Document Document Title
US08093659B2 Three-dimensional stacked-fin-MOS device with multiple gate regions
The invention provides a three-dimensional stacked fin metal oxide semiconductor (SF-MOS) device (10,30) comprising a protrusion or fin structure with a plurality of stacked semiconductor regions (3,5,12), in which a second semiconductor region (5,12) is separated from a first semiconductor region (3,5) by an isolation region (4,11). A gate isolation layer (8) extends at least over the sidewalls of the protrusion (7) and a gate electrode extends over the gate isolation layer (8). The gate electrode comprises a plurality of gate regions (13,14,15) wherein each gate region (13,14,15) extends over another semiconductor region (3,5,12). In this way each gate region (13,14,15) influences the conduction channel of another semiconductor region (3,5,12) and hence adds another degree of freedom with which the performance of the SF-MOS device (10,30) can be optimized. The invention further provides a method of manufacturing the SF-MOS device (10,30) according to the invention.
US08093658B2 Electronic device with asymmetric gate strain
The use of strained gate electrodes in integrated circuits results in a transistor having improved carrier mobility, improved drive characteristics, and reduced source drain junction leakage. The gate electrode strain can be obtained through non symmetric placement of stress inducing structures as part of the gate electrode.
US08093656B2 Electrooptical device and electronic equipment having resin film in light emitting region and sealing region
The present invention provides a color filter substrate that can include color filters 12, which are formed in at least a display region and each of which are composed of colored portions, and a light shielding layer on a substrate main body. The light shielding layer can be formed on the approximately entire surface of a color filter non-forming region, in addition to the display region. Further, the colored portions can be formed by an inkjet method, and the color filter substrate can further include a resin member for partitioning pixels for forming the respective colored portions, and the resin member can be formed on the approximately entire surface of the color filter non-forming region, in addition to along the peripheries of the respective colored portions.
US08093655B2 Integrated circuit including a trench transistor having two control electrodes
An integrated circuit including a field effect controllable trench transistor having two-control electrodes is disclosed. One embodiment provides a trench having a first control electrode and a second control electrode. A first electrical line is provided in an edge structure for electrically contact-connecting second control electrode.
US08093653B2 Trench metal oxide-semiconductor transistor and fabrication method thereof
A fabrication method of a trench metal oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor is provided. After the gate trenches are formed in the epitaxial layer, impurities of a first conductive type are implanted into the epitaxial layer by using a blanket implantation process. A polysilicon pattern filling the gate trenches and covering a predetermined range of epitaxial layer surrounding the gate trenches is formed on the epitaxial layer. Impurities of a second conductive type are implanted through the polysilicon pattern into the epitaxial layer to form a well. Impurities of the first conductive type are implanted to form a plurality of first doping regions. A portion of the polysilicon layer above the upper surface of the epitaxial layer is removed by etching to form a plurality of polysilicon gates. Impurities in the first doping regions are driven in to form a plurality of source regions adjacent to the gate trenches.
US08093650B2 Scalable electrically eraseable and programmable memory (EEPROM) cell array
A non-volatile memory (NVM) system includes a plurality of NVM cells fabricated in a dual-well structure. Each NVM cell includes an access transistor and an NVM transistor, wherein the access transistor has a drain region that is continuous with a source region of the NVM transistor. The drain regions of each NVM transistor in a column of the array are commonly connected to a corresponding bit line. The control gates of each NVM transistor in a row of the array are commonly connected to a corresponding word line. The source regions of each of the access transistors in the array are commonly coupled. The NVM cells are programmed and erased without having to apply the high programming voltage VPP across the gate dielectric layers of the access transistors. As a result, the NVM cells can be scaled down to sub-0.35 micron geometries.
US08093647B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory having transistor with a diffusion blocking layer between the lower gate and fully silicided upper gate
A memory cell has a floating gate electrode, a first inter-gate insulating film arranged on the floating gate electrode, and a control gate electrode arranged on the first inter-gate insulating film. An FET has a lower gate electrode, a second inter-gate insulating film having an opening and arranged on the lower gate electrode, a block film having a function to block diffusion of metal atoms and formed on at least the opening, and an upper gate electrode connected electrically to the lower gate electrode via the block film and arranged on the second inter-gate insulating film. The control gate electrode and the upper gate electrode have a Full-silicide structure.
US08093646B1 Flash memory device and method of forming the same with improved gate breakdown and endurance
The present invention provides a flash memory device and method for making the same having a floating gate structure with a semiconductor substrate and shallow trench isolation (STI) structure formed in the substrate. A first polysilicon layer is formed over the substrate and the STI structure. The recess formed within the first polysilicon layer is over the STI structure and extends through the first polysilicon layer to the STI structure. An oxide fill is provided within the recess and is etched back. ONO (oxide-nitride-oxide) layer conformally covers the oxide fill and the first polysilicon layer. The second polysilicon layer covers the ONO layer. The oxide fill within the recess provides a minimum spacing between the second polysilicon layer and the corner of the STI regions, thereby avoiding the creation of a weak spot and reducing the risk of gate breakdown, gate leakage, and improving device reliability.
US08093645B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cell regions including a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of word lines intersecting the plurality of bit lines, and a first insulating film formed in a region between any two adjacent bit lines, a bit line contact region including bit line contacts connected to the plurality of bit lines, a first UV light shielding film covering at least a portion of the semiconductor substrate in the bit line contact region, an interlayer insulating film, and a second UV light shielding film covering the plurality of memory cell regions. The first UV light shielding film effectively reduces or blocks UV light generated during a fabrication step.
US08093641B2 Storage capacitor and method of manufacturing a storage capacitor
An integrated circuit including a storage capacitor suitable for use in a DRAM cell, as well as to a method of manufacturing such a storage capacitor is disclosed. The storage capacitor is formed at least partially above a semiconductor substrate surface. The invention also includes a memory array employing the storage capacitor.
US08093639B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor device
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for forming a semiconductor device comprising providing a substrate with a pad layer formed thereon. The pad layer and the substrate are patterned to form a plurality of trenches. A trench top insulating layer is formed in each trench. Wherein the trench top insulating layer protrudes from the substrate and has an extension portion extending to the pad layer. The pad layer and the substrate are etched by using the trench top insulating layers and the extension portions as a mask to form a recess in the substrate. And a recess gate is formed in the recess.
US08093633B2 Method and device for wavelength-sensitive photo-sensing
A semiconductor device includes a conducting channel (130) formed beneath a substrate surface with a pre-determined photo-conductivity spectral response. The channel is formed between two pn-junctions (126, 128) defining first and third photo-electric depletion regions at respective depths relative to the surface corresponding to penetration depths of light of different wavelengths. The first region (106) which has the light absorbing surface (104) above the first pn-junction (126) is specific to a first color. The channel region (130) between the two pn-junctions (126, 128) is photo-conductive to a second color. The third region below the second pn-junction (128) is sensitive to a third color. Electrical contacts (118, 120, 122, 124) are disposed on the source (112), the top gate (106), the drain (114) and the bottom gate (116) for receiving the electrical currents induced by the presence of the absorbed wavelengths.
US08093632B2 Phase change memory device accounting for volume change of phase change material and method for manufacturing the same
A phase change memory device includes a silicon substrate including a plurality of active regions which extend in a first direction and are arranged at regular intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Switching elements are formed in each active region of the silicon substrate and are spaced apart from one another. Phase change patterns are formed in the second direction and have the shape of lines in such that the phase change patterns connect side surfaces of pairs of switching elements which are placed adjacent to each other in a direction diagonal to the first direction.
US08093630B2 Semiconductor device and lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor
The invention provides a semiconductor device and a lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a first conductive type. A gate is disposed on the substrate. A source doped region is formed in the substrate, neighboring with a first side of the gate, wherein the source doped region has a second conductive type different from the first conductive type. A drain doped region is formed in the substrate, neighboring with a second side opposite to the first side of the gate. The drain doped region is constructed by a plurality of first doped regions with the first conductive type and a plurality of second doped regions with the second conductive type, wherein the first doped regions and the second doped regions are alternatively arranged.
US08093622B2 Semiconductor device and its driving method
A semiconductor device having a thyristor SCR with reduced turn-off time. A third semiconductor region of the second conductivity type (anode AN) and a fourth semiconductor region of the first conductivity type (anode gate AG) are formed in the top layer of a first semiconductor region; fifth semiconductor region of the first conductivity type (cathode CA) and sixth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type (cathode gate CG) are formed in the top layer of a second semiconductor region; a gate insulating film and gate electrode MG are formed on the second semiconductor region. When the thyristor is turned off from the on state, a higher potential than that on the anode is applied to the anode gate, and a diode made up of the anode and the anode gate inside the thyristor is made to conduct so as to control the potential of the anode during driving.
US08093614B2 LED array
An illuminator (1) has bare semiconductor die light emitting diodes (7) on pads (11) of Ag/Ni/Ti material. A Si wafer (13) has a rough upper surface, and this roughness is carried through an oxide layer (12) and the pads (11) to provide a rough but reflective upper surface of the pads (11), thus forming a diffuser. Epoxy encapsulant (9) is deposited in a layer over the diodes (7) and the pads (11), and it is index matched with a top diffuser plate (8) of opal glass.
US08093612B2 Organic EL display device and manufacturing method thereof
An organic EL display device forms an organic EL layer on a pixel portion by a transfer method without using a sophisticated optical system. A patterned light reflection layer is formed on a donor substrate. A light absorption layer is formed on the light reflection layer. An organic EL material layer is formed on the light absorption layer. An element substrate on which banks, lower electrodes and the like are formed is arranged to face a donor substrate in an opposed manner. When light is radiated to the donor substrate from a flash lamp or the like, only portions of the optical absorption layer where the light reflection layers are not formed are heated, and such portions of the organic EL material layer are evaporated and applied to a lower electrode formed on the element substrate. Due to such steps, the organic EL layer can be formed by a transfer method without using a sophisticated optical system.
US08093610B2 Optoelectronic component
An optoelectronic component with a desired color impression in the switched-off state includes, in particular, a semiconductor layer sequence with an active region, that during operation radiates electromagnetic radiation with a first spectrum, and a wavelength conversion layer that is disposed downstream from the semiconductor layer sequence in the beam path of the electromagnetic radiation with the first spectrum, and that at least partially converts a subspectrum of the electromagnetic radiation with the first spectrum into electromagnetic radiation with a second spectrum, and a filter layer that reflects at least a part of the radiation incident from outside onto the optoelectronic component.
US08093609B2 Light emitting diode arrangement for high safety requirements
In a light emitting diode arrangement for lighting purposes, comprising a circuit board with at least one light generating semiconductor element disposed on the circuit board and conductors extending on the circuit board to the semiconductor element and being electrically connected to terminals of the semiconductor element, a light transmissive element is disposed on the circuit board and covers the semiconductor element and a flame resistant cover element is disposed below the light transmissive element and on top of the terminals to cover the terminals to provide for electrical and flame insulation thereof.
US08093607B2 Optoelectronic semiconductor component
An optoelectronic semiconductor component, comprising a carrier substrate, and an interlayer that mediates adhesion between the carrier substrate and a component structure. The component structure comprises an active layer provided for generating radiation, and a useful layer arranged between the interlayer and the active layer. The useful layer has a separating area remote from the carrier substrate.
US08093599B2 Silicon carbide Zener diode
A silicon carbide Zener diode is a bipolar semiconductor device that has a mesa structure and includes a silicon carbide single crystal substrate of a first conductivity type, formed thereon, a silicon carbide conductive layer of a first conductivity type, and a silicon carbide conductive layer of a second conductivity type formed on the silicon carbide conductive layer of a first conductivity type, wherein a depletion layer that is formed under reverse bias at a junction between the silicon carbide conductive layer of a first conductivity type and the silicon carbide conductive layer of a second conductivity type does not reach a mesa corner formed in the silicon carbide conductive layer of a first conductivity type.
US08093595B2 Thin film array panel and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a thin film array panel is provided, which includes: forming a gate line formed on a substrate; forming a gate insulating layer on the gate line; forming a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer; forming an ohmic contact layer on the semiconductor layer; forming a data line and a drain electrode disposed at least on the ohmic contact layer, forming an oxide on the data line; etching the ohmic contact layer using the data line and the drain electrode as an etch mask; and forming a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode.
US08093592B2 Thin film transistor substrate, electronic apparatus, and methods for fabricating the same
A TFT substrate includes a substrate and at least a TFT disposed thereon. The TFT includes a semiconductor island and at least a gate. The semiconductor island has a source region, a drain region, and a channel region interposed therebetween. The semiconductor island has sub-grain boundaries. The gate corresponds to the channel region. A first included angle between an extending direction of the gate and a line connecting the centroid of the source region with the centroid of the drain region is not substantially equal to 90 degrees. A second included angle between the sub-grain boundaries in the channel region and the line connecting the centroid of the source region with the centroid of the drain region is not substantially equal to 0 degree or 90 degrees. Additionally, a method of fabricating a TFT substrate, an electronic apparatus, and a method of fabricating the electronic apparatus are also provided.
US08093591B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method of semiconductor device whereby the number of processes is decreased due to simultaneously forming a contact hole in a lamination film of different material and film thickness (inorganic insulating film and organic resin film) by conducting etching once. By setting the selective ratio of dry etching (etching rate of organic resin film 503/etching rate of inorganic insulating film 502 containing nitrogen) from 1.6 to 2.9, preferably 1.9, the shape and the size of the contact holes to be formed even in a film of different material and film thickness can be nearly the same in both of the contact holes.
US08093590B2 Photoelectric conversion device
In order to form a metal thin film, a silicide film, or the like between an upper-layer unit cell and a lower-layer unit cell in stacked-layer photoelectric conversion devices, a step of forming the thin film is additionally needed. Therefore, a problem such as decline in productivity of the photoelectric conversion devices occurs. A first unit cell including a single crystal semiconductor layer with a thickness of 10 μm or less as a photoelectric conversion layer and a second unit cell including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer as a photoelectric conversion layer, which is provided over the first unit cell, are at least included, and conductive clusters are dispersed between the unit cells. The conductive clusters are located between the lower-layer unit cell and the upper-layer unit cell to form an ohmic contact; thus, current flows between the both unit cells.
US08093587B2 Organic el device and process of producing the same
An organic EL device includes a light-emitting element having a first electrode disposed above a substrate, a second electrode arranged above the first electrode, and a light emission functional layer arranged between the first and second electrodes. The second electrode includes a mixture layer composed of a mixture of an electron-injecting material and a reducing material for reducing the electron-injecting material and a transparent electrically conductive layer formed on the mixture layer.
US08093584B2 Self-aligned replacement metal gate process for QWFET devices
A self-aligned replacement metal gate QWFET device comprises a III-V quantum well layer formed on a substrate, a III-V barrier layer formed on the quantum well layer, a III-V etch stop layer formed on the III-V barrier layer, a III-V source extension region formed on the III-V etch stop layer and having a first sidewall, a source region formed on the III-V source extension region and having a second sidewall, a III-V drain extension region formed on the III-V etch stop layer and having a third sidewall, a drain region formed on the III-V drain extension region and having a fourth sidewall, a conformal high-k gate dielectric layer formed on the first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls and on a top surface of the etch stop layer, and a metal layer formed on the high-k gate dielectric layer.
US08093583B2 Light emitting diode having barrier layer of superlattice structure
A light emitting diode (LED) having a barrier layer with a superlattice structure is disclosed. In an LED having an active region between an GaN-based N-type compound semiconductor layer and a GaN-based P-type compound semiconductor layer, the active region comprises a well layer and a barrier layer with a superlattice structure. As the barrier layer with the superlattice structure is employed, it is possible to reduce occurrence of defects caused by lattice mismatch between the well layer and the barrier layer.
US08093579B2 Semiconductor chip having a reduced band offset in its p-doped region and method for producing the semiconductor chip
A semiconductor chip (1) comprises a p-doped region (I) having a cladding layer (18) and a contact layer (21) between which a first interlayer (19) and a second interlayer (20) are arranged. A concentration of a first material component (B) within the first and the second interlayer (19, 20) changes in such a way that the band gap varies in a range lying between the band gap of the cladding layer (18) and the band gap of the contact layer (21). A method for producing a semiconductor chip of this type is also disclosed.
US08093577B2 Three-dimensional phase-change memory array
A three-dimensional phase-change memory array. In one embodiment of the invention, the memory array includes a first plurality of diodes, a second plurality of diodes disposed above the first plurality of diodes, a first plurality phase-change memory elements disposed above the first and second plurality of diodes and a second plurality of memory elements disposed above the first plurality of memory elements.
US08093576B1 Chemical-mechanical polish termination layer to build electrical device isolation
A method of forming a semiconductor device may comprise forming a memory portion, forming a carbon film, depositing insulation to at least partially cover the carbon film, and terminating patterned removal of the insulation at the carbon film during a fabrication process.
US08093573B2 Container for transporting and storing uranium hexaflouride
A vessel for storing and transporting hazardous substances, like for example Uranium Hexafluoride, includes a body having an internal region that is subdivided into two or more isolated regions. The vessel further includes end members that house ingress and egress valves. A cover assembly is affixed to the vessel to shield the valves from damage due to exposure and/or impact.
US08093572B2 Integrated variable-aperture collimator and fixed-aperture collimator
An apparatus and method for coupling a fixed-aperture collimator to a variable-aperture collimator. The variable-aperture collimator may be an IRIS collimator having multiple leaves configured to open and close an aperture of the IRIS collimator within which the fixed-aperture collimator is retained.
US08093564B2 Ion beam focusing lens method and apparatus used in conjunction with a charged particle cancer therapy system
The invention comprises an ion beam focusing method and apparatus used as part of an ion beam injection system, which is used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The ion beam focusing system includes two or more electrodes where one electrode of each electrode pair partially obstructs the ion beam path with conductive paths, such as a conductive mesh. In a given electrode pair, electric field lines, running between the conductive mesh of a first electrode and a second electrode, provide inward forces focusing the negative ion beam. Multiple such electrode pairs provide multiple negative ion beam focusing regions.
US08093563B2 Ion beam stabilization
Ion microscope methods and systems are disclosed. In general, the systems and methods provide high ion beam stability.
US08093561B2 Thyroid uptake measurement apparatus
Disclosed is a thyroid uptake measurement apparatus, in which a radiation attenuation filter is detachably provided at the leading end of a collimator of a radiation detector. The radiation attenuation filter inhibits the saturation of signals when gamma rays exceeding the maximum counting rate are entered. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit the distortion of signals when the pile-up of the signals increases by an increase in the radiation decay. Moreover, the use of the radiation attenuation filter can significantly improve the scatter fraction, that is, the ratio of scattered radiation/total radiation generated by material scatter of radiation.
US08093555B2 Mass spectrometer
A mass analysis is initially performed while applying appropriate voltages to the electrodes so that ions injected through an entrance gate electrode (5) into a loop orbit (3) are guided through approximately one half of the loop orbit (3) and diverted at an exit gate electrode (6) toward an ion detector (7). Based on the intensities of the peaks appearing on a mass spectrum obtained by this mass analysis, one or more objective ions are selected and a time parameter is specified so that the voltage applied to the exit gate electrode (6) changes when none of the ions flying along the loop orbit (3) are passing through the exit gate electrode (6). As a result, the orbit of the objective ions will assuredly changed so that they will be directed toward the ion detector (7) after flying through the loop orbit (3) multiple times. Thus, the mass information of the objective ions can be assuredly obtained.
US08093554B2 Multi-channel detection
A mass spectrometer and method of mass spectrometry wherein charged particles in a beam undergo multiple changes of direction. A detection arrangement detects a first portion of the charged particle beam, and provides a first output based upon the intensity of the detected first portion of the charged particle beam. The detection arrangement detects a second portion of the charged particle beam that has travelled a greater path length through the mass spectrometer than the first portion of the charged particle beam, and provides a second output based upon the detected second portion of the charged particle beam. A controller adjusts the parameters of the charged particle beam and/or the detection arrangement, based upon the first output of the detection arrangement, so as to adjust the second output of the detection arrangement.
US08093553B2 Mass spectrometer
A method of determining the arrival time of one or more ions at an ion detector is disclosed. Ions arriving at the ion detector produce a signal and the time when a leading edge of the signal and when a trailing edge of the signal cross an intensity threshold are determined. The two times are then averaged to provide an ion arrival time.
US08093548B2 Calibration methods for blood content sensors
Methods for calibrating blood content sensors used independently or in conjunction with medical instruments such as traditional or capsule type endoscopes.
US08093547B2 Projector and light source apparatus having a second reflector for reflecting light in infrared region
A projector includes: a light source unit configured to emit light; a light source heat absorber configured to cause coolant to absorb heat from the light source unit; an ejector pump configured to allow passage of the coolant having absorbed the heat in the light source heat absorber; a radiator configured to radiate the heat of the coolant flowed out from the ejector pump; an evaporator configured to cool the coolant stored in the evaporator by evaporating the coolant; and a heat source other than the light source unit, wherein the ejector pump decompress the interior of the evaporator by a pressure drop due to the passage of the coolant having absorbed the heat in the light source heat absorber, and heat from the heat sources other than the light source unit is absorbed by the coolant cooled by the evaporator.
US08093546B2 Out-of-round coder
An angle sensor for detecting an out-of-round condition includes a disc supporting angle coder rigidly attached to a rotating shaft and at least one fixed optical system including a coherent light source emitting a beam interfering with the angle coder of the support disc in order to code its angular position, a collimator of the said beam before interference and a photo detector of the modulated beam after interference. In one embodiment, two optical systems arranged 90° from each other are employed. An alternative embodiment includes one optical system and the disc includes a circular track radially centred in at least one of its angular positions relative to the incident collimated light beam, and a radially orientated photo detector.
US08093543B2 Voltage generator circuit having a resistor ladder circuit and a switch control circuit allowing a variation of the slope of a given ramp wave, digital-to-analog converter, ramp generator circuit, analog-to-digital converter, image sensor system, and method for generating voltage
A resistor-ladder voltage generator circuit is provided, which controls so that k switches among consecutive (k+1) switches out of a plurality of switches connected to the resistor ladder circuit are simultaneously set to an ON state, and which temporally switches the value of k. This allows voltage waveforms having different slopes to be arbitrarily obtained, ranging from a voltage waveform having a small slope to a voltage waveform having a large slope, thereby improving the resolution of a generated voltage waveform without increasing the numbers of resistors and switches, while A/D conversion time is not increased even if the number of bits is increased. In addition, by using this voltage generator circuit as a ramp generator circuit, and by dynamically switching the slope of the ramp wave, acceleration of an image sensor is achieved.
US08093542B2 Imaging module for a projection system having an extended lens device rotatable from a first direction to one of a second and a third direction for selectively projecting image onto a screen
The invention provides an imaging module disposed on a projection system. The imaging module comprises an extended lens device, which connects to the image outlet of the body of the projection system by a rotation mechanism. By rotating the rotation mechanism, the projection system may optionally project images through the extending lens device onto the screen in two perpendicular directions, of which the image ratio of the two images are reciprocal.
US08093539B2 Integrated reference source and target designator system for high-precision guidance of guided munitions
A method for guidance of a moving object towards a target. The method including: providing reference signals from RF reference sources to illuminate RF sensors on the moving object; positioning the RF reference sources to form a reference coordinate system; determining position information designating a position of the target in the reference coordinate system by a forward observer; fixing at least one of the RF reference sources at the forward observer in the reference coordinate system; determining a position and orientation of the moving object in the reference coordinate system on board the moving object based on signals received at the RF sensors from the RF reference sources and based on the positions of the RF reference sources; and guiding the moving object to the target at least based on the determined position and orientation of the moving object and the determined position information of the designated target.
US08093535B2 Temperature-controlled circuit integrated in a semiconductor material, and method for controlling the temperature of a semiconductor material having an integrated circuit
A circuit is disclosed, integrated in a semiconductor material, for measuring signals of a sensor assigned to the integrated circuit. In at least one embodiment, the circuit includes an active component; a temperature sensor; and a circuit to control the temperature of the semiconductor material. The active component is provided to treat the measuring signals produced by the sensor and the active component is drivable by the circuit to control the temperature in such a way that the temperature of the semiconductor material is variable. Further, the circuit includes at least one of a PI and PID controller to control the temperature. A method for controlling the temperature of a semiconductor material that has an integrated circuit is further disclosed.
US08093530B2 Laser cutting apparatus and laser cutting method
A laser cutting apparatus and a laser cutting method are provided which are adapted to concentrate laser light into a silicon substrate to produce a plurality of internal cracks. A light concentrating position, to which laser beams included in the laser light are concentrated, is temporally and spatially displaced to appropriately change lengths of the cracks according to positions in a direction of depth of the substrate. Consequently, the lengths of the internal cracks are controlled to surely lead a crack opening, the starting point of which is the internal crack formed by laser processing, to a predetermined cutting line on a surface of the substrate.
US08093528B2 Method and device for electrical discharge machining
A method for electrical discharge machining a workpiece includes dividing machining time into a sensing interval during which reference values are captured from machining pulses and into a machining interval during which no reference values are captured. The sensing interval includes either a first sensing interval after implementation of a jump motion of the electrode in the working gap or a second sensing interval after application of an extended pause time to at least some of the machining pulses. The extended pause time is longer than a pause time of other ones of the machining pulses. The method also includes sensing an electrical parameter of a current machining pulse and deriving at least one characteristic value from the sensed electrical parameter. The method further includes comparing characteristic value to at least one of the captured reference values and initiating an action depending on a result of the comparison.
US08093526B2 Wire electric discharge machine with impedance switching
A wire electric discharge machine includes a wire electrode; a machining power supply that supplies a machining current to between the wire electrode and a workpiece. The machine further includes a first power feed contact and a second power feed contact that respectively feed power to the wire electrode; a first machining-current loop in which a first machining current flows from the first power feed contact toward the workpiece; a second machining-current loop in which a second machining current flow from the second power feed contact toward the workpiece; an impedance switching circuit that is provided in at least any one of the first machining-current loop and the second machining-current loop; and a control unit that controls a flow ratio of the first machining current and the second machining current by changing an impedance of the impedance switching circuit.
US08093525B2 Redundant switch
A redundant switch includes a housing, an actuator, and a slide movable in the housing in two opposing directions. The slide is coupled to the actuator by two antagonistic springs. The switch includes a latching track with latching notches. At least two switch units are arranged one beside the other for simultaneous actuation by the slide. A latching cam is movably guided on the slide and is urged towards the latching track by a compression spring. The antagonistic springs force the slide to move into respective positions when the latching cam slides over an apex between the latching notches.
US08093524B2 Electrical switchgear unit such as a circuit breaker or switch
The present invention is an electrical switchgear unit in a case and including at least one stationary contact and at least one movable contact supported by a contact support shaft, an opening and/or closing mechanism of the movable contact(s) fitted in a support, the mechanism including a manual operating handle of the contact(s) rotatable around a toggle pin of the case, and a high-speed closing shaft designed to keep the movable contact(s) in the open position, at the beginning of manual closing of the handle and over a certain travel, by storing energy and to release the movable contact(s) after travel of the handle so that the stored energy causes high-speed closing of the contacts. On one of its side faces, the device includes the support of the mechanism which includes an opening to accommodate at least a part of the high-speed closing shaft, which is inserted laterally at least partially into the support prior to fixing of the shaft inside the case, and the means for fixing said support inside the case is located on one side of the mechanism.
US08093516B2 Digital multimeter having improved rotary switch assembly
A multimeter includes a case having a rotary selector knob for selecting a multimeter function. A circuit board defining multiple switching terminals thereon is located in the case. A rotary switch assembly is operatively coupled to the selector knob. The rotary switch assembly has a plurality of contact pairs which selectively complete a galvanic connection across predetermined pairs of switching terminals. The rotary switch assembly further includes first and second switch members located in opposition on respective sides of the circuit board. Each of the switch members has at least one of the contact pairs.
US08093507B2 Printed wiring board and method for producing the same
A multilayer printed circuit board including a substrate board having a lower conductor circuit, a resin insulating layer formed over the substrate board and lower conductor circuit, and a conductor circuit formed over the resin insulating layer. The resin insulating layer has a via hole filled up with plating and is formed of a linear polyolefin resin formed by hot-pressing a film shaped resin.
US08093497B2 Self retained electrical device having positive locking mechanism
A self retained cover assembly for holding an electrical device in an electrical outlet. The cover includes a retaining body with a front face for covering the outlet and a rear face with two retainer prongs having moveable barbs for holding the cover to the outlet. The cover retains an electrical cord or an electronic device with electrically conductive prongs to the outlet. A tab is provided to move the barbs so the cover may be removed from the outlet.
US08093495B2 Insulated electrical box
An electrical box is disclosed, wherein the electrical box includes a back panel and an insulating material disposed thereon. The insulating material reduces the heat transfer through the back panel of the electrical box.
US08093491B2 Lead free solar cell contacts
Formulations and methods of making solar cells are disclosed. In general, the invention presents a solar cell contact made from a mixture wherein the mixture comprises a solids portion and an organics portion, wherein the solids portion comprises from about 85 to about 99 wt % of a metal component, and from about 1 to about 15 wt % of a lead-free glass component. Both front contacts and back contacts are disclosed.
US08093490B2 Method for forming thin film, substrate having transparent electroconductive film and photoelectric conversion device using the substrate
The present invention provides a thin film-forming method by which, even when a thin film containing a crystalline metal oxide as the main component is formed over a wide area within a short time utilizing a thermal decomposition method, the thickness of the thin film becomes relatively uniform. A thin film-forming method of the present invention includes forming a thin film using a raw material containing a chloride of a metal, and prior to the forming of the thin film, 1) disposing metal-containing particles on the substrate, or 2) forming, at a film deposition rate slower than a film deposition rate for the thin film, a metal-containing thin film on the substrate, and wherein, in the case of the step 2), the thin film containing the metal oxide as the main component is directly formed on the metal-containing thin film.
US08093488B2 Hybrid photovoltaic cell using amorphous silicon germanium absorbers with wide bandgap dopant layers and an up-converter
A photovoltaic apparatus includes an absorber including a p-layer having a bandgap greater than about 2 eV, an n-layer having a bandgap greater than about 2 eV, and an amorphous SiGe intrinsic layer between the p-layer and the n-layer; a first electrode adjacent to a first side of the absorber; a second electrode adjacent to a second side of the absorber; and an up-converter layer positioned adjacent to the second electrode on an opposite side of the second electrode from the absorber, wherein the up-converter layer includes a plurality of quantum dots of a first material in a matrix of a second material.
US08093481B2 Systems and methods for automatic collision avoidance, grouping and alignment of musical symbols
Systems and methods for editing a computer-base musical score include detecting a collision between objects placed in the score and automatically moving one of the colliding objects out of the way to eliminate the collision. Selection of the object to be moved is based on a comparison of the priority levels of the colliding objects. To enhance clarity and legibility of the score, objects are organized into groups of similar type objects. Groups are treated as a single object for the purposes of avoiding collisions. Certain object types are transformed, including scaled, rotated, or sheared, to avoid collisions.
US08093478B2 Percussion instrument and electronic percussion instrument
A percussion instrument in which at least one drum board can be folded on a main board for easy and compact storage of the instrument. At least one arm having a free end and a proximal end is mounted at its proximal end to a part fixed relative to the main board so that the free end can be displaced in position. The drum board is mounted to the free end of the arm and changeable between an unfolded configuration suitable for a musical performance and a folded configuration suitable for storage by being configured to be unfoldable from and foldable to the main board via the arm.
US08093471B2 Celery variety stix (PYC 6651)
A new variety of celery designated as STIX (PYC 6651) and whose seed has an ATCC accession number PTA-9654 is presented. STIX has long petioles that make it well suited for making celery sticks.
US08093470B2 Soybean cultivar 98433118
A soybean cultivar designated 98433118 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 98433118, to the plants of soybean 98433118, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 98433118, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 98433118 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 98433118, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 98433118, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 98433118 with another soybean cultivar.
US08093469B2 Soybean cultivar 97032301
A soybean cultivar designated 97032301 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 97032301, to the plants of soybean 97032301, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 97032301, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 97032301 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 97032301, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 97032301, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 97032301 with another soybean cultivar.
US08093465B2 Soybean cultivar 83181015
A soybean cultivar designated 83181015 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 83181015, to the plants of soybean 83181015, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 83181015, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 83181015 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 83181015, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 83181015, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 83181015 with another soybean cultivar.
US08093462B1 Soybean variety RJS21002
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS21002. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS21002, to the plants of soybean RJS21002 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS21002 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS21002 with another soybean plant, using RJS21002 as either the male or the female parent.
US08093461B1 Soybean variety XB40G09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB40G09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB40G09, to the plants of soybean XB40G09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB40G09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB40G09 with another soybean plant, using XB40G09 as either the male or the female parent.
US08093459B2 Modification of plant development and morphology
A method of modifying morphology in a plant by introducing into a plant at least one chimaeric gene having a promoter sequence operably associated with a nucleic acid sequence, the promoter sequence being operable to direct expression in specific cells of the plant and the nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one gene product capable of altering the metabolism of or causing death of the specific cells and/or nearby cells. In particular, the promoter sequence is operable to direct expression in lateral bud or lateral shoot and the nucleic acid encoding at least one gene product capable of disrupting the metabolism of or causing the death of the lateral bud or lateral shoot or nearby cells. Preferably the promoter sequence has the sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 7 or SEQ ID No. 4, or a part thereof capable of regulating expression of a gene, or a sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 75%, homology to SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 7 and being capable of regulating expression of a gene.
US08093457B2 Storage-induced promoter
The invention relates to a promoter with an organ-specific activity in plants. Said promoter is characterised in that it exhibits greater activity in the storage organs of plants than in other organs of said plants and that the promoter activity is modified after the harvest of the storage organs and is greater than prior to said harvest.
US08093453B2 Corn event 3272 and methods of detection thereof
A novel transgenic corn event designated 3272, is disclosed. The invention relates to DNA sequences of the recombinant constructs inserted into the corn genome that resulted in the 3272 event and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion sites as well as to assays for detecting the presence of the 3272 event based on these novel sequences. The invention further relates to seeds of corn plants comprising the 3272 genotype, to corn plants comprising the genotype of 3272 and to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing a corn plant comprising the 3272 genotype with itself or another corn variety.
US08093448B2 Absorbent article including absorbent core having a plurality of first regions and a second region surrounding each of the first regions
An absorbent article including a absorbent core having a plurality of first regions and a second region, each one of said first regions being arranged in spaced relationship from each of the other first regions and each of the first regions being entirely surrounded by the second region.
US08093447B2 Sweat-absorbent sheet and disposable diaper having the same
The present invention aims to provide a sweat-absorbent sheet containing antimicrobial medical agent ingredient and effectively absorbing sweat and a disposable diaper having the sweat-absorbent sheet.A sweat-absorbent sheet comprises a base sheet and an antimicrobial medical agent ingredient integrated with the base sheet. The base sheet includes cellulose fiber. The medical agent ingredient is a quaternary ammonium salt. The base sheet is wetted with a solution of the quaternary ammonium salt and dried thereafter so as to be integrated with the quaternary ammonium salt. The sweat-absorbent sheet is available to a disposable diaper.
US08093443B2 System and method for accelerating the conversion of asbestos in the process of mineralogical conversion
A process and equipment that accelerates the rate at which asbestos is converted into non-asbestos minerals during the process of mineralogical conversion, the process consisting of new methods and equipment for handling the asbestos that promotes absorption of mineralizing agents, increases the heat transfer properties of the asbestos, increases the overall efficiency of the process, and shortens the period of time required for processing.
US08093440B2 Process and apparatus for C2 recovery
An improved process for separating a hydrocarbon bearing feed gas containing methane and lighter, C2 (ethylene and/or ethane), and heavier components into a fraction containing predominantly methane and lighter components and a fraction containing predominantly C2 and heavier hydrocarbon components including the steps of cooling and partially condensing and delivering the feed stream to a separator to provide a first residue vapor and a first liquid containing C2, directing a first part of the first liquid containing C2 into a heavy-ends fractionation column wherein the liquid is separated into a second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue and a second liquid product containing C2; further cooling the second part of the first liquid containing C2 and partially condensing the second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue; combining the cooled second part of the first liquid and partially condensed second hydrocarbon-bearing vapor residue and directing them to a second separator effecting a third residue and a third liquid; cooling and directing a first part of the third liquid into the lights-ends fractionation column, to thereby condense C2's and heavier components while the methane is evaporated in the light-ends fractionation column to thereby obtain fourth residue vapor and liquid, heating and supplying the fourth liquid recovered from the light-ends fractionation column to the heavy-ends fractionation column as a feed thereto; conducting the second part of the third liquid to the heavy-ends fractionation column as a feed thereto.
US08093439B2 Method for oligomerization and/or polymerization of ethylene with flushing of equipment and piping
The present invention relates to a method for oligomerization or polymerization of ethylene and/or alpha-olefins utilizing reactor equipment and other equipment wherein starting material comprising monomer(s), catalyst, cocatalyst and solvent is transferred to the reactor equipment via first piping, and product material comprising oligomer and/or polymer, non-reacted monomer(s), catalyst, cocatalyst and solvent is discharged from the reactor equipment via second piping, characterized in that the first piping, second piping, reactor equipment and/or other equipment are flushed with a product fraction obtained by said or a respective previous method prior to and/or after that oligomerization or polymerization method.
US08093435B2 Reagent for organic synthesis and method of organic synthesis reaction with the reagent
A reagent for organic synthesis with which a chemical reaction can be conducted in a liquid phase and unnecessary compound(s) can be easily separated at low cost from the liquid phase after completion of the reaction. The reagent for organic synthesis reversibly changes from a liquid-phase state to a solid-phase state with changes in solution composition and/or solution temperature, and is for use in organic synthesis reactions. This reagent for organic syntheses facilitates process development. With the reagent, research on and development of, e.g., medicines through, e.g., compound library synthesis, etc. can be accelerated. It can hence contribute to technical innovations in the biochemical industry and chemical industry.
US08093434B2 Crystal polymorph of fluorene derivative and production method thereof
A method of producing a crystal polymorph of 9,9-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)fluorene, comprising the steps of reacting fluorenone and 2-phenoxyethanol in the presence of a heteropolyacid, initiating deposition of 9,9-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)fluorene at lower than 50° C. from the resultant mixture to obtain a crude product of 9,9-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)fluorene, dissolving the crude product in at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, ketone solvents and ester solvents, and initiating deposition of 9,9-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)fluorene at 50° C. or higher.
US08093433B2 Process for producing alkylbenzene hydroperoxide
A process for producing an alkylbenzene hydroperoxide from an alkylbenzene solution containing 0.01 to 10 mmol/kg of phenols by subjecting the solution to oxidation with an oxygen-containing gas, including allowing a compound represented by formula (I) to be present in the alkylbenzene solution: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group and may combine with each other to form a non-aromatic ring, the molar ratio of the compound represented by formula (I) to the phenols in the alkylbenzene solution being 0.4 mol/mol or higher; is advantageous in providing economical and high-yield production of an alkylbenzene hydroperoxide.
US08093431B2 Aldehyde-amine formulations and method for making and using same
A novel method for producing amine-aldehyde sulfur scavenging compositions are disclosed, where the method comprises contacting an amine containing component and a aldehyde containing component in the presence of an alcohol at an amine to aldehyde ratio of between about 0.8 and 0.45 for a reaction time and at a reaction temperatures sufficient to produce an amine-aldehyde adduct product having a specific gravity between about 3% and 7% less than the specific gravity of a mixture of starting materials.
US08093428B2 Synthesis of quaternary salt compounds
The present invention is directed to a process, having a reduced environmental impact, for preparing phenylamino substituted quaternary salt compounds that are CCR2 antagonists.
US08093426B2 Intermediate compounds and their use in preparation of lacosamide
The present invention is concerned with novel compounds and their use for the preparation of lacosamide. The present invention also contemplates processes for the preparation of lacosamide employing the novel compound of general Formula II, Formula IIa or Formula IIb as intermediate. Wherein R1 is —OH or —OMe; R2 is —OH or —NH—CH2—C6H5.
US08093425B2 Compounds for treating proliferative disorders
Disclosed are compounds and methods of using compounds of the invention for treating a subject with a proliferative disorder, such as cancer, and methods for treating disorders responsive to Hsp70 induction and/or natural killer induction. Also, disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US08093424B2 Tetralin and indane derivatives and uses thereof
Compounds of the formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein m, p, q, Ar, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. Also provided are methods for preparing, compositions comprising, and methods for using compounds of formula I.
US08093422B2 Method for deuteration of an aromatic ring
The present invention relates to a method for deuteration of a compound having an aromatic ring, using an activated catalyst, and the method comprises reacting a compound having an aromatic ring with heavy hydrogen source in the presence of an activated catalyst selected from a platinum catalyst, a rhodium catalyst, a ruthenium catalyst, a nickel catalyst and a cobalt catalyst.
US08093419B2 Method of producing organosilicon compound
A method of producing an organosilicon compound includes substituting at least an OR1 group of a compound shown by the following general formula (1) to obtain a compound shown by the following general formula (2), Si(OR1)3-mY1m—R2—Si(OR3)3-nY2n  (1) Si(OR4)3-mY1m—R2—Si(OR4)3-nY2n  (2).
US08093416B2 Method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters and/or glycerin using fat or oil
The present invention has an object to provide the following method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters and/or glycerin and the following catalyst used in the production method.According to the production method, a fat or oil is reacted with an alcohol to give a fatty acid alkyl ester and/or glycerin suitably used in a food or fuel application, etc., with high efficiency, and complicated steps such as a step of recovering a catalyst can be simplified or omitted. According to the catalyst, an active metal component is not eluted even if the catalyst is used repeatedly or for a long period of time, and further, such a catalyst can maintain an excellent catalyst activity for a long time even in the presence of water and exhibit a high activity to both of transesterification of a glyceride contained in the fat or oil and esterification of free fatty acid. In addition, the catalyst can exhibit a high catalyst activity even in the presence of an impurity such as a free fatty acid (FFA) contained in the fat or oil.The present invention is a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters and/or glycerin including a step of bringing a fat or oil into contact with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst includes a manganese element and a trivalent metal element.
US08093413B2 Method of preparation and isolation of betulin diacetate from birch bark from paper mills and its optical processing to betulin
The invention relates to a method of preparation and isolation of betulin diacetate from birch bark from paper mills and its optional processing to betulin, wherein the birch bark is ground, mixed with two- to twenty-fold excess volume of water and is stirred so that all birch bark is dipped, then the fraction of the birch bark which floats on the surface is collected, said collected fraction is dried at the temperature in the range of from 50 to 85° C. and the betulin contained in the dried birch bark is then subjected to an acetylation reaction, after the acetylation the birch bark is dried at the temperature of from 50 to 100° C. and the formed betulin diacetate is then isolated from the birch bark by supercritical extraction of the birch bark with carbon dioxide at the pressure of 28-35 MPa and the temperature of from 50 to 100° C. and subsequently, the supercritical extract is recrystallized for direct use or for further processing. The further processing can be basic hydrolysis of the re-crystallized betulin diacetate to betulin.
US08093409B2 Method for producing cyclic unsaturated compound
The present invention provides a method for producing a cyclic unsaturated compound, which sufficiently suppresses generation of acyclic unsaturated compounds and permits excellent yield and reaction rate. Such a method for producing a cyclic unsaturated compound is a method for producing a cyclic unsaturated compound by reacting an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid with an unsaturated organic compound, wherein the method comprises a step of reacting the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid with the unsaturated organic compound in the presence of a catalyst.
US08093402B2 Benzimidazole derivatives
Provided herein are compounds in accord with Formula I: that are useful in the treatment of pain.
US08093400B2 Compounds useful in therapy
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof wherein the variables Z, Q, Ring A, V, X, Y and Y′ are as defined herein, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are useful for treating a disorder for which a V1a antagonist is indicated, in particular, dysmenorrhoea.
US08093398B2 Preparation of delmopinol
It comprises a process for the production of delmopinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or a solvate thereof, by subjecting the compound of formula (II) where R1 and R2 are the same or different, independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6) alkyl or, alternatively, R1 and R2 form, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, a (C5-C6) cycloalkyl radical; and R3 is a radical selected from the group consisting of CF3, (C1-C4) alkyl, phenyl, and phenyl mono- or disubstituted by a radical selected from the group consisting of (C1-C4)-alkyl, halogen and nitro to a deprotection and cyclisation reaction. The process is useful to prepare delmopinol or its salts on an industrial scale. The compound of formula (II) is new and also forms part of the present invention, as well as its preparation process and other new intermediates of said preparation process.
US08093396B2 Benzthiazole inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase
Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase having a structure of Formula (I), ways to make them and methods of treating patients using them are disclosed.
US08093394B2 Derivatives of 5-thioxylopyranose and use of same for treatment
The invention relates to new compounds of 5-thioxilose, preferably derivatives of the 5-thioxilopyranose type, and to a method for preparing the same and their use as the active ingredient of drugs mainly intended for treating or inhibiting thrombosis or heart failure or thromboembolic diseases.
US08093392B2 Caspase inhibitors and uses thereof
This invention provides novel compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, that are useful as caspase inhibitors. These compounds have the general formula I: where R1, R2, and R3 are as described herein, Ring A contains zero to two double bonds, each X is independently selected from nitrogen or carbon, at least one X in Ring A is a nitrogen, Ring A is optionally substituted as described, and may be fused to a saturated or unsaturated five to seven membered ring containing zero to three heteroatoms, and provided that when X3 is a carbon, a substituent on X3 is attached by an atom other than nitrogen.
US08093387B2 Process of making crystalline type II aripiprazole
Crystalline aripiprazole Type II can be formed without solid state heat treatment. Instead a liquid is used such as in crystallizing from a solvent, especially 2-propanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, or a combination thereof with ethyl acetate, or in a solvent mediated solid-solid transformation, typically in ethyl acetate.
US08093386B2 Thioaryl substituted inhibitors of zinc proteases and their use
There are described compounds having the general formula (I) below and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein E, X, m, q, R1, R2, n and ZBG have the meanings reported in the description useful, in therapy, as inhibitors of zinc metalloproteinases.
US08093382B2 Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
Compounds, pharmaceuticals, kits and methods are provided for use with DPP-IV and other S9 proteases that comprise a member selected from the group consisting of: wherein E is CH or N, Q is selected from the group consisting of CO, CS, SO, SO2, or C═NR4, and L, X, Z, R2 and R3 are as defined herein.
US08093377B2 Cephalosporin in crystalline form
The present invention relates to cephalosporin of formula (I) in crystalline form. The compound of formula (I) in crystalline form is useful as antibiotics having potent and broad antibacterial activity; especially against methicillin resistant Staphylococci (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
US08093376B2 Method for preparation of high enzymatic resistance hydroxyalkylcellulose derivatives
The present invention relates to a process of preparing hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives having improved enzymatic resistance. In particular, the present invention relates to a process of preparing hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives by reacting cellulose and ethylene oxide in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide, wherein the reaction between cellulose and ethylene oxide is performed in the presence of isopropyl alcohol azeotropic solvent in a horizontally agitated reactor, wherein the ethylene oxide is supplied via two steps, thus resulting in a two-step reaction, and the amount of alkali metal hydroxide remaining after the first reaction is controlled, thereby enabling to provide hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives having improved enzymatic resistance and turbidity and to remarkably decrease the solvent usage to have economical and environmental advantages.
US08093375B2 Reactive polysaccharide derivatives, their preparation and their use
A reactive polysaccharide derivative of formula, [Z1—B—SO2—CH2—CH2—O]n—PS—[OH]m (1), wherein 8 is a radical of formula (2a), (2b), (2c), (2d) or (2e), Z, is a reactive radical, and PS is a cyclodextrin, is useful as a finishing agent for textile fibers and for other applications.
US08093374B2 Bismuth hyaluronate, the preparation method and the use thereof
The present invention discloses a bismuth hyaluronate, characterized in that the bismuth content is from 0.5% to 40%, and the glucuronate content is from 20% to 45%, based on dry weight. Also provided is a method for the preparation of said bismuth hyaluronate comprising reaction of a soluble hyaluronate salt with a bismuth salt in a basic aqueous solution, followed by steps of precipitation, filtration, desalting, dehydrating and drying to obtain the product. Further disclosed is the use of the bismuth hyaluronate in the manufacture of a medicament or health foods for preventing and treating gastrointestinal disorders, in particular ulcerous disorders of the GI tract. It has been proven in animal experiments to show a better therapeutic effect than products of the same type.
US08093373B2 Plasmid purification
The present invention relates to a method of isolating at least one plasmid from other components of a liquid, which method comprises the steps of providing a separation matrix comprised of one or more porous carriers, which carrier(s) present anion exchange groups on external surfaces as well as pore surfaces and a pore size distribution that does not allow access of plasmids to pore surfaces; contacting said matrix with the liquid to allow adsorption of the plasmids to ligands present on the separation matrix; contacting an eluent with the separation matrix to release the plasmids and recovering plasmids from a fraction of said eluent. Thus, the present method allows the plasmids to adsorb to the external surfaces of the matrix, while other components such as RNA is adsorbed onto the pore surfaces. In one embodiment, the matrix presents a DNA exclusion limit of at least about 270 base pairs; such as at least about 1,000 base pairs.
US08093369B2 Compositions for silencing the expression of VDAC1 and uses thereof
The present invention relates generally to the down regulation of mitochondrial protein, voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1), expression by RNAi or antisense therapy. In particular, the present invention is directed to VDAC1 silencing molecules useful in regulating cell proliferation and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same useful in the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant cell proliferation.
US08093364B2 Enhanced purification of antibodies and antibody fragments by apatite chromatography
Methods are disclosed for use of apatite chromatography, particularly without reliance upon phosphate gradients, for purification or separation of at least one intact non-aggregated antibody, or at least one immunoreactive antibody fragment, from an impure preparation. Integration of such methods into multi-step procedures with other fractionation methods are additionally disclosed.
US08093363B2 Tumor necrosis factor-gamma
Human TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides to inhibit cellular growth, for example in a tumor or cancer, for facilitating wound-healing, to provide resistance against infection, induce inflammatory activities, and stimulating the growth of certain cell types to treat diseases, for example restenosis. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta nucleic acid sequences or overexpression of the TNF-gamma-alpha and/or TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat cachexia, septic shock, cerebral malaria, inflammation, arthritis and graft-rejection are also disclosed.
US08093360B2 Antibodies that bind B. anthracis exotoxin, formulations thereof, and methods of use
The present invention provides an antibody which binds to B. anthracis with toxin, formulations for administration of such antibodies intramuscularly, and methods of administering such antibodies prophylactically or therapeutically.
US08093358B2 Methods of treatment using anti-erbb antibody-maytansinoid conjugates
The application concerns methods of treatment using anti-ErbB receptor antibody-maytansinoid conjugates, and articles of manufacture suitable for use in such methods. In particular, the invention concerns ErbB receptor-directed cancer therapies, using anri-ErbB receptor antibody-maytansinoid conjugates.
US08093356B2 Pegylated human interferon polypeptides
Modified human interferon polypeptides and uses thereof are provided, including PEGylated human interferon polypeptides with one or more non-naturally encoded amino acids.
US08093355B2 Soluble IL-17RCx4 and fusion proteins thereof
The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17F, IL-17A, or both IL-17A and IL-17F polypeptide molecules. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. IL-17RC is a common receptor for IL-17A and IL-17F. The present invention includes methods of using a soluble IL-17RC receptor, IL-17RCx4 for treating inflammation.
US08093354B2 Process for preparing glycopeptide phosphonate derivatives
Disclosed are processes for preparing glycopeptide phosphonate derivatives having an amino-containing side chain. Several of the process steps are conducted in a single reaction vessel without isolation of intermediate reaction products, thereby generating less waste and improving the overall efficiency and yield of the process.
US08093353B2 Agents for treatment of HCV and methods of use
An amphipathic helix at the approximate N-terminus of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural proteins mediates the association of these proteins with cytoplasmic membranes in infected cells. This association is essential for replication. Thus, assessing the ability of compounds or protocols to disrupt the association of such helices with cytoplasmic membranes permits identification of compounds and protocols which are useful in the treatment of HCV infection. Also useful in the invention are mimics, or function-disrupting ligands, of an amphipathic helix of the nonstructural proteins described herein and antibodies and fragments thereof immunoreactive with said helix.
US08093349B2 Terminally modified polybranched polyimide, metal-plated terminally modified polybranched polyimide, and method for producing the same
A terminally-modified polybranched polyimide which can be efficiently complexed with an inorganic material is obtained by reacting a component (a): tetracarboxylic dianhydride; a component (b): as an amine component, a mixture of a triamine and a diamine (which may be composed of a triamine only); and a component (c): as a terminal component, a compound selected from general formulae (1-1) to (1-4). H2N—X—R1  (1-1) (In the formula, X represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R1 represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group). H2N—X—R1  (1-2) (In the formula, X is as defined above, and R1 represents a sulfur-containing heterocyclic group or an aryl group having a thiol or thioether group in the molecule.) (In the formula, R represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group.) (In the formula, R represents a monovalent residue.)
US08093347B2 Structured organic films
A structured organic film comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein the structured organic film may be a multi-segment thick structured organic film.
US08093346B2 Method for producing an aminohydroxybenzoic acid-type compound
Provided is a method for efficiently producing a 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid-type compound by culturing a coryneform bacterium that has a gene encoding a mutated aspartokinase not subject to feedback inhibition, and that is transformed with a recombinant vector containing a DNA encoding a protein having an activity to form 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid from dihydroxyacetone phosphate and aspartate semialdehyde.
US08093342B2 Polymer, charge control agent, and toner for developing electrostatic latent images
Provided are a novel polymer having a sulfonic group, a sulfonic acid ester group, or a derivative thereof incorporated therein, a method of producing the polymer, and a novel compound suitable for producing the polymer. A polymer is characterized by containing a unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1w and R1x are each independently a halogen atom or a hydrogen atom, R1y is a CH3 group or a hydrogen atom, and any one of R1a, R1b, and R1c is a sulfonate group represented by SO3R1f.
US08093335B2 Thermoplastic polyolefin in-reactor blends and molded articles therefrom
This invention relates to a molded article comprising an in-reactor polymer blend comprising: (a) a first propylene polymer comprising 90 to 100 wt % propylene and from 0 to less than 10 wt % comonomer, said first propylene component having a Tm of 135° C. or more; and (b) a second propylene polymer comprising from 30 to 90 wt % propylene and 70 to 10 wt % comonomer, said second propylene polymer having an Mw of 30,000 g/mol or more, and said second propylene-containing polymer having a crystallinity different by at least 5% from the first polymer, wherein the polymer blend has: (a) a Tm of at least 135° C., (b) a melt flow rate of at least 70 dg/min, (c) a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa, (d) an elongation at break of at least 200%, (e) a tensile strength at break of 10 MPa or more, and (f) a GME 60280 scratch resistance of less than 1.2 DL at a scratching load of 5 Newtons.
US08093327B2 Fluorocarbon polymer compositions and methods of coating coils therewith
Disclosed are coating compositions based on non-aqueous dispersions of solid fluoropolymer particles in an organic solution of acrylic polymers. The coating compositions include: (1) a fluorocarbon polymer; (2) an organic solvent; and (3) an adjuvant polymer.
US08093326B2 Use of dispersant for aqueous compositions of calcium sulphate hemihydrate
The invention concerns the use of a selected polycarboxylic type dispersant for aqueous calcium sulfate hemihydrate compositions that, simultaneously with its dispersing action, can control the initial setting and/or final setting times for these compositions. The invention also concerns aqueous calcium sulfate hemihydrate compositions comprising a polycarboxylic type dispersant or a mixture of polycarboxylic type dispersants.
US08093323B2 Method for manufacturing a bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide, method for manufacturing a mixture of bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide etc., a mixture of bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide etc., and rubber composition
A method for manufacturing a bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide by heating a bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide and triethanolamine in the presence of a catalytic quantity of an alkali-metal alcoholate, thus substituting all Si-bonded alkoxy groups of the bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide with a (OCH2CH2)3N group; a method for the preparation of a mixture of a bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide and a (silatranyalkyl)(trialkoxysilyl) disulfide or a mixture of a bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide, a (silatranylalkyl)(trialkoxysilyl) disulfide, and a bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide by heating a bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide and triethanolamine in the presence of a catalytic quantity of an alkali-metal alcoholate, thus substituting a part of Si-bonded alkoxy groups of the bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide with a (OCH2CH2)3N group; a mixture of a bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide and a (silatranylalkyl)(trialkoxysilyl) disulfide; a mixture of a bis(silatranylalkyl) polysulfide, a (silatranylalkyl)(trialkoxysilyl) disulfide, and a bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide; and a rubber composition containing the aforementioned mixture.
US08093319B2 Esterified fatty acids for PVC plasticization
At least one esterified fatty acid, particularly a fatty acid from tall oil that undergoes a Diels-Alder reaction or a fatty acid from oleic sunflower oil that undergoes an epoxydation reaction, is used as a PVC plasticizer, particularly for floor coverings.
US08093317B2 Antistatic thermoplastic resin composition and molded article composed thereof
An antistatic thermoplastic resin composition includes 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of an organic ion conductive agent mixed with 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin composition consisting of 97 to 55 parts by weight of a styrene-based resin and 3 to 45 parts by weight of a copolymer containing alkylene oxide units as a component, and a molded article composed thereof. The antistatic thermoplastic resin composition is low in surface resistivity value, stable in sustained antistatic properly and excellent in moldability, surface appearance and mechanical properties, and can be suitably used as molded articles such as electric and electronic parts, carrier parts for electric and electronic parts, carrier parts for display related parts, etc.
US08093315B2 Wear resistant polymers
A method of improving the wear resistance of a polymer is disclosed comprising the steps of evenly dispersing an ultrafine inorganic particulate material in the polymer at a loading rate of 0.01 to 20 wt % of the total weight of the particulate polymer composite. The mixing or dispersing is preferably carried out under sub-atmospheric pressure conditions to ensure little or no bubbles form in the mixture prior to curing.
US08093303B2 Process for dewatering a mineral slurry concentrate and increasing the production of a filter cake
The present invention provides a process for dewatering a mineral slurry concentrate and increasing the production of the resulting filter cake consisting essentially of mixing an aqueous mineral slurry concentrate with an effective amount of a nonionic surfactant and an effective amount of a cationic polymer to form a nonionic surfactant and cationic polymer treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate, and subjecting the treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate to a liquid water removal process for dewatering the treated aqueous mineral slurry and for increasing the production of a resulting filter cake of the dewatered mineral slurry. An improved mineral slurry concentrate composition and an improved mineral concentrate filter cake is also disclosed.
US08093298B2 Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine and macrolide antibiotics
Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine together with one or more macrolide antibiotics, e.g., clarithromycin, are disclosed. Such methods reduce the dangers commonly associated with such concomitant administration and provide additional benefits.
US08093297B2 Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine and a second active agent
Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine together with one or more second active agents, e.g., ketoconazole and ritonavir, are disclosed. Such methods reduce the dangers commonly associated with such concomitant administration and provide additional benefits. Methods of notifying health care practitioners and patients regarding appropriate dosing for concomitant administration of colchicine together with second active agents are also provided.
US08093293B2 Methods for treating skin conditions
This invention relates to methods and compositions for treating and ameliorating skin conditions including acne, rosacea and wrinkling caused by photodamage or intrinsic aging. More particularly, this invention relates to compositions containing certain natural extracts and natural or synthetic retinoids.
US08093290B2 Coolant solutions and compositions comprising the same
A solution consisting essentially of menthyl lactate and menthol carboxamide dissolved in a solvent, such as propylene glycol, which solvent is acceptable for food, oral care or cosmetic products and a method of preparing it.
US08093288B2 Genipin derivatives and uses thereof
Genipin derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that inhibit the activity of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) and are useful in treating deficient first-phase insulin secretion, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and ischemia in a mammal are disclosed.
US08093286B2 Methods for treatment with bucindolol based on genetic targeting
The present invention concerns the use of methods for evaluating bucindolol treatment for a patient, particularly one with heart failure. It concerns methods for determining whether to administer or prescribe bucindolol to a patient based on whether the patient is homozygous for the Arg 389 polymorphism in the β1-adrenergic receptor (AR).
US08093285B2 Aminopiperidinyl derivatives and uses thereof
This application discloses aminopiperidinyl compounds of generic Formulae I-II: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein m, r, Q1, Q2, Q3, R, Ra, R1, R2a, R2b, and R3 are defined as described herein, useful for treatment of diseases associated with monoamine reuptake inhibitors. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of using, and methods of preparing the compounds.
US08093283B2 Solid forms comprising (+)-[1-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisinoline-1,3-dione, compositions thereof, and uses thereof
Solid forms comprising (+)-2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione, compositions comprising the solid forms, methods of making the solid forms and methods of their use are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating and/or preventing disorders ameliorated by the reduction of levels of TNF-α or the inhibition of PDE4.
US08093282B2 Therapeutic N-aryl or N-heteroaryl pyrazolidine and pyrazolidinone derivatives
Compounds comprising or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof, are disclosed, wherein J1, U1, U2, B, Y, and A are as described. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US08093279B2 Compound
There is provided a compound of Formula I wherein R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are independently selected from H and —Y—R8; wherein each R8 is independently selected from —OH, hydrocarbyl groups, oxyhydrocarbyl groups, cyano (—CN), nitro (—NO2), H-bond acceptors, and halogens; wherein at least one of R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 is —Y—R8 wherein R8 is selected from substituted and unsubstituted heterocyclic rings and amino substituted phenyl groups, wherein X is a bond or a linker group; wherein Y is an optional linker group; and wherein ring A is optionally further substituted; wherein R9 is selected from H, —OH and —OSO2NR1R2; wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from H and hydrocarbyl; wherein (a) X is a bond and at least one of R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 is —Y—R8; OR (b) R9 is —OSO2NR1R2 or —OH and four of R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are H and one of R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 is —Y—R8.
US08093275B2 Oxazolone and pyrrolidinone-substituted pryidine amides as P2X3 and P2X2/3 antagonists
Compounds of the formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using the compounds for treating diseases associated with P2X3 and/or a P2X2/3 receptor antagonists and methods of making the compounds.
US08093274B2 Inhibitors of protein prenyltransferases
The present invention is directed to novel compounds. These compounds can be useful in inhibiting the activity of GGTase I. The compounds can also be used as anti-cancer therapeutics including as part of methods for treating cancer, in assays, and in kits.
US08093265B2 Bicycloheteroaryl compounds as P2X7 modulators and uses thereof
Compounds are disclosed that have a formula represented by the following: The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, pain, inflammation, traumatic injury, and others.
US08093259B2 4-methyl-3-[[4-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]-N-[5-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-benzamide for treatment of melanoma
The present invention relates to the use of pyrimidylaminobenzamide compounds for the preparation of a drug for the treatment of diseases that respond to modulation of Ephrin receptor kinase, especially EphB4, activity, especially for the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of proliferative diseases, and to a method of treating diseases that respond to modulation of kinase activity, especially Ephrin receptor kinase activity.
US08093256B2 Use of 8-substituted-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrimido[1,2-a] pyrimidin-4-one derivatives
The invention relates to use of substituted-pyrimidone derivatives represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n, p and q are as defined herein. More specifically, the invention relates to a medicament comprising the said derivative or a salt thereof as an active ingredient which is used for preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of a disease caused by abnormal activity of GSK3β, such as Pick's disease among various other diseases as claimed herein.
US08093251B2 Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and thrombopoietin receptor activators
Compounds effective for preventing, treatment or improving diseases against which activation of the thrombopoietin receptor is effective are provided.A compound represented by the formula (I) (wherein R1, R2, R3, L1, L2, L3, X and Y are defined in the description), a tautomer, prodrug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or a solvate thereof.
US08093250B2 2-aminocarbonyl-pyridine derivatives
The present invention relates to 2-aminocarbonyl-pyridine derivatives of Formula (I) and their use as P2Y12 receptor antagonists in the treatment and/or prevention of peripheral vascular, of visceral-, hepatic- and renal-vascular, of cardiovascular and of cerebrovascular diseases or conditions associated with platelet aggregation, including thrombosis.
US08093245B2 4-amino-1H-pyrimidin-2-one based compounds, compositions comprising them and methods of their use
4-Amino-1H-pyrimidin-2-one-based compounds, compositions comprising them, and methods of their use for the treatment, prevention and management of various diseases and disorders are disclosed. Particular compounds are of formula I:
US08093239B2 Imidazopyridine kinase inhibitors
The present invention provides imidazopyridine compounds, compositions containing the same, as well as processes for the preparation and methods for their use as pharmaceutical agents.
US08093237B2 Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazapine compounds
The present invention relates to 11-(piperazin-1-yl)dibenzo[b,f][1,4 ]oxazapine compounds of the formula: where the variables are as defined herein, their salts and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof. Methods of preparing these compounds are also described. These compounds may be used in the treatment of disorders such as schizophrenia, treatment resistant schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, treatment resistant depression, schizophrenia-associated depression, treatment resistant OCD, autism, senile psychosis, psychotic dementia, L-DOPA induced psychosis, psychogenic polydipsia, psychotic symptoms of neurological disorders, sleep disorders.
US08093232B2 2α-methyl-19-nor-(20S)-1α-hydroxy-bishomopregnacalciferol and its uses
This invention discloses 2α-methyl-19-nor-(20S)-vitamin D analogs, and specifically 2α-methyl-19-nor-(20S)-1α-hydroxy-bishomopregnacalciferol and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry skin and insufficient sebum secretion. This compound also has little, if any, calcemic activity and therefore may be used to treat autoimmune disorders or inflammatory diseases in humans as well as renal osteodystrophy. This compound may also be used for the treatment or prevention of obesity.
US08093225B2 Gene expression and pain
The present invention relates to double-stranded oligonucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and use of such double-stranded oligonucleotides and pharmaceutical compositions to modulate nociceptive signaling in a cell or prevent and/or treat pain in a patient.
US08093219B2 Topical application of ivermectin for the treatment of dermatological conditions/afflictions
Dermatological conditions/afflictions such as rosacea, common acne, seborrheic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, acneform rashes, transient acantholytic dermatosis, and acne necrotica miliaris, most notably rosacea, are treated by topically applying onto the affected skin area of an individual in need of such treatment, a topical pharmaceutical composition which comprises a thus effective amount of ivermectin.
US08093218B2 Peptide derived from vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 binding integrin α5β1 having proangiogenic activity
Description of a sequence peptide isolated in the domain II type-immunoglobulin (Type-Ig) of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor receptor 1 (VEGF-1) binding integrin α5β1, usable for the preparation of pharmacological agents having proangiogenic activity.
US08093216B2 Method of treating cancer by inhibition of p95HER-2 production
There is disclosed an initial identification of an N-terminally truncated HER-2/neu product. This product is a 95 kDa polypeptide having in vitro kinase activity (as determined by western blotting). Moreover, immunoprecipitations using domain specific antibodies was able to utilize this specific polypeptide from intracellular fragments as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of adenomacarcinomas without the severe dilution effects encountered by measuring ECD.
US08093211B2 Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for healing wounds
A pharmaceutical composition and method for inducing or accelerating a healing process of a skin wound are described. The pharmaceutical composition contains, as an active ingredient, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent for modulating PKC production and/or activation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The method is effected by administering the composition to a wound.
US08093209B2 Methods of suppressing microglial activation and systemic inflammatory responses
Methods of suppressing the activation of microglial cells in the Central Nervous System (CNS), methods of ameliorating or treating the neurological effects of cerebral ischemia or cerebral inflammation, and methods of combating specific diseases that affect the CNS by administering a compound that binds to microglial receptors and prevents or reduces microglial activation are described. ApoE receptor binding peptides that may be used in the methods of the invention are also described, as are methods of using such peptides to treat peripheral inflammatory conditions such as sepsis. Also described are methods of screening compounds for the ability to suppress or reduce microglial activation.
US08093205B2 Method for treating a stroke by implanting a first therapy delivery element in the CNS and a second therapy delivery element in a damaged tissue of the CNS to promote neurogenesis
Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.
US08093203B2 Method of enhancing fragrance by adding optically active muscone composition
The object of the invention relates to a development of a new musk-feeling fragrance material which is a highly scenting musk-feeling fragrance, and is to provide a fragrance composition which, when added to fragrances or cosmetics, can improve the fixative property and express a high performance and excellent musky aromatic quality.A fragrance composition is prepared using, as the active ingredient, a mixture of (R)-form of optically active muscone with (S)-form of optically active muscone with the mixing ratio thereof within the range of from 90:10 to 95:5 (weight ratio) in terms of weight ratio, or a mixture of (R)-form of optically active muscone with (S)-form of optically active muscone with the mixing ratio thereof within the range of from 75:25 to 80:20 (weight ratio) in terms of weight ratio.
US08093202B2 Cleaning compositions comprising a multi-polymer system comprising at least one alkoxylated grease cleaning polymer
Laundry detergents and cleaning compositions which provide improved cleaning benefits that comprise a novel polymer system. The polymer system comprises one or more amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers, and either a clay soil cleaning polymer; or a soil suspending polymer.
US08093201B2 Fabric softening compositions comprising polymeric materials
Fabric softening compositions comprising polymeric materials capable of retaining volatile perfume ingredients are disclosed, as well as methods of softening fabrics.
US08093198B2 Method for the production of particulate bleaching agent compositions
The production of bleaching agent granulates, wherein a particulate peroxide compound and a water soluble polymer which can be ionotropically cross-linked are granulated into a primary granulate using a liquid binding agent containing water, and the primary granulate is brought into contact with a cross-linking agent for the water soluble polymer which can be ionotropically cross-linked. A particle so obtained can be worked into liquid detergents and cleaning agents containing water and remain stable.
US08093197B2 Fluid reservoir
Fluid reservoirs which are based on polymer substrates and are capable of storing large amounts of fluids. The storage is reliable and the reemergence from the liquid reservoir is readily controllable, for example, via the temperature or via mechanical actions, to achieve retardation of the fluid release. Also, processes for producing such fluid reservoirs and also their use, for example in washing or cleaning compositions.
US08093196B2 Cleaning formulations for machine dishwashing comprising hydrophilically modified polycarboxylates
A phosphate-free detergent formulation for machine dishwashing is provided. The formulation contains as main components: copolymers of a monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and/or of a salt thereof, and an alkoxylated, monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein the copolymer has a mean molecular weight Mw of from 30 000 to 500 000 g/mol and a K value of from 40 to 150, measured at pH 7 in 1% by weight aqueous solution at 25° C.; complexing agents; low-foaming nonionic surfactants; bleaches and, optionally, bleach activators; further builders; enzymes; and one or more further additives.
US08093195B2 Composition with surface modifying properties
The present invention refers to an aqueous composition comprising one or more amphoteric, organic polynitrogen-compounds having at least 3 nitrogen atoms contained in the molecule in the form of an amine and/or amide and one or more types of inorganic nanoparticles, a concentrate comprising said composition and to a method for treating and/or cleaning a surface which uses said composition.
US08093189B2 Lubricating oil compositions for inhibiting coolant-induced oil filter plugging
Lubricating oil compositions are provided that inhibit coolant-induced oil filter plugging in heavy-duty diesel engines, and particularly CJ-4 and CI-4 PLUS compliant lubricating oil compositions that inhibit coolant-induced oil filter plugging in exhaust gas recirculation or recycle engines.
US08093187B2 Additive for viscoelastic fluid
Composition and method for shortening the shear recovery time of cationic, zwitterionic, and amphoteric viscoelastic surfactant fluid systems by adding an effective amount of a co-gelling agent selected from triblock oligomeric compounds having hydrophilic (for example polyether) and hydrophobic (for example alkyl) portions. The co-gelling agent also increases fluid viscosity and very low co-gelling agent concentration is needed. Preferred surfactants are betaines and quaternary amines. The fluids are useful in oilfield treatments, for example fracturing and gravel packing.
US08093183B2 Methods for using polyol esters to control pests
Methods are disclosed for killing or knocking down pests selected from the group consisting of cockroaches, ants, bristletails, wasps, hornets, crickets, earwigs, centipedes, scorpions, sowbugs, pillbugs, and spiders. One sprays the pest directly with a solution that is at least 2.8% ester of a polyol (such as sucrose octanoate or sorbitol octanoate). The formulation is designed for use in kitchens, pantries and other areas of the home in which food items may be present. Spray bottle assemblies are also disclosed for delivering the material to the target pest in a desirable manner.
US08093182B2 Compositions and methods for anti-transpiration in plants
Methods and compositions comprising design of enlarged pectins are provided. Elaborated pectins are useful for a multitude of functions including surface coating, penetrant, additive and gell. Methods according to the present invention comprise steps for treatments to one or more live pectic cells in one or more compositions that result in modified pectins. In specific embodiments, methods are provided for applying the nanotechnology to live cells for carriage and incorporation of polar compounds.
US08093180B2 Porous membrane and recording medium, as well as process for preparing same
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a microporous membrane comprising the step of impregnating said microporous membrane with a solution, wherein said solution comprises cationic compounds for modifying the chemical and/or physical properties of said microporous membrane. The invention further relates to image recording materials, in which these microporous membranes are used.
US08093178B2 Catalyst for reducing carbon monoxide concentration
Disclosed in a catalyst which enables to reduce the carbon monoxide concentration in a product gas to 5 ppm by volume or less when carbon monoxide in a raw material gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide is selectively oxidized. The catalyst comprises a support of an inorganic oxide and ruthenium loaded thereon, and the relative loading depth X(Ru) of ruthenium in the radial direction in a redial cross-section of the catalyst satisfies the requirement defined by the following formula (1) X(Ru)≧15  (1).
US08093176B2 Process for the continuous production of catalysts
Process for the continuous production of catalysts which are useful for the production of carbon nanotubes by decomposition of gaseous carbon compounds.
US08093175B2 Mineral composition capable of trapping hydrogen, preparation method and uses
The invention relates to a composition capable of trapping hydrogen comprising: (a) at least one mineral compound of formula (I) below: MX(OH)  (I) in which: M represents a divalent transition element; O represents an oxygen atom; X represents an atom chosen from S, Se, Te, Po; and H represents a hydrogen atom; and (b) at least one nitrate salt of formula (II) below: ZNO3  (II) in which Z is a monovalent cation. Use of these compositions either in pulverulent form for trapping gaseous hydrogen by direct interaction, or in the form of an adjuvant in a containment material for, for example, trapping hydrogen released by radiolysis in radioactive waste packages.
US08093171B2 Noncrystalline composite alkali metal titanate composition and friction material
A noncrystalline composite alkali metal titanate composition which is chemically stable, outstanding in resistance to hygroscopicity and suited as base materials for friction materials. The said composition comprises at least 60 wt. % of an alkali metal titanate represented by the general formula M2O.nTiO2 wherein M is one or at least two alkali metal elements and n is a number of 1 to 4, and at least 10 wt. % of SiO2, M2O/SiO2 being equal to or less than 2.5. When desired, it is possible to incorporate into the composition an oxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Mg, Al, P, Ca and Zn, and/or an oxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb and Ba.
US08093169B2 High-durability sleeve bricks
Disclosed is a magnesia-carbon based sleeve brick for steelmaking converters, which is obtained by adding, to a refractory raw material mix containing 60 to 95 mass % of a magnesia raw material and 5 to 20 mass % of graphite, a metal powder of one or more selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Mg, Ca, Cr and an alloy thereof, in an amount of greater than 3 to 6 mass %, and an organic binder, in addition to 100 mass % of the refractory raw material mix, and subjecting the resulting mixture to kneading, forming and heat treatment, wherein the sleeve brick is used under a condition that a thickness thereof is set at 70 mm or less. This makes it possible to prevent cracking which would otherwise occur in the sleeve brick itself, to allow the sleeve brick to have enhanced durability. One or more selected from the group consisting of B, B4C, MgB2, CaB6, and CrB may be further added in an amount of 0.1 to 3 mass %, in addition to 100 mass % of the refractory raw material mix, to enhance strength and oxidation resistance and further enhance the durability. The magnesia raw material may comprise a first particle fraction having a particle diameter of greater than 10 to 500 μm and occupying 20 to 50 mass % in the refractory raw material mix, and a second particle fraction having a particle diameter of 10 μm or less and occupying 5 mass % or less in the refractory raw material mix, to additionally enhance corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance.
US08093168B2 ZrO2-Al2O3 composite ceramic material and production method therefor
A ZrO2—Al2O3 composite ceramic material having excellent wear resistance, hardness, strength and toughness is provided. This ceramic material comprises a ZrO2 phase composed of 90 vol % or more of tetragonal ZrO2, and containing 10 to 12 mol % of CeO2 as a stabilizer, and an Al2O3 phase. An amount of the Al2O3 phase in the ceramic material is in a range of 20 to 70 vol %, and preferably 40 to 70 vol %. In the composite ceramic material, Al2O3 grains each having a fine ZrO2 grain therein are dispersed. Some of the Al2O3 grains each having the fine ZrO2 grain therein are trapped within ZrO2 grains to form composite grains. A ratio of the number of the Al2O3 grains each having the fine ZrO2 grain therein relative to the number of the entire Al2O3 grains dispersed in the composite ceramic material is 10% or more, and preferably 50% or more.
US08093166B2 Bioactive glass compositions
A bioactive glass composition, a method and an implant. The glass composition comprising SiO2, Na2O, K2O, CaO, and P2O5, having the following composition: SiO2 48-52 wt-%, Na2O 9-15 wt-%, K2O 12-18 wt-%, CaO 10-16 wt-%, P2O5 1-7 wt-%, TiO2 0.2-2 wt-%, B2O3 0-4 wt-%, and MgO 0-6 wt-%, wherein Na2O+K2O>25 wt-%, MgO+CaO>14 wt-%, and B2O3/P2O5>0.3.
US08093162B2 Non-woven material comprising polymer fibers using mixtures with amphiphilic block copolymers as well as their production and use
The present invention relates to the production of a non-woven material having high extensibility and comprising polymer fibers using mixtures with amphiphilic block copolymers as compatibilizers for preparing blends, as well as their production and use.
US08093159B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device, and semiconductor device
Provided is a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which is capable of realizing fine-pitch patterns and thus improving stabilization of patterning precision. The manufacturing method of the semiconductor device comprises forming a first photoresist pattern in a predetermined region on a substrate, depositing a thin film on the surface of the first photoresist pattern, and forming a second photoresist pattern in a region where the first photoresist pattern is not formed.
US08093158B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method and substrate processing apparatus
Provided are a semiconductor device manufacturing method and a substrate processing apparatus. The method comprise: a first process of forming a film containing a predetermined element on a substrate by supplying a source gas containing the predetermined element to a substrate processing chamber in which the substrate is accommodated; a second process of removing the source gas remaining in the substrate processing chamber by supplying an inert gas to the substrate processing chamber; a third process of modifying the predetermined element-containing film formed in the first process by supplying a modification gas that reacts with the predetermined element to the substrate processing chamber; a fourth process of removing the modification gas remaining in the substrate processing chamber by supplying an inert gas to the substrate processing chamber; and a filling process of filling an inert gas in a gas tank connected to the substrate processing chamber.
US08093155B2 Method of controlling striations and CD loss in contact oxide etch
A method for controlling striations and CD loss in a plasma etching method is disclosed. During the etching process, the substrate of semiconductor material to be etched is exposed first to plasma under a low power strike and subsequently to a conventional high power strike. CD loss has been found to be reduced by about 400 Angstroms and striations formed in the contact holes are reduced.
US08093153B2 Method of etching oxide layer and nitride layer
An exemplary method of patterning oxide layer and removing residual nitride includes steps of forming a first oxide layer, a nitride layer, a second oxide layer and a complex hard mask on a substrate in turn. The first oxide layer covers an insulating structure. The second oxide layer, the complex hard mask and the nitride layer are etched by utilizing a patterned photoresist as an etching mask, so as to expose the first oxide layer. In addition, the part of the nitride layer covering the insulating structure can be further removed. Accordingly, the present invention can effectively control layout patterns of material layers and doped regions and thereby can improve the performance of a narrow width device.
US08093151B2 Semiconductor die and method of forming noise absorbing regions between THVS in peripheral region of the die
A semiconductor wafer has a plurality of semiconductor die. A peripheral region is formed around the die. An insulating material is formed in the peripheral region. A portion of the insulating material is removed to form a through hole via (THV). A conductive material is deposited in the THV to form a conductive THV. A conductive layer is formed between the conductive THV and contact pads of the semiconductor die. A noise absorbing material is deposited in the peripheral region between the conductive THV to isolate the semiconductor die from intra-device interference. The noise absorbing material extends through the peripheral region from a first side of the semiconductor die to a second side of the semiconductor die. The noise absorbing material has an angular, semi-circular, or rectangular shape. The noise absorbing material can be dispersed in the peripheral region between the conductive THV.
US08093146B2 Method of fabricating gate electrode using a hard mask with spacers
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method may include providing a semiconductor substrate; forming gate material layers over the semiconductor substrate; forming a hard mask layer over the gate material layers; patterning the hard mask layer to from a hard mask pattern; forming a spacer layer over the hard mask pattern; etching back the spacer layer to form spacers over sidewalls of the hard mask pattern; etching the gate material layers by using the spacers and the hard mask pattern as an etching mask to form a gate structure; and performing a tilt-angle ion implantation process to the semiconductor substrate.
US08093145B2 Methods for operating and fabricating a semiconductor device having a buried guard ring structure
Semiconductor devices can be fabricated using conventional designs and process but including specialized structures to reduce or eliminate detrimental effects caused by various forms of radiation. Such semiconductor devices can include the one or more parasitic isolation devices and/or buried guard ring structures disclosed in the present application. The introduction of design and/or process steps to accommodate these novel structures is compatible with conventional CMOS fabrication processes, and can therefore be accomplished at relatively low cost and with relative simplicity.
US08093144B2 Patterning of nanostructures
A technique for forming nanostructures including a definition of a charge pattern on a substrate and introduction of charged molecular scale sized building blocks (MSSBBs) to a region proximate the charge pattern so that the MSSBBs adhere to the charge pattern to form the feature.
US08093143B2 Method for producing a wafer comprising a silicon single crystal substrate having a front and a back side and a layer of SiGe deposited on the front side
A method for producing a wafer with a silicon single crystal substrate having a front and a back side and a layer of SiGe deposited on the front side, the method using steps in the following order: simultaneously polishing the front and the back side of the silicon single crystal substrate; depositing a stress compensating layer on the back side of the silicon single crystal substrate; polishing the front side of the silicon single crystal substrate; cleaning the silicon single crystal substrate having the stress compensating layer deposited on the back side; and depositing a fully or partially relaxed layer of SiGe on the front side of the silicon single crystal substrate.
US08093142B2 Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method
There is provided a plasma processing device capable of forming a film in a favorable manner irrespective of deflection generated in an anode electrode and a cathode electrode in the case where an area of the electrodes is increased.A plasma processing device 100 includes a chamber 15, a gas introducing portion 28, an exhaust unit 29, and a high-frequency power supply unit 30. In the chamber 15, there are provided an anode electrode (first electrode) 4 having a flat-plate shape, a cathode electrode (second electrode) 12 having a flat-plate shape, and first supporting members 6 and second supporting members 5 for slidably supporting the two electrodes 4 and 12 in parallel with each other. The cathode electrode 12 is provided so as to face the anode electrode 4. The anode electrode 4 and the cathode electrode 12 are not fixed with screws or the like but are merely placed on the first supporting members 6 and the second supporting members 5. In the anode electrode 4 and the cathode electrode 12, deflection amounts when they are freely deflected under their own weights are equal to each other, and maximum deflection amounts of the two electrodes 4 and 12 are also equal to each other.
US08093140B2 Amorphous Ge/Te deposition process
Germanium, tellurium, and/or antimony precursors are usefully employed to form germanium-, tellurium- and/or antimony-containing films, such as films of GeTe, GST, and thermoelectric germanium-containing films. Processes for using these precursors to form amorphous films are also described. Further described is the use of [{nBuC(iPrN)2}2Ge] or Ge butyl amidinate to form GeTe smooth amorphous films for phase change memory applications.
US08093134B2 Phase change memory device with heater electrodes having fine contact area and method for manufacturing the same
A phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a conductive region, a heater electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate and including a connection element which is composed of carbon nanotubes electrically connected with the conductive region, and a phase change pattern layer contacting the connection element of the heater electrode.
US08093133B2 Transient voltage suppressor and methods
Transient voltage suppressor and method for manufacturing the transient voltage suppressor having a dopant or carrier concentration in a portion of a gate region near a Zener region that is different from a dopant concentration in a portion of a gate region that is away from the Zener region.
US08093132B2 Method of manufacturing a bipolar junction transistor
A bipolar junction transistor and a method of manufacturing a bipolar junction transistor are disclosed. An exemplary bipolar junction transistor includes a second conductivity type base region in a first conductivity type substrate, step-shaped recesses in the base region, a polysilicon layer doped with a first conductivity type impurity in the step-shaped recesses, and a step-shaped emitter region between the polysilicon layer and the base region.
US08093130B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having raised source and drain of differing heights
This semiconductor device has an MOS transistor equipped with a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate, a source region next to one side of the gate electrode, and a drain region next to another side of the gate electrode, wherein an upper end of the source region and an upper end of the drain region are at positions which are higher than a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the height of the upper end of the drain region differs from the height of the upper end of the source region.
US08093129B2 Methods of forming memory cells
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. A semiconductor construction may be provided, with such construction including tunnel dielectric material over a semiconductor substrate. The construction may be placed within a chamber. While the construction is within the chamber, a plurality of charge-trapping centers may be dispersed over the tunnel dielectric material. The charge-trapping centers may be nanoclusters formed by sputter-depositing metallic nanoparticles into an aggregation chamber, and then aggregating groups of the nanoparticles into the nanoclusters. Also while the construction is within the chamber, electrically insulative material may be formed over and between the charge-trapping centers. Control gate material may then be formed over the electrically insulative material.
US08093128B2 Integration of non-volatile charge trap memory devices and logic CMOS devices
A semiconductor structure and method to form the same. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate having a non-volatile charge trap memory device disposed on a first region and a logic device disposed on a second region. A charge trap dielectric stack may be formed subsequent to forming wells and channels of the logic device. HF pre-cleans and SC1 cleans may be avoided to improve the quality of a blocking layer of the non-volatile charge trap memory device. The blocking layer may be thermally reoxidized or nitridized during a thermal oxidation or nitridation of a logic MOS gate insulator layer to densify the blocking layer. A multi-layered liner may be utilized to first offset a source and drain implant in a high voltage logic device and also block silicidation of the nonvolatile charge trap memory device.
US08093127B2 Method for forming a vertical transistor having tensile layers
A vertical transistor includes a semiconductor substrate provided with a pillar type active pattern over the surface thereof. A first tensile layer is formed over the semiconductor substrate and around the lower end portion of the pillar type active pattern, and a second tensile layer is formed over the upper end portion of the pillar type active pattern so that a tensile stress is applied in a vertical direction to the pillar type active pattern. A first junction region is formed within the surface of the semiconductor substrate below the first tensile layer and the pillar type active pattern. A gate is formed so as to surround at least a portion of the pillar type active pattern. A second junction region is formed within the upper end portion of the pillar type active pattern.
US08093119B2 CMOS microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device and fabrication method thereof
A method for fabricating the MEMS device includes providing a substrate. Then, a structural dielectric layer is formed over the substrate at a first side, wherein a diaphragm is embedded in the structural dielectric layer. The substrate is patterned from a second side to form a cavity in corresponding to the diaphragm and a plurality of venting holes in the substrate. An isotropic etching process is performed from the first side and the second side of the substrate via vent holes to remove a dielectric portion of the structural dielectric layer for exposing a central portion of the diaphragm while an end portion is held by a residue portion of the structural dielectric layer.
US08093118B2 Semiconductor structure and method of forming the same
A semiconductor structure and a method of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a resistor and a metal gate structure. The substrate has a first area and a second area. The resistor is disposed in the first area, wherein the resistor does not include any metal layer. The metal gate structure is disposed in the second area.
US08093116B2 Method for N/P patterning in a gate last process
A method is provided that includes providing a substrate, forming a first gate structure in a first region and a second gate structure in a second region, the first and second gate structures each including a high-k dielectric layer, a silicon layer, and a hard mask layer, where the silicon layer of the first gate structure has a different thickness than the silicon layer of the second gate structure, forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) over the first and second gate structures, performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) on the ILD, removing the silicon layer from the first gate structure thereby forming a first trench, forming a first metal layer to fill in the first trench, removing the hard mask layer and the silicon layer from the second gate structure thereby forming a second trench, and forming a second metal layer to fill in the second trench.
US08093115B2 Tuning of SOI substrate doping
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method comprising: taking an SOI substrate comprising a bulk substrate, a buried insulating layer and an active layer, and implanting the bulk substrate from the side of and through the insulating layer and the active layer so as to generate an area having an increased doping concentration in the bulk substrate at the interface between the bulk substrate and the insulating layer.
US08093113B2 Array substrate for LCD and method of fabrication thereof
A liquid crystal display array substrate. A trench is in a substrate. A gate, a gate dielectric layer, a semiconductor layer and a doped semiconductor layer are disposed in the trench, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises a channel. A source electrode and a drain electrode are respectively electrically connected to portions of the semiconductor layer on opposite sides of the channel.
US08093109B2 Method for forming semiconductor thin film and method for manufacturing electronic device
A method for forming a semiconductor thin film includes the steps of applying an inorganic semiconductor fine particle-dispersion solution on a substrate and drying the coating to form a semiconductor fine particle layer, and immersing the semiconductor fine particle layer in a solution to form a semiconductor thin film.
US08093106B2 Method for manufacturing packaging structure
This invention relates to a packaging structure and method for manufacturing the packaging structure. The packaging structure comprises a substrate film, a plurality of chips, a compound resin layer and a support layer. The substrate film is formed with circuits having a plurality of terminals exposed from a solder mask. The chips, each of which has a plurality of pads, under bump metals (UBMs) formed on the pads, and composite bumps disposed onto the UBMs, are bonded onto the substrate film to form the first tape. The second tape comprises the support layer and the compound resin layer formed on the support layer. The first tape and the second tape are both in reel-form and are expanded towards a pair of rollers to be heated and pressurized for encapsulating the chips.
US08093098B2 Post-processing treatment of conductive polymers to enhance electrical conductivity
A method for enhancing electrical conductivity of a film which includes at least one conductive polymer. The method includes providing the film comprising the at least one conductive polymer and at least one polymer acid, agitating the film in at least one reagent; and, placing the film on a heated surface. The at least one reagent includes a reagent acid that is stronger than the polymer acid. The conductivity of the treated film is significantly greater than the conductivity of the untreated film.
US08093094B2 Blocking contacts for N-type cadmium zinc telluride
A process for applying blocking contacts on an n-type CdZnTe specimen includes cleaning the CdZnTe specimen; etching the CdZnTe specimen; chemically surface treating the CdZnTe specimen; and depositing blocking metal on at least one of a cathode surface and an anode surface of the CdZnTe specimen.
US08093092B2 Techniques for glass attachment in an image sensor package
A low-cost wafer-level packaging (WLP) method for attaching glass to optical image-sensor devices on a semiconductor wafer in order to increase the yield of image-sensor modules during later steps of assembly. One embodiment relates to applications with image-sensors (and microlenses) fabricated on a wafer. A glass wafer is singulated, aligned to mirror the die pattern on an image-sensor wafer, and then bonded to the image-sensor wafer such that optical adhesive forms a layer between the each image-sensor and its glass cover. Another embodiment applies cavity walls to singulated glass covers, which are then attached to image sensors which may be formed on a single wafer. The wafer can then be singulated and a plurality of image sensor packages is formed.
US08093083B1 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device
In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device. The device includes a crystal layer including a nitride semiconductor. The crystal layer contains In and Ga atoms. The method can include forming the crystal layer by supplying a source gas including a first molecule including Ga atoms and a second molecule including In atoms onto a base body. The crystal layer has a ratio xs of a number of the In atoms to a total of the In atoms and the Ga atoms being not less than 0.2 and not more than 0.4. A vapor phase supply ratio xv of In is a ratio of a second partial pressure to a total of first and second partial pressures. The first and second partial pressures are pressure of the first and second molecules and degradation species of the first and second molecules on the source gas, respectively. (1−1/xv)/(1−1/xs) is less than 0.1.
US08093081B2 Device of light-emitting diode and method for fabricating the same
A device of a light-emitting diode and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The LED device is made by forming a patterned epitaxial layer, a light-emitting structure, etc., on a substrate. In a subsequent process, the patterned epitaxial layer serves as a weakened structure, and can be automatically broken and a rough surface is thus formed. The weakened structure is formed with a specified height, and has pillar structures. The light-emitting structure is formed on the weakened structure. During a cooling process at room temperature, the weakened structure is automatically broken and a rough surface is thus formed.
US08093078B2 Photoelectric device, method of fabricating the same and packaging apparatus for the same
A method for fabricating a photoelectric device initially provides a ceramic substrate comprising a thermal dissipation layer on a bottom layer of the ceramic substrate, an electrode layer on the top surface of the ceramic substrate, and a reflective structure in cavities of the ceramic substrate. Next, a plurality of photoelectric dies is disposed on the top surface of the ceramic substrate. Then, a first packaging layer is formed on the top surfaces of the photoelectric dies. Next, the ceramic substrate is placed between an upper mold and a lower mold. Finally, a plurality of lenses is formed on the top surface of the first packaging layer by using an injection molding technique or a transfer molding technique.
US08093075B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit including a power supply, semiconductor system including a semiconductor integrated circuit, and method of forming a semiconductor integrated circuit
Provided are a semiconductor integrated circuit including a power supply, a semiconductor system including the semiconductor integrated circuit, and a method of forming the semiconductor integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a semiconductor substrate on a surface of which a plurality of electrical circuits and a plurality of power pads are mounted; an insulation layer stacked on the semiconductor substrate; a first conductive layer connected to a first power pad by a first via and stacked on the insulation layer; a second conductive layer connected to a second power pad by a second via, stacked on the insulation layer, and separated from the first insulation layer; and a power generation layer stacked on the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and that generates voltage.
US08093074B2 Analysis method for semiconductor device
An analysis method for a semiconductor device is described. The semiconductor device having an abnormal region is provided. Thereafter, a focused ion beam microscope analysis process is performed to the abnormal region, wherein the result of the focused ion beam microscope analysis process shows that the abnormal region has a defect therein. After the focused ion beam microscope analysis process, an electrical property measurement step is performed to the abnormal region, so as to determine whether the defect in the abnormal region is a device failure root cause or not.
US08093073B2 Manufacturing method of a tray, a socket for inspection, and a semiconductor device
The yield of semiconductor devices is to be enhanced. A tray is provided with a plurality of pockets each capable of accommodating a wafer level CSP, and each of the pockets is provided with a base for supporting a plurality of bumps of the wafer level CSP and side walls formed around the base. In the step-to-step carriage in the post-production process of the manufacture of wafer level CSPs and on like occasions, the base supports not the organic film but the plurality of solder bumps. For this reason, it is made possible to prevent the organic film from being flawed or coming off and adhering to the product as foreign matter, and as a result the quality and yield of the wafer level CSPs (semiconductor devices) can be improved.
US08093072B2 Substrate processing apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided are a substrate processing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which shape variations of discharge electrodes can be early detected so as to prevent a film having a non-uniform thickness from being formed on a substrate. The substrate processing apparatus includes a process chamber configured to stack a plurality of substrates therein, a gas supply unit configured to supply gas to an inside of the process chamber, at least one pair of electrodes installed in the process chamber and configured to receive high-frequency power to generate plasma that excites the gas supplied to the inside of the process chamber, and a monitoring system configured to monitor a shape variation of the electrodes.
US08093070B2 Method for leakage reduction in fabrication of high-density FRAM arrays
A method is provided for fabricating a ferroelectric capacitor structure including a method for etching and cleaning patterned ferroelectric capacitor structures in a semiconductor device. The method comprises etching portions of an upper electrode, etching ferroelectric material, and etching a lower electrode to define a patterned ferroelectric capacitor structure, and etching a portion of a lower electrode diffusion barrier structure. The method further comprises ashing the patterned ferroelectric capacitor structure using a first ashing process, where the ash comprises an oxygen/nitrogen/water-containing ash, performing a wet clean process after the first ashing process, and ashing the patterned ferroelectric capacitor structure using a second ashing process.
US08093069B2 Functionalized nitride nanomaterials for electrochemistry and biosensor applications
This invention refers to surface modification/functionalization of Nitride nanomaterials and electrochemistry and optical measurement based upon such functionalized Nitride materials. With this invention a variety of bio-molecules such as DNA, protein, and antigens can be immobilized on the surface for measurement to realize ultra-sensitive chemical- and bio-sensing applications.
US08093067B2 Magnetic immunodiagnostic method for the demonstration of antibody/antigen complexes especially of blood groups
The invention relates to a magnetic immunodiagnostic method for the demonstration of antibody-antigen complexes. One such method involves the research and/or identification of antibodies or antigens, preferably anti-antigen antibodies or antigens of a blood group, and comprises a suspension of magnetic particles coated with antigens that can be carried by cells such as erythrocytes. The invention also relates to a device and a kit for carrying out one such method.
US08093061B2 Methods of determining potency of chemically-synthesized oligonucleotides
Provided herein are methods for determining potency of RNAi agents. Such methods include, but are not limited to, cell-based and cell-free assays that measure binding of an RNAi agent with Ago2 or that measure Ago2 activity in the presence of such RNAi agents. Also provided are assays that determine potency of RNAi agents by assessing their ability to compete with other RNAi agents, including control RNAi agents, for binding and/or activation of Ago2.
US08093053B2 Methods and compositions for culturing of neural precursor cells
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the propagation and expansion of neural precursor cells (NPCs). NPCs may be used in the clinical implementation of stem cell therapy to treat disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, neuropathic pain and other diseases of the central nervous system. The large-scale production of NPCs in bioreactors allows for the generation of clinical quantities of these cells.
US08093051B2 Method for isolation of inner cell mass and method of preparation of embryonic stem cell lines using inner cell mass isolated by the same
A method for isolation of an inner cell mass and a method for preparation of embryonic stem cell lines using the inner cell mass isolated by the same. A blastocyst being free from a zona pellucida removed therefrom is placed on a feeder cell, and a micro cover glass is put on the blastocyst to apply pressure caused by a weight of the micro cover glass, to the blastocyst for a desired time, so that the inner cell mass may be obtained with considerably improved yield compared to conventional methods, and therefore, an embryonic stem cell line may be efficiently established and proliferated.
US08093049B2 Differentiation of primate pluripotent stem cells to hematopoietic lineage cells
The invention provides methods of differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells into cells of hematopoietic lineage. The invention further provides hematopoietic lineage cells differentiated from primate pluripotent stem cells, as well as methods of using the same and kits comprising the same.
US08093043B2 β-TrCP1, β-TrCP2 and RSK1 or RSK2 inhibitors and methods for sensitizing target cells to apoptosis
The invention relates to modulating BimEL levels (Bcl-2-Interacting Mediator of cell death, Extra Long isoform) to sensitize cancer cells to cell death or apoptosis. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to increasing BimEL levels. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to inhibitors of at least one of β-TrCP1/2 or RSK1/2 proteins that sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy-induced death or apoptosis. Additionally, the invention relates to cancer therapies, diagnostics, and methods for identifying novel drugs or drug candidates for increasing BimEL levels.
US08093041B1 Method and apparatus for membrane-based, two-stage gas production from solid biomaterials
Embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to a method and apparatus for a two-stage membrane-based production of gas, preferably hydrogen gas or the like, from solid biological materials, preferably organic waste materials or the like, comprising anaerobic hydrolysis and fermentation and photofermentation using microorganisms.
US08093039B2 Surfaces differentially adhesive to eukaryotic cells and non-eukaryotic cells
A surface coating comprises a primer coat that permits adhesion of eukaryotic cells thereto, and a plurality of macromolecular structures attached to the primer coat. At least some of the macromolecular structures have a cell-resistant character, meaning that cells generally will not adhere to them. The macromolecular structures are distributed across an area of the primer coat so that the surface coating permits adhesion of the eukaryotic cells to the primer layer and resists the adhesion of non-eukaryotic cells. Typically, the primer coat comprises a self-assembled polymeric monolayer and the macromolecular structures comprise nanoscale hydrogels. Such surface coatings may be formed on articles of manufacture for insertion into the body, such as orthopedic devices.
US08093036B2 Methods for producing hyaluronan in a recombinant host cell
The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; and (b) recovering the hyaluronic acid from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a hyaluronan synthase operon comprising a hyaluronan synthase gene and a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase gene, and optionally one or more genes selected from the group consisting of a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene. The present invention also relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase.
US08093034B2 Fed batch culture methods for streptococci
This invention relates to the optimization of culture conditions to improve the production of bacterial capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus strains in fed-batch culture.
US08093033B2 Multi plasmid system for the production of influenza virus
Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. In addition, the present invention includes an improved method of rescue, wherein animal cells (e.g., SF Vero cells) are electroporated with plasmids and vectors of the invention.
US08093032B2 Mutants of streptokinase and their covalently modified forms
The present invention relates to novel mutants of Streptokinase, its functional fragments and covalently modified forms. Methods are provided for the preparation of the bacterial plasminogen activator protein, Streptokinase its muteins, species variants and their covalently modified variants that are characterized by improved therapeutic properties, such as increased proteolytic stability, extended plasma half-lives, reduced immuno-reactivity and enhanced fibrin clot specificity. The method involves either incorporating additional cysteine residues, or substituting cysteine residues for naturally occurring amino acids into non-essential regions of the protein such that the catalytic activity of the resultant protein remains largely unaltered. These cysteine variants were further modified by covalently attaching a cysteine reactive polymer such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or sulfhydryl-reactive moieties from a group that includes fluorophore, spin labels or other small conjugates. Disclosed herein are site-specific biologically active conjugates of Streptokinases and its covalently modified variants.
US08093029B2 Bilirubin oxidase mutant having thermal stability
A heat-resistant bilirubin oxidase mutant is disclosed. The bilirubin oxidase mutant is obtained by deletion, replacement, addition or insertion of at least one amino acid residue of a wild type amino sequence of SEQ. ID. No. 1 of a bilirubin oxidase derived from an imperfect filamentous fungus, Myrothecium verrucaria. A biocathode including a thermo stable bilirubin oxidase mutant immobilized thereon, and its use in a biofuel cell is disclosed.
US08093027B2 Method for producing biocomposite comprising collagen and polymer
The present invention concerns a biocomposite useful in artificial tissue replacement, methods for its production, and methods of use. The biocomposite can be implanted into humans or animals as an artificial tissue for treatment of a tissue defect. The biocomposite can be formed or manipulated into a desired shape for implantation.
US08093026B2 Method for transporting or storing a protein, a virus, a prokaryotic cell, or an eukaryotic cell
The magnetic colloidal particles comprise a core and an envelope in which the core is magnetic and is coated with at least one polymer comprising functional groups X chosen from amine, hydroxyl, thiol, aldehyde, ester, anhydride, acid chloride, carbonate, carbamate, isocyanate and isothiocyanate groups, or mixtures thereof, at least one fraction of which has reacted with other functional groups of the envelope, and the envelope comprises a polymer bearing ionizable functional groups, Z and Z′, which may be identical or different, chosen from amine, carboxylic acid, ester, anhydride, aldehyde, thiol, disulfide, α-halocarbonyl, sulfonic acid, maleimide, isocyanate and isothiocyanate groups, which have partially reacted with the functional groups X of the core. These magnetic colloidal particles can be used to isolate biological material.
US08093021B2 Defective sindbis viral vectors
Disclosed herein are new defective Sindbis viral vectors made from a novel Helper plasmid, with differences in envelope proteins between JT vectors and consensus Sindbis virus sequences, and also between JT and Ar-339 vectors. Also disclosed are vectors produced using the plasmid, methods for producing the vectors, methods for treating mammals suffering from tumors and pharmaceutical formulations for use in the treatment methods.
US08093020B2 Allelic discrimination analysis using an efficiency related value (EFR)
In various embodiments this invention provides novel methods for discriminating two or more different target nucleic acids. In certain embodiments the methods comprise providing data amplification reactions comprising reagents to amplify two or more different target nucleic acids where the data comprise signals comprising an amplitude measurement representing the degree of amplification of each target nucleic acid in the amplification reaction and the time point in the amplification reaction at which the amplitude is measured; determining an efficiency related transform of the data, determining an efficiency related value for each target nucleic acid that is the maximum magnitude of the efficiency related transform; and outputting the efficiency related values in the amplification reaction for each target nucleic acid, where the relative amplitudes of the efficiency related values for each target nucleic acid is an indicator of the presence of each of said nucleic acids in said sample.
US08093018B2 Antibody identifying an antigen-bound antibody and an antigen-unbound antibody, and method for preparing the same
The present invention relates to an antibody that recognizes a first antibody, the antibody specifically recognizing one of a free first antibody and an antigen-binding first antibody. More specifically, the above antibody is a domino antibody that specifically recognizes and binds to an antigen-binding first antibody, or an antibody-unlocking antibody that specifically recognizes and binds to a free first antibody.
US08093015B2 Method for determining the viability of cells in cell cultures
The invention relates to a method for determining the viability of cells in cell cultures, said method comprising the steps of: coloring the sample with a dye which can penetrate into individual cells depending on the viability of the latter, determining the proportions of cells which are colored to differing extents. The invention is distinguished by virtue of the fact that a cell suspension of the colored cells is centrifuged as a sample in a sample vessel (10) until the solid content present in the sample has settled as a compressed cell cake (13), and, in order to determine the proportions, the volumes of differently colored sections (131, 132, 133) of the compressed cell cake (13) are determined as a measure of the proportions of cells of different viability.
US08093010B2 Angiogenesis inhibiting molecules, their selection, production and their use in the treatment of cancer
The present invention relates to a method for providing molecules that are capable of inhibiting angiogenesis, comprising the steps of providing a range of molecules; testing whether these molecules can prevent interaction between JAM-B and JAM-C; testing the positive molecules for their ability to block angiogenesis in vivo; and selecting molecules that are positive in the angiogenesis test as angiogenesis inhibiting molecules. The method may further comprise the step of isolating or producing the angiogenesis inhibiting molecules. The invention further relates to the angiogenesis inhibiting molecules thus provided and produced, to their use in the treatment of cancer, to therapeutical compositions comprising them. In a particular embodiment the invention relates to monoclonal antibodies, in particular Mab H33, to soluble JAM-C and JAM-B and to small molecules.
US08093009B2 Mass spectrometric methods and products
The invention involves assays, diagnostics, kits, and assay components for mass spectrometry and other methods to determine levels of glycated CD59 in subjects.
US08093006B2 Antibodies against human tweak and uses thereof
An antibody binding to TWEAK comprising as heavy chain variable domain a CDR3H selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8, 16 or 24.
US08093002B2 Amplicon melting analysis with saturation dyes
Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid that is at least partially double stranded is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye having a percent saturation of at least 50% to form a mixture. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is amplified in the presence of the dsDNA binding dye, and in another embodiment a melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.
US08092998B2 Biomarkers predictive of the responsiveness to TNFα inhibitors in autoimmune disorders
The invention provides methods for predicting responsiveness to TNFα inhibitors in a subject suffering from an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The methods involve assaying for expression of one or more biomarkers in the subject that are predictive of responsiveness to TNFα inhibitors. A preferred biomarker of the invention is CD11c. The methods can further comprise selecting a treatment regimen with a TNFα inhibitor in an autoimmune disorder subject based upon expression of the biomarker(s) in the subject. The methods can further comprise administering a TNFα inhibitor to the subject according to the selected treatment regimen. Kits that include means for measuring expression of one or more biomarkers that are predictive of responsiveness to TNFα inhibitors for an autoimmune disorder are also provided. Methods of preparing and using databases, and computer program products therefore, for selecting an autoimmune disorder subject for treatment with a TNFα inhibitor are also provided.
US08092995B2 Expressed pseudogene regulates gene expression
Selective expression of a pseudogene of myosin light chain kinase is found in cancer cells and tissues but not in normal cells and tissues. The pseudogene is expressed, and when expressed it inhibits expression of the ancestral myosin light chain kinase. This widespread expression among cancer cell types and the selective expression in cancer cells versus normal cells opens the door to many diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
US08092993B2 Hydrogel thin film for use as a biosensor
The present disclosure provides a biosensor capable of producing an indicator response upon detection of the presence of certain metabolites in a biological sample. The biosensor includes a hydrogel that is functionalized with affinity molecules specific to markers for one or more pathogens. The biosensor also includes a detection system adapted to detect the binding the pathogen-specific markers with their corresponding affinity molecules.
US08092985B2 Method of making a planographic printing plate
The invention relates to a method of making a planographic printing plate comprising a substrate having thereon one or more layers of a radiation-sensitive metal oxide, sulfide or nitride and excluding an organic hydrophobic material or a binder within or above a radiation-sensitive layer, the method comprising depositing the one or more layers of the radiation-sensitive metal oxide, sulfide or nitride by vapor deposition and exposing the one or more layers without that exposure causing ablative effect. Preferably the compound, and in particular a metal oxide, such as titanium dioxide, is deposited by atomic layer deposition at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of from 20° C. to 300° C. at a layer thickness of less than 100 nm. The substrate can be any planar material, preferably with the potential to be flexible and with a surface that can be roughened or textured. No binder is required to adhere the metal compound to the printing plate and no processing or chemicals are required in the preparation of the plate.
US08092984B2 Lithographic printing plate having specific polymeric binders
Negative lithographic printing plate having on a substrate a photosensitive layer comprising an alkaline soluble polymeric binder, an alkaline insoluble polymeric binder, a polymerizable monomer, and an initiator is described. The photosensitive layer is imagewise exposed with a radiation to cause hardening in the exposed areas, and then developed to remove the non-hardened areas. The combination of both alkaline soluble polymeric binder and alkaline insoluble polymeric binder in a photosensitive layer can give excellent combined durability, developability, and coatability.
US08092982B2 Photosensitive paste composition, barrier rib prepared using the composition and plasma display panel comprising the barrier rib
Photosensitive paste compositions, barrier ribs of plasma display panels (PDPs) prepared using the same, and PDPs including the barrier ribs are provided. The photosensitive paste composition includes an organic-inorganic complex sol and an inorganic material, wherein the average refractive index (N1) of the organic-inorganic complex sol and the average refractive index (N2) of the inorganic material satisfy the equation −0.2≦N1−N2≦0.2. Using the photosensitive paste composition, patterned barrier ribs for PDPs having high resolution and high precision can be made by exposure to light only once. Barrier ribs having higher reflective indices than conventional barrier ribs can also be obtained.
US08092964B2 Toner
Disclosed is a toner comprising a resin and a colorant, wherein the colorant comprises a compound represented by formula (I) and a compound represented by formula (II).
US08092963B2 Toner compositions
The present disclosure provides processes for producing images of excellent color fidelity when incorporating a magenta toner with a lower colorant loading in addition to a first magenta toner. In embodiments, the magenta pigmented particles may be magenta emulsion aggregation toners. In accordance with the present disclosure, a pair of magenta toners are matched in color, wherein the color of a first magenta toner printed at a predetermined halftone area coverage on a substrate substantially matches the color of the solid (100%) printed patch of the second magenta toner, which is lighter than the first magenta toner, thus avoiding a visible hue shift on the print that would otherwise be objectionable. In embodiments, the light magenta toner is color matched by adding a hue-adjusting colorant or combination of colorants which absorb wavelengths of light between 400 and 500 nanometers, and optionally adding a shade-adjusting colorant or combination of colorants which absorb wavelengths of light between 600 and 700 nanometers.
US08092960B2 Exposing mask and production method therefor and exposing method
An exposure mask forms a three-dimensional shape in simple structure and obtainable sufficient number of gray scales by exposure. In an exposure mask (M) for use in an exposure apparatus (S), the present invention is provided such that a plurality of pattern blocks constituted by a pair of a light blocking pattern blocking light emitted from the exposure apparatus (S) and a transmissive pattern transmitting the light are continuously arranged while a pitch of the continuous pattern blocks is constant and a ratio of the light blocking pattern to the transmissive pattern is varied gradually.
US08092955B2 Fuel cell having fuel tank directly attached to anode allowing pump-free fuel delivery
The present invention provides improved, low-cost fuel cells having reduced fuel crossover, reduced sensitivity to metal ion impurities and ability to operate under a broad range of temperatures. The invention further provides improved methods for catalyst preparation and a new integrated flow field system for use in H2/O2 fuel cells.
US08092954B2 Method of making a fuel cell polymer electrolyte membrane comprising manganese oxide
Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising manganese oxides which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are provided.
US08092949B2 Fuel cell system with fuel conversion reactor
Disclosed are a fuel reforming system and a fuel cell system having the same, which comprises a reformer to generate a reformed gas mainly containing hydrogen from a hydrogen containing fuel; and a CO remover to remove carbon monoxide from the reformed gas, wherein a ratio of an opening area of an inlet to an opening area of an outlet ranges from 1:1.5 to 1:3. Thus, the opening area of the inlet for the reforming fuel is larger than that of the outlet for the reformed gas, so that the reformed gas is smoothly discharged from the reformer without stagnating in the channel, thereby enhancing the reforming efficiency of the reformer.
US08092947B1 Fuel cell system
Provided is a fuel cell system that performs a warm-up operation by reducing a supply of oxidant gas to a fuel cell, the system having: a fuel cell; and a control unit that regulates amounts of oxidant gas and fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell and controls a power-generation state of the fuel cell. During the warm-up operation with a reduced supply of oxidant gas to the fuel cell, the control unit varies a voltage of the fuel cell for a short period of time to obtain current-voltage characteristics which indicate a relationship of an output voltage and an output current of the fuel cell, calculates an effective catalyst area of the fuel cell based on the obtained current-voltage characteristics, and determines whether the warm-up operation of the fuel cell can be stopped or not based on the calculated effective catalyst area.
US08092946B2 Fuel cell system and control method of the system
Disclosed is a fuel cell system capable of stabilizing the power generation state of a fuel cell for a period of transition from a power generation stop state during an intermittent operation or the like to a usual operation. The fuel cell system supplies a fuel gas from a fuel supply source to a fuel cell to generate a power, and comprises output limit means for limiting the output of the fuel cell after shift from the power generation stop state of the fuel cell to a power generation state. The output limit means subtracts the flow rate of the fuel gas used to recover the pressure of the fuel gas in the power generation stop state to the pressure of the fuel gas in the power generation state from the total flow rate of the fuel gas supplied from the fuel supply source after the shift from the power generation stop state to the power generation state, to calculate the flow rate of the fuel gas actually supplied to the fuel cell after the shift from the power generation stop state to the power generation state, thereby limiting the output of the fuel cell by use of an output current value corresponding to the calculated flow rate as an upper limit.
US08092945B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a stack body that is formed by stacking a membrane-electrode assembly and a separator. The membrane-electrode assembly includes electrolyte layer and electrode layers one of which is provided on one side of the electrolyte layer and the other of which is provided on the other side of the electrolyte layer. Ions having the ability to decompose hydrogen peroxide are supplied to the membrane-electrode assembly.
US08092943B2 Fuel cell system with improved fuel recirculation
A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack, a fuel recirculation line provided with a jet pump and a valve controlled by a control unit based on the anode-cathode pressure differential such that the valve is closed to reduce or stop fuel supply when the anode-cathode pressure differential reaches a predetermined value, and opened again to circulate more fuel through the jet pump when the pressure differential is below a predetermined value, to create a pulsed fuel supply that improves the fuel recirculation at low loads and ensures adequate water removal from the anode flow field channels.
US08092939B2 Manganese dry battery containing an anode zinc can made of zinc and bismuth
A virtually lead additive-free but highly reliable and practical anode zinc can for a battery with improved process-ability and corrosion resistance. A manganese dry battery comprising such a zinc can. A manufacturing method for making the zinc can and a battery.
US08092930B2 Chromium nitride film layer
In a recording medium, a CrN film layer comprising a B1 phase crystal structure.
US08092929B2 Optical element and exposure apparatus
An optical element is configured to have a base composed of a LuAg substrate having a refractive index of 2.14±0.01 for a wavelength of 193 nm and an antireflection film formed on the base, and the optical element being configured to contact a liquid having a refractive index of 1.64±0.01 for the wavelength of 193 nm. The antireflection film includes a high refractive index layer that is formed on the base, contains Al2O3 having a refractive index of 1.87 to 1.92 for the wavelength of 193 nm, and has an optical film thickness of 0.21λ to 0.34λ for a design center wavelength λ of 193 nm and a low refractive index layer that is closer to the liquid than the high refractive index layer, contains Al2O3 having a refractive index equal to or smaller than 1.78 but larger than the refractive index of the liquid for the wavelength of 193 nm, and has an optical film thickness of 0.29λ to 0.52λ at the design center wavelength λ.
US08092925B2 Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device comprising: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic compound layer including a light emitting layer between the pair of electrodes, wherein the light emitting layer contains a host material and a light emitting material, and wherein the host material contains a metal complex having a tridentate or more ligand.
US08092924B2 Triphenylene hosts in phosphorescent light emitting diodes
An organic emissive layer is provided. Also provided is a device in which the organic emissive layer is disposed between an anode and a cathode. The organic emissive layer includes a phosphorescent material and triphenylene compound or a compound having a repeat unit having a triphenylene moiety. The triphenylene is optionally substituted. The substituents may be the same or different and each is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, fused aryl, substituted aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and heteroalkyl. Triphenylene compounds are also provided.
US08092923B2 Corrosion resistant spacer
An interface device is provided that is insertable at a junction between a first device comprising a first metal and a second device comprising a second metal that is dissimilar to the first metal. The interface device comprises at least one layer comprising an alloy of the first metal and the second metal and having a functionally gradient composition operative to reduce a galvanic effect between the first and second devices.
US08092919B2 Toughened polyacetal compositions and blends having low surface gloss
Polyacetal compositions and blends toughened with polyvinylbutyral having enhanced adhesive surface properties, including enhanced surface adhesion and low surface gloss, are disclosed. Also disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising the polyacetal compositions described herein.
US08092918B2 Polyamide matrices and methods for their preparation and use
The invention provides novel polymer matrices and methods for preparing polymer matrices, as well as methods for purifying caustic feed streams using membranes that comprise polysulfonamide matrices.
US08092915B2 Products produced by a process for diffusing titanium and nitride into a material having generally compact, granular microstructure
A method for diffusing titanium and nitride into a base material having a generally compact, granular microstructure (e.g., carbide). The method generally includes the steps of providing a base material having a generally compact, granular microstructure; providing a salt bath which includes sodium dioxide and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate and potassium cyanate; dispersing metallic titanium formed by electrolysis of a titanium compound in the bath; heating the salt bath to a temperature ranging from about 430° C. to about 670° C.; and soaking the base material in the salt bath for a time of from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the base material may further be treated with conventional surface treatments or coatings.
US08092912B2 Window with anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal feature and method of making same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a window having anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties and/or self-cleaning properties, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a silver based layer is be provided and the layer(s) located thereover (e.g., the zirconium oxide inclusive layer) are designed to permit silver particles to migrate/diffuse to the surface over time to kill bacteria/germs at the surface of the coated article thereby creating an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal effect. In certain example embodiments, silver may also or instead be mixed in with other material as the top layer of the anti-bacterial coating.
US08092911B2 Extended firing range enamels to produce frost effects
The invention provides an enamel composition that imparts a frosted appearance to glass articles such as bottles and windows while allowing a wide firing range and maintaining consistent properties such as gloss and light transmittance. The composition comprises a zinc borosilicate glass frit with one or more crystalline materials added thereto.
US08092910B2 Reinforced silicone resin film and method of preparing same
A method of preparing a reinforced silicone resin film, the method comprising the steps of impregnating a fiber reinforcement in a hydrosilylation-curable silicone composition comprising a silicone resin, and heating the impregnated fiber reinforcement at a temperature sufficient to cure the silicone resin, wherein the reinforced silicone resin film comprises from 10 to 99% (w/w) of the cured silicone resin and the film has a thickness of from 15 to 500 μm; and a reinforced silicone resin film prepared according to the method.
US08092908B2 Graphite film and graphite composite film
An object of the present invention is to provide a graphite film, and a graphite composite film both having an excellent thermal diffusivity which can sufficiently manage heat dissipation of electronic instruments, precision instruments and the like, along with an excellent flex resistance which can withstand application to bent portions.Means for Resolution of the present invention is a graphite film exhibiting the number of reciprocal foldings being 10,000 times or more as measured using a rectangular strip test piece having a width of 15 mm until the test piece breaks in a MIT folding endurance test under conditions of: a curvature radius R of the bending clamp being 2 mm; a left-and-right bending angle being 135°; a bending rate being 90 times/min; and a load being 0.98 N.
US08092903B2 Shaped bodies made of powders or granulated metal, method for the production thereof and their use
A shaped body, particularly a sorbent shaped body, made of microporous and mesoporous adsorbents and of composite adsorbents is provided for, which shaped body employs a reduced proportion of binding agents. The binding agent added to the shaped body solidifies under the application of force, under which force non-uniformly distributed cavities are formed. The proportion of binding agent on the support forming the wall of the shaped body is higher than the proportion of binding agent inside the shaped body. By using modified alumosilicates and/or aluminum silicates with fluidic action during materials exchange and heat exchange, the shaped body provides for high space-time yields while storing heat and cold.
US08092898B2 Water-repellent arrangement for LCD display of industrial computer
A resilient hollow, rectangular water-repellent structure for an industrial computer, the water-repellent structure comprising in combination a peripheral groove formed between an LCD display of the industrial computer and a housing thereof, the groove having peripheral parallel mating members on either side wall; an outer member; and an inner member having a rectangular cross-section with a first shoulder formed between a front end thereof and the outer member, and a second shoulder formed between a rear end thereof and the outer member, the inner member comprising peripheral parallel corresponding mating members on each of front and rear ends thereof. The corresponding mating members are securely engaged with the mating members with the LCD display being securely engaged the front end of the inner member and the outer member and the housing being securely engaged the rear end of the inner member and the outer member.
US08092895B2 Loop tape for hook/eye fastener
A laminated loop tape for a hook-and-loop fastener. The tape has a nonwoven textile support layer having an inner face, printing on the inner face, an at least partially transparent knitted cover layer having an inner face bearing on the support-layer inner face and an outer face provided with loops, and adhesive between the inner faces adhering the layers to each other.
US08092893B2 Safety place mat
A safety place mat designed to protect the user from injury due to inadvertent impact with the table or other rigid surface supporting the place mat. The place mat comprises a base panel upon which food and tableware may be placed. The base panel is surrounded by raised edges, which define a recessed base panel to contain spilled food and liquids. The proximal edge features an enhanced thickness for maximum protection against impact. A lip extends downwardly perpendicularly from the proximal edge to cushion the edge of the table. The proximal edge and lip can be curved to match the contour of a table or other support surface.
US08092883B2 Resin tank weld member
A resin tank weld member is a weld member that is to be welded to a resin tank that has a fuel permeation prevention function, for example, a pipe fitting, a fuel control valve such as a fuel escape prevention valve, an ORVR valve, etc., a pump, a filter device, etc. The resin tank weld member is formed from a single-layer material of a polyamide/polyolefin-based resin composition.
US08092873B2 Print medium for inkjet web press printing
A print medium suitable for inkjet web press printing is disclosed herein. The print medium includes a paper substrate and an ink-receiving layer coated onto at least one surface of the paper substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes: two different inorganic pigments with different particle sizes; a binder; a water-soluble metallic salt; and a colorant durability enhancer selected from the group consisting of boric acid, borax, sodium tetraborate, phenyl boronic acid, butyl boronic acid and combinations thereof.
US08092872B2 Optical film, antireflection film, and polarizing plate and display device using the same
An optical film includes a transparent support; and a hardcoat layer that is a layer formed by curing a coating solution containing (A) an octa- to pentadeca-functional urethane (meth)acrylate-based compound having a molecular weight of 800 to 2,000 and having two or more urethane bonds in its molecule, and a photopolymerization initiator.
US08092870B2 Preparation of metal oxide thin film via cyclic CVD or ALD
A cyclic deposition process to make a metal oxide film on a substrate, which comprises the steps: introducing a metal ketoiminate into a deposition chamber and depositing the metal ketoiminate on a heated substrate; purging the deposition chamber to remove unreacted metal ketominate and any byproduct; introducing an oxygen-containing source to the heated substrate; purging the deposition chamber to remove any unreacted chemical and byproduct; and, repeating the cyclic deposition process until a desired thickness of film is established.
US08092867B2 Silicon polymers, methods of polymerizing silicon compounds, and methods of forming thin films from such silicon polymers
Compositions and methods for controlled polymerization and/or oligomerization of hydrosilanes compounds including those of the general formulae SinH2n and SinH2n+2 as well as alkyl- and arylsilanes, to produce soluble silicon polymers as a precursor to silicon films having low carbon content.
US08092865B2 Method for the production of a building board and building board produced according to the method
A method for producing a building board. The method includes applying synthetic-resin layers to the top side and/or the bottom side of a support board made of a wood material or a mixture of wood material and plastic. The layered structure is compressed under the impact of pressure and temperature. At least one of the synthetic-resin layers expands during compressing.
US08092862B2 Method for forming dielectric film and method for forming capacitor in semiconductor device using the same
Provided is a method for forming a dielectric film in a semiconductor device, wherein the method can improve a dielectric characteristic and a leakage current characteristic. According to specific embodiments of the present invention, the method for forming a dielectric film includes: forming a zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) layer over a wafer in a predetermined thickness that does not allow continuous formation of the ZrO2 layer; and forming an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer over portions of the wafer where the ZrO2 layer is not formed, in a predetermined thickness that does not allow continuous formation of the Al2O3 layer.
US08092857B2 Thiophene derivative and organic electroluminescent element
The present invention provides a thiophene derivative useful for a material for forming an organic positive hole transport layer of an organic EL element excellent in light emitting efficiency, water resistance or the like, a polymer having the thiophene derivative as a monomer unit, and an organic EL element. The object can be solved by a thiophene derivative represented by the following formula (1), a polymer comprising the thiophene derivative, and an organic EL element, an organic positive hole transporting layer of which comprises the polymer: wherein, each “X” is a halogen atom, which may be same or different from each other; and “R” is an alkyl group.
US08092856B2 Method for patterning a medical device
The present disclosure provides a method for forming a color pattern on a medical device.
US08092854B2 Method of attaching an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate
A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.
US08092849B2 Baking mould
A baking apparatus or tin, particularly for baking bread, comprising an outer housing able to accommodate a first dough, and one or more insertable, separable sleeves able to accommodate at least a second dough.
US08092848B2 Packaging of respiring biological materials
Packaging of respiring biological materials, particularly bananas and other fruits, in sealed containers. The containers preferably include a gas-permeable membrane comprising (1) a microporous film, and (2) a polymeric coating on the microporous film. Using appropriate containers and appropriate controlled atmospheres around the container, the respiring materials can be stored and/or ripened under controlled conditions. Bananas can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the containers in which they have been transported. The ripe bananas are less dehydrated and remain in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time.
US08092847B2 Candy product and method of making same
A body (60) of hard candy is formed on a tubular stem (32) that extends from a reservoir/handle (12) in which an edible fluid (72) is contained. The outer end (36) of the tubular passageway (32) is open. A cover (70) is provided. It has an open end (71) which engages a base wall (40) and holds the cover (70) to the base wall (40). The cover (70) includes an end wall (74) which includes a plug (78) which enters into the end (60) of the tubular stem (32) when the cover (70) is installed. When the cover (70) is removed, a consumer may lick the candy (70) and may squeeze the reservoir/handle (12) to express edible fluid (72) out from the reservoir/handle (12), through the passageway (32) and into the consumer's mouth.
US08092844B2 Combinations of vasoactive agents and their use in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions
This invention relates to combinations of vasoactive substances which are useful in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions associated with poor local blood supply and/or insufficient lubrication. The active compounds are selected from a: esculoside or visnadine; forskolin or extracts containing it, or alternatively, purified lipophilic extracts of plants of the genus Ipomea; esters of ximenynic acid; optionally, at least one compound selected from a icarin or derivatives or extracts thereof which contain it, amentoflavone, and Gingko biloba dimeric flavones. The combination of these vasoactive substances is incorporated in gels and lotions designed to be applied to the genital organs. These formulations are useful in inducing erection of the male and female sex organs and enhancing orgasm and sexual performance. The formulations are particularly useful in the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions.
US08092843B2 Method and composition for cutaneous treatment of herpes simplex infections
A method for cutaneous treatment of Herpes simplex infections by applying topically to the area of outbreak a composition comprising at least 1% by weight D-Lenolate® olive leaf extract. A composition for treatment is also disclosed, containing, by weight, at least 1% D-Lenolate® olive leaf extract, 1-3% neem, 0.05-1% aloe and 0.05-1% menthol.
US08092841B2 Estrogenic extracts of Ligustrum lucidum ait. of the oleaceae family and uses thereof
Extracts of various species of the Moraceae family have estrogenic properties. For example, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. of the Oleaceae Family possess estrogenic properties in both ERα+ and ERβ+ cells. These estrogenic effects include estrogen response element (ERE) stimulation as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) repression. Methods are provided for treating climacteric symptoms, breast and/or uterine cancer, and osteoporosis.
US08092839B2 Medicament for treatment of cancer and other diseases
A medicament for treatment of cancer or other diseases by increasing cellular oxygenation is described wherein a composition of oils is used that provides a ratio of parent omega 6 to parent omega 3 that is greater than 1:1 and preferably within a range from about 1.1:1 to about 5:1. Most preferably, the ratio is about 2.6:1. The medicament may be administered via capsule or liquid form and preferably on a periodic basis, such as daily. In further embodiments, the medicament may be applied in topical ointment form.
US08092838B2 Use of hydrogen sulfide in the treatment of eye diseases
Topical administration of a generator of H2S in biological tissues for the treatment of eye disorders, such as glaucoma. NaHS caused a time-dependent decrease in intraocular pressure in normotensive, conscious albino rabbits indicating a similar role for H2S in the regulation of aqueous humor dynamics in animals and humans. H2S donors, NaHS and Na2S, inhibited field-stimulated [3H]NE release from porcine isolated iris-ciliary bodies and produced relaxation of pre-contracted iris muscle strips indicating a pharmacological role for H2S in the anterior uvea. The observation that donors of H2S can alter sympathetic neurotransmission and induce an inhibitory action on iris smooth muscle suggests that this gas has the potential to influence several physiological/pathological processes in the eye. The ability of NaHS or Na2S to inhibit [3H]NE release mimics the well-established action some antiglaucoma drugs (e.g. α2-adrenoceptor agonists, prostaglandins) on sympathetic neurotransmission in the anterior uvea and can be used to reduce IOP in animals and humans.
US08092837B2 Fibrin based glue with functionalized hydrophilic polymer protein binding agent
The present invention provides a non-liquid biomaterial that may be used as a surgical sealant, a suture support, a blood flow controller, an adhesion reducing agent, an adhesion preventing agent, a tissue support, a tissue filler, a wound dressing or a combination thereof. The non-liquid biomaterial may comprise a blood derived material such as plasma, platelet poor plasma, platelet rich plasma or a material derived from blood containing tissue aspirate, such as bone marrow aspirate, a protein binding agent and a polymerizing agent. Methods for making and using the non-liquid biomaterial are also provided.
US08092834B2 Composite powders and skin preparations for external use containing the same
A complex powder comprising an adsorption site and operation site, wherein said adsorption site attracts or adsorbs a specific enzyme, wherein said operation site inhibits or activates said enzyme, and wherein each of the both sites are appeared on the surface of the powder. In the complex powder described above, it is preferable that ζ-potential of the adsorption site at the pH employed is negative value, wherein said adsorption site attracts or adsorbs the specific enzyme whose ζ-potential is positive value, and wherein said adsorption site inhibits or activates said specific enzyme. And it is preferable that said adsorption site has ζ-potential at pH7.5 of −10 mV or below.In the complex powder described above, it is preferable that said specific enzyme is a plasminogen activator, and the operation site inhibits said plasminogen activator.The complex powder described above can be used as an external composition for improving a rough skin and an external composition for a sensitive skin.
US08092830B2 Lactic acid polymer and process for producing the same
A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.
US08092824B2 Antibiotic coating of implants
An antibiotic coating of implants is described, which is characterized in that the coating comprises at least one saturated, organic, hydrophobic, low molecular matrix former whose melting point is in the temperature range of 45° C. to 100° C., in which a low molecular, hydrophobic additive is dissolved and that an antibiotic/antibiotics is/are suspended in the mixture of matrix former and additive and/or in which an antibiotic/antibiotics miscible with a mixture of matrix former and additive is/are dissolved.
US08092823B2 Osteogenic implants with combined implant materials and methods for same
Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.
US08092819B2 Implantable medical device coated with a bioactive agent
The present invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a bioactive agent and poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) polymer. In one embodiment of the invention, the bioactive agent is a water-soluble material, such as an antisense agent.
US08092814B2 Cover material for an absorbent article including a skin care composition and an absorbent article having a cover material including a skin care composition
A cover material for an absorbent article including a fibrous nonwoven substrate, the substrate having a tortuousity value in the range of about 0.8 to about 3.0, and a particulate skin care material including a particulate material having a particle size in the range of about 1 micron to about 75 microns.
US08092813B1 Polychlorinated biphenyls and squalene-containing adjuvants
When using squalene in a vaccine adjuvant, there is a possibility of contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Environmental exposure to PCBs may adversely affect children's immune responses to routine vaccinations. Thus the invention uses squalene with low or no PCB contamination, particularly when derived from shark liver.
US08092805B2 Dual inhibitors of HIV-1 gp-120 interactions
Compounds, which inhibit the binding of gp120 to CD4 as well as 17b and methods for their use in inhibiting the HIV fusion process, are provided.
US08092802B2 High affinity human antibodies to human IL-4 receptor
The present invention provides methods for treating one or more diseases or disorders which are improved, inhibited or ameliorated by reducing interleukin-4 (IL-4) activity. The methods of the invention comprise administering to a patient an antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, which specifically binds to a human IL-4 receptor.
US08092800B2 Antibodies against Candida antigens
This invention relates to domain antibodies. In particular, it relates to domain antibodies (dAbs) that recognize virulence traits of Candida spp. and confer passive protection against candidiasis.
US08092793B2 Treating inflammatory bowel disease with live bacteria
This invention relates to using live beneficial bacteria for treating inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
US08092791B2 Method of producing herpes simplex virus amplicons, resulting amplicons, and their use
The present invention relates to a method for producing herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicon particles which includes co-transfecting a host cell with the following: (i) an amplicon vector comprising an HSV origin of replication, an HSV cleavage/packaging signal, and a heterologous transgene expressible in a patient, (ii) one or more vectors individually or collectively encoding all essential HSV genes but excluding all cleavage/packaging signals, and (iii) a vhs expression vector encoding a virion host shutoff protein; and then isolating HSV amplicon particles produced by the host cell, the HSV amplicon particles including the transgene. Also disclosed are a system and a kit for preparing HSV amplicon particles, HSV amplicon particles prepared according to the process of the present invention, and their use.
US08092790B2 Methods of making formulations to affect insect behavior and/or bird behavior
Various exemplary compounds, compositions, methods and devices are disclosed. An exemplary composition or formulation includes methyl anthranilate, fatty acid and an amine such as, but not limited to, monoethanolamine or triethanolamine. Such an exemplary composition is optionally an emulsion. An exemplary method applies an exemplary compound to an insect nest. Such an exemplary compound may be in a composition or formulation. Exemplary compounds optionally include semiochemicals of insects, plants and/or animals. Other exemplary compounds, compositions, methods and devices are also disclosed.
US08092784B2 Enzyme substrate comprising a functional dye and associated technology and methods
Enzyme substrates and associated technology of the present invention are provided. An enzyme substrate of the invention may comprise a biologically functional fluorescent dye and an enzyme-specific substrate moiety attached in such a way that the functionality of the functional dye is diminished. An enzymatic reaction may cleave at least a portion of the substrate moiety from the enzyme substrate to provide a more functional product dye. This product dye may be nonfluorescent or weakly fluorescent, in general, and relatively fluorescent, in a particular condition, such as when bound to a partner biological molecule or an assembly of partner biological molecules. An enzyme substrate of the present invention may thus be useful in fluorescence detection, and/or in any of a variety of useful applications, such as the detection of enzymatic activity in a cell-free system or in a living cell, the screening of drugs, or the diagnosis of disease.
US08092780B2 Polyvalent conjugate vaccine for cancer
This invention provides a polyvalent vaccine comprising at least two conjugated antigens selected from a group containing glycolipid antigen, polysaccharide antigen, mucin antigen, glycosylated mucin antigen and an appropriate adjuvant. This invention also provides a multivalent vaccine comprising at least two of the following: glycosylated MUC-1-32mer, Globo H, GM2, Ley, Tn(c), sTN(c), and TF(c). This invention provides the vaccine above, wherein the adjuvant is saponin-based adjuvant. This invention provides a method for inducing immune response in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of the vaccine above to the subject. Finally, this invention provides a method for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering an appropriate amount of the vaccine above to the subject.
US08092769B2 Production of one or more useful products from lesser value halogenated materials
A process and apparatus are described for converting a feed that is substantially comprised of halogenated materials, and especially byproduct and waste chlorinated hydrocarbons as are produced from a variety of chemical manufacturing processes, to one or more higher value products via a partial oxidation reforming reaction step. These products can be in the form of a useful or salable acid product and/or a product synthesis gas comprised of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, or the reaction product including the same hydrogen halide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen components can be employed as a feed in the synthesis of a different useful or salable product.
US08092767B2 Method of decomposing nitrogen dioxide
A method of decomposing nitrogen dioxide to nitrogen monoxide in an exhaust gas of a lean-burn internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine, comprises adjusting the C1 hydrocarbon:nitrogen oxides (C1 HC:NOx) ratio of the exhaust gas to from 0.1 to 2 and contacting this exhaust gas mixture with a particulate acidic refractory oxide selected from the group consisting of zeolites, tungsten-doped titania, silica-titania, zirconia-titania, gamma-alumina, amorphous silica-alumina and mixtures of any two or more thereof and passing the effluent gas to atmosphere.
US08092766B2 Redox method for capture of total gaseous mercury by wet FGD
A method for capturing gaseous elemental mercury in a flue gas wherein a soluble mercury oxidizer is utilized to oxidize gaseous elemental mercury at a gas-liquid interface of a wet scrubber, and oxidized mercury product is removed prior to re-emission.
US08092763B2 Apparatus for positioning a cuvette in an optical beam path of an optical measuring instrument
An apparatus for positioning a cuvette in an optical beam path of an optical measuring instrument, with a shaft for axially inserting a cuvette, and means for pressing a cuvette against at least one wall surface of the shaft, which comprise at least one arrangement of a magnet, stationarily arranged with respect to the shaft, and a magnet movable with respect to the same, which are oriented such that the movable magnet tends to occupy a certain position with respect to the stationary magnet, in which the movable magnet engages at least partially into the shaft.
US08092758B2 Method, device and system for volumetric enumeration of white blood cells
A sample acquiring device for volumetric enumeration of white blood cells in a blood sample comprises a measurement cavity for receiving a blood sample. The measurement cavity has a predetermined fixed thickness. The sample acquiring device further comprises a reagent, which is arranged in a dried form on a surface defining the measurement cavity. The reagent comprises a hemolysing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample, and a staining agent for selectively staining white blood cells in the blood sample. A system comprises the sample acquiring device and a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus comprises a sample acquiring device holder, a light source, and an imaging system for acquiring a digital image of a magnification of the sample. The measurement apparatus further comprises an image analyser arranged to analyse the acquired digital image for determining the number of white blood cells in the blood sample.
US08092756B2 Catalyst withdrawal apparatus and method for regulating catalyst inventory in a unit
Catalyst withdrawal apparatuses and methods for regulating catalyst inventory in one or more units are provided. In one embodiment, a catalyst withdrawal apparatus for removing catalyst from a FCC unit includes a vessel coupled to a flow control circuit. Another embodiment of a catalyst withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel, a delivery line, and control valve. The control valve is configured to control the amount of gas to the delivery line and entrained with the catalyst. Another embodiment of catalyst withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel coupled to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a first conduit; a housing confining a coolant volume around a portion of the first conduit; and a sliding seal sealing the housing to the first conduit in manner that allows longitudinal expansion. A fluid catalyst cracking system coupled to a catalyst withdrawal apparatus and method for withdrawing catalyst from a unit are also disclosed.
US08092754B2 Carbon nanotubes mass fabrication system and mass fabrication method
Disclosed herein is a mass production system and method of synthesized carbon nanotubes. The system is configured to completely open the reaction chamber to an outside during synthesis of the carbon nanotubes in the reaction chamber while allowing a specific gas to occupy a predetermined region within the reaction chamber, thereby blocking introduction of external air into the reaction chamber which is opened to external air. The system comprises a reaction chamber having at least one opening opened to external air, and at least one different-specific gravity gas occupying region filled with a different specific gravity gas having a different specific gravity from that of the external air to block the external air from being introduced into the reaction chamber through the opening, a carbon nanotube synthesizing unit positioned in the different-specific gravity gas occupying region to synthesize carbon nanotubes by the medium of a catalyst introduced thereto through the opening, a conveying unit to convey the catalyst to the carbon nanotube synthesizing unit through the opening, and a gas supply unit to supply the different specific gravity gas and a carbon source gas used for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes to the different-specific gravity gas occupying region and the carbon nanotube synthesizing unit, respectively.
US08092752B2 Apparatus and method for oil and fat extraction
An apparatus and method for extracting oils and fats from oil-bearing substances without using degrading temperatures. The apparatus may comprise an extraction chamber containing an oil-bearing substance, an oil-collecting chamber, a recovery pump, a first jacket adjacent at least a portion of the extraction chamber, and a second jacket adjacent at least a portion of the oil-collecting chamber. The method involves heating a solvent and reducing pressure to facilitate a low-temperature vacuum boil; delivering the heated solvent into the extraction chamber configured to facilitate the low-temperature vacuum boil of the solvent within the extraction chamber; pumping the solvent in vapor form out of the extraction chamber with the recovery pump; delivering the oil and fat extracted in the extraction chamber to the oil-collecting chamber; pumping solvent in vapor form out of the oil-collecting chamber with the recovery pump; and delivering the solvent received by the recovery pump to the first and second jackets to provide heat to the chambers.
US08092750B2 Plasma system
A plasma system for generating a plasma is generated. The plasma system includes a tube, a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The tube has a plasma jet opening, a first end surface and a second end surface. The plasma jet opening penetrates the wall of the tube. The plasma passes through the plasma jet opening and is emitted to the outside of the tube. The positive electrode has a side surface facing and adjacent to the tube. The negative electrode is separated from the positive electrode by a first predetermined distance. The negative electrode has a negative electrode side surface facing and adjacent to the tube. The first positive electrode and the first negative electrode are disposed between the first end surface and the second end surface, and a portion of the plasma jet opening is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.
US08092749B2 Exhaust gas treatment device
An exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, has a housing in which is arranged at least one ceramic body for exhaust gas treatment. To reduce the risk of damage for the ceramic body and/or the housing in the case of an inexpensive design, the ceramic body has a machined contact zone at least on its outlet end, and the housing has a bearing zone facing the ceramic body on its outlet end. The contact zone and the bearing zone cooperate with one another so that in the case of axial contact on the outlet end between the ceramic body and the housing, the ceramic body is in direct and axial contact with the housing in a line or over an area via the contact zone and the bearing zone, so that the contact is distributed in the circumferential direction or is continuous.
US08092748B2 Housing for a component of an exhaust system and method of producing such a housing
A housing for a component of an exhaust system, in particular for an exhaust gas purification device, has an envelope that comprises a shrunk clamping portion for the component, a transition portion that adjoins the clamping portion in an axial direction, and a connecting portion that adjoins the transition portion in the axial direction. The diameter of the connecting portion is larger than that of the clamping portion. A method of producing the housing for the component includes providing a tubular envelope, and inserting the component into the envelope. A shrinking step is then carried out in the clamping portion which terminates spaced apart from ends of the envelope as viewed in the axial direction, whereas the axial ends of the envelope are not acted upon.
US08092744B1 Analytical chemical sampling system with bypass mode
A purge and trap concentrator system that includes a sparge vessel, and includes a variable gas flow valve for controlling the gas pressure in an analytic trap or the sparge vessel; a sensor that detects both a foaming sample state and a high liquid level in the sparge vessel, using one optical sensor; a control scheme that re-directs the purge gases to a second inlet of the sparge vessel during a foaming condition; a control scheme that uses a split flow to enhance the quantity of sample gases passed from an analytic trap; an electrically powered thermal energy source with a fan raising the sparge vessel temperature via thermal convection.
US08092742B2 In situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method
An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.
US08092741B2 Water chlorinating device
A water chlorinating device having a vessel (2) in turn having a bottom portion (6) for containing water; a grille (10) located over the bottom portion and for supporting a solid chemical chlorinating substance (11); a spray device (13) for directing at least one water jet on to the grille (10); and a mixing nozzle (29) located inside the bottom portion (6), at the bottom of the vessel (2), and for agitating the water in the bottom portion (6) by means of a water jet.
US08092735B2 Method of making a light emitting device having a molded encapsulant
Disclosed herein is a method of making a light emitting device having an LED die and a molded encapsulant made by polymerizing at least two polymerizable compositions. The method includes: (a) providing an LED package having an LED die disposed in a reflecting cup, the reflecting cup filled with a first polymerizable composition such that the LED die is encapsulated; (b) providing a mold having a cavity filled with a second polymerizable composition; (c) contacting the first and second polymerizable compositions; (d) polymerizing the first and second polymerizable compositions to form first and second polymerized compositions, respectively, wherein the first and second polymerized compositions are bonded together; and (e) optionally separating the mold from the second polymerized composition. Light emitting devices prepared according to the method are also described.
US08092732B2 Processing method of the natural cellulose fiber with feature for enhancing the capability of antifungi, antibacteria and deodorization
The present invention provides a processing method of the natural cellulose fiber with feature for enhancing the capability of antifungi, antibacteria and deodorization. The procedure is that firstly modify and reduce the properties of the natural chitosan of high polymer material to nanometer scale; secondly dunk the chitosan into the syrup-like mixture of wood pulp and NMMO solvent to yield quasi-dope; thirdly dehydrate the quasi-dope of paste mixture to form the mud-like dope; fourthly spin the dope by dryjet wet spinning method; fifthly regenerate the filament in coagulation bath, water rinse and dry; finally water rinse, dry, apply the lubricant to finish. The water soluble chitosan, which has been treated by property modification and reduced to nanometer scale, can effectively and completely solve in the cellulose of low DP to offer wider extent of selection in the DP and better flexibility of adding percentage in content of modified chitosan.
US08092727B2 Method of forming extruded polystyrene foams and the products made therefrom
The invention a method of forming complex shape of styrenic polymer foams in which a pressing surface is created, for example, by planing/machining a layer of an as formed extruded styrenic polymer plank, contacting said plank with a contoured die face and pressing the foam to form the complex shape.
US08092720B2 Polymer-supported metal complex catalyst
Polymer supported metal complex catalysts and methods of their preparation and use are described. The polymer supported metal complex catalysts can be obtained via ligand exchange reactions between polymer ligands and a metal complex having catalytic activity. For example, a polymer supported rhodium (II) complex catalyst can be prepared via ligand exchange reaction between an insoluble polymer and a rhodium (II) carboxylate complex, wherein the insoluble polymer is prepared by a copolymerization reaction of (i) a styrene derivative with a substituted carboxylic acid, (ii) a styrene, and (iii) a linear alkane with both ends substituted by vinylbenzyloxy groups. The polymer supported catalysts can be used to catalyze asymmetric carbene reactions such as C—H insertion reactions and the like with high catalytic activity, chemical selectivity, diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity.
US08092719B2 Nanocrystal-metal oxide composites and preparation method thereof
Disclosed herein are nanocrystal-metal oxide composites. The composites comprise nanocrystals and a metal oxide bound to the nanocrystals wherein the metal oxide has organic groups. The composites are stable to mechanical stress and exhibit improved processability. Also disclosed herein is a method for preparing the composites.
US08092714B2 Phosphors and lighting apparatus using the same
A phosphor has a chemical formula of: Am(Ba1-xEux)nPyOz, wherein A is at least one of the group consisting of Li, Na and K, while 0
US08092711B2 Liquid crystal compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, optically anisotropic material, optical element and optical information writing/reading device
A liquid crystal compound having a good durability against light, a polymerizable liquid crystal composition and an optically anisotropic material are provided. Further, an optical element having a good durability against light and an optical information writing/reading device employing such an element are provided.The liquid crystal compound is represented by a general formula CH2═CR1—COO-(L)k-E1-E2-(E3)m-R2. E1 is preferably a trans-2,6-decahydronaphthalene group and E2 is preferably a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group. A phase difference plate 4 produced by employing the compound has a good durability against light, and accordingly, it is possible to achieve an optical head device employing a blue laser as a light source 1 and being suitable for large capacity writing/reading.
US08092710B2 Hierarchical chromonic structures
A method of making a chromonic structure comprises (a) preparing a first aqueous mixture comprising (i) a continuous water-soluble polymer phase and (ii) a discontinuous chromonic phase comprising a chromonic material, to form chromonic nanoparticles; (b) non-covalently crosslinking the resulting chromonic nanoparticles with a multivalent cation salt; (c) dispersing the resulting crosslinked chromonic nanoparticles in a water-soluble polymer phase to form a chromonic nanoparticle dispersion; and (d) preparing a second aqueous mixture comprising (i) the chromonic nanoparticle dispersion and (ii) a continuous chromonic phase comprising a chromonic material.
US08092704B2 System, method and apparatus for fabricating a c-aperture or E-antenna plasmonic near field source for thermal assisted recording applications
A method of fabricating a c-aperture or E-antenna plasmonic near field source for thermal assisted recording applications in hard disk drives is disclosed. A c-aperture or E-antenna is built for recording head applications. The technique employs e-beam lithography, partial reactive ion etching and metal refill to build the c-apertures. This process strategy has the advantage over other techniques in the self-alignment of the c-aperture notch to the c-aperture internal diameter, the small number of process steps required, and the precise and consistent shape of the c-aperture notch itself.
US08092703B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that reduces the deterioration in processed configuration and the pattern roughness of a film to be processed, and is close to the original design and applicable to a dual damascene step and the like. The manufacturing method comprises a processing mask layer forming step of forming a processing mask layer (a lower organic film and a middle layer) comprising at least one film, and hardening treatment for at least one film of the processing mask layer by applying a film and heat hardening treatment; a processing mask layer etching step of applying a resist film for exposure to the processing mask layer, exposing and developing it to form a resist pattern, and etching the processing mask layer using the resist pattern as a mask; and a film to be processed etching step of etching the film to be processed using the pattern of the processing mask layer formed at the processing mask layer etching step as a mask.
US08092700B2 Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head
A method for manufacturing liquid discharge heads having a substrate where energy generation elements that generate energy used for discharging liquid are formed, a wiring electrically connected to the energy generation elements, and a flow path communicating with discharge ports for discharging liquid and corresponding to the energy generation elements. The method includes forming a resin layer on the substrate, a first pattern for forming the wiring on the resin layer, the wiring on the substrate using the first pattern, a second pattern for forming the flow path on the resin layer, a coating layer for coating the second pattern, and the flow path by removing the second pattern.
US08092699B2 Method for forming phase grating
A method for forming a phase grating is disclosed. First, a substrate is provided. Second, a first dielectric layer with a tapered recess or bulge is formed on the substrate. Later, a second dielectric layer is formed to fill the tapered recess and to cover the first dielectric layer. Afterwards, the second dielectric layer is selectively etched to form the phase grating. The phase grating includes a column and multiple rings. The column and multiple rings are concentric and the multiple rings are disposed on the tapered side so that the height of each ring is different.
US08092693B2 Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover
Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.
US08092689B2 Styrene reduction agent
A method of reducing styrene emissions in aqueous cured-in-place pipe closed molding processes and other aqueous environments using a styrene reduction agent. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. Capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.
US08092688B2 Method of treating water by ballasted flocculation/settling, which includes a continuous measurement of the ballast, and corresponding installation
A method for treating water in a ballasted flocculation system comprises directing water into a ballasted flocculation zone and adding ballast and a flocculation reagent to the water to form a water-floc mixture. The water-floc mixture is directed into a settling zone to form treated water and sludge containing ballast. The ballast is then directed to a recirculation line where the ballast is recirculated to the ballasted flocculation zone. The method further includes determining the ballast concentration and comparing the ballast concentration with a predetermined threshold value. The rate at which ballast is recirculated to the ballasted flocculation zone is adjusted based on the determined ballast concentration and the predetermined threshold value. A ballasted flocculation system for treating water comprises a ballasted flocculation zone, a water inlet for directing water into the ballasted flocculation zone, and a flocculation reagent inlet for directing flocculation reagent into the ballasted flocculation zone. The system includes a settling zone for separating treated water from sludge containing ballast and a recirculation line for recirculating ballast from the settling zone to the ballasted flocculation zone. A first ballast inlet is operatively connected to the recirculation line for directing ballast into the ballasted flocculation zone. Finally, the system includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of ballast in the system.
US08092686B2 Modified amine-aldehyde resins and uses thereof in separation processes
Modified resins are disclosed for removing a wide variety of solids and/or ionic species from the liquids in which they are suspended and/or dissolved. These modified resins are especially useful as froth flotation depressants in the beneficiation of many types of materials (e.g., mineral and metal ores), including the beneficiation of impure coal comprising clay impurities, as well as in the separation of valuable bitumen from solid contaminants such as sand. The modified resins are also useful for treating aqueous liquid suspensions to facilitate the removal of solid particulates, as well as the removal of metallic ions in the purification of water. The modified resins comprise a base resin that is modified with a coupling agent, which is highly selective for binding to solid contaminants and especially siliceous materials such as sand or clay.
US08092684B2 Systems and methods of microfluidic membraneless exchange using filtration of extraction outlet streams
A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
US08092682B2 Matrix for separation of polyethers and method of separation
The present invention relates to a separation matrix comprised of a support to the surfaces of which polymer chains have been coupled, wherein each polymer chain presents recurring proton-donating groups and at least the surface of the support is substantially hydrophilic. In the most advantageous embodiment, the support is porous cross-linked agarose, the polymers are poly(acrylic acid) and the proton-donating groups are carboxyl groups. The matrix is useful e.g. to remove PEG from pegylated and/or native compounds in a liquid. Accordingly, the invention also encompasses a method, such as a chromatographic method, wherein the separation matrix according to the invention is used, for example as a pre-treatment of a reaction mixture that comprises unreacted PEG, pegylated proteins and native proteins.
US08092677B2 Separating agent for an enantiomeric isomer
The present invention is to provide a method of producing a separating agent for an enantiomeric isomer having a high optical resolution power together with sufficient solvent resistance. That is, a method of producing a separating agent for an enantiomeric isomer comprising the steps of allowing the porous carrier to carry the optically active polymer compound by bringing the porous carrier into contact with a dope of the optically active polymer compound and exposing a product to radiation.
US08092666B2 Method for fabricating plated product
A bumper molding is fabricated by disposing segmented anodes 31 and 32 on surfaces 22 and 24 of a base material 20, which are to be plated, and performing electroplating so as to form metal films on the surfaces 22 and 24, respectively. The curvature of a surface of a concave portion, which is formed in each part of the surfaces 22 and 24 so that the surface of the concave portion is away from the segmented anodes 31 and 32, respectively, is larger than those of other portions at a part serving as a border between the second plated surface 22 and the fourth plated surface 24. Accordingly, the distance from the part serving as the border between the second plated surface 22 and the fourth plated surface 24 to a metal case 50a corresponding to this part is set so as to be shorter than those from each of the other parts to the metal cases 50a and 50b respectively corresponding to the segmented anodes 31 and 32.
US08092664B2 Electrowetting-based valving and pumping systems
The present teachings relate to microfluidic valves and pumping systems, which may be suitable for controlling and facilitating liquid flow. Electrodes are disposed proximately to volumes containing a liquid. The liquid flow can be facilitated by electrowetting forces. Processes for controlling the flow of liquids, as well as for pumping liquids, are also disclosed.
US08092663B2 Gas sensor control device
A gas sensor control device is disclosed as including a sensor cell having a negative terminal, to which a current-voltage converter is connected, and a differential amplifier is connected to the current-voltage converter to provide a current measured result applied to a microcomputer. The current-voltage converter has an opposite-to-sensor terminal to which another differential amplifier is connected. A sensor-side terminal of the current-voltage converter and another differential amplifier is electrically connected to each other via an electric pathway having a sensor-current flow disabling pathway in which a switch circuit is provided. Closing the switch circuit allows a potential difference between both terminals of the current-voltage converter is zeroed. With the switch circuit closed, the microcomputer calculates an element current correcting value, while detecting an electromotive force of the sensor cell based on which a failure is determined.
US08092662B2 Redox polymers
Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.
US08092661B2 Electropolymerisable monomers, soluble in an aqueous solution and comprising a metalloporphyrin
The invention relates to novel electropolymerisable monomers which are to be polymerised in an aqueous solution and comprise: an electropolymerisable pattern selected from acetylene, pyrrols, thiophenes, indols, anilines, azines, p-phenylene vinylenes, p-phenylenes, pyrenes, furanes, selenophenes, pyrridazines, carbazoles, acrylates, methacrylates and the derivatives thereof, and a metalloporphyrine which is substituted by at least two ionised or ionizable entities in an aqueous solution. The invention also relates to a method for the polymerization of such monomers, to the electroactive probe that can be obtained by the polymerization of such monomers, and to a method for detecting a target ligand in a biological sample using one such electroactive probe.
US08092653B2 Roll body for a press roll
A press roll for washing pulp is disclosed, comprising a central drum and mantle section to which at least one perforated roll plate is attached, comprising a plurality of first and second chambers between the central drum and the roll plate. The chambers of each pair are separated from each other, the first chamber includes at least one inlet defining a radial flow path and the second chamber comprising at least one inlet defining a tangential flow path. At one end of the press roll, the first chamber includes a discharge and the second chamber is closed, and at the other end of the press roll, the second chamber includes an outlet and the first chamber is closed.
US08092651B2 Methods employing an impermeable transfer belt in a papermaking machine
A papermaking machine for making paper includes a forming section, a press section, and a drying section. The paper web is pressed between two press members while enclosed between a press felt and a transfer belt having non-uniformly distributed microscopic depressions in its surface, the web following the transfer belt from the press to a transfer point at which the web is transferred via a suction transfer device onto a structuring fabric, the web then being dried on a drying cylinder. The transfer point is spaced a distance D from the press nip selected based on machine speed, a basis weight of the web, and the surface characteristics of the transfer belt, such that within the distance D a thin water film between the web and the transfer belt at least partially dissipates to allow the web to be separated from the transfer belt.
US08092649B2 Method of decreasing the rate of photoyellowing with thiocyanic acid
A method of decreasing the rate of photoyellowing in paper containing mechanical pulp comprising: applying an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of one or more salts of thiocyanic acid on the surface of a paper sheet in a papermaking process.
US08092646B2 Method and apparatus for thermocapillary evaporation
A vaporization apparatus and related vaporization method is provided that relies on thermocapillary convection. The apparatus of a thermocapillary evaporator has three sections: an evaporation section, a displacement section, and a storage system for storing the liquid to be evaporated. The evaporation section is operable to distribute thermal energy substantially along the entire liquid-gas interface. The method of the present invention includes providing a thermocapillary evaporator. Advantageously, the present invention provides substantial evaporation from relatively low temperature heat sources, compared to conventional evaporators.
US08092641B1 System and method for removing organic residue from a charged particle beam system
A system and method for removing an organic residue from a charged particle beam system includes a conduit that is coupled to the column and is for adding oxygen to the column. A heater is coupled to the column and is for increasing the temperature in the column. A pump is coupled to the column and is for removing a gas from the chamber, wherein the gas is a byproduct of a chemical reaction of the organic residue and the oxygen.
US08092632B2 Method for primerless adhesive bonding of metal or plastics substrates
The invention relates to a method for bonding metal or plastic substrates, in which the substrate is freed from adhering impurities, a dual-component polyurethane adhesive is directly applied onto at least one substrate without prior application of a primer and the substrates are joined and cured. According to the invention, the dual-component polyurethane adhesive is composed of a component A, containing 1 to 98% by weight with reference to the component A of an oleochemic polyol, 1 to 10% by weight of at least one three-, four- or five-functional polyol with a molecular weight of 90 to 750 g/mol, 2.5 to 60% by weight of at least on aldehyde resin, keton resin and/or keton/aldehyde resin with a molecular weight of 250 to 25000 g/mol, and 0 to 70% by weight of other additives and a component B, containing at least one polyisocyanate, the NCO/OH ratio of the isocyanate component to the polyol component ranging between 1.0 and 2.0:1.
US08092630B2 Absorbent article for animals and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing an absorbent article for animals is provided, wherein U-shaped fixing parts(3,30) are mounted to each side edge of a base material(20) of a diaper main body, and then separated into fixing protrusions(31) along a cutout line(41) to serve as movable parts(21,22), thereby allowing firm tightening to the crural area of hind legs and the trunk.
US08092628B2 Cyclic olefin compositions for temporary wafer bonding
New compositions and methods of using those compositions as bonding compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a cycloolefin copolymer dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system, and can be used to bond an active wafer to a carrier wafer or substrate to assist in protecting the active wafer and its active sites during subsequent processing and handling. The compositions form bonding layers that are chemically and thermally resistant, but that can also be softened or dissolved to allow the wafers to slide or be pulled apart at the appropriate stage in the fabrication process.
US08092627B2 Manufacturing method for pneumatic tire
Provided is a manufacturing method for a pneumatic tire including the steps of: shaping a cylindrical film formed of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composite in which a thermoplastic resin is blended with an elastomer, folding the film into a sheet shape, laminating rubber layers on both surfaces of the folded film, opening the laminate of the film and the rubber layers into a cylindrical shape, fitting the laminate thus opened on a tire making drum, forming the tire pneumatic tire including the film as an air permeation preventing layer, and curing the uncured tire. In the method, when the rubber layers are laminated on the both surfaces of the folded film, positions of the rubber layers in a width direction are displaced from each other such that an end portion of one of the rubber layers is arranged to protrude from an end portion of the film and an end portion of the other one of the rubber layer is arranged on an inner side, in the width direction, of the protruding end portion of the one of the rubber layers, and the protruding end portion of the one of the rubber layers is caused to cover the end portion of the other one of the rubber layers in a state where the laminate is fitted on the tire making drum. By employing the manufacturing method for the pneumatic tire, troubles due to a splice portion of the rubber layers can be reduced.
US08092626B2 Foaming methods for making cellular thermoplastic materials
Methods for reducing the density of thermoplastic materials and the articles made therefrom having similar or improved mechanical properties to the solid or noncellular material. Also disclosed are improvements to foaming methods and the cellular structures of the foams made therefrom, and methods for altering the impact strength of solid or noncellular thermoplastic materials and the shaping of the materials into useful articles.
US08092625B2 Integrated circuit placement system
This invention relates to a dice placement assembly for placing dice on a carrier. The assembly includes a support platform with a clamp mechanism configured to clamp the carrier onto said platform, and at least one camera operatively directed at the platform to detect alignment fiducials on the carrier. The assembly also includes a placement device having a vacuum mechanism to retrieve the dice from a supply mechanism, said placement device having actuators to align the dice with the carrier and to place the dice thereon once aligned, and a heater to heat the dice prior to placement on the test bed. Further included is a controller operatively controlling the clamp mechanism, the camera and the placement device, to facilitate accurate placement of the dice on the carrier.
US08092621B2 Method for inhibiting growth of nickel-copper-tin intermetallic layer in solder joints
A method for inhibiting the growth of a nickel-copper-tin intermetallic (i.e. (Ni,Cu)3Sn4) layer at the (Cu,Ni)6Sn5/nickel interface of a solder joint is described as follows. A Sn—Ag—Cu solder alloy with a Cu-content of 0.5˜1 weight percent (wt. %) is provided. The solder alloy is disposed on a surface finish of a soldering pad, having a nickel-based metallization layer. A material of the solder alloy further includes palladium. The solder alloy is joined with the surface finish, so as to form the solder joint containing palladium that enables to inhibit the growth of the undesired (Ni,Cu)3Sn4 layer between the (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 and nickel in the subsequent use at temperatures ranging from 100° C. to 180° C.
US08092617B2 Composition and processes of a dry-in-place trivalent chromium corrosion-resistant coating for use on metal surfaces
Corrosion resistant coatings are formed on aluminum by contacting with aqueous solutions containing trivalent chromium ions and fluorometallate ions, the solutions being substantially free of hexavalent chromium. Trivalent chromium films formed on the aluminum surface when tested in 5% NaCl salt spray chamber showed corrosion resistance in excess of 168 hours. Trivalent chromium coated aluminum also serves as an effective base for paint primers.
US08092610B1 Apparatus and method for cleaning a driver used in disk drive manufacturing
Disclosed is a cleaning device for cleaning a driver used in a disk drive manufacturing process. The cleaning device includes: a body; a replaceable cleaning pad mounted in the body; and a cover mounted to the body over the cleaning pad, in which, the cover includes an opening to receive the driver and to expose a portion of the cleaning pad to receive and clean the driver. The cleaning device further includes a cleaning pad rotation mechanism mounted in the body that connects to the cleaning pad and rotates the cleaning pad. The cleaning pad rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the cleaning pad such that an unused portion of the cleaning pad is exposed to the opening for receipt of the driver and the cleaning pad rotation mechanism may be activated to rotate the cleaning pad.
US08092608B2 Composition comprising a prebiotic for decreasing inflammatory process and abnormal activation of non-specific immune parameters
The present invention relates to a composition comprising prebiotic (prebiotic adjuvant) for decreasing inflammatory process by improving the homeostasis of non-specific immune parameters and of lymphocyte subpopulations. It also relates to the use of a prebiotic formulation in the manufacture of a medicament or a food or petfood composition for decreasing inflammatory process and/or abnormal activation of non-specific immune parameters, such as phagocytes.
US08092604B2 Solid organometallic compound-filled container and filling method thereof
A solid organometallic compound novel filled container stably supplies an apparatus for vapor phase epitaxial growth such as an MOCVD apparatus with a solid organometallic compound over a long term. The solid organometallic compound-filled container has a carrier gas inlet and a carrier gas outlet. The interior of the filled container is separated into a plurality of vertical compartments. A carrier gas introduced via the carrier gas inlet flows through each of the vertical compartments and is then discharged via the carrier gas outlet.
US08092603B2 Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a substrate holding part that holds substrates of required numbers in the processing chamber, a gas supply/exhaust part that supplies or exhausts required gas into the processing chamber, a rotation part that rotates the substrate holding part, a first heating part provided in the substrate holding part so as to face at least an upper surface of each substrate held by the substrate holding part, and a power supply part that supplies power to the first heating part in a non-contact state by electromagnetic coupling.
US08092601B2 System and process for fabricating photovoltaic cell
A substrate processing system includes a source unit configured to supply a deposition material to a substrate, a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate to receive the deposition material, a shadow mask comprising a frame that includes two opposing arms; and a crossbar configured to be mounted to the two opposing arms. The frame and the crossbar define a plurality of openings that allow the deposition material supplied by the source unit to be deposited on the substrate. A transport mechanism can produce relative movement between the shadow mask and the substrate.
US08092600B2 Plasma apparatus and plasma processing method
The plasma apparatus includes a conveying unit for conveying a substrate in a conveying direction while being situated at a processing position, an elongated electric field forming unit for forming an induction electric field by a coil, opposed to the processing position, a power supply for supplying high frequency power to the coil, an elongated gas introducing unit and a separating unit for separating a region where the forming unit is arranged and a region where the introducing unit is arranged from each other in an airtight fashion, having an elongated dielectric window arranged between the processing position and the forming unit. The forming unit, the introducing unit and the dielectric window are arranged in such a way that there longitudinal directions are matched with a width direction of the substrate being conveyed, and orthogonal to the conveying direction.
US08092596B2 Bulk GaN and AlGaN single crystals
Bulk GaN and AlGaN single crystal boules, preferably fabricated using a modified HVPE process, are provided. The single crystal boules typically have a volume in excess of 4 cubic centimeters with a minimum dimension of approximately 1 centimeter. If desired, the bulk material can be doped during growth, for example to achieve n-, i-, or p-type conductivity.
US08092595B1 Self-assembly of water-soluble nanocrystals
A method for forming an ordered array of nanocrystals where a hydrophobic precursor solution with a hydrophobic core material in an organic solvent is added to a solution of a surfactant in water, followed by removal of a least a portion of the organic solvent to form a micellar solution of nanocrystals. A precursor co-assembling material, generally water-soluble, that can co-assemble with individual micelles formed in the micellar solution of nanocrystals can be added to this micellar solution under specified reaction conditions (for example, pH conditions) to form an ordered-array mesophase material. For example, basic conditions are used to precipitate an ordered nanocrystal/silica array material in bulk form and acidic conditions are used to form an ordered nanocrystal/silica array material as a thin film.
US08092594B2 Carbon ribbon to be covered with a thin layer made of semiconductor material and method for depositing a layer of this type
The present invention relates to a carbon ribbon for covering in a thin layer of semiconductor material, and to a method of deposited such a layer on a substrate constituted by a carbon ribbon. At least one of the two faces of the carbon ribbon is for covering in a layer of semiconductor material by causing the ribbon to pass substantially vertically upwards through a bath of molten semiconductor material. According to the invention, the two edges of at least one of the two faces of the carbon ribbon project so as to form respective rims.
US08092593B2 Architectural stone composition and method of use
Compositions for fabricating architectural works wherein the compositions utilize one or more cement materials, additives, fibers and recycled glass. Exemplary cement materials include Portland cement, calcium aluminate, fly ash and/or E glass. Exemplary additives include boric acid, citric acid, lithium, plasticizer and/or methylcellulose ethers. Exemplary fibers include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and/or micro-fibers. Crushed recycled glass is used as an aggregate or non-reactive material. Other ingredients may be used including: sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and hydrated lime to alter the PH; ferrous sulfate, mono-potassium phosphate, or manganese carbonate and magnesium sulfate as color enhancements; and/or pozzolans (Vcas) to neutralize the ASR efflorescence.
US08092581B2 Gas separation membrane
A gas separation membrane has: a polymeric microporous membrane which has a polyolefin as a main component, and which is manufactured by wet phase separation process, and has a porosity of 20 to 80%, an average pore diameter of 1 to 100 nm and a piercing strength at 100° C. of 2 to 50 N; and a gas-separating thin film, which is provided on at least one surface, and/or the interior of the polymeric microporous membrane, and which comprises a fluorine-containing gas-separating resin as a main component, and has an average thickness of 0.01 μm to less than 0.4 μm. The gas separation membrane having an oxygen-nitrogen separation factor not smaller than 1.4.
US08092575B2 Control methods for tracking filter life in an air treatment system
A control system and associated methods for an air treatment system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a control system and method for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations. In one embodiment, the control system and method provides a variable delayed between changes in motor speed to address undesirable rapid changes between speeds. In another aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for calibrating a sensor to provide more uniform operation over time. In yet another aspect, the present invention provide a system and method for calibrating motor speed to provide more consistent and uniform motor speed over time. The present invention also provides a system and method for tracking filter life by as a function of time, motor speed and/or a sensed variable, such as particulate concentration in the environment.
US08092571B2 Combustion reactors for nanopowders, synthesis apparatus for nanopowders with the combustion reactors, and method of controlling the synthesis apparatus
The present invention relates to a combustion reactor for nanopowders, a synthesis apparatus for nanopowders using the combustion reactor, and a method of controlling the synthesis apparatus. The combustion reactor for nanopowders comprises an oxidized gas supply nozzle connected to an oxidized gas tube; a gas supply unit supplying a fuel gas and a precursor gas; and a reaction nozzle forming concentricity on an inner wall of the oxidized gas supply nozzle to be connected to the gas supply unit and having an inlet opening for supplying an oxidized gas disposed at a region adjacent to a jet orifice for spraying flames. In the present invention, it is possible to precisely control the stability of flames, the uniform temperature distribution of flames and the temperature of flames that affect the properties of nanopowders, and the deposition of oxide in the combustion reactor is prevented to thus enable a continuous and uniform reaction for a long time, thereby enabling an economic and efficient synthesis of nanopowders.
US08092569B2 Methods of generating phosphorus fertilizers through the utilization of microbial fermentation technology
This invention includes uses and methods of preparing phosphites and/or hyposphosphites (and their polymeric forms and/or their salts) and phosphite-based agrochemicals (fertilizers and biocides) from phosphate or other naturally occurring or synthetic phosphorus sources using anaerobic microbial fermentation. The fermentation process produces both a liquid and solid phase phosphite/hypophosphite salts which can be used as an agrochemical product.
US08092566B2 Filtration media for filtering particulate material from gas streams
A composite fabric formed by depositing a web of nanofibers electroblown from a first polymer onto a first support web comprising fibers of larger average diameter than the nanofibers spun from a compatible material, in the absence of an adhesive between the webs, and solvent-bonding the webs together.
US08092564B2 Dust collection system
An aspect of embodiments of the invention is to lower fluid resistance applied to gas flow (A, S) flowing within a dust collection system (1) so as to enhance dust collection efficiency of the dust collection system (1) without depending on the number or the two dimensional arrangement of movable elements (40) within the system (1). Embodiments of the dust collection system (1) of the invention includes: a housing (10) defining a cavity (50) therewithin, the housing (10) having a plurality of inlets (53) and at least one outlet (57) for gas; a plurality of movable elements (40) for opening and closing the inlets (53), the movable elements (40) being respectively provided corresponding to each of the inlets (53); a gas flow generating device (20) for generating a gas flow (A, S) from each of the inlets (53) to the outlet (57) during the opening operation of the movable elements (40); and a flow path control device (13) for controlling the flow paths of the gas flow (A, S).
US08092562B2 Holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag
A holding plate for a vacuum cleaner bag is provided. The holding plate includes a base plate with an opening, a closing element pivotably arranged on the base plate, and a spring element having a bending angle (B) that upon pivoting of the closing element in an opening direction from a first position to a second position in which the opening is opened, in a predetermined pivoting angle range that is smaller than the corresponding opening angle (* α) of the closing element, wherein the closing element can be brought from the second position into the first position by the restoring force of the spring element in the direction opposite to the opening direction, and wherein the spring element is located behind the locking element in the opening direction.
US08092560B2 Lapping tool and method for manufacturing the same
Since structural portions of a device made of a plurality of materials are different from one another in mechanical hardness, it is very difficult to uniformly lap the structural portions. This is attributable to generation of machining recessions due to differences in lapped amount when large fixed abrasive grains are used, and generation of lapping marks caused by that the dropped abrasive grains rotate. Accordingly, in order to cope with the disadvantage, it is essential to surely grip abrasive grains of small size to a surface of a surface plate.[Solving Means]Abrasive grains are fixedly forced into a surface of a lapping tool with mechanical pressure and then the surface of the lapping tool including the abrasive grains is subjected to plasma processing, whereby an improvement in adhesion between the abrasive grains and a surface plate and reduction in the number of loose abrasive grains, which are dropped from the surface of the lapping tool, can be achieved, so that it is possible to realize lapping, in which a surface of a device made of a plurality of materials is made very plane.
US08092555B2 Concrete coloring compositions and methods
The present invention provides acidic compositions and methods that are adapted to impart color to cementitious or mineral substrate surfaces. Specifically, the present invention relates to acidic compositions and methods adapted to treat cementitious or mineral substrate surfaces that have the advantage of using a less corrosive acid-based solution. The acidic composition incorporates species including a weak base in equilibrium with a conjugate acid. The presence of such species moderates the corrosive behavior of the acid while still allowing excellent coloring action to occur.
US08092554B2 Discharge print paste formulation for natural and synthetic fabric and method of using same
The discharge print paste formulation contains synthetic layered silicate as a carrier and thickening agent, one or more bleaching agents selected from sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide, water and optionally sodium hydroxide and discharges color when applied to washable color fast natural fabric (cotton, linen) or washable synthetic and permanent press fabric. The discharge print paste formulation is applied to the fabric. The treated fabric is dried at room temperature, washed and dried to get a pattern of discharged color where the discharge print paste formulation is applied.
US08092553B2 Composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers comprising para-aminophenol, dipropylene glycol and at least one additional dye precursor
The present disclosure relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers such as the hair, intended to be mixed at the time of use with an oxidizing agent, comprising: A) at least one oxidation base chosen from para-aminophenols and the addition salts thereof with an acid; B) at least one additional dye precursor different from the at least one oxidation base defined in A); and C) dipropylene glycol; wherein: the at least one oxidation base is present in an amount of greater than or equal to 1.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition; and the dipropylene glycol is present in an amount of greater than or equal to 3.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.
US08092552B2 Dyeing composition comprising ammonium chloride, method of colouring keratin fibers, and device
The present invention provides a dyeing composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, one or more oxidation dyes, aqueous ammonia, ammonium chloride and one or more additives selected from ceramides, silicas, ascorbic acid and/or its salts, fatty acids and/or salts thereof, alkanolamines and/or salts thereof, crosslinked homopolymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of dialkyldiallylammonium chloride and acrylic acid, and particular cationic polymers, or mixtures thereof. It likewise provides a method of colouring human keratin fibres, employing the said composition in the presence of a composition comprising one or more oxidizing agents. The invention further provides a multiple-compartment device appropriate to the implementation of the said method, comprising in a first compartment a dyeing composition according to the invention and in another compartment a composition comprising one or more oxidizing agents.
US08092550B2 Lower leg prosthesis with improved roll over
A foot prosthesis having improved rollover and stability. The prosthesis includes a first plate and a mounting block having a mounting portion configured to be coupled to a user of the prosthesis, an attachment portion and a gap portion, with the mounting block attached to the first plate at the attachment portion with a gap between the mounting block gap portion and the first plate. Also included is a resilient element positioned at least partially within the gap, the resilient element configured generally to dissipate stress in the first plate and control deflection between the first plate and the mounting block. The mounting block may be substantially rigid with the area of the first plate attached to the mounting block becoming substantially rigid while the remainder of the first plate is at least partially flexible. The resilient element may be interchangeable to adjust performance of the prosthesis.
US08092548B2 Osteograft treatment to promote osteoinduction and osteograft incorporation
The invention provides a bone implant, or osteograft, with improved retention of bioactive agents within the surface of the osteograft. Pits or pits formed within the surface of the osteograft have porous plugs placed within them to retain fluid comprising bioactive agents. Pits can also be formed so that the dimensions of the pits facilitate retention of fluid within a pit by hydrostatic attraction of fluid molecules within the pit.
US08092538B2 Intervertebral prosthetic disc
A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates, a core disposed between the plates, and at least one projection extending from at least one of the upper and lower curved surfaces of the core into at least one recess of one of the inner surfaces of the plates. The recess is oversize with respect to the projection to allow sliding movement of the plate over the core while retaining the core between the plates during such sliding movement. The projection(s) may include a rod extending through an axial hole in the core, multiple surface features of the core, or the like.
US08092536B2 Retention structure for in situ formation of an intervertebral prosthesis
An assembly for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. At least one retention structure is located in the intervertebral disc space. A distal end of at least one lumen is located proximate the at least one retention structure. One or more in situ curable biomaterials are delivered to the intervertebral disc space through the first lumen and into engagement with the retention structure. The retention structure serves to retain at least a portion of the biomaterial in the intervertebral disc space by surface tension, adhesion, mechanical capture, friction, viscosity, and/or a variety of other mechanisms. The at least partially cured biomaterial and the at least one retention structure cooperate to comprise the prosthesis.
US08092534B2 Revision device
An implantable revision device includes a motion restrictor configured to substantially restrict motion of a previously implanted motion preservation disc. The motion restrictor may have a substantially incompressible portion including an upper surface configured to abut an upper plate of a previously implanted motion preservation disc and including a lower surface configured to abut a lower plate of the previously implanted motion preservation disc.
US08092533B2 Dynamic devices and methods for stabilizing vertebral members
Implants and methods for dynamic stabilization and/or fusion of vertebral members. The implant includes relief cuts that provide flexibility to accommodate relative movements of the vertebral members. The number, size, and shape of the relief cuts may vary depending upon the desired flexibility. Shims are sized to fit within the relief cuts to adjust the flexibility of the implant. The shims may be placed within the relief cuts to adjust the overall flexibility of the implant. In general, the stiffness of the device increases with an increase in the number of shims. Shims may also be placed within specific relief cuts to adjust the flexibility for predetermined vertebral movement.
US08092531B2 Human skin equivalents expressing exogenous polypeptides
The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound closure. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides (e.g., antimicrobial polypeptides and keratinocyte growth factor 2) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides.
US08092529B2 Meniscus regeneration device
Methods and devices are provided for regenerating a meniscus. The devices comprise a layer of toughened naturally occurring extracellular matrix. The devices may, optionally, further comprise a biologic material to provide a framework for meniscus regeneration. The methods comprise the steps of removing a portion of a meniscus to provide a space, and inserting a device comprising a layer of toughened naturally occurring extracellular matrix into the space.
US08092528B2 Intervertebral ligament having a helical bone fastener
An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration, and includes:a) a conformable synthetic ligament having a first end portion and an intermediate portion,b) an anchor having a central axis which is axially implantable into a bone in a patient's body, the anchor comprising: i) a distal head portion having a body portion that extends transverse to the central axis of the anchor, a proximal surface, a distal surface, and an axially extending throughhole; ii) a first helix extending axially from the body portion of the distal head portion and transversely engagable with the bone, the first helix having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion having an opening, wherein the first end portion of the ligament extends through the throughhole of the distal head portion of the anchor, and wherein the intermediate portion of the ligament extends through the opening within the intermediate portion of the helix.
US08092527B2 System and method for breast augmentation
A system for cosmetic augmentation includes a plurality of microballoons. An injector can be provided for injecting microballoons into a subcutaneous pocket at a cosmetic site through an incision. A method for performing cosmetic augmentation surgery and microballoons for use in the method are also disclosed.
US08092509B2 Implant delivery device
Disclosed is a system for delivering self-expanding stents to stenting sites within the body, which minimizes trauma to the affected tissue of the patient yet, at the same time, offers the medical practitioner a robust and simple system for stent placement. These technical effects are achieved by providing a catheter which receives the stent at its proximal end and guides it to the stenting site. The catheter serves as a guide catheter and has a tapered distal tip from which the stent emerges at the site of stenting. A stent pusher can be used which abuts the proximal end of the stent inside the guide catheter. The tapered tip can be molded and can be integral with the catheter shaft or bonded to it. The guide catheter can include a figurated portion towards its distal tip. The system has particular application to stenting the carotid artery.
US08092505B2 Bone nail
System, includes devices, methods, and kits, for fixing bone and/or repairing connective tissue associated with bone using a fastener constructed as a bone nail that includes at least one helical ridge having a large pitch. The large pitch permits the nail to be driven into bone by application of axial force to the nail, to secure the nail in the bone. In some embodiments, the bone nail may have a variable pitch that decreases toward the trailing end of the nail.
US08092502B2 Polyaxial bone screw with uploaded threaded shank and method of assembly and use
A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body integral with an upper capture structure and a head having an inner cavity for receiving the capture structure. The capture structure is threaded and the head includes a threaded opening for rotatable assembly with the capture structure and eventual locking frictional engagement between the capture structure and the head.
US08092500B2 Dynamic stabilization connecting member with floating core, compression spacer and over-mold
A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly having the following features: a pair of elongate bone anchor engagement segments, a floating inner core disposed in apertures of both anchor segments, at least one compression spacer surrounding the core and located between the anchor segments and in some embodiments an over-mold surrounding the compression spacer and at least a portion of one of the anchor segments. The implant may further include a tubed sleeve surrounding the core and located between the anchor segments.
US08092497B2 Intervertebral implant for the lumbosacral joint
The invention provides an intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint, the implant comprising a spacer suitable for being disposed between the fifth lumbar vertebra L5 and the vertebra S1 of the sacrum that is articulated to the vertebra L5. The implant comprises a flexible tie having end portions suitable for being fastened to the sacrum with the help of fasteners such as pedicular screws. The flexible tie has an intermediate portion suitable for co-operating with a connection system such as a hook provided on the spacer so that the flexible tie connects the spacer to the sacrum. The flexible tie is put under tension in such a manner as to exert a return force on the spacer towards the vertebra S1.
US08092491B2 Process and instrument for stretching tissue of skin
An instrument for stretching tissue is provided. The instrument can include opposing hook jaws 10 movably coupled to a rod 12 and movable toward each other, and each hook jaw 10 can have a hook receptacle 18. A hook module 20, having at least one hook 22, can be seated in the hook receptacle 18. An adjustment cam 28 can be connected to each hook module 20 and an adjustment drive 26 can be coupled to the adjustment cams 28 where the adjustment drive 26 moves the adjustment cams 28 to cause a skin stretching force at one or more hook modules 20 and to cause a skin reperfusion force at one or more hook modules 20.
US08092488B2 Bone retractor tool
An improved bone retractor tool includes a pair of arms pivotably connected to one in a pliers-like configuration and a pair of tissue engagement plates each having forward and rearward portions, each of the pair of tissue engagement plates mounted on the upper end of one of the pair of arms and extending generally parallel with one another when the pair of arms are in closed position. Forward bone engagement spikes are mounted on and extend forwards from the forward portions of the tissue engagement plates. A releasable securement mechanism is mounted on the pair of arms for releasably retaining the pair of arms in a selected position relative to one another, and a tensioning device is mounted on the pair of arms for tensioning the lower ends away from one another thereby forcing the pair of tissue engagement plates towards one another upon the securement mechanism being released.
US08092487B2 Intravascular filter with debris entrapment mechanism
Apparatus for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system of a patient, the apparatus including a filter to allow blood to flow therethrough and to restrict passage of debris, wherein the filter captures debris carried in a first direction of blood flow. The apparatus further includes an entrapment mechanism which allows passage of debris and blood therethrough, in the first direction of blood flow and prevents debris passage in a second direction. The entrapment mechanism and filter allow blood and debris therethrough in the first direction of blood flow. The entrapment mechanism prevents debris flow in the second direction of blood flow. A method for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system includes inserting the apparatus into the vascular system, allowing blood and debris carried therein to flow through the entrapment mechanism, and removing the apparatus and accumulated debris from the vascular system.
US08092485B2 Recoverable inferior vena cava filter
A recoverable embolus filter has a symmetrical design with two corollas with radially extending extensions that are mutually interconnected to permit them to slide with respect to each other. The corollas collapse by pulling them apart, and the collapsed filter can then be withdrawn by pulling one of the ends of the collapsed configuration into a recovery sheath.
US08092484B2 Embolus blood clot filter with post delivery actuation
A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members, and a bio-resorbable structure that causes locator members and/or anchor members to deploy to an initial configuration which changes when the bio-resorbable structure is resorbed. The bio-resorbable structure causes the filter locator members and/or anchor members to press against the vessel wall sufficient to locate and anchor the filter upo delivery. After the bio-resorbable structure is resorbed, the locator members and/or anchor members change shape to apply less pressure against the vessel wall. The bio-resorbable structure may be activated by exposure to radiation so that actuation of the locator members and/or anchor members can be enabled or initiated by a clinician.
US08092481B2 Expandable percutaneous sheath
Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as percutaneous nephrostomy or urinary bladder access.
US08092479B2 Implantable device for the treatment of obesity
A method for placing an implant within a hollow body organ by providing a member with distal and proximal ends. The member has at least one tensioning tether with a first end attached to at least one of the distal and proximal end and a second ends attached to the member between the distal and proximal ends. The step includes moving the member towards the deployed shape by applying tension to the tether.
US08092474B2 Methods and devices for placement of an intra-abdominal or intra-thoracic appliance through a natural body orifice
Natural orifice transenteric surgical methods and devices for placing a band or other appliance around a hollow bodily organ such as the stomach. In one alternative embodiment, such a band is placed in order to reduce the inner volume of the stomach.
US08092473B2 Surgical clamp with improved traction
A surgical clamp includes opposing jaws and a covering enhancing traction between the jaws and a body conduit. A multiplicity of fibers oriented to extend longitudinally between the clamp and conduit may be composed of filaments and either woven or non-woven to form a fabric. A variety of weaves are contemplated to provide different textures, each having its own traction characteristics. The nature of the weave can control characteristics such as smoothness, absorption, and texture. The fibers or filaments may be formed from any solid or semi-solid material, adding its own characteristics to the resulting fabric insert or clamp.
US08092472B2 Methods and devices for endoscopic treatment of organs
The present invention relates to devices and methods for the endoscopic treatment of hollow organs. The invention provides improved devices and methods for apposing and fixating multiple regions of the outer surface of a hollow organ. The invention is particularly useful for procedures in which multiple regions of the outer surface of the stomach are brought into apposition and fixated, for example procedures to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or procedures to treat obesity.
US08092471B2 Position measuring apparatus
A position measuring apparatus, for use in an assisting apparatus for surgical opertions, includes a position indicating apparatus for indicating a position and a direction of a tool, and three-dimensional position measuring apparatus for measuring a position and a direction of a surgical field and also the position and the direction of the tool. The position indicating apparatus and the three dimensional position measuring apparatus are unified in one body in the relative position thereof, so that a position for assistance of surgical operation is indicated in the form of an intersection line or an intersection point of the laser beams, irrespective of the position of the position measuring apparatus.
US08092469B2 Tool for removing object from the body of a patient
A tool for removing a discrete object from the body of a human or animal patient includes a single length of Nitinol tubing and a sheath. The tubing includes a tool head section at a distal end of the tubing and a shaft section extending from a proximal end of the tubing to the tool head section. The tool head section includes a slitted section and a non-slitted section. The non-slitted section is disposed at a distal most end of the tubing. The slitted section includes a plurality of longitudinal slits forming a plurality of strands.
US08092468B2 Deployment handle for an implant deployment device
A deployment handle (112) for an implant deployment device (10) facilitates withdrawal of a sheath (18). The deployment handle (112) includes two separate actuators: a trigger (130) and a sliding actuator (330). The trigger (130) can be used to effect small step-wise movement of a carriage (120) that is connected to a sheath (18) to be withdrawn. The sliding actuator (330) can be used to effect continuous movement of a carriage (120) to withdraw a sheath (18). In order to transmit movement of either the trigger (130) or the sliding actuator (330) to the carriage (120), a flexible rack (380) is used. The flexible rack (380) includes upper teeth (390) and lower teeth (395) for engagement with the trigger (130) and the sliding actuator (330) respectively. The ability of the flexible rack (380) to bend back on itself means that unnecessary elongation of the deployment handle (112) is avoided.
US08092465B2 Patient specific knee alignment guide and associated method
A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing an interactive initial surgical plan based on the scan data, sending the surgical plan to a surgeon, receiving a finalized surgical plan from the surgeon, and preparing an image of a patient-specific alignment guide.
US08092464B2 Syringe devices and methods useful for delivering osteogenic material
Described are syringe devices useful in delivering medical materials internally in patients. In certain embodiments, syringe devices of the invention include widening internal lumen to assist in effective delivery of substances therethrough, and/or curved barrel portions with curved lumens therein. In still further disclosed embodiments, syringe devices include adaptations to prevent compression of compressible carrier materials to be delivered therethrough, curved barrel portions with flexible plunger arms to track the curved barrel portions, barrel portions controllable in shape such as to introduce and remove curves, visible markings to denote the direction of deflection of syringe barrel portions, imagable markers located on the syringe barrel, a cooperating plunger apparatus, or both; or combinations of some or all of these features. Further described are spinal fusion procedures with syringe-based delivery of osteogenic material through a minimally invasive procedure, which procedures can utilize syringe devices of the invention.
US08092463B2 Distraction device used for osteogenesis
An apparatus for vertical callus distraction includes a linear drive having first and anchors, each with a plate-shaped region, that are able to be displaced relative to one another by way of the linear drive and substantially orientated perpendicularly to the direction of displacement. The first anchor is connected to a fixed bone segment and the second anchor is connected to a movable bone segment for cultivating the growth of callus between the bone segments. The linear drive has a first element with the first anchor fixed to an end of the first element, and a second element with the second anchor fixed to an end of the second element. The first and second elements are translationally displaced relative to one another with the linear drive preventing rotation of the first element relative to the second element, and preventing relative rotation between the first and second anchors.
US08092462B2 Spacer for use in arthroplasty on a knee joint
A method of, and apparatus for, arthroplasty of a knee joint comprising obtaining a desired spacing of the femur from the tibia by inserting a spacer into the knee joint between the femur and the tibia. The spacer is used as a reference for securing a guide jig in position about the knee joint for guiding resection of one or both of the femur and tibia for fitting of tibial and/or femoral prostheses. A method of resecting the femur while moving the tibia through an arc of motion to remove bone to the desired depth, a method of determining the position of the guide jig, the guide jog, an alignment device and the spacer are also described.
US08092461B2 Method and apparatus for facilitating navigation of an implant
The present invention describes a targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member that is attached to the biocompatible device and may optionally include a steering material. The system includes a passer element located at the distal end of a wand. The wand includes a trigger like member adjacent a hand grip. Actuation of the trigger like member will result in a pivotal movement of the passer element that positions the targeting member such that the connected biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.
US08092460B2 Magnetic targeting system and method of using the same
The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.
US08092453B2 Intramedullary interlocking fixation devices for the distal radius
Medical kits for treating fractures in or adjacent the wrist and distal forearm employ an intramedullary interlocking fixation rod (i.e, it interlocks the distal and proximal fracture fragments together) to stabilize the skeletal structure in a manner which can inhibit the amount of collapse or loss in skeletal length exhibited by a patient with a distal radius fracture.
US08092451B2 Articulating bipolar electrosurgical instrument
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a pair of pivotable juxtaposed jaw members and a locking mechanism operatively associated with a second of the jaw members. The locking mechanism has a first position engaged with the second jaw member for preventing movement of the second jaw member between an axially aligned orientation and at least one angled orientation, and a second position. The second position is disengaged from the second jaw member allowing for movement of the second jaw member between the axially aligned orientation and the at least one angled orientation. The instrument has an actuation mechanism operatively connected to a first of the jaw members with the actuation mechanism operable to move the first jaw member between an axially aligned first orientation and at least one angled orientation. An articulation knob is operatively associated with the locking mechanism and effectuates independent operation of the locking and actuation mechanisms.
US08092450B2 Magnetically guidable energy delivery apparatus and method of using same
An energy delivery apparatus for delivering electrical energy at a target location, the energy delivery apparatus being usable in combination with a magnetic field. The energy delivery apparatus includes an electrical conductor, the electrical conductor having a substantially elongated configuration; an electrode for delivering the electrical energy at the target location, the electrode being electrically coupled to the electrical conductor and located at a predetermined location therealong; and a guiding element mounted to the electrical conductor in a substantially spaced apart relationship relative to the electrode, the guiding element including a magnetically responsive material. The energy delivery apparatus is constructed such that a movement of the guiding element causes a corresponding movement of the electrode. The magnetic field is used to move the guiding element in order to position the electrode substantially adjacent to the target location.
US08092449B2 Surgical probe
The invention concerns a surgical probe having electrodes for use in tissue ablation or coagulation. The probe has hollow spaces therein for delivering a cooling fluid to the probe. The probe has a handle and shaft and two axially-spaced electrodes on the surface of the shaft, separated from each other by an insulator.
US08092447B2 Handpiece for tissue treatment
A handpiece for tissue treatment is provided. The handpiece has receiving means for receiving a first light beam, at least two components and selector device being movable between at least two positions, each position corresponding to a component. The selector device may be moved between the two positions, thereby positioning a selected component in a beam path of the first light beam. The selected component provide one or more functions, such as sensing, emitting a third light beam, emitting no light beam, and/or emitting a second light beam in response to the first light beam being incident on the selected component. The second or third light beam may, if present, be emitted towards a target area, or said light beam(s) may be deflected towards a target area. Furthermore, a method for tissue treatment using such a handpiece, and a selector device for use in such a handpiece is provided.
US08092446B2 Device and method for material processing by means of laser radiation
In a device for material processing by laser radiation, including a source of laser radiation emitting pulsed laser radiation for interaction with the material; optics focusing the pulsed processing laser radiation to a center of interaction in the material and a scanning unit shifting the positions of the center of interaction within the material. Each processing laser pulse interacts with the material in a zone surrounding the center of interaction assigned to the laser pulse so that material is separated in the zones of interaction. A control unit controls the scanning unit and the source of laser radiation such that a cut surface is produced in the material by sequential arrangement of zones of interaction. The control unit controls the source of laser radiation and the scanning unit such that adjacent centers of interaction are located at a spatial distance a≦10 μm from each other.
US08092445B2 Fluid connection device, system and method for continuously taking fluid microsamples using this device
The invention relates to a fluid connection device and to a continuous automated system and method for taking fluid microsamples using this device.A device (20) according to the invention, which is intended to be connected to a first line (21) via a first opening and includes a second opening through which a second line (28) passes, comprises: a female fluid connector (22) that defines the first opening and has an internal fitting surface (23) terminating in a female end (24) into which this first line opens; and a male fluid connector (25) that defines the second opening, which is fitted into the female connector via its external surface (26) and terminates via its male radial end (27) inside the female connector. According to the invention, this second line is formed from a flexible microtube pushed right through the male connector beyond the male end, the free end of the second line pressing in a sealed manner against the female end so as to minimize the dead volume between the first line and the male connector.
US08092444B2 Catheter articulation segment with alternating cuts
An articulation segment for a catheter includes a tube formed with a first plurality of axially aligned slits that are respectively oriented in planes perpendicular to the axis, with each slit extending azimuthally in an arc partway around the axis. The tube is also formed with a second plurality of similarly formed slits that are axially offset and diametrically opposed relative to the slits of the first plurality to allow for a bending of the catheter in a plurality of different planes. In a particular embodiment, the slits are arranged to allow the articulation segment to be reconfigured from a straight, substantially cylindrically shaped tube to a configuration in which a portion of the articulation segment is formed in the shape of a ring.
US08092435B2 Portal with septum embedded indicia
An implantable portal includes a septum that has embedded therein an indicia adapted to identify at least one characteristic of the portal. The indicia may be formed as an impression at a base layer of the septum, and is filled with a radiopaque material. The septum base layer is covered by liquid silicone, which bonds with the septum base layer when solidified, so that an integral one-piece septum, with the identifier indicia embedded therein, is effected. The indicia embedded septum is fitted to the reservoir housing of the portal for providing identification information for that portal. The septum embedded indicia is viewable visually and also by x-ray or computer tomography imaging.
US08092432B2 Outdwelling slit valves and assemblies for medical liquid flow through a cannula and related methods
Novel outdwelling normally closed bulbous medical bidirectional slit valves and outdwelling slit valve assemblies for influent and effluent fluid flow into and from a medical patient are disclosed, as well as related methods.
US08092431B2 Seal assembly for a cannula
The present disclosure relates to a seal assembly for a cannula. The cannula includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The seal assembly is located in the proximal portion of the housing and includes a first seal including a first tri-slit, a second seal disposed co-axially and proximal to the first seal and including a second tri-slit, and a third seal disposed co-axially to the first seal and the second seal and including a central opening. A cap is coupled to the proximal portion of the housing and adjacent the third seal and includes a plurality of suture retaining features, such as tabs, for management of sutures during surgery. Fluid leakage out of the cannula, during surgery, is substantially reduced due to the leakage being limited to a channel defined by the first tri-slit, the second tri-slit, and the central opening.
US08092419B2 Disposable injector with at least one support rod
A disposable injector with a housing (10) in which are arranged at least one mechanical spring energy reservoir (50), at least cylinder/piston unit (100) filled with an injection solution, at least one piston-actuating ram, and at least one trigger unit. The spring-loaded piston-actuating ram is supported on the housing via at least one support rod (21), wherein the contact zone located between an individual support rod and the piston-actuating ram represents a wedge gear pairing that forces the respective support rod radially outwards. The support rod or support rods bear on at least one activation element (82) that is mounted on the housing and positioned in a locking position. The activation element can be brought by displacement into a triggering position that releases the piston-actuating ram.
US08092416B2 Device and method for connecting a blood pump without trapping air bubbles
An apparatus and a method for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The apparatus and the method prevent air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.
US08092415B2 Catheter assembly including triple lumen tip
A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient during renal replacement or other therapies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and includes a distal-facing portion. The distal tip region further includes an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen, includes a distal-facing portion, and is substantially un-staggered with respect to the venous lateral opening. A distal end opening is defined on the distal tip region and is sized to pass a fluid therethrough. In one embodiment, the distal end opening is in fluid communication with a third lumen of the catheter body that can withstand high fluid flow rates associated with power injection of contrast media.
US08092413B2 Multi-purpose tubing apparatus
An improved tubing device, preferably for use in the medical industry is provided. The tubing device provides a seamless transport path by using the tubing itself as the transport means without any other internally wetted parts, or connections, to provide a substantial reduction in the number of fluid contact components, and eliminate the need for cutting tubes into segments to be later bonded via tubing connectors. This can reduce the risk of contamination of the transported materials and can also reduce the use of chemicals such as adhesives and bonding agents.
US08092406B2 Therapeutic belt
A therapeutic apparatus having an expanse of material that can be adjustably wrapped around a portion of a user's body and which is securable thereon. Various therapeutic components can be attached to the material expanse in numerous positions, such that when it is secured on the user, the components direct the therapy to the area of need. Therapeutic components may include for example, pressure-creating devices, hot and cold packs and rigid support pieces. One or more flexible straps, each having an attachment mechanism to allow direct attachment to the material expanse at a plurality of positions can also be provided.
US08092405B2 Self contained oral vibrator with elastomeric band
A self-contained oral vibrator featuring an elastomeric band that is generally used as a sexual novelty apparatus. The apparatus is made of two basic parts. The first part, the integrated vibrator, is comprised of a motor used to cause vibration, a small battery power source and an external barrel 4. The second primary element of the apparatus is the elastomeric band itself. The band is designed to both fasten to the tongue during use and also house the vibration apparatus. The elastomeric band is essentially made of two parts; the first part, the bottom part, is a flat loop that wraps around the tongue during use while the second part, the top part, is designed as a barrel 4 to hold in place the vibration barrel in place. The vibration barrel and band together form an integrated tongue vibrator absent the necessity for multiple parts to achieve the same end result.
US08092403B2 Vacuum pressure regulator for human body treatment devices
One or more embodiments of the presently described invention provide a vacuum pressure regulator including a spring, a knob, a housing, a chamber and a diaphragm. The spring encircles the knob and is capable of being compressed when the knob is rotated in one direction. The chamber and diaphragm are located inside the housing. A seal is formed when the compression of the spring creates a spring force that pushes at least a part of the diaphragm against a sealing surface of the chamber. This seal enables the chamber to maintain or hold a vacuum pressure for more than a transitory time period.
US08092401B2 Method and apparatus for producing shock waves for medical applications
The invention describes a method and an apparatus for producing shock waves in a fluid for medical applications. In a work volume filled with fluid, the pressure is increased mechanically by pulses. The pressure pulse produced in the work volume is transferred to the fluid volume by means of a partition, in order to produce shock waves in the fluid volume.
US08092400B2 Calculating the position of body parts, taking into account anatomical symmetry
The present application relates to a method for determining the position or relative position of body parts, taking into account the anatomical symmetry, wherein at least one first-side body part is provided on the first side of an anatomical body, and at least one second-side body part is provided on the second side of the anatomical body, wherein the first side is separated from the second side by a body symmetry plane, said method comprising the steps of: providing first-side body part data which describes or implies the position of the at least one first-side body part; providing second-side body part data which describes the position of the at least one second-side body part; providing symmetry plane data which describes the position of the body symmetry plane; calculating the mirrored position or mirrored positions of the at least one second-side body part which results after the position of the at least one second-side body part has been mirrored on the body symmetry plane, on the basis of the second-side body part data and the symmetry plane data, and determining and/or displaying a deviation between the mirrored position or positions of the at least one second-side body part and the position or positions of the at least one first-side body part; and/or determining a mirrored relative position of the second-side body parts, on the basis of the second-side body part data and the symmetry plane data.
US08092399B2 Sleep state measuring apparatus and sleep state measuring method
Even if a mattress or the like suffers long-term deterioration, a sleep state measuring apparatus is provided which can set a suitable amplification factor A of a biosignal. The sleep state measuring apparatus detects the biosignal which changes depending on the sleep state of a person who gets on the mattress filled with water, amplifies the biosignal, and estimates the sleep state based on the biosignal. A static component P of the mattress internal pressure detected by a biosignal sensor is first obtained (S 11). The mattress internal pressure is the pressure of water in the mattress. From the static component P of the mattress internal pressure, a fluctuation part ΔV of the mattress internal pressure depending on the value is specified (S 12). Each value of the fluctuation part ΔV of the mattress internal pressure is obtained beforehand by applying a predetermined load, and changing the static component P of the mattress internal pressure. The above-described amplification factor A is calculated by correcting predetermined standard amplification factor A0 with the specified fluctuation part ΔV (S 13).
US08092398B2 Multi-axis tilt estimation and fall remediation
Among other things, a vestibular prosthesis includes a wearable motion sensing system, the motion sensing system generating a motion signal indicative of a motion thereof, wherein the motion includes rotation about two distinct axes; a signal processor in communication with the motion sensing system, the signal processor being configured to generate an estimate of a tilt of the motion sensing system; and an actuator responsive to the estimate of the tilt made by the signal processor.
US08092397B2 Apparatus for measuring distal forces on a working instrument
A robotic catheter manipulator includes a guide catheter including proximal and distal ends and lumen extending there through. A flexible bellows is secured at one end to the proximal end of the guide catheter and at the other end to a seal configured to receive a working catheter. In a loaded state, the working catheter is fixed relative to the seal. A ditherer is operatively connected to the seal for dithering the working catheter relative to the guide catheter when placed therein. The robotic catheter manipulator includes at least one force sensor for measuring the force applied to the working catheter by the ditherer. Force measurements may be translated into an estimated force that is experienced at the distal end of the working catheter which may then be displayed to the physician via a monitor or display.
US08092396B2 Electronic auscultation device
An embodiment of an auscultation device can be constructed using electronic components to provide improved acquisition, processing, and communication of sound signals. An input device can be used for detecting sounds, and electrical signals representing the sounds can be processed and transmitted via Bluetooth and/or another form of wireless communication. Such embodiments can employ, at least in part, one or more of several commercially available wireless receiver devices, such as, without limitation, headsets and headphones, mobile phones, PDAs and/or other handheld devices, desktop, laptop, palmtop, and/or tablet computers and/or other computer devices and/or electronic devices.
US08092395B2 Guide wire for use in re-canalising a vascular occlusion in a human or animal subject
A guidewire (1) for re-canalizing a vascular occlusion comprises a core wire (5) which terminates at its distal end (4) in a terminal member (7) for opening the occlusion. A helical coil sleeve (10) extends around the core wire (5) from the terminal member (7) to a location (11) along the core wire (5). The terminal member (7) defines first and second planar surface portions (13,14) which converge towards a distal transversely extending leading edge portion (8). As the terminal member (7) is urged through the vascular occlusion, the first and second surface portions (13,14) act on the occlusion to form an opening therethrough. A distal portion (28) of the core wire (5) is of spade-like configuration for facilitating bending thereof for directing the terminal member (7) out of a central major plane (35) defined by the distal portion (28) for facilitating aligning of the terminal member (7) with a branched vessel of the vascular system.
US08092387B2 Ultrasonic imaging technique for differentiating the distribution of scatterers within a tissue
An ultrasonic imaging technique for differentiating the distribution of scatterers within a tissue comprises a correcting and an imaging procedure. The correcting procedure includes steps of obtaining ultrasonic backscattered signals from a standard phantom, compensating and demodulating the signals into an envelope image, calculating the parameter m and m, selecting a window to calculate parameter mw in each location of the envelope image and mw, if mw≠ m then increase the size of the window to repeat the steps above, and when mw= m, it is the optimal size of the window. The imaging procedure includes steps of obtaining ultrasonic backscattered signals from a target tissue, compensating and demodulating the signals into an envelope image, calculating mw in each location to form a mw matrix, and presenting the matrix by utilizing pseudocolors.
US08092385B2 Fluid access interface
The present invention relates generally to systems, apparatuses, and methods for obtaining a fluid sample from a patient. In particular, the present invention relates to a various types of fluid access interfaces for enabling contact between a patient blood sample and blood parameter sensors for the measurement of physiological parameters and blood constituents.
US08092381B2 Threshold training system
A system for increasing the fitness level of a fitness enthusiast. The system includes a personalized set of intensity zones corresponding to increasing levels of exercise intensity. The personalization of the system is accomplished through determining a threshold level based on oxygen consumption or a numerical rating of perception of effort or lactate or metabolism that is unique to each individual. From this determination, an anchor point is created upon which the heart rate values for each of eight zones is based. Each zone corresponds to a multiplier that when factored in to the amount time spent in each zone by the individual, yields a total training load value.
US08092375B2 Endoscope insertion portion with plurality of observation windows
An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes a plurality of observation windows having different outer diameters for leading incident light to a plurality of image pickup portions, and disposed on a distal end surface of the distal end portion; and an air/water feeding portion for spouting out a gas or liquid toward the plurality of observation windows, and disposed to the distal end portion. One of the plurality of observation windows having the largest outer diameter is disposed on the distal end surface at a position closest to the air/water feeding portion than the other of the plurality of observation windows.
US08092373B1 Endoscope hand assist device
An ergonomic holding assist device for endoscopes comprises an attachment mechanism to removably secure the hand assist device to an endoscope. An ergonomic component comfortably fills a space made between a naturally extended palm and the grip portion of the endoscope. A center plate sandwiched between the attachment mechanism and the ergonomic component provides an approximate ½-inch clearance to a top of the device so that the ergonomic component reaches a thenar crease of the palm more comfortably. The flexor tendon of the thumb is comfortably supported by the ergonomic component so that endoscope-work-related injuries are avoided.
US08092372B2 Insertion assisting tool for endoscope and endoscope operating method
An insertion assisting tool for an endoscope which is a tubular insertion assisting tool which is provided with an inflatable and deflatable balloon attached to a tip end outer peripheral part, and through which an insertion section for an endoscope is capable of being inserted, comprising: an air hole formed at an outer periphery and/or a tip end part of the insertion assisting tool.
US08092371B2 Medical treatment endoscope
The medical treatment endoscope according to the present invention includes a sheath having a flexibility; at least one arm member having a bending part that projects out from a front end of the sheath and performs bending actions; an open/close mechanism which directs the arm member from a direction along a central axis of the sheath to a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath, and from a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath to a direction along the central axis of the sheath; and a viewing device and an illuminating member that are disposed to the front end side of the sheath.
US08092369B2 Organ manipulator having suction member supported with freedom to move relative to its support
An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disk mounted to a joint providing freedom of movement of the at least one suction member or adhesive disk relative to its support. A method for retracting and maintaining an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) is provided.
US08092363B2 Heart band with fillable chambers to modify heart valve function
The present invention relates to an external heart device, having a layered band dimensioned to be received around a patient's heart, which also includes at least one fillable chamber between the layers in the band that functions to apply localized pressure to the outside of the heart when filled. More particularly, the fillable chambers are positioned such that they exert an inward radial force on a heart valve. Areas between the fillable chambers may also be sized and positioned to form a bridge of little to no pressure over the vascular structures of the heart.
US08092360B2 Methods for creating multi-walled containers
Methods for making multi-walled containers from a single blank, preferably using a continuous process approach, and the resulting containers are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention include, alone or in combination, intermediate panels formed from flap precursors that are in- or out-folded such that their distal ends are in proximate relationship to each other; outer flaps sized to overlap exposed edges of a container formed from the blank; stress relief features a joint corners to reduce stresses thereat. Methods for making select containers of the invention include folding and adhering the flap precursors to an inner panel, up-folding the inner panel/intermediate panel combination about a mandrel, and continuing to up-fold the outer panel until a container having a “use” position as a resting position is formed.
US08092358B2 Charging member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
The present invention provides a charging member which can maintain excellent wear resistance even though being used repeatedly. In the charging member having a surface layer, the surface layer is a surface layer constituted by at least one selected from silsesquioxanes having structures represented by a compound (1), a compound (2), a compound (3), a compound (4), a compound (5) and a compound (6), and a polysiloxane having a first unit represented by SiO0.5R1(OR2)(OR3), a second unit represented by SiO1.0R4(OR5) and a third unit represented by SiO1.5R6, wherein the silsesquioxane is contained in the polysiloxane.
US08092356B2 Biomechanical exercise device having a resilient support surface
An ankle exercise device increases user comfort and is capable of exercising each ankle without having to switch a fulcrum from one side to the other. The exercise device includes an upper section having a first stiffness characteristic and a lower section that is connected to upper section and has a second stiffness characteristic that is different than the first stiffness characteristic. A fulcrum extends from the lower section and is adapted to support the exercise device for pivoting movement relative to a floor or other support surface.
US08092354B2 Portable and adjustable stretching device
The invention is directed to an exercise apparatus for use in stretching. The exercise apparatus includes a compact construction that is mechanically easy to operate and allows users to gently stretch, without assistance from others. The exercise apparatus includes a tubular member and a shaft member that is sized to slidably insert into the tubular member to form a telescoping structure that extends in a longitudinal direction. A base is provided having a substantially planar shape that includes an upper surface adapted to receive a force applied in a downward direction. The force is provided to supplement an initial force received through the connector.
US08092351B1 Crank system assemblies and methods for use thereof
An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system supported by the frame; a right and left foot members supported by the frame; first and second flexible element coupled to the crank system and foot support members such that downward motion of either foot support member causes rotation of the crank system; and a crank offset assembly configured to prevent the crank system from becoming locked at a top dead center location.
US08092350B2 Electric stepper
An electric stepper includes a base having a rotation shaft, a pivot and a post; an upright rod fixed on the post; a main seat mounted on the base, having a tube sheathing on the rotation shaft and a horizontal shaft; a left support on the left of the horizontal shaft; a right support on the right of the horizontal shaft; a left link, two ends of which are separately connected to the front of the left support and a left crank; a right link, two ends of which are separately connected to the front of the right support and a right crank; a rocker arm pivotally fixed on the pivot of the base and connected to the left crank; a bearing set connecting between the left crank and right crank and having a driven wheel; and a gear box at the rear end of the main seat and having a driving wheel for driving the driven wheel through a belt.
US08092347B2 Device for training and/or analyzing a user's musculoskeletal system
A device for training and/or analyzing a user's musculoskeletal system includes a stepping plate mounted on a base plate and periodically or aperiodically moveble by a driving mechanism encompassing a drive shaft on which a cam is disposed. On the bottom side of the stepping plate is a roll that rolls off an external surface of the cam. The stepping plate is connected to the base plate by vertical guides stationarily disposed on the base plate such that the mounted stepping plate follows a lifting movement caused by the driving mechanism. The cam has a first eccentric zone truncated such that the distance traveled by the roll rolling off the surface of the zone increases along the axial extension of the cam. A vertical adjusting mechanism allows the lift of the stepping plate to be modified by changing the position between the roll and the cam that cooperates therewith.
US08092346B2 Exercise system
An example exercise system includes an exercise apparatus having a processor and a movable element and a device coupled to the exercise apparatus and to a communication network. The device is configured to receive an exercise program and to output the exercise program to the exercise apparatus.
US08092343B2 Method for setting the filling pressure for a clutch
A method for determining the filling pressure for a clutch and a hydraulic clutch adapted to conduct said method are suggested where clutch linings are brought into engagement against the force of a clutch release spring by a hydraulic pressure system. The hydraulic pressure is controlled such that an engagement point where the clutch linings abut against each other but without establishing a torque transmitting capacity in the clutch can be reached quickly and precisely. The purpose is to achieve a short gear shifting time, but at the same time avoid impacts due to premature torque transmittal capacity in the clutch during gear shifting. A precision shifting mode or a fast shifting mode can be established, compromising speed and torque transmitting capacity depending on the preferred driving mode.
US08092340B2 Hybrid electric vehicle powertrain control after a requested change in vehicle direction
A method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain includes operating an engine driveably connected to first vehicle wheels, providing an electric motor driveably connected to second vehicle wheels, shifting a gear selector between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position, reducing vehicle speed to or lower than a reference speed, and using a transmission located between the engine and the first wheels and the electric motor to produce reverse or forward drive corresponding to the position to which the gear selector is shifted.
US08092338B2 Method for recovering electrical energy in vehicle with regenerative braking
Method for recovering electrical energy in a vehicle with regenerative braking is used in a vehicle equipped for this purpose with an electrical capacitance device to store electrical energy supplied by a rotary electrical machine of the vehicle during regenerative braking operation. A choice is made, on the basis of the initial rotational speed of the rotary electrical machine to apply an energy recovery stratagem from at least the following two: —a first energy recovery strategy that favors high power supplied by the rotary electrical machine; and—a second energy recovery strategy that favors high efficiency of the rotary electrical machine.
US08092337B2 Composite planetary gear apparatus
The composite planetary gear apparatus according to the present invention can bring about an advantageous effect to prevent fuel efficiency from being lowered stemming from the increased stirring loss of oil. The apparatus comprises a first planetary gear assembly 11 having a sun gear S1, pinion gears P1, and a ring gear R1, and a second planetary gear assembly 12 having a sun gear S2, pinion gears P2, and a ring gear R2. The ring gears R1 and R2 surround the pinion gears P1 and P2 and are combined together to integrally form a counter drive gear 13. The counter drive gear 13 is formed with a plurality of through bores 13c each having an inner end opened at a closed space defined by the first and second planetary gear assemblies 11 and 12, and an outer end opened at an outer space surrounding the counter drive gear 13.
US08092336B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with a member of the planetary gear sets. The output member is continuously interconnected with another member of the planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are produced by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
US08092334B2 Two-stage two-speed front differential
A variable speed front differential assembly for a vehicle is provided including a first side shaft, a second side shaft, and an input shaft. An offset differential case houses a differential mechanism engaging the first side shaft and the second side shaft. A speed selection assembly is movable from a first speed position to a second speed position. A speed reduction assembly is mounted adjacent the offset differential case. The speed selection assembly directly engages the offset differential case housing when in the first speed position such that a 1:1 drive ratio is achieved. The speed selection assembly engages the offset differential case through the speed reduction assembly when in the second speed position such that an increased drive ratio is achieved.
US08092333B2 Torque transmission structure, traction drive transmission device, and steering device for vehicle
There is provided a compact and highly durable variable-speed traction drive transmission device. A traction drive transmission device which uses the traction of rolling bodies K arranged between an input shaft Si and an output shaft So to change the number of revolutions of the input shaft Si into a desired transmission ratio and output from the output shaft So, has a rotation axis of the rolling bodies K arranged at an incline so that it is not orthogonal to the axis of the input shaft Si and the output shaft So, and there is provided: a load regulation cam 50 which automatically changes a preload applied to the rolling bodies K corresponding to a torque of the input shaft Si; and a differential type transmission ratio variation mechanism using a worm gear 55, which is connected to a retainer 40 serving as a traction input-output member of the rolling bodies K, and performs number of revolutions control of the retainer 40 to change the transmission ratio.
US08092331B2 Electric oil pump control apparatus for vehicle, electric oil pump control method for vehicle, and shift apparatus
When the shift position is changed to the drive position, the amount of oil that is supplied to an automatic shift unit is increased by a larger amount as the standby hydraulic pressure is lower. Therefore, even if the standby hydraulic pressure is decreased, the required hydraulic pressure is more easily achieved when the shift position is changed to the drive position. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the standby hydraulic pressure without slowing down the response to the automatic shift unit to the hydraulic pressure and reducing the useful life of the automatic shift unit. Thus, the amount of electricity consumed by the electric oil pump is reduced. As a result, it is possible to enhance the fuel efficiency.
US08092330B2 Control for an automatic transmission
A system for controlling a transmission includes a gear selector, a manual valve for connecting a pressure source alternately to Drive and Reverse lines in response to movement of the gear selector between selected Drive and Reverse positions, first and second solenoid-actuated valves, the first valve connecting the pressure source to a first control element, the second valve connecting the Reverse line to a second control element when the Reverse position is selected, a third solenoid-actuated valve connecting the Drive line to a third control element when the Drive position is selected, and a control valve through which pressure in the first control element is vented when the Drive position is selected.
US08092329B2 Bicycle chain rings with ramps
Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps, tapers and profiled teeth for improved shifting performance. Additional embodiments of the bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured with one or more additional features formed within the chain rings including a transition slide, a tapered ramp face, a ramp bridge, a ramp lead, a trailing transition slide and a wear pin.
US08092327B2 Tensioner lever for chain drive
In a spring-loaded tensioner lever having a coiled torsion spring accommodated in a space inside the lever, a stopper mechanism, comprising a pin held removably in a hole in the lever, holds an arm of the torsion spring against movement in the unwinding direction while the lever, or the chain, is being mounted on a mounting surface. The pin and a bent end of the arm of the spring fit into holes in the mounting surface positioned so that a pivot shaft-receiving hole of the lever is automatically aligned with a shaft-mounting hole in the mounting surface.
US08092324B2 Sheet-like object for ball and ball
Provided are: a sheet-like ball material including a fibrous base material, and an elastic polymer cover layer that is laminated on a surface of the fibrous base material, in which continuous pebbles and discontinuous valleys are formed on a surface of the cover layer, the valleys discontinuously formed are formed at average intervals of 0.5 to 3 mm, the valley has a depth of 50 to 500 μm, a vertical projected area of each valley is 1 to 5 mm2, and a total area of the vertical projected area of each valley accounts for 3 to 30% relative to a surface area of the elastic polymer cover layer; a ball used for volleyball or beach volleyball including the sheet-like ball material, which is excellent in the controllability for all types of ball plays such as tossing and serving in the smoothness of the attenuation degree in the ball speed of the ball during flight of the ball, and in the design, e.g., three-dimensional shape, which is not realized in a heretofore-existing ball, and also has a sufficient surface abrasion resistance; and a sheet-like ball material suitably used for such balls.
US08092322B1 Bunt guard
A bunt guard 1 that easily attaches to all baseball and softball bats during bunting practice. A protective shield 2, durable and deflective by design, protects the bunter's hands 10 and fingers 12 from erratic pitches, or slow reaction. The shield 2 attaches and detaches quickly with straps 5 B holding the bunt guard 1 in its desired location.
US08092321B2 Golf tee with a connecting wire and manufacturing method thereof
A golf tee with a connecting wire includes a tee and a connecting wire. The tee has a nail rod and a ball holding portion connected with a top of the nail rod. The ball holding portion has a groove formed in a top thereof and a connecting slot formed in one side thereof. The connecting slot includes an opening portion, a passage portion and a fixing portion. One end of the connecting wire passes through the opening portion and the passage portion of the connecting slot into the fixing portion and forms a blocked portion which is located in the groove, so that the end of the connecting wire is connected with the tee. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a golf tee with a connecting wire. Accordingly, the connection and assembling between the connecting wire and the tee can be attained easily, firmly, and rapidly.
US08092313B2 Universal joint yoke, universal joint, and vehicle steering apparatus
A universal joint yoke includes: a cylindrical portion for fixing a shaft; a slit that is formed in the cylindrical portion and that extends from one end of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, which is a first direction; a reinforcement flange that extends from the other end of the cylindrical portion radially outward with respect to the cylindrical portion; and a pair of arms that extend from the reinforcement flange on a side opposite to a side on which the cylindrical portion is provided and that are swingably coupled to another yoke via a coupling shaft.
US08092305B2 Lighting system for gaming devices using light emitting diodes having different beam angles
A reel device for a gaming machine comprising a chassis configured to support the reel device and a reel structure attached to the chassis. The reel structure has a hub, a frame, and a spoke attached to the hub and the frame. The frame may define the periphery of the reel structure. The periphery of the reel structure may have media adapted to display a symbol to a game player. The reel may further have a board attached to the chassis and a plurality of light-emitting diodes positioned on the board, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes may be adapted to transmit light to at least a portion of the media. The light-emitting diodes may have a plurality of beam angles and output power levels.
US08092303B2 System and method for convenience gaming
A convenience gaming system is provided. The convenience gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas.
US08092302B2 Gaming system, gaming device and method providing tiered progressive bonusing system
The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players.
US08092300B2 Game server device, game management system and rating management method
A game server device, which can communicate with a plurality of game terminal devices through which registered players can play a competitive game, is provided with a rating calculation unit for calculating ratings of players for each competition; a comparison unit for comparing a mean value of ratings of all registered players and a predetermined reference value; an adjustment unit for carrying out processing to bring the means value closer to the reference value; a CPU player setting unit for setting a CPU player to an opponent player of the registered player. When the average value is smaller than the reference value, the adjustment unit sets the CPU player as an opponent player of the registered player, and sets the rating of the CPU player to be larger than its original rating of the registered player, whereas in the reverse case, the adjustment unit sets the rating of the CPU player to be smaller than the original rating in the calculation of the rating of the registered player. The mean value of all players' ratings indicating their strength in the competitive game is brought closer to the reference value.
US08092296B2 Symbol display device for game machine
A slot machine includes a reel assembly which has a transparent outer reel and a translucent inner reel disposed coaxially within the outer reel. The outer and inner reels are provided with first exterior surfaces on their periphery, and with second exterior surfaces on their side surfaces. The outer and inner reels are driven independently by a respective motor. In performing a first game, the side surfaces are horizontal so that first outer symbols and first inner symbols carried on each of the first exterior surfaces may be observable. In performing a second game, the side surfaces are perpendicular so that second outer symbols and second inner symbols carried on each of the second exterior surfaces may be observable. Symbol combinations are produced by synthesizing the symbols on the outer reel and the symbols on the inner reel.
US08092295B2 Game system, gaming machine used in such game system, and gaming method
A game system 1 has a bookmaker terminal 20 for setting odds for various events, and a plurality of gaming machines 50 that receive, via communication means 10, odds information set by the terminal 20. Each of the gaming machines 50 has: a gaming device 55 for executing the gaming machine-original game; a game control section 70 for controlling the execution of the game played on the gaming machine 50, as well as for controlling acceptance/payout of a gaming medium; and a bookgame control section 70 for accepting a bet by the odds on the event, with respect to the received odds information. Accordingly, in a game arcade, even when a popular event is relayed, it is possible to provide a game system in which the attention of the player to the gaming machine is not decreased.
US08092291B2 Apparatus and method for poker game with additional draw card options
A gaming device having a poker game with multiple options for the player to purchase extra cards. In one embodiment a stud five card hand is dealt to the player. The player can keep the five cards or purchase an extra card at a first cost. If the player purchases the first card, the player can thereafter keep the six card hand or purchase a second card at a second higher cost. This cycle is repeated for up to a predetermined number of cards such as five additional cards in one embodiment. When five additional cards are purchased, the game provides any accrued award to the player.
US08092286B2 Concave pan portion of an integral chopper assembly of a combine harvester
A concave pan portion of an integral chopper assembly that includes a concave pan shell portion with a separate grate portion that may be easily installed into and removed from an intermediate opening in such concave pan portion for replacement in the event of undesirable wear thereto, and a separate interruption plate installable downstream from the slots in the grate portion for the purpose of effecting a lower mean length of chop (LOC) as the integral chopper assembly operates. The separate grate portion is configured to be installable to fill the intermediate opening in the concave pan shell portion, with a plurality of slots therethrough positioned side by side in the crossways direction to accommodate knife elements that are part of the counter knife assembly.
US08092285B2 System and method for controlling a ventilation unit of a vehicle
A sensor system (24) for controlling a ventilation unit (22) of a vehicle (20) includes a sensitivity selector (70) for enabling a user to select a setting (76) corresponding to an air quality threshold (94, 98), and an air quality sensor (62) proximate an exterior of the vehicle (20) for detecting an air quality parameter (71). A controller (66) is responsive to the selector (70) and the sensor (62), and is in communication with an inlet air valve (32) of the ventilation unit (22). A method (118) of operating the sensor system (24) entails receiving a current value of the air quality parameter (71) at the controller (66) for comparison with the air quality threshold (94, 98). The controller (66) generates a switch signal (74) in response to the comparison for adjusting the inlet air valve (32) between an outside air mode (44) and a recirculation mode (46).
US08092279B2 Sharpening system for scissors with complex curved blades
A device and method of sharpening hair cutting scissor blades passes a blade over the perimeter portion of a flexible sharpening pad to flex the perimeter portion out of the plane of the pad. The blade is held in an angled orientation over the pad and is moved horizontally and downward during the sharpening motion. Independent horizontal and vertical movements allow addressing irregularly shaped blades including blades with a radial shape and convex blades.
US08092270B2 Tubulation-free gas filled electrode or lamp
A method of making a tubulation-free gas filled electrode or lamp having the steps of providing a glass or quartz tube having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; inserting a cathode into the first end; crimping the first end thereby securing the cathode and making the first end airtight; securing a solid plug inside the tube second end but leaving a gap between the plug and tube through which gas can pass; evacuating air from inside the tube by drawing it through the second end past the plug; charging the tube with a gas; and sealing the plug gap to make the second end airtight.
US08092262B1 Eye-of-the needle pin of an electrical contact
An electrical contact includes a base and an eye-of-the needle (EON) pin extending a length outwardly from the base to a tip. The EON pin is configured to be received within an electrical via. The EON pin includes a neck segment that extends outwardly from the base, a tip segment that includes the tip, and a compliant segment that extends from the neck segment to the tip segment. The neck segment has opposite end walls and opposite side walls that extend between the end walls. The end walls are connected to the side walls at corresponding transitional walls that interconnect spaced-apart edges of the corresponding end and side walls.
US08092260B2 Device for securing leads into in-line connector devices
A locking device for connectors is provided that uses a threaded seal latch application using a ferrule. The locking device secures leads in electrical connectors, particularly connectors involved in medically implantable devices. The locking device utilizes a threaded nut, pre-assembled onto a lead cable with a ferrule. The lead cable is inserted into and engages with a threaded sleeve, the threaded sleeve serves as an opening for the in-line stack inside a housing. The threaded nut engages the threaded sleeve, and the ferrule along the lead cable is encased therebetween. The ferrule is pushed into and against the inner surface of the threaded sleeve by the threaded nut, tightly securing the ferrule in place, and thereby locking the lead cable in the desired position.
US08092251B2 Active electronic media device packaging
Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.
US08092246B1 Self-locking micro-D connector
A connector apparatus and concomitant method of connecting first and second Micro-D connectors comprising inserting latches affixed at both ends of the first connector into mounting holes on the second connector and causing locking tabs on the latches to engage with a support portion of the second connector.
US08092236B2 Battery connector
A battery connector is adapted for being assembled to a printed circuit board. The battery connector includes an insulating housing, two holding elements and a plurality of terminals. The insulating housing has two opposite side surfaces. The insulating housing defines a plurality of terminal cavities and receiving grooves. Two holding grooves are opened in two opposite ends of the insulating housing. Each side surface of the insulating housing protrudes sideward to form a locating piece. Each holding element has a base plate mounted to the holding groove and a holding piece projecting out of the holding groove to be inserted into the printed circuit board. The terminals are respectively received in the terminal cavities. Each terminal has two contacting portions having an interstice therebetween and facing towards the receiving groove, and a soldering portion projecting out of the terminal cavity to be inserted in the printed circuit board.
US08092233B1 Stacked multilayer connector
A stacked multilayer connector includes two seat bodies oppositely disposed on a circuit board and two connection seats. Multiple electronic card units can be previously held between the connection seats as stacked layers and then the connection seats with the electronic card units can be plugged into the seat bodies into electrical contact with the circuit board. Each seat body has multiple terminal passageways in which multiple first terminals are inlaid. Each connection seat has multiple terminal passages in which multiple second terminals are inlaid. Each second terminal has multiple electronic card contact sections for clamping the electronic card units and a contact arm for contacting with the first terminal. The contact arm of the second terminal is a projection below the electronic card contact sections, whereby the width of the insulation main body of the connection seat is reduced to minify the required installation space and lower manufacturing cost.
US08092232B2 Board-to-board connector
A board-to-board connector is disclosed. The connector has first and second connectors. The first connector has concave insertion portions in which first terminals are arranged. The second connector is configured to be engaged, by fitting, with the first connector. The second connector has convex insertion portions in which second terminals are arranged and which are inserted in the concave insertion portions.
US08092230B2 Alignment frame for retaining a module on a circuit board
An alignment frame is provided. The frame includes a plurality of frame members coupled together to form a base. The base is configured to surround an electronic module to provide a protective cover for the electronic module. The base includes corners formed at intersections of the frame members. An alignment member is positioned on at least one corner of the base. The alignment member is configured to align an electronic module with respect to an electrical connector on a circuit board. A coupling member extends from at least one corner of the base. The coupling member is configured to be through-hole mounted to an aperture in the circuit board. The coupling member includes a retention feature configured to create a press-fit with an inner surface of the aperture.
US08092228B2 Termination for telecommunication and data engineering
The invention relates to a termination (1) for telecommunication and data engineering, comprising a housing (10) which contains terminal strips for connecting up a prescribed number of pairs, wherein the housing (10) is designed to have mounting means which can be used to mount the housing (10) on supports, wherein the terminal strips are in the form of printed circuit board connectors (50), wherein the housing (10) contains a plurality of printed circuit boards (60) which are accessible from the front and at least one side portion (12) of the housing (10), wherein the printed circuit board connectors (50) are plugged onto the printed circuit boards (60) from the front of the housing (10) and are plugged onto the printed circuit boards (60) from the side portion(s) (12) of the housing (10), wherein the printed circuit boards (60) hold conductor tracks which are respectively used to connect a contact on a printed circuit board connector (50) from the front to a contact on the printed circuit board connector (50) from the side portion(s) (12) via the respective common printed circuit board (60).
US08092227B2 Method and apparatus for group learning via sequential explanation templates
Method and system for assessing a student's understanding of a process that may unfold, e.g., overtime and space. The present invention provides a sophisticated approach of directing students to perform self-explanation, and enables instructors to enhance the value of this pedagogical process by providing meaningful and rapid feedback in a classroom setting.
US08092224B2 Systems and methods for improved health care compliance
According to some embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture may provide for improved health care compliance. Embodiments may comprise, for example, identifying an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, determining output information associated with a game, and providing the output information to the patient. Some embodiments may comprise receiving a code associated with a patient, wherein the code includes encoded information that is indicative of an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, decoding the code to determine the information, determining whether the occurrence of the event is compliant with a condition associated with the taking of the substance, and providing, in the case that compliance with the condition is determined, one or more rewards to the patient.
US08092220B2 Method for reconstruction of teeth
A method for the reconstruction of missing, broken and/or abraded teeth by means of face analysis. In order to determine the shapes and sizes of the teeth, the face of a patient, for whom the teeth are intended, is measured by means of one or more image-type pictures. The respective tooth size and tooth shape is determined proportionally from the obtained values.
US08092219B2 Tooth implant
A tooth implant which has an implant body, which is, preferably embodied as a single piece with a support which is anchored in the bone tissue, in addition to a journal which is secured to one end of the implant body which is used to secure a constructional component. The journal has several groove-like recesses which are oriented, respectively, in the longitudinal direction thereof and, are distributed on the periphery of the journal and projections are arranged therebetween.
US08092217B2 Suckback prevention device for single use high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece
A high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece has a drilling needle, a wind wheel axle, a head housing having an annular opening with a two-step profile shape, and a suckback prevention device. The suckback prevention device includes an elastic bowl-shaped axle shroud coupled to an annular skeleton that are buckled in an inner step of the head housing and an annular screw connected to the outer step of the head housing (or retaining of the elastic bowl-shaped axle shroud. An eyelet for the drilling needle is set at the center of the elastic bowl-shaped axle shroud, the diameter of the eyelet being slightly larger than that of the drilling needle.
US08092214B2 Method for continuous mixing and melting inorganic salts and furnace installation for realizing the method
The invention relates to a method for the continuous melting of inorganic salts and a furnace installation for realizing the method. Solid salts are fed into a furnace with the aid of a feeding unit. The salts contained in the furnace are heated. A flow of the salts is generating inside the furnace with the aid of a circulating unit. The flow generates a two-phase region containing solid and melted salt and a separate second region containing substantially solely a melt that is heated to the desired temperature. The melt is discharged from the separate second region simultaneous with the feeding of the solid salts into the furnace with the aid of a removal unit.
US08092212B2 Rotary valve arranged in multi-gas cooker
Cooking appliance (1A,1B) having an external and control panel (2,2′) equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ (6) is equipped with various peripheral openings (16-19) for supplying a flow Q. According to two embodiments (1A, 1B) of the cooking appliance, for the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob (9) or a bezel disk (22) in the external panel (2) are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ (6) for the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening (18,19) with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix (14) in the control knob (9) guided in a slide groove (20) on the control panel (2) of the appliance, or a tongue (24) on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG.
US08092210B2 Mold for producing door cores
Especially when it is necessary to provide voids (29) for panelling or glazing and a material formed by wood and glue conglomerate particles in one or three layers. These materials are received in separate metering devices that are able to move over a bench, being placed over the mould in accordance with a specific sequence of discharge and movements. It is defined by a fixed perimeter frame (10, 32) with apertures (12, 33) of the dimensions of the door, in which slides, snugly, a first framework (11, 34) and a second framework (14, 35) that can be moved inside the first framework and whose hollow is occupied by a series of pads or blocks (21, 22, 36, 37, 38) that can move independently through the action of respective cylinders (39, 40, 41) in order to occupy the raised position, forming the voids (15, 16, 29) for panelling or glazing, if any. The fixed frame (10, 32) has a moveable interior part (78) for producing oversized doors.
US08092209B2 Imprinting device
An optical imprinting device capable of simultaneously imprinting fine patterns to both surfaces of an opaque substrate is provided. The imprinting device includes a stamper having a fine pattern on its surface to imprint the fine pattern onto a surface of an object to be imprinted by pressing the stamper against the object composed of a substrate and a photo-curing resin layer formed on the substrate. The imprinting device further includes a light source for applying light to the photo-curing resin layer of the object when imprinting the fine pattern of the stamper onto the photo-curing resin layer of the object. The light source applies light to the stamper at a predetermined incident angle to the surface of the stamper.
US08092207B2 Decoupled transverse flow metering gap and lip gap
The present invention provides a slot die that includes a flow passageway that includes a transverse flow-providing manifold, a flow metering section that provides a transverse flow metering gap, and an exit channel that includes an exit orifice. In accordance with the invention, the transverse flow metering gap may beneficially be selected independent of changing the gap or width of the exit office, using one or more normally non-adjustable die bodies.
US08092206B2 Injection unit for an injection molding machine
The invention relates to an injection unit (1) of an injection molding machine which is arranged movable relatively to a machine base (2) of the injection molding machine in an axial direction (A), wherein the injection unit (1) comprises a base body (3) at which a screw cylinder (4) is arranged, wherein a screw (5) is arranged rotatable and axially movable in the screw cylinder (4), wherein the screw (5) is connected with a drive element (6) at one of its axial ends which can rotate the screw and can also move it in axial direction (A) and wherein the drive element (6) comprises a gear element (7) which is movable in axial direction (A) as well as an actuator (8) which is in engagement with the gear element (7) and with the base body (3) and which can perform a translational movement in axial direction (A). To obtain an elementary design which guarantees a high precision the invention is characterized in that the base body (3) is designed as a one-piece block which has a plate-shaped reception (9) for the screw cylinder (4) at one of its axial ends and has a plate-shaped reception (10) for the actuator (8) at its opposite axial end.
US08092198B2 Fuel pump for internal combustion engine
A fuel pump includes a pump housing having a compression chamber. A plunger is axially movable in the pump housing for pressurizing fuel in the compression chamber. A discharge valve is configured to open to supply fuel from the compression chamber to an internal combustion engine when pressure in the compression chamber is more than predetermined pressure. A fuel passage is configured to communicate a downstream of the discharge valve with an upstream of the discharge valve. An in-passage member is accommodated in the fuel passage. The in-passage member includes multiple members, which are combined to define a throttle portion for restricting fuel, which returns from the downstream of the discharge valve to the upstream of the discharge valve.
US08092197B2 Hydraulic system
A hydraulic system that can implement effective practical use of energy is provided. A hydraulic system according to the present invention has a hydraulic pump driven by a hydraulic pump motor, a loading cylinder and a power steering cylinder which are driven by pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump, and power supply means for supplying power to the hydraulic pump motor. The power supply means comprises a stack of a fuel cell, a fuel supply passage for supplying hydrogen gas to the stack, fuel circulating passages in which a hydrogen pump for joining unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the stack into the fuel supply passage to circulate hydrogen gas is disposed, and a regenerator which is driven by pressure oil to generate rotational force. The hydrogen pump is rotationally driven by the regenerator.
US08092195B2 Motor and fan apparatus having the motor
An electric motor includes a stator portion, a rotor portion, and a bearing mechanism, wherein the rotor portion includes a rotor holder having a substantially cylindrical shape with a closed end, and a field magnet fixed to an inner circumference of the rotor holder; the stator portion includes a stator, a base portion to which the stator is fixed, and a magnetic member; and the magnetic member includes a cylindrical portion having a substantially cylindrical shape into which a lower end portion of an insulator of the stator is inserted, the lower end portion being a portion of an outer portion of the insulator and opposing the base portion, and a flat portion having a substantially annular shape which spreads outwardly in a radial direction from a lower edge of the cylindrical portion and opposes a lower edge of the field magnet.
US08092185B2 Impeller and cooling fan incorporating the same
A cooling fan (10) includes a bottom plate (12) a top cover (14) covering the bottom plate, a sidewall (13) disposed between the bottom plate and the top cover, and an impeller (16) enclosed in a space formed between the bottom plate, the top cover and the sidewall. The impeller includes a hub (162), and a plurality of blades (164) radially and outwardly extending from the hub. Each of the blades includes a windward surface (164a) and a leeward surface (164b) opposite to the windward surface. The leeward surface of each blade defines three indents (171, 172, 173) therein. Two protrusions (174) are formed between adjacent indents. The uneven leeward surface is provided for lowering the noise level generated by the cooling fan during an operation thereof.
US08092184B2 Locking plate fast fastening ceiling fan blades
A locking plate fast fastening ceiling fan blades includes a clamp plate. A first chute is on the clamp plate, where a pushing board is contained. A thru hole and a position limiting unit are provided in the first chute of clamp plate. A wedge unit is provided on the pushing board. When a set of blades is installed on a blade rack of a ceiling fan, only the blade is set around several pillars on the blade rack, the clamp plate of locking plate is set to locate on the pillar, and a pillar passes through the thru hole. The pushing board of locking plate is shifted toward the pillar to make the front end of pushing board stay close to the side of pillar and make the wedge unit wedge to the position limiting of clap plate for fast and exactly fixing the blade onto the blade rack.
US08092182B2 Wind turbine blade support structure
A wind turbine apparatus includes a unit structure that is coupled to a central hub by way of an in-tension cable. The unit structure includes a first set of struts, wherein each strut in the first set of struts includes first and second ends, the first ends of the first set of struts are coupled to a first node and the first set of struts extend from the first node towards the central hub. The unit structure also includes a second set of struts, wherein each strut in the second set of struts includes first and second ends, the first ends of the second set of struts are coupled to the first node and the second set of struts extend from the first node away from the central hub.
US08092180B2 Blade assembly for a ceiling fan
A blade assembly for a ceiling fan includes a mounting arm, a bearing, a cover, a spiral spring, a blade, and three screws. The mounting arm has a plate. The plate has a boss. The boss has a split. The bearing is sleeved on the boss. The cover has a stub. The stub has a receiving recess for receiving the bearing. The cover has a through hole for passing the boss. The cover has three bosses. The spiral spring has one end sleeved on the boss of the cover and the other end engaged with the split. The blade has three mounting holes and corresponding to the boss of the cover. The three screws pass through the mounting holes and fasten with the bosses of the cover.
US08092179B2 Blade tip cooling groove
An example turbine blade includes a blade having an airfoil profile extending radially toward a blade tip. A shelf is established in the blade tip. A sealing portion of the blade tip extends radially past a floor of the shelf. The sealing portion extends from a blade tip leading edge to a blade tip trailing edge. A groove is established in the blade tip. The groove extends from adjacent the shelf to adjacent the blade tip trailing edge. The groove is configured to communicate a fluid from a position adjacent the shelf to a position adjacent the blade tip trailing edge.