002414B2	Image displaying apparatus, and a method for adjusting vibrating condition of a reflection mirror in the image displaying apparatus For enabling to prevent ill effects from being generated in the structures of a reflection mirror, even if increasing an output energy from a light source, thereby preventing ill influences from being exerted on the driving condition thereof, a mirror drive controller unit 7 reads out history data of the past, relating to temperature changes on a micro mirror 1, from a first LUT holder unit 19. Upon basis of the read-out history data of the past is presumed the temperature on the micro mirror 1 at the present time. The presumed temperature on the micro mirror 1 is temperature P temp of the micro mirror 1 at the present time, and upon that P temp are changed vibration (or oscillation) condition of the micro mirror 1 in the horizontal (H) direction and vibration (or oscillation) condition thereof in the vertical (V) direction.
US08002411B2	Fundus camera A fundus camera includes a fundus photographing optical system including an image-recording image sensor for photographing a fundus image via a focusing lens, a focus target having a plurality of regions for forming light fluxes passing through a plurality of different areas on pupil of a subject's eye, and a focus drive unit for driving the focusing lens based on positions of a plurality of images of the focus target in an image captured by the image-recording image sensor and on contrast of the images.
US08002408B2	Anaglyphic depth perception training or testing An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses.
US08002406B2	System and method for manufacturing a lens, such as an ophthalmic lens A system and method for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens is described. In some examples, the system applies a back surface to a lens blank that includes an aspherical curve having two radii of curvature. In some examples, a back surface of a peripheral portion of the lens follows the curvature of a front surface of the lens in order to establish a rounded, non-sharp edge to a lens blank used during the manufacturing process of a prescription eyeglass lens.
US08002404B2	Prescription lens and method of making same The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a prescription lens. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining information of a prescription lens and information of a frame to accommodate the prescription lens, wherein the information of the prescription lens comprises a lens power, an optical area and a spherical front base curve, and wherein the information of the frame comprises a frame curve; calculating the maximum lens thickness of the prescription lens at the optical area according to the information of the prescription lens; selecting a lens according to the calculated maximum lens thickness at the optical area, the information of the prescription lens and the information of the frame; and processing the selected lens so as to obtain the prescription lens that has an intermediate zone surrounding the optical area and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate zone such that the thickness of the edge portion is substantially thinner than the maximum lens thickness of the optical area.
US08002398B2	Ink jet ink cartridge with vented wick A method for assembling an ink cartridge, the method includes the steps of providing a reservoir body having a fluid discharge port including a rim; inserting a wick in the discharge port; providing an opening that is bounded by the rim; inserting a capillary media into the reservoir body and the capillary media contacts a portion on the wick; affixing a lid to the reservoir body and the lid includes a hole and an air vent; injecting ink into the capillary through the hole in the lid; wherein a vent path is formed extending from the opening, along at least a side of the capillary media and to the air vent in the lid.
US08002384B2	Printing cartridge mounted with adhesively sealant film A printing cartridge comprises a body configured to removably engage with an inkjet printer; a printhead assembly mounted to the body, the printhead assembly including at least one printhead integrated circuit and an ink distribution support, the at least one printhead integrated circuit being mounted to an underside of the ink distribution support; a plurality of conduits provided through an underside of the ink distribution support, the conduits providing fluidic communication between a plurality of ink paths of the ink distribution support and the underside of the ink distribution support; and a sealing film for adhesively mounting the printhead integrated circuit to the ink distribution support, the sealing film including a plurality of through-holes which correspond to and align with the conduits. The sealing film provides a seal preventing mixing of ink from each of the plurality of ink paths at an underside of the ink distribution support.
US08002383B2	Liquid ejection apparatus and image forming apparatus The liquid ejection apparatus comprises: a liquid ejection head having an ejection port surface on which ejection ports for ejecting liquid are formed; a wiping device having a blade member which wipes and cleans the ejection port surface; a sliding device which causes the blade member to slide relatively with respect to the ejection port surface; a state identification device which identifies at least one state, of a state of the ejection ports, a state of the ejection port surface, and an operational state of the blade member when sliding over the ejection port surface; and a cleaning capability modification device which modifies a cleaning capability of the wiping device in accordance with a determination result of the state identification device.
US08002382B2	Print head wiping Various embodiments and methods relating to wiping of a print head are disclosed.
US08002379B2	Droplet discharging device, method of measuring weight, method of discharging a liquid, and method of manufacturing a color filter A droplet discharging device for drawing by discharging a liquid as droplets on a work from an discharging head in accordance with a main scan for relatively moving the work and the discharging head facing each other, includes a plurality of carriages each mounting a plurality of the discharging heads, a weighing mechanism for measuring weight of the discharged liquid for every discharging head, and a main scan moving mechanism for moving the weighing mechanism and the work in a direction of the main scan independently from each other, wherein the weighing mechanism is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the main scan and along a drawing area in which the plurality of discharging heads mounted on the plurality of carriages can perform drawing by discharging.
US08002377B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a print head, an endless belt, a pressure roller, and a controller. The print head is configured to eject droplets of ink from multiple nozzles onto a recording sheet. The endless belt is stretched around at least first and second rollers, and is configured to convey the recording sheet placed on an outer surface thereof. The pressure roller is configured to exert pressure against the outer surface of the endless belt. The controller is configured to move the endless belt into a correcting position where the pressure roller meets a given portion of the endless belt. The given portion of the endless belt is previously retained in contact with the first roller and develops deformation due to the previous retention. The pressure exerted by the pressure roller corrects the deformation while the endless belt is in the correcting position.
US08002374B2	Printhead driving method, printhead substrate, printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus An increase in energy applied to a heating element can be prevented and the service life of a printhead can be prolonged even when the temperature of the printing element having a negative temperature coefficient rises and the resistance of the heating element decreases. A printhead having heating elements connected to a common power supply comprises a switching element series-connected to and controlling driving of the heating element at a voltage applied to a control terminal; a constant voltage source; a wiring resistance generated at a connection wiring line serial-connected to the heating element; and a voltage control circuit which controls to make the potential difference between both ends of the wiring resistance equal to the voltage of the constant voltage source when driving the heating element. A current flowing through the heating element is made constant without any influence of the temperature.
US08002373B2	Driver device and liquid droplet ejection device In a switch provided in a driver device and connected to a driver, a terminal and a lever is separated from each other (in the separated state) when a predetermined electric potential is not applied to a gate electrode. When a predetermined electric potential is applied to the gate electrode, the lever of the corresponding switch is deformed by electrostatic force between the gate electrode and the lever and comes into contact with the terminal, and thus the terminals are connected with the lever (in the contact state). A plurality of drivers are connected to the terminals of two or more of switches, respectively, and, when a driving potential is outputted from a driver, the driving potential is applied to a surface individual electrode connected to the switch in the contact state.
US08002371B2	Filling, identifying, validating, and servicing tip for fluid-ejection device A tip to be placed on a fluid-ejection device is filled with fluid. The fluid may be introduced into a substantially hollow body of the tip at a first end of the body. The body of the tip has a second end at which a fluid-ejection mechanism is disposed to eject the fluid as controlled by the fluid-ejection device. The fluid may be introduced into the substantially hollow body of the tip through of the fluid-ejection mechanism disposed at the second end of the body of the tip. The tip may further be identified and/or serviced, and the tip and/or the fluid-ejection device may further be validated.
US08002368B2	Refrigerator for bottles A refrigerator includes a housing having a cooled interior space. At least one drawer is disposed in the interior space for storing bottles in an inclined or horizontal position. The drawer has a frame with two opposite sides. The drawer also has a plurality of rods to be releasably mounted parallel to and spaced apart from one another between the two opposite sides of the frame at selectable distances from one another.
US08002364B2	Control unit of brake apparatus for vehicle A control unit of a brake apparatus includes a compensation braking force controlling device for controlling a compensation braking force in response to an operation of a brake operating member so that a characteristic of a total braking force relative to the operation of the brake operating member agrees with a predetermined target characteristic. The total braking force is a sum of the compensation braking force containing a pressurizing hydraulic braking force based upon at least the pressurization and a basic hydraulic pressure braking force based upon the basic hydraulic pressure. The compensation braking force controlling device includes: a judging device for judging whether the vehicle has stopped, and a limiting device for limiting the amount of pressurization via a pressure control valve when the judging device determines that the vehicle has stopped.
US08002358B2	Seatbelt system A seatbelt system for a bench seat is provided. The seatbelt system includes a first seatbelt device that includes seatbelt webbing with a latch, a buckle to receive the latch, and at least one adjustable turning loop that is configured to adjust the vertical position of the adjustable turning loop and, thus, the webbing for the seatbelt. The adjustable turning loop includes a continuous, folding cover to conceal the structural components of the adjuster mechanism and rail assembly and to protect these components from debris and undesirable interaction with the occupant.
US08002356B2	Pivoting headrest assembly with cam release A pivoting headrest assembly including a bracket supported upon a seatback frame. A headrest support secures a bun and is pivotally secured to the bracket in a forward biased direction. A rotating sector is supported upon the bracket and is pivotally slaved to the headrest support. A cam is pivotally supported upon the bracket and biased in a first direction to abut the sector in an upright design position established by the headrest support. A contact portion extends from a location of the cam offset from its pivotal connection to the bracket. A lever is independently rotated and coaxially supported relative to the rotating sector in a first biased direction. The lever is actuated against the bias to engage the contact portion, with continued actuation causing the cam to pivotally disengage from the rotating sector, whereupon the headrest support and bun pivotally actuates to a forward dump position.
US08002354B2	Chair device for person carrier A chair device for a person carrier includes a backrest unit formed by a front backrest and a rear backrest. The backrest unit is pivotally joined to a seat unit in which two opposite fan-shaped limit projecting members are provided at each pivot-joint end of the seat unit. The fan-shaped limit projecting members can be angularly displaced to a position to be engaged with fan-shaped recesses in the pivot-joint ends of the rear backrest. The fan-shaped limit projecting members have a position limited space for angular displacement within the fan-shaped recesses so that the backrest unit of the chair can move in the range between a collapsing state and an unfolding state. Furthermore, strength reinforcing edge ribs are provided at both sides where the front backrest is assembled to the rear backrest.
US08002353B2	Vehicle seat reclining apparatus A vehicle seat reclining apparatus is provided which is simple in construction and which is capable of pressing pawls by a cam at places close to meshing portions.To that end, a plurality of pawls 31 having outer gears 44, 47 which are disengageably engaged with an inner gear 23 provided on an internal surface of an upper arm 12 are constituted by a first pawl 31A having an inner cam portion 45 which is engaged with a cam surface 55 provided on an outer circumference of a cam 32, a pawl grooved cam portion 46 which is engaged with an engaging protrusion 57 provided on a side surface of the cam, and an engaging portion 43 which is brought into engagement with a protruding portion 25 provided on the internal surface of the upper arm when the upper arm is pivotally moved a predetermined angle relative to a lower arm 11 and second pawls 31B having engaging protrusions 49 engaged with release plate grooved cam portions 59 provided in a release plate 33.
US08002350B2	Convertible passenger seat assembly A passenger seat assembly and method for converting the seat assembly between a three-seat configuration and a two-seat configuration includes a seat assembly base and first, second, and third seats mounted on the seat assembly base. The first and third seats define outboard seats and the second seat defines an inboard seat disposed between the outboard seats. The seat back of the inboard seat includes an upper portion movably mounted to the lower portion. The seat bottom is removable and repositionable between the three-seat configuration and the two-seat configuration to form a convenience area between the outboard seats. A power console movably mounted on the seat assembly base supports the seat bottom of the inboard seat and provides at least one power outlet for supplying electrical power. In particular, the inboard seat is convertible between a seating configuration and a non-seating configuration.
US08002346B2	Bicycle seat frame A bicycle seat frame includes a front unit, a middle unit and a rear unit, each unit includes two pads located on two sides of the seat frame and multiple connection members are respectively connected between the pads of the front unit, the middle unit and the rear unit on the two sides of the bicycle seat frame. Gaps are defined between the front unit, the middle unit and the rear unit. Two rods are connected between the front unit and the rear unit and connected to the seat post. The connection members are flexible so as to absorb the shocks.
US08002344B2	Temperature adjustable seat A temperature adjustable seat is disclosed. The temperature adjustable seat comprises a seat and air being blown into an inside thereof a thermoelectric device for heating and cooling the air, an air-blower for blowing either heated air or cooled air by the thermoelectric device through the inside of the seat, and control device for controlling the thermoelectric device. The control device calculates a required heat quantity, the required heat quantity being a sum of a first heat quantity required for a seat surface temperature of the seat reaching to a target seat temperature and a second heat quantity that is given and received between the seat and an ambient environment and the control device controls a temperature of the thermoelectric device so as to supply the required heat quantity to the seat.
US08002342B2	Blind cover positioning structure A positioning structure for a blind cover which is arranged between a guide rail and an outer roof panel of a vehicle in a sunshade device for the vehicle, the blind cover including: a plate shaped shielding portion which is arranged between the guide rail and the outer roof panel and a supporting portion which is inserted into an installation groove formed in the guide rail, wherein the supporting portion includes a engagement portion which is flexible in a groove width direction of the installation groove, and the engagement portion is fit into an engaged portion which is an opening formed in the installation groove to position the blind cover with respect to the guide rail.
US08002338B2	Front vehicle body structure Horizontally elongated member interconnects respective front end portions of a lower frame and a front side frame spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the vehicle body. Impact absorbing section is mounted on a substantially entire front surface of the horizontally elongated member, and a bumper beam is fixedly mounted to the front surface of the impact absorbing section. The impact absorbing section is a cylindrical member having a cross-sectional shape elongated in the width direction and having its outer side wall portion disposed generally on an imaginary extension line of an inner vertical wall portion of the lower frame.
US08002337B2	Vehicle frame with offset load path to a hinge pillar and rocker A vehicle frame sub-assembly including a hinge pillar assembly and A-pillar assembly. A high strength hinge pillar reinforcement and A-pillar reinforcement are provided to increase the support in roof crush tests. Collision impact loads are transferred through an upper load path, lower load path, upper intermediate load path, and lower intermediate load path. A back-up rail receives loads from the front rail. The back-up rail transfers loads to the rocker and through a back-up rail extension to the hinge pillar assembly. An upper intermediate load path transfers loads from the upper rail through a fork rail to the hinge pillar assembly.
US08002335B2	Vehicle cowl structure A vehicle cowl structure is provided. A cowl part is disposed between a lower end of a front glass of a vehicle and a rear end of a front hood. The cowl part has a two-layer structure which has a metallic cowl panel having a design surface and a resinous cowl cover disposed below the metallic cowl panel.
US08002333B2	Structural element Structural element, such as a panel, which is embossed with a mode shape (φtotal), i.e. with any of the various stationary vibration modes (φn) of which the structural element is capable, or a combination thereof.
US08002329B2	Powered back door for vehicle In a powered back door for a vehicle, which is opened and closed automatically by the drive device, a projecting end of a connection rod of a drive device is connected to an inner peripheral surface of a door frame around a door window opening of a back door, an opening is formed in a door garnish adapted to cover the inner peripheral surface of the door frame in the connection position between the door frame and the connection rod so as to open toward a vehicle compartment, a space is formed between the inner peripheral surface and the door garnish so as to be interconnected with the opening, and the projecting end of the connection rod is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the door frame in the space to conceal the connection section between the door frame and the connection rod.
US08002326B2	Convertible top having over center backlight A linkage of a convertible top supports a portion of a cover and provides movement of the top between an extended position extending over a passenger compartment and a retracted position. A rear bow supports a rear edge of the cover and articulates the rear edge of the cover during movement of the top between the extended and retracted positions. The top also includes a backlight assembly having a rear window and supporting a rear portion of the cover. The backlight assembly forms part of an articulating mechanism that moves the rear bow.
US08002313B2	Inline swivel connection for multi-lumen tubing An apparatus for connecting multi-lumen conduits may include a conduit adapter and a conduit collar. The conduit adapter may include a housing, a bayonet connector, and a support member connecting the housing and the bayonet connector. The support member has an aperture that permits fluid communication through the support member. One end of the conduit collar is sized for insertion into the housing, and a second end is adapted to receive a first multi-lumen conduit. The housing also is adapted to receive a second multi-lumen conduit. The bayonet connector engages a primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit and the second multi-lumen conduit such that the primary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit fluidly communicates with the primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit. The conduit adapter and the conduit collar are capable of 360 degree rotation relative to each other about a common axis.
US08002311B2	Airbag with sections of different deployment lengths An airbag system including an airbag having a first section and a second section coupled to the first section. The airbag further includes an inlet coupled to an inflatable portion. The first section is configured to inflate between a trim member and a vehicle frame; and the second section is configured to inflate into a vehicle cabin.
US08002300B2	Rear wheel mounting assembly for a wheelchair A rear wheel mounting assembly for a wheelchair having a frame with upper and lower longitudinal members vertically spaced from one another and disposed along the same side of the frame. The rear wheel mounting assembly includes an elongated upright member with a plurality of spaced apart recesses arranged longitudinally along an inward face. The elongated upright member includes a clamp disposed at each of its ends. One of the clamps is clamped to the upper longitudinal frame member and the other to the lower longitudinal frame member. The rear wheel mounting assembly includes a camber clamping assembly having an aperture for receiving and retaining an axle of a rear wheel and a removable clamp having a clamping surface engaged with a portion of the elongated upright member. The clamping surface comprises a projection received within one of the recesses of the elongated upright member.
US08002299B2	Side foot board for a vehicle A side foot board for a vehicle includes a plastic foot board formed thereon with a holding surface provided with at least one stepping member with plural grooves, and the plastic foot board has its underside disposed with a recessed surface. A decorative board mounted on the holding surface of the plastic foot board is provided with a stepping member at a location matching with the stepping member of the plastic foot board, the stepping member has plural grooves, and the decorative board further has its underside formed with projections at locations corresponding with the grooves of the stepping member of its own and fitting with the grooves of the stepping member of the plastic foot board. A rubber anti-skid board is fixed on the stepping member of the decorative board, and a support frame is secured on the recessed surface at the underside of the plastic foot board.
US08002294B2	Vehicle wheel assembly with a mechanism compensating for a varying wheel radius A non-circular wheel assembly for vehicles. The wheel assembly includes a wheel body having a first radius and a second radius, measured from a center of rotation of the wheel body. The wheel assembly includes a compensation mechanism compensating for changing height values of the center of rotation with respect to an external contact surface of the wheel during rotation. The compensation mechanism includes a linear support member with a first connector mounting a vehicle frame to the wheel body. A second connector adjustably connects the compensation mechanism to the wheel body and is positioned at the center of rotation but apart from the first connector. The compensation mechanism includes a linear position assembly adjusting positions of the second connector relative to the first connector during rotation, which allows a distance between the first connector and the outer contact surface to remain constant to provide a single ride height.
US08002292B2	Heated banquet cart A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
US08002291B1	Panel transport system and method A heavy panel transport system and method. The system includes a load-bearing horizontal bar for supporting a substantially planar panel placed upon the horizontal bar. The system also includes a lateral support bar attached to the horizontal bar to provide sideways support to the substantially planar panel. The system also includes a wheel system operable without gears. The wheel system includes a wheel disposed between a fork. Here, the horizontal bar and lateral support bar are then mounted over the wheel system for steering and propelling the system in a desired direction.
US08002283B1	Target game apparatus The present invention comprises an entertaining targeting game for all ages that enhances hand-eye coordination and provides target practice and a method of playing such a game. The device consists of an electronic target striking device for removable attachment to a ground-engaging mat. The target striking device has visual and audible strike indicating means and the mat has score display means. Additional embodiments are anticipated.
US08002278B2	Printing apparatus with planetary gear unit for resolving paper jam A printing apparatus includes a housing including a feeding tray and an ejecting tray, an image forming unit disposed in the housing, a drive motor disposed in the housing, and a driving device disposed in the housing and driven by the drive motor. The driving device is adapted to convey a sheet of paper from the feeding tray onto the ejecting tray, and includes first and second driving units. The first driving unit includes a sun gear rotatable about an axis, a planet carrier rotatable about the axis, and a planetary gear disposed rotatably on the planet carrier and meshing with the sun gear. The second driving unit includes a driven gear meshing with the planetary gear. The planet carrier is pivotable relative to the sun gear to remove the planetary gear from the driven gear.
US08002269B2	Sheet supplying apparatus a sheet supplying apparatus, comprising a housing; and a sheet-supply tray which supports a plurality of sheets and which is insertable into the housing. The sheet-supply tray includes at least one first engageable portion. The housing includes at least one second engageable portion which is engaged, in a state in which the sheet-supply tray is inserted in the housing, with the at least one first engageable portion of the sheet-supply tray. The sheet-supply tray further includes a guide portion having an inclined guide surface which guides a movement of each of the sheets supplied from the sheet-supply tray, and at least a portion of the at least one first engageable portion is provided in a rear space located in rear of the guide portion.
US08002267B2	Paper feed apparatus An embodiment of a paper feed apparatus is provided with a pressure varying mechanism that varies a load pressure of a pickup roller to originals. The pressure varying mechanism has a rotating lever that switches the load pressure, a rotating arm that contacts and presses against a swinging arm of the pickup roller, and a biasing portion that biases the rotating arm to the swinging arm when the rotating arm contacts to the swinging arm. When continuously reading a wad of originals in which different-size originals are mixed, due to a user operating the rotating lever, the load pressure to the originals is increased by making the rotating arm contact to the swinging arm such that the swinging arm is pressed by the biasing portion.
US08002257B2	Web conversion and collating apparatus and method A web conversion and collating apparatus is provided. The web conversion and collating apparatus includes a cutting apparatus cutting a printed web into a first signature and a second signature, a transport conveyor for transporting the first signature and the second signature away from the cutting apparatus and a first diverter for diverting the first signature from the transport conveyor. The second signature passes by the first diverter on the transport conveyor. A first assembly receives the first signature from the first diverter and a second assembly downstream of the first assembly receives the second signature. A stack receiving conveyor downstream of the first assembly and the second assembly is also included. The stack receiving conveyor receives the first signature and the second signature and the first signature is stacked on the second signature on the stack receiving conveyor. A printing press and a method of producing and collating signatures are also provided.
US08002255B2	Method of folding in the middle and sheet post-processing apparatus provided with saddle unit A saddle unit provided with a fold-enhancing unit for performing fold enhancement of sheets of paper folded in the middle. The fold-enhancing unit includes a fold-enhancing roller mechanism which performs the fold-enhancing operation in the direction orthogonal to the sheet carrying direction. The fold-enhancing roller mechanism includes a fold-enhancing roller pair that pinches and presses a bundle of sheets at a nip. The roller guide pair provided in the fold-enhancing roller mechanism guides the sheets of paper to the nip of the fold-enhancing roller pair when enhancing the fold of the sheets of paper. The saddle unit changes one or both of the number of times and the velocity of the reciprocating movement according to one or both of the number of sheets of paper and the quality mode which is entered and set by the user from the operation panel of an image forming apparatus or job-set by the personal computer by a user.
US08002250B2	Air spring and shock absorber unit with operator control element An air spring and shock absorber unit for bicycles or motorbikes includes operator control elements which are accessible from the outside and are disposed on an outer surface of the air spring and shock absorber unit. The operator control elements are disposed so as to be rotatable about a common axis and relative to a position of articulation points.
US08002249B2	Strip diffuser Membrane strip diffusers are disclosed, useful for example in aerating wastewater in activated sludge plants. These diffusers have membranes, diffuser bodies comprising gas conduits and, in addition to the conduits, integral membrane supports elongated in the same general direction. Such conduits are for example co-extruded with the diffuser bodies. The supports are apertured to discharge gas into chambers formed beneath the membranes when they inflate, and the membranes have pores to discharge the gas. Ways to edge- and end-seal the membranes to the diffuser bodies and ways to support the diffusers are also disclosed.
US08002248B2	Diffuser for an aeration system A diffuser for an aeration system includes a base, a valve member, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm has a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a surrounding segment. The surrounding segment is interposed between the central portion and the peripheral portion, and includes a base web layer and a porous foam layer. The base web layer includes a plurality of fibrous filaments arranged to form a textured structure with a plurality of pores. The porous foam layer is disposed on the base web layer.
US08002246B2	Aeration apparatus The invention provides an aeration apparatus for injecting air into a target substance to aerate the target substance. The aeration apparatus is capable of keeping the air jet nozzle from contacting the target substance when the apparatus is stopped, so as to prevent clogging of the air jet nozzle.
US08002243B2	Configurable winch A lift system having a modular backbone with two or more backbone sections being attached end to end to form the backbone. Also, a lift system with end to end modular attachment, using universal joints, between motor assembly(ies), shaft section(s), drum assembly(ies) and/or shaft end sections. Also, a lift assembly with a backbone having longitudinally adjustable lift component attachment hardware, such as an elongated slot with lips suitable for engaging a nut tooth.
US08002240B1	Concrete frame lifting device and method to use This invention will assist or allow an operator to easily lift a concrete frame panel into position without much risk of personal injury and with greater efficiency of time. A lifting bar is secured to a vertical frame member through openings in the vertical frame members and a crane or forklift is used to lift the panel prior to setting it to form the wall.
US08002238B2	Valve having a sealing member A valve has a closure member for closing a valve orifice, particularly so as to be tight against gas, in a closed position of the closure member. The closure member can be moved in a closing process by at least one actuator starting from a first position of maximum opening at least along a first partial distance with a linear movement component in direction of its closed position, and the actuator carries out a closing stroke with a linear stroke direction for a movement of the closure member with this movement component. The actuator is so arranged in relation to the closure member that an angle diverging from 0° and 180° is provided between the linear movement component of the closure member along the first partial distance, proceeding from the first position of maximum opening, and the linear stroke direction of the actuator.
US08002236B2	Remotely controlled lockout device A remotely controlled lockout device for an in-line gas flow control valve has a control shaft adapted to be operatively connected to a gas flow control valve and operable between a gas flow control valve open and closed position and a rotatable lock member operatively connected to the control shaft and rotatable between a lock member unlocked position in which the control valve is operable between gas flow control valve open and closed positions and a locked position in which the control valve is locked in a gas flow control valve closed position.
US08002232B2	System and method of catalytic converter theft deterrence A device used to secure an automobile catalytic converter. The invention deters a person from tampering with or stealing a catalytic converter. The device consists of at least four overlapping, and adjustable plates comprising an adjustable frame structure that clamp around the catalytic converter. Tightening of fasteners keeps the frame structure securely in position around the catalytic converter, preventing easy access to the catalytic converter. The frame structure is then secured to the automobile itself with a looped cable, which prevents easy removal of the catalytic converter.
US08002230B2	System for securing furniture and implements that risk tilting A system is provided for securing furniture and implements that risk tilting. The system includes a rail that is mounted on the floor and a roller that is mounted on the piece of furniture or the implement. An extension which engages into the rail so as to form a positive connection thereto is provided on the roller or a roller holder.
US08002228B2	Rotary supporting structure without drawing A rotary supporting structure without drawing is provided. A base is designed to have a protrusion to cooperate with a locating hole of an electronic device to make the base rotate between the accommodating position coinciding with the bottom surface of the electronic device and the supporting position intersecting with the bottom surface without drawing. The tenons used in the conventional design are replaced, and thus the operation is more convenient. The base is composed of an upper lid and a lower lid, and this may overcome the thickness limitation of the conventional single plastic component and provide stable support.
US08002227B2	Pivot and tilt apparatus A pivot and tilt apparatus for positioning a member comprises a first pivot assembly having a first pivot post at a first end thereof rotatable about a first axis for engaging the member and an annulus at a second end thereof and a second pivot assembly having a second pivot post rotatable about a second axis for engaging the annulus of said first pivot.
US08002226B2	Accessory device assembly for an aquarium, particularly heater assembly An accessory device (1) for an aquarium is described, in particular for a thermal heater (2), which may be vertically positioned. It comprises an accessory device (2) for operation of said aquarium and supporting means (4, 5) for supporting the accessory device (2) on a wall of the aquarium tank. The supporting means (4, 5) comprise a supporting body (4) which may be attached to the aquarium wall and latching means (5, 10), which are integral with the accessory device (2) and may be removably associated with said supporting body (4). The supporting body (4) supports the latching means (5, 10) and the accessory device (2) and allows selection of vertical position of accessory device (2) with respect to supporting body (4).
US08002223B2	Display support mechanism This display support mechanism comprises a support shaft provided in the form of a plate, a display screen support member, having a first hole receiving the platelike support shaft, provided on the side of a display screen and a base support member, having a second hole receiving the platelike support shaft, provided on the side of a base, and at least either the first hole or the second hole receiving the platelike support shaft is provided in the form of a sector while the display screen support member is rotatable about the platelike support shaft serving as an axis of rotation in the angular range of the sector.
US08002222B2	Protective glove made from chain mail provided with means for tensioning the chain mail A protective glove includes at least one resilient member (17) integral with chain mail fabric and arranged to draw the chain mail fabric of at least one of the glove fingers (16) in the direction or substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof and toward the wrist portion (12). The resilient member or members (17) are disposed on the portion (11) intended to cover the hand. These resilient member or members (17) are preferably in the form of a flat spring of pin type. The resilient members enable the chain mail to fit at best the fingers of the hand and enable in particular to limit, or even eliminate, the presence of an excess of chain mail at the end of the glove user fingers.
US08002221B2	Panel-mounted aircraft control stick A panel-mounted control stick for aircraft providing for roll and pitch input that emulates the response of a traditional floor-mounted control stick. The panel-mounted control stick incorporates a pitch beam input assembly and a roll input assembly for translating the movements of the control stick into movements of aircraft control surfaces.
US08002218B2	Combination ventilation and overhead stowage bin system A combination ventilation and stowage bin system including at least one support duct defining an inlet for receiving conditioned air from a supply duct and an outlet for directing air into a passenger compartment, and a stowage bin for stowing luggage mounted to and supported by the at least one support duct, the stowage bin entirely supported by the duct such that the bin is free from direct attachment to an interior wall or supporting structure other than the duct.
US08002214B2	Rolled medium holding device holding a rolled medium at both ends and a recording apparatus including the rolled medium holding device A rolled medium holding device includes a first gear mechanism 61 that is connected to a roll shaft holding the rolled medium and sends-out/rewinds the rolled medium, a second gear mechanism 62 that is connected to a torque limiter 64 and includes a plurality of torque transmission means, and a gear switching mechanism 63 that shifts connection between the plurality of torque transmission means and the first gear mechanism by operating the second gear mechanism for applying different back tension to the roll shaft. Accordingly, torque transferred from the torque limiter can be shifted, and whereby back tension in correspondence with a used rolled medium can be easily applied in a simple manner.
US08002204B2	Decoking tool A tool for cutting up coke in containers. The tool includes a housing mounted on a drill stem in the operating condition. The tool also includes at least one cutting nozzle for cutting and a boring nozzle for boring coke by means of a water jet, and a switching apparatus for controlling the feeding of pressurized water flowing through the drill stem and the housing. The switching apparatus includes a linearly moveable switching element, a driving apparatus and a control apparatus, which is rotatable as a function of a change of the water pressure by the driving apparatus to switch a valve to distribute the water and to pass it on. The angular position of the control apparatus controls whether the flow path of the water to the boring nozzle or the flow path to the cutting nozzle is free or obstructed.
US08002203B2	Fire fighting nozzle and method including pressure regulation, chemical and eduction features A fire fighting nozzle for extinguishing industrial scale fires including improved automatic pressure regulating features, enhanced educting features including central and peripheral channeling for foam concentrate, and combining with a capacity to throw dry chemical. Improved pressure regulating features include a double acting baffle and preferably a relief valve. Method and apparatus for automatically metering an additive such as foam concentrate into a conduit having a variably flowing fire fighting fluid therethrough, the conduit including a discharge device, proximate or downstream.
US08002200B2	Apparatus for spraying liquids, and disposable containers and liners suitable for use therewith A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).
US08002192B2	Analog printer including ink supply containing IR-absorbing phthalocyanine dye A printing module for an analog printer. The printing module includes an ink supply, a printing plate and an ink applicator for disposing ink from the ink supply onto the plate. The ink contains an IR-absorbing phthalocyanine dye formulated in a solvent-based or oil-based ink vehicle. The phthalocyanine dye has sulfonate groups, wherein a counterion of each sulfonate group is a phosphonium cation. Each phosphonium cation is of formula: P+(Rm)(Rn)(Rs)(Rt); each of Rm, Rn, Rs and Rt is independently selected from the group consisting of: C1-30 alkyl, C5-12 aryl and C5-30 arylalkyl; and at least one of Rm, Rn, Rs and Rt includes more than 4 carbon atoms.
US08002190B2	Stability of covert pigments A covert material for printing onto a printing medium is provided, the covert material comprising a covert pigment and a binder encapsulating the covert pigment into a particle, where the binder comprises at least one of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), butyral vinyl acetate, acetyl butyrate, and acetate butyrate. Alternatively, the binder comprises at least one of polyester, polyolefin, acetyl butyrate, acetate butyrate, polystyrene copolymer, and polystyrene-polyvinylpyridine. The covert material can comprise additional components, such as ethyl acetate and/or n-propyl acetate. In one embodiment, the covert pigment comprises about 0.5-5% of the covert material. In one embodiment, the binder comprises about 5-30% of the covert material. In one advantageous embodiment, the covert pigment comprises at least 2% of the covert material and the binder comprises about 20-25% of the covert material. The covert material can further comprise at least one of a colorant, a surface additive, and a magnetic particle. The covert material can be part of a toner or ink. In at least some embodiments, the particle can have many different sizes, including sizes greater than 1 micron, greater than 5 microns, and greater than 20 microns. In one embodiment, the covert printing material is constructed and arranged to be printed using a printer having a predetermined resolution, wherein the particle has a size that is substantially the same as the size of a single pixel or dot printed using the predetermined resolution. The covert material can be constructed and arranged to satisfy a predetermined number of the NCITS 322 tests.
US08002183B2	Scanner flipper integrity indicator A scanner flipper integrity checking method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the method powers a motor for a predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined time has expired a wave is received indicative of the frequency of the oscillation of the flipper. Thereafter, the method uses the wave signal to determine whether there are two consecutive transitions indicative of movement by said flipper. In another embodiment, an apparatus is also provided which performs the similar features recited by the above method.
US08002179B2	Hidden console display A display assembly is adapted to be received by a vehicle console and includes a chassis, a display member, a hood, and a mechanical positioning mechanism. The mechanical positioning mechanism can be easily activated to adjust the display member between a hidden or closed position and a visible or open position. In one embodiment, the display assembly has a latch mechanism to maintain the display member in the hidden position.
US08002174B2	Medication administration tracking Methods and apparatus for tracking medical administration information, including the anatomical site of administration, are described. Apparatus embodiments include kits including labels having one or more of the time of administration or the anatomical site of administration.
US08002166B2	Method of producing metal to glass, metal to metal or metal to ceramic connections A method of manufacturing metal to glass, metal to metal and metal to ceramic connections to be used in SOFC applications, said connections being produced as a mixture of a base glass powder and a metal oxide powder. As a result, the inherent properties of the glass used in the composite seals may be altered locally in the metal-coating interface by adding e.g. MgO in order to control the viscosity and wetting, and at the same time maintain the bulk properties such as high coefficient of thermal expansion of the basic glass towards the seal components.
US08002165B2	Method and welding device for connecting sheets of material The invention relates to a method for connecting material webs disposed with overlapping edges, wherein an automatic welding machine having a driven chassis and a drive unit disposed thereon and a welding unit is guided along the overlap zone of the material webs to be connected, such that the carried welding unit connects the edges to be connected to one another. The invention further relates to an automatic welding machine for performing the method. The invention proposes that a temporary guide marking moving along with the chassis be generated along the edge of the overlapping material web by means of a marking unit disposed on the chassis, said guide marking always extending parallel to the edge and prescribing the path of the automatic welding machine on the overlapping material web and that the guide marking be detected by means of a sensor device during the movement of the automatic welding machine, wherein a control signal is generated for a display unit and/or the drive unit and the chassis is movable along the guide marking by means of the control signal.
US08002162B2	Friction-welding device A friction-welding device for the integral joining of components, having an oscillator, which generates a periodic movement of a component and a welding surface provided thereon relative to another, static component and a welding surface provided thereon, with directions of movement parallel to the welding surfaces, having a compression device which presses the welding surfaces together, and a cartridge which accommodates the moved component. The oscillator includes two or a greater, even number of piezoactuators, which are arranged in pairs on a line of application and are able to be prestressed with respect to the cartridge from opposite sides under pressure generation and are able to be moved in a synchronous, oscillating manner together therewith and the component.
US08002161B2	Stapler having specific clincher groove for stabilizing staple path A stapler includes a base, a magazine part rotatably supported by a rear end portion of the base, a handle part configured to strike the staple, and a clincher part provided on a front portion of the base to fold legs of the staple which has been struck. A width of a clincher groove in a front and rear direction is larger than a width of a side face of the staple. A bottom face of the clincher groove includes a flat face section provided on a rear side in the front and rear direction and an slope face section provided on a front side. The flat face section is substantially perpendicular to a direction in which staple is struck, and the slope face section is inclined such that a front side of the slope face section is higher than the rear side of the slope face section.
US08002160B2	Combustion fastener A dual combustion fastener device implements a first combustion event, contained in a first combustion chamber portion to compress a combustible fuel/air mixture contained in a second combustion chamber portion, which is separated from the first combustion chamber portion by a piston including a driver for driving a fastener disposed in the driver's path of travel into a workpiece, in order to generally provide rapid driving power for securing a fastener disposed in a nose guide of the combustion fastener. Ignition of the second combustion event may be timed so that the second combustion event substantially occurs when the piston has achieved top dead center or the maximum compression of the combustible material in the second combustion chamber portion. Utilization of compressed combustible material may allow for the utilization of a piston having a small cross-sectional area in comparison to a typical combustion device while providing equal or greater driving force in a rapid manner.

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