Document Document Title
US08168861B2 Compositions and methods for increasing cellulose production
This disclosure relates to methods and compositions for genetically altering cellulose biosynthesis.
US08168858B2 Delta-9 fatty acid elongase genes and their use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids
Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding novel delta-9 elongases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these delta-9 elongases in plants.
US08168846B2 Process and plant for converting hazardous waste containing chromium VI into non-hazardous waste
The instant invention relates to a process and plant for the transformation of dangerous wastes containing chromium six as contaminant into non dangerous wastes that can be stored without special care and will be degraded in the environment without time limit. The process basically consists of milling, extracting chromium six in liquid phase and under controlled conditions of stirring, time and temperature, proceeding then, through reduction, to transform the chromium six in chromium three and then precipitating as chromium trioxide, through gasification.The solid resulting from the transformation process can be used as raw material for the manufacturing of firebricks or eventually for the manufacturing of bricks used in the building industry through a process not included in the instant description.
US08168844B2 Catalytic compositions for the highly selective hydrodealkylation of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons
Process for the catalytic hydrodealkylation alone of hydrocarbon compositions comprising C8-C13 alkylaromatic compounds mixed with C4-C10 aliphatic and cycloaliphatic products which, under the reaction conditions, undergo aromati-zation and subsequent hydrodealkylation, which comprises treating said hydrocarbon compositions in continuous and in the presence of hydrogen, with a catalyst consisting of a ZSM-5 zeolite, as such or in bound form, wherein the Si/Al molar ratio in the ZSM-5 ranges from 5 to 100, modified by means of the platinum-molybdenum couple, at a temperature ranging from 400 to 650° C., a pressure ranging from 2 to 4 MPa and H2/feedstock molar ratio ranging from 3 to 6. The presence of organic compounds containing heteroatoms such as sulphur, nitrogen or oxygen in the feedstock does not at all alter the performances of the catalyst according to the process object of the invention.
US08168843B2 Reformate benzene reduction via transalkylation
A process for reducing benzene content in a reformate stream, including: fractionating a full range reformate comprising benzene, C7 to C9 monoalkyl aromatics, and C10+ polyalkyl aromatics into at least three fractions including a light reformate fraction comprising the benzene; a medium reformate fraction comprising the C7 to C9 monoalkyl aromatics; and a heavy reformate fraction comprising the C10+ polyalkyl aromatics; feeding the light reformate fraction, the heavy reformate fraction and a transalkylation catalyst to a transalkylation reaction zone; contacting the light fraction and the heavy fraction in presence of the transalkylation catalyst in the transalkylation reaction zone to react at least a portion of the benzene with C10+ polyalkyl aromatics to form monoalkyl aromatics; separating an effluent from the transalkylation reaction zone to form a catalyst fraction and a liquid fraction comprising the monoalkyl aromatics.
US08168833B2 Schwartz reagents: methods of in situ generation and use
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of using Schwartz Reagent, Cp2Zr(H)Cl, without accumulating or isolating it. Methods provide mixtures of Cp2ZrCl2, reductants that selectively reduce Cp2ZrCl2, and substrates. After reaction of Cp2ZrCl2 and the reductant, an intermediate reduction product is formed, apparently Schwartz Reagent. The in situ Schwartz Reagent then selectively reduces certain functional groups on the substrate. Substrates include tertiary amides, tertiary benzamides, aryl O-carbamates, and heteroaryl N-carbamates, which are reduced to aldehydes, benzaldehydes, aromatic alcohols, and heteroaromatics, respectively. Compared to prior methods, reagents are inexpensive and stable, reaction times are short, and reaction temperature in certain cases is conveniently room temperature. It has been estimated that using the in situ method described herein instead of synthesized or commercially obtained Schwartz Reagent provides a 50% reduction in cost.
US08168829B2 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.
US08168817B1 Citric acid esters
The present invention relates to the ability of certain unsaturated Guerbet esters to repair damage to the hair and skin. The compounds are oleate esters of Guerbet alcohols. The low viscosity, polarity of the ester group and very low titer point allow the esters of the present invention to spread rapidly and efficiently on the hair and skin, providing an elegant feel and lubricate the surface of the hair or skin repairing damage done to the hair or skin by washing, and allowing for the replacement of the oils from inside the hair or skin.
US08168816B2 Method for producing purified formylcyclopropane compound and intermediate of such formylcyclopropane compound
A method for producing a purified formylcyclopropane compound represented by the formula (1) comprising (A) a step of reacting a crude formylcyclopropane compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 represents an alkyl group or the like, with an alkali metal hydrogen sulfite to obtain an alkali metal hydroxymethanesulfonate represented by the formula (2): wherein R1 represents the same meaning as defined above and M represents an alkali metal, and (B) a step of reacting an acid, a base or a water-soluble aldehyde with the alkali metal hydroxymethanesulfonate represented by the formula (2) obtained in the above-mentioned step (A) to obtain a purified formylcyclopropane compound represented by the formula (1).
US08168813B2 Porous organic-inorganic hybrid materials and adsorbent comprising the same
The present invention relates to an adsorbent using the porous organic-inorganic hybrid material(s) containing iron having a large surface area and a high pore volume, in particular, a water adsorbent. Also, it relates to an adsorbent that can be used in humidifiers, dehumidifiers, coolers/heaters, a refrigerating machine or an air conditioner, etc., which can easily absorb or desorb at 100° C. and below, and has a great adsorption amount per weight of the adsorbent.Also, the present invention relates to a novel preparation method of porous organic-inorganic hybrid material(s), in particular, a preparation method characterized by not using hydrofluoric acid, porous organic-inorganic hybrid material(s) prepared by said preparation method, and a use as an adsorbent thereof.
US08168812B2 Process for producing alkyl tin alkoxide compound and process for producing carbonic acid ester using said compound
The present invention provides a process for producing: a compound represented by XOR2; a dialkyl tin dialkoxide compound having one tin atom, two Sn—R1 bonds and two Sn—OR2 bonds; and/or a tetraalkyl dialkoxy distannoxane compound having one Sn—O—Sn bond, in which each tin atom of the tetraalkyl dialkoxy distannoxane compound has two Sn—R1 bonds and one Sn—OR2 bond.
US08168810B2 7-phenyl-substituted tetracycline compounds
7-phenyl-substituted tetracycline compounds, methods of treating tetracycline responsive states, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the 7-phenyl-substituted tetracycline compounds are described.
US08168808B2 Fluorinated 1,3-dioxolane compounds, fluorinated polymers of the compounds, and optical or electrical materials comprising the polymers
A production method of fluorinated compounds, for producing a compound represented by formula (3) in a fluorine-based solution in a flow of fluorine gas after reaction of at least one type of compounds represented by formula (1) and at least one type of compounds represented by formula (2). Similarly, fluorinated compounds represented by formula (4) prepared by the fluorination of compounds obtained by the reaction of formula (1) and formula (2)′. The fluorinated polymers obtained by the polymerizations of formula (3) and (4) compounds are useful as an optical or electrical materials. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Rff1, Rff2, Rff3, Rff4, X, Y, Z, and n are defined in the specification respectively.
US08168804B2 Large stoke shift NIR dyes
A compound of the following formula: wherein R1 is SO3H; R2 is chosen from carboxylic acid group and SO3H; and R3 is chosen from Cl, carboxylic acid group, amino, amino-carboxylic acid group, amido group, amino-amido group, and methods of use related to imaging.
US08168803B2 Methods of using [3.2.0] heterocyclic compounds and analogs thereof
Disclosed are methods of treating cancer, inflammatory conditions, and/or infectious disease in an animal comprising: administering to the animal, a therapeutically effective amount of a heterocyclic compound. The animal is a mammal, preferably a human or a rodent.
US08168802B2 Ring closing and related methods and intermediates
Methods and intermediates useful for making compounds of the formula: and the preparation of compounds of Formula I, preferably including the formation of intermediate compounds of the formula:
US08168796B2 Fluorescent agent having ethynyl group
There are provided novel fluorescent agents, such as pyrazoline compounds represented by formula (I): (wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification), having an ethynyl group in the molecule, which have high absorptivity in the ultraviolet-visible short wavelength range (for example, 350 nm-420 nm).
US08168795B2 Selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor antagonists
Described herein are compounds useful as antagonists of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. Further described herein is the use of these compounds and related pharmaceutical compositions to treat disorders associated with sphingosine-1-phosphate-3 (S1P3) receptor modulation.
US08168793B2 Nitrocatechol derivatives as COMT inhibitors
New compounds of formula I are described. The compounds have potentially valuable pharmaceutical properties in the treatment of some central and peripheral nervous system disorders.
US08168791B2 Aminomethyl azaadamantane derivatives and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to compounds that are substituted aminomethyl azaadamantane derivatives, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds and compositions.
US08168789B2 Organic amine salt of 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarbonitrile and method for producing the same
Disclosed is an organic amine salt of 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarbonitrile, which is excellent in crystallinity and useful as a production intermediate for 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide.
US08168788B2 Substituted piperazinyl-pyrrolidine compounds useful as chemokine receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to compounds useful as Chemokine Receptor antagonists. Compounds of general formula I are provided: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions for the inhibition of Chemokine Receptors and also for the treatment of various diseases, conditions, or disorders, including acute or chronic inflammatory disease, cancer or osteolytic bone disorders.
US08168787B2 Process for the preparation of imatinib and intermediates thereof
A process for the preparation of 4-methyl-N3-[4-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]-1,3-benzenediamine and analogues thereof, intermediates useful for the synthesis of Imatinib, or 4-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]-N-[4-methyl-3-[[4-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]phenyl]benzamide.
US08168786B2 Radiolabeled compounds and uses thereof
The present invention relates to Radiolabeled Compounds and methods of use thereof for treating or preventing a psychiatric disorder in a subject, for stabilizing the mood of a subject having a mood disorder, or as imaging agents for a serotonin receptor. Compositions comprising an imaging-effective amount of a Radiolabeled Compound are also disclosed.
US08168784B2 Processes to make apoptosis promoters
Processes to make compounds, including N-acylsulfonamide apoptosis promoters are disclosed.
US08168783B2 Chemokine receptor antagonists and use thereof
A compound represented by general formula (I): a salt thereof, a solvate thereof, or a prodrug thereof wherein all symbols are as defined in the specification has an antagonistic activity against CXCR4 and is therefore useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for CXCR4-mediated diseases, for example, inflammatory and immune diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, systemic erythematosus, retinopathy, macular degeneration, pulmonary fibrosis, transplanted organ rejection, etc.), allergic diseases, infections (for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, etc.), psychoneurotic diseases, cerebral diseases, cardiac/vascular disease (for example, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stenocardia, cerebral infarction, chronic arterial occlusive disease, etc.), metabolic diseases, and cancerous diseases (for example, cancer, cancer metastasis, etc.), a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for cancerous diseases or infections, or an agent for regeneration therapy.
US08168782B2 Processes for the preparation of 8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine and intermediates related thereto
The present invention provides processes, methods and intermediates for the preparation of 8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine, salts, hydrates and crystal forms thereof which are useful as serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonists for the treatment of, for example, central nervous system disorders such as obesity.
US08168780B2 Method for producing a specific polymorph of titanylphthalocyanine
The present invention provides a method for producing a polymorphic form of a titanylphthalocyanine having superior photoreceptor characteristics, particularly superior chargeability and photosensitivity to those of the conventional titanylphthalocyanines.
US08168779B2 Anhydrous crystalline β-maltose, its preparation and uses
Objects of the present invention are to provide a novel anhydrous crystalline β-maltose, its preparation and uses. The present invention attains the above objects by providing an anhydrous crystalline β-maltose with a melting point of 154 to 159° C.; a process for producing the same, comprising a step of keeping hydrous crystalline β-maltose in an organic solvent at an ambient temperature or higher for the dehydration; and uses of the same.
US08168778B2 Highly-branched starch, its production and uses
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel starchy substance having a retrogradation-resistance, a process for producing the starchy substance efficiently from a material starch by enzymatic reaction, and uses thereof. The present invention attains the above object by providing branched starch having 6-α-maltosyl- and/or 6-α-maltotetraosyl-structure(s) with a marked retrogradation-resistance, a process for producing the branched starch without lowering the molecular weight of material starch, and uses thereof.
US08168768B2 Methods for monitoring multiple gene expression
The present invention relates to methods for monitoring differential expression of a plurality of genes in a first filamentous fungal cell relative to expression of the same genes in one or more second filamentous fungal cells using microarrays containing Trichoderma reesei ESTs or SSH clones, or a combination thereof. The present invention also relates to computer readable media and substrates containing such array features for monitoring expression of a plurality of genes in filamentous fungal cells.
US08168767B2 Formulations and methods for solid chitosan-containing blends
Chitosan-containing blends and methods of dissolving and using chitosan are disclosed. A blend includes a solid acid or a solid agent that generates a proton in situ in the presence of water mixed together with a dry solid chitosan, and may optionally contain other components. The blends are in a dry, free-flowing, particulate form. Methods of dissolving a blend typically comprise adding a quantity of the blend to a low volume of water and mixing until the chitosan and solid acid or solid agent are dissolved and then further diluting this mixture by the addition of water, or used as-is. Devices containing the blends are also described along with methods of using the devices, such as for controlled release of solubilized chitosan in a body of water, such as a stream, containing impurities (e.g., particles, sediment, or suspended matter or dissolved substances) to cause flocculation or precipitation of such impurities.
US08168765B2 Process for making de-esterified pectins their composition and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a process by which a pectin extract is first de-esterified using a biocatalyst. Secondly, the resulting high molecular weight de-esterified pectin is further de-esterified and optionally amidated using conventional methods. Since the bio-catalyst may de-esterify to a DE of about 25%, conventional acid or alkali de-esterification and optionally amidation will have little impact on the molecular weight of the pectin in question because the number of ester groups have been substantially reduced in the first part of the process. In addition, the novel process leads to novel pectin compositions having higher molecular weight and higher intrinsic viscosity compared to known pectin compositions. These changes lead to low ester pectins providing gels of higher gel strength.
US08168760B2 Crystalline anti-human IL-12 antibodies
The invention relates to batch crystallization methods for crystallizing an anti-hIL-12 antibody that allows the production of the antibody on an industrial scale, antibody crystals obtained according to the methods, compositions containing the crystals, and methods of using the crystals and the compositions.
US08168748B2 Peptide aptamers that bind to the rep proteins of ssDNA viruses
Polypeptides and fusion proteins that bind to eukaryotic viruses, in particular, eukaryotic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses are provided. The polypeptides and fusion proteins bind to the replication initiation proteins (Rep) of ssDNA viruses and optionally inhibit viral replication and/or viral infection. The virus can be a plant pathogen or animal pathogen. Consensus sequences used to identify polypeptides that bind to eukaryotic viruses are also provided.
US08168747B2 On-growth inhibiting compounds
An on-growth inhibiting agent, for the inhibition and/or prevention of on-growth of biological organisms on objects or living beings, includes at least one cyclotide, and a suitable carrier medium. A plant extract containing a mixture of cyclotides is also usable.
US08168744B2 Polyimide film for molding, its manufacturing method and molding product
To provide a polyimide film for molding that is light and has excellent surface smoothness, safety, moldability, heat resistance, and handleability and thus can be used as the reflector base material for illuminating devices.The polyimide film for molding is made of a thermoplastic polyimide obtained from a reaction between an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid or its dianhydride and an aromatic diamine. The lowest viscoelasticity of storage elasticity (E′) of viscoelasticity is 108 Pa or lower, and the tensile elongation at glass transition temperature (E″) A is 150% or higher.
US08168739B2 Polysiloxane, method for producing the same, and method for producing cured product of the same
The present invention has an object to provide a polysiloxane which is a liquid substance having low viscosity, is excellent in curing workability, and has excellent heat resistance in an obtained cured material, and to a production method of a cured material using the polysiloxane. Specifically disclosed is a polysiloxane which is obtained by hydrolysis and polycondensation of a silicon compound having three hydrolyzable groups, a silicon compound having two hydrolyzable groups and a silicon compound having one hydrolyzable group, and is characterized by containing a hydrosilylatable carbon-carbon unsaturated group, a hydrosilyl group and an alkoxysilyl group, and having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 20,000.
US08168729B2 Thermosetting resin composition
The object of the present invention is to provide a thermosetting resin composition which can provide a cured material which is excellent in heat resistance, electrical properties, and flexibility, and has storage stability before curing, and in order to achieve the object, the present invention provide a thermosetting resin composition containing a polyurethane resin (A) which has the structure represented by the following general formula (1) and/or the general formula (2), and an epoxy resin (B). (In the chemical formulae, X represents a residue in which two phenolic hydroxyl groups are excluded from a phenol compound having two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups in the molecule.)
US08168727B2 Polyester resin, production process therefor, and biaxially oriented polyester film comprising the polyester resin
A polyester resin having excellent dimensional stability against environmental changes and excellent dimensional stability in the processing step while having excellent moldability and a biaxially oriented polyester film comprising the same. The polyester resin comprises a recurring unit represented by the following formula (A) and a recurring unit represented by the following formula (B) as the main constituents: —O—C(O)—R1—C(O)—O—R2—O—  (A) —O—C(O)—R3—C(O)—O—R2—O—  (B) (R′ is a phenylene group or naphthalenediyl group, R2 is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms or cyclohexylene group, and R3 is 6,6′-(alkylenedioxy)di-2-naphthoic acid), wherein the content of the recurring unit (B) is not less than 5 mol % and less than 50 mol %, and the ratio of adjacent recurring units (A) and (B) is less than 0.9 based on a value obtained by doubling the product of the content of the recurring unit (A) and the content of the recurring unit (B).
US08168723B2 Brominated styrenic polymers and their preparation
Preparing brominated styrenic polymer by maintaining a mixture formed from (i) brominating agent, (ii) a solvent solution of styrenic polymer, and (iii) aluminum halide catalyst, at −20 to +20° C., and terminating bromination in 20 minutes or less. New brominated anionic styrenic polymers have better melt flow and/or lower initial ΔE values than the best previously-known brominated anionic styrenic polymers. Other features of such new polymers include high thermal stabilities at 320° C. and/or very low initial color values. Brominated styrenic polymers, especially brominated anionic styrenic polymers, are useful as flame retardants for thermoplastic polymers.
US08168721B2 Coating compositions containing tetramethyl cyclobutanediol
Disclosed are solvent borne thermosetting coating compositions that contain a curable polyester resin blended with an acrylic copolymer, a crosslinker, and a solvent. The polyester resin contains 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and exhibits good dry time, compatibility with acrylic resins, sag resistance and hardness development in a coating composition. The coating compositions can be used to prepare clear coat or pigmented coatings for automotive OEM, auto refinish, and other applications.
US08168719B2 Thermoplastic molding compound with processing-independent viscosity
The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising a mixture composed of (A) at least one methyl methacrylate polymer, (B) at least one copolymer, obtainable via polymerization of a mixture, composed of (B1) at least one vinylaromatic monomer, and (B2) at least one vinyl cyanide, as monomers, (C) at least one graft polymer, obtainable from a core, and a first graft shell, and a second graft shell, (D) at least one polybutyl acrylate whose molar mass is from 1700 to 4000 g/mol (determined as Mw by means of gel permeation chromatography), and (E) if appropriate conventional additives, as component (E), to a process for preparation of these thermoplastic molding compositions, to the use of this thermoplastic molding composition for production of moldings, and also to the use of styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymers whose molar mass is from 1700 to 4000 g/mol (determined as Mw by means of gel permeation chromatography) for improvement of flowability and for reduction of the dependency of notched impact strength and haze values of thermoplastic molding compositions on injection-molding conditions.
US08168716B2 Aqueous emulsions of silicone resins
Aqueous emulsions of a silicone resin are disclosed that provide a solid silicone resineous coating upon removing water from a film of the emulsion. The silicone resin emulsions are useful for treating various substrates for imparting water resistance/repellence and improving wear/weather protective properties. In particular, they are useful for rendering mineral-based building materials water-resistant, and also as binders in paints.
US08168715B2 Sliding coating for winter sports equipment
According to the invention, a sliding coating for winter sports equipment is provided, which has a copolymer (I) and optionally a copolymer (II), wherein the sliding coating for a winter sports equipment comprises a copolymer (I) having 10% or more of structural building blocks derived from propylene monomers, based on the total number of the structural building blocks of the copolymer (I), and 1% or more of structural building blocks derived from another olefin, based on the total number of the structural building blocks of the copolymer (I), wherein the sliding coating does not have a copolymer, which has 50% or more of structural building blocks derived from ethylene monomers, based on the total number of the structural building blocks of the copolymer.
US08168711B2 Heat shielding additives
Polymer dispersions of powders based on tungsten hydrogen bronze, especially containing a minor amount of tungsten metal, show good IR absorbing and heat shielding properties. The powders may be obtained by contacting an ammonium tungstate with hydrogen at a temperature of 2500 K or more, e.g. in a plasma.
US08168707B2 Moldable polyester compositions, processes of manufacture, and articles thereof
A thermoplastic composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition: 51-90 wt % of a polyester, 10-49 wt % of an ABS impact modifier; 0 to 20 wt % of a multifunctional epoxy compound; 0-40 wt % of a filler; 0-2 wt % of a fibrillated fluoropolymer; and from more than 0 to 5 wt % of a stabilizer composition. An article blow molded or injection molded from the composition has a multi-axial impact total energy from 40-100 Joules at −30° C.; a ductility of more than 90%, a permeability of more than 0 to less than or equal to 1.5 g/m2-day, measured after exposure Fuel C vapor for 20 weeks at 40° C.; an MVR of 1-20 cc/10 min; a flexural modulus of greater than 1300 MPa; and retains at least 75% of its initial tensile elongation at break after exposure to Fuel E85 for 28 days at 70° C.
US08168706B2 Granular composition and production thereof
A granular composition comprising an organic compound having a melting point of 30 to 100° C., and a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-8 alkyl group, or a C5-8 cycloalkyl group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-8 alkyl group, and X represents a single bond, a sulfur atom, an oxygen atom, a C1-8 alkylidene group or a C5-8 cycloalkylidene group.
US08168704B2 Adhesive composition and optical member including the same
An adhesive composition includes a base polymer, the base polymer including a copolymer having at least one (meth)acrylic ester with a halogen element and at least one (meth)acrylate in a copolymeric unit, and an antistatic agent, the antistatic agent including an ionic compound.
US08168703B2 Flexible panel with interrupted sheaths for tie rods
Membrane body (1) comprising at least one pair of panels (10, 11) connected together in an adhesive manner and for each pair of said panels (10, 11), at least one flexible sheath (15) arranged stably according to a set pattern to resist membrane stress acting on the panels (10, 11); each sheath (15) housing a respective tie rod (16), connected to the panels (10, 11) in an end position in a set manner in such a way as to be suitable for resisting normal stress to free the panels (10, 11) from the respective membrane stress, thereby maintaining the group of the panels (10, 11) flexible and maintaining the corresponding production method.
US08168701B2 Concrete or mortar admixture composition
A concrete admixture composition concurrently using (A) a polycarboxylic acid type water-reducing agent for concrete, (B) a hydroxycarboxylic acid type water-reducing agent for concrete, and (C) a polysaccharide type thickening agent is offered, with the view to manufacture a high-performance and multi-functional concrete excelling in high fluidity, freshness retention, early strength, pumpability, material segregation resistance and anti-washout properties under water.
US08168699B2 Solvent-assisted continuous emulsification processes for producing polyester latexes
Various solvent-assisted extrusion processes are disclosed that are suitable for forming high yield, low coarse content, polyester latexes that may be utilized in forming a toner.
US08168697B2 Color biofiber for plastic articles
Coated colored biofiber for thermoplastic articles is disclosed. The coating on the biofiber comprises film-forming polymeric binder, surfactant, and colorant. The colorant can be one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or combinations thereof. The coated colored biofiber can be used in thermoplastic compounds to simulate the appearance of natural wood while adding durability.
US08168696B2 Method of using porous aggregate in asphalt compositions
Porous aggregates are coated with latex or water-based paints so as to lower the absorbility of the aggregates. When the paint-coated aggregates are mixed with an asphalt binder to produce an asphalt composition, the paint-coated aggregates absorb less of the asphalt binder, resulting in costs savings of the asphalt binder. In addition, the paint-coated aggregates avoid problems associated with selective absorption of components of the asphalt binder.
US08168694B2 Ink composition, ink set, ink for inkjet recording, ink set for inkjet recording, and ink cartridge for inkjet recording
An ink composition is provided and includes: a dye; and at least one polymer of an oxidation-resistant polymer having a weight-average molecula weight of 3,000 or more, an association-accelerating polymer and an amidic polymer. An image printed with the ink composition has an ozone degradation rate of 1/5 or less of that of an image printed with an ink composition free of the at least one polymer. The ink composition has an extremely high image durability.
US08168693B2 X-ray opaque barium-free glasses and uses thereof
Zirconium-containing BaO- and PbO-free X-ray opaque glasses having a refractive index nd of about 1.54 to about 1.58 and a high X-ray opacity with an aluminum equivalent thickness of at least about 500% are provided. Such glasses are based on a SiO2—B2O3—Al2O3—R2O—RO—La2O3—ZrO2 system with optional additions of SnO2. Such glasses may be used, in particular, as dental glasses or as optical glasses.
US08168692B2 Bone substitute compositions and method of use
The present invention relates to novel bone substitute compositions and methods of use. It further encompasses the use of these novel bone substitute compositions for bone augmentation and the treatment of disease conditions. The invention also contemplates a kit including bone substitute compositions and a percutaneous delivery device.
US08168691B2 Vinyl ether resist formulations for imprint lithography and processes of use
Coating compositions suitable for UV imprint lithographic applications are disclosed that include at least one vinyl ether crosslinker having at least two vinyl ether groups; at least one diluent comprising a monofunctional vinyl ether compound; and at least one photoacid generator soluble in a selected one or both of the at least one monofunctional ether compound and the at least one vinyl ether compound, wherein the at least one monofunctional ether compound and the at least one vinyl ether compound are free from fluorine and silicon substituents. Also disclosed are imprint processes.
US08168688B2 Process of recycling paint sludge and component made thereof
A process for making a solid component out of recycled paint sludge is provided. The process can include providing a paint sludge and providing a second material. Thereafter, the paint sludge and the second material are mixed to produce a paint sludge-second material mixture. The paint sludge-second material mixture is processed in order to produce a polymer containing precursor. The processing can include granulating or densifying the paint sludge-second material mixture. After the precursor has been produced, it can be placed within a molding machine and a solid component is molded. The molding machine can be an injection molding machine, an extrusion molding machine or a blow molding machine.
US08168682B2 Personal product bar compositions comprising crystalline wax structured premix or delivery vehicle
The present invention relates to compositions comprising a structured benefit agent pre-mix or delivery vehicle comprising benefit agent structured with crystalline materials, as defined, which when separately prepared and combined after preparation, provides enhanced delivery of benefit agent from a personal product bar carrying composition into which the premix is added. The use of structured benefit agent also enhances delivery of separate benefit agents in the premix (which may or may not be structured) and of separate benefit agents added separately from the premix.
US08168681B2 Amidoacetonitrile compounds and pesticidal composition thereof
Novel amidoacetonitrile compounds are disclosed. The compounds have pesticidal properties and are suitable for controlling endoparasites on warm-blooded animals.
US08168678B2 N,N-disubstituted aminoalkylbiphenyl antagonists of prostaglandin D2 receptors
Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of PGD2 receptors. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds described herein, and methods of using such antagonists of PGD2 receptors, alone or in combination with other compounds, for treating respiratory, cardiovascular, and other PGD2-dependent or PGD2-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08168671B2 Synthesis of thieno[3,4-b]thiophene, thieno[3,4-b]furan, related compounds and their derivatives and use thereof
Inexpensive and facile methods of preparing fused heterocycles such as thieno[3,4-b]thiophene, thieno[3,4-b]furan, related compounds, and their derivatives are disclosed. Also disclosed are regioregular polymers prepared from the fused heterocycles.
US08168667B2 Imidazolidine derivatives, uses therefor, preparation thereof and compositions comprising such
Compounds of formula (I): wherein X is O or S, R1 is acyl, aldehyde, cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, R2 is H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; substituted alkyl; alkylcarbonyl; R3 and R4 are H, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, or haloalkynyl; or R3 and R4 form an, optionally aromatic or heterocyclic, optionally substituted ring, R5 is H, halogen, trifluoromethyl, —CN, or —NO2; not all of R3, R4, and R5 being H, R6 and R9 are H, halogen, OH; alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyl, thioalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R7 and R8 are H, halogen, OH, SH; alkoxyl or alkylthio optionally substituted by OH and/or halogen; one of R7 and R8 not being H or halogen; or one of R7 and R8 is a pharmaceutically acceptable ester or thioester grouping, or R6 is C1-3-alkyl or, together with either R1 or R2, represents C1-3 alkylene or alkenylene linking group, optionally substituted by methyl, trifluoromethyl, OH, or halogen, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, are useful as selective androgen modulators.
US08168664B2 Metaxalone products, method of manufacture, and method of use
Disclosed herein are methods of using metaxalone. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining that a patient in need metaxalone therapy is taking a substance that is a n inhibitor or an inducer of a cytochrome p450 isozyme, wherein the cytochrome P450 is CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4, and adjusting administration to the patient of metaxalone or the substance to avoid an adverse event associated with metaxalone. In another embodiment, the method comprises informing a user that metaxalone is metabolized by a cytochrome p450 isozyme, wherein the cytochrome P450 is CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4. Also included are articles of manufacture comprising a container containing a dosage form of metaxalone, wherein the container is associated with published material informing that metaxalone affects activity of a cytochrome p450 isozyme. Also disclosed are a method of treatment and a method of manufacturing a metaxalone product.
US08168662B1 Use of picoplatin to treat colorectal cancer
The invention provides a method of treatment of colorectal cancer by administration of the anti-cancer platinum drug picoplatin in conjunction with 5-FU and leucovorin in a variety of treatment regimens. Dosages, dosing schedules, and ancillary treatments are described.
US08168661B2 Use of picoplatin to treat colorectal cancer
The invention provides a method of treatment of colorectal cancer by administration of the anti-cancer platinum drug picoplatin in conjunction with 5-FU and leucovorin in a variety of treatment regimens.
US08168656B2 Indoleacetic acid and indenacetic acid derivatives as therapeutic agents with reduced gastrointestinal toxicity
The presently disclosed subject matter provides derivatives of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are characterized by substantially reduced cyclooxygenase inhibiting activity, yet retain the ability to interact with and modulate the activities of other polypeptides such as the class of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARs) and γ-secretase. Also provided are methods of using the derivatives to treat pathological disorders.
US08168654B2 Quinuclidine derivatives binding to mucarinic M3 receptors
Compounds of formula I in salt or zwitterionic form wherein, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions that are mediated by the muscarinic M3 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and a process for preparing the compounds are also described.
US08168652B2 Inhibitors of AKT activity
The instant invention provides for substituted naphthyridine compounds that inhibit Akt activity. In particular, the compounds disclosed selectively inhibit one or two of the Akt isoforms. The invention also provides for compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds and methods of inhibiting Akt activity by administering the compound to a patient in need of treatment of cancer.
US08168648B2 Camptothecin derivatives and uses thereof
The present invention provides two new camptothecin derivatives, which were identified as S,R- and S,S-topotecan lactates, respectively. Both compounds have anticancer activities. Pharmaceutical compositions of the new camptothecin derivatives, and cancer therapies with the new camptothecin derivatives or their pharmaceutical compositions were also provided.
US08168646B2 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivatives
Disclosed are 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivatives of formula (I), a process of preparing them and a pharmaceutical composition including them. The 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivatives of the present invention have excellent T-type calcium channel blocking effect and anti-cancer activity
US08168636B2 Polycyclic heteroaryl substituted triazoles useful as Axl inhibitors
Polycyclic heteroaryl substituted triazoles and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are disclosed as being useful in inhibiting the activity of the receptor protein tyrosine kinase Axl. Methods of using the compounds in treating diseases or conditions associated with Axl activity are also disclosed.
US08168635B2 Modulators of central nervous system neurotransmitters
Disclosed are agents having pharmacological activity against cellular receptors and intracellular signaling, particularly receptors and signaling pathways of central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters. Also disclosed are related methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders using the agents.
US08168634B2 Thiazole derivatives as kinase inhibitors
A series of thiazole derivatives which are substituted in the 2-position by a substituted morpholin-4-yl moiety, being selective inhibitors of P13 kinase enzymes, are accordingly of benefit in medicine, for example in the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, oncological, nociceptive or ophthalmic conditions.
US08168630B2 Aminodihydrothiazine derivatives substituted with a cyclic group
This invention provides a compound of the formula (I): wherein the ring A is an optionally substituted carbocyclic group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R1 is optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted lower alkynyl; R2a and R2b are each independently hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl or optionally substituted acyl; R3a, R3b, R3c and R3d are each independently hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy or optionally substituted lower alkyl etc.; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, which is useful for treating diseases induced by production, secretion and/or deposition of amyloid β protein.
US08168629B2 Analgesic combination of tramadol and meloxicam
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a combination of a dose of meloxicam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a dose of tramadol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the combination in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient. Also disclosed is a method of effectively treating pain in humans or other mammals, comprising administering to the patient a combination of a dose of meloxicam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a dose of tramadol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof such that the dosing interval of the meloxicam overlaps with the dosing interval of the tramadol, the combination in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient.
US08168627B2 Helix 12 directed non-steroidal antiandrogens
Compounds having the structure (or their salts): are used to treat or reduce the likelihood of acquiring androgen-dependent diseases, such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and male baldness. The compounds can be formulated together with pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers or otherwise made into any pharmaceutical dosage form. Combinations with other active pharmaceutical agents are also disclosed.
US08168626B2 Benzodiazepine compositions for treating epidermal hyperplasia and related disorders
The present invention provides, for example, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a benzodiazepine compound and an agent selected from the group consisting of a topical steroid, a keratolytic agent, a topical retinoid, a coal tar, and a vitamin D-3 analog. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for treating medical disorders, such as epidermal hyperplasia.
US08168614B2 Boron-containing small molecules as anti-inflammatory agents
Methods of treating anti-inflammatory conditions through the use of boron-containing small molecules are disclosed.
US08168611B1 Compositions, kits and methods for nutrition supplementation
The present invention relates to compositions, kits and methods for the administration of various vitamin, mineral and nutrient compositions, and in a specific embodiment, the compositions, kits and methods may utilize or include twelve carbon chain fatty acids and/or twelve carbon chain acylglycerols, vitamin D, iodine, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, vitamin B9, vitamin B3, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US08168606B2 RNAi inhibition of alpha-ENaC expression
The invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the expression of alpha-ENaC, and more particularly to the downregulation of alpha-ENaC expression by chemically modified oligonucleotides.
US08168604B2 Antisense antiviral compounds and methods for treating a filovirus infection
The invention provides antisense antiviral compounds and methods of their use and production in inhibition of growth of viruses of the Filoviridae family, and in the treatment of a viral infection. The compounds and methods relate to the treatment of viral infections in mammals including primates by Ebola and Marburg viruses. The antisense antiviral compounds are morpholino oligonucleotides having: a) a nuclease resistant backbone, b) 15-40 nucleotide bases, and c) a targeting sequence of at least 15 bases in length that hybridizes to a target region selected from the following: i) the Ebola virus AUG start site region of VP24; ii) the Ebola virus AUG start site region of VP35; iii) the Marburg virus AUG start site region of VP24; or iv) the Marburg virus AUG start site region of NP.
US08168603B2 G-quartet oligonucleotides that target hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF1α)
The present invention concerns particular G-quartet oligonucleotides that are employed for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer. In specific cases, the G-quartet oligonucleotides inhibit HIF-1α.
US08168601B2 Method of delivering RNA interference and uses thereof
The invention provides a method of RNA interference, which comprises contacting the cell with a fusion protein-double stranded RNA complex, the complex comprising the double stranded RNA segment containing a double stranded RNA of interest and a fusion protein, the fusion protein comprising (1) a targeting moiety, which will specifically binds to a site on a target cell, and (2) a binding moiety, which will bind to the double stranded RNA, wherein the double stranded RNA segment initiates RNA interference in the cell.
US08168597B2 Method for treating cystic fibrosis
The present invention is directed to a method for treating cystic fibrosis. The method comprises the steps of: identifying a patient suffering from cystic fibrosis, and administering to the patient an effective amount of denufosol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an effective amount of a macrolide. In one method, denufosol and the macrolide are administered by inhalation, preferably in a single formulation. In another method, denufosol is administered by inhalation and the macrolide is administered orally. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising denufosol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a macrolide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferred denufosol is denufosol tetrasodium and preferred macrolide is azithromycin. The pharmaceutical formulation preferably is in a form of an inhalable dry powder or in a liquid form.
US08168595B2 Antithrombotic dual inhibitors comprising a biotin residue
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) oligosaccharide-spacer-A (1), wherein the oligosaccharide is a negatively charged oligosaccharide residue comprising two to twenty five monosaccharide units, the charge being compensated by positively charged counterions, and wherein the oligosaccharide residue is derived from an oligosaccharide which has (AT-III mediated) anti-Xa activity per se; the spacer is an essentially pharmacologically inactive flexible linking residue having a chain length of 10 to 70 atoms; A is the residue —CH[NH—SO2—R1[CO—NR2—CH(4-benzamidine)-CO—NR3R4], wherein R1 is phenyl, naphthyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, (iso)quinolinyl, tetrahydro(iso)quinolinyl, 3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolinyl, chromanyl or the camphor group, which groups may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents selected from (1-8C)alkyl or (1-8C)alkoxy; and wherein R2 and R3 are independently H or (1-8C)alkyl; R4 is (-8C)alkyl or (3-8C)cycloalkyl; or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded are a nonaromatic (4-8) membered ring optionally containing another heteroatom, the ring optionally being substituted with (1-8C)alkyl or SO2-(1-8C)alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof a prodrug or solvate thereof; wherein the compound of formula I further comprises at least one covalent bond with a biotin residue or an analogue thereof. The compounds of the invention have antithrombotic activity and can be used in treating or preventing thrombosis or other thrombin-related diseases. The antithrombotic activity of the compound of this invention can be neutralized in case of emergency upon administration of avidin, streptavidin and analogues thereof having high biotin affinity.
US08168594B2 Method for treating celiac disease
Enteric compositions comprising one or more tight junction agonists and/or one or more tight junction antagonists are provided. Compositions of the invention may comprise a delayed-release coating disposed over a tight junction agonist and/or tight junction antagonist layer which may be disposed over an inert core. Delayed-release coatings may be substantially stable in gastric fluid and substantially unstable in intestinal fluid, thus providing for substantial release of the tight junction agonist and/or antagonist from the composition in the duodenum or jejunum of the small intestine.
US08168592B2 CGRP peptide antagonists and conjugates
Disclosed is a composition of matter that involves a CGRP peptide antagonist. A pharmaceutical composition is disclosed that comprises the composition of matter and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which can be configured for administration to a patient. Also disclosed is a method of producing the composition of matter. Methods of treating, preventing or mitigating migraine, are also disclosed.
US08168590B2 Use of proteolysis resistant active VEGF
The invention relates to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in which the alanine at AA position 111 is replaced by proline. The arginine at AA position 110 may moreover be replaced by another amino acid. The invention also relates to derivatives of the VEGF according to the invention, nucleic acids, expression systems, medicaments and the use of the VEGF mutants of the invention for the treatment of chronic wounds.
US08168588B2 Compositions comprising FGF-9 and betacellulin and methods for treating cardiac conditions
Pharmaceutical polypeptide compositions promote the survival of cardiac cells, recruit cardiac cells to the cardiac area, stimulate the differentiation of cardiac cells, stimulate the proliferation of cardiac cells, and promote the activity of cardiac cells, thereby treating cardiac conditions. Methods of providing these compositions to the cardiac area include catheterization and direct injection. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise one of more of the following growth factors: EGF, bFGF, cardiotrophin-1, thrombin, PDGF-BB, amphiregulin, epiregulin, HB-EGF, TGFalpha, betacellulin, heregulin alpha, NRG-1-beta1-HRG-beta1, FGF 9.
US08168586B1 Cancer targets and uses thereof
Methods and compositions are provided for assessing, treating, and preventing diseases, especially cancer, using cancer-associated targets (“CAT”). Methods and compositions are also provided for determining or predicting the effectiveness of a treatment for these diseases or for selecting a treatment, using CAT. Methods and compositions are further provided for modulating cell function using CAT. Also provided are compositions that modulate CAT (e.g., antagonists or agonists), such as antibodies, proteins, small molecule compounds, and nucleic acid agents (e.g., RNAi and antisense agents), as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided are methods of screening for agents that modulate CAT, and agents identified by these screening methods.
US08168585B2 Purification of peptides from colostrum
The invention relates to the purification of peptides from colostrum. The method involves the addition of an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol to the mixture in order to form an alcohol phase rich in the peptides, and a precipitate. The peptide-rich alcohol phase is subsequently recovered and subjected to further fractionation. The invention is particularly useful in the purification of colostrinin from colostrum.
US08168584B2 Methods of treating age-related macular degeneration by compstatin and analogs thereof
The present invention features the use of compstatin and complement inhibiting analogs thereof for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and/or retinal neovascularization. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a second therapeutic agent. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a gel-forming material, e.g., soluble collagen, and methods of administering the compositions.
US08168583B2 2-fluoronucleosides
2′-Fluoro-nucleoside compounds are disclosed which are useful in the treatment of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, HIV and abnormal cellular proliferation, including tumors and cancer. The compounds have the general formulae: wherein Base is a purine or pyrimidine base; R1 is OH, H, OR3, N3, CN, halogen, CF3, lower alkyl, amino, loweralkylamino, di(lower)alkylamino, or alkoxy; R2 is H, phosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug; acyl, or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving benzyl, a lipid, an amino acid, peptide, or cholesterol; and R3 is acyl, alkyl, phosphate, or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08168582B2 Fabric softening composition comprising a polymeric viscosity modifier
A liquid fabric treatment composition comprising a cationic fabric softening agent and a water-soluble linear polymeric viscosity modifier represented by the formula: Z—Y—(X—Y)n—Z in which: X represents a polyether chain, each Y independently represents a linking group derived from a diisocyanate, each Z independently represents a hydrophobic group and optionally includes a spacer linked to Y, n represents an integer of at least 2, and the molecular weight of the polymer is from 2,000 to 80,000.
US08168580B2 Method for producing aqueous α-sulfo fatty acid alkyl ester salt solution
The present invention relates to a method for producing an aqueous α-SF salt solution that maintains fluidity and has superior production adaptability. The method includes dissolving a solid component (a) in the form of an α-sulfo fatty acid alkyl ester salt and a component (b) in the form of an inorganic sodium salt and/or inorganic potassium salt in water, wherein component (a) is dissolved in water at a temperature of 50° C. or higher while maintaining the following condition (i) or (ii): (i): the concentration of component (a) is 35% by weight or less when the total concentration of sodium and potassium ions derived from component (b) is less than 0.55 mol/kg, or (ii) the concentration of component (a) is 55% by weight or less when the total concentration of sodium and potassium ions derived from component (b) is 0.55 mol/kg to less than 1.8 mol/kg.
US08168570B2 Method of manufacture and the use of a functional proppant for determination of subterranean fracture geometries
Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation.
US08168569B2 Precipitated weighting agents for use in wellbore fluids
A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed.
US08168568B1 Combinatorial therapy for protein signaling diseases
A method for selecting combinations of drugs for treatment of diseases that arise from deranged signaling pathways is disclosed. The method involves measuring the activity states for signaling proteins in a diseased cell and determining whether the activity states are different from the activity states observed for a reference cell such as a normal cell. Based on the observed differences, combinations of two or more drugs are selected to reduce these differences. Treatment of a subject with the combinations restores the activity states of the signaling proteins of the deranged disease-associated signaling pathways toward the activity states observed in the reference cell. Since the diseased cell and the reference cell can both be obtained from the same subject, combinations of drugs that specifically target patient-specific signaling derangements is possible.
US08168567B2 Thiadiazolyl oxyphenyl amidines and the use thereof as a fungicide
The present invention relates to thiadiazolyloxyphenylamidines of the general formula (I), to a process for the preparation thereof, to the use of the amidines according to the invention in combating undesirable microorganisms and to a composition for this purpose comprising the thiadiazolyloxyphenylamidines according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to a method for combating undesirable microorganisms by application of the compounds according to the invention to the microorganisms and/or to the habitat thereof.
US08168565B2 Thermal recording adhesive label
A thermal recording adhesive label, including a substrate; a thermal recording layer located overlying one side of the substrate, including a leuco dye and a color developer; a back coat layer located overlying the other side of the substrate; an adhesive layer located overlying the back coat layer; and a release paper located overlying the adhesive layer, wherein the thermal recording adhesive label further includes an adhesive undercoat layer comprising a thermoplastic resin and a filler between the back coat layer and the adhesive layer.
US08168564B2 Catalyst support
A catalyst support in the shape of a non-planar ring having a bore; wherein there is no rotational symmetry around the axis extending through the center of the bore defined by the ring, and wherein the ratio of the thickness of the ring to the outer diameter of the ring is less than 0.5. The catalyst support shape is especially advantageous to pack within a fixed bed multitubular reactor such as that used for Fischer-Tropsch reactions. The packing of such shapes can reduce the pressure drop across the tubes with little or no difference in the porosity.
US08168559B2 Production method of oxidation catalyst device for exhaust gas purification
According to a first embodiment of a production method of an oxidation catalyst device for exhaust gas purification of the present invention, a plurality of slurries containing a catalyst precursor prepared from mutually different organic acids is coated respectively on a porous filter carrier (2) and calcined. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the slurry contains the catalyst precursor having a particle diameter distribution ranging from 0.5 to 10 μm, and the slurry has a viscosity equal to or below 2.0 mPa·s. The oxidation catalyst device of the present invention is composed of a composite metal oxide on a surface of a cell division and a surface of an air pore of the porous filter carrier having a wall-flow structure.
US08168557B2 Method of restoring catalytic activity to a spent hydrotreating catalyst, the resulting restored catalyst, and a method of hydroprocessing
A method of restoring catalytic activity to a spent hydroprocessing catalyst that has a first carbon concentration. The concentration of carbon on the spent hydroprocessing catalyst is reduced to provide a carbon-reduced catalyst having a second carbon concentration that is less than the first carbon concentration. The carbon-reduced catalyst is exposed to a solution, comprising a chelating agent and a solvent, for an aging time period sufficient to provide for a restored catalytic activity thereby resulting in an aged catalyst having incorporated therein the chelating agent and the solvent. The aged catalyst is exposed to conditions, including a drying temperature, so as to remove from the aged catalyst a portion of the solvent without removing a significant portion of the chelating agent from the aged catalyst thereby resulting in a dried aged catalyst. The dried aged catalyst is then sulfur treated to thereby provide a restored catalyst. The restored catalyst and those catalysts made by the treatment method can be used in a hydroprocessing process comprising contacting the restored catalyst with a hydrocarbon feedstock under hydroprocessing conditions.
US08168555B2 Ceramic substrate, process for producing the same, and dielectric-porcelain composition
A ceramic substrate is provided as one having a large coefficient of thermal expansion α, having properties suitable for use as a high-frequency substrate, being capable of being fired at a low temperature, and having an excellent substrate strength. The ceramic substrate has a main composition containing Mg2SiO4 and a low-temperature-fired component, has the coefficient of thermal expansion a of not less than 9.0 ppm/° C., and contains up to 25 vol. % (excluding zero) ZnAl2O4 or up to 7 vol. % (excluding zero) Al2O3. A dielectric-porcelain composition is provided as one being capable of being fired at a temperature lower than a melting point of an Ag-based metal and being capable of demonstrating a sufficient bending strength even through firing at a low firing temperature. The dielectric-porcelain composition contains Mg2SiO4 as a major component and contains a zinc oxide, a boron oxide, an alkaline earth metal oxide, a copper compound, and a lithium compound as minor components.
US08168554B2 Particle of a molten ceramic material
The invention relates to a molten ceramic particle, characterized in that it has the following chemical composition in wt % based on oxides and for a total of 100%: 55%
US08168550B2 Extensible nonwoven webs containing monocomponent nanocomposite fibers
The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising monocomponent nanocomposite fibers that enable the nonwoven webs to possess high extensibility. The monocomponent nanocomposite fibers comprise a polymer composition and a nanoparticles composition. The nonwoven webs comprising the monocomponent nanocomposite fibers have an average elongation at peak load which is greater than the average elongation at peak load of comparable nonwoven webs without nanocomposite fibers.
US08168547B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
The transistor characteristics of a MIS transistor provided with a gate insulating film formed to contain oxide with a relative dielectric constant higher than that of silicon oxide are improved. After a high dielectric layer made of hafnium oxide is formed on a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, the main surface of the semiconductor substrate is heat-treated in a non-oxidation atmosphere. Next, an oxygen supplying layer made of hafnium oxide deposited by ALD and having a thickness smaller than that of the high dielectric layer is formed on the high dielectric layer, and a cap layer made of tantalum nitride is formed. Thereafter, the main surface of the semiconductor substrate is heat-treated.
US08168546B2 Method for selective deposition and devices
A chemical vapor deposition method such as an atomic-layer-deposition method for forming a patterned thin film includes applying a deposition inhibitor material to a substrate. The deposition inhibitor material is a hydrophilic polymer that is has in its backbone, side chains, or both backbone and side chains, multiple secondary or tertiary amide groups that are represented by the following acetamide structure: >N—C(═O)—. The deposition inhibitor material is patterned simultaneously or subsequently to its application to the substrate, to provide selected areas of the substrate effectively not having the deposition inhibitor material. A thin film is substantially deposited only in the selected areas of the substrate not having the deposition inhibitor material.
US08168541B2 CMP polishing slurry and polishing method
The present invention relates to a CMP polishing slurry, comprising cerium oxide particles, a dispersing agent, a water-soluble polymer and water, wherein the water-soluble polymer is a compound having a skeleton of any one of an N-mono-substituted product and an N,N-di-substituted product of any one selected from the group consisting of acrylamide, methacrylamide and α-substituted products thereof. The amount of the water-soluble polymer is preferably in the range of 0.01 part or more by weight and 10 parts or less by weight for 100 parts by weight of the polishing slurry. Thus it is possible to provide a polishing slurry and a polishing method which make it possible to polish a film made of silicon oxide or the like effectively and rapidly and further control the process therefore easily in CMP technique for flattening an interlayer insulating film, a BPSG film, an insulator film for shallow trench isolation, and other films.
US08168540B1 Methods and apparatus for depositing copper on tungsten
Apparatus and methods for depositing copper on tungsten are presented. The invention finds particular use in the semiconductor industry for depositing copper seed layers onto fields or through silicon vias having tungsten barrier layers, both reducing cost and complexity of existing methods.
US08168537B2 Semiconductor component and assumbly with projecting electrode
A semiconductor component has a substrate and a projecting electrode on the substrate. The projecting electrode is configured suitably for electrically and mechanically connecting the semiconductor component to an external substrate. Furthermore, the projecting electrode is formed by a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of projecting sub-electrodes, which are separated from each other by an electrically insulating fluid beginning from a substrate surface. The semiconductor component has an improved projecting-electrode. It provides the projecting electrode with a sub-structure, which achieves sufficient flexibility without introducing much constructive complexity and processing complexity during fabrication.
US08168536B2 Realization of self-positioned contacts by epitaxy
Metal contacts are self-positioned on a wafer of semiconductor product. Respective placement areas for a metal contact are determined by a selective deposition of a growth material over a region of the substrate surface (for example, through epitaxial growth). The growth material is surrounded by an insulating material. The grown material is then removed to form a void in the insulating material which coincides with the desired location of the metal contact. This removal of the grown material exposes the region on the substrate surface. Conductive material is then deposited to fill the void and thus form the metal contact directly with the region of the substrate surface.
US08168534B2 Methods of fabricating electrodes and uses thereof
The present invention relates to methods for fabricating nanoscale electrodes separated by a nanogap, wherein the gap size may be controlled with high precision using a self-aligning aluminum oxide mask, such that the gap width depends upon the thickness of the aluminum oxide mask. The invention also provides methods for using the nanoscale electrodes.
US08168530B2 Methods of forming one transistor DRAM devices
A one transistor DRAM device includes: a substrate with an insulating layer, a first semiconductor layer provided on the insulating layer and including a first source region and a first region which are in contact with the insulating layer and a first floating body between the first source region and the first drain region, a first gate pattern to cover the first floating body, a first interlayer dielectric to cover the first gate pattern, a second semiconductor layer provided on the first interlayer dielectric and including a second source region and a second drain region which are in contact with the first interlayer dielectric and a second floating body between the second source region and the second drain region, and a second gate pattern to cover the second floating body.
US08168528B2 Restoration method using metal for better CD controllability and Cu filing
Methods of making interconnect structures are provided. In one aspect of the innovation, when forming a trench or via in a dielectric layer, the sidewall surface of another via and/or trench is covered with a metal oxide layer. The metal oxide layer can prevent and/or mitigate surface erosion of the sidewall surface. As a result, the methods can improve the controllability of critical dimensions of the via and trench.
US08168527B2 Semiconductor chip and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor chip includes a silicon substrate, a first dielectric layer over said silicon substrate, a metallization structure over said first dielectric layer, wherein said metallization structure comprises a first metal layer and a second metal layer over said first metal layer, a second dielectric layer between said first and second metal layers, a passivation layer over said metallization structure and over said first and second dielectric layers, an opening in said passivation layer exposing a pad of said metallization structure, a polymer bump over said passivation layer, wherein said polymer bump has a thickness of between 5 and 25 micrometers, an adhesion/barrier layer on said pad exposed by said opening, over said passivation layer and on a top surface and a portion of sidewall(s) of said polymer bump, a seed layer on said adhesion/barrier layer; and a third metal layer on said seed layer.
US08168525B2 Electronic part mounting board and method of mounting the same
An electronic part mounting board includes an insulating board, a pad formed on the insulating board, a bump formed on the pad, and a film having heat resistance and electrical insulating properties and formed on the insulating board except the pad and the bump. A method of mounting an electronic part on the mounting board is also disclosed.
US08168523B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
The invention provides a technique to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device and a display device at high yield. As an exposure mask, an exposure mask provided with a diffraction grating pattern or an auxiliary pattern formed of a semi-transmissive film with a light intensity reducing function is used. With such an exposure mask, various light exposures can be more accurately controlled, which enables a resist to be processed into a more accurate shape. Therefore, when such a mask layer is used, the conductive film and the insulating film can be processed in the same step into different shapes in accordance with desired performances. As a result, thin film transistors with different characteristics, wires in different sizes and shapes, and the like can be manufactured without increasing the number of steps.
US08168520B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention forms at least one pair of gate electrodes having end portions opposed to each other across a gap. The method includes forming a gate insulator and a gate electrode layer on a substrate in order, forming a first anti-reflection coating and a first resist on the gate electrode layer in order, exposing and developing the first resist, etching the gate electrode layer, using the first resist or the first anti-reflection coating as a mask, to remove the gate electrode layer from a region for forming the gap, thereby forming a hole penetrating the gate electrode layer, forming a second anti-reflection coating and a second resist on the gate electrode layer where the hole has been formed, in order, exposing and developing the second resist, and etching the gate electrode layer, using the second resist or the second anti-reflection coating as a mask, to form, from the gate electrode layer, the at least one pair of gate electrodes having the end portions opposed to each other across the gap.
US08168513B2 Method for fabricating packaging substrate
A method for fabricating a packaging substrate includes: providing a base having a release film with two opposite surfaces, two first auxiliary dielectric layers enclosing the release film, and two metal layers disposed on the two first auxiliary dielectric layers, therewith an effective area defined on the two metal layers; forming an inner wiring layer from the two metal layers; forming on each of the two first auxiliary dielectric layers and the inner wiring layers a built-up structure having first conductive pads so as for two initial substrates to be formed on the opposite surfaces of the release film; removing whatever is otherwise lying outside the effective area; removing the release film; and forming dielectric layer openings in the two first auxiliary dielectric layers so as for two substrate bodies to be formed from the initial substrates, wherein a portion of the inner wiring layers are exposed to thereby function as second conductive pads.
US08168511B2 Display device manufacturing method and laminated structure
A method for manufacturing a display device includes a step of preparing a flexible substrate including a delamination layer on its back surface, a step of bonding a support substrate to the delamination layer of the flexible substrate via an adhesive layer, a step of forming predetermined devices on a front surface of the flexible substrate having the support substrate bonded thereto, and a step of removing the support substrate by delaminating the delamination layer from the flexible substrate having the devices formed thereon.
US08168503B2 Method for forming an SOI schottky source/drain device to control encroachment and delamination of silicide
A method of fabricating a Schottky field effect transistor is provided that includes providing a substrate having at least a first semiconductor layer overlying a dielectric layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer has a thickness of less than 10.0 nm. A gate structure is formed directly on the first semiconductor layer. A raised semiconductor material is selectively formed on the first semiconductor layer adjacent to the gate structure. The raised semiconductor material is converted into Schottky source and drain regions composed of a metal semiconductor alloy. A non-reacted semiconductor material is present between the Schottky source and drain regions and the dielectric layer.
US08168502B2 Tantalum silicon oxynitride high-K dielectrics and metal gates
Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus include a tantalum silicon oxynitride film on a substrate for use in a variety of electronic systems. The tantalum silicon oxynitride film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The tantalum silicon oxynitride film may be formed using a monolayer or partial monolayer sequencing process. Metal electrodes may be disposed on a dielectric containing a tantalum silicon oxynitride film.
US08168501B2 Source/drain strained layers
A semiconductor device and method of manufacture thereof wherein a PMOS source/drain region of a transistor within the substrate includes a first strained layer in the PMOS source/drain region and a first capping layer in contact with the first strained layer. Further, the semiconductor device and method provide for an NMOS source/drain region of a transistor within the substrate including a second strained layer in the NMOS source/drain region and a second capping layer in contact with the second strained layer.
US08168494B2 Trench MOS transistor and method of manufacturing the same
Trench portions (10) are formed in a well (5) in order to provide unevenness in the well (5). A gate electrode (2) is formed via an insulating film (7) on the upper surface and inside of the trench portions (10). A source region (3) is formed on one side of the gate electrode (2) in a gate length direction while a drain region (4) on another side. Both of the source region (3) and the drain region (4) are formed down to near the bottom portion of the gate electrode (2). By deeply forming the source region (3) and the drain region (4), current uniformly flows through the whole trench portions (10), and the unevenness formed in the well (5) increase the effective gate width to decrease the on-resistance of a semiconductor device 1 and to enhance the drivability thereof.
US08168492B2 Field effect transistors with vertically oriented gate electrodes and methods for fabricating the same
In semiconductor devices, and methods of formation thereof, both planar-type memory devices and vertically oriented thin body devices are formed on a common semiconductor layer. In a memory device, for example, it is desirable to have planar-type transistors in a peripheral region of the device, and vertically oriented thin body transistor devices in a cell region of the device. In this manner, the advantageous characteristics of each type of device can be applied to appropriate functions of the memory device.
US08168486B2 Methods for manufacturing enhancement-mode HEMTs with self-aligned field plate
Various embodiments of the disclosure include the formation of enhancement-mode (e-mode) gate injection high electron mobility transistors (HEMT). Embodiments can include GaN, AlGaN, and InAlN based HEMTs. Embodiments also can include self-aligned P-type gate and field plate structures. The gates can be self-aligned to the source and drain, which can allow for precise control over the gate-source and gate-drain spacing. Additional embodiments include the addition of a GaN cap structure, an AlGaN buffer layer, AlN, recess etching, and/or using a thin oxidized AlN layer. In manufacturing the HEMTs according to present teachings, selective epitaxial growth (SEG) and epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) can both be utilized to form gates.
US08168484B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof, and semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A method of forming a display device including source/drain electrodes on a substrate, a pixel electrode, an insulating partition wall layer, a channel-region semiconductor layer. The source/drain electrodes and the pixel electrode are formed on the substrate and in contact with each other. The insulating partition wall layer is formed on the substrate and provided with a first opening extending to between the source electrode and the drain electrode and a second opening formed on the pixel electrode and extending to the pixel electrode. The channel-region semiconductor layer is formed on the bottom of the first opening. The insulating film is formed on the partition wall layer so as to cover the first opening including the channel-region semiconductor layer. The oriented film covers the first opening from above the insulating film and the second opening from the pixel electrode.
US08168483B2 Manufacturing method for light emitting device
The present invention provides a vapor deposition method and a vapor deposition system of film formation systems by which EL materials can be used more efficiently and EL materials having superior uniformity with high throughput rate are formed. According to the present invention, inside a film formation chamber, an evaporation source holder in a rectangular shape in which a plurality of containers sealing evaporation material is moved at a certain pitch to a substrate and the evaporation material is vapor deposited on the substrate. Further, a longitudinal direction of an evaporation source holder in a rectangular shape may be oblique to one side of a substrate, while the evaporation source holder is being moved. Furthermore, it is preferable that a movement direction of an evaporation source holder during vapor deposition be different from a scanning direction of a laser beam while a TFT is formed.
US08168479B2 Resistance variable memory device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a resistance variable device includes forming selection devices on a substrate, forming a conductive layer on the selection devices, patterning the conductive layer in a first direction to form conductive patterns spaced apart from each other in the first direction and connecting a pair of adjacent selection devices to each other in the first direction, forming a resistance-variable-material-layer on the conductive patterns, and patterning the resistance-variable-material-layer and the conductive patterns in a second direction to form rows of resistance-variable material extending in the second direction and to form electrodes spaced apart from one another, such that each electrode corresponds to a separate selection device.
US08168475B2 Semiconductor package formed within an encapsulation
Provided are a semiconductor package which is small in size but includes a large number of terminals disposed at intervals equal to or greater than a minimum pitch, and a method of fabricating the semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a bottom surface on which a plurality of bumps are formed, redistribution layer patterns formed under the semiconductor chip and each including a first part electrically connected to at least one of the bumps and a second part electrically connected to the first part, an encapsulation layer surrounding at least a top surface of the semiconductor chip, and a patterned insulating layer formed below the redistribution layer patterns and exposing at least parts of the second parts of the redistribution layer patterns.
US08168464B2 Microelectronic assembly with an embedded waveguide adapter and method for forming the same
A microelectronic assembly and a method for forming a microelectronic assembly are provided. A semiconductor substrate (22) is provided. The semiconductor substrate (22) has first and second opposing sides (24, 26) and first and second portions (28, 30). A tuning depression (32) is formed on the second opposing side and the second portion of the semiconductor substrate. A radio frequency conductor (34) is formed on the first opposing side (24) of the first semiconductor substrate. The radio frequency conductor (34) has a first end (46) on the first portion (28) of the first semiconductor substrate (22) and a second end (48) on the second portion (30) of the first semiconductor substrate (22). A microelectronic die (78) having an integrated circuit formed therein is attached to the first opposing side (24) and the first portion (28) of the semiconductor substrate (22) such that the integrated circuit is electrically connected to the first end (46) of the radio frequency conductor (34).
US08168462B2 Passivation process for solar cell fabrication
Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a high efficiency solar cell using a novel plasma oxidation process to form a passivation film stack on a surface of a solar cell substrate. In one embodiment, the methods include providing a substrate having a first type of doping atom on a back surface of the substrate and a second type of doping atom on a front surface of the substrate, plasma oxidizing the back surface of the substrate to form an oxidation layer thereon, and forming a silicon nitride layer on the oxidation layer.
US08168461B2 Micro-electro-mechanical device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention improves mechanical strength of a micro-electro-mechanical device (MEMS) having a movable portion to improve reliability. In a micro-electro-mechanical device (MEMS) having a movable portion, a portion which has been a hollow portion in the case of a conventional structure is filled with a filler material. As the filler material, a block copolymer that is highly flexible is used, for example. By filling the hollow portion, mechanical strength improves. Besides, warpage of an upper portion of a structure body in the manufacture process is prevented, whereby yield improves. A micro-electro-mechanical device thus manufactured is highly reliable.
US08168453B2 Light emitting diode package and fabrication method thereof
An LED package and a fabrication method therefor. The LED package includes first and second lead frames made of heat and electric conductors, each of the lead frames comprising a planar base and extensions extending in opposed directions and upward directions from the base. The package also includes a package body made of a resin and configured to surround the extensions of the first and second lead frames to fix the first and second lead frames while exposing underside surfaces of the first and second lead frames. The LED package further includes a light emitting diode chip disposed on an upper surface of the base of the first lead frame and electrically connected to the bases of the first and second lead frames, and a transparent encapsulant for encapsulating the light emitting diode chip.
US08168451B2 Optical inspection methods
Inspection methods. A method includes adhering an optical blocking layer directly onto and in direct mechanical contact with a semiconductor process wafer, the blocking layer being substantially opaque to a range of wavelengths of light; applying at least one layer over the blocking layer; and inspecting optically at least one wavelength at least one inspection area, the blocking layer extending substantially throughout the inspection area. An inspection method including adhering an optical absorbing layer to a semiconductor process wafer, where the absorbing layer is configured to substantially absorb a range of wavelengths of light; applying at least one layer over the absorbing layer; and inspecting optically at least one wavelength at least one inspection area of the process wafer. A manufacturing method including ascertaining if a defect is present within a photoresist layer, and changing a semiconductor manufacturing process to prevent the defect, if the defect is present.
US08168450B2 Semiconductor package, stacked semiconductor package having the same, and a method for selecting one semiconductor chip in a stacked semiconductor package
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a circuit section. A first chip selection electrode passes through a first position of the semiconductor chip, and the first chip selection electrode has a first resistance and outputs a first signal. A second chip selection electrode passes through a second position of the semiconductor chip, and the second chip selection electrode has a second resistance greater than the first resistance and outputs a second signal. A signal comparison part is formed in the semiconductor chip and is electrically connected to the first and second chip selection electrodes. The signal comparison part compares the first signal applied from the first chip selection electrode to the second signal applied from the second chip selection electrode and outputs a chip selection signal to the circuit section depending upon the result of the comparison.
US08168447B2 Multiple component nanoparticles for multiplexed signaling and optical encoding
The present invention provides multiple-luminophore silica nanoparticles for multiplexed signaling in bioanalysis. In specific embodiments, two inorganic luminophores, Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)osmium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) (OsBpy) and Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(II) hexahydrate (RuBpy), or three organic luminophores 5-Fluorescein isothiocyanate (5-FITC), 5-carboxyrhodamine 6G, succinimidyl ester (5-CR6G, SE), 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine, succinimidyl ester (6-ROX, SE) can be simultaneously entrapped inside silica nanoparticles at controlled ratios, with desirable sizes and required surface functionality. Single-wavelength excitation with multiple emission endows the nanoparticles with optical encoding capability for rapid and high-throughput multiplexed detection.
US08168444B2 Substrate having channel portion including chambers, and method of transferring liquid by using the substrate
A substrate having a channel portion in which a liquid transfers, wherein, even if the channel portion has no micro-channel interconnecting chambers, a liquid can transfer stepwise from one region to the next region according to the speed of rotation of the substrate. The substrate can be rotated about a rotation axis as the center, and has the channel portion including the chambers formed therein. The inner wall of each chamber has a first area including an area intersecting with a centrifugal direction from the center; and also has a second area placed at a position farther from the center than the first area, and including a surface intersecting with the centrifugal direction from the center. Further, the first area has a region for holding a droplet of a liquid provided; and also has a region where a contact with the droplet expands when the substrate is rotated, and that communicate with the second area.
US08168443B2 Instrument for cassette for sample preparation
A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.
US08168441B2 Sample holder for MALDI mass spectrometric analysis, and mass spectrometric analysis method
Used is a sample holder for MALDI mass spectrometry, which has a CuO secondary particle as a laser-beam-absorbing matrix and in which the secondary particle comprises an aggregate of CuO primary particles having an average particle diameter of 100 nm or smaller and has an uneven surface arising from the shape formed by the primary particles constituting the outermost surface of the secondary particle. As the CuO secondary particle, usable is one derived from a CuO powder produced by baking basic copper carbonate in air at 200 to 300° C., and the basic copper carbonate is produced in a process of mixing an aqueous ammonium hydrogencarbonate solution and an aqueous copper nitrate solution. The CuO secondary particle has an average particle diameter of, for example, from 0.3 to 10 μm.
US08168439B2 Method for measuring an analyte in blood
An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, anda second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.
US08168434B2 Process for chromosomal integration and DNA sequence replacement in Clostridia
The present invention is related to a new method for replacing or deleting DNA sequences in Clostridia, with high efficiency, easy to perform and applicable at an industrial level. This method is useful to modify several genetic loci in Clostridia in a routine manner. This method is based on a replicative vector carrying at least two marker genes.
US08168432B2 Cell culture methods and devices utilizing gas permeable materials
Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.
US08168430B2 Method for preparation of hepatocyte using ES cell
This invention relates to an agent for promoting differentiation of an ES cell, preferably an agent for promoting differentiation of an ES cell into a hepatocyte or a prophylactic agent for teratoma, comprising uPA. Furthermore this invention relates to a method of promoting differentiation of an ES cell, preferably a method of promoting differentiation of an ES cell into a hepatocyte, comprising the step of contacting uPA with the ES cell, or a method of preparing a hepatocyte comprising the step of contacting uPA with an ES cell to differentiate the ES cell into a hepatocyte.
US08168429B2 Method of amplifying hematopoietic stem cell and hematopoietic progenitor cell
The present invention provides useful means in an expansion culture system for a hematopoietic cell (hematopoietic stem cell, hematopoietic progenitor cell). Specifically, the present invention provides a composition for expanding a hematopoietic cell (hematopoietic stem cell, hematopoietic progenitor cell) containing recombinant human serum albumin; a serum-free medium for expanding a hematopoietic cell containing a basal medium and recombinant human serum albumin; a method of expanding a hematopoietic cell comprising culturing a hematopoietic cell in a serum-free medium containing recombinant human serum albumin, and a culture of a hematopoietic cell that can be obtained by the expansion method.
US08168428B2 Method to modulate hematopoietic stem cell growth
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for modulating hematopoietic stem cell populations by using HCS modulators, which are agents that either increase HSC numbers or decrease HSC numbers as desired by a particular indication. For example, HSC modulators found to increase HSC numbers include prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and agents that stimulate the PGE2 pathway. Conversely, HSC modulators that prevent PGE2 synthesis decrease HSC numbers. HCS modulators may be used in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo.
US08168427B2 Monoclonal antibodies against claudin-18 for treatment of cancer
The present invention provides antibodies useful as therapeutics for treating and/or preventing diseases associated with cells expressing CLD18, including tumor-related diseases such as gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, hepatic cancer, head-neck cancer, and cancer of the gallbladder.
US08168425B2 Expression of factor IX in gene therapy vectors
Two mechanisms are provided for improving the expression of Factor IX in gene therapy vectors. The first is the use of a specific Factor IX polynucleotide coding sequence designed for optimal expression. The second is the use of transcriptional regulatory regions minimized in size so that they can be used to express Factor IX, as well as any other gene of interest, in a size-constrained environment such as in a self complementary gene therapy vector system.
US08168423B2 Device for detecting nitrosothiol content in solution
A device for detecting nitrosothiol content in a solution includes at least two electrodes disposed in a housing, wherein one of the at least two electrodes is a working electrode having a platinized tip and the other of the at least two electrodes is a counter electrode. A filter membrane is disposed at an end of the housing and is configured to come in contact with the solution. The filter membrane and at least a portion of the working electrode have a material coated thereon. The material includes a polymer and a source of copper dispersed within the material. The material and the platinized tip are configured to come into contact with the solution containing nitrosothiols to convert the nitrosothiols to nitric oxide in order to detect the nitrosothiol content.
US08168421B2 Microbial vaccine and vaccine vector
The present invention includes cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium for use as a vaccine and a vaccine vector. In preferred embodiments, the cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium is a Mycobacteria, for example, Mycobacteria shottsii.
US08168420B2 Microorganism capable of microbially decomposing chloro-, methylthio- and methoxy-triazine agrichemicals
Disclosed are: a novel microorganism which can decompose a methylthiotriazine compound (particularly, simetryn, dimethametryn, prometryn), a chlorotriazine compound (particularly, simazine, atrazine, propazine) and a methoxytriazine compound (particularly, simeton, atraton, prometon) which have been frequently used as agrichemicals or the like; and a method for decomposing a methylthiotriazine compound, a chlorotriazine compound and/or a methoxytriazine compound by using the microorganism. Specifically disclosed are: a novel bacterium Nocardioides sp. strain MTD22 which is capable of decomposing a methylthiotriazine compound, a chlorotriazine compound and a methoxytriazine compound; and a method for decomposing a methylthiotriazine compound, a chlorotriazine compound and/or a methoxytriazine compound, particularly simetryn, dimethametryn, prometryn, simazine, atrazine, propazine, simeton, atraton and/or prometon, by using the microorganism.
US08168419B2 Prevention and remediation of petroleum reservoir souring and corrosion by treatment with virulent bacteriophage
Petroleum reservoir souring, caused by microbially induced production of hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds, and the attendant corrosion are remediated by isolating bacteriophage(s) specific for the problematic bacteria (target bacteria) and adding an effective amount of such bacteriophage(s) to water introduced into or resident in the reservoir to kill at least some of the target bacteria. Suitable virulent bacteriophage(s) may be indigenous to the water, located in surrounding areas, or taken from a known banked stock. Means of concentrating solutions of bacteriophage(s) are also disclosed.
US08168418B2 Expression of HIV polypeptides and production of virus-like particles
The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.
US08168417B2 Bacillus licheniformis chromosome
The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis. The present invention also relates to isolated genes of the chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis which encode biologically active substances and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the genes as well as methods for producing biologically active substances encoded by the genes and to methods of using the isolated genes of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis.
US08168415B2 Axl fusion proteins as Axl tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Disclosed are novel inhibitors of the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and methods of using such inhibitors in a variety of therapeutic approaches in the areas of cancer therapy and anti-thrombosis (anti-clotting) therapy.
US08168414B2 Beta-galactosidase with transgalactosylating activity
The present invention concerns a new β-galactosidase with transgalactosylating activity isolated from Bifidobacterium bifidum. The β-galactosidase is capable of converting lactose to a mixture of galactooligosaccharides which are β-linked and unexpectedly produces the α-linked disaccharide galactobiose. The mixture may be incorporated into numerous food products or animal feeds for improving gut health by promoting the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut, and repressing the growth of the pathogenic microflora.
US08168413B2 Luminescent diamond particles
A method for preparing luminescent diamond particles (e.g., fluorescent nanodiamonds). The method includes irradiating diamond particles with an ion beam and heating the irradiated diamond particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 600 and 1000° C. The diamond particles have a diameter of 1 nm to 1 mm and the ion beam has a kinetic energy of 1 KeV to 900 MeV. Also disclosed are luminescent diamond particles prepared by this method and methods of using them.
US08168412B2 Method for producing optically-active amine compound, recombinant vector, and transformant containing the vector
The present invention relates to a method for producing an optically-active amine compound. The method is characterized by using a transaminase (A), an α-keto acid reductase (B), and an enzyme (C), each having specific properties, in an identical reaction system to convert a ketone compound into a corresponding optically-active amine compound in which a carbon atom with an amino group bonded thereto serves as an asymmetric point. The present invention also relates to a recombinant vector for use in the method. The present invention makes it possible to efficiently produce an optically-active amine compound.
US08168409B2 Compositions and methods relating to anti-IGF-1 receptor antibodies
The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to or derived from anti-IGF-1R antibodies. In particular embodiments, the invention provides fully human, humanized, or chimeric anti-IGF-1R antibodies that bind human IGF-1R, IGF-1R-binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and IGF-1R-binding polypeptides comprising such fragments. Other embodiments provide nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects having IGF-1R-related disorders or conditions.
US08168402B2 Diagnostic tests of substance use disorders
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying and quantifying platelet proteins that relate to various bodily states. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for determining whether an individual is using alcohol or other licit or illicit drugs at levels hazardous or harmful to their health. The invention also provides methods for identifying individuals who would benefit from or who may be harmed by specific medications or therapies.
US08168401B2 Methods of detecting T1R2- and T1R3-expressing cells potentially sensitive to sweet tastants
The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners.Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli.Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions. The use of these cells lines in cell-based assays to identify umami and sweet taste modulatory compounds is also provided, particularly high throughput screening assays that detect receptor activity by use of fluorometric imaging.Finally, the invention relates to the discovery that some compounds, e.g., lactisole, inhibit both the activities of human T1R2/T1R3 and T1R1/T1R3 receptors, and accordingly the sweet and umami taste, suggesting that these receptors may be the only sweet and umami receptors.
US08168400B2 Methods and kits for detection of thromboxane A2 metabolites
Methods, compositions and kits are provided for measuring aspirin's anti-thrombotic effectiveness on a subject. Included are a novel assay for quickly and specifically measuring TxA2 metabolite levels in urine and correlating the levels with aspirin dose in a subject. The methods, compositions and kits utilize a novel anti TxA2 metabolite antibody.
US08168396B2 Methods for detecting pre-diabetes and diabetes using differential protein glycosylation
Methods for identifying individuals who are not yet diabetic (pre-diabetic), but who are at significant risk of developing diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes, are disclosed herein. Methods are also provided for the identification of diabetic subjects. Also disclosed are methods for identifying individuals with diabetic complications. The methods include the identification of an overall glycosylation profile of proteins in a biological fluid, such as saliva, urine, or serum. In some examples, the methods include determining the amount of one or more protein in a biological fluid or determining the glycosylation pattern of one or more proteins in a biological fluid.
US08168395B2 Taste receptors of the T1R family from domestic dog
The present invention relates to the discovery of several genes of the domestic dog (Canine familiaris) associated with taste perception. The invention provides, inter alia, the nucleotide sequence of the canine Tas1r1, Tas1r2, and Tas1r3 receptor genes, the amino acid sequences of the polypeptides encoded thereby, and antibodies to the polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for compounds that modify the genes' function or activity, the compounds identified by such screens, and mimetics of the identified compounds. The invention further provides methods for modifying the taste preferences, ingestive responses, or general behavior of a mammal such as a dog by administering compounds that affect the function or activity of the gene or the polypeptide encoded thereby.
US08168392B2 Tetrahydrofolate synthetase gene
By finding a novel tetrahydrofolate synthetase gene and a protein encoded by said gene, a method for identifying a compound which inhibits cell growth accelerating activity of said protein is provided, and a judging method, a preventing method and a treating method of colon cancer are provided. A DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence of from the 94th to 2934th positions of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 of the SEQUENCE LISTING; a polynucleotide which specifically hybridizes with said DNA; a protein encoded by said DNA; a recombinant vector comprising said DNA; a transformant comprising said recombinant vector; an antibody for said protein; a method for producing said protein; a method for identifying a compound which inhibits cell growth accelerating activity possessed by said protein; a method for judging colon cancer, characterizing in that expressed amount of said DNA is measured; a kit for judging colon cancer; a preventive agent and/or therapeutic agent for colon cancer.
US08168389B2 Fetal cell analysis using sample splitting
The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, e.g. aneuploidy. The present invention involves labeling regions of genomic DNA in each cell in said mixed sample with different labels wherein each label is specific to each cell and quantifying the labeled regions of genomic DNA from each cell in the mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying labeled DNA polymorphisms from each cell in the mixed sample.
US08168387B2 Oligonucleotides, use thereof, detecting method and kit for diagnosing the presence of H5 and N1 genes of the Influenza A virus
The present invention relates to a double pair of oligonucleotides for amplifying two target sequences located, respectively, in the H5 and N1 genes of the genome of the Influenza A virus, said oligonucleotides being of a length ranging between 10 and 50 nucleotides and comprising at least one fragment of 10 consecutive nucleotides derived from the following sequences: SEQ ID No. 1:TGTATGTTGTGGAATGGCA, SEQ ID No. 2:GCCGAATGATGCCATCAA, SEQ ID No. 3:CGTGGATTGTCTCCGAAA, and SEQ ID No. 4:GGAATGCTCCTGTTATCCTGA or the sequence complementary thereto. The invention also relates to oligonucleotides for detecting amplicons, to the use of all these sequences, and to a method for detecting and a kit for diagnosing the presence of the H5 and N1 genes of the Influenza A virus.The invention is particularly applicable in the field of diagnosis.
US08168386B1 Methods for detecting Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus TC-83 and its use as a biological agent simulant
The present invention is generally related to products and methods that facilitate the use of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus TC-83 (TC-83) as a non-hazardous simulant, or surrogate, for viable pathogenic viruses. Specifically, TC-83 nucleic sequences are used in a method of detecting VEE or TC-83 in a sample thought to contain a biological threat agent. TC-83 and its nucleic acid sequence may therefore be used in the research, development, testing, evaluation, and training for technologies that enable the detection of biological threat agents. More particularly, specific primers and probes may be used to verify that instruments and systems using PCR detection methods are functioning properly.
US08168384B2 Non-thiopurine methyltransferase related effects in 6-mercaptopurine therapy
The present invention provides methods for predicting tolerance associated with 6-mercaptopurine drug treatment of an immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease. In particular, the present invention provides methods for predicting a patient's risk of an adverse drug reaction (or tolerance) to a 6-mercaptopurine drug by genotyping a patient at a polymorphic site in at least one gene selected from the group consisting of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, molybdenum cofactor sulfurase (MOCOS) gene, and aldehyde oxidase (AOX) gene. The present invention further provides methods for optimizing therapeutic efficacy in a patient receiving a 6-mercaptopurine drug by determining whether the patient should be given an alternative drug based on the presence or absence of a polymorphism in at least one of the XDH, MOCOS, and AOX genes.
US08168383B2 Gene defects and mutant ALK kinase in human solid tumors
Novel gene deletions and translocations involving chromosome 2 resulting in fusion proteins combining part of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) kinase with part of a secondary protein have now been identified in human solid tumors, e.g. non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Secondary proteins include Echinoderm Microtubule-Associated Protein-Like 4 (EML-4) and TRK-Fusion Gene (TFG). The EML4-ALK fusion protein, which retains ALK tyrosine kinase activity, was confirmed to drive the proliferation and survival of NSCLC characterized by this mutation. The invention therefore provides, in part, isolated polynucleotides and vectors encoding the disclosed mutant polypeptides, probes for detecting it, isolated mutant polypeptides, and reagents for detecting the fusion and truncated polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for determining the presence of these mutant polypeptides in a biological sample, methods for screening for compounds that inhibit the proteins, and methods for inhibiting the progression of a cancer characterized by the mutant polynucleotides or polypeptides.
US08168381B2 Template directed split and mix systhesis of small molecule libraries
The present invention provides a method for combining the advantages of encoded molecule fragments made by split and mix synthesis with the advantages of template directed synthesis of molecules. The method provided in the invention comprises the steps of: Adding a linker molecule L to one or more reaction wells; Adding a molecule fragment to each of said reaction wells; Adding an oligonucleotide identifier to each of said reaction wells; Subjecting said wells to conditions sufficient to allow said molecule fragments and said oligonucleotie identifiers to become attached to said linker molecule, or conditions sufficient for said molecule fragments to bind to other molecule fragments and sufficient for said oligonucleotide identifiers to bind to other oligonucleotide identifiers; Combining the contents of said one or more reaction wells; Optionally, distributing the combined product to one or more new reaction wells; Optionally, repeating steps b) to e) one or more times; Contacting the resulting bifunctional molecule(s) of step e) or g) with one or more Contacting the resulting bifunctional molecule(s) of step e) or g) with one or more (oligonucleotide) templates each capable of hybridizing to at least one of the oligonucleotide identifiers added in step c).
US08168380B2 Methods and products for analyzing polymers
Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.
US08168378B2 Substrate treatment system, substrate treatment method, and computer readable storage medium
In the present invention, a plurality of heat treatment plates are provided side by side in a linear form on a base of a heat treatment apparatus in a coating and developing treatment system. In the heat treatment apparatus, three transfer member groups are provided which transfer a substrate in zones between adjacent heat treatment plates. At the time when performing a pre-baking treatment in the heat treatment apparatus, the substrate is transferred in order to the heat treatment plates at the same temperature, whereby the heat treatment is dividedly performed on the heat treatment plates. According to the present invention, substrates are subjected to heat treatment along the same route, so that the thermal histories are made uniform among the substrates.
US08168370B2 Lithographic printing plate precursor and method for preparing lithographic printing plate
A lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support; and an image forming layer formed from a photosensitive composition, wherein the photosensitive composition includes: a photopolymerization initiator; a polymerizable compound; and a binder polymer including a graft chain, and the graft chain is a hydrophilic graft chain including a hydrophilic group.
US08168367B2 Resist composition and patterning process
The present invention relates to: a resist composition such as a chemically amplified resist composition for providing an excellent pattern profile even at a substrate-side boundary face of resist, in addition to a higher resolution in photolithography for micro-fabrication, and particularly in photolithography adopting, as an exposure source, KrF laser, ArF laser, F2 laser, ultra-short ultraviolet light, electron beam, X-rays, or the like; and a patterning process utilizing the resist composition. The present invention provides a chemically amplified resist composition comprising one or more kinds of amine compounds or amine oxide compounds (except for those having a nitrogen atom of amine or amine oxide included in a ring structure of an aromatic ring) at least having a carboxyl group and having no hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a nitrogen atom as a basic center.
US08168364B2 Resin-filled carrier for electrophotographic developer, and electrophotographic developer using the resin-filled carrier
A resin-filled carrier for an electrophotographic developer obtained by filling resin into voids of a porous ferrite core material, wherein the porous ferrite core material has a pore volume of 0.04 to 0.16 mL/g and a peak pore size of 0.9 to 2.0 μm, and an electrophotographic developer using this resin-filled carrier.
US08168362B2 Electrostatic image developing toner, method for producing same, electrostatic image developer, image forming method and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic image developing toner includes a polyester resin, the electrostatic image developing toner having a sulfur element concentration S at % and a nitrogen element concentration N at % which satisfies 0.5≦N/S≦10, the nitrogen element concentration N being from 0.002 at % to 2.5 at %.
US08168359B2 Nanosized particles of phthalocyanine pigments
Nano-sized phthalocyanine pigment particles include a phthalocyanine chromogen structure as the main component, and a substituted soluble metal-phthalocyanine dye as a minor component that is associated non-covalently with the phthalocyanine chromogen structure, wherein the presence of one or more sterically bulky substituents on the substituted soluble metal-phthalocyanine dye limits an extent of pigment particle growth and aggregation, to afford nano-sized pigment particles.
US08168358B2 Polysulfone containing photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a charge transport layer, and wherein the charge transport layer contains a polysulfone.
US08168353B2 Method of curing color filter for electronic display using electron-beam and method of fabricating color filter for electronic display using the same
Disclosed herein is a method of curing a color filter for an electronic display using an electron beam at low temperature. A conventional method of curing the color filter by thermal-heating is not suitable for a process of fabricating next generation flexible displays. In the method of the invention, after a color resist pattern is formed on a substrate, the resist is cured by an electron beam at 100° C. or less. Hence, the method can minimize damage of the substrate while facilitating dimension control of the color pattern and achieving precision of a fine pattern. A method of fabricating a color filter for an electronic display using the method is also disclosed.
US08168351B2 Method for inspecting photomask blank or intermediate thereof, method for determining dosage of high-energy radiation, and method for manufacturing photomask blank
A photomask blank which is manufactured by depositing a phase shift film on a substrate and irradiating the phase shift film with high-energy radiation to effect substrate shape adjusting treatment is inspected by measuring a surface topography of the photomask blank after the substrate shape adjusting treatment, removing the phase shift film from the photomask blank, measuring a surface topography of the treated substrate after removal of the phase shift film, and comparing the surface topographies, thereby evaluating a warpage change before and after removal of the phase shift film, due to a stress of the phase shift film having undergone substrate shape adjusting treatment.
US08168349B2 Fuel cell-purpose electrolyte material and production method therefor
A fuel cell-purpose electrolyte material having a structural unit represented by a general formula (1): where n is 0 or a positive integer, and R1 represents H or CH3, and R2 represents (CH2)mSO3H (m is 0 or a positive integer).
US08168325B2 Lithium based electrochemical cell systems having a degassing agent
A lithium based electrochemical cell system includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode; an electrolyte; and a degassing agent.
US08168323B2 Battery cover
A plastic battery cover for closing a battery housing includes a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one terminal extending through the battery cover, and a connecting flank extending from the at least one terminal, the connecting flank in contact with the battery cover. The connecting flank is configured such that a region between the at least one terminal and the top surface of the battery cover is adapted to prevent the formation of a gap between the terminal and the adjacent portion of the battery cover after the volume reduction of the plastic in this region during the manufacture of the battery cover by injection molding.
US08168320B2 Secondary battery
A battery including: a spirally wound electrode body in which a cathode having a cathode active material layer on a strip-shaped cathode current collector and an anode having an anode active material layer on a strip-shaped anode current collector are layered with a separator in between, and spirally wound in a planular state; and a lead joined to the cathode current collector or the anode current collector in a center portion of the spirally wound electrode body. An inner circumferential end of the cathode active material layer is provided in a region where the inner circumferential end does not overlap with the lead in a short axis direction of the spirally wound electrode body.
US08168319B2 Portable computer battery structures
Portable computer battery structures are provided. The portable computer battery structures may include a battery with a metal enclosure and a battery cable with a floating end. The battery may have six cells. Three pairs of parallel-connected cells may be connected together in series. The six cells may be substantially planar in shape. The battery may have a connector with at least five conductive pins and six recesses. The battery cable may have a cable with at least five conductive pins that mate with the five pins of the battery's connector and with six support pins that slide into the six recesses of the battery's connector. The batter connector may be formed on a printed circuit board substrate that folds over on itself.
US08168318B2 Method for high volume manufacturing of thin film batteries
Concepts and methods are provided to reduce the cost and complexity of thin film battery (TFB) high volume manufacturing by eliminating and/or minimizing the use of conventional physical (shadow) masks. Laser scribing and other alternative physical maskless patterning techniques meet certain or all of the patterning requirements. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing thin film batteries comprises providing a substrate, depositing layers corresponding to a thin film battery structure on the substrate, the layers including, in order of deposition, a cathode, an electrolyte and an anode, wherein at least one of the deposited layers is unpatterned by a physical mask during deposition, depositing a protective coating, and scribing the layers and the protective coating. Further, the edges of the layers may be covered by an encapsulation layer. Furthermore, the layers may be deposited on two substrates and then laminated to form the thin film battery.
US08168315B1 Method for detecting battery thermal events via battery pack isolation monitoring
A method for detecting cell failure within a battery pack based on variations in the measured electrical isolation resistance of the battery pack is provided. The method includes the steps of monitoring the isolation resistance; determining when the isolation resistance falls below a preset value; and performing a predetermined response when the isolation resistance falls below the preset value. The method may include additional steps such as (i) determining how long the isolation resistance remains below the preset value; (ii) determining the rate of change in the isolation resistance; (iii) determining how long it takes for the electrical isolation resistance to recover; (iv) determining when the isolation resistance falls below a third preset value, wherein this step is performed after the isolation resistance recovers to greater than the second preset value; and (v) monitoring for a secondary effect associated with cell failure.
US08168312B2 Magnetic recording medium and a method of manufacturing the same
A magnetic recording medium and a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium are provided, in which degradation of wear resistance against a magnetic head and performances of the medium is restrained, and metal dissolving out of the magnetic recording layer and degradation of corrosion resistance due to low coverage of a protective layer are suppressed. The method of manufacturing provides a magnetic recording medium having a convex portion of a magnetic recording layer for recording information and a concave portion without a recording function on a disk substrate. An ALD protective layer is formed on the magnetic recording medium using an ALD method. The magnetic recording medium has a convex portion of a magnetic recording layer for recording information and a concave portion without a recording function on a disk substrate, and has a protective layer formed by an ALD method on the concavo-convex pattern.
US08168310B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording media with oxide-containing exchange coupling layer
A magnetic storage medium according to one embodiment includes a substrate; a first oxide magnetic layer formed above the substrate; a second oxide magnetic layer formed above the first oxide magnetic layer; an exchange coupling layer formed above the second oxide magnetic layer, the exchange coupling layer comprising an oxide; and a magnetic cap layer formed above the exchange coupling layer. A method according to one embodiment includes forming a high Ku first oxide magnetic layer above a substrate by sputtering; forming a low Ku second oxide magnetic layer above the first oxide magnetic layer by sputtering; forming an exchange coupling layer of CoCrPt-oxide above the second oxide magnetic layer; and forming a magnetic cap layer above the exchange coupling layer. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
US08168309B2 Perpendicular recording media with sublayers of oxide dopant magnetic materials
Perpendicular recording media with sublayers of dual oxide dopant magnetic materials are disclosed. The magnetic layer may comprise multiple sublayers of magnetic materials. In each sublayer, dual oxide dopants are incorporated. The compositions of the sublayers can be the same or different depending on the application. The magnetic layer may be deposited using a target comprising a mixture of CoPtCrB and dual oxides as dopants. The layer deposited with such targets can be the entire magnetic layer or a sublayer.
US08168308B2 Compound having pyridoindole ring structure having substituted pyridyl group attached thereto, and organic electroluminescence element
The present invention is to provide an organic compound having excellent characteristics as a material for an organic EL device having a high efficiency and a high durability, and to provide an organic EL device having a high efficiency and a high durability by using the compound. The invention relates to a compound having a pyridoindole ring structure having a substituted pyridyl group attached thereto, which is represented by the general formula (1); and to an organic electroluminescent device comprising a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer interposed between the electrodes, wherein at least one of the organic layer(s) contains the compound: wherein Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group, or a substituted or unsubstituted condensed polycyclic aromatic group; R1 to R10 may be the same or different from one another and each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group; Z represents a 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring containing one nitrogen atom; and m and n each independently represents an integer of 1 to 3, provided that n is 1 when m is 2 or 3.
US08168306B2 Weld metal compositions for joining steel structures in the oil and gas industry
Provided are metal structures and methods of forming such structures for use in oil, gas and/or petrochemical applications that are joined with non-ferrous weld metal compositions or a high alloy weld metal compositions. The welded metal structures include two or more segments of ferrous or non-ferrous components, and fusion welds, friction stir welds or a combination thereof bonding adjacent segments of the components together, wherein the welds comprise a non-ferrous weld metal composition or a high alloy weld metal composition that is substantially different from the metal composition of the two or more components. The resultant welded structures exhibit improvements in fatigue resistance, toughness, strain capacity, strength, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and hydrogen embrittlement resistance compared to traditional iron-based weld compositions. The structures and methods of forming such structures are advantageous in joining metal components in applications for natural gas transportation and storage, oil and gas well completion and production, and oil and gas refinery and chemical plants.
US08168304B2 Micronized wood preservative formulations comprising boron compounds
The present invention provides wood preservative and flame retardant compositions having low leachability comprising micronized boron compounds and, optionally, one or more organic biocides which may be micronized. Also provided is a method for applying the composition to wood and wood products comprising impregnating the wood with the composition.
US08168302B2 Modified copolyesters and improved multilayer reflective films
A multilayered polymer film includes a first set of optical layers and a second set of optical layers. The first set of optical layers is made from a polyester which is often birefringent. The polyesters of the first set of optical layers typically have a composition in which 70-100 mol % of the carboxylate subunits are first carboxylate subunits and 0-30 mol % are comonomer carboxylate subunits and 70 to 100 mol % of the glycol subunits are first glycol subunits and 0 to 30 mol % of the glycol subunits are comonomer glycol subunits, where at least 0.5 mol % of the combined carboxylate and glycol subunits are comonomer carboxylate or comonomer glycol subunits. The multilayered polymer film may be used to form, for example, a reflective polarizer or a mirror.
US08168300B2 Blackened electromagnetic interference shield glass and method of producing the same
The present invention provides a method of producing an electromagnetic interference shield glass, which comprises (a) forming a conductive pattern on at least one side of a front side and a rear side of the glass by using a conductive paste comprising a colored glass frit, and (b) firing the conductive pattern to blacken the conductive pattern, and a blackened electromagnetic interference shield glass.
US08168299B1 Polymeric coating and lining system
An automotive vehicle having at least one vehicular exterior surface formed from at least a portion of an exterior pickup box. The vehicular exterior surface includes a structural substrate having an outwardly oriented surface and at least one polymeric layer in overlying relationship to at least a portion of the outwardly oriented surface of the structural substrate. The polymeric layer contains at least one polymeric material formed from the reaction of at least one isocyanate with at least one resin component, the resin component comprising at least one catalyst free aliphatic amine.
US08168298B2 Article and method of producing same
An article is formed in a mold having a mold cavity, has a periphery, and defines a score line having a tensile heal strength of less than 200 ppi along the score line. The article includes a cured urethane composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and a resin composition. The cured urethane composition is used in a method of forming the article. The method includes the steps of determining a theoretical tensile heal strength along the score line and applying the isocyanate component into the mold cavity in response to the determining of the theoretical tensile heal strength. The method also includes the steps of applying the resin composition into the mold cavity, reacting the isocyanate component and the resin composition to form a urethane composition, curing the urethane composition, and de-molding the article from the mold cavity.
US08168297B2 Fluoropolymer coated film, process for forming the same, and fluoropolymer liquid composition
A process for forming a multilayer film includes coating a polymeric substrate film with a liquid fluoropolymer coating. The liquid fluoropolymer coating includes a fluoropolymer, solvent, a compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer, and a cross-linking agent. The process further includes cross-linking the compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer to form a cross-linked polymer network in the fluoropolymer coating, removing the solvent from the fluoropolymer coating, and adhering the fluoropolymer coating to the polymeric substrate film. A liquid fluoropolymer coating composition includes a fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, solvent, a compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer, and a cross-linking agent. A fluoropolymer coated film includes a polymeric substrate film and a fluoropolymer coating on the polymeric substrate film. The fluoropolymer coating includes a fluoropolymer and a compatible cross-linked adhesive polymer.
US08168296B2 Benzylated polyalkylene polyamines and uses thereof
The present invention provides curing agent compositions comprising benzylated polyalkylene polyamine compounds. Amine-epoxy compositions and articles produced from these amine-epoxy compositions are also disclosed.
US08168295B2 Tempered glass substrate and method of producing the same
A tempered glass substrate of the present invention is a tempered glass substrate, which has a compression stress layer on a surface thereof, and has a glass composition comprising, in terms of mass %, 40 to 71% of SiO2, 3 to 21% of Al2O3, 0 to 3.5% of Li2O, 7 to 20% of Na2O, and 0 to 15% of K2O.
US08168294B2 Composite
A ceramic and metal composite and method of manufacture, is provided in which a ceramic phase is mixed with a metal phase to form a composite able to be applied to a substrate or formed to any shape/configuration required. For example, the composite can form, or be applied to a substrate for use as biomedical implants which can assist in and enhance osteo development or at least provide a material of better biocompatibility/bioactivity and osteo integration or infiltration with the composite. Advantageously, the ceramic and metal phases are bioactive/biocompatible. In a preferred embodiment, the composite is a homogenous mix ceramic and metal phase (and/or bioglasses) when analyzed on a micro meter scale.
US08168287B2 Fuser member
The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate, a functional layer disposed on the substrate, and an outer layer disposed on the functional layer. The outer layer includes silicon having a texture, and a conformal oleophobic coating disposed on the silicon.
US08168286B2 Tempered glass chair mat and method of packaging
A glass chair mat and method of packaging comprising a sheet of tempered glass with rounded corners and rounded beveled edges. The tempered glass chair mat may be finished to enhance its appearance or left translucent to showcase the flooring underneath. The method of packaging allows a minimal amount of employees to safely package the glass chair mat for delivery to residence and businesses alike. Furthermore, the packaging provides additional protection against damage during transit and assures common carriers are aware of the fragile nature of the package.
US08168282B2 Trimethine cyanine compounds, their preparation and their use
The present invention relates to a trimethine cyanine represented by the formula (1): wherein each of the symbols are defined in the specification. The present invention also relates to a use of the above dimeric trimethine cyanine compound as a dye, which is used in an optic element, particularly a high density recordable optical media.
US08168279B2 System and method for forming labels
A method of forming a label includes providing a semi-opaque or transparent film, disposing an ink receptive coating on at least one side of the semi-opaque or transparent film, forming an adhesive track on a perimeter of the ink receptive coating, and masking the adhesive track with a release member configured to provide access to the ink receptive coating for image formation.
US08168273B2 Holding material for catalytic converter
The present invention relates to a holding material for a catalytic converter including a catalyst carrier, a metal casing for receiving the catalyst carrier, and the holding material wound around the catalyst carrier and interposed in a gap between the catalyst carrier and the metal casing, in which the holding material includes an inorganic fiber substrate and a viscoelastic layer formed at least on a casing side surface of the inorganic fiber substrate and having a Young's modulus at 25° C. of 0.3 MPa or less.
US08168272B2 Storage container for photomask-forming synthetic quartz glass substrate
A storage container for containing a photomask-forming synthetic quartz glass substrate comprises inner walls facing the front and back surfaces of the glass substrate, and reservoirs provided on the container inner walls for receiving an absorber for components outgassing from the container. A ratio A/B is in the range of 1.0-120 m2/cm2 provided that A is the product (m2) of the total weight (g) of the absorber multiplied by the BET specific surface area (m2/g) of the absorber and B is the total area (cm2) of the front and back surfaces of the glass substrate.
US08168269B2 Plasma, UV and ion/neutral assisted ALD or CVD in a batch tool
A batch processing chamber includes a chamber housing, a substrate boat for containing a batch of substrates in a process region, and an excitation assembly for exciting species of a processing gas. The excitation assembly is positioned within the chamber housing and may include plasma, UV, or ion assistance.
US08168263B2 Photo-curable composition, ink composition, and inkjet recording method using the ink composition
A photo-curable composition including (A) a cationic polymerizable compound, (B) a sensitizing colorant represented by the following formula (I), and (C) an onium salt; an ink composition containing the photo-curable composition; an inkjet recording method using the ink composition are provided, and in formula (I), X represents O, S or NR, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an acyl group, n represents 0 or 1, each of R1 to R8 independently represents a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent substituent.
US08168260B2 Cross-linkable thermoplastic polyurethanes
The invention provides a cross-linkable elestomeric thermoplastic polyurethane that is urea free, isocyanutrate free, oxazolinyl free, functional radically-polymerizable pendant group free and having terminal functional radically-polymerizable groups at both ends, and thermoset polyurethanes obtained therefrom.The invention also provides applications of the compositions, and processes for manufacturing these compositions.
US08168258B2 Method of producing a temperature sensor
In a method of producing a temperature sensor including at least one lead wire of a non-noble metal or of an alloy containing a non-noble metal, at first a lead wire is attached to the temperature sensor. An oxide layer is removed from at least one portion of the lead wire, and the at least one portion of the lead wire is chemically gilded immediately after removing the oxide layer.
US08168256B2 Formation of selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide-sulfide films on metal or metal coated substrates
A process and composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide sulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating.
US08168253B2 Method of manufacturing piezoelectric actuator and method of manufacturing liquid transporting apparatus
A recess is formed on an upper surface of a vibration plate at a position corresponding to a pressure chamber. Next, a low-elasticity material having a lower modulus of elasticity than the vibration plate is filled in the recess. Then, aerosol including a piezoelectric material particles and carrier gas is sprayed on the upper surface of the vibration plate to form a piezoelectric layer. At this time, the particles of the piezoelectric material do not adhere to a surface of the low-elasticity material filled in the recess, and hence the piezoelectric layer can be formed only in an area excluding the surface of the low-elasticity material. Thus, there is provided a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator, the method capable of easily preventing, when forming the piezoelectric layer by an aerosol deposition method, formation of the piezoelectric layer on a surface of the recess.
US08168248B2 Food intermediate having sequestered phytosteryl esters in a polysaccharide matrix
The present invention is related to a novel food intermediate containing a phytosteryl esters complex and the method used to create the food intermediate. The food product provides beneficial hypocholesterolemic activity through increased cholesterol-uptake inhibition while simultaneously delivering a food product that is not adversely affected by its inclusion, either in taste or texture or in any undesirable side effects.
US08168247B2 Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages
A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients is a liquid chocolate ingredient.
US08168244B2 High fiber pastry product
High fiber-containing pastry products are described. The high fiber-containing pastry products typically comprise about 5-10 grams of fiber in a 54 gram serving of the pastry. The high fiber-containing pastry products comprise a fried laminated dough piece prepared from a developed dough that comprises, inter alia, wheat flour, resistant wheat starch, and vital wheat gluten. The use of a reduced amount of wheat flour along with the addition of resistant wheat starch and vital wheat gluten enables the production of a dough composition that has a high fiber content while retaining desirable organoleptic and processing characteristics.
US08168243B1 Coffee press grounds remover apparatus
A coffee press grounds removal apparatus for removing coffee grounds or tea leaves from a coffee press machine is provided. The coffee press machine has a plunger apparatus for pressing the coffee grounds or tea leaves within a carafe. The apparatus comprises a basket receivable within the carafe with the basket having an open top, a bottom wall, and a side wall extending in a generally upward direction from the bottom wall toward the open top. A handle is pivotally connected to the basket wherein the basket is completely receivable within the carafe. The basket comprises a configuration substantially mirroring the interior circumference and shape of the carafe in which the basket is seatable wherein as the basket is inserted into the carafe, the basket slidably engages the interior circumference of the carafe such that an outer surface of the side wall of the basket contacts the interior circumference of the carafe. The entire bottom wall contacts a bottom surface within the carafe with the bottom wall sandwiched between the coffee grounds or tea leaves and the bottom surface and the plunger apparatus pressable against the coffee grounds or tea leaves.
US08168241B2 Performance-enhancing dietary supplement
A dietary supplement for enhancing physical performance of human subjects is disclosed. The supplement in dry, finely-divided form includes as a major ingredient a soy protein isolate containing at least 80% protein on a moisture-free basis with lesser amounts of carbohydrate, free form amino acids, medium chain triglycerides, creatine monohydrate, l-carnitine, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10, piper nigrum extract, and alpha lipoic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the supplement also includes minor amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine complex.
US08168235B2 Pharmaceutical composition comprising an extract of Pseudolysimachion longifolium and the catalpol derivatives isolated therefrom having antiinflammatory, antiallergic and antiasthmatic activity
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an extract of Pseudolysimachion genus plant, and the catalpol derivatives isolated therefrom having anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and anti-asthmatic activity. The extract of Pseudolysimachion genus plant and the catalpol derivatives isolated therefrom shows potent suppressing effect on elevated IgE, IL-4 and IL-13 levels and eosinophilia in the plasma and BALF, and mucus overproduction in the lung tissues in an OVA-induced asthmatic mouse model. Therefore, it can be used as the therapeutics or functional health food for treating and preventing inflammatory, allergic and asthmatic disease.
US08168234B2 Compositions that treat or inhibit pathological conditions associated with inflammatory response
A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops. Other embodiments relate to combinations of components, including at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops, tryptanthrin and conjugates thereof, rosemary, an extract or compound derived from rosemary, a triterpene species, or a diterpene lactone or derivatives or conjugates thereof.
US08168232B2 Formulations and methods of using nitric oxide mimetics in cancer treatment
The present invention relates to methods and formulations for inhibiting, treating and preventing a malignant cell phenotype, cell, tumor and/or disease. Administration of nitric oxide mimetics, such as low doses, is sufficient to increase, restore or maintain nitric oxide-mediated signaling in cells so that malignant cell phenotypes, cells, tumors and/or diseases are inhibited or prevented. These methods and formulations are particularly useful in treating and preventing cancer in animals.
US08168230B2 Platelet gel comprising platelet-rich plasma, platelet activator and polymer
A semi-synthetic platelet gel comprising a platelet-rich plasma, at least one platelet activator, and a biocompatible polymer selected from the group comprising carbomers, polyalkylene glycols, poloxamers, polyesters, polyethers, polyanhydrides, polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polysaccharides, and derivatives thereof. A method for preparing a semi-synthetic platelet gel comprising the steps of (a) mixing a platelet-rich plasma with at least one platelet activator, and, before the start of clot formation, (b) adding the mixture thus obtained to a biocompatible polymer selected from the group comprising carbomers, polyalkylene glycols, poloxamers, polyesters, polyethers, polyanhydrides, polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polysaccharides, and derivatives thereof.
US08168229B2 Methods for making a multicomponent hemostatic dressing
A method of making a pliable, bioabsorbable hemostatic dressing wherein the dressing is composed of fibers with at least one molecular-scale coating, which upon first contact with blood and due to a large area of contact with blood per unit weight of active ingredients, initiates and accelerates the biochemical blood clotting cascade processes. The steps of the method include dissolving in an organic solvent one or more soluble bioabsorbable polymers and organic or aqueous-organic media of non-protein constituents to create a homogeneous mixture; forming fibers from the homogeneous mixture; adding to the fibers a molecular-scale first coating of one or more proteins of blood clotting species that minimally react with each other; and optionally adding a second coating of one or more proteins of blood clotting species to the fibers that minimally react with each other and that, together with the one or more proteins of blood clotting species in the molecular-scale first coating, induce blood coagulation in the presence of blood. The fibers may optionally have occluded in them or at their surface other chemicals of abiological or biological origin that aid in the blood clotting process.
US08168227B2 Modified powder and cosmetic composition using the same
The present invention provides a modified powder that is obtainable by coating the surface of a base powder with a hydrophobizing agent and a cationic surfactant. In the modified powder described above, it is preferable that the amount of coated hydrophobizing agent and the amount of coated cationic surfactant are 3 to 90% by mass and 0.5 to 10% by mass, respectively, relative to the self weight of the base powder. In the modified powder described above, it is preferable that the mass ratio of the coated hydrophobizing agent and the coated cationic surfactant is from 1:1 to 9:1. In addition, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition comprising the above modified powder wherein the modified powder and the base powder have an ultraviolet scattering effect. In the cosmetic composition described above, it is preferable that the blended amount of the modified powder is from 0.5 to 100% by mass. Furthermore, the present invention provides a sunscreen cosmetic composition comprising the above modified powder with an ultraviolet scattering effect. In the sunscreen cosmetic composition described above, it is preferable that the base powder is one or more selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, cerium oxide, bismuth oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, and tungstic acid. In the sunscreen cosmetic composition described above, it is preferable that the blended amount of the modified powder is from 1 to 40% by mass.
US08168226B2 Production of nanocapsules and microcapsules by layer-wise polyelectrolyte self-assembly
The invention relates to capsules coated with a polyelectrolyte shell and methods for the production thereof.
US08168219B2 Synergistic binder composition, method for making same, and tablets of an active and said binder having advantageous hardness and friability
Tablets of a pharmaceutical, nutritional or vitamin active compound or composition, e.g. a poorly compressible drug are made by direct compression using a synergistic binder composition of co-processed (a) copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone (VP) and vinyl acetate (VA) and (b) microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), in a wt. ratio of (a):(b) of 1-30:99-70, which is spray dried to provide a readily compressible excipient binder powder for such active. The tablets obtained herein have advantageous hardness and friability at an acceptable compression force.
US08168217B2 Oral drug delivery system
Dosage forms and drug delivery devices suitable for administration of pharmaceutical compounds and compositions, including the oral drug administration of compounds.
US08168216B2 Treatment of triple receptor negative breast cancer
The present invention relates to the use of a liposomal preparation for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition and the use of such a composition for the treatment of ‘triple receptor negative’ breast cancer.
US08168214B2 Local administration of gallium compositions to treat pain
Provided are methods of treating pain, including neuropathic pain, in human and veterinary individuals. These methods employ locally administrable pharmaceutical gallium compositions, including pharmaceutical gallium compositions suitable for administration to the skin and mucous membranes. The compositions comprise pharmaceutically acceptable gallium compounds, such as gallium maltolate or gallium nitrate, together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers suitable for local administration, including those suitable for topical administration. The administration of such compositions provides relief from pain, itching, allodynia, hyperalgesia, and related symptoms.
US08168210B2 Pressed powder cosmetic composition comprising flaky glass
The present invention is directed to a pressed powder cosmetic composition, comprising by weight: (a) from about 75% to about 98% of a powder component, the powder component comprising a cosmetic grade flaky glass constituted of components comprising by weight at least 52% silicone dioxide and no more than 5% alkali metal oxide, and wherein the cosmetic grade flaky glass has an average thickness of 0.1-1.0 μm, an average particle diameter of 1-100 μm, and an aspect ratio, obtained by dividing the average particle diameter by the average thickness, of 10 or higher; (b) from about 1% to about 24% of a powder binder, the powder binder comprising sodium stearyl fumarate; and (c) from about 1% to about 25% of a liquid binder.
US08168206B1 Animal protein-free pharmaceutical compositions
Animal protein-free, solid-form Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical compositions comprising a Clostridial toxin active ingredient and at least two excipients.
US08168205B2 Streptococcus pneumoniae polypeptides
The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences of the genome of Streptococcus pneumoniae, polypeptide sequences encoded by the polynucleotide sequences, corresponding polynucleotides and polypeptides, vectors and hosts comprising the polynucleotides, and assays and other uses thereof. The present invention further provides polynucleotide and polypeptide sequence information stored on computer readable media, and computer-based systems and methods which facilitate its use.
US08168204B2 PheP, an amino acid permease of Staphylococcus aureus
The present invention relates to antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes, including antigenic polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of FIG. 1, vaccines comprising the antigenic polypeptides and therapeutic antibodies directed to the antigenic polypeptides.
US08168203B2 Shigella protein antigens and methods
The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.
US08168202B2 Hexavalent bovine rotavirus reassortant composition designed for use in developing countries
The present invention provides vaccine compositions for protection against human rotaviral disease designed for use in particular areas of the world. Human× bovine reassortant rotavirus comprising each of the four clinically most important VP7 serotypes of human rotavirus are combined with other VP7 serotypes typically found in the area of interest into a multivalent formulation which provides a high degree of infectivity and immunogenicity. Methods and an administration protocol for producing an immunogenic response without producing an increased risk of intussusception are also provided.
US08168201B2 Vaccines
The present invention relates to compositions for inducing immune responses, including an antigen and a promiscuous T-cell epitope. Also provided are methods of inducing immune responses in hosts, comprising administering compositions comprising antigens and promiscuous T-cell epitopes to the host.
US08168200B2 Vaccine against african horse sickness virus
The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo the genes encoding VP2 and VP5 of African Horse Sickness Virus or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a horse against African horse sickness virus, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against African horse sickness virus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.
US08168190B2 HBV core antigen particles with multiple immunogenic components attached via peptide ligands
This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.
US08168188B1 Antibody and utilization of the same
The present invention is directed to providing an antibody having greater reactivity with amylospheroid than with amyloid β fibers, and the like. The aforementioned antibody includes an antibody having activity of inhibiting amylospheroid formation or activity of inhibiting neuronal cell death induced by amylospheroid. The antibody can be used for a therapeutic and/or preventive agent for Alzheimer's disease, or a screening thereof, a method and reagent for detecting individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and the like.
US08168187B2 Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 184P1E2 useful in treatment and detection of cancer
A novel gene (designated 184P1E2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 184P1E2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 184P1E2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 184P1E2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 184P1E2 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08168184B2 Bi-specific monoclonal antibody (specific for both CD3 and CD11B) therapeutic drug
The present invention relates to the treatment of immune system abnormalities that can be found in lethal human cancers and also in the progressive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infections and provides medicaments to correct abnormalities in a subject with cancer or HIV-1-infected subjects, in order to allow the immune system to fight the cancer or HIV-1 infections. The present invention also discloses multivalent polypeptides which specifically bind to and enable destruction and/or inactivation of immune cells that have CD11b and CD3 on their surface, therefore dissipating the deleterious effects of the CD11b+T cells.
US08168182B2 Method for treating erectile dysfunction
A medicament based on antibodies contains an activated form of ultra-low doses of monoclonal, polyclonal, or natural antibodies to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NO synthase), the activated form being prepared by multiple consecutive dilutions and exposure to external factors, preferably according to the homeopathic technology. A method of treating erectile dysfunctions and vegetative disturbances of male climax by regulating the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the cavernous bodies on sexual stimulation, the method being characterized by the use of activated forms of ultra-low doses of antibodies to the entire molecule of the endothelial NO synthase or to its polypeptide fragments, activated forms being prepared by multiple consecutive dilutions and exposure to external factors.
US08168181B2 Methods of impairing osteoclast differentiation using antibodies that bind siglec-15
This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling; variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides; uses of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives; and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are, the isolation and identification of polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.
US08168178B2 Methods and compositions for regulating lymphocyte activity
The present application is directed to the discovery that hedgehog gene products, and signal transduction pathways involving hedgehog, are involved in maturation of T lymphocytes. The invention provides a method to promote T lymphocyte development using low dose Hedgehog, and a method to inhibit T lymphocyte development using high dose Hedgehog. Certain aspects of the invention are directed to preparations of hedgehog polypeptides, agonists, antagonists, or other molecules which regulate patched or smoothened signalling, and their uses as immunomodulatory agents.
US08168176B2 CBLB for treating endotoxin-mediated disorders
Methods of treating endotoxin-mediated disorders are provided.
US08168175B2 Pretreatment or post exposure treatment for exposure to a toxic substance by pulmonary delivery (inhaler) of a bioscavenger
The present invention relates to a treatment by pulmonary delivery of bioscavengers to animals as an effective antidote to prevent toxicity produced by exposure of an animal to nerve agents and other toxic substances.
US08168170B2 Compositions having an inner core and at least three surrounding layers
Disclosed are compositions comprising an inner core and at least two surrounding layers. The compositions are suitable for use in humans and other mammals, particularly wherein a component of the inner core is susceptible to moisture. The compositions comprise an inner core comprising one or more components; an inner layer which surrounds the inner core, wherein the inner layer is selected from continuous coatings insoluble at a pH of about 3 or less, continuous coatings having a coating weight of from about 3 mg/cm2, and combinations thereof; and an outer layer which surrounds the inner layer, wherein the outer layer is hydrophobic.
US08168169B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of medical disorders
In general, the invention relates to marrow-derived adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) and their use in methods of treating various medical disorders, typically caused by or involving loss of cells or loss of cell function. These cells, when administered, e.g., intranasally, can cross the blood brain barrier and terminally differentiate into cholinergic neurons or otherwise localize and terminally differentiate.
US08168162B2 Styling agents giving an high degree of hold
The invention relates to agents for temporarily shaping keratin fibers, said agents containing: a) at least one film-forming and/or setting amphoteric polymer A and b) at least one copolymer B formed by at least one monomer B1 selected from acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-alkylacrylamide and N-alkylmethacrylamide, at least one monomer B2 selected from N-vinyllactams, at least one monomer B3 selected from quaternized N-vinylimidazoles and the monomer N-vinylimidazole. The invention also relates to the use of the agents for temporarily shaping hair and to an aerosol styling mousse that contains a corresponding agent and at least one propellant.
US08168161B2 Method to promote oral health in companion animals
A method for promoting oral health in a companion animal comprises causing the animal to ingest a composition comprising an oral health-promoting effective total amount of at least one antioxidant.
US08168160B2 Anti-inflammatory fusion protein
The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising therapeutic and diagnostic potential against chronic vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, a nucleic acid molecule encoding said fusion protein, a pharmaceutical and diagnostic composition which comprises the fusion protein or the nucleic acid molecule, the use of the fusion protein or the nucleic acid molecule for the production of a pharmaceutical and diagnostic composition, a method for the diagnosis of acute or chronic vascular diseases, and a method for the production of a fusion protein.
US08168156B2 Method of fabricating layered nanomaterial used for mid-high temperature CO2 capture
A material is fabricated for capturing CO2 at mid-high temperature. The material is a layered material containing Ca, Al carbonates. A higher ratio of Ca to Al helps capturing CO2. The temperature for capturing CO2 is around 600° C. The material can even release CO2 at a high temperature. Thus, the material can process looping cycles of carbonation and decarbonization at a CO2 carbonation scale of 45% gCO2/g.
US08168150B2 Binary, ternary and quaternary lithium phosphates, method for the production thereof and use of the same
The invention relates to binary, ternary and quaternary lithium phosphates of general formula Li(FexM1yM2z)PO4 wherein M1 represents at least one element of the group comprising Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Zr, and La; M2 represents at least one element of the group comprising Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Zr, and La; x=between 0.5 and 1, y=between 0 and 0.5, z=between 0 and 0.5, provided that x+y+z=1, or x=0, y=1 and z=0. The said lithium phosphates can be obtained according to a method whereby precursor compounds of elements Li, Fe, M1 and/or M2 are precipitated from aqueous solutions and the precipitation product is dried in an inert gas atmosphere or a reducing atmosphere at a temperature which is between room temperature and approximately 200° C. and tempered at a temperature of between 300° C. and 1000° C. The inventive lithium phosphates have a very high capacity when used as cathode material in lithium accumulators.
US08168143B2 Systems, methods, and compositions for production of synthetic hydrocarbon compounds
A process and system for producing hydrocarbon compounds or fuels that recycle products of hydrocarbon compound combustion—carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, or both, and water. The energy for recycling is electricity derived from preferably not fossil based fuels, like from nuclear fuels or from renewable energy. The process comprises electrolysing water, and then using hydrogen to reduce externally supplied carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, then using so produced carbon monoxide together with any externally supplied carbon monoxide and hydrogen in Fischer-Tropsch reactors, with upstream upgrading to desired specification fuels—for example, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel fuel, and others. Energy released in some of these processes is used by other processes. Using adiabatic temperature changes and isothermal pressure changes for gas processing and separation, large amounts of required energy are internally recycled using electric and heat distribution lines. Phase conversion of working fluid is used in heat distribution lines for increased energy efficiency. The resulting use of electric energy is less than 1.4 times the amount of the high heating value of combustion of so produced hydrocarbon compounds when carbon dioxide is converted to carbon monoxide in the invention, and less than 0.84 when carbon monoxide is the source.
US08168140B2 Microfluidic apparatuses with nanochannels
In some embodiments of the present invention, the buried silicon oxide technology is employed in the fabrication of fluid channels, particularly nanochannels. For example, a fluid channel can be made in a buried silicon oxide layer by etching the buried oxide layer with a method that selectively removes silicon oxide but not silicon. Thus, one dimension of the resulting fluid channel is limited by the thickness of the buried oxide layer. It is possible to manufacture a very thin buried oxide layer with great precision, thus a nanochannel can be fabricated in a controlled manner. Moreover, in addition to buried oxide, any pairs of substances with a high etch ratio with respect to each other can be used in the same way. Further provided are the fluid channels, apparatuses, devices and systems comprising the fluid channels, and uses thereof.
US08168139B2 Recirculating fluidic network and methods for using the same
The present invention provides a variety of microfluidic devices and methods for conducting assays and syntheses. The devices include a solid substrate layer having a surface that is capable of attaching ligand and or anti-ligand, and an elastomeric layer attached to said surface. Preferred embodiments have deflectable membrane valves and pumps, for example, rotary pumps associated therewith.
US08168135B2 Reaction container plate and its reaction processing equipment
Intrusion of foreign matters from the outside of a reaction container plate and environmental contamination onto the outside are prevented. The reaction container plate (1) comprises a container base (3) having a reaction container (5), a channel base (11) having an introduction hole (11b) above the reaction container (5) and arranged on the surface of the container base (3), and a channel cover (13) arranged on the channel base (11) in order to form in cooperation with the surface of the channel base, an introduction channel (15) passing above the introduction hole (11b). The channel (13) is formed to be enclosed. The introduction hole (11b) does not allow liquid to pass under an introduction pressure state in the channel (15) where the liquid is introduced into the channel (15) but allows the liquid in the channel (15) to pass to the reaction container (5) side under a pressurized state where the inside of the channel (15) is pressurized higher than the introduction pressure. The channel cover (13) is composed of a flexible member, and, when it is urged to the channel base (11) side after the liquid is introduced into the channel (15), the inside of the channel (15) is brought into a pressurized state and the liquid is passed through the introduction hole (11b) and injected into the reaction container (5).
US08168134B2 Biological analysis systems, devices and methods
A device for performing biological sample reactions comprising a plurality of flow cells each with at least one port for receiving reaction fluids delivered to a chamber of each flow cell and a manifold configured to receive the plurality of flow cells, wherein the manifold is configured to receive at least one reaction fluid, and wherein each flow cell is configured with a sample holder wherein the sample holder contains biological sample.
US08168131B2 Low pressure drop reforming reactor
A syngas reforming reactor has a shell-and-tube configuration wherein the shell-side fluid flow path through the tube bundle has a longitudinal configuration. The reactor can include a shell-side inlet fluid distributor plate below the lower end of the tube bundle.
US08168126B2 Apparatus for microwave induced destruction of siloxanes and hydrogen sulfide in biogas
The invention is an apparatus and method to remove hydrogen sulfide and siloxanes from biogas and destroy the contaminants in microwave reactors. Hydrogen sulfide and siloxane are removed from biogas using an adsorbent media such as activated carbon. The media is regenerated in a microwave reactor where the hydrogen sulfide and siloxane are removed in a sweep gas. In one process, siloxane is oxidized to silicon dioxide in a second microwave reactor and removed with a filter. Hydrogen sulfide if first oxidized to sulfur dioxide, then reduced to sulfur in a third microwave reactor and removed with a filter. In another process, siloxane is combined with water to form silicon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide is reduced to elemental sulfur in a microwave reactor. These reactants are removed with a filter. The remaining sweep gas containing hydrogen and low molecular weight hydrocarbons is returned to the biogas stream.
US08168125B2 Diesel oxidation catalyst and exhaust system provided with the same
A diesel oxidation catalyst mounted on an exhaust pipe that exhausts an exhaust gas generated in an engine to the exterior may include a first portion having a hydrocarbon trap (HC trap) coated thereon, the HC trap absorbing or releasing a hydrocarbon (HC) depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a second portion having an oxidation catalyst coated thereon, the oxidation catalyst oxidizing the hydrocarbon (HC) and a carbon monoxide (CO) in the exhaust gas, wherein the second portion performs oxidation reaction with the HC released from the first portion and releases sulphur absorbed at the oxidation catalyst by using oxidation heat generated in the oxidation reaction thereof.
US08168121B2 Portable gas monitor
A portable monitor used to measure landfill gas and landfill well parameters. The portable monitor includes a control unit and a measuring unit that can communication wirelessly with one another. The control unit and/or measuring unit can includes a heating arrangement to increase the temperature of one or more components in the control unit and/or measuring unit in cold environments.
US08168119B1 Anti-microbial system for input terminal
A method and apparatus disinfecting a computer keyboard includes a metal ion treatment applied to the computer keyboard and other user input devices. A further measure taken is the installation of a shutoff mechanism in the link connecting the computer keyboard to the computer system to open the data connections between the keyboard and host system. Another measure is the periodic and reiterated wipedown of the keyboard and ancillary input devices with an antiseptic wipe. The shutoff mechanism is turned off before the wipedown procedure is carried out, to prevent any incidental keyboard entries made during the wipedown process from being transmitted to the host system.
US08168118B2 Powder metallurgy sputtering targets and methods of producing same
A method of forming a sputtering target and other metal articles having controlled oxygen and nitrogen content levels and the articles so formed are described. The method includes surface-nitriding a deoxidized metal powder and further includes consolidating the powder by a powder metallurgy technique. Preferred metal powders include, but are not limited to, valve metals, including tantalum, niobium, and alloys thereof.
US08168115B2 Methods of fabricating a superabrasive compact including a diamond-silicon carbide composite table
Embodiments relate to superabrasive compacts including a diamond-silicon carbide composite table, and methods of fabricating such superabrasive compacts. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a superabrasive compact is disclosed. An assembly comprising a mixture including diamond particles and silicon is formed. The silicon comprises amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon crystallized from amorphous silicon formed by a milling process, or combinations thereof. A substrate is positioned in proximity to the mixture. The assembly is subjected to a high-pressure/high-temperature process to form a superabrasive compact comprising a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including diamond grains dispersed through a matrix of silicon carbide grains.
US08168109B2 Stabilizers for vinyl ether resist formulations for imprint lithography
Coating compositions suitable for UV imprint lithographic applications include at least one vinyl ether crosslinker having at least two vinyl ether groups; at least one diluent comprising a monofunctional vinyl ether compound; at least one photoacid generator soluble in a selected one or both of the at least one monofunctional vinyl ether compound and the at least one vinyl ether crosslinker having the at least two vinyl ether groups; and at least one stabilizer comprising an ester compound selectively substituted with a substituent at an ester position or an alpha and the ester positions. Also disclosed are imprint processes.
US08168107B2 Method of forming a pattern using nano imprinting and method of manufacturing a mold to form such a pattern
Example embodiments relate to a method of forming a three-dimensional micro pattern or a multi-step pattern using a nano imprinting process and a method of manufacturing a mold to form such a pattern. A molding polymer may be patterned in a one-step shape on a substrate having UV barrier patterns, thereby easing the manufacture of a mold for multi-step imprinting and simplifying the formation of a multi-step pattern using the one-step shaped mold by avoiding the repetition of more complicated processes. Consequently, it may be possible to form a relatively large-area micro pattern, a relatively large-area pattern usable in flat panel displays, and a nano pattern having a size of several tens of nanometers in a semiconductor process, thereby contributing to the reduction of process costs, the reduction of process time, and the improvement of production yield.
US08168106B2 Process for producing a reinforcing woven fabric, a preform and a fiber reinforced plastic molded component
A process for producing a reinforcing woven fabric includes sticking a resin material on at least one surface of a fabric substrate including a plurality of reinforcing fiber bundles and varying the relative position of a plurality of reinforcing fiber bundles to peel the resin material stuck over two or more reinforcing fiber bundles from a part of the two or more reinforcing fiber bundles.
US08168105B2 Polymer membrane, method for the production and use thereof
The present invention relates to an acid-doped polymer membrane based on polyazoles. The acid-doped polymer membrane can be used in a variety of applications because of its excellent mechanical properties and is useful as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in PEM fuel cells. A doped polymer membrane based on polyazoles is obtained by a process comprising the steps of: A) casting a film using a solution of polymers based on polyazoles in a polar, aprotic organic solvent; B) drying the film formed in step A) until it is self-supporting; C) treating the film obtained in step B) with a treatment liquid at a temperature in the range from room temperature to the boiling point of the treatment liquid; D) drying and/or dabbing the film treated according to step C) to remove the treatment liquid from step C); and E) doping the film treated according to step D) with a doping agent.
US08168104B2 In-line process for preparing wood plastic composite panel with the appearance and texture similar to natural lumbers and apparatus therefor
Disclosed herein are a method of manufacturing a wood plastic composite panel, including a panel manufacturing process of extruding and cooling a resin complex, such that wood fiber is uniformly dispersed into a synthetic resin matrix, to manufacture the resin complex into the form of a panel, an embossing process of forming a wood pattern corresponding to the cut-open surface of a natural lumber on the surface of the panel to a predetermined depth, and a brushing process of removing some of a synthetic resin layer from the surface of the panel to form linear micro concavo-convex parts to a predetermined depth, and an apparatus for manufacturing a wood plastic composite panel that is capable of efficiently performing the same. The method of manufacturing a wood plastic composite panel according to the present invention has the effect of directly realizing a wood pattern, which has the appearance and the texture similar to the open-cut surface of a natural lumber, on the surface of the wood plastic composite panel, and, at the same time, maximizing the advantage of the material comprising the wood fiber and the synthetic resin.
US08168100B2 Molten resin supply method, molten resin supply device, molten resin compression molding method, molten resin compression molding device, and synthetic resin container manufacturing method
Each of supply means 30 arranged around an extrusion port 22 of an extruder 20 supplies, while cutting a molten resin which has been extruded from the extrusion port 22 of the extruder 20 alternately in a predetermined length, the molten resin D which has been cut to a supply position which is provided at each of the supply means, and then sequentially supplies the molten resin D to each of a compression molding dies 40 which are provided in a pair with each of the supply means. As a result, in producing a synthetic resin molded article with a predetermined shape by compression molding by cutting a molten resin which has been extruded from an extruder and supplying the resin which has been cut to a compression molding die, the above-mentioned constitution can be preferably utilized for the production of a synthetic resin molded product which requires a further high load. In addition, by this constitution, not only a molten resin can be supplied to a compression molding die with a sufficient accuracy, but also the positional accuracy of the supplied molten resin is prevented from being impaired after the resin is supplied to the compression molding die.
US08168099B2 Injection molding process for making laboratory test-tubes and mold to be used in the molding process thereof
A laboratory test tube is formed between male and female mold elements by injection of molten plastic material. The female element has a bottom element formed by first and second alternating complementarily shaped wedges. At least the second wedges are able to move under the pressure of the molten plastic from a rest position to an operative position in order to form slits which allow air, but not molten plastic, to exit from the mold.
US08168098B2 Method of injection molding thermoplastic resin using supercritical fluid and injection molding apparatus
The present invention provides an injection molding method capable of impregnating a supercritical fluid stably and partially in molten resin in a plasticizing cylinder of an injection molding apparatus. The above object is achieved by providing the method of injection molding which includes measuring a filling amount of the molten resin in the plasticizing cylinder, introducing a supercritical fluid into the molten resin in the plasticizing cylinder while moving back the screw by a predetermined distance without rotating the screw from a position of the screw at the time of completing the measuring, detecting a pressure of the molten resin, and determining based on the pressure an injection start position for the screw.
US08168096B2 Process for producing polystyrene foam particles having a high density
A process for producing polystyrene foam particles having a bulk density in the range from 40 to 400 g/l by extrusion of a polystyrene melt comprising carbon dioxide and/or water as blowing agent through a nozzle and underwater pelletization, wherein the underwater pelletization is carried out at a pressure in the range 1-30 bar.
US08168090B2 Processes for polymeric precursors for CIS and CIGS photovoltaics
This invention relates to processes for a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials for photovoltaic applications including devices and systems for energy conversion and solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MA(ER)(ER)} and {MB(ER)(ER)}, wherein each MA is Cu, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.
US08168089B2 Solution-based fabrication of photovoltaic cell
An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.
US08168086B2 Inorganic luminescent phosphor materials for lighting
A light emitting device comprising a light producing element configured to generate ultraviolet light having a wavelength of from about 250 nm to about 400 nm and a self-activating phosphor comprising an ordered oxyfluoride compound is provided. The nitrogen-free or nitrogen-containing ordered oxyfluoride compound has a formula: A3-3a/2RaMO4-δ1-w′F1-δ2-w—Nw where A is Sr alone or Sr mixed with Ba and/or Ca such that A comprises at least about ⅔ mole % of Sr and up to about ⅓ mole percent of Ba and/or Ca; R is a rare earth element or a mixture of rare earth elements; M is Al, Ga, In, W, Mo, Bi, or mixtures thereof; 0
US08168084B2 Polar nematic compounds
Polar nematic compounds, one example of which has the following structure: is a caged boron structure, where the sphere of the caged boron structure is C and each non-sphere vertex of the caged boron structure is B—H. R is H, an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a bicycloalkyl, an alkenyl, a cycloalkenyl, a bicycloalkenyl, an alkynyl, an acyl, an aryl, an alkylaryl, a halogen, a cyano group, or an isothiocyanoto group, or R is a group that forms an ether, a ketone, an ester, a thioester, a sulfide, or a sulfone. X is COOR′ or COSR′. R′ is H, an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a bicycloalkyl, an alkenyl, a cycloalkenyl, a bicycloalkenyl, an alkynyl, an aryl, a halogen, or a cyano group. The compounds may be used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and in television sets, laptop computers, computer monitors, hand-held communication devices, gaming devices, watches, cash registers, clocks, and calculators having liquid crystal displays.
US08168081B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of dielectrically negative, polar compounds which comprises at least one compound of the formula I in which the parameters have the meanings indicated in claim 1, to the use thereof in an electro-optical display, particularly in an active-matrix display based on the VA, ECB, PALC, FFS or IPS effect, and to displays of this type.
US08168079B2 Solid oxygen scavenger composition and process for producing the same
A molded oxygen absorbent composition and a process of producing the molded oxygen absorbent composition are disclosed. The molded oxygen absorbent composition is composed of a molded product of an oxygen absorbent composition which contains an oxygen absorbing substance, water or moisture, and a swelling component capable of being swelled with water or moisture. The product is formed by pressure molding the composition. The molded oxygen absorbent composition is reduced in its size and excellent in oxygen absorbing property.
US08168078B2 Zinc-containing calcium-aluminium double salts
Neutral calcium-aluminum double salts of the formula (A): Ca2m(Zn2n)Al2(OH)6+2(2m+2n−1)An*oH2O  (A), where the following apply for m and n:m=0.5 to 3 and 0.5m≧n>0; An=CO3, where this may be replaced completely or partially by at least one of the following groups selected from OH, ClO4 and H3CS(═O)2O (triflate) and o=0 to 3. The present invention further relates to their preparation, use in compositions and stabilizer systems and uses thereof.
US08168076B2 Method for producing a mould for nanostructured polymer objects
A mould for objects made of polymer material is produced by successively depositing a barrier thin layer and a thin layer of diamond-like carbon on at least a part of a metal support. The thin layer of diamond-like carbon is then nanopatterned with a predetermined pattern presenting a form factor of more than 1. Nanopatterning is performed by selective chemical etching in dry phase through a hard mask and etching stops at an interface between the thin layer of diamond-like carbon and the barrier thin layer. The hard mask used was formed beforehand on a free surface of the thin layer of diamond-like carbon by selective chemical etching in dry phase performed through a void lattice delineated by nanoparticles deposited beforehand on a free surface of said hard mask. The barrier thin layer and the nanopatterned thin layer of diamond-like carbon form a bilayer coating presenting a thickness comprised between about 100 nm and about 10 μm.
US08168075B2 Methods for machining inorganic, non-metallic workpieces
A method of machining a workpiece includes applying a fluid between a fixed abrasive component and a workpiece, followed by translation of the fixed abrasive component and the workpiece relative to each other. The fluid contains an anti-clogging agent containing a phosphorus-containing organic chemistry.
US08168072B2 Control of development of biofilms in industrial process water
There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.
US08168071B2 Process and apparatus for treating a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock
An apparatus and process for treating a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. The apparatus also includes a primary separation container located in the treatment vessel, the primary separation container being operable to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. The apparatus also includes a first weir for collecting the low specific gravity portion from the surface of the accumulated feedstock in the primary separation container. The apparatus further includes a first outlet in the primary separation container, the first outlet being operably configured to receive settling solids in the accumulated feedstock and to produce a first discharge stream at the first outlet. The apparatus also includes a secondary separation container located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion, the secondary separation container being operable to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock. The apparatus further includes a product outlet for collecting the hydrocarbon products from the upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion to produce a hydrocarbon product stream at the product outlet.
US08168070B2 Method for removing chromium from water using ion exchange resins including interpenetrating polymer networks
The invention includes ion exchange resins and their use in the removal of chromium from water. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for removing chromium from a water source by contacting the water with an ion exchange resin, wherein the ion exchange resin comprises particles of a crosslinked copolymer comprising: an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of at least two polymer components each having a styrenic content greater than 50 molar percent, and a quaternary ammonium functionality.
US08168065B1 Swimming pool skimmer basket and chlorinator
A swimming pool skimmer basket and chlorinator includes a basket and a removable divider that partitions the basket into a chlorine tablet compartment below and a debris compartment above. The basket is cylindrical with a flat base and has a plurality of apertures for passing water. The divider is a round disk with a plurality of apertures for passing water from the debris compartment to the tablet compartment. The disk has a handle with a vertical post and a cross bar. A latch retains the divider in the basket so the handle can pull the basket from the skimmer well. The latch includes protrusions from the ends of the cross bar that fit into corresponding depressions in the basket wall.
US08168063B2 Dialysis system having filtering method for determining therapy prescriptions
A peritoneal dialysis system includes a logic implementer configured to: (i) generate a number of peritoneal dialysis therapy regimens that meet at least one therapy target input; (ii) accept a filter input; and (iii) filter the generated therapy regimens according to the filter input to refine the number of therapy regimens available for selection.
US08168061B2 Process for flexible vacuum gas oil conversion using divided wall fractionation
This invention relates to a process for the selective conversion of vacuum gas oil. The vacuum gas oil is treated in a two step process. The first is thermal conversion and the second is catalytic cracking of the products of thermal conversion. The product slate can be varied by changing the conditions in the thermal and catalytic cracking steps as well as by changing the catalyst in the cracking step. The combined products from thermal and catalytic cracking are separated in a divided wall fractionator.
US08168059B2 Inhibition of corrosion of structures
A method for inhibiting corrosion in at least one required region of an elongate metal structure, comprising applying a high-frequency electromagnetic signal to the structure in a manner such that a voltage standing wave is established in the structure with a corrosion-inhibiting potential at the required region(s) of the structure. The method is advantageously applied to an oil well riser pipe, to inhibit corrosion of the external surface thereof in the vicinity of an oil production zone.
US08168052B2 Transition metal complexes with bidentate ligand having an imidazole ring
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.
US08168050B2 Electrode pattern for resistance heating element and wafer processing apparatus
There is disclosed a wafer processing apparatus having optimized electrode patterns for its resistive heating element. The optimized electrode pattern is designed to compensate for the heat loss around contact areas, electrical connections, and through-holes, etc., by generating more heat near or around those areas, providing maximum temperature uniformity. In another embodiment of the optimized design of the invention, the resistance of heating element closely matches the impedance of the power supply for higher efficiency, especially when higher operating temperature or higher electrical power is required.
US08168042B2 Bar arrangement for a machine for the production of a fibrous web
The invention relates to a bar arrangement for a machine for producing a fibrous web. The bar arrangement according to the invention is characterized by at least one restoring mechanism for bringing the mobile bar from the operating position into the rest position. The at least one restoring mechanism comprises at least one guided piece arranged on the mobile bar on the exterior and alongside thereof, said piece having an inclined contact surface the incline of which is directed at an angle (α) in the range of 5 to 60°, preferably of 20 to 45°, especially of 25 to 35°, relative to the longitudinal direction of the mobile bar, at least one guiding piece on the interior of the C-shaped guiding unit, which has a preferably inclined guide surface that can be brought in contact with the inclined contact surface of the guided piece arranged on the exterior and alongside thereof when the mobile bar is brought from the operating position into the rest position, and at least one displacement device for displacing the mobile bar in its longitudinal direction which acts upon the mobile bar, preferably the face thereof, and which can preferably be controlled/regulated.
US08168041B2 Device for diluting shredded cellulosic particles/chips
The device is for the dilution of dewatered cellulose pulp that maintains a consistency of 20-30% or greater. By shredding of the pulp to a finely divided dry-granulate, dilution to a homogeneous consistency in the medium consistency range can take place exclusively through hydrodynamic effects from the addition of dilution fluid. The dilution fluid is added to granulate at a position at which granulate is in free fall in a standpipe and above a level Liqlev of diluted pulp in the standpipe. A number of nozzles are arranged around the periphery of the stand pipe, directed in towards the center of the stand pipe, obliquely downwards in the direction of fall of the granulate. It is possible through this simplified procedure to avoid completely the conventional dilution screws, and this reduces the investment costs and operating costs, while at the same time unnecessary mechanical influence of the pulp fibers can be avoided.
US08168036B2 Apparatus and method for the removal of pellicles from masks
An apparatus and a method for the removal of pellicles from masks which can be used for photolithographic purposes. The pellicles are removed from masks in a universal manner without them being further contaminated or damaged. In an apparatus, at least one grip is present for the manipulation of masks provided with pellicles which has at least two fixing elements which engage at the edge of a mask with exerted pressure force. There are moreover present in this connection at least one detector for the contactless determination of the position of mounts formed at the radially outer edge of pellicles, and a heating device for the heating of an adhesive with which pellicles are fastened to a mask with material continuity, and a removal apparatus of the pellicles from a mask having a mask fixing unit and a pellicle removal unit.
US08168035B2 Adhesive method of pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for vehicle coatings
Provided is an adhesive method of pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for vehicle coatings, giving a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet highly adhesive even to a coating surface easily causing the low adhesion by bleed-out of leveling agent or the like.The adhesive method of pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for vehicle coatings according to the present invention is characterized in that the difference (absolute value) between the solubility parameter (SP value) of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (X) formed on the side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet in contact with the vehicle coating and the solubility parameter (SP value) of the surface control agent contained in the vehicle coating is 0.6 (cal/cm3)1/2 or less.
US08168030B2 Manufacturing method of laser processed parts and adhesive sheet for laser processing
Providing a method of manufacturing a laser processed part capable of processing at high speed and high precision when processing a workpiece by optical absorption ablation of laser beam, effectively suppressing contamination of a workpiece surface by decomposition products, and recovering the workpiece easily after processing. Another object is to present an adhesive sheet for laser processing preferably used in the method of manufacturing a laser processed part.
US08168019B2 One component glass primer including oxazoladine
Improved long open time one component primer compositions for bonding substrates, methods and the articles made therefrom. The primer compositions include an ingredient including an oxazolidine ring or derivative or analog thereof.
US08168017B2 Bonding silicon silicon carbide to glass ceramics
A wafer chuck for use in a lithographic apparatus, which includes a low-thermal expansion glass ceramic substrate, a silicon silicon carbide layer, and a bonding layer comprising silicate having a strength of at least about 5 megapascals, the bonding layer attaching the silicon silicon carbide layer to the substrate is described. Also, a method of forming a wafer chuck for use in a lithographic apparatus, which includes coating a portion of one or both of a low-thermal expansion glass ceramic substrate and a silicon silicon carbide layer with a bonding solution, and contacting the substrate and the silicon silicon carbide layer to bond the substrate and the silicon silicon carbide layer together is described.
US08168015B2 Direct quench heat treatment for aluminum alloy castings
A heat treatment method for the direct quench of aluminum alloy castings is presented. An aluminum alloy casting can be heated to the solutionizing temperature. The temperature can be maintained for a period of time sufficient to dissolve the hardening elements into the aluminum solid solution and affect any morphological changes to non-soluble phases, such as speriodization of the eutectic silicon phase. After solutionizing, the aluminum alloy casting can be quenched. The aluminum alloy casting can be rapidly cooled from the solutionizing temperature directly to the aging temperature, eliminating the room temperature hold of a conventional process. Thereby, the process can reduce process steps and equipment, can improve throughput, and can eliminate some waste heat. Further, the process can reduce residual stress and can provide a potential to form new precipitates. Direct quench can also be used with the sequential aging of aluminum casting alloys.
US08168014B2 Method for manufacturing martensitic stainless steel pipe or tube
The method for manufacturing a martensitic stainless pipe includes heating the steel pipe until the external surface temperature thereof reaches a predetermined temperature not lower than A3 transformation point+20° C. and not higher than 980° C. The heated steel pipe is first water cooled until the external surface temperature thereof reaches a predetermined temperature not lower than 350° C. The water cooled steel pipe is air cooled until the external surface temperature thereof reaches a predetermined temperature not higher than 250° C. The air cooled steel pipe is either water or air cooled until the external surface temperature thereof reaches normal temperature. The cooling rate of the steel pipe in the first cooling step is determined according to the wall thickness of the steel pipe so that the amount of heat recuperation for the external surface temperature of the steel pipe in the second cooling step is not higher than 50° C.
US08168013B2 Al-Mg-Si aluminum alloy extruded product exhibiting excellent fatigue strength and impact fracture resistance
A method includes: preparing a molten aluminum alloy consisting of 0.3-0.8 mass % Mg, 0.5-1.2 mass % Si, 0.3 mass % or more excess Si relative to the Mg2Si stoichiometric composition, 0.05-0.4 mass % Cu, 0.2-0.4 mass % Mn, 0.1-0.3 mass % Cr, 0.2 mass % or less Fe, 0.2 mass % or less Zr, and 0.005-0.1 mass % Ti, with the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities; casting the alloy into a billet at a speed of 80 mm/min or more and a cooling rate of 15° C./sec or more; extruding the billet into an extruded product; water cooling the product immediately after extrusion at 500° C./min or more; and artificially aging the product, thereby yielding an extruded product with fatigue strength of 140 MPa or more, fatigue ratio of 0.45 or more, an interval between striations on a fatigue fracture surface of 5.0 μm or less, and a maximum length of Al—Fe—Si crystallized products of 10 μm or less.
US08168010B2 Low alloy steel for oil well pipes having excellent sulfide stress cracking resistance
Disclosed is a low alloy steel for oil well pipes which has excellent sulfide stress cracking resistance and is suitable for casing and tubing for oil wells or gas wells. Specifically disclosed is a low alloy steel for oil well pipes containing, in mass %, 0.2-0.35% of C, 0.05-0.5% of Si, 0.05-1.0% of Mn, not more than 0.025% of P, not more than 0.01% of S, 0.005-0.10% of Al, 0.1-1.0% of Cr, 0.5-1.0% of Mo, 0.002-0.05% of Ti, 0.05-0.3% of V, 0.0001-0.005% of B, not more than 0.01% of N, not more than 0.01% of O (oxygen), 0-0.1% of Nb, 0-0.01% of Ca, 0-0.01% of Mg and 0-0.1% of Zr, and having a half-value breadth (H) and a hydrogen diffusion coefficient (D) (10−6 cm2/s) satisfying the following formula (1): 30H+D≦19.5  (1).
US08168007B1 Multi-function hose maintenance system
A multi-function washing and decontamination system for a hose is provided. The multi-function system includes a wash unit, a submersion unit, a hose test unit and a control unit. The control unit controls a motor driven pump and a blower unit in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the multi-function system is portable and is mounted on a trailer having at least one wheel. The wash unit of the multi-function washing and decontamination system of the present application includes a plurality of adjustable rollers and a flexible track defining a hose path that includes at least one nozzle for washing the hose and at least one air knife for drying the hose. The multi-function washing and decontamination system also includes a submersion unit for pre-soaking a hose prior to entry of the wash unit in a solution that decontaminates the hose. The multi-function washing and decontamination system may also include a hose test unit for testing a hose after washing and decontamination.
US08168006B2 Utensil holder assembly for a dishwasher
A utensil holder assembly for a dishwasher includes multiple utensil baskets that can be mounted in various different configurations in the dishwasher to provide a consumer with the flexibility to construct diverse arrangements of dishware, cookware, utensils and the like for a washing operation. In a first configuration, two utensil baskets are interconnected to form an elongated basket which can be mounted to an inner liner of a dishwasher door. In a second configuration, one basket is mounted to the inner liner and the other basket is supported on a rack in the dishwasher. In a third configuration, both of the baskets are supported on the rack.
US08168004B2 Method for controlling operation of the washing machine
A washing machine that is capable of providing a stable washing mode even when a washing-related device is abnormal during a washing operation is disclosed. When a steam generation unit, which generates high-temperature steam into a drum, is abnormal, the operation of the steam generation unit is interrupted, and an operation for driving a washing heater mounted in a tub is performed, or an operation for driving a drying unit, which supplies high-temperature dry hot air into the drum, is performed. A steam substituting algorithm is provided when the steam generation unit is abnormal during the operation using the high-temperature steam. Consequently, the interruption of the washing operation due to the abnormal steam injection function is prevented, and therefore, the reliability of the product is improved while the inconvenience of use is minimized.
US08168002B2 Device for clamping and positioning an evaporator boat
The invention relates to a vacuum treatment plant comprising an evaporator (1) for vacuum coating facilities. The evaporator (1) according to the invention comprises a device for guiding a supply line (4) movable in a gripping direction (A) and intended for gripping and positioning an evaporation boat (3) having a base (22) and further comprises two spacers (18, 19) which the movable supply line (4) flexibly connects to the base (22), with the spacers (18, 19) being disposed on one side each with the movable supply line (4) and with the other side on the base (22), thus enabling the first supply line (4) to be forcibly guided, and with the spacers (18, 19) having such a length and configuration between the first supply line (4) and the base (22) that the guidance direction (B) is essentially parallel to the gripping direction (A) at least across a small deflection range of the spacers (18, 19).
US08167998B2 Lightweight concrete compositions
A lightweight ready-mix concrete composition that contains 8-20 volume percent cement, 11-50 volume percent sand, 10-31 volume percent prepuff particles, 9-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, and 10-22 volume percent water, where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent;. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The slump value of the composition measured according to ASTM C 143 is from 2 to 8 inches. After the lightweight ready-mix concrete composition is set for 28 days, it has a compressive strength of at least 1400 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.
US08167997B2 Concrete mixtures having stabilized foam admixture
Flowable concrete mixtures have an aqueous foam admixture mixed therein to give the concrete mixture desired strength, flowability, and density. The concrete mixtures include a hydration stabilizer to stabilize the aqueous foam. The hydration stabilizer inhibits the reaction between the hydraulic cement and the water in the aqueous foam. The aqueous foam can be stabilized using a fluorochemical surfactant.
US08167992B2 Dispersant and compositions thereof
A composition comprising a particulate Solid, an organic medium and a compound with an alkyleneoxy compound with an inorganic acidic polar head group (Z), wherein the compound is defined by Formula (1) and salts thereof: U—(Y)x-T-N(G)r(B—Z)q (Formula 1) wherein U is independently R′—N—(C)-T′-O—, or R—O—; R or R′ may be the same or different and are independently H or C1-50-optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, or hydrocarbonyl group (acyl group), or the residue of an epoxide, or the residue of an optionally substituted (meth) acrylic ester or amide group; Y is C2-4-alkyleneoxy; T or T′ is independently C2-4 alkylene; B is an alkylene group, such as, methylene; Z is an inorganic acidic polar head group, such as, a sulphur or phosphorus acidic polar head group; G and G′ may be the same or different and are independently H or C1-50-optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or C1-50-optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbonyl group or the residue of an epoxide, or the residue of an optionally substituted (meth) acrylic ester or amide group; r is zero or 1; q is 1 or 2, with the proviso that when q is 2, r is zero; and x is from 2 to 90.
US08167991B2 Trisazo compound, ink composition, recording method, and colored article
The present invention relates to a trisazo compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof, The formula (1) wherein, the group A is a substituted phenyl group, the group B and the group C are substituted para-phenylene groups, R1 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl group which may be substituted by a carboxy group, a phenyl group which may be substituted by a sulfo group, or a carboxy group, R2 represents a cyano group, a carbamoyl group or a carboxy group, each of R3 and R4 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a chlorine atom or a sulfo group, respectively and a water-based black ink composition containing said compound; said compound has high solubility in a medium where the main component is water, its aqueous solution having a high concentration and ink are stable when stored for a long period of time, black-recorded images with it can be provided where both light fastness and ozone gas fastness of the printed images are excellent.
US08167989B2 Compound of di (nitrate) acetylacetonatobis (1,10-phenanthroline) lantanoid (III), applicable for luminescent additive to ink, and ink for hidden marking of valuables description
The invention refers to new chemical compounds belonging to the known class of REE mixed ligand complexes, namely, to the compound of di-(nitrate)acetylacetonatobis (1,10-fenantrolin)lanthanide (III) of the general formula [Ln(NO3)2Acac(Phen)2]*H20, where Ln is TbxEr1-x, Acac is acetylacetonate-ion, Phen is 1,10-fenantrolin in the form suitable for application as a luminescent additive to ink for the hidden marking the valuables to provide protection against forgery. Such additive has three protective features suitable for automatic control independently of each other. The first protective feature is the ability to luminescence in green light under the impact of UV-radiation. The second protective feature is the ability to luminescence in green light under the impact of X-rays. The third protective feature is the Thermo-luminescence, which means the ability to accumulate for indefinite time span the energy of UV- and X-rays with subsequent green light emission at heating. It allows univocal identification of valuables and improves the protection efficiency.
US08167985B2 Clean corona gas ionization for static charge neutralization
Clean corona gas ionization by separating contaminant byproducts from corona generated ions includes establishing a non-ionized gas stream having a pressure and flowing in a downstream direction, establishing a plasma region of ions and contaminant byproducts in which the pressure is sufficiently lower than the pressure of the non-ionized gas stream to prevent at least a substantial portion of the byproducts from migrating into the non-ionized gas stream, and applying an electric field to the plasma region sufficient to induce at least a substantial portion of the ions to migrate into the non-ionized gas stream.
US08167983B2 Gas separation membranes
The present invention relates to compositions for producing membranes, the compositions comprising at least 0.1% by weight of highly branched polymer, at least 0.5% by weight of linear polymer and at least 30% by weight of solvent. The present invention additionally describes membranes obtainable from the compositions, and methods of producing these membranes.
US08167972B2 Process for producing metal nanoparticle and metal nanoparticle produced by the process
The present invention has an object of providing a single-stage production method that enables the production of ultra fine metal nanoparticles and ordered alloy nanoparticles within solution.The production method includes irradiating a solution of a salt or complex of a metal element, thereby decomposing and/or reducing the salt or complex within the solution and generating metal nanoparticles having an average particle size within a range from 0.3 to 100 nm within the solution.
US08167970B2 Method for purifying Al-Ti-B alloy melt
A method for purifying Al—Ti—B) alloy melt includes putting and melting industrial aluminum ingot in an electromagnetic induction smelting furnace, the melt of Al being covered by a high-temperature covering agent, and its temperature up to at about 670˜900° C.; adding material of K2TiF6 and KBF4 into the smelting furnace and then stirring the compounds therein to react; adding compound comprising Mg, L, Na and F to the evenly stirred K2TiF6 and KBF4, the compound having an amount about 0.01%˜1% of a sum weight of total K2TiF6 and KBF4, and uniformly stirring for about 15˜60 minutes under a reaction temperature being constantly at about 670˜900° C., the dregs being removed, the Al alloy being casting molded.
US08167969B2 Snapband filter design for horizontal bottom access collector
A horizontal dust collector includes a plurality of elongated filter elements in a horizontally-oriented array, each filter element connected at one end to a tube sheet, and at an opposite end to a support plate. The one end of each filter element is fitted with a substantially rigid coupler having an insertion portion, a peripheral, outwardly facing groove adopted to receive a mating edge defining an aperture in the tube sheet, and a radially outwardly extending flange axially behind the annular groove for engagement with a filter element assembly tool. A tool is also provided to facilitate installation of the filter elements within the dust collector.
US08167967B2 Receptacle filter for charging hydrogen
The present invention provides a receptacle filter for charging hydrogen which can reliably remove impurities from hydrogen gas when charging hydrogen into a tank. The receptacle filter of the present invention includes a filtering unit which removes impurities from hydrogen gas, and a one-way control valve which controls the flow direction of hydrogen gas.
US08167964B2 Cyclonic chamber for air filtration devices
A cyclonic chamber for use in air filtration devices. The chamber includes an apex opposite a base with sidewalls extending therebetween. The cyclonic chamber is preferably parabolic in cross-section or tubular with a hemi-spherical cap. The base contains an outflow passage and a conical filter extending therefrom. An inflow passage is provided proximate the apex. The inflow and outflow passages are parallel but not aligned. The chamber interior is smooth. The smooth interior and offset relationship of the inflow and outflow passages causes air to take a cyclonic path between the inflow passage and the filter. Debris in the airstream is pushed outward—away from the filter—by centripetal force. Eddies form proximate the base. Debris escapes the airstream there, where it either remains or, depending upon the chamber's orientation relative to gravity, falls back into the airflow where it is again directed away from the filter.
US08167963B2 Apparatus for purifying and humidifying air
An apparatus for purifying and humidifying air which enables separate supply of purified air and humidified air and controls the amount of humidified air discharged and which includes dual flow paths to increase the efficiency of air transfer. The apparatus includes a case having a suction port through which external air is introduced thereinto and a discharge port through which the introduced air is discharged, a circulation fan for causing the introduced air to flow toward the discharge port, a filter unit disposed in the case to filter the introduced air, a humidification unit disposed at a low position in the case to supply the air passed through the filter unit with moisture, and a flow path control unit disposed between the suction port and the humidification unit to control flow of the air passed through the filter unit.
US08167962B2 Pulpstone for long fiber pulp production
Pulp production techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, pulpstone segments are provided, that include proppant grits in the place of some or all of the conventional abrasive typically used in pulpstone applications. The proppant or proppant-abrasive mixture can be combined into a three-dimensional matrix supported by a vitrified bond. Alternative embodiments use proppant grits in an organic bond or a metal bond or a cement bond (each of which may also include abrasive grits in addition to proppant grits). The proportion of proppant grits to abrasive grits can be varied to produce pulp of varying fiber length distribution as required by the end-user (e.g., paper mill). The greater the proppant concentration, the less cutting of the fibers by the conventional abrasive will occur, producing a greater percentage content of longer fibers. Such pulp produces higher quality paper.
US08167961B2 Thermochemical synthesis of fuels for storing thermal energy
The present invention provides a method for storing thermal energy, such as solar energy, as a fuel, by heating a reactive oxide substrate to a first temperature, such that the reactive oxide substrate is reduced, wherein the reactive oxide substrate includes a cerium oxide. The method also includes contacting the reduced reactive oxide substrate at a second temperature with a gas mixture including carbon dioxide, wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature, thereby preparing the fuel. The present invention also provides a method for preparing the reactive oxide substrates by heating a mixture including a doped cerium oxide and a pore-forming agent, such that pores are formed in the doped cerium oxide, thereby forming the reactive oxide substrate.
US08167959B2 Environmentally-friendly kelp-based energy saving lubricants, biofuels, and other industrial products
A natural algae-based synthetic lubricant derived from harvesting kelp from the ocean, recovering sieve sap from the kelp, drying the sieve sap, and removing salts and oxides to leave a composition having a concentration of polyols (Mannitol about 70% and Mannose about 0.4%) and about 28% by weight of a high molecular weight polymer. The synthetic lubricant may be used as a drag reducing agent and additive for existing lubricants and also further reacted with fatty esters to form a hybrid lubricant that may serve as a total replacement for existing lubricants.
US08167958B2 Multiple step dyeing textile with concentrated dye systems
The present invention relates to a process for dyeing sheetlike textile materials with a dye, which comprises a concentrated dye system being applied in a total amount of 1% to 25% by weight, based on the textile material, to the textile material in two or more sub-steps and the dye being fixed on the textile material after each and every sub-step.
US08167955B2 Carbon fiber reinforced carbon foams for repair and reconstruction of bone defects
The present invention relates to a tissue scaffold and a method of preparing a tissue scaffold for implantation. The tissue scaffold includes a body having a graphite foam core. At least a first portion of the external surface of that graphite foam core is covered by a composite material to provide additional mechanical strength to the scaffold.
US08167946B2 Implant with openings adapted to receive bone screws
A spinal fusion implant for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies has opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space, a leading end for insertion between the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end has an exterior surface and an outer perimeter with an upper edge and a lower edge adapted to be oriented toward the adjacent vertebral bodies, respectively, and a plurality of bone screw receiving holes. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes is adapted to only partially circumferentially surround a trailing end of a bone screw received therein. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes passes through the exterior surface and one of the edges so as to permit the trailing end of the bone screw to protrude beyond one of the edges.
US08167945B1 Doughnut-like spinal implant
A doughnut-like lumbosacral or intervertebral implant including an asymmetrical opening surrounded by a series of load-bearing curvatures. The doughnut-like implant can include a detachable connector. Preferred embodiments of the doughnut-like implant can include tapered lateral annular-like sides.
US08167944B2 Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine
Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and an expansion medium for injection within or for filling the interior of the expandable member via the port. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers.
US08167942B2 Ear molding device for correcting misshaped ears
A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a molding device having one or more braces supporting a scaphal mold. The one or more braces and the scaphal mold are adapted to retain the helix and the helical rim of a misshaped ear within a space defined between the one or more braces and the scaphal mold, and to maintain a substantially correct anatomical shape of the helix and the helical rim.
US08167937B2 Artificial heart
A heart pump including a casing internally defining a substantially spherical cavity (10) housing: a rotating shutter (12) secured to the cavity (10) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis; an oscillating shutter (14) secured to the rotating shutter (12) and rotatable relative to the latter about a rotation axis transverse to the rotation axis of the rotating shutter relative to the casing; a guide ring (18) secured to the oscillating shutter (14) such that the latter can rotate relative to the ring. The guide ring is arranged to move within a seal formed in the substantially spherical cavity (10) while lying in a substantially slanting plane relative to the rotation axis of the rotating shutter (12) and thereby making the rotating shutter rotate. This allows constructing an artificial heart of very small size that can be driven either by a motor member or by an induced muscle contraction.
US08167936B2 Implantable mechanical heart valve assembly
A mechanical heart valve implantable as heart valve replacement comprising of an annular valve body with a central orifice and an exterior surface incorporating a suture ring having a plurality of suture tunnels, and a valve implantation flap assembly disposed on the valve body surface and wrapping around the suture ring. The inside lumen carries the occluder mechanism. The valve holder comprises of at least two parts, both parts having suture guiding grooves on the outer surface corresponding to and matching with the tunnels on the suture ring, such as to form a continuous path for the sewing material. The parts of the valve holder can be detached separately from the valve after taking all the sutures, the part on the ventricular side before lowering the valve into the heart and the other part after lowering and positioning the heart valve in the; desired position inside the heart.
US08167934B2 Implant which is intended to be placed in a blood vessel
This implant comprises an endoprosthesis having an axis which can be spontaneously deployed in a radial manner between a compressed configuration and a dilated configuration. The implant comprises at least one radial runner which comprises a separation surface which extends radially with respect to an outer surface of the endoprosthesis and a member which can be deployed away from the axis. The runner is arranged so as to delimit a confinement housing which extends between the separation surface and the outer surface and a radial spacer which is defined by the separation surface and the deployable member. When the implant is retained in a state of radial compression, the maximum radial width of the housing is less than the maximum radial width of the spacer which is not equal to zero.
US08167927B2 Barbed radially expandable stent
The present application is directed to a stent, and more particularly to a radially self-expandable metallic stent, including a serpentine configuration having a plurality of struts and having a plurality of proximal and distal apices; and a barb integrally formed as an extension of each strut and extending outwardly from a position on each strut; where the barb has an elevation angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of a strut from which the barb extends of about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees.
US08167917B2 Apparatus and method for spine fixation
A posterior spine fixation assembly includes a first elongated plate having first and second ends and a second elongated plate having first and second ends. The first and second elongated plates are arranged in an X-shaped configuration and are attached to each other via a first screw. The assembly also includes a first elongated rod having a first end configured to be removable attached to the second end of the first elongated plate and a second elongated rod having a first end configured to be removable attached to the second end of the second elongate plate. The assembly is attached to a first spine location with the first screw. The first and second plates are configured to rotate around an axis passing through the first screw and the distance between the first elongated rod and the second elongated rod is adjusted via this rotation.
US08167914B1 Locking insert for spine stabilization and method of use
A spine stabilization system having collars, resilient inserts and pins for coupling a rod to bone fasteners. A bone fastener may be advanced into a vertebral body. A first collar having a set of deflectable arms and a channel in a first end and an opening in the second end recessing to form a cavity may be positioned with the head of the bone fastener in the cavity. A rod may be advanced into the channel in the first end of each collar. The deflectable arms may have a set of recessed portions. The recessed portions may have an angular or arcuate profile. A resilient insert may be advanced into the collar and positioned in the recessed portions, with the bottom surface of the resilient insert in contact with the rod. A pin may be inserted in the resilient insert to inhibit removal of the resilient insert.
US08167913B2 Spinal stabilization using bone anchor and anchor seat with tangential locking feature
A stabilization system for implantation in a patient includes: a bone anchor including a head and a shaft, the shaft extending away from the head in a bone insertion direction and being operable for connection to a bone of the patient; and a tulip including: at least one channel having an opening for receiving an elongate member, the opening being oriented in a receiving direction having at least a component thereof substantially opposite to the bone insertion direction of the anchor, and (ii) a fastening mechanism operable to apply a tangential load on the elongate member to maintain the elongate member within the channel, wherein the tangential load is transverse to at least the receiving direction.
US08167910B2 Bone screw and associated assembly and methods of use thereof
A bone screw assembly comprises a bone screw having a shaft and a head, a stabilizer retainer, a set screw, and a housing having a proximal opening, biased to one side, and a distal opening that open on an interior cavity. The stabilizer retainer has a cylindrical channel that receives a stabilizer. The retainer has flexible portions that allow passage of the stabilizer into the channel. An arcuate wall of the channel maintains contact with the stabilizer within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the bone screw, the stabilizer retainer and the set screw in the interior cavity. The housing has a channel that permits passage of the stabilizer though the housing. The set screw is engaged in the distal opening. The set screw and stabilizer retainer engage and prevent movement of the flexible portions, preventing movement of the stabilizer from the stabilizer retainer.
US08167907B2 Chiropractic table with continuous passive motion
A therapeutic treatment table includes a plurality of table sections for supporting the body of a patient, one of which sections is a drop section. The table includes an extension/flexion section which includes a frame having a pivot axis and a terminal end, and a rotary actuator that is adapted to repeatedly pivot the frame of the extension/flexion section about the pivot axis so as to raise the terminal end of the frame during an extension phase and to lower the terminal end of the frame during a flexion phase. A mechanism is provided for setting an operational range of motion for the extension/flexion section including an operational extension limit and an operational flexion limit, so that the rotary actuator will pivot the frame of the extension/flexion section between the operational extension limit and the operational flexion limit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mechanism is provided for setting a comfort zone range of motion within the operational range of motion which includes comfort zone extension limit and a comfort zone flexion limit. A comfort zone actuation switch is also provided in the preferred embodiment for switching the operation of the rotary actuator from the operational range of motion to the comfort zone range of motion, so that the rotary actuator will pivot the frame of the extension/flexion section between the comfort zone extension limit and the comfort zone flexion limit.
US08167905B2 Endovascular flexible stapling device
The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device (1). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device (1) for an intavascular procedure such as patent foramen ovale closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means (26) which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.
US08167904B2 Grip arrangement for a medical instrument, and such medical instrument
A grip arrangement, for a medical instrument having a handle with two rod-shaped grip parts each with a grip surface, has, for each grip, a grip shell which can be secured in a detachable manner on the respective grip part, with in each case a grip surface of the grip parts which is of a larger size and/or of a different shape compared to the grip surface of the grip parts.
US08167903B2 Device for retrieving a foreign object located in a body vessel
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a retrieval device for entrapping and retaining a foreign object located in a body vessel for its extraction therefrom is provided. The device comprises a cage having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The cage is radially expandable about the longitudinal axis to define an expanded state and to form an opening at the distal end for receiving the foreign object. The cage is collapsible to define a collapsed state and to retain the foreign object therein such that the foreign object is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. Extending proximally from the proximal end of the cage is a cable for retrieval of the device in the collapsed state.
US08167902B2 Rapid exchange catheters for embolic protection devices
Catheter having a first elongate tubular body having a lumen, a second elongate tubular body having a lumen, and an elongate member. The elongate member joins the first and second elongate tubular bodies. The first tubular body is fixedly attached on the distal portion of the elongate member, and the second elongate tubular body is disposed on the elongate member is slidable along a portion of the elongate member. The second elongate tubular body can be in a first position so that the first and second tubular bodies are not adjacent to each other and can be in a second position so that the first and second tubular bodies are adjacent to each other. The catheter may have a locking mechanism that can lock the first and second elongate tubular bodies to each other so that the lumens of the first and second elongate tubular bodies form one continuous lumen.
US08167900B2 Acupuncture device
An acupuncture device includes an acupuncture needle which has an elongate grip part with a substantially cylindrical main portion and a needle part which is fixed to the distal end of the grip part such that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the grip part and a guide tube which is open at both ends and whose lumen has a substantially cylindrical main portion and a releasable clamping device, by means of which the acupuncture needle is held in the condition of readiness for use inside the guide tube so that the grip part projects outwardly out of the proximal end of the guide tube while the distal end of the guide tube extends beyond the tip of the needle part. The grip part further has a portion which is thickened in relation to its main portion and the lumen of the guide tube has a narrowed portion which adjoins the proximal end of its main portion and whose smallest inside diameter is smaller than the largest outside diameter of the thickened portion of the grip part and larger than the outside diameter of the cylindrical main portion of the grip part, wherein the clamping device is formed by the thickened portion of the grip part and the narrowed portion of the lumen of the guide tube.
US08167897B2 Surgical instrument assembly
A multimode instrument assembly (10, 11) configurable for performing a dermatotomy in a percutaneous procedure and further configurable for performing cuts in open surgery includes a pointed blade (68) and a hollow sheath body (18, 200) disposed to encapsulate the pointed blade (68) inside a longitudinal instrument cavity (32) to protect a user. The hollow sheath body (18, 200) is supported for longitudinal translation with respect to the blade (68). The hollow sheath (18) may be positioned and locked at a first position to completely encapsulate the blade (68) inside the instrument cavity (32) for safe handling. Otherwise the hollow sheath body (18, 200) is movable to second and third positions with different lengths of the blade extending out through a front face (23) of the hollow sheath body (18, 200). A compression spring biases the hollow sheath body (18) toward the first safety position. The multimode instrument is primarily intended for making a precise pierce cut with a consistent cut depth and cut length.
US08167895B2 Anastomosis composite gasket
The present disclosure provides structures and/or gaskets for deposition between adjacent intestinal sections in an anastomosis procedure. The structure possesses at least an inner ring of a first material, and a middle ring of a second material. The first material and the second material include a wound treatment material consisting of at least one of an adhesive, a sealant and/or a medicament. The first material is different from the second material.
US08167894B2 Methods, systems and devices for reducing the size of an internal tissue opening
A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a multi-cellular body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The closure device can be configured to apply lateral force to tissue of the internal tissue opening for tissue approximation. The closure device can have a substantially flat aspect, and have a depth that is substantially greater than the thickness of a majority of the members forming the closure device. The closure device can also include an in-growth material. The delivery device can include an actuating assembly configured to partially deploy the closure device by a first movement, and deploy a second portion of the closure device by a second movement. The delivery device can also include a release assembly to selectively release or disconnect the closure device from the delivery device.
US08167893B2 Endoscopic treatment instrument
An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided comprising: a cylinder adapted to be fitted over a tip of an insertion section of an endoscope; a loop-shaped snare wire which protrudes in the cylinder from a snare sheath that is extendable and retractable with respect to the insertion section and which is extendable within the cylinder; a hooked portion which is formed and radially inwardly extended from the circumference of the tip of cylinder and which holds the snare wire within the cylinder; a locking portion which is provided on the hooked portion and retains a folded-back portion of the snare wire that is forwardly moved toward the cylinder tip with respect to the snare sheath and by means of which the snare wire is turned upside-down around the folded-back portion.
US08167892B2 Adjustable and detached stent deployment device
The present disclosure is directed to a device for housing and retaining a delivery system for a self-expanding implant while providing means for actuating the delivery system.
US08167890B2 Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited, and radially extending a distal portion of the spinal implant on a second side of the adjacent spinous processes opposite the first side such that movement of the distal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited.
US08167889B2 Use of vibration with orthopedic cements
Methods of employing bone defect filling, e.g., orthopedic cements, such as calcium phosphate cements and the like, are provided. A feature of the subject methods is that vibration is employed in conjunction with the use of the cement, e.g., in preparation of the cement, in preparation of the target site, in delivery of the cement to the target site, and/or following delivery of the cement to the target site. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods, devices and systems find use in a variety of different applications.
US08167888B2 Tibial spacer blocks and femoral cutting guide
The present invention relates to one or more tibial spacer blocks used during knee arthroplasty, each configured to be temporarily positioned upon a resected proximal portion of a tibia (essentially mimicking the tibial component of the knee prosthesis), for performing a range of motion analysis and for checking flexion and extension gaps prior to cutting the distal or posterior femur. Preferably, the spacer blocks each include an attachment arrangement configured and arranged to mate with a complementary attachment arrangement of an alignment tower and/or a femoral cutting guide. The alignment tower, which is configured to be used with an alignment rod, is used for verifying the alignment of the limb's mechanical axis when the spacer block is positioned between the tibia and the femur. The femoral cutting guide is used for guiding a cutting member into proper orientation for resecting a distal or posterior portion of a femur.
US08167887B2 Introducer for inserting a connecting rod into a spine
An introducer is provided for inserting a connecting rod into tissue of a spine that comprises an outer sleeve with an actuatable rod attachment portion at a distal end thereof to releasably pivotally attach to a connecting rod, and an elongate inner shaft movable translationally within the outer sleeve. The proximal end of the shaft is coupled to an actuation mechanism for selectively translating the inner shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a rod engagement surface that is movable y the actuation mechanism to a first position to engage a cooperative engagement surface on the rod to hold the rod in a selected locked orientation, to a second position to space the rod engagement surface from the cooperative engagement surface of the rod to allow pivoting of the rod, and to a third position to release the rod from the outer sleeve.
US08167885B2 Anterior lumbar interbody graft inserter
An anterior lumbar interbody graft (ALIG) inserter includes prongs at the tip of the inserter which can optionally grasp, and thus insert, anterior and anterior-lateral grafts.
US08167882B2 Minimally invasive bone miller apparatus
A miller assembly for creating a cavity in a bone. The cavity has a cross section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side, and is contiguous with a pre-existing conical cavity in the bone. The miller assembly includes a cutter and a frame for carrying the cutter. The frame includes a connection portion having a longitudinal axis and a cutter mount for mounting the cutter at a first angle approximating the acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connection portion. The cutter mount extends at the first angle from the longitudinal axis of the connection portion and is configured to receive a portion of the cutter and maintain the received cutter oriented at the first angle during rotation. The frame further includes a handle configured to form a portion of a drive joint for coupling the frame to a drill, the handle having a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the handle is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the frame.
US08167881B2 Implantable composite apparatus and method
There is disclosed a method for implanting a device in a fractured bone. The device has an elongated shape and includes a thermo-chemically activated portion including a polymer having a glass transition temperature greater than 37 degrees Celsius. The thermo-chemically activated portion is deformable at a first thermo-chemical state in which the temperature of the polymer is greater than the glass transition temperature. The thermo-chemically activated portion is hard at a second thermo-chemical state in which the temperature of the polymer is lower than the glass transition temperature. The method includes transforming the thermo-chemically activated portion from the second to the first thermo-chemical state. The method includes inserting the device into an intramedullary canal. The method includes transforming the thermo-chemically activated portion from the first to the second thermo-chemical state to harden the thermo-chemically activated portion to a relatively rigid configuration to provide reinforcement to the fractured bone sufficient to promote healing.
US08167880B2 Adjustable fixation devices incorporating drive systems
Disclosed embodiments relate to a fixation device for use in supporting and/or aligning an injured body part. An exemplary disclosed fixation device uses a pair of thumb wheel control elements to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint fracture. The control elements, their associated drive systems, and at least a tension member allow for converting a rotational force to a translational force to be applied to a driven article in one direction. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation of bone pins with rotation, in order to provide for a translated point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.
US08167876B2 Tracking system using field mapping
In some aspects, a method includes (i) causing current to flow among multiple sets of current injecting electrodes to generate a field in an organ, (ii) obtaining the positions of one or more measuring electrodes used for measuring the field generated by the current injecting electrodes, (iii) in response to the current flow, measuring the field at multiple locations in the organ using the one or more measuring electrodes, (iv) modeling the field using the measurements of the field from the one or more measuring electrodes and the positions of the one or more measuring electrodes, and (v) determining expected signal measurements of the field at additional locations within the organ using the model of the field.
US08167875B2 Energy delivery algorithm for medical devices
A method for controlling energy applied to tissue as a function of at least one detected tissue property includes the initial step of applying energy to tissue. The method also includes the steps of initially adjusting the energy applied to tissue and determining a direction of change of the at least one detected tissue property. The method also includes the steps of subsequently adjusting the energy applied to tissue in the same direction as the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in a first direction and in the opposite direction to the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in a second direction and further adjusting the energy applied to the tissue in the same direction as the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in the second direction and in the opposite direction to the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in the first direction.
US08167874B2 Assembly and kit for marking tubal ostia
A method, apparatus, and kit for marking the opening between the fallopian tube and the uterus (tubal ostia) are provided. A marking dye provided in a marking assembly including a fluid dispenser coupled to a catheter having an open end and a guide wire. The catheter is inserted into the uterus and to a position adjacent the tubal ostia. When properly inserted, the fluid dispenser is activated to cause fluid to flow through the catheter and to the wall of the uterus to provide a mark. Once the mark is provided, endometrial ablation process can be provided in the uterus. The marks can then be used to guide the insertion of tubal occlusion devices.
US08167873B2 Center robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage for endoscopic camera
A robotic arm including a parallel spherical five-bar linkage with a remote center of spherical rotation. The robotic arm movably supports an endoscopic camera. Two outboard links are pivotally coupled together. At least one of the two outboard links supports the endoscopic camera. Two inboard links are respectively pivotally coupled to the two outboard links such that the two inboard links are able to cross over one another. The two inboard links moveably support the two outboard links. A ground link is pivotally coupled to the two inboard links. The ground link moveably supports the two inboard links.
US08167870B2 Apparatus and method for the controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder
A urological medical system for performing a controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder for treating a bladder dysfunction problem comprised of a programmed CPU with associated computer equipment for facilitating an automatic control of a treatment procedure to be performed on a patient, a saline solution warmer, a saline solution pump, a four-way catheter wherein a channel is provided for monitoring the pressure within the bladder during the procedure, a syringe for infusing a medicine through the catheter and a strapping device to secure the syringe and to slidingly engage the catheter to a leg of the patient. Desired parameters are monitored during the procedure and a desired pressure is maintained in the bladder for a predetermined time to perform the controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder.
US08167861B2 Disposable garment with stretchable absorbent assembly
A disposable absorbent garment has an elastic inner layer having an interior surface for facing a wearer of the garment, and an exterior surface. The elastic inner layer has an elongate opening therein disposed at least within a crotch region of the garment, and is stretchable in at least a lateral direction of the garment. An outer layer of the garment is in opposed relationship with the elastic inner layer and is stretchable in at least the lateral direction of the garment. An absorbent assembly is secured to the elastic inner layer between the elastic inner layer and the outer layer and is sized larger than the opening of the elastic inner layer for underlying substantially the entire opening. The absorbent assembly is stretchable in at least the lateral direction of the garment for lateral stretching thereof in response to lateral stretching of the elastic inner layer.
US08167859B2 Ostomy bag mounting structure
A mounting structure for installation at a corporeal port opening. The mounting structure includes a reentrant tube on an exterior surface of which is disposed at least one balloon, with a proximal everted portion of the tubing extending from the distal portion of the tubing, with a gas flow passage associated with the tubing, for selective inflation of the balloon. A vacuum thermoforming process for making such mounting structure is described. The mounting structure is useful employed for anchoring of a therapeutic device such as an ostomy bag at a corresponding port of the body, with the balloon(s) of the device providing effective anchoring of the mounting structure and permitting the mounting structure to be comfortably worn by a patient during therapeutic intervention.
US08167858B2 Medical waste disposal system assembly
A novel collection device for collection, storage and disposal of biological products, in conjunction with an improved cleansing method. Disclosed is an apparatus which includes a locking closing member handle to allow for safe transport and disposal of medical waste. Closing member allows for secure containment of medical waste and subsequent apparatus cleaning. Closing member design includes a gap between closing member and housing which facilitates device cleaning after waste disposal.
US08167857B2 Ostomy suction system
An ostomy drainage system comprising an ostomy bag or pouch connected by tubes to a container which is connected via tubes to a vacuum device whereby the contents of the ostomy bag can be suctioned into the container to prevent frequent changing of the ostomy bag thereby improving sanitation and convenience for ostomy patients.
US08167856B2 Inflatable bladder dressings, systems, and methods
A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.
US08167854B2 Implantable drug reservoir and device having an implantable drug reservoir
The invention relates to an implantable drug reservoir (10) having a cavity (28) enclosed by a sheathing (12) and arranged between a proximal end (14) and a distal end (16) for storing one or more drugs (50), having an outlet opening (24) for the drug(s) (50). The drug(s) (50) can be delivered to a delivery region (70) through a puncture device (20) at one end (16). The invention also relates to a device (100) having a drug reservoir (10).
US08167853B2 Self service cleaning device for woman
The present invention relates to a self service cleaning device for woman comprising a handle and a flexible conduit. The handle has a connector at its one end and is removably connected with a water supply pipe by the connector. The flexible conduit has one end connected with the handle and the other end which has a curved portion with a closed top corresponding to a curvature of vagina, wherein an opening is arranged at an introverted segment of the curved portion, and a plurality of outlets are orderly arranged on a circumferential surface of the curved portion, a plurality of circular protrusions are projecting outwardly and radially from the circumferential surface; and a counterflow preventer is arranged around an inlet of the flexible conduit. The present invention is low in cost, portable, simple in use, and good in cleaning effect, whereby it is easy to promote and widely adapted for effective prevention and treatment of diseases.
US08167850B2 Cylinder/piston unit with at least three sealing elements
A cylinder/piston unit is disclosed for pre-fill, storage and release when desired of an active substance, such as a medicament. The cylinder/piston unit is provided with a cylinder and with a piston which is guided therein and which is sealed off in a sterile manner by a rubber seal, the cylinder and the piston enclosing a chamber that can be filled at least temporarily with active substance, and the cylinder having at least one discharge element at its front end. For this purpose, the piston resting in a rear position is sealed off relative to the cylinder in a sterile manner by a static front sealing element and by a static rear sealing element. Arranged spatially behind each static sealing element, there is a parking area for receiving the respective sealing element. When the piston is actuated, the individual static sealing elements are transferred from their respective sealing position into a parked position located in the parking area, and each sealing element in the parked position touches only the cylinder wall or only the piston wall. With the present invention, a cylinder/piston unit is developed which can be pre-filled and in which, despite a sterile sealing of the piston, only a slight force has to be applied in order to accelerate and/or move the piston.
US08167844B2 Safety IV needle/cannula introducer
An improved safety IV placement device includes a reciprocal tubular needle sheath disposed on the exterior of the syringe body and a latch mechanism engaging the syringe body and the sheath to latch the sheath in a needle-covering position after placement of the IV cannula and removal of the needle from within the cannula. An internal spring, which engages the sheath, expands to move the sheath to cover the needle point prior to placement of the IV cannula and after the needle is removed from the indwelling cannula. The spring is a non-uniform helical spring having multiple 360 turns each turn uniformly spaced from adjacent turns.
US08167839B2 Stretch resistant therapeutic device
A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.
US08167836B2 Tissue expander configured for drug delivery
A device includes a tissue expanding portion and an enclosure positioned on a surface of the tissue expanding portion. The enclosure includes an enclosure wall and a drug formulation pocket defined by the enclosure wall. A solid drug formulation that includes a drug is housed within the drug formulation pocket.
US08167835B2 Single chamber device for drawing in and dispensing components
A single chamber device for drawing in and dispensing components comprising a syringe housing, a piston that is actuatable by a plunger unit, and a mixing assembly whose rod is guided through the piston and operatively connected to the plunger unit. The plunger unit comprises a plunger rod that is articulated at the mixing rod and provided with means that are engageable with the mixing rod. In this manner, a mixture of different components, particularly also bone cement, can be both created and dispensed in a simple and inexpensive single chamber device.
US08167834B2 Injection device
A pen injection device designed for use with dual or multi-chamber cartridges (14), is provided with an extended length plunger (24) having a non-drive portion (24′) on its forward end and the usual screw-threaded drive portion (24′) on its rearward end. This arrangement allows the plunger to be pushed forwardly whilst the dosing drive mechanism is disengaged to effect a reconstitution movement of the rearward bung (18′) in the cartridge. Thereafter the threaded portion on the plunger (24′) engages the drive mechanism to allow metered dosing.
US08167828B2 Massage assembly
A massage assembly includes a top cover and a base which is connected to the top cover to define a space therebetween, a massage unit and a movable unit is received in the space. The massage unit is connected to the movable unit, and a transmission mechanism is received in the movable unit to drive the movable unit to move reciprocally in the massage assembly so as to massage the user's body by the massage unit. The massage unit provides different types of massage features.
US08167821B2 Multiple diameter guidewire
A guidewire can include a shaft or core wire that has a distal section configured for access to a vascular treatment site and a proximal section configured for intervention at a vascular treatment site. At least a portion of the distal section of the shaft or core wire can have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the proximal section.
US08167818B2 Biopsy apparatus with vacuum relief
A method of relieving vacuum in a biopsy apparatus includes applying vacuum through at least one motor to an inner cannula lumen; providing a continuously open leak path that permits fluid communication between the outer cannula lumen and atmosphere, wherein fluid is drawn from the leak path through the outer cannula; retracting the inner cannula proximally to permit tissue to prolapse into a tissue receiving opening of the outer cannula due to the vacuum; translating the inner cannula distally to sever the prolapsed tissue; aspirating the severed tissue through the inner cannula lumen; and selectively relieving vacuum distally of the severed tissue by retracting the inner cannula proximally to permit the inner cannula lumen to communicate with the respective outer cannula lumen and the leak path while a portion of the biopsy apparatus, including the tissue receiving opening, is positioned within tissue.
US08167814B2 Biopsy targeting cube with malleable members
A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a probe and other components, which selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces, and guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The body of the targeting cube is at least partially comprised of elastomeric material to allow for adjustment of the orientation of the passageways. The body of the targeting cube is further comprised of malleable members that flank the passageways and allow for angulation of an instrument, such as by maintaining an adjusted orientation of a passageway into which the instrument is inserted.
US08167811B2 Apparatus and method for outputting heart sounds
An apparatus for outputting heart sounds includes an implantable system and an external system. The implantable system includes a sensor for generating sensed signals representing detected heart sounds, an interface circuit and a control circuit for receiving the sensed signals, generating data representing the heart sounds therefrom, and transmitting the data to the external system via the interface circuit. The external system includes an interface circuit for communicating with the implantable system, and a control circuit for receiving the data representing the heart sounds and for generating control signals that cause an output device to generate outputs representing the sounds. The implantable system may also include a sensor(s) for detecting cardiac electrical signals. In this case, outputs representing the cardiac electrical signals are also output.
US08167809B2 Imaging probe housing with fluid flushing
An imaging probe for use in a catheter for ultrasonic imaging is provided. The catheter may be of the type including a sheath having an opening at a distal end for conducting a fluid there through. The imaging probe includes a distal housing coupled to a drive shaft for rotation, a transducer within the distal housing for generating and sensing ultrasonic waves, and a fluid flow promoter that promotes flow of the fluid within the sheath across the transducer.
US08167808B2 Treatment instrument system
A treatment instrument system according to the present invention includes: an endoscope having a treatment instrument channel; an ultrasound probe inserted through the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope; an ultrasound observing apparatus having a blood flow display function and a distance measuring function; a treatment instrument having, at a distal end portion, an ultrasound scattering portion for scattering ultrasound; and an over tube having an endoscope insertion path through which the endoscope can be inserted and a treatment instrument insertion path through which the treatment instrument can be inserted, and having, at a distal end portion, an ultrasound scattering portion for scattering ultrasound.
US08167807B2 Ultrasonic diagnosis device, ultrasonic image analysis device, and ultrasonic image analysis method
A motion parameter measuring unit two-dimensionally measures a motion parameter of a myocardial tissue by a tracking process on time-series ultrasonic image data acquired from a sample. A time phase setting unit adds a diastolic heartbeat time phase, which is set on the basis of a systole end specified by a time phase where a cardiac cavity area of the ultrasonic image data is the smallest and a diastole end specified by an R wave in an electrocardiographic waveform of the sample, relative to the systole end to time-series parameter image data generated by a parameter image data generating unit on the basis of the motion parameter. An image data extracting unit extracts parameter image data to which the diastolic heartbeat time phase closest to a desired diastolic heartbeat time phase set by an input unit is added and displays the extracted parameter image data.
US08167797B2 Sheath for containing and manipulating of a single-use laryngoscope blade and use of a blade thus conditioned
A sheath for containing and manipulating of a single-use laryngoscope blade is constituted by a closed outer bag (S) enabling its content to be sterilized and kept sterile, and an inner sheath (G) containing the blade between a closed end of the sheath and an open end of the sheath, the sheath being thin and tear-resistant so as to enable the blade to be mounted on the handle and separated therefrom without removing the sheath and so that the sheath can be turned inside out. The invention is applicable to packaging laryngoscope blades.
US08167795B2 Method and interface for operating a VDOV endoscope
A method and system are provided for configuring a variable direction of view endoscope, generally comprising a video display screen and an endoscope having a view controlling device for moving the view vector between predefined, discrete view vector positions. The video display screen displays a set of these view vector positions, and the view vector is moved from one of these positions directly to another in response to a command from a user via the video display screen.
US08167791B2 Endoscope system
An endoscope system of the present invention includes an image pickup section that picks up an image of an object, a position detection section that detects a position indicating a predetermined object in the image of the object obtained by the image pickup section and a probability calculation section that calculates a probability value as a degree indicating accuracy of the position being the predetermined object using first information obtained from the image and second information on a condition of the object whose image is picked up by the image pickup section.
US08167787B2 Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration.
US08167785B2 Urethral support system
A supplementary urethral support stabilization system and method for supporting the urethra is described.
US08167784B1 Apparatus and methods to generate circadian rhythm based pulsed electromagnetic fields using micro-watts of electrical energy
This invention presents a new method to generate therapeutically superior Bipolar PEMFs while significantly reducing the overall power consumption allowing for the use of low-power coin cell batteries; and presents a new frequency format to be followed for long-duration exposure PEMF Therapy devices. This is accomplished using a battery powered crystal clocked microcontroller and H-Bridge to pulse an electromagnetic inductor with a storage capacitor to generate a positive pulse followed by a shorter negative pulse, followed by some period of no current flowing generating frequencies in support of mammalian Circadian Rhythms.
US08167783B2 Machine for the manufacture of paper padding
A machine for the manufacture of paper padding has a shaping device and a drive which is provided in a housing to pull a paper web through the shaping device and to form a piece of padding from the paper web. A shaft is provided in the housing and serves as a drive for a drive wheel.
US08167782B2 Method and apparatus for making a paint roller and product produced thereby
A core for a paint roller includes a base layer and a reinforcing layer positioned over the base layer. A method of assembling a paint roller core includes helically winding a base material around a mandrel, applying an adhesive to an exposed portion of the base material, helically winding a reinforcing material around the base material, and applying the adhesive to an exposed portion of the reinforcing material. An apparatus for forming a paint roller includes a mandrel, a first feeder for continuously winding a base material around the longitudinal axis of the mandrel, a second feeder for continuously winding a reinforcing material around the base material, a third feeder for continuously winding a fabric cover around the reinforcing material, and a belt drive arranged around the mandrel for advancing the base material, reinforcing material and fabric cover along the mandrel.
US08167778B2 Transmission structure of a waist twirling exercise machine for body-building
A transmission structure of a waist twirling exercise machine for body-building and a method thereof includes left and right stepping rods which are obliquely or horizontally connected to a machine base, left and right stepping platforms having left and right shafts inserting through lubricating members provided in through holes of the left and right stepping rods, left and right transmission members having first ends connected to the left and right shafts and second ends provided with eccentric blocks, left and right connecting rods having first ends connected to the eccentric blocks of the left and right transmission members and second ends pivotally connected to either of the machine base and pneumatic cylinders. When the left and right stepping platforms are treaded in turn, the left and right connecting rods subject to their lengths will drive the left and right stepping platforms to turn left and right in turn synchronously, enhancing a waist twirling effect.
US08167774B2 Process for controlling a twin clutch
A process for controlling a twin clutch transmission with two partial drive trains with respectively a friction clutch interposed between an internal combustion engine and the partial drive train is provided. If the transmission capacity of a friction clutch falls below the engine torque, engine intervention takes place. If the clutch temperature rises further above a default value, an emergency operation is initiated, in which the affected partial drive train is deactivated by opening the affected friction clutch, a preselection strategy used in the other partial drive train is changed and the other partial drive train is activated.
US08167773B2 Method and apparatus to control motor cooling in an electro-mechanical transmission
A method for controlling a powertrain including an transmission coupled to an engine and an electric machine and a hydraulic control system providing hydraulic flow to a cooling circuit of the electric machine, wherein the transmission is adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member, includes monitoring a temperature of the electric machine, determining a cooling flow requirement for the cooling circuit based upon the temperature of the electric machine, comparing the cooling flow requirement to a threshold cooling flow, and requesting active electric machine cooling of the electric machine based upon the comparing.
US08167766B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08167753B2 8-speed hybrid transmission
The hybrid transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The hybrid transmission includes a motor/generator, three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with the final drive gear set. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, the input shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US08167748B2 Fixed parallel-blade broadhead having modified H-shaped outline configuration
A broadhead which is light in weight and which has surface area to decrease arrowhead weight, surface area and drag to increase performance of an arrow to which it is attached. The broadhead attaches to the arrow in one of the known ways, glue, screw, friction or interference fit. A broadhead wrench may need to be used to protect the user from sharp edges while handling the broadhead. The blade portion of the broadhead aids in the hemorrhaging of the target by creating a larger conduit for bleeding to occur, thus speeding death of a game animal.
US08167747B2 Arrowhead
An arrowhead is provided which includes a body and one or more blades fastened to the body. The end of the blade extends behind the end of the body and consequently behind the end of an arrow shaft. This arrangement moves the FOC back towards the center of gravity of the arrow.
US08167745B2 Polymer basketball backboard
An indoor basketball backboard is provided lhat makes it easier for players to use the backboard to score baskets. The indoor backboard includes a plurality of voids to adjust a bounce characteristic of the backboard. A basketball backboard having a plurality of voids has bounce characteristics less than that of existing solid backboards. Such backboard may be a polymer backboard or a backboard made from one or more other materials.
US08167742B1 Training strap for improving a golfer's golf stroke
A training strap for improving a golfer's golf stroke is provided. The training strap includes a shoulder strap that attaches around the lead shoulder of the golfer with the opposite end attaching around the golfer's thumb on the same lead side of the body. Preferably, the training strap includes a strap length adjuster allowing the training strap to be fitted to the proper length. The golfer practices the stroke with the criterion being to keep the training strap taut. If the training strap stays taut, the user will develop a very fundamentally sound, repeatable stroke. When this is done the golfer is successfully utilizing the radius from the lead shoulder to hands to bottom out at the correct spot, thereby creating a good chipping, pitching or putting stroke.
US08167739B2 Extreme weighted hybrid and other wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads
Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a club head body member defining an interior chamber; (b) a weight system engaged with a rear perimeter portion of the club head body member; and (c) a connection system connecting the weight system with the club head body (e.g., with the rear of the ball striking face portion). The club heads further may include one or more damping members in the interior chamber to alter the sound and/or otherwise attenuate a vibrational response of the club head. The damping members may extend between the ball striking face and the weight system, and optionally may engage the connection system. The damping member(s) may constitute a foam material compressed within the interior chamber of the club head. Methods of making such golf club head structures also are described.
US08167736B2 Shaft cap associated with golf clubs and methods to manufacture golf clubs
A golf club comprising a grip, a shaft having a first end and a second end, with the first end of the shaft having the grip disposed upon it, a shaft cap disposed at the second end of the shaft, and a head having a face portion and a hosel portion with the second end of the shaft having the shaft cap disposed on the shaft coupled to the head.
US08167734B2 Golf swing training device
A swing training device includes a guiding-arm and a resistance-arm that guides a user through a backswing and a forward swing allowing a user to hit a ball with a naturally swinging follow-through without any hindrance from the guiding components. Two computer-controlled electric motors provide rotation of the corresponding arms. The speed of rotation of the guiding-arm defines a pace of golf club movements. The speed of rotation of the resistance-arm defines the position of the club shaft relative to the user's forearms at each point of the backswing. During the forward swing the resistance-arm defines a pace of golf club movements, while the guiding-arm interactively resists the golf club movements through the guiding-arm lead, which is released from the guiding-arm by means of a trigger mechanism mounted on the distal end of the guiding-arm at a defined point of the swing controlled by the computer system a golf club.
US08167732B2 Static-balance-effect game table
A static-balance-effect game table includes a table stand and a tablet. The table stand has two frame racks, a reception space, a base component and two connection components. The two frame racks are arranged in a symmetric manner and each has an inner end opposite to each other. Each frame rack includes two frame members individual and symmetric to each other. Each frame member is L-shaped approximately and disposed at an inclined angle, so that a distance between two inner ends of two respective frame members is shorter than a distance between two outer ends of two respective frame members. The reception space is defined between the two frame racks. The base component is elongated and has two opposite ends; each end of the base component connects to the inner end of each frame members. The two connection components join two frame members of each frame rack respectively. The tablet is arranged in the reception space of the table stand, and has two ends joining two connection components respectively.
US08167730B2 Tuned absorber
A shaft assembly includes a shaft member having an inside surface and defined by an axis, an absorber assembly disposed within the shaft member and including a cantilever device spacing a mass member away from a base and including damping material disposed around the cantilever device.
US08167728B2 Damper disk assembly and flywheel assembly
To accomplish a superior characteristic for absorbing and damping torsional vibrations in a damper disk assembly and a flywheel assembly. A damper disk assembly includes a pair of plates 11 and 12, a flange 20, coil springs 16 and 17, and friction plates 58 and 59. The pair of plates 11 and 12 is fixed to each other. The flange 20 is disposed between the pair of plates 11 and 12 in the axial direction. The coil springs 16 and 17 elastically couple the pair of plates 11, 12 and flange 20 in the rotational direction. The friction plates 58 and 59 are disposed to operate in parallel with the coil springs 16 and 17 between the pair of plates 11, 12 and the flange 20 in the rotational direction, frictionally engage with the pair of plates 11 and 12, and engage with the flange 20 to be relatively rotatable in only range of the small torsional angle.
US08167725B1 System and method for using a game to interact with television programs
A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for obtaining votes for participants in a television program are described, in which code for a game is transmitted to a computer system, where the game includes an in-game voting module that allows a player of the game to cast votes for participants in a television program. At least one vote for at least one participant in the television program is received from the in-game voting module. A database including vote counts for the participants in the television program is updated based on the at least one vote for the at least one participant.
US08167724B2 Guest management in an online multi-player virtual reality game
A guest management method and system for an online multi-player virtual realty environment or social networking site. A network interface receives guest access requests from guest clients and input data from a plurality of remotely-located clients. The input data is operative to control avatars associated with the clients in a modeled virtual reality environment. A memory holds program instructions for determining whether the guest access is associated with a member client. If the guest access request is associated with the member client, then the guest client is allowed to access the virtual reality environment via a guest avatar. The guest avatar's movements in the virtual reality environment are restricted based on a location of a member avatar controlled by the associated member client. For example, the guest avatar may only be permitted to move within an area that is bounded by a perimeter about the member avatar.
US08167720B2 Method, apparatus, medium and system using a correction angle calculated based on a calculated angle change and a previous correction angle
A game apparatus includes a controller provided with an acceleration sensor for detecting accelerations on at least two axes orthogonal to each other. When playing a game, the controller is given a rotating operation so as to rotate around an axis orthogonal to the two axes. The accelerations on the two axes detected according to the rotating operation are converted into a point on a two-dimensional coordinate system. An angle of each converted point is calculated, and an angle change is also calculated. Based on the angle change corrected to change smoothly and a previous correction angle, a present correction angle is calculated. Game processing according to the correction angle is performed, and a game object is moved by an amount corresponding to the correction angle, for example.
US08167717B2 Gaming machine having a plurality of terminals and playing method thereof
A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a plurality of gaming terminals each of which has a first light emitting portion, and which runs a base game and a special game configured to award a special payout; and a shared display. When the special game is run, an emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second emitting portions are determined for each gaming terminal, based on a game value. Further, every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game having been run, the first light emitting portion is activated in the emission color thus determined, and the second light emitting portions forming a route associated with the gaming terminal turn active so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions light in the emission color thus determined, sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, according to the number of the predetermined winnings the gaming terminal have achieved. When second light emitting portions forming any one of the routes is activated all the way to the shared display, a special payout is awarded to a player of the gaming terminal associated with the route.
US08167716B2 Gaming machine having a plurality of terminals and playing method thereof
A gaming machine includes: a plurality of gaming terminals, a shared display, and a plurality of routs. Each of the gaming terminals has first light emitting portions which provide an effect to a game. Further, each of the gaming terminal runs a base game and a special game configured to award a special payout. Each of the routs is formed by arranging second light emitting portions from associated one of the gaming terminal to the shared display. The gaming machine thus structured executes a playing method including the steps of: every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game, (i) blinking a predetermined number of second light emitting portions forming a rout associated with that gaming terminal sequentially from the one closest to that gaming terminal, the predetermined number being determined based on the winning having been achieved, and (ii) blinking the first light emitting portions of that gaming terminal in sync with the second light emitting portions; and awarding a special payout to a gaming terminal whose associated rout has all its second light emitting portions being activated up to the shared display.
US08167715B2 Adjustable playing area for electronic gaming terminal
A gaming terminal includes a gaming cabinet, at least one display, an adjustable playing area, and a player-input button. The at least one display is mounted to the gaming cabinet and configured to display a randomly selected outcome from a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player. The adjustable playing area is mounted to the gaming cabinet below the at least one display. The adjustable playing area is operable to translate linearly between a proximal position and a distal position, the proximal position being near the gaming cabinet and the distal position being away from the gaming cabinet. The player-input button is mounted in the adjustable playing area for receiving game play input from the player.
US08167714B2 Puzzle game apparatus and computer readable storage medium having puzzle game program stored thereon
In a solution area which has a plurality of cells arranged in a matrix thereof, a connective cell, which is obtained by interrelating a predetermined plurality of cells with one another, is displayed. Further, a normal numerical clue, which is caused to correspond to a row and a column in the matrix and represents the number of cells to be marked in the corresponding row and column, is displayed. Still further, a large numerical clue, which represents the number of cells to be marked in a contiguous form over a plurality of adjoining rows or a plurality of adjoining columns, is displayed so as to range over the plurality of rows or the plurality of columns. In accordance with an operation performed by a player, specific cells are marked, and then whether or not a set of the marked cells presents a figure which is a solution of a puzzle having been previously set.
US08167707B2 System for implementing loss limits
A loss limit system and method automatically tracks a player's entry and cash play, and does not allow to play more than an allotted dollar amount during a given time frame or lose more than the establishment limit. Typically, excursions of play sessions are set up by day. Play is tracked at gaming machines and locked from all other play during card in at a machine. No other play is allowed at gaming machines, auto table rating systems or open table ratings, purchase of tokens, unless buy-in has not reached the loss limit for the session. At rollover, players are allowed to play again until they meet the same criteria for loss limit.
US08167701B2 Systems and methods for lottery-style games
Systems and methods for lottery-style games are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method may comprise: establishing a map-based game that is scheduled to have a number of lottery drawings associated with a plurality of grid units on a map; accepting enrollment of players in the map-based game, each player being associated with at least one grid unit on the map and being committed to participate in a plurality of the lottery drawings by contributing tokens of value; receiving, from each player, a designated number of tokens to be contributed, on behalf of each of the at least one grid unit, to each lottery drawing said player is committed to participate in; and executing the map-based game by pooling the contributed tokens to form a jackpot and conducting a drawing, from grid units participating in said drawing, to select at least one grid unit to win a first prize.
US08167695B2 Casino games
Apparatus and methods related to multi-player casino games are described. An electronic gaming device is provided that allows a live player to compete against a virtual player in a multi-player wager-based game. The electronic gaming device can comprise a multi-player game engine that does not distinguish between virtual players and live players. The electronic gaming device can be configured to simulate the decision making of a virtual player and associated behaviors of the virtual player during game play. In some instances, the simulated behaviors of the virtual player output at the electronic gaming device can be learned by a live player so that the live player can make better or more advantageous game play decisions. The simulated behaviors of the virtual player can be conveyed to the live player via visual images, such as simulated facial expressions of the virtual player.
US08167694B2 Message output device, wherein the message has a life duration
A battle situation detection unit (205) detects progress status of a battle controlled by a battle control unit (204) and winning and losing statuses of friend and enemy sides. An audio data acquisition unit (209) acquires audio data specified based on the progress status of the battle. The audio data acquisition unit (209) detects winning and losing statuses of the friend and enemy sides at each predetermined timing, and acquires arbitrary matching audio data based on the detected winning and losing statuses. The audio data acquisition unit 209 sends the acquired audio data together with priority orders to a queue buffer (210). An audio output unit (212) reads out the audio data from the queue buffer (210) according to the priority orders, synthesizes an audio signal from the read-out audio data, and outputs audios from a predetermined speaker.
US08167693B2 Operation input device, operation evaluation method, recording medium, and program
A target information storage unit (203) stores information regarding a group of targets (target panels) which are disposed dispersedly on a virtual race course and which each have an objective speed set therefor. An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a moving object (racing car) to be run on the course. Then, a running condition managing unit (204) manages the running condition of the moving object based on this operation input. Meanwhile, a passage determination unit (206a) sequentially determines whether or not the moving object has passed on the course by contacting the respective targets, based on the managed running condition. Further, a speed comparison unit (206b) compares the speed of the moving object at the time of the passage and the objective speed of each target. Then, an evaluation unit (206) evaluates the operation input from a user based on the determination result and comparison result.
US08167691B2 Crop residue chopping and distributing arrangement for a combine harvester
In a crop residue chopping and distributing arrangement for a combine harvester (10) with a straw chopper (60) and two discharge blowers (100), a guide element (150) distributes the crop residue stream over the two discharge blowers (100) is arranged between said blowers. Passages (162) remain between the guide element (150) and the discharge blowers (100) such that the crop residues can be rearwardly discharged onto the field by the straw chopper (60) through said passages. Outer guide elements (141) are provided between the straw chopper (60) and the discharge blowers (100) in order to deflect the outer regions of the crop residue stream inward. The straw chopper housing (19) may feature a curved bottom (112) that axially conveys the crop residues to the discharge blowers (100) at an angle, wherein a flat crop residue guide element (112) is arranged between the straw chopper housing (90) and the discharge blowers (100).
US08167689B2 System with a tool-holding fixture
The invention is based on a system with a tool-holding fixture, which fixture has a slaving device (12) by way of which an inserted tool (14) can be connected operatively to a drive shaft (16), and with an inserted tool (14) which can be connected operatively to the slaving device (12) via at least one detent element (20) that is supported movably counter to a spring element (18), which detent element snaps into place in an operating position of the inserted tool (14) and fixes the inserted tool (14) by positive engagement.It is proposed that the tool-holding fixture and the inserted tool (14) have at least two corresponding shaped elements (22, 24), adapted to one another, to facilitate installation of the inserted tool (14).
US08167688B1 Arrow broadhead cutting blade sharpener
A handheld, arrow broadhead cutting blade sharpener used for cutting blades on an arrow broadhead, knife blades and other cutting edges. The sharpener includes a hollow handle with a first end and a second end. Included inside the first end of the handle is a first coarse stone holder with a first angled groove therein for holding a first coarse sharpening stone. The first end also includes a second coarse stone holder having a second coarse stone holder with a second angled groove therein for holding a second coarse sharpening stone. The ends of the first and second fine sharpening stones extend outwardly from the first end of the handle and are held in a “V” shaped configuration adapted for receiving an edge of a cutting blade there between. The second end of the handle includes a pair of fine sharpening stones held in a “V” shaped configuration for providing a finely sharpened edge on the cutting blade.
US08167685B2 Method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, a method of manufacturing a substrate for a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, and a medium and a substrate manufactured by the methods
A method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording medium and a substrate for the medium are disclosed, in which abnormal protrusions on an underlayer made of a Ni—P alloy are automatically eliminated while maintaining a flat surface with high accuracy on the underlayer, and appropriate texture traces remain to promote magnetization alignment in the vertical direction in a perpendicular magnetic recording medium without adversely affecting the magnetization alignment. In the method, texture processing is carried out on an underlayer made of a Ni—P alloy on a nonmagnetic base plate using a polishing tape while supplying mixed slurry of a surfactant and abrasive grains of polycrystalline diamond, and then, texture polishing is carried out on the underlayer processed by the texture processing, using a polishing tape while supplying slurry containing an abrasive material and an organic acid until the surface of the underlayer is polished to an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of at most 0.5 nm, preferably in the range of 0.05 nm to 0.2 nm.
US08167683B2 In-line sander
An in-line profile sander is disclosed. The in-line profile sander includes a sander housing configured to be grasped by a user. A plurality of interchangeable profile sanding pads can be mounted at a head of the housing. The sander includes an in-line oscillating mechanism for moving the profile sanding pads in a linear oscillating motion.
US08167678B2 Bra cup for augmenting breasts and brassiere having the same
A bra cup that supports and augments different areas of the breast. The bra cup includes different sections having different combinations of multilayer fabric and foam materials to create a round, smooth, silhouette underneath the clothing of the wearer without sacrificing the comfort of the wearer or the accuracy of the fit. The bra cup includes two or more discrete sections that are attached together and then covered on an outward facing surface with a continuous foam and fabric layer that provides a smooth outer surface. The first section includes a stabilizer material that creates a sling-like mechanism that causes the first section to cradle the breasts of a wearer, while pushing the breasts simultaneously upwards towards the neckline and inwards towards the other breast. The second section includes an area of increased thickness in a location corresponding to the superior lateral quadrant of the breast. The combination of the stabilizer in the first section and the area of thicker cross section in the second section cooperate to create a rounded overall appearance to the breasts of the wearer. The addition of the continuous foam layer and laminated fabric layer cooperate with the first and second sections in the bra cup to create a round and smooth silhouette underneath the clothing of the wearer.
US08167669B1 Grip of oar
An oar includes a retractable shaft with a blade and a grip connected to two ends thereof. A socket is connected to the shaft by a pin and includes a first toothed surface on the end surface of the socket. The grip includes a tubular portion which is mounted to the socket. A spring and a bolt are located in the socket, and the bolt is securely connected with the grip so that the spring is biased between the grip and the head of the bolt. The tubular portion of the grip includes a second toothed surface in an inner end thereof so as to be removably engaged with the first toothed surface of the socket.
US08167666B2 Terminal crimping method, terminal crimping structure, terminal crimping device, and electrical connector
A terminal crimping method and a crimping tool are provided, thereby suppressing the generation of friction at an anvil and a crimper and also suppressing the generation of an upthrust portion at the upper part of a wire barrel to which a conductor of a covered electrical wire is crimped. The crimping tool includes an anvil having a placement groove on which a female-type terminal is mounted, and a crimper that crimps a conductor barrel of the female-type terminal mounted on the anvil. The placement groove includes a first pressing portion that presses the effective crimping portion and a second pressing portion that presses the extension, and the bottom surface of the second pressing portion is formed as an inclined surface expanding and opening toward a receptacle side.
US08167665B2 Electrical connector with collapsible coupler
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a first electrical connector member, a second electrical connector member, and an electrical connector coupler. The first electrical connector member includes a flange portion and a shaft portion. The second electrical connector member includes a pad portion and a tube portion. The tube portion is adapted to receive the shaft portion. The tube portion is adapted to be attached to another portion of the electrical connector by a crimping operation. The electrical connector coupler includes a first end, a second end, and a corrugated portion between the first end and the second end. The first end is adapted to be disposed proximate the flange portion. The second end is adapted to be disposed proximate the pad portion. The coupler is adapted to be compressed from a first length to a second length in response to the crimping operation.
US08167663B1 Laterally-plugged power connector
The power connector includes a plug assembly and a casing with a plug seat. The plug seat is formed with a room. There is a pair of rails in the room. Two electrode pins are separately mounted in the rails with exposed flexible contact portions. The plug assembly is provided with two plug pins and a pair of troughs corresponding to the two rails. Each of the plug pins has a conduction portion protruding from the troughs for making an electric connection with the flexible contact portions.
US08167662B2 Cable comprising connector with insulation piercing contacts
There is disclosed a connector and method for terminating a cable comprised twisted pairs of conductors. In one aspect of the invention the connector comprises a wire lead guide for arranging the twisted pairs of conductors and a plurality of piercing contacts which interconnect with respective ones of the twisted pairs of conductors when the wire guide is secured to the module. In a further aspect of the invention the wire lead guide ensures that the spacing between the conductors of a particular twisted pair is maintained, thereby improving the performance of the subsequent assembly.
US08167659B2 Connector block feature
A memory card connector, within a slot of a host device, for receiving a first memory card having a first row of contact fingers and a second row of contact fingers and a second memory card having only a single row of contact fingers. The memory card connector includes a first row of contact pins, a second row of contact pins and a protrusion. The first row of contact pins are configured to mate with the first row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The second row of contact pins are configured to mate with the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The protrusion is received within a contact finger in the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card to allow full insertion of the first memory card into the connector, and abuts against a distal end of one of the contact fingers of the second memory card to prevent full insertion of the second memory card into the connector.
US08167657B2 Plug/jack system having PCB with lattice network
A jack is provided that has compensation and crosstalk zones. At least one of the zones employs a lattice network that couples conductors in the zone to reduce the net crosstalk in the plug/jack system. The lattice network has a frequency response slope that is different from the frequency response slope of a first-order coupling or of a series LC circuit coupling. A variety of lattice networks are provided.
US08167652B1 Shielded connector having a shielding body with an insulating paint layer received in slots of an insulating body
A shielded connector. In one embodiment, the shielded connector includes: a seat, including a plurality of receiving slots, in which a shielding body is formed on at least a part of an inner surface of the receiving slot by physical-plating and an insulating paint layer is formed on the shielding body by immersing, spraying or coating, at least one conductive body disposed outside the receiving slots and connected to the shielding bodies, and at least one lead-out portion disposed adjacent to the motherboard and electrically connecting the conductive body to the motherboard; and a plurality of conductive terminals, accommodated in the receiving slots, each including a contact portion exposed at one side of the seat, a body portion extending from the contact portion into the receiving slot, and a connecting portion extending from the body portion and exposed outside the receiving slot.
US08167651B2 Electrical connector system
High-speed backplane connectors systems for mounting a substrate that are capable of operating at speeds of up to at least 25 Gbps, while in some implementations also providing pin densities of at least 50 pairs of electrical connectors per inch are disclosed. Implementations of the high-speed connector systems may provide ground shields and/or ground structures that substantially encapsulate electrical connector pairs, which may be differential electrical connector pairs, in a three-dimensional manner throughout a backplane footprint, a backplane connector, and a daughtercard footprint. These encapsulating ground shields and/or ground structures prevent undesirable propagation of non-traverse, longitudinal, and higher-order modes when the high-speed backplane connector systems operates at frequencies up to at least 30 GHz.
US08167648B2 Low noise connector with cables having a center, middle and outer conductors
An adapter conductively interconnects a chuck of a probe station and an instrument. The adapter includes a signal conductor conductively connected to the chuck and selectively connectable to a respective one of a ground potential, a bayonet connector output and a signal connection for the instrument. A guard potential conductor conductively connected to the chuck and selectively connectable to a one of a ground potential and a guard connection for the instrument; and a shield conductor connected to a ground potential.
US08167645B2 Fastening device for detachable holding of an electrical distributor by latching
A fastening device for detachable holding of an electrical distributor (2) by latching, with a base plate (3) and with two latch mechanisms (4) which project vertically away from the base plate (3). Several openings (5, 5′) for holding screws (6) are formed in the base plate (3), with which the base plate (3) can be fastened to the wall or other support (7), and free ends of the latch mechanisms (4) each having an elastic catch arm (8) with a catch hook (9) and a rigid contact arm (10) opposite the catch arm (8). The fastening device enables an electrical distributor to be fastened quickly and easily, but still reliably, to a wall or other support, with the possibility of also quickly and easily detaching the distributor, as necessary, from the wall without removing the fastening device.
US08167642B2 Component connector with sliding insulation cutting clamp
An electrical apparatus, in particular a sensor or a control unit, includes at least one component that has at least one contacting device such as a pin or a wire, where the contacting device engages a clamping section of a housing part to produce an electrical connection and has a longitudinal axis, the clamping section being formed as part of a sliding device that is situated in the housing part and is movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the contacting device.
US08167641B2 Connector and mounting assemblies including stress-distribution members
A mounting assembly configured to mount a communication connector to a panel of an electrical system. The mounting assembly including a stress-distribution member that has an abutment surface abutting a flange of the connector. The stress-distribution member has a fastener opening. The mounting assembly also includes a fastener element that extends along a central axis. The fastener element has a cross-section taken perpendicular to the central axis that is sized and shaped to permit the fastener element to be freely inserted through through-holes of the connector and the panel. The fastener element is inserted into the fastener opening and secured to the fastener element. The stress-distribution member distributes mechanical energy provided by the fastener element when the connector is in a shock or vibration environment.
US08167640B2 Flexible connector for implantable electrical stimulation lead
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an electrical connector having a side wall defining a lumen and an elongate opening. The lumen is configured to receive at least a conductive portion of an electronic implant. The elongate opening divides the side wall into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the side wall is configured to move relative to the second portion of the side wall between a first position and a second position. The first portion of the side wall is electrically conductive and includes a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to contact the conductive portion of the electronic implant such that the conductive portion of the electronic implant is electrically coupled to the first portion of the side wall when the first portion of the side wall is in the second position.
US08167639B2 Coaxial latching connector assembly
A connector assembly includes a receptacle connector that has a housing, a lever arm, and a center contact. The housing defines an interior chamber. The lever arm is pivotally joined to the housing. The center contact is disposed within the interior chamber and is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the receptacle connector. The mating connector includes a plug body and an axial conductive member. The axial conductive member is disposed in the plug body along a center axis of the plug body. The lever arm of the receptacle connector engages the plug body of the mating connector when the plug body is received in the interior chamber and pivots relative to the housing to drive the plug body within the interior chamber and mate the axial conductive member with the center contact.
US08167638B2 Multi-position quick release plug cassette assembly
A cassette assembly which holds at least two electrical plugs which typically are connected to digital signal carrying cables. In one example, six of these plugs are positioned within a cassette, and are arranged in two rows of three plugs each for ease in connecting the plugs simultaneously to similarly arranged switch port jacks. A lever pivotally connected to the housing, when rotated, causes the release latch of the plugs held within the cassette to move from a locked to an unlocked position to simultaneously remove all of the plugs from the jacks to which they are connected. A housing clip is provided to be positioned within the housing of the cassette assembly such that a projection of the clip is positionable within a path of removal of a plug. A locking clip is also provided for blocking movement of the lever wherein the locking clip is easily installed with the cassette with providing a generally U-shaped constriction with opposing arms, a compression resistant member positioned between the arms and a tab positioned on each arm adapted to engage an aperture defined in a cassette plug housing. In addition, bridge clips are provided to gang together two or more cassette assemblies.
US08167635B1 Dielectric sealing member and method of use thereof
A connector having a sealing member is provided, wherein the sealing member prevents environmental elements, such as rainwater from entering the connector. Furthermore, a sealing member placed on the inner surface of a post forming a barrier against moisture and other contaminants proximate the second end of the post is also provided.
US08167634B2 Connector with a sealing ring having a bulge at its inner peripheral side of its main body
A connector has a housing (40) including a terminal mounting portion (41), a receptacle (55) and a mounting flange (61) between the terminal mounting portion (41) and the receptacle (55). A seal ring (150) is mounted on a surface of the mounting flange (61) to be held in contact with a mounting wall (20) for sealing between the mounting flange (61) and the mounting wall (20). The seal ring (150) includes a ring main body (151) surrounding the outer periphery of the terminal mounting portion (41) and fixing portions (160) for fixing the ring main body (151) to the mounting flange (61). Each fixing portion (160) includes a bulge (161) at an inner peripheral side of the ring main body (151). A lock (165) projects from the bulge (161) toward a side opposite to a sealing surface and engages a locking hole (67) in the housing (40).
US08167628B2 Polymer substrate for flexible display having enhanced flexibility
Disclosed herein is a polymer substrate for a flexible display, comprising a reticular superelastic alloy structure and/or an annular superelastic alloy structure therein. The polymer substrate has an improved flexibility because the superelastic alloy structure is embedded therein.
US08167626B2 Probes with wipe
Several novel probes are shown, highlighting the designs and non-linear spring rates of their contact springs. These springs work in conjunction with a novel comb, which affects the movement of the springs tips, so as to create the desirable scrub or wipe at the surface of the contact pads of the devices under test. At least three versions of the probes are covered by the claims, where one probe works on one device, a second probe works on two devices and the third probe comprises a lid, which controls the protrusion distance of the spring tips above the housing surface, so as to protect the springs from getting damaged prematurely.
US08167625B2 Integrated noise reduction connector
An electrical connector comprising an insulative body, a plurality of pins carried by the body and a ferromagnetic element that rides on one of the plurality of the pins. The ferromagnetic element provides a low pass filter capability for signals transmitted over the one pin.
US08167622B2 Power plug with a freely rotatable delivery point
A power plug with a freely rotatable delivery point is disclosed, wherein a relative orientation between a delivery point element (e.g. an electric wire) and insertion terminals of the plug can change freely on a plane. A plug seat includes an armature which displaces axially. An open end of the seat is loosely connected with a turntable which is coaxial with the armature. The turntable is assembled with the insertion terminals which loosely contact with the armature by relative rotation. Between the seat and the armature, an elastic arch element is axially provided and parts of the insertion terminals relative to the armature are indirectly provided with plate-shaped conducting probes with an elastic shear. By the elastic arch element and the conducting probes, a mechanical vibration wave occurring during rotation of the turntable is absorbed, such that the armature can actually contact with the terminals to avoid jump sparks.
US08167621B2 Training device for forcibly opening a locked door
A training device is described for perfecting the art of forcibly opening a door in an emergency. The training device has a frame and a door placed in the frame. A dead bolt is mounted in the door and protrudes from the door in a locked position relative to the frame. A vise is attached to the frame. The vise has a movable jaw mounted on a block and a stationary jaw, and means for tightening the movable jaw against the dead bolt. The dead bolt protrudes from the door between the stationary and movable jaw. A method of using the training device causes the door to pivot and the dead bolt to move off of the vise, thus simulating an actual forced opening.
US08167618B2 Arrangement for using osteoinductive or bioactive material to induce bone and/or increase the stability of implants in the jaw bone, and an implant intended for this purpose
The stability of an implant (5) which is fitted in a jaw bone hole created by tooth root extraction is increased using osteoinductive material. Bone formation in the space between the implant and the bone wall is also stimulated. In an initial stage, the implant is anchored or fitted in the hole. With its outer parts (5a) the implant extends into a part (4a) of the hole which has a cross-sectional area exceeding the crossectional area of the outer parts (5a) of the implant. The soft tissue of the jaw bone, with possible periosteum, covers the implant and the space to form a closed space (4a). The bioactive material consists of growth-stimulating substances (GSS) arranged on the implant. In a stage of incorporation, GSS passes outward into body fluid which has penetrated into the closed space and interacts with cells present in the fluid so that new bone is formed around the outer pats (5a) of the implant. The invention also relates to a use and to an implant. The invention also simplifies the handling of implants.
US08167617B2 Method for automatically fabricating a dental superstructure for attachment to an implant
A system for a dental superstructure to be attached to an implant using a digital model description of a shape of the superstructure, the superstructure including first and second elements. The system comprises a computing device arranged to (a) analyze a recorded real clinical situation or shaped clinical situation of an implant axis and insertion axis, (b) compute a shape of the dental superstructure based at least in part on the determined implant axis, (c) generate digital data representing the shape of the superstructure, and (d) separate the computed shape into first digital data representing a shape of the first element to be connected to the implant and second digital data representing a shape of the second element to be connected to the first element, the shape of the first element being optimized, at least in part, based on a tilt angle between the determined implant axis and insertion axis.
US08167616B2 Dental handpiece system with replaceable treatment tips
A dental hand piece with replaceable tips at either end of a tubular handle, each of the replaceable tips including a tip assembly having an instrument working tip end at a distal end of a main tip body and a shank extending from the instrument working tip end to a proximal end of the main tip body. The tip assembly may be provided with a flat-blade extension end at the proximal end of the main tip body. The flat-blade extension end passes through a keyway-shaped slot provided in a locking component, and engages locking structure provided on a cylindrical barrel member. Replaceable tips at the ends of the tubular handle may be secured in 180° orientation to one another. A spring arm member may additionally or alternatively engage notches along an interior wall of the cylindrical barrel member.
US08167611B2 Drying furnace for coated film
In drying of a glass substrate to which a coated film is applied, the heating and drying is conducted while feeding means 10, 18, which always moves on a lower surface of the glass substrate 6 to which the coated film is applied, abuts against the substrate, in order to solve a problem that when the lower surface of the coated film is supported for a long time, supporting traces occur and thereby quality of the glass substrate is reduced. With this configuration, traces of the pin 11, 12, 21 are less likely to occur.
US08167606B2 Apparatus and method for forming panel
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for forming a panel. The apparatus includes a first mold unit may include a right-angled upper mold provided on the front portion of an upper mold to reciprocate vertically, and a right-angled lower mold provided on the front portion of a lower mold, thus compressing base materials to impart a pattern of a right triangular waveform. A second mold unit may include an obtuse upper mold provided on the central portion of the upper mold to reciprocate in a direction inclined relative to a progressing direction of the base materials, and an obtuse lower mold provided on the central portion of the lower mold, thus compressing the base materials to impart a pattern of an obtuse triangular waveform. A third mold unit may be provided behind the second mold unit and linearly presses the base materials in a direction from front to rear.
US08167604B2 Fluid spring and molding apparatus
A fluid spring is provided with a sleeve, a first chamber configured to accommodate a fluid and formed in the sleeve, a hollow piston rod, a second chamber configured to accommodate the fluid and formed in the hollow piston rod, and a communicating passage configured to make the first chamber and the second chamber communicate with each other and formed in an end portion of the hollow piston rod. A part of the hollow piston rod is displacably accommodated in the first chamber. The communicating passage only permits the fluid to flow in a direction from the first chamber to the second chamber.
US08167600B2 Apparatus for producing polymer film and process for producing polymer film
An apparatus and method suitable for producing a polymer film, particularly a polyimide film, perform drying and heat treatment using a tenter type feeding apparatus that suppresses the problems of deformation of film in the vicinity of pore into which the pins bite and breakage of the pores to form long pores in the width direction. The apparatus includes a device to suppress deformation of the film in the vicinity of the tenter pins at the time point when the both ends of the film is pierced with the pins and cools the pin temperature to less than 180° C. at the time when the film is pierced with the pins. Individual pins can be arranged on the innermost side of the pin sheets so that they are all disposed at the same distance both in the film feeding direction in the individual pin sheets and between other pin sheets.
US08167598B2 Filling shoe for rotary tablet presses
A filling shoe for rotary tablet presses, comprising a filling shoe housing with at least one discharge opening for a starting product which is to be compressed and with a seal for sealing the gap between the die plate and filling shoe housing, which seal can be fastened exchangeably to a bottom wall of the filling shoe housing. In order to make it possible to achieve shorter downtimes when changing the seals, the seal in the mounted state is fastened to the bottom wall by means of magnetic force. Changing the seal can then take place, if appropriate even without any further aids, by overcoming the magnetic holding force and replacing the seal with a new seal. The invention also relates to the seal for sealing the gap, which seal can be fastened according to the invention by means of magnetic elements.
US08167593B2 System and method for pump with deformable bearing surface
Systems and methods for pumping fluid comprising a pumping chamber, a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a valving mechanism, and a drive piston or pumping chamber wall including a deformable surface configured to provide elastohydrodynamic lubrication during operation.
US08167588B2 Compressor system and frame
A reciprocating compressor is provided with a reciprocating compressor frame which includes a central body and at least two crosshead guides extending from opposite sides of the central body. Additionally, the compressor frame has angled crosshead guide support structures extending outwardly from the central body along a respective crosshead guide.
US08167586B2 Valve assembly with low resistance pilot shifting
A valve arrangement for placing a supply of motive fluid in alternating communication with first and second motive fluid chambers. The valve arrangement includes a power valve including a supply chamber, a pilot chamber, and a shiftable member separating the supply chamber from the pilot chamber. The valve arrangement also includes a pilot valve actuable between an on condition in which the pilot valve generates a pilot signal that shifts the power valve, and an off condition in which the pilot valve does not generate the pilot signal. At least a portion of the pilot valve is exposed to motive fluid, and the portion of the pilot valve exposed to motive fluid includes surface areas giving rise to a net zero actuating force arising from pressure of the motive fluid. Because there is no biasing force on the pilot valve, the pilot valve is shifted between the on and off conditions without significant resistance.
US08167585B2 Devices and/or systems for mounting an auxiliary blower
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system, which can comprise an electric motor cooling fan. The electric motor cooling fan can be driven by an auxiliary motor distinct from an electric motor adapted to be cooled by the electric motor cooling fan. The system can comprise a motor enclosure of the electric motor. The motor enclosure can be configured in a predetermined ventilation pattern.
US08167578B2 Switch and float assembly for a pump
An assembly controls the liquid level in a vessel in which a submersible pump is disposed. The assembly has a switch housing and a float housing, arranged proximate to each other. A switch in the switch housing selectively energizes a motor associated with the pump. When a float disposed in the float housing moves in response to a change in the liquid level of the vessel, the movement is coupled to the switch by a pair of magnets arranged in attractive relationship to each other. One of the magnets is in the switch housing and the other is in the float housing. The magnets interact by providing force fields that acts through a wall that separates the switch housing and the float housing. A lever on which the switch housing magnet is positioned tilts the magnets away from alignment as they approach each other, reducing the increase in attractive force therebetween.
US08167574B2 Ceil fan blade assembly
A ceil fan blade assembly includes an upper blade, a lower blade, and a decorative member enclosed between the upper and lower blades. The upper and lower blades are formed with engaging portions which are an engaging rib and en engaging groove to connect the upper and lower blades together. Each of the upper and lower blades is formed with an inner recess at the middle and rear sections thereof so as to enclose the decorative member. The decorative member is made of colored paper, plastic material or embossment board. The upper and lower blades are connected tightly to become one piece after high frequency or ultrasonic process. The surface of the decorative member is printed or carved with a patter to be reflected through the inner recesses. This provides a simply and easy way and is cost-effective.
US08167568B2 High pressure turbine blade airfoil profile
A two-stage high pressure turbine includes a second stage blade having an airfoil with a profile substantially in accordance with at least an intermediate portion of the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 2. The X and Y values are distances, which when smoothly connected by an appropriate continuing curve, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The profile sections at each distance Z are joined smoothly to one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08167566B2 Rotor dovetail hook-to-hook fit
A male dovetail for a bucket mounted on a drum rotor for a steam turbine is provided by a tight hook-to-hook fit with the female dovetail of a retaining groove around the periphery of the drum rotor wheel. The tight hook-to-hook fit eliminates the use of loading pins which heretofore have been driven between a base of the male dovetail and a bottom of the retaining groove, a manually intensive operation with the potential to damage the bucket and the rotor.
US08167560B2 Turbine airfoil with an internal cooling system having enhanced vortex forming turbulators
A turbine airfoil usable in a turbine engine and having at least one cooling system. At least a portion of the cooling system may include one or more cooling channels having a plurality of turbulators protruding from an inner surface and positioned generally nonorthogonal and nonparallel to a longitudinal axis of the airfoil cooling channel. The cooling channel may also include a plurality of vortex enhancers protruding from an inner surface forming the cooling channel and positioned nonparallel to the turbulators. In one embodiment, the vortex enhancers may be positioned generally orthogonal to the turbulators. The configuration of turbulators and vortex enhancers creates a higher internal convective cooling potential for the blade cooling passage, thereby generating a high rate of internal convective heat transfer and attendant improvement in overall cooling performance. This translates into a reduction in cooling fluid demand and better turbine performance.
US08167558B2 Modular serpentine cooling systems for turbine engine components
A cooling system for use in a turbine engine component exposed to high temperatures during engine operation. The system includes a serpentine flow passage and an exhaust region. The serpentine flow passage includes a coolant supply inlet. The passage can be configured so that neighboring portions of the passage have coolant flowing in the same direction or, alternatively, in opposite directions. A number of flow disrupting structures, such as microfins and trip strips, can be located along the flow passage. The exhaust region can discharge coolant from the system at reduced exit momentum. The exiting flow can provide film cooling to the component. The cooling system can be provided in a small modular form, which can increase cooling design flexibility and can allow cooling designs tailored to the unique cooling requirements of the individual component. As a result, the modules can result in high levels of cooling effectiveness.
US08167544B2 Rotating device to be used in a fluid
The invention relates to a rotational device that is to be used in a fluid in order to generate power from the moving stream of a fluid or to convert energy into a motion of a fluid. Said rotational device comprises main rotating means which is fixedly connected to a central rotary shaft of the rotational device, one or several rotational surfaces which are mounted on the main rotating means so as to be rotatable about rotational surface rotary shafts spaced away from the rotary shaft such that the main rotating means are able to perform a rotational motion about the central rotary shaft by means of at least one rotational surface, the rotational surface rotary shafts extending parallel to the rotary shaft of the main body. A device is provided which adjusts an angle of the rotational surface relative to the direction of flow of the fluid in such way that the buoyancy principle is maintained on the rotational surface.
US08167543B2 Method of manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade
A method of manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. Anticipated primary load paths within the rotor blade are predicted. Fibers of reinforcing material are dispensed onto a mold, having an orientation pattern of the fibers which is selected in dependence on the predicting step. Resin is also dispensed into the mold. A wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The blade comprises fibers of reinforcing material which are embedded in resin. The fibers are short, say in the range of 5 to 200 mm, and are orientated in dependence on an anticipated structural loading pattern of the rotor blade.
US08167540B2 System for reducing compressor noise
A system for reducing compressor noise includes a rotor having a plurality of blades. The blades have a nominal geometry characterized by a blade parameter. At least some of the blades are mistuned, such that they differ from the nominal geometry by greater than a manufacturing tolerance in the blade parameter. The blades produce shock waves at a blade passing frequency, and the mistuned blades shift acoustic energy away from the blade passing frequency to multiple lower amplitude tones at other frequencies. The system is configurable to be deployed with an inlet silencer that preferentially absorbs acoustic energy at some of the shifted frequencies.
US08167535B2 System and method for providing supercritical cooling steam into a wheelspace of a turbine
A system for cooling a high pressure section of a turbomachine includes a conduit configured to carry cooling steam from a boiler to a space upstream of a first stage nozzle of the turbomachine. The conduit extends through a housing of the turbomachine and a nozzle diaphragm of the first stage nozzle. The system further includes a control valve in the conduit configured to regulate the flow of cooling steam. A turbomachine includes a housing; a turbine shaft rotatably supported in the housing; and a plurality of turbine stages located along the turbine shaft and contained within the housing. Each turbine stage includes a diaphragm attached to the housing. The diaphragm comprises a plurality of nozzles. A hole is provided in the diaphragm upstream of a first stage of the plurality of stages for the introduction of cooling steam. A method of cooling a high pressure section of a turbomachine includes introducing cooling steam into the turbomachine through the at least one hole.
US08167533B2 Wind energy system
Wind energy systems comprise a wind accelerator having a support assembly and an outer structure surrounding the support assembly. The wind accelerator has a front region and a rear region. The rear region is substantially wider than the front region, and the outer structure tapers from the rear region to the front region. One or more turbines are mounted on the support assembly at or near the rear region of the wind accelerator or at or near the widest point of the wind accelerator.
US08167528B2 Back saver lift
A lift that is configured to securely lift, carry and deposit a control unit using three degrees of movement. The lift comprises a chassis having a support frame and a power source connected to the support frame. A pivot member rotatably connects to the support frame, wherein the pivot member has a pivot plate and a rod rotatably connected to the pivot plate. A lift frame connects to the rod of the pivot plate, wherein a lift arm rotatably connects to the lift frame. The lift further comprises a pressurized fluid drive operatively connected to the power source and operatively connected to the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm. The fluid drive is configured to reciprocally move the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm such that the lift arm moves in three degrees of movement with respect to the chassis.
US08167527B2 Auger wagon with folding lift auger and retracting delivery hood
An agricultural auger wagon includes a horizontal floor auger and a forward lift auger for delivering grain to a transport vehicle. The lift auger is a folding auger which includes a fixed lower auger section and an upper auger section mounted above the lower auger section in use. The upper auger section is moved by an hydraulic cylinder between the upright delivery position for delivering the contents of the wagon to an adjacent transport vehicle, such as a truck, and a folded transport position. The folding upper auger section has a retractable delivery hood. In the use or delivery position, the upper and lower left auger sections are aligned for delivering product. During the movement of the upper auger section to the delivery position, the delivery hood is moved by linkage to the distal upper end of the upper auger section for maximum height and reach in delivering grain to an adjacent vehicle. To place the lift auger assembly in the transport position, an hydraulic cylinder pivots the upper auger section from the raised, delivery position to a horizontal transport position in which the upper, moveable auger section lies immediately in front of the wagon in a generally horizontal disposition with its axis extending transverse of the direction of travel. A linkage is actuated by the folding action of the upper auger section to move the delivery hood along the upper auger housing to reduce the overall length of the upper auger section in transport while increasing its reach in the delivery position.
US08167523B2 Singulation handler comprising vision system
Singulation handler is provided which comprises a loading zone where a carrier mechanism receives and holds an electronic component and a singulation zone where the electronic component held by the carrier mechanism is singulated. A loader that is movable along an axis is operative to place the electronic component onto the carrier mechanism when it is situated in the loading zone and a vision system that is movable along substantially the same axis as the loader is operative to obtain at least one image of the electronic component showing alignment information so that the electronic component can be properly aligned during singulation.
US08167521B2 Substrate transfer apparatus and vertical heat processing apparatus
The present invention restrains, during a transfer of a substrate, a central portion of the substrate from being warped by its own weight, which might be caused by a super-enlargement of a diameter of the substrate. A substrate transfer apparatus 18 includes: a support part 17 which is moved above a substrate w of a large diameter; and an upside grip mechanism 28 disposed on the support part 17, the upside grip mechanism 28 capable of supporting a peripheral portion of the substrate w from above. The support part 17 is provided with a non-contact sucking and holding part 30 having a suction hole 31 and a blow hole 32. The non-contact sucking and holding part 30 sucks and holds the substrate w in a non-contact manner, by blowing a gas onto the central portion of the upper surface of the substrate w and sucking the central portion to form an air layer 50 such that the central portion of the wafer w is not warped.
US08167519B2 Portable coring machine
The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also he provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.
US08167516B2 Pellet Delivery System
Palletized materials are delivered in controlled quantity into a pulse modulated air stream. A vortex of compressed air gates the pellets into flexible small diameter tubing for transit to a hot melt adhesive application apparatus. Pellets of different materials, sizes, and shapes can be combined in a defined ratio within several seconds of melting at the application point. Pellet delivery air can be utilized for spray application of the melted material.
US08167503B2 Taper roller bearing
A taper roller bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, taper rollers arranged so as to be rollable between the inner and outer races, and a retainer for retaining the taper rollers, in which a flange portion is provided only on the radially larger side of the inner race. The retainer includes a radially-larger-side annular portion including a hook portion. The hook portion effects hooking so that the flange portion of the inner race is maintained in an assembled state. In a neutral state, the hook portion is kept out of contact with the flange portion. A guide surface portion for guiding the inner race to be incorporated is provided on a radially inner end portion of an outer surface of the hook portion.
US08167501B2 Separator for bearing assemblies with cyclic loads
A bearing assembly includes first and second races, a plurality of ball bearings positioned between the first and second races, and a spacer positioned between each of the ball bearings. The spacers each include a body defining opposite first and second sides, a first substantially concave pocket located at the first side of the body, and a second substantially concave pocket located at the second side of the body. The first and second substantially concave pockets each define a central region having a first radius of curvature about a first center point and an outer region adjacent to the central region that has a second radius of curvature about a second center point. The first and second center points are spaced from one another, and the body includes a portion extending in between at least the respective central regions of the first and second substantially concave pockets.
US08167497B2 Sensor-equipped bearing for wheel
A sensor-equipped bearing for a wheel rotatably supporting the wheel relative to a vehicle body includes an outer member (1) provided with a double-row raceway surface (3) on an inner periphery thereof, an inner member (2) provided with raceway surfaces (4) opposing to the raceway surfaces (3) of the outer member (1), one of the outer and inner members serving as a stationary member, double-row rolling elements (5) interposed between the outer and inner raceway surfaces, a sensor fitting member (22) fixed to a peripheral surface of the stationary member, and a plurality of strain sensors (23) attached to the sensor fitting member (22) for measuring a strain thereof.
US08167494B2 Squeeze-film damper arrangement
A squeeze-film damper arrangement comprising: concentric inner and outer components defining an annular gap there between for accommodating radial motion of the inner component within the outer component; and a fluid filling the annular gap around the outside of the inner component for damping said radial motion of the inner component, the fluid being axially contained between spaced-apart, radially-compliant first and second face-seals provided between the inner and outer components; wherein the first face-seal is provided between the opposing faces of a first pair of radially overlapping circumferential sealing elements associated with the inner and outer components respectively, a first one of the circumferential sealing elements in said pair being mounted for axial movement relative to the associated inner or outer component and being axially biased against the second of said circumferential sealing elements in said pair to form the first face-seal.
US08167492B2 Lubricating device for a linear rolling bearing
A lubricating device for a linear rolling bearing which has a guide rail and a carriage that is longitudinally moveable on the guide rail and supported on the guide rail by rolling bodies. The rolling bodies are guided in longitudinal grooves along the guide rail, and the lubricating device is fastened to the carriage and lubricate the longitudinal grooves and/or the rolling bodies. The lubricating device also has lubricant supply ducts, which supply a lubricant to the longitudinal grooves and clear outlet openings in the region of the longitudinal grooves for transferring the lubricant to the longitudinal grooves. The lubricant supply ducts are covered by at least one absorbent repository element along the courses thereof in coverage areas. The repository element is designed and/or arranged to absorb lubricant in the coverage areas and to conduct it to the longitudinal grooves in parallel with the lubricant supply channels.
US08167490B2 Multilayer stretchy drawstring
The disclosed subject matter relates to a multilayer stretchy drawstring and methods of making the same. The drawstring of the disclosed subject matter is a stretched multilayer coextruded or laminated film that offers good balance between easy stretching at low strain and high strain hardening at high strain. The multilayer film includes a first layer of elastomeric polymer and second and third layers of thermoplastic polymer and is stretched beyond the deformation limit of the thermoplastic polymer and allowed to recover. This novel drawstring can be incorporated into a bag to enable the bag to be securely fitted to the upper portion of a trash container while not interfering with the intrinsic strength and operation of the drawstring.
US08167484B2 Temperature indication pipe joint
A temperature indication pipe joint, including a shell, wherein a water conduit is arranged in said shell, and including a heat transmission unit which has a first end in said water conduit and a second end connected to the center of a spiral double sheet metal, said spiral double sheet metal further has an indicating needle extended from its other end. By utilizing the double sheet metal to sense the change of temperature and deform accordingly, the water temperature can be indicated, which can reduce the cost and achieve a simpler structure compared to the digital thermometer used before; when rotating the cover of the present invention, the quantity of water stream will be adjusted.
US08167479B2 Apparatus for dosing and mixing solid powders in technological processes for converting plastic materials
An apparatus for dosing and mixing solid powders in technological processes for converting plastic materials, comprising an assembly for dosing the solid powders to be mixed with a first process liquid before mixing with an additional process liquid, the dosage assembly comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder for introducing the powders at a preset pressure which is correlated to the pressure of the first process liquid kept at a controlled pressure.
US08167477B2 Backlight assembly including lamp socket with elastomeric conductor
A lamp socket includes a body receiving a lamp, and a power supplying member disposed inside the body, the power supplying member a conductive elastomer, the power supplying member electrically interconnecting the lamp and an inverter substrate on which an inverter is mounted. The power supplying member includes a lamp connector receiving a lead wire of the lamp, and an inverter connector formed integrally with the lamp connector, wherein the inverter connector receives a protrusion of the inverter substrate to encircle the protrusion.
US08167476B2 Light source device and surface light source device equipped with same
A light source device comprising: a point light source for emitting light; a light source substrate directly mounting the point light source; a light source substrate cover having a through hole or a notch in a position to which the point light source corresponds, the light source substrate cover arranged opposite to a surface of the light source substrate on which the point light source is mounted; and a support member for supporting the light source substrate, the support member arranged to be opposed to the reverse side of the mounting surface of the light source substrate, the support member has a substantially same size with the light source substrate; wherein the light source substrate cover and the support member sandwich the light source substrate to support the light source substrate.
US08167473B2 Backlight unit
A backlight unit capable of implementing slimness and preventing stain defects is disclosed. The backlight unit includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a fixed interval, a reflection sheet disposed under the LEDs and configured to reflect light, a diffusion plate disposed on the LEDs and configured to diffuse light, and a plurality of inversed pyramid patterns formed along a diagonal direction in the center of one side of the diffusion plate on the upper surface of the diffusion plate. The plural LEDs include a plurality of odd-numbered line LEDs and a plurality of even-numbered line LEDs arranged in zigzags.
US08167468B1 LED lighting fixtures with enhanced heat dissipation
An LED lighting fixture includes a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a rear side and a front side. At least one LED is mounted to the front side of the MCPCB. A transparent window is mounted and sealed to the front side of the MCPCB to enclose the LED. A portion of the MCPCB extends from the transparent window so that it can be in heat exchange contact with water when the window of the lighting fixture is submerged in water.
US08167460B2 LED lamp having heat radiating housing
A lamp includes a housing unit and a light source mounted on the housing unit. The housing unit includes a housing and a plurality of heat radiating fins. The light source includes a support base having a first side provided with a plurality of light emitting members, a heat radiating assembly having a first end mounted on a second side of the support base and a heat conducting plate mounted on a second end of the heat radiating assembly.
US08167456B2 Illumination device with semiconductor light-emitting elements
An illumination device includes a base board, an insulator, a conductor, a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements and a light-transmissive sealing member. The base board includes a surface and projection portions. The projection portion is formed to become gradually thicker from its end toward the surface of the base board. The insulator is formed on the surface. The conductor is formed on the insulator. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are mounted on the projection portions. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are electrically connected to the conductor via connection members. The sealing member covers the insulator, the projection portions, the semiconductor light-emitting elements and the connection members.
US08167451B2 Backlight device and liquid crystal display device
A fluorescent tube is prevented from being wrongly attached and broken when being attached, and luminance nonuniformity of backlight due to luminance difference generated in the tube axis direction of the fluorescent tube is reduced. In a backlight device (2), a plurality of fluorescent tube sets, each of which is composed of four fluorescent tubes (21) having electrodes (211) at the both ends and a pair of lamp holders (5) storing portions close to the both electrodes at the both ends of the four fluorescent tubes (21), and the fluorescent tube sets are driven by a pair of inverter circuit board. The backlight device (2) is provided with a power transmitting member (10), which is connected to electrodes (211) at the ends on one side of the two fluorescent tubes (21), for every two adjacent fluorescent tubes configuring the fluorescent tube set, gathers wirings (9) from the electrodes (211) at the ends and transmits power; and a conduction member (7), which is connected to the electrodes (211) on the other side of the two fluorescent tubes and permits a current to flow between the electrodes at the other ends. In the lamp holder (5), the power transmitting members (10) and the conductive members (7) are alternately arranged.
US08167449B2 Inspection lamp with interchangeable LED light source module
An inspection lamp includes a housing with an external opening providing access to a socket having an electrical contact, an interchangeable light source module including a tab adapted to be inserted into the opening and received into the socket, the tab including a mating electrical contact for making an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the socket, the light source module including at least one light emitting diode, and a switch for controlling the light emitted by the light source module.
US08167448B1 Structure to support, display and illuminate a baseball cap
A baseball cap lamp that is suitable for displaying and illuminating a baseball cap when the cap is not being worn includes a lamp shaft having a light socket and a cap stand carried by the lamp shaft at the light socket. An alternative illustrative embodiment of the baseball cap lamp includes a lamp shaft, an LED panel carried by the lamp shaft, a plurality of LEDs provided on the LED panel and a cap stand carried by the lamp shaft at the LED panel.
US08167443B2 Optical observation apparatus
The apparatus includes a supporting member disposed at an outer circumference of the ocular optical system and an eyepiece cup. A first member thereof includes a cam follower and a second member thereof includes a cam groove to move the eyepiece cup in an optical axis direction with rotation of the eyepiece cup and an introducing groove through which the cam follower is introduced to the cam groove. One member of the first and second members includes an engaging portion, and another member thereof includes a stopper engaging with the engaging portion to prevent rotation of the eyepiece cup in a direction in which the cam follower is returned from the cam groove toward the introducing groove. The stopper formed integrally with another member is elastically movable so as to be located at and retreated from an engaging position to be engageable with the engaging portion.
US08167440B2 Light source unit, light source apparatus and projector
A light source unit includes a light source group wherein light sources are arranged into rows and columns so as to form a planar configuration and a primary reflecting mirror group disposed on an optical axis of the light source group to reflect light beams emitted from the light source group as light beams whose sectional areas are reduced in a column direction by narrowing intervals between light beams emitted from the light sources making up the rows of the light source group, the primary reflecting mirror group includes different strip-like reflecting mirrors disposed on optical axes of light beams emitted from the rows of the light source group in a step-like fashion, and the reflecting mirrors are disposed to eliminate intervals between reflected light beams from the reflecting mirrors, thereby making it possible to reduce the sectional areas of the light beams.
US08167439B2 Image forming device
A field-sequential-type image forming device which includes: a light valve element which divides one field of a color image to sectors corresponding to primary colors different from each other and forms images corresponding to the primary colors during periods of the respective sectors; a light emission control unit which controls light emission quantities of the light sources; and an image control signal outputting unit which outputs control signals to the light valve element. In such an image forming device, the image control signal outputting unit outputs signals for forming the image by controlling light quantities of lights emitted from the primary color sources during the primary color light emission period and light quantity correction signals for controlling light quantity of the image corresponding to the positions of the pixels which form the image during the high-brightness light emission period.
US08167434B2 Light projection system and display device
The invention relates to a light projection system (10) for use in conjunction with a display device (40). The light projection system comprises a light source for emitting light being modulated by video and/or audio content of the display device (40), and a light guide (20). The longitudinal light guide guides light emitted by the light source substantially along a longitudinal axis (26) and projects the light propagating through the longitudinal light guide on a projection surface (50). The longitudinal light guide comprises: a light input window, and a plurality of light out-coupling elements. The plurality of light out-coupling elements project the light on the projection surface via light out-coupling elements comprising sub-sets (70a, 70d) of light out-coupling elements. A particular sub-set (70a, 70d) is arranged for substantially illuminating a particular area (50a, 50d) of the projection surface (50). A luminous intensity emitted by the particular sub-set is dependent on a distance (da, dd) along a straight line between the particular sub-set and the particular area, and/or on an angle between the straight line and normal of the projection surface. The effect of the measures according to the invention is that the variation of the luminous intensity over the particular area is reduced.