最新美国发明专利第2012-05-08期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08173967B2	Radiation detectors and related methods A method includes detecting a neutron based on a time proximity of a first signal and a second signal. The first signal indicates detection of at least one of a neutron and a gamma ray. The second signal indicates detection of a gamma ray. The method further includes measuring an amount of detected gamma rays, for example, an amount different from an amount detected and associated with the second signal.
US08173959B1	Real-time trace detection by high field and low field ion mobility and mass spectrometry A trace detection system includes at least two stages coupled to operate in series. An ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) stage has a sampling inlet to receive a sample to be analyzed. An ion source ionizes the sample. The IMS applies an electrical field to the ionized sample to move the ionized sample toward an IMS outlet. A differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) stage coupled in series with the IMS stage receives the ionized sample from the IMS stage. Preferably, the system includes a mass spectrometer (MS) stage coupled in series with the DMS stage to receive the ionized sample from the DMS stage via a vacuum interface. A roughing vacuum pump evacuates a first stage of the MS stage to a first pressure below atmospheric pressure. A high vacuum pump evacuates a second stage of the MS stage to a second pressure below the first pressure.
US08173958B2	Mass spectrometer In a conventional mass spectrometer in which a pipe to be electrically heated is provided between a separation wall separating an ionization chamber for ionizing a sample and a separation wall separating an analysis chamber, and an ion in the ionization chamber is introduced through the pipe to the analysis chamber, the pipe is attached or detached by screwing or unscrewing a connector portion of an electrode connected to the pipe and a connector portion of a support disposed at the separation wall. However, with this structure, the screw needs to be loosened until it is completely unscrewed every time it is washed or exchanged, and thus the operability is deteriorated. According to the present invention, a screw hole for screwing the electrode connector portion is in the form of a cut-out portion facing in the direction of rotation centering on an axis of the pipe. Accordingly, the pipe can be attached or detached by only loosening the screw without completely unscrewing it.
US08173955B2	Methods and apparatus to optically determine velocities of downhole fluids Methods and apparatus to optically determine velocities of downhole fluids are disclosed. Some example methods to determine a velocity of a downhole fluid include exciting a fluorescent substance in a downhole fluid with an optical signal via an optical interface. The example methods further include detecting fluorescence of the downhole fluid via an optical fiber at a predetermined distance from the optical interface, and determining the velocity of the downhole fluid based on the detected fluorescence.
US08173954B2	Detector for use in well-logging applications A detector includes a sonde having a housing and comprising a scintillator disposed within the housing and a calibration source coupled to the scintillator to fluoresce the scintillator at a known wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The detector further includes an electromagnetic radiation sensing device coupled to the scintillator and disposed within the housing and a first programmable/re-programmable processing module (PRPM) coupled to the electromagnetic radiation sensing device and disposed within the housing. The PRPM is programmed to process signals from the electromagnetic sensing device based on a user-defined analysis mode selected from the group of modes consisting of filtering, windowing, discriminating, and counting.
US08173952B2	Arrangement for producing electromagnetic radiation and method for operating said arrangement A method for operating an assembly configured to produce electromagnetic radiation, especially X-ray radiation or extreme ultraviolet radiation. Particles, especially electrons, are guided onto a target by way of an adjustable focusing device. The particles produce electromagnetic radiation in the target. At least one object, especially a calibration object, is penetrated by the electromagnetic radiation and a radiogram of the object is recorded. The radiogram or a plurality of radiograms is automatically evaluated and the focusing device is adjusted depending on the evaluation.
US08173950B2	Single track optical encoder Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder having at least three channels—two data channels and one index channel—disposed along a common axis or single track. The single track configuration disclosed herein permits very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the single track configuration reduces problems with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permits relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduces manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed.
US08173947B2	Scanning mirror position determination A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions, at least one of which is sinusoidal. A position sensor provides a position signal that represents an angular displacement of the mirror. The position signal is amplified by an amplifier with time variant characteristics. A beam position determination component compensates for the time variant characteristics of the amplifier.
US08173946B1	Method of intercepting incoming projectile A method of defeating an incoming missile, such as a rocket propelled grenade, includes soft launching an interceptor missile, and then using pitch over motors of the interceptor missile to alter course of the missile to a desired interception direction. By launching at a relatively slow speed, such as a speed less than or equal to 40 m/sec (130 ft/sec), the interceptor missile may reach the desired interception direction within 250 milliseconds of launch. The interceptor missile may be able to cover substantially all interception directions over a hemisphere or greater extent around a launch location. For example, the interceptor missile may be launched vertically from a ground vehicle, and be capable of altering course to any above-ground trajectory within 250 milliseconds.
US08173945B2	Apparatus and method for guidance of a projectile There is disclosed an apparatus and a method for guidance of a projectile. The method for guidance of a projectile, includes emission from the launching position of the projectile of beams pointing to the vertexes of a regular polygon, emission from the launching position of a beam encompassing the preceding beams, determination of position of the projectile relative to the beams, the determined position enabling to correct the projectile trajectory to maintain the projectile the closer to the center of the polygon formed by the beams.
US08173942B2	Self-cleaning over the range oven An over the range oven includes a main body defining a cooking cavity therein, wherein the cooking cavity includes a front edge surrounding an opening. An RF generation module is coupled to the cooking cavity and is configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity. At least one radiant heat source is coupled to the cooking cavity and is configured to supply heat energy to the cooking cavity. The oven is configured to operate in a radiant heat mode of operation, a microwave mode of operation, a dual mode of operation, and a self clean mode of operation.
US08173940B2	High-power plastic heater for aquarium A high-power plastic aquarium heater includes a narrow, elongated, flat nickel-chrome steel strip wound on a mica tube and electrically connected with a circuit board inside a tubular plastic casing, and vacuum mounts fastened to the tubular plastic casing with pipe clamps for securing the tubular plastic casing to the inside wall of an aquarium. The use of the narrow, elongated, flat nickel-chrome steel strip facilitates positioning of the mica tube in the longitudinal center axis of the tubular plastic casing for even distribution of heat energy. Further, the nickel-chrome steel strip has a broad heat generating surface area in one particular direction to that the high-power plastic heater has a high performance while saving much the consumption of electric power.
US08173939B1	Thermally conditionable light transmitting subassembly A non-film based, thermally conditionable light transmitting article is provided. The article includes an adhesively coated resistive wire and a substrate suitably selected for light transmittance. The adhesively coated resistive wire is solely and directly adhesively affixed to the substrate so as to be thereby supported upon and by the substrate. A layer of adhesive, in the form of an adhesive linkage originating from the adhesive of the adhesively coated resistive wire, is present between the resistive wire and the substrate.
US08173938B2	Controller for a heating cable A controller for a heating cable. The heating cable includes first and second conductors and a separation layer interposed between the conductors. The conductors and the separation layer extend along the length of the cable and electrical resistance provided by the separation layer between adjacent portions of the conductors has a negative temperature coefficient. The controller includes a first switch, arranged for connecting the first and second conductors in series at one end of the cable such that if the first and second conductors are connected at the other end of the cable to respective poles of a power supply currents flow in opposite directions through adjacent portions of the conductors. The controller further includes a second switch and voltage measurement functionality. The controller is arranged to control power to the cable as a function of measured voltage across the first resistor when both switches are open.
US08173933B2	Method and apparatus for forming hole In a method of forming a hole on a work piece, a laser beam is directed from a laser head to a predetermined portion of the work piece to form a pilot hole having a first surface condition, and then the predetermined portion of the work piece is punched using a die and a punch having a cross-section greater than a cross-section of the pilot hole. Thus, a finished hole having a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the pilot hole is formed over the pilot hole. The finished hole has a second surface condition, and the second surface condition is formed by transforming the first surface condition by the punch to have a precise dimension.
US08173932B2	Perforation method and perforation apparatus A perforation method and an perforation apparatus in which a hollow member of a fuel injection nozzle is filled with a filler such as a zirconia ball, and a laser light is applied to the hollow member to form an injection hole while vibrating the zirconia ball using an ultrasonic vibrator. After the injection hole is formed, the laser light is introduced through the injection hole to the inside of the fuel injection nozzle, and thereby is applied to the vibrated zirconia ball.
US08173929B1	Methods and systems for trimming circuits Various embodiments of the invention include methods and systems for trimming electronic circuits using short laser pulses of near-infrared wavelength at a high repetition rate. The laser pulses ablate material from a spot on a circuit with minimal thermal and photoelectric disturbances to circuit performance. Minimal disturbance to circuit performance allows for repeated trimming and testing without pausing for circuit reinitialization. To optimize trimming, the laser pulses can also be adjusted responsive to the composition of the material ablated. In some embodiments, the system is configured to trim a plurality of circuits in parallel.
US08173921B2	Switch module A switch module includes a substrate (4), a plurality of switches (6) provided on an upper surface of the substrate (4), first and second light-guiding sheets (8, 10) disposed to be stacked above the plurality of switches (6), at least one first light source (12) disposed on the upper surface of the substrate (4) to illuminate the first light-guiding sheet (8), at least one second light source (14) disposed on the upper surface of the substrate (4) to illuminate the second light-guiding sheet (10), and a switching-control device (15) configured to switch between lighting of the first light source (12) and lighting of the second light source (14). First and second displays (22, 24) are respectively provided on a surface of each of the first and second light-guiding sheets (8, 10). When the first light source (12) is lighted, the first display is displayed, and when the second light source (14) is lighted, the second display (24) is displayed. By switching between lighting of the first light source (12) and lighting of the second light source (14), either the first display (22) or the second display (24) can be selectively displayed.
US08173919B2	Seat belt buckle fastening detector and seat belt buckle A seat belt buckle fastening detector 40, which detects the existence of seat belt fastening, includes a printed circuit board 41 including a normally-closed contact NC, a normally-opened contact NO, and a common contact COM. A slider 42 electrically connects the normally-closed contact NC and the common contact COM, or the normally-opened contact NO and the common contact COM. The common contact COM is formed on one surface 41 a of the print circuit board 41, and the normally-closed contact NC and the normally-opened contact NO are formed on the other surface 41b of the print circuit board 41.
US08173914B2	Safety switch A lockable safety switch mechanism having a lockable switch mechanism that cooperates in an offset or skewed manner with an electrical switch. The lockable switch mechanism includes a switch plunger that is displaceable along a predetermined axis between a first position and a second position. A contour is formed along the switch plunger and cooperates with one or more locking mechanisms. A fork cooperates with the locking mechanism so as to selectively interfere with free movement of the switch plunger depending on the interaction between the contour and the locking mechanism. A link extends from one of the locking mechanism and the fork and interacts with a plunger of an electrical switch contact carrier so that an axis of movement of the switch plunger can be offset or skewed relative to an axis of movement of the electrical switch plunger.
US08173911B2	Electronic package The present invention relates to a device package, such as an electronic system package, that is suitable for use in harsh military or commercial environments. The package components, including a base enclosure and mating cover, comprise a series of interconnected electrically conductive materials, forming a tortuous electrically conductive path, that advantageously shield electromagnetic interference (“EMI”). The electrically conductive, EMI-shielding layers and other coated layers (e.g., insulative electrocoated paint layers) are smooth layers that provide corrosion resistance to the interior and exterior surfaces of the package. The package is also designed such that its components form a water tight seal. Thus, innovatively, the package comprises a combination of components that synergistically shield electromagnetic interference, resist interior and exterior corrosion, and form a water tight seal. The package is configured to pass military specification EMI and salt fog standard testing.
US08173908B2	Device interconnects A method of fabricating a device structure, comprises: forming an insulating layer (3b) over a first set of devices disposed over a substrate (3); forming one or more vias in the insulating layer; disposing a second set of devices (6) over the insulating layer, wherein devices of the second set comprise respective electrical contacts (6a) and are disposed over the insulating layer (3b) such that a side on which a contact (6a) can be accessed faces the substrate (3); and forming one or more electrical contacts between the first set of devices and the second set of devices (6) through the via(s). The second set of devices and at least one via are positioned such that one or more of the vias lies at least partially within the footprint of two devices, each belonging to a different device layer.
US08173906B2	Environmental protection coating system and method According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an environmental protection coating comprises a circuit assembly having a first protective dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer. The circuit assembly has an outer surface on which a plurality of discrete electrical components are attached. The first protective dielectric layer overlays the circuit assembly. The second dielectric layer overlays the first protective dielectric layer and is made of a dielectric material having modulus of elasticity less than 3.5 Giga-Pascal (GPa), dielectric constant less than 2.7, dielectric loss less than 0.008, breakdown voltage strength in excess of 2 million volts/centimeter (MV/cm), temperature stability to 300° Celsius, defect densities less than 0.5/centimeter, pinhole free in films greater than 50 Angstroms, capable of being deposited conformally over and under 3D structures with thickness uniformity less than or equal to 10%.
US08173905B2	Wiring structure and method for fabricating the same A wiring structure has a silicon layer, a backing layer provided on the silicon layer, the backing layer comprising a copper alloy containing a nickel, and a copper layer provided on the backing layer, and a diffusion barrier layer having an electrical conductivity, the diffusion barrier layer being provided at a region including an interface between the silicon layer and the backing layer, in which a nickel in the diffusion barrier layer is enriched compared with the backing layer.
US08173900B2	Dry, water-resistant coaxial cable and manufacturing method of the same Dry coaxial cable resistant to water penetration, made of a core conductor, a dielectric element based on three layers of polymers, and an external conductor and an extruded cover, characterized because it has swellable protecting elements against water penetration placed between the external conductor and the protective cover.
US08173894B2	Electron-jump chemical energy converter A method and a device for converting energy uses chemical reactions in close proximity to or on a surface to convert a substantial fraction of the available chemical energy of the shorter lived energized products, such as vibrationally excited chemicals and hot electrons, directly into a useful form, such as longer lived charge carriers in a semiconductor. The carriers store the excitation energy in a form that may be converted into other useful forms, such as electricity, nearly monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or carriers for stimulating other surface reactions.
US08173891B2	Monolithic, multi-bandgap, tandem, ultra-thin, strain-counterbalanced, photovoltaic energy converters with optimal subcell bandgaps Modeling a monolithic, multi-bandgap, tandem, solar photovoltaic converter or thermophotovoltaic converter by constraining the bandgap value for the bottom subcell to no less than a particular value produces an optimum combination of subcell bandgaps that provide theoretical energy conversion efficiencies nearly as good as unconstrained maximum theoretical conversion efficiency models, but which are more conducive to actual fabrication to achieve such conversion efficiencies than unconstrained model optimum bandgap combinations. Achieving such constrained or unconstrained optimum bandgap combinations includes growth of a graded layer transition from larger lattice constant on the parent substrate to a smaller lattice constant to accommodate higher bandgap upper subcells and at least one graded layer that transitions back to a larger lattice constant to accommodate lower bandgap lower subcells and to counter-strain the epistructure to mitigate epistructure bowing.
US08173886B2	Electronic percussion instrument A baseplate carries on its surface a pad constituting a strike surface and a tubular rim surrounding the pad and constituting a strike ring. A pad sensor is provided on the surface of the baseplate in the central area thereof for detecting the vibration of the baseplate caused by a strike on the pad, and a rim sensor is provided between the rim and the baseplate for detecting the vibration of the rim. The electric signals representing the detected vibrations trigger the generation of tone signals of drum sounds. The baseplate is supported via vibration absorber pieces on a support frame. Thus, disturbing vibrations externally given to the support frame will be prevented from propagating up to the baseplate, being absorbed by the vibration absorber pieces.
US08173883B2	Personalized music remixing A personal music mixing system with an embodiment providing beats and vocals configured using a web browser and musical compositions generated from said beats and vocals. Said embodiment provides a plurality of beats and vocals that a user may suitably mix to create a new musical composition and make such composition available for future playback by the user or by others. In some embodiments, the user advantageously may hear a sample musical composition having beats and vocals with particular user-configured parameter settings and may adjust said settings until the user deems the musical composition complete.
US08173878B1	Maize variety inbred PHJBB A novel maize variety designated PHJBB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHJBB with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHJBB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHJBB or a locus conversion of PHJBB with another maize variety.
US08173877B2	Garden bean cultivar H28122 A novel garden bean cultivar, designated H28122, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar H28122, to the plants of garden bean line H28122 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivar H28122 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar H28122.
US08173876B2	Garden bean cultivar H37118 A novel garden bean cultivar, designated H37118, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar H37118, to the plants of garden bean line H37118 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivar H37118 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar H37118.
US08173873B2	Watermelon pollenizer SP-5 The present invention provides a novel watermelon variety designated SP-5, and method for pollinating seedless watermelon plants. The present invention also provides methods for producing triploid, seedless watermelon fruit.
US08173872B2	Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins The invention pertains to novel insecticidal compounds derived from Bacillus thuringiensis strains. New proteins designated. Cry2Ae, Cry2Af, and Cry2Ag, and variants thereof are provided, as well as DNA sequences encoding these proteins or their variants. Further provided are recombinant hosts expressing such proteins, particularly plant cells and plants.
US08173870B2	Fatty acid desaturases from primula The invention relates generally to methods and compositions concerning desaturase enzymes that modulate the number and location of double bonds in long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA's). In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for improving omega-3 fatty acid profiles in plant products and parts using desaturase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding for such enzymes. In particular embodiments, the desaturase enzymes are Primula Δ6-desaturases. Also provided are improved soybean oil compositions having SDA and a beneficial overall content of omega-3 fatty acids relative to omega-6 fatty acids.
US08173867B2	Methods and compositions for modulating flowering and maturity in plants The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating flowering time in plants. Maize RAP2.7 nucleotide sequences are disclosed which upon overexpression cause later flowering and when inhibited cause earlier flowering. Also disclosed is a DNA sequence which acts as a regulator/enhancer of RAP2.7, termed VGT1. This sequence does not code for any known protein, but acts as either a RNAi element or a regulatory DNA or RNA element that either directly regulates expression of flowering genes such as Rap2.7 or specifically targets expression of other genes which control flowering genes such as Rap2.7. This element this can be used as a sequence-based marker to identify inbred and hybrids which have altered maturity. Methods for expressing these nucleotide sequences in a plant for modifying maturity and flowering in plants are provided as well as expression constructs, vectors, transformed cells and plants.
US08173863B2	Sucrose biosensors and methods of using the same Sucrose biosensors are disclosed, which comprise a sucrose binding domain conjugated to donor and fluorescent moieties that permit detection and measurement of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer upon sucrose binding. Such biosensors are useful for real time monitoring of sucrose metabolism in living cells.
US08173859B2	Epilepsy model animal An epilepsy model animal (CHRNA4:S284L) developing spontaneous epileptic seizure during sleep, which is a nonhuman animal established by ontogenesis of a totipotent cell into which a polynucleotide encoding nonhuman mutant CHRNA4 is introduced and having said polynucleotide in its somatic chromosome, or a progeny of the nonhuman animal, wherein said nonhuman mutant CHRNA4 has the corresponding mutation of human mutant CHRNA4 in which the 284th Ser of SEQ ID NO: 1 is substituted by Leu. The epilepsy model animal has gene abnormality homologous to human chromosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy and a symptom (epileptic seizure during sleep) the same as that of human autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy.
US08173855B2	Process for the production of low-concentration ethylene for chemical use Process for the production of ethylene for chemical use starting with a hydrocarbon source according to which: a) the hydrocarbon source is subjected to a first cracking step, namely a pyrolysis step carried out in a cracking oven, thus producing a mixture of cracking products; b) the mixture of cracking products is subjected to a succession of treatment steps, including a compression step, which makes it possible to obtain a purified crude gas stream; c) the purified crude gas stream is then cooled to a temperature where hydrocarbons with 6 and more carbon atoms condense so that they can be removed from the purified crude gas stream; d) the resulting purified gas stream is afterwards supplied to one separating column, where a fraction A containing hydrogen, methane and ethylene is separated at the head of the column and a heavy fraction C is separated at the bottom of the column; e) a part of the reflux of this column is supplied to a refrigeration cycle leading to a fraction B enriched with ethylene; and f) the fraction A and fraction B are separately supplied to chemical use of ethylene.
US08173851B2	Processes for converting gaseous alkanes to liquid hydrocarbons A process for converting gaseous alkanes to olefins, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof wherein a gaseous feed containing alkanes is thermally reacted with a dry bromine vapor to form alkyl bromides and hydrogen bromide. Poly-brominated alkanes present in the alkyl bromides are further reacted with methane over a suitable catalyst to form mono-brominated species. The mixture of alkyl bromides and hydrogen bromide is then reacted over a suitable catalyst at a temperature sufficient to form olefins, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof and hydrogen bromide. Various methods are disclosed to remove the hydrogen bromide from the higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, to generate bromine from the hydrogen bromide for use in the process, and to selectively form mono-brominated alkanes in the bromination step.
US08173848B2	Fluorinated alcohols A compound comprising Formula 5 RfOCFHCF2O(CH2CH2O)v—H Formula 5 wherein Rf is CcF(2c+1); c is 2 to about 6; and v is 2 to about 4; and a process for its preparation comprising contacting a compound of Formula 6 Rf—O—CF═CF2 Formula 6 wherein Rf is CcF(2c+1), and c is 2 to about 6, with a compound of Formula 7 HO—(CH2CH2O)v—H Formula 7 wherein v is 2 to about 4.
US08173845B2	Process for producing 3-methylthiopropanal A process is provided capable of producing 3-methylthiopropanal with subgeneration of high-boiling impurities being favorably inhibited. The process for producing 3-methylthiopropanal, includes reacting acrolein with methylmercaptan in the presence of a triallylamine compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each of R1 to R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The reaction of acrolein with methylmercaptan is preferably performed further in the presence of an organic acid. The triallylamine compound represented by the formula (I) is preferably used in an amount of from 0.01 to 1.0 mol based on one mole of the organic acid and in an amount of from 0.1 to 2.0 mmoles based on one mole of methylmercaptan.
US08173844B2	Method for producing O-alkylated cyclic aminoalcohols A process for preparing O-alkylated amino alcohols of the formula (I) by reacting N-unsubstituted or N-monosubstituted amino alkoxide salts with alkyl halides, the amino alkoxide salts being formed by means of alkoxides
US08173842B2	Multifunctional linker molecules for tuning electronic charge transport through organic-inorganic composite structures and uses thereof The invention relates to tuned multifunctional linker molecules for charge transport through organic-inorganic composite structures. The problem underlying the present invention is to provide multifunctional linker molecules for tuning the conductivity in nanoparticle-linker assemblies which can be used in the formation of electronic networks and circuits and thin films of nanoparticles. The problem is solved according to the invention by providing a multifunctional linker molecule of the general structure CON1—FUNC1—X—FUNC2—CON2 in which X is the central body of the molecule, FUNC1 and FUNC2 independently of each other are molecular groups introducing a dipole moment and/or capable of forming intermolecular and/or intramolecular hydrogen bonding networks, and CON1 and CON2 independently of each other are molecular groups binding to nanostructured units comprising metal and semiconductor materials.
US08173839B2	5-aminolevulinic acid salt, process for producing the same and use thereof A 5-aminolevulinic acid salt which is useful in fields of microorganisms, fermentation, animals, medicaments, plants and the like; a process for producing the same; a medical composition comprising the same; and a plant activator composition comprising the same.
US08173835B2	Method and apparatus for drying carboxylic acid Disclosed is a method and apparatus for drying a wet cake in a carboxylic acid production process. The method comprises employing a contact dryer for drying solid particles of carboxylic acid, where the solid particles can have a residence time of less than about 7 minutes in the dryer and an exit temperature of less than about 250° C. upon exiting the dryer.
US08173833B2	Method for the production of isocyanates The present invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates.
US08173832B2	Process for producing 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexene-1-yl-3-methyl-2-butenoate Provided is a method capable of solving the problems associated with production of LVSA, which is a pheromone produced by female pest mealybugs, and is useful as an agrochemical pest, at an industrial large scale, and producing LVSA in a high yield. Specifically, the present invention provides a production method of 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-yl 3-methyl-2-butenoate, comprising reacting senecioic acid with a halogenating agent to give senecioic acid halide, reacting the obtained senecioic acid halide with 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-ol in the presence of an organic base compound and heat treating the obtained crude 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-yl 3-methyl-2-butenoate in the presence of a basic substance at 50-250° C.
US08173829B2	Carbamate stereoisomer The compound of formula (I) is a water-stable, long acting β2-selective adrenoceptor agonist useful as a bronchodilator in the treatment of bronchoconstriction associated with reversible obstructive airways diseases and the like.
US08173824B2	Process for producing vitamin D derivative using convergent method There are provided a novel process for producing [{(5Z,7E)-(1S,3R,20S)-1,3-dihydroxy-9,10-secopregna-5,7,10(19),16-tetraen-20-yl}oxy]-N-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)acetamide, which process is shown in the following reaction scheme: an intermediate useful for carrying out the process, and a process for producing the intermediate.
US08173823B2	Method for making an epoxide Process for preparing an epoxide, wherein halogenated ketones are formed as by-products and there is at least one treatment intended to remove at least part of the halogenated ketones formed.
US08173822B2	1,3-oxathiane compounds and their use in flavor and fragrance compositions The present invention relates to novel 1,3-oxathiane compounds represented by Formula I: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of ethyl, butyl, propyl, and (methylthio)ethyl, and their uses to enhance a flavor or fragrance composition.
US08173821B2	Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor of the formula: its uses, and methods for its preparation are described.
US08173814B2	Maleate salts of (E)-N-{4-[3-chloro-4-(2-pyridinylmethoxy)anilino]-3-cyano-7-ethoxy-6-quinolinyl}-4-(dimethylamino)-2-butenamide and crystalline forms thereof The present invention relates to maleate salt forms of (E)-N-{4-[3-chloro-4-(2-pyridinylmethoxy)anilino]-3-cyano-7-ethoxy-6-quinolinyl}-4-(dimethylamino)-2-butenamide, methods of preparing crystalline maleate salt forms, the associated compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The maleate salts are useful in treating cancers, particularly those affected by kinases of the epidermal growth factor receptor family.
US08173813B2	Quinolone and tetrahydroquinolone and related compounds having NOS inhibitory activity The present invention features quinolones, tetrahydroquinolines, and related compounds that inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS), particularly those that selectively inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in preference to other NOS isoforms. The NOS inhibitors of the invention, alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically active agents, can be used for treating or preventing various medical conditions.
US08173812B2	Quinolines and their therapeutic use Compounds of formula (I) are CRTH2 ligands, useful in the treatment of, for example, asthma and COPD wherein: R1 is halogen or cyano; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; R3 and R4 are independently —OR6, C1-C6alkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms; R5 is hydrogen or halogen; R6 is C1-C6 alkyl or C3-C6 cycloalkyl, either of which being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms; X is —CH2—, —S—, or —O—; one of Y and Y1 is hydrogen and the other is OR6, —C(═O)R7, NR8SO2R6 or a heterocyclic group selected from those referred to in the specification; and R6, R7 and R8 are as defined in the specification.
US08173810B2	Substituted hydroxyethyl amine compounds as beta-secretase modulators and methods of use The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, B, W, R3, R4 and R5 are defined herein. In another embodiment, the invention provides compounds of general Formula II wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, R1a, R1b, R1c, R2, R4, R5, W, X and Z are defined herein. The invention also includes use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment, prophylactic or therapeutic, of disorders and conditions related to the activity of beta-secretase protein. Such disorders include, for example, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), cognitive deficits and impairment, schizophrenia and other similar central nervous system conditions. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formula II, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formulas I and II.
US08173808B2	Substituted naphthalenyl-pyrimidine compounds The present invention relates to substituted naphthalenyl-pyrimidine compounds and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing substituted naphthalenyl-pyrimidine compounds and methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof.
US08173804B2	Process for production of mirtazapine The invention provides a process for production of mirtazapine as a convenient process for obtaining mirtazapine from a reaction mixture obtained by cyclization of 2-(4-methyl-2-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)pyridine-3-methanol with concentrated sulfuric acid, at high purity and in a form suitable for safe use as a drug.The production process for mirtazapine is characterized in that a reaction mixture obtained by cyclization of 2-(4-methyl-2-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)pyridine-3-methanol with concentrated sulfuric acid is diluted with water, the dilution is alkalinized in the presence of propanol, the mirtazapine is extracted with propanol and the mirtazapine is crystallized from the extract.
US08173803B2	Supramolecular scaffolds and methods of making the same Tribenzo-1,4,7-triazacyclononane and derivatives thereof having a formula (I) are disclosed. Methods of making tribenzo-1,4,7-triazacyclononane and related compounds also are disclosed.
US08173801B2	Processes for the production of polymorphic forms of rifaximin Crystalline polymorphous forms of rifaximin (INN) antibiotic named rifaximin α and rifaximin β, and a poorly crystalline form named rifaximin γ, useful in the production of medicinal preparations containing rifaximin for oral and topical use and obtained by means of a crystallization carried out by hot-dissolving the raw rifaximin in ethyl alcohol and by causing the crystallization of the product by addition of water at a determinate temperature and for a determinate period of time, followed by a drying carried out under controlled conditions until reaching a settled water content in the end product, are the object of the invention.
US08173796B2	Oligonucleotide compositions and methods for treating disease including inflammatory conditions The invention relates to therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides directed against genes coding for phosphodiesterase (PDEs) and the use of these in combination. These antisense oligonucleotides may be used as analytical tools and/or as therapeutic agents in the treatment of disease associated with reduced cellular cAMP in a patient, such as inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract including, for example, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, silicosis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung allograft rejection, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis as well as other conditions in which an increase in cyclic AMP or a decrease in PDE levels is beneficial.
US08173793B2	Nucleic acids encoding modulators of body weight The present invention relates generally to the control of body weight of animals including mammals and humans, and more particularly to nucleic acids encoding materials identified herein as modulators of weight. In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to the elucidation and discovery of nucleotide sequences, and proteins putatively expressed by such nucleotides, that demonstrate the ability to participate in the control of mammalian body weight. The nucleotide sequences in object represent the genes corresponding to the murine and human ob gene, that have been postulated to play a critical role in the regulation of body weight and adiposity. Preliminary data, presented herein, suggests that the polypeptide product of the gene in question functions as a hormone. The present invention further provides nucleic acid molecules for use as molecular probes, or as primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, i.e., synthetic or natural oligonucleotides.
US08173789B2	Peptide having ability to activate cancer-related gene To provide a cancer diagnostic reagent for determining malignancy of a cancer patient or a cancer cell and a tendency of canceration of a healthy subject, the reagent including a peptide having an ability to activate a cancer-related gene and extracted from cell membrane surfaces of human squamous-cell carcinoma cells or including a synthetic polynucleotide encoding the peptide or a partial amino acid sequence of the peptide.
US08173781B2	Monoclonal antibody capable of binding to heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor Medicaments for treating diseases related to HB-EGF escalation are in demand. The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof which binds to a cell membrane-bound HB-EGF, a membrane type HB-EGF and a secretory HB-EGF.
US08173777B2	Recombinant Factor X with no glycosylation and method for preparing the same A Factor X (hereinafter referred to as “FX”) with a high activity is provided. The present invention relates to a method for efficiently preparing a recombinant, two-chain FX which comprises intervening glycosylation at such an amino acid sequence that is essential for glycosylation in FX to thereby allow for expression of a recombinant FX with no glycosylation, and the recombinant FX with no glycosylation obtained by said method.
US08173775B2	Collagen-like protein CLAC, a precursor thereof, and genes encoding the same A novel human collagen-like protein CLAC occurring in brain amyloid and its precursor CLAC-P; genes encoding the same; cDNA of mouse CLAC-P and its deduced amino acid sequence; antibodies specific to these proteins; and methods of diagnosing treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease by using the same.
US08173769B2	Taste receptors of the T1R family from domestic cat The present invention relates to the discovery of several genes of the domestic cat (Felis catus) associated with taste perception. The invention provides, inter alia, the nucleotide sequence of the feline 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 cat, by administering compounds that affect the function or activity of the gene or the polypeptide encoded thereby.
US08173765B2	Polymers, uses and methods of manufacture thereof A polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 10 000 g/mol comprising a monomeric rigid moiety R and a monomeric flexible moiety F, wherein R comprises a main-chain polycyclic core and F has a main chain comprising a number of atoms sufficient for the transition temperature of the polymer to be lower than the degradation temperature of the polymer is provided. A method of manufacturing of same is also provided. Biomedical devices, scaffolds and supports for tissue engineering, delivery devices, textiles, moulds, vehicle parts, tubes, active disassembly devices, microactuators, toys and inflatable membranes comprising same are also described.
US08173763B1	Carbon nanofibers and nanotubes grafted with a hyperbranched poly (ether-ketone) and its derivatives Provided are hyperbranched poly(ether-ketone)-based nanocomposites with the following generic formula: wherein n is the degree of polymerization and R is carboxylic acid (COOH) and various functional groups that could be derived from COOH, such as benzothiazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, esters, and amines. Also provided are a process for preparing the above composite and a chain-end conversion methodology to tailor thermal and solubility properties.
US08173760B2	Dendron, polyurethane with side-chain regular dendron, and producing methods thereof Methods for producing dendrons of different generations with hydrophobic functional end-groups, and for producing polyurethanes with the side-chain dendrons are disclosed step-by-step. The dendron with hydrophobic functional end-groups in the polyurethane systems, and the honeycomb-like structure thin films are obtained by a breath-figure process. The structures of dendrons and dendritic side-chain polyurethanes are respectively expressed in the following and the end-groups (R) of the dendron are long alkyl chains or perfluoroalkyl derivatives.
US08173757B2	Process for production of polymer powders containing vinylformamide units A process for producing a polymer powder comprising vinylformamide units by free radical polymerization of an aqueous solution of N-vinylformamide and if appropriate other monomers and drying the polymer which comprises an aqueous monomer solution comprising N-vinylformamide and at least one polymerization initiator being spray dispensed as an aerosol or dropletized at the top of a heatable tower-shaped reactor, then polymerizing the aerosol or droplets in an inert gas atmosphere to form a finely divided solid and discharging the finely divided polymer from the reactor.
US08173756B2	Photopolymerizable monomers having epoxide and unsaturated double bonds and their composition Provided are a novel photopolymerizable monomer having at least one unsaturated double bond and epoxide, and a photocurable composition comprising the photopolymerizable monomer and an initiator, which is polymerizable with good efficiency using light and/or heat, provides reduced shrinkage, and has superior mechanical strength including adhesion and transparency.
US08173755B2	Ultra high molecular weight ethylene copolymer powder The present invention relates to an ultrahigh-molecular-weight ethylene copolymer powder having an intrinsic viscosity (η) of 10 dl/g to 34 dl/g, obtainable by copolymerizing ethylene and at least one olefin selected from the group consisting of α-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, cyclic olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, compounds represented by the formula CH2═CHR1 wherein R1 is an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and linear, branched or cyclic dienes having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein (1) a molded article of the copolymer powder has a haze of from 30% to 80% and (2) the copolymer powder has a bulk density of from 0.35 g/cm3 to 0.6 g/cm3.
US08173751B2	Defoamers for top coat paints for motor vehicles The invention provides novel defoamers which are useful as defoamers for top coat paints for motor vehicles. When the defoamers are incorporated with paints which do not use melamine resins as the curing agent, they can impart defoaming property to the paints without inviting turbidity in the painted films caused by infiltration of water. Hence the defoamers are particularly useful when used for baking finish type clear top coat paints for motor vehicles. The defoamer is characterized by comprising a copolymer of 2-50% by weight of (A) a polymerizable monomer capable of forming a copolymer having isocyanate groups which can react with a binder resin in thermosetting type paint or (b) a polymerizable monomer capable of forming a copolymer having the groups which produce isocyanate groups reactable with a binder resin in thermosetting type paint during the baking step of the same paint, and 98-50% by weight of (C) a monomer or polymer conventionally used for defoamers.
US08173748B1	Heat-seal resin and package formed therefrom Provided is a heat-seal resin. The resin includes 5 wt % to 95 wt % of a first copolymer and 95 wt % to 5 wt % of a second copolymer based on the total weight of the resin. The first copolymer and the second copolymer together are 90 wt % or more of the total weight of the resin. The first copolymer includes a first monomer of an alphaolefin of 2 to 4 carbon atoms and a second monomer selected from a second monomer of an alphaolefin of 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The first monomer and the second monomer of the first copolymer are different. The first copolymer has an MFR of from 5 to 1000 g/10 minutes and a Tfm of 66° C. to 80° C. The second copolymer includes a first monomer of an alphaolefin of 2 to 4 carbon atoms and a second monomer selected from a second monomer of an alphaolefin of 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The first monomer and the second monomer of the second copolymer are different. The second copolymer has an MFR of from 0.5 to 5 g/10 minutes and a Tfm of 45° C. to 66° C., wherein the first copolymer has an MFR of at least 2 g/10 minutes greater and a Tfm of at least 10° C. greater than the second copolymer. There is also a package formed partly or entirely of the resin.
US08173747B2	Sterilisable and tough impact polypropylene composition The present invention relates to a heterophasic polypropylene composition which is sterilizable and has a high impact strength as well as improved optical properties both before and after a step of heat sterilization. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a film comprising said heterophasic polypropylene composition, and to the use of said composition for the production of a film. Finally, the present invention is directed to the use of such a film as a packaging material for medicals and/or food. The heterophasic polypropylene composition comprises a matrix resin which comprises (A) a propylene homopolymer and (B) a propylene random copolymer; and a dispersed phase which comprises (C) an ethylene-propylene rubber wherein (i) the melting point of the heterophasic polypropylene composition is at least 145° C. and (ii) the content of comonomer in the matrix resin is at least 0.5 wt % based on the entire matrix resin without any additives.
US08173742B2	Synthesis of biurets and isocyanates with alkoxysilane functions, formulations containing same and use thereof The invention relates to a composition and a method of preparing one such composition and an isocyanatoalkoxysilane; the polyisocyanate composition contains at least two different oligomeric compounds comprising at least three units and at most five units selected from aminoalkylsilane units and diamine units and at least one function selected from isocyanate functions and from those derived therefrom, the aforementioned compounds having at least two aminoalkylsilane units and another compound having at least two diamine units; the invention is suitable for coatings.
US08173735B2	Resin additive master batch The invention provides a resin additive master batch which can contain a resin additive having a melting point of not higher than 80° C. higher to a high concentration, with which breakage of a strand does not occur and continuous production can be attained, and with which the surface tackiness of pellets is improved. The resin additive master batch comprises 80 to 150 parts by weight of (B) resin additive having a melting point of not higher than 80° C., and 0.3 to 5 parts by weight of (C) organic acid metal salt, with respect to 100 parts by weight of (A) polyolefin resin. As the (B) resin additive having a melting point of not higher than 80° C., a UV absorber, a hindered amine compound or a mixture thereof is preferred.
US08173734B1	Hybrid nanocomposite for fire retarding applications Clay platelets are separated from an agglomeration of clay platelets by treating with cobalt acetate and leaving cobalt particles on the platelets. Carbon nanotubes are grown on the platelets at the cobalt sites, and the nanotubes separate platelets from the agglomeration. The separated platelets and nanotubes are acid cleaned. Intumescent fire retardant materials are chemisorbed on the clay platelets and nanotubes.
US08173733B2	Method of producing aqueous resin composition A polyolefin wax-containing aqueous resin composition that can provide excellent properties without the use of a surfactant is provided. The aqueous resin composition is obtained by heating and dissolving 100 parts by mass of a carboxyl group-containing polyolefin wax in the presence of 15 to 67 parts by mass of a compound that satisfies formula (1) shown below, and 90 to 380 parts by mass of water, and then dispersing this with a basic compound that has been added at a ratio of 1 to 4 chemical equivalents per carboxyl group of the carboxyl group-containing polyolefin wax. CmH2m+1—(OCH2CH2)n—OH Formula (1) m: an integer from 4 to 6, n: an integer from 1 to 4.
US08173732B2	Dielectric elastomer composition and antenna member The present invention provides a dielectric elastomer composition which has been improved to have an excellent flame-retardant property in consideration of influence on environment and a satisfactory dielectric characteristic as a material for an antenna; and a member for the antenna formed by molding the dielectric elastomer composition. The dielectric elastomer composition contains 50 to 400 parts by weight of a metal hydroxide such as aluminum hydroxide powder, magnesium hydroxide powder and 10 to 200 parts by weight of a brominated flame retardant except polybromodiphenyl ether and polybromobiphenyl for 100 parts by weight of an elastomer such as ethylene propylene rubber. At a frequency of 1 GHz and a temperature of 30° C., a dielectric constant of the dielectric elastomer composition is not less than 3, and a dielectric loss tangent thereof is not more than 0.02. The member for the antenna is formed by molding the dielectric elastomer composition.
US08173731B2	Stabilizer compositions for halogen containing polymers The instant invention relates to a composition and process for the stabilization of halogen containing polymer slurries, in particular polyvinylchloride (PVC). The composition comprises a halogen containing polymer in the form of an aqueous suspension or emulsion, a partially hindered phenolic antioxidant and selected sulfur containing antioxidants, which are both solid at 20° C. A further aspect of the invention is the use of specific antioxidant mixtures for the stabilization of halogen containing polymer suspensions or emulsions, in particular PVC.
US08173729B2	Photosensitive resin composition The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition, particularly to a photosensitive resin composition for forming an interlayer organic insulating film for TFT-LCD, comprising 0.01 to 20 wt % of UV stabilizer or radical scavenger. The photosensitive resin composition of the present invention can be used for forming an interlayer organic insulating film for TFT-LCD to improve active unfilled area upon over exposure in liquid crystal photo-alignment process, can easily control resolution of pattern, and is particularly suitable for forming a planarization layer of an interlayer organic insulating film.
US08173725B2	Asphalt modifier compositions with an improved melting rate and modified asphalt prepared using the same The present invention relates to a pellet type SBS-asphalt master batch modifier composition comprising styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer and asphalt, and modified asphalt prepared by melting and mixing the pellet type SBS-asphalt master batch modifier composition with asphalt. The modified asphalt prepared thereof has advantages that deterioration of physical properties and thermal oxidation can be prevented while productivity can be improved due to reduced melting time of modifier.
US08173719B2	Polyurethane foam, method for the production and use thereof The subject of the invention is a water-impermeable flexible polyurethane foam obtained by reacting a polyol component, which comprises at least one hydrophobic polyol, with a polyisocyanate component in the presence of a foaming agent, characterized in that it has a compression force of less than or equal to 12 kPa for 50% compression.Advantageously it has a density not exceeding 150 kg/m3, preferably not exceeding 60 kg/m3.The foam may be obtained by a cast-foam manufacturing process or by molding.It can be used as a water-impermeable seal.
US08173717B2	Silicone foams, process to make them and applications thereof Closed cell silicone foams are formed by subjecting a silicone base to an inert gas at an elevated pressure, preferably after a pre-curing step, reducing the pressure to allow the base to expand to produce closed cell silicone foam and curing this expanded foam at an elevated temperature.
US08173715B2	Polyurethane resin moulding for vehicle interior part and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a polyurethane resin moulding for a vehicle interior part, includes: adding at least one of a polyol mixture and a polyisocyanate compound to at least one of microencapsulated paraffin waxes and shirasu balloons, followed by polymerizing the polyol mixture and the polyisocyanate compound. The polyol mixture contains a polyol, a catalyst, a chain extender and an auxiliary agent. A melting point of the microencapsulated paraffin waxes is 60° C. to 80° C.
US08173714B2	Expanded styrene polymers having a reduced thermal conductivity Expanded styrene polymers which have a density of less than 25 g/l and a thermal conductivity λ, determined at 10° C. in accordance with DIN 52612, of less than 32 mW/m*K, and also a process for producing them.
US08173713B2	Filled nanoporous polymer membrane composites for protective clothing and methods for making them A new class of membranes for use in protective clothing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymer-polymer membrane with an ionic polymer located within the nanopores of a porous polymer host membrane. A method for making the polymer-polymer membranes involves filling porous polymers with ionic polymers. The porous polymers may be fabricated by a template synthesis which involves sorption. The ionic polymers may be filled in the nanopores of the porous polymer by plasma-induced graft copolymerization of the ionic polymer with the porous polymeric host membrane.
US08173710B2	Bicyclic sphingosine 1-phosphate analogs Compounds that have agonist activity at one or more of the S1P receptors are provided. The compounds are sphingosine analogs that, after phosphorylation, can behave as agonists at S1P receptors.
US08173709B2	Anti-infective methods for treating pathogen-induced disordered tissues Compositions, methods and systems for treating disordered epithelial tissues, such as is caused by pathogens and/or by toxins produced thereby. The invention relates to the use of an anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent in a carrier, with vigorous agitation of the disordered epithelial tissue for topical treatment thereof under such conditions sufficient to achieve clinically discernable improvement of the disordered epithelial tissue. The preferred anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent comprises an organohalide, such as a quaternary ammonium halide compound, preferably benzalkonium chloride. The inventive compositions and methods may employ the use of an applicator adapted for use in promoting the penetration of the treatment composition and/or the vigorous agitation of the disordered tissue.
US08173701B2	Pesticidal composition and method for controlling harmful insects A pesticidal composition containing: 4-methoxymethyl-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzyl 3-(2-cyano-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, a saturated hydrocarbon having an initial boiling point of 150 C or higher and a 95%-distillation temperature of 300 C or lower, and at least one alkyl carboxylate ester selected from the group consisting of the following esters (i) to (iii): (i) alkyl alkylcarboxylate esters having 12 to 20 carbon atoms, (ii) dialkyl dicarboxylate esters having 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and (iii) trialkyl acetylcitrate esters having 12 to 20 carbon atoms; has an excellent pesticidal activity.
US08173700B2	Salts of substituted allophanates and their use in drugs The present invention relates to salts of substituted allophanates, methods for their production, medicaments containing said compounds and the use of said compound for the production of medicaments.
US08173699B2	Compounds for the treatment of inflammatory diseases Compounds of formula 1 and hetero derivatives thereof and the pharmacologically acceptable salts, enantiomers, racemates, hydrates, or solvates thereof, which are suitable for the treatment of respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints or diseases, inflammatory diseases of the joints, skin, or eyes, diseases of the peripheral or central nervous system or cancers, as well as pharmaceutical compositions which contain these compounds.
US08173697B2	Alkoxyalkyl-substituted cyclic keto-enols The invention relates to new alkoxyalkyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols of the formula (I) in which A, B, D, G, W, X, Y and Z have the definitions indicated above, to a number of processes and intermediates for their preparation, and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides and/or microbicides. The invention further provides selectively herbicidal, compositions which comprise alkoxyalkyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols on the one hand and a crop plant tolerance promoter compound on the other.The invention further relates to the boosting of the action of crop protection compositions comprising compounds of the formula (I) through the additions of ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and optionally penetration promoters.
US08173694B2	Therapeutic agent Provided are agents and methods for use in depleting serum amyloid P component (SAP) from a patient in need thereof.
US08173692B2	De novo synthesis of bacteriochlorins A method of making a bacteriochlorin is carried out by condensing a pair of compounds of Formula II to produce the bacteriochlorin, wherein R is an acetal or aldehyde group. The condensing may be carried out in an organic solvent, preferably in the presence of an acid. The bacteriochlorins are useful for a variety of purposes such as active agents in photodynamic therapy, luminescent compounds in flow cytometry, solar cells, light harvesting arrays, and molecular memory devices.
US08173689B2	6-O-substituted benzoxazole and benzothiazole compounds and methods of inhibiting CSF-1R signaling Benzoxazole and benzothiazole compounds and the stereoisomers, tautomers, solvates, oxides, esters, and prodrugs thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are disclosed. Compositions of the compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and uses of the compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent are also disclosed. The embodiments are useful for inhibiting cellular proliferation, inhibiting the growth and/or metathesis of tumors, treating or preventing cancer, treating or preventing degenerating bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and/or inhibiting molecules such as CSF-1R.
US08173685B2	Pleuromutilin derivatives and their use as antimicrobials A compound of formula (I) or of formula (II) wherein X is oxygen or sulfur, and Y is a residue of pipecolic acid or a residue of an amino acid, preferably a naturally occurring amino acid.
US08173684B2	Pyridone derivatives as p38α MAPK inhibitors A compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or aromatic hydrocarbon ring, each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents; R2 is hydrogen atom, halogen atom, lower alkyl, halo(lower)alkyl or lower alkoxy; and R3 is (1) a group represented by the formula: wherein R4 is lower alkyl, etc.; (2) a group represented by the formula: wherein R5 is lower alkyl, etc.; (3) a group represented by the formula: wherein R6 is lower alkyl, etc.; or (4) a group selected from halogen atom, carboxy, hydroxy and lower alkoxy, or a salt thereof.
US08173680B2	Cannabinoid receptor modulators Compounds of formula (I) are modulators of cannabinoid receptor CB1, useful inter alia for treatment of obesity: Formula (I). Wherein: X is a bond, or a divalent radical selected from —C(R10)(R11)—, —C(R10)(R11)—O—, —C(R10)(R11)CH2—, —C(R10)(R11)CH2—O—, —CH2C(R10)(R11)—, —CH2C(R10)(R11)—O—, and —CH2—O—C(R10)(R11)—*, wherein the bond indicated by an asterisk is attached to the pyrazole ring; Z is a carboxyl isostere radical selected from the group specified; R3 is hydrogen, (C1-C)alkyl or (C1C3)fluoroalkyl; R4 is a radical of formula -(Alk1)p-(Q1)r (L)s-Q2 wherein p, r, s, Alk1, L, Q1 and Q2 are as specified; or R3and R4 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a cyclic amino ring of 4 to 7 ring atoms which is optionally substituted by a radical of formula -(L)s-Q2 wherein s, L and Q2 are as defined above, or by an optional substituent selected from hydroxy, methoxy, —NH2—, or mono- or di-(C1C3)alkylamino; R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently selected from hydrogen —F, —Cl, —Br, —CN, (C1-C3)alkyl, (C1C3)fluoroalkyl, cyclopropyl, and —OR9; R10 is hydrogen, (C1C3)alkyl, hydroxyl or NH2, and R11 is hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl; or R10 and R11 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a (C3-C5)cycloalkyl ring.
US08173679B2	Indazoles, benzisoxazoles and benzisothiazoles and their use as estrogenic agents The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3, X, Y and A are as defined in the specification. The compounds are modulators of the estrogen receptors.
US08173678B2	Kappa opioid receptor ligands Kappa opioid receptor antagonists are provided that yield significant improvements in functional binding assays to kappa opioid receptors, and the use of these antagonists in treatment of disease states that are ameliorated by binding of the kappa opioid receptor such as heroin or cocaine addictions.
US08173677B2	Compositions and methods for effecting NAD+ levels using a nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase inhibitor The present invention relates to methods for decreasing cellular DNA repair in a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); decreasing cellular NAD+ biosynthesis in a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have CLL; or sensitizing a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have CLL to a DNA damaging therapy. The invention relates to methods for treating a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have CLL.
US08173674B2	Sulfonyl-phenyl-2H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals The invention relates to sulfonyl-phenyl-oxadiazolones and to their physiologically acceptable salts and physiologically functional derivatives showing PPARdelta or PPARdelta and PPARgamma agonist activity.What are described are compounds of the formula I, in which the radicals are as defined, and their physiologically acceptable salts and processes for their preparations. The compounds are suitable for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders of fatty acid metabolism and glucose utilization disorders as well as of disorders in which insulin resistance is involved and demyelinating and other neurodegenerative disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system.
US08173673B2	Biofilm-inhibiting effect and anti-infective activity of N,C-linked aryl isoquinolines and the use thereof Anti-infective and biofilm-inhibiting activities of aryl isoquinoline-derivatives of the general formulae 1 to 3 are described.
US08173672B2	Quinolizidinone M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) which are M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the M1 receptor is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain or sleep disorders. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to the use of the compounds and compositions in the treatment of diseases mediated by the M1 receptor.
US08173671B2	Topical ophthalmic or otic solution formulations containing moxifloxacin hydrochloride and dexamethasone phosphate Topical ophthalmic and otic solution compositions of moxifloxacin and dexamethasone phosphate are disclosed.
US08173667B2	1-aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) where X, R, Y, D, A and B are as defined herein.
US08173662B2	Fused pyrimidines as inhibitors of nucleoside phosphorylases and nucleosidases The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) which are inhibitors of purine muclioside phosphorylases (PNP), purine phosphoribosyltransferases (PPRT), 5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylases (MTAP), 5′-methylthioadenosine mucliosidases (MTAN) and/or nucleoside hydrolases (NH). The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in the treatment of diseases and infections including cancer, bacterial infections, protozoal infections, and T-cell mediated disease and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
US08173660B2	Process for the preparation of 3-amino-8-(1-piperazinyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one and salts and solvates thereof The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of 3-amino-8-(1-piperazinyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, a broad spectrum 5-HT receptor binding ligand having potent 5-HT1A-agonistic as well as 5-HT1D-antagonistic activity. The invention also relates to novel salts and solvates, in particular hydrates of salts of said compound, as well as to their use as medicaments.
US08173655B2	Bicyclic anilide heterocyclic CGRP receptor antagonists Compounds of formula I: (wherein variables A1, A2, B, m, n, J, R4, G1, G2, G3 and Y are as described herein) which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.
US08173652B2	Isoxazole-isoxazoles and isoxazole-isothiazoles The present invention is concerned with isoxazole-isoxazoles and isoxazole-isothiazoles of formula I, having affinity and selectivity for GABA A α5 receptor, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as cognitive enhancers or for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
US08173651B2	Pyridine compounds This invention features compounds of formula (I): pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds, and methods of using the compounds for the treatment of, inter alia, IL-12-related diseases and disorders.
US08173648B2	1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives, preparation process therefor and pharmaceutical composition containing the same The invention provides a type of novel 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives with a structure of formula (I): wherein R1 represents propargyl or cyclopropylmethyl; wherein R2 represents N-ethyl-N-methylamino, 1-Pyrrolidyl, 1-Piperidinyl, or 1-Morpholinyl. The invention provides further a process for preparing said derivatives and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. Said derivatives can be used to modulate the proteolytic process of amyloid precursor proteins (APP), and provides further novel compounds useful for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).
US08173645B2	Glucokinase activators Compounds are provided for use with glucokinase that comprise the formula: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.
US08173643B2	N-substituted thiomorpholine derivatives as the inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and the pharmaceutical uses thereof The present invention relates to N-Substituted thiomorpholine compounds of formula I, the possible isomers, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, the solvates, the hydrates or the prodrugs thereof as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV); and to a method for preparing the compounds of formula I, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I and use of the compounds of formula II in medical field, particularly in the preparation of medicaments for treating and preventing diabetes (in particular type II diabetes), hyperglycemia, X syndrome, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, atherosclerosis and all kinds of diseases modulated by immune system.
US08173636B2	Hydroxylthienoquinolones and related compounds as anti-infective agents Disclosed herein are hydroxylthienoquinolones and related compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts useful as antiviral agents and having the general formula in which the variables R2, R6, and R7 are defined herein. Certain compounds provided herein possess potent antibacterial, antiprotozoal, or antifungal activity and are particularly efficacious for the treatment of MRSA infections. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical compositions containing a hydroxylthienoquinolone in combination with one or more other active agent, and methods of treating microbial infections in animals by administering an effective amount of a hydroxylthienoquinolone or related compound to an animal suffering from a microbial infection.
US08173633B2	Protein kinase C activity enhancer containing alkyl ether derivative or salt thereof Disclosed is a protein kinase C enhancer characterized by containing a benzothiophene alkyl ether derivative represented by the general formula below or a salt thereof. (In the formula, R1 and R2 may be the same or different and represent one or more groups selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an alkenyl group, an amino group, a heterocyclic group, an optionally protected amino group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an oxo group and the like; R3 represents an alkylamino group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group or the like; and m and n may be the same or different and represent an integer of 1-6.) This protein kinase C enhancer is useful for treatment or prevention of various diseases associated with protein kinase C.
US08173632B2	Process for the modification of the solid state of a compound and co-amorphous compositions produced with same The invention provides a process for preparing non-crystalline organic compositions and non-crystalline, co-amorphous blends of organic compounds.
US08173627B2	Neuroprotective effect of solubilized UDCA in focal ischemic model The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating, or relieving at least one symptom associated with loss of blood flow to the brain including, without limitation, ischemic stroke. Compositions of the disclosure may comprise a bile acid compound and a carbohydrate, wherein both materials remain in solution for all pH values of the solution within a selected range of pH values. Symptoms may include infarct volume, functional recovery, apoptosis, and/or eNOS expression.
US08173624B2	Methods of using substituted tetracycline compounds to modulate RNA A method for modulating RNA with tetracycline compounds is described.
US08173623B2	Process for preparation of HIV protease inhibitors A process for the synthesis of bisfuran intermediates useful for preparing antiviral HIV protease inhibitor compounds is hereby disclosed.
US08173622B2	Antimicrobial compounds having protective or therapeutic leaving groups Antimicrobial compounds, such as silanol or alcohol, include a protecting or leaving group that can protect the compound from degradation during the process of preparing a medical device containing the compound or reduce the volatility of the compound relative to its counterpart without the leaving group. Nearly any hydrolysable leaving group may be employed. The leaving group may be an agent that may serve a therapeutic function in addition to protecting or retaining the antimicrobial agents.
US08173612B2	Chemotherapy involving antisense oligonucleotides for preventing and/or treating pulmonary fibrosis The invention provides, in the treatment of malignant tumors, antisense DNA oligonucleotides which are effective in inhibiting the expression of a wild type COL1A1 gene, in combination with a chemotherapy drug, typically bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, or methotrexate, which otherwise is known to cause lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis.
US08173603B2	Methods of using BTL-II proteins The invention provides isolated BTL-II proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies, antagonists, and agonists and methods of making and using the same. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods using the compositions of the invention are provided. For example, the compositions of the invention can be used for diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and for enhancing a mucosal immune response to an antigen.
US08173601B2	Activin-ActRIIa antagonists and uses for treating multiple myeloma In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density, as well as for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
US08173600B2	Caspase-2 inhibitors and their biological applications The invention relates to selective new caspase-2 inhibitors that recognize caspase-2 and prevent and block its activity based on the following backbone: 2-Quinolinylcarbonyl-L-Valinyl-L-Aspartyl (methyl ester)-L-Valinyl-L-Alanyl-L-Aspartyl (methyl ester) 2,6-difluorophenyl ester SEQ ID NO:1) and derivatives thereof, SEQ ID NO:1 corresponding to formulae Ia or Ib. Application of the inhibitors for preventing and treating diseases involving caspase-2.
US08173599B2	Spray-dried collectin compositions and process for preparing the same The present invention relates to a spray-dried composition comprising as an active ingredient at least one member protein of the collectin family or its functional equivalent for treating and preventing microbial infectious diseases. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the same composition. The composition produced by the method of the present invention is effective in suppressing infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Since the composition is developed in a form suitable for inhalation, it can directly provide the active ingredient to the sites of infection from these microbes, and thus treat and prevent respiratory infections and external wounds.
US08173594B2	Stabilizing alkylglycoside compositions and methods thereof The present invention relates to alkylglycoside-containing compositions and methods for increasing the stability, reducing the aggregation and immunogenicity, increasing the biological activity, and reducing or preventing fibrillar formation of a peptide, polypeptide, or analog thereof, for example parathyroid hormone (PTH) or PTH analogs, amylin, insulin, Peptide T or analog thereof, gastrin, gastrin releasing peptides, gastrin releasing peptide-like (GRP) proteins, epidermal growth factor or analog thereof.
US08173592B1	Method for a programmed controlled ovarian stimulation protocol A method of therapeutic management of infertility by programming of controlled ovarian stimulation and assisted reproductive procedures is disclosed containing the steps of a) suppression of premature ovulation with an LHRH-antagonist in controlled ovarian stimulation and assisted reproductive techniques with multiple follicle and oocyte development; b) programming the start of controlled ovarian stimulation by the administration to a patient of progestogen only-preparations or, alternatively, combined oral contraceptive preparations; c) exogenous stimulation of the ovarian follicle growth; d) ovulation induction with HCG, native LHRH, LHRH-agonists or recombinant LH; and e) application of assisted reproduction techniques, especially of IVF, ICSI, GIFT, ZIFT or by intrauterine insemination by sperm injection, wherein onset of the patient's menstrual cycle and of controlled ovarian stimulation are programmed in order to perform oocyte pickup and fertilization procedures during Mondays to Fridays.
US08173590B2	AXMI-004, a delta-endotoxin gene and methods for its use Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3 and 5, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, and 4, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US08173589B2	Low energy methods of making pearlescent fabric softener compositions The present invention relates to low energy (e.g., below 1 J/ml) methods of making pearlescent liquid fabric softener compositions.
US08173585B2	Acidic hard surface cleaning compositions The present invention relates to liquid acidic hard surface cleaning composition which are effective against common stains encountered on hard surfaces, methods for cleaning such hard surfaces as well as methods for the manufacture of said liquid acidic hard surface cleaning compositions.
US08173580B2	Boron crosslinkers for fracturing fluids with appreciably lower polymer loading Fracturing fluid compositions and methods of fracturing subterranean formations using polyboronic compounds as crosslinking agents are provided. The compositions and methods of the present invention allow for lower polymer loadings because achieving higher fracturing fluid viscosities can be achieved using less polymer than in traditional crosslinked systems.
US08173578B1	Bioherbicide and method for controlling giant Salvinia A bioherbicide and method of use utilizing the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria for controlling Salvinia molesta. In typical applications, the fungus is applied with an adjuvant to Salvinia molesta in amounts effective to kill or suppress the Salvinia molesta. A strain of Myrothecium verrucaria is on deposit with the Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., and with the patent collection of the International Mycological Institute in Surrey, United Kingdom, where it has been assigned deposit number IMI 368023.
US08173574B2	Catalysts to reduce NOx in an exhaust gas stream and methods of preparation Catalysts, systems and methods are described to reduce NOx emissions of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, an emissions treatment system for an exhaust stream is provided having a catalyst comprising silver on a particulate alumina support, the silver having a diameter of less than about 20 nm. Methods of manufacturing catalysts are described in which ionic silver is impregnated on particulate hydroxylated alumina particles.
US08173572B2	Metal oxide sols A sol includes metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous liquid, and further includes stabilizer ions. The metal oxide particles include one or more metals selected from a first group consisting of cerium, zirconium, iron, manganese and titanium, and one or more metals selected from a second group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. The sols can be used to deposit catalytic coatings onto catalyst substrates, including substrates with narrow channels (i.e. channels with a diameter of less than 500 μm).
US08173569B2	Robust spray-dried ziegler-natta procatalyst and polymerization process employing same A Ziegler-Natta procatalyst composition in the form of solid particles and comprising magnesium, halide and transition metal moieties, said particles having an average size (D50) of from 10 to 70 μm, characterized in that at least 5 percent of the particles have internal void volume substantially or fully enclosed by a monolithic surface layer (shell), said layer being characterized by an average shell thickness/particle size ratio (Thickness Ratio) determined by SEM techniques for particles having particle size greater than 30 μm of greater than 0.2.
US08173568B2	Process for producing tertiary amine The invention provides a method of using an alcohol and a primary or secondary amine as the starting material to produce the corresponding secondary amine easily at a high yield and a catalyst used therein. The invention relates to a film-type catalyst for production of a tertiary amine, which is used in producing a tertiary amine from an alcohol and a primary or secondary amine as the starting material, and a process for producing a tertiary amine, which includes reacting an alcohol with a primary or secondary amine in the presence of the film-type catalyst.
US08173564B2	Gasifier reactor internal coating A gasifier comprising an interior wall on which a layer is applied or an interior wall protected by an assembly of blocks, said layer or said blocks having at least one region of a sintered material containing: i) at least 25% by weight of chromium oxide Cr2O3; and ii) at least 1% by weight of zirconium oxide, wherein at least 20% by weight of said zirconium oxide ZrO2 is stabilized in the cubic and/or quadratic form.
US08173559B2	Extensible nonwoven webs containing multicomponent nanocomposite fibers The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising multicomponent nanocomposite fibers that enable the nonwoven webs to possess high extensibility. The multicomponent nanocomposite fibers comprise two or more components. Each component comprises a polymer composition and at least one component comprises a nanoparticles composition. The nonwoven webs comprising the multicomponent 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.
US08173550B2	Method for positioning spacers for pitch multiplication Multiple pitch-multiplied spacers are used to form mask patterns having features with exceptionally small critical dimensions. One of each pair of spacers formed around a plurality of mandrels is removed and alternating layers, formed of two mutually selectively etchable materials, are deposited around the remaining spacers. Layers formed of one of the materials are then etched, leaving behind vertically-extending layers formed of the other of the materials, which form a mask pattern. Alternatively, instead of depositing alternating layers, amorphous carbon is deposited around the remaining spacers followed by a plurality of cycles of forming pairs of spacers on the amorphous carbon, removing one of the pairs of spacers and depositing an amorphous carbon layer. The cycles can be repeated to form the desired pattern. Because the critical dimensions of some features in the pattern can be set by controlling the width of the spaces between spacers, exceptionally small mask features can be formed.
US08173546B2	Etchant composition, patterning conductive layer and manufacturing flat panel, display device using the same An etchant composition that allows simplification and optimization of semiconductor manufacturing process is presented, along with a method of patterning a conductive layer using the etchant and a method of manufacturing a flat panel display using the etchant. The etchant includes nitric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and an acetate compound in addition to water.
US08173539B1	Method for fabricating metal redistribution layer A method for fabricating a metal redistribution layer is described. A first opening and a second opening are formed in a dielectric layer over a first region and a second region thereof, respectively. A plurality of third openings are formed in the dielectric layer exposed by the first opening in the first region and a plurality of fourth openings are formed in the dielectric layer exposed by the second opening in the second region. A metal material is formed over the dielectric layer and in the first, second, third and fourth openings. A plurality of recesses is formed in the metal materials overlying the third and fourth openings. The metal material in the first region is patterned by using the recesses formed in portions of the metal material overlying the fourth openings in the second region as an alignment mark to form a metal redistribution layer.
US08173537B1	Methods for reducing UV and dielectric diffusion barrier interaction Stability of an underlying dielectric diffusion barrier during deposition and ultraviolet (UV) processing of an overlying dielectric layer is critical for successful integration. UV-resistant diffusion barrier layers are formed by depositing the layer in a hydrogen-starved environment. Diffusion barrier layers can be made more resistant to UV radiation by thermal, plasma, or UV treatment during or after deposition. Lowering the modulus of the diffusion barrier layer can also improve the resistance to UV radiation.
US08173534B2	Method for producing a semiconductor wafer with rear side identification A semiconductor wafer with rear side identification and to a method for producing the same is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rear side identification has a multiplicity of information regarding the monocrystalline and surface and also rear side constitution. A multiplicity of semiconductor device positions arranged in rows and columns are provided on the top side of the semiconductor wafer, an information chip being arranged at an exposed semiconductor device position, the information chip having at least the information of the rear side identification.
US08173533B2	Semiconductor memory device and method of forming the same Semiconductor memory devices and methods of forming semiconductor memory devices are provided. The methods may include forming insulation layers and cell gate layers that are alternately stacked on a substrate, forming an opening by successively patterning through the cell gate layers and the insulation layers, and forming selectively conductive barriers on sidewalls of the cell gate layers in the opening.
US08173528B2	Gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon solar cell and manufacture method for the same A manufacture method for a gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon solar cell is provided. The method includes classifying the sheets of gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon according to resistivity; texturing and washing the sheets of gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon; diffusing the classified, textured and washed sheets of gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon; etching and depositing the sheets of gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon; and metalizing the sheets of gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon. Advantageously, Light Induced Degradation (LID) is efficiently, economically and conveniently suppressed, the light induced efficiency degradation of monocrystalline silicon solar cell can be controlled within 1%, and meanwhile, the effect of the uneven resistivity distribution of gallium-doped monocrystalline on the cell process is reduced.
US08173527B2	Stepped masking for patterned implantation An improved method of moving a mask to perform a pattern implant of a substrate is disclosed. The mask has a plurality of apertures, and is placed between the ion source and the substrate. After the substrate is exposed to the ion beam, the mask is indexed to a new position relative to the substrate and a subsequent implant step is performed. Through the selection of the aperture size and shape, the index distance and the number of implant steps, a variety of implant patterns may be created. In some embodiments, the implant pattern includes heavily doped horizontal stripes with lighter doped regions between the stripes. In some embodiments, the implant pattern includes a grid of heavily doped regions. In other embodiments, the implant pattern is suitable for use with a bus-bar structure.
US08173526B2	Method for providing a nanoscale, high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on insulator Various embodiments include forming a silicon-germanium layer over a substrate of a device; forming a layer in the silicon-germanium layer, the layer including at least one of boron and carbon; and forming a silicon layer over the silicon-germanium layer. Additional embodiments are described.
US08173524B1	Process for epitaxially growing epitaxial material regions Methods form epitaxial materials by forming at least two gate stacks on a silicon substrate and forming sidewall spacers on sides of the gate stacks. Such methods pattern a recess in the silicon substrate between adjacent ones of the gate stacks. The methods also provide a liner in a bottom of the recess, and epitaxially grow epitaxial material from sidewalls of the recess to fill the recess with the epitaxial material.
US08173514B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an isolation region defining an active region in a semiconductor substrate, forming a first insulating film over the semiconductor substrate, forming a second insulating film having etching properties different from those of the first insulating film over the first insulating film, selectively removing the second insulating film from a first region over the active region and the isolation region by dry etching using a fluorocarbon-based etching gas, removing a residual film formed by the dry etching over the first insulating film by exposure in an atmosphere containing oxygen, and selectively removing the first insulating film from the first region by wet etching.
US08173513B2	Method for manufacturing a semiconductor pressure sensor Method for manufacturing a semiconductor pressure sensor, wherein, in a silicon substrate, trenches are dug and delimit walls; a closing layer is epitaxially grown, that closes the trenches at the top and forms a suspended membrane; a heat treatment is performed so as to cause migration of the silicon of the walls and to form a closed cavity underneath the suspended membrane; and structures are formed for transducing the deflection of the suspended membrane into electrical signals.
US08173511B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and semiconductor device obtained with such a method The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device (10) with a substrate (11) and a semiconductor body (12) which is provided with at least one bipolar transistor having an emitter region (1), a base region (2) and a collector region (3), wherein in the semiconductor body (12) a first semiconductor region (13) is formed that forms one (3) of the collector and emitter regions (1,3) and on the surface of the semiconductor body (12) a stack of layers is formed comprising a first insulating layer (4), a polycrystalline semiconductor layer (5) and a second insulating layer (6) in which stack an opening (7) is formed, after which by non-selective epitaxial growth a further semiconductor layer (22) is deposited of which a monocrystalline horizontal part on the bottom of the opening (7) forms the base region (2) and of which a polycrystalline vertical part (2A) on a side face of the opening (7) is connected to the polycrystalline semiconductor layer (5), after which spacers (S) are formed parallel to the side face of the opening (7) and a second semiconductor region (31) is formed between said spacers (S) forming the other one (1) of the emitter and collector regions (1,3). According to the invention the above method is characterized in that before the further semiconductor layer (22) is deposited, the second insulating layer (6) is provided with an end portion (6A) that viewed in projection overhangs an end portion (5A) of the underlying semiconductor layer (5). In this way bipolar transistor devices can be obtained with good high frequency properties in a cost effective manner.
US08173508B2	Semiconductor device having vertical type MOSFET and manufacturing method thereof A method (and resultant structure) includes forming a semiconductor layer having plural stripe-like trenches, forming a gate electrode buried partially in each of the plural trenches, and introducing an impurity into the semiconductor layer by ion implantation after forming the gate electrode. The gate electrode has a buried portion formed in each of the trenches and a protruding portion situating above the buried portion and having a width larger than that of the buried portion. The introducing the impurity includes introducing an impurity into the semiconductor layer below the protruding portion by oblique ion implantation.
US08173502B2	Formation of active area using semiconductor growth process without STI integration A semiconductor device can be formed without use of an STI process. An insulating layer is formed over a semiconductor body. Portions of the insulating layer are removed to expose the semiconductor body, e.g., to expose bare silicon. A semiconductor material, e.g., silicon, is grown over the exposed semiconductor body. A device, such as a transistor, can then be formed in the grown semiconductor material.
US08173500B2	Poly-emitter type bipolar junction transistor, bipolar CMOS DMOS device, and manufacturing methods of poly-emitter type bipolar junction transistor and bipolar CMOS DMOS device A poly-emitter type bipolar transistor includes a buried layer formed over an upper portion of a semiconductor substrate, an epitaxial layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a collector area formed on the epitaxial layer and connected to the buried layer, a base area formed at a part of an upper portion of the epitaxial layer, and a poly-emitter area formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the base area and including a polysilicon material. A BCD device includes a poly-emitter type bipolar transistor having a poly-emitter area including a polysilicon material and at least one of a CMOS and a DMOS formed on a single wafer together with the poly-emitter type bipolar transistor.
US08173499B2	Method of fabricating a gate stack integration of complementary MOS device A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a substrate comprising a first device region and a second device region; forming an oxide cap over the substrate and in the first device region and the second device region; forming a first metal layer over the oxide cap, wherein the first metal layer has a first portion in the first device region and a second portion in the second device region; forming a mask to cover the second portion of the first metal layer, wherein the first portion of the first metal layer is exposed; removing the first portion of the first metal layer and the oxide cap from the first device region; removing the mask; and forming a second metal layer in the first device region and the second device region, wherein the second metal layer in the second device region is over the second portion of the first metal layer.
US08173493B2	Thin film transistor array panel and fabrication The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a thin film transistor array panel, which includes forming a gate line on a substrate; forming a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and an ohmic contact on the gate line; forming a first conducting film including Mo, a second conducting film including Al, and a third conducting film including Mo on the ohmic contact; forming a first photoresist pattern on the third conducting film; etching the first, second, and third conducting films, the ohmic contact, and the semiconductor layer using the first photoresist pattern as a mask; removing the first photoresist pattern by a predetermined thickness to form a second photoresist pattern; etching the first, second, and third conducting films using the second photoresist pattern as a mask to expose a portion of the ohmic contact; and etching the exposed ohmic contact using a Cl-containing gas and a F-containing gas.
US08173491B2	Standard cell architecture and methods with variable design rules Structures and methods for standard cell layouts having variable rules for spacing of layers to cell boundaries are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first standard cell layout is provided with a conductive layer having at least two portions spaced apart by a minimum spacing distance, the conductive layer having at least one portion spaced from a cell boundary by a first spacing distance of less than half of the minimum spacing distance; a second standard cell disposed adjacent the first standard cell with at least one second portion of the conductive layer in the second cell disposed adjacent the first portion in the first standard cell and spaced apart from a common cell boundary by a second spacing greater than half of the minimum; wherein the sum of the first and second spacings is at least as great as the minimum spacing. A method for forming standard is disclosed.
US08173490B2	Fabrication of electronic devices including flexible electrical circuits A packaged electronic device includes a die, a flexible circuit structure, and a barrier film disposed on the die. The die includes die circuitry and electrical contacts. The flexible circuit structure is bonded directly to the die, and includes electrical conductors encapsulated by structural layers. Each electrical conductor contacts a respective electrical contact. The electronic device is encapsulated by the barrier film and one or more of the structural layers.
US08173488B2	Electronic device and method of manufacturing same This application relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: providing multiple chips each comprising contact elements on a first main face of each of the multiple chips, and a first layer applied to each of the first main faces of the multiple chips; placing the multiple chips over a carrier with the first layers facing the carrier; applying encapsulation material to the multiple chips and the carrier to form an encapsulation workpiece embedding the multiple chips; and removing the carrier from the encapsulation workpiece.
US08173487B2	Semiconductor element, method for manufacturing same, and electronic device including same A thin-film transistor (1) of the present invention includes an insulating substrate (2), a gate electrode (3) which has a predetermined shape and is formed on the insulating substrate (2), a gate insulating film (4) formed on the gate electrode (3), and a semiconductor layer (5) which is polycrystalline ZnO and is formed on the gate insulating film (4). The semiconductor layer (5) is immersed in a solution in which impurities are dissolved so that the impurities are selectively added to a grain boundary part of the polycrystalline ZnO film. Subsequently, a source electrode (6) and a drain electrode (7) are formed so as to have a predetermined shape. Next, a protection layer (8) is formed on the source electrode (6) and the drain electrode (7). Thus, a thin-film transistor which has a good subthreshold characteristic and has a zinc oxide film as a base of an active layer can be realized.
US08173485B2	Method of manufacturing organic light emitting device A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting device by which a pixel defining layer can be easily formed. The method includes: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a photoresist layer to cover the first electrode; patterning the photoresist layer and forming a blocking layer so that the blocking layer is on a side of the first electrode opposite to a side facing the substrate; forming a pixel defining layer on the substrate to cover side ends of the first electrode; removing the blocking layer and exposing the side of the first electrode contacting the blocking layer; forming an intermediate layer including an organic light emitting layer on the side of the first electrode that is exposed by removing the blocking layer; and forming a second electrode on the intermediate layer.
US08173482B2	Devices and methods of protecting a cadmium sulfide for further processing Methods for protecting a cadmium sulfide layer on a substrate are provided. The method can include sputtering a cadmium sulfide layer onto a substrate from a cadmium sulfide target at a sputtering pressure (e.g., about 10 mTorr to about 150 mTorr), and sputtering a cap layer directly on the cadmium sulfide layer. The cap layer can be sputtered directly onto the cadmium sulfide layer without breaking vacuum of the sputtering pressure. Methods are also provided for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device through depositing a cadmium sulfide layer on a substrate, depositing a cap layer directly on the cadmium sulfide layer, heating the substrate to sublimate at least a portion of the cap layer from the cadmium sulfide layer, and then depositing a cadmium telluride layer on the cadmium sulfide layer. An intermediate substrate for forming a cadmium telluride based thin-film photovoltaic device is also provided.
US08173478B2	Method of manufacturing metal wiring and method of manufacturing semiconductor device A metal wiring suitable for a substrate of large size is provided. The present invention is characterized in that at least one layer of conductive film is formed on an insulating surface, a resist pattern is formed on the conductive film, and the conductive film having the resist pattern is etched to form a metal wiring while controlling its taper angle α in accordance with the bias power density, the ICP power density, the temperature of lower electrode, the pressure, the total flow rate of etching gas, or the ratio of oxygen or chlorine in etching gas. The thus formed metal wiring has less fluctuation in width or length and can satisfactorily deal with an increase in size of substrate.
US08173474B2	Method of manufacturing solar battery When a layered structure of a transparent electrode layer and a metal layer is formed as a back side electrode layer over a surface on a side opposite to a side of incidence of light of a thin film solar battery, a time when formation of the transparent electrode layer is completed and a time when formation of the metal layer is started are made to coincide for one substrate.
US08173473B2	Laser system for processing solar wafers in a carrier An apparatus and method for processing the solar cell substrates is provided. In one embodiment, a laser firing chamber for processing solar cell substrates placed in a carrier, comprising a laser module located at a side of the carrier, the laser module being adapted to generate and direct multiple laser beams over an entire surface of a plurality of solar cell substrates, and a transport adapted to convey the carrier through an outputting region of the laser beams.
US08173472B2	Semiconductor sensor and manufacturing method of sensor body for semiconductor sensor A semiconductor sensor of which the thickness may be reduced and a method of manufacturing a sensor body for the semiconductor sensor are provided. A total length L1 of a weight portion 5 and an additional weight portion 3 as measured in an extending direction of a centerline C is determined to be shorter than a length L2 of a support portion 7 as measured in the extending direction of the centerline C. The weight portion 5 and the additional weight portion 3 are received within a space 15 defined, being surrounded by the support portion 7. Then, dimensions and shapes of the weight portion 5 and the additional weight portion 3 are determined to allow the weight portion 5 and the additional weight portion 3 to move within the space 15.
US08173469B2	Fabrication method of light emitting device Provided is a method for fabricating a light emitting device. The method for fabricating the light emitting device includes forming a buffer layer including a compound semiconductor in which a rare-earth element is doped on a substrate, forming a light emitting structure including a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer, which are successively stacked on the buffer layer, forming a first electrode layer on the light emitting structure, removing the substrate, and forming a second electrode layer under the light emitting structure.
US08173467B2	Method for fabricating LED chip comprising reduced mask count and lift-off processing A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode.
US08173466B2	Method for fabricating LED chip comprising reduced mask count and lift-off processing A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode.
US08173463B2	Method of fabricating a light emitting device with a p-type dopant Provided is a light emitting device fabricating apparatus, which includes a light emitting device, first and second contact parts, a power source part, a loading plate, and a chamber. The first and second contact parts are connected to the light emitting device to apply a first current to the light emitting device. The power source part supplies power to the first and second contact parts. The loading plate supports and heats the light emitting device. The chamber accommodates the light emitting device, the first and second contact parts, and the loading plate, and has a vacuum state or oxygen atmosphere.
US08173462B2	Manufacturing method of nitride crystalline film, nitride film and substrate structure A manufacturing method of a nitride crystalline film includes following steps. First, a substrate is provided. Next, a first nitride crystalline film is formed on the substrate. A patterned mask is then formed on the first nitride crystalline film. The patterned mask covers a first part of the first nitride crystalline film and exposes a second part of the first nitride crystalline film. Afterwards, the second part is etched, and the first part is maintained. After that, the patterned mask is removed. The first part is then etched to form a plurality of nitride crystal nuclei. Next, a second nitride crystalline film is formed on the substrate, and the second nitride crystalline film is made to cover the nitride crystal nuclei. A nitride film and a substrate structure are also provided.
US08173456B2	Method of manufacturing a light emitting diode element A method of manufacturing a light emitting diode element is provided. A first patterned semi-conductor layer, a patterned light emitting layer, and a second patterned semi-conductor layer are sequentially formed on an epitaxy substrate so as to form a plurality of epitaxy structures, wherein the first patterned semi-conductor layer has a thinner portion in a non-epitaxy area outside the epitaxy structures. A passivation layer covering the epitaxy structures and the thinner portion is formed. The passivation layer covering on the thinner portion is partially removed to form a patterned passivation layer. A patterned reflector is formed directly on each of the epitaxy structures. The epitaxy structures are bonded to a carrier substrate. A lift-off process is performed to separate the epitaxy structures from the epitaxy substrate. An electrode is formed on each of the epitaxy structures far from the patterned reflector.
US08173454B2	Light emitting diode package and method of manufacturing the same Disclosed is a light emitting diode package, including a metal body including a cavity for receiving a light emitting diode therein, a lens mount for mounting thereon a lens through which light is transmitted, a heat sink for dissipating heat, a lead insertion recess formed on a bottom surface of the metal body so that a lead is inserted therein, and a bonding hole formed to communicate with the lead insertion recess and passing through the cavity of the metal body; and a lead seated into the lead insertion recess of the metal body and insulation bonded to the bottom surface of the metal body by means of an insulating binder, so that an insulation type bonding relationship between the metal body and the lead is maintained stable. A method of manufacturing the light emitting diode package is also provided.
US08173453B2	Laser patterning of encapsulated organic light emitting diodes Patterning an organic light emitting diode (OLED) after it has been encapsulated by permanently changing the light emissivity of the diodes. The OLED includes an intervening layer between a source of laser treatment and a light emitting layer. Depending on the composition of the light emitting layer, the laser treatment will enhance or diminish brightness.
US08173452B1	Method to form a device by constructing a support element on a thin semiconductor lamina A semiconductor assembly is described in which a support element is constructed on a surface of a semiconductor lamina. Following formation of the thin lamina, which may have a thickness about 50 microns or less, the support element is formed, for example by plating, or by application of a precursor and curing in situ, resulting in a support element which may be, for example, metal, ceramic, polymer, etc. This is in contrast to a rigid or semi-rigid pre-formed support element which is affixed to the lamina following its formation, or to a donor wafer from which the lamina is subsequently cleaved. Fabricating the support element in situ may avoid the use of adhesives to attach the lamina to a permanent support element; such adhesives may be unable to tolerate processing temperatures and conditions required to complete the device. In some embodiments, this process flow allows the lamina to be annealed at high temperature, then to have an amorphous silicon layer formed on each face of the lamina following that anneal. A device may be formed which comprises the lamina, such as a photovoltaic cell.
US08173449B2	Method for making COP evaluation on single-crystal silicon wafer An evaluation area of an evaluation object wafer is concentrically divided in a radial direction, an upper limit value to the number of COPs is set in each divided evaluation segment, and an acceptance determination of the single-crystal silicon wafer is made using the upper limit value as a criterion. Thereby, a quantitative and objective COP evaluation can be made, and a proper determination is made based on a clear criterion. The evaluation method of the present invention can sufficiently deal with automation of the COP evaluation (inspection) and the higher-quality wafer in the near future, and the evaluation method can be widely applied to production of the single-crystal silicon wafer and production of a semiconductor device.
US08173443B2	Multiplex screening for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) A novel protein profiling method of testing for Lysosomal Storage Diseases (“LSD”) using discovered normalized lysosomal fingerprint patterns. The fingerprint patterns reveal the health of lysosomal organelles, specific LSD, and clinical severity Multiplexing bead technology for simultaneous screening of multiple LSD and normalizing measured enzyme activity or protein levels against other lysosomal proteins, enzymes, or enzyme activities. Compounds, reagents, and methods for identifying and quantifying multiple target enzymes and proteins.
US08173441B2	Method for applying NMR for ligand discovery or as a drug screening tool The present invention relates to a method for screening compounds to identify compounds that bind to a specific target, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a target immobilized to a solid support; (b) generating a first NMR spectrum of the said compounds to be screened in the presence of the solid support without the target molecule immobilized thereto; (c) generating a second NMR spectrum of the said compounds to be screened in the presence of the solid support with the target molecule immobilized thereto; and (d) comparing said first and second NMR spectrum to determine differences between said first and second NMR spectrum. Further the invention relates to an NMR apparatus having arranged therein a particular NMR probe.
US08173440B2	Nanoporous material for aldehydes with direct optical transduction The invention concerns a method for detecting and/or assaying and/or capturing at least one aldehyde, preferably formaldehyde, including a step of contacting a gas stream with a material comprising a nonporous metal oxide sol-gel matrix, said matrix containing at least one probe molecule bearing at least one reactive function capable of reacting with at least one aldehyde function. The invention also concerns the material for implementing said method, a method for preparing same, and sensors incorporating such materials.
US08173438B1	Microbiological assessment method and device utilizing oxygen gradient sensing There is disclosed a biological indicator (BI) test utilizing oxygen sensing within a microenvironment as a means for determining the presence of viable microorganisms capable of growth, a method for biological indicator (BI) testing for determining the completeness of a sterilization cycle utilizing oxygen sensing as the means for determining the presence of viable microorganism survival, a device for determining oxygen content in a biological indicator (BI) assay vessel containing an optical oxygen sensor, and a method and device for determining antimicrobial drug resistance or sensitivity to a contaminated sample.
US08173434B2	PCan065 antibody compositions and methods of use The invention provides isolated anti-PCan065 antibodies that bind to PCan065. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising an anti-PCan065 antibody and a carrier. These compositions can be provided in an article of manufacture or a kit. Another aspect of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-PCan065 antibody, as well as an expression vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid. Also provided are cells that produce the anti-PCan065 antibodies. The invention encompasses a method of producing the anti-PCan065 antibodies. Other aspects of the invention are a method of killing an PCan065-expressing cancer cell, comprising contacting the cancer cell with an anti-PCan065 antibody and a method of alleviating or treating an PCan065-expressing cancer in a mammal, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the anti-PCan065 antibody to the mammal.
US08173430B2	Simulant material and method for manufacture thereof Provided is a simulant material for simulating hazardous materials, including a quantity of at least one explosive material and at least one inert material. The simulant material is a non-explosive material and is in the form of a homogenous, flexible and non-particulated material. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a simulant material.
US08173423B2	Diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia The present invention relates to the field of biotechnological means to diagnose or treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. More particularly, the invention relates to methods to diagnose T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia via determining the presence of a duplication of the MYB gene in cells taken from patients. The invention further relates to inhibitors capable of neutralizing the biological activity of MYB alone, or in combination with inhibitors capable of neutralizing the biological activity of NOTCH1, which can be used to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
US08173422B2	Method for improving protein production The present invention relates to the production of proteins in a cell or host cell. The invention uses a TRAnscription Pause (TRAP) sequence to enhance a protein expression characteristic of a protein expression unit. The TRAP sequence is thought to prevent, at least in part, formation of antisense RNA or to, at least in part, prevent transcription to enter the protein expression unit. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for expression of at least one protein of interest in a cell comprising providing the cell with at least one protein expression unit that comprises a promoter functionally linked to an open reading frame encoding at least one protein of interest, characterized in that the protein expression unit further comprises at least one TRAP sequence and wherein the TRAP sequence is functionally located downstream of the open reading frame and at least in part prevents formation of antisense RNA. In another embodiment, the TRAP sequence is functionally located upstream of the promoter and at least in part prevents transcription to enter the expression unit. Preferably, the expression protein unit further comprises at least one STabilizing Anti-Repressor sequence.
US08173421B2	Arrangement for transport and/or safekeeping of a human or animal tissue sample An arrangement for the transport and/or safekeeping of a human or animal tissue sample comprising a tablet and one or more alignment pins; each pin having a tip to pierce the cover of the tablet; the tablet designed with at least two layers that include a cover layer and a support member; and at least one alignment pin with a tip that is undercut in the direction of piercing so that it locks against the inside of the cover layer, counteracted by a lower piercing resistance of the support member in the area the piercing point. Upon piercing the cover layer, the tablet and/or the respective alignment pin limit the piercing depth of the alignment pin forming a locking event. The arrangement is designed to preserve orientation information and allow for unobscured imaging of the sample.
US08173417B2	Ruggedized apparatus for analysis of nucleic acid and proteins The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.
US08173415B2	Single cell microinjection using flexible and compliant fluidic channels and electroosmotic dosage control A microinjection device for injecting a target cell with a reagent. The microinjection device includes a flexible substrate; a target supply channel formed in the flexible substrate for receiving the target cell; a reagent supply channel formed in the flexible substrate for receiving the reagent; a suction capillary mounted within a suction channel formed in the flexible substrate, the suction capillary providing suction to the target supply channel for immobilizing the target cell within the target supply channel; an injection needle mounted within a needle channel formed in the flexible substrate, the injection needle being movable between injected and un-injected positions by deforming at least a part of the flexible substrate; and a plurality of electrodes embedded in the flexible substrate, the plurality of electrodes creating a voltage potential across the injection needle to move the reagent into the target when the injection needle is in the injected position.
US08173414B2	Sulfide perfusion apparatus An apparatus for establishing sulfide perfusion is described and includes a sulfide supply for introducing sulfide into fluid for perfusion, an apparatus for delivery of the perfusion fluid, a fluid chemistry monitor for monitoring the concentration of sulfide and other components of the perfusion fluid, and an electronic controller connected with the sulfide supply and the fluid chemistry monitor to control the sulfide supply to regulate the sulfide concentration of the perfusion fluid based on input from the fluid chemistry monitor.
US08173410B2	Isoprene synthase variants for improved microbial production of isoprene The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers.
US08173408B2	Recombinant carrier molecule for expression, delivery and purification of target polypeptides Recombinant carrier molecules having amino acid sequences from thermostable enzymes and methods of use for expression, recovery and delivery of foreign sequences (peptides and polypeptides) produced in different systems (bacteria, yeast, DNA, cell cultures such as mammalian, plant, insect cell cultures, protoplast and whole plants in vitro or in vivo are provided. The recombinant carrier molecule using sequences from lichenase B(Lic B) were also made and used as part of carrier protein to express, recover and deliver a variety of target polypeptides of interest.
US08173407B2	Nanoengineered biophotonic hybrid device An improved method for the design and development of high performance hybrid devices having biological and nonbiological components. The biological component is used in hybrid constructs that may be nanostructures, given the small size of the biological parts. In one specific embodiment, chlorosomes of Chloroflexus aurantiacus (C. aurantiacus) enhance performance of a silicon photovoltaic cell. C. aurantiacus, strain J-10-f1, has the A.T.C.C. designation number 29366, having been deposited in July, 1976. Its chlorosomes are harvested and positioned in light communicating relation to a photoactive semiconductor. The chlorosomes react to light of a first wavelength by emitting light at a second wavelength to which the semiconductor electrically responds.
US08173405B2	Nerolidol, terpene, and terpene deriviative synthesis According to one embodiment, the description relates to a method of nerolidol production. The method includes culturing a yeast strain lacking functional squalene synthase and overproducing HMG CoA reductase in synthetic medium lacking uracil and producing nerolidol. The pH of the medium may be adjusted to an acidic level to further increase nerolidol production. Other chemicals may also be produced by this method. The nerolidol or other chemicals may be removed from the yeast or medium or both. The medium may additionally contain a polyaromatic resin, which may adsorb nerolidol or other chemicals.
US08173404B1	Process for converting whole barley into fermentable sugars A process for obtaining fermentable sugars from barley, involving treating hulled barley with H2SO4 to produce acid treated barley and treating the acid treated barley with enzymes to produce fermentable sugars.
US08173399B2	Method for producing lacto-N-biose I and galacto-N-biose A method for producing lacto-N-biose I and galacto-N-biose inexpensively and conveniently is provided.The method for producing lacto-N-biose I or galacto-N-biose, characterized in that the method comprises causing: (i) a combination of a carbohydrate raw material with an enzyme that catalyzes phosphorolysis of the carbohydrate raw material to give α-glucose-1-phosphate; and (ii) a combination of an enzyme that converts α-glucose-1-phosphate to UDP-glucose and an enzyme that converts UDP-galactose to galactose-1-phosphate with their cofactors, and/or a combination of an enzyme (UDP-Gly synthase) that converts α-glucose-1-phosphate and UDP-galactose to UDP-glucose and α-galactose-1-phosphate, respectively, with its cofactor(s) to act in the presence of N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, phosphoric acid, lacto-N-biose phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.211), and UDP-glucose-4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.2).
US08173395B2	Mussel bioadhesive The present invention relates to a bioadhesive derived from mussel. In particular, it relates to a novel Mytilus galloprovincialis foot protein type 5 (MGFP-5) and a recombinant protein that is a hybrid of MGFP-5 and foot protein type 1 (FP-1), where an adhesive protein with adhesive activity can be economically mass-produced to be used in place of chemical adhesives through the present invention.
US08173388B2	Self-contained biological indicator The disclosed invention provides a self-contained sterilization indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The sterilization indicator includes a cap configured for housing a growth medium, the cap being mountable on a container that contains a concentration of microorganisms. The cap comprises an inner chamber for housing the growth media. The inner chamber has an opening and a breakable barrier overlying the opening for encapsulating the growth media within the inner chamber of the cap. The biological indicator is adapted for breaking the breakable barrier at a selected time to introduce the growth medium into the container such that the growth medium contacts the microorganisms.
US08173382B2	Assay for cardiac troponin autoantibodies The invention provides among other things methods and kits based on assaying for cardiac troponin autoantibodies, either in conjunction with an assay for cardiac troponin and/or as an independent indicator of cardiac pathology, such as myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and/or ischemic heart disease. Assay methods of the invention can be employed among other things to identify cardiac pathology, or risk thereof, in subjects who have an autoimmune disease or who are related to an individual with an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the invention also provides a method of determining whether a subject having, or at risk for, a cardiac pathology is a candidate for immunosuppressive therapy or immunoabsorption therapy. The invention also provides kits and kit components that are useful for performing the methods of the invention.
US08173377B2	Methods and compositions for determining the purity of chemically synthesized nucleic acids This application describes an antibody that specifically binds to a synthetic oligomer (e.g., an oligonucleotide or oligopeptide) having a organic protecting group covalently bound thereto, which antibody does not bind to that synthetic oligomer when the organic protecting group is not covalently bound thereto. Methods of making and using such antibodies are also disclosed, along with cells for making such antibodies and articles carrying immobilized oligomers that can be used in assay procedures with such antibodies.
US08173375B2	Rabbit monoclonal antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigens and methods of using the same Reagents, methods and immunodiagnostic test kits for the accurate detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are disclosed. The methods and kits employ novel rabbit monoclonal antibodies directed against HBV surface antigens (HBsAg) with mutations in the “a” determinant region of HBsAg.
US08173372B2	Methods of donor specific crossmatching The detection of endothelial cell antibodies has been proven clinically important for successful organ transplantation. Disclosed are methods of isolating Tie-2+ and CD34− precursor endothelial cells for use in donor-specific crossmatching.
US08173369B2	Peripheral gene expression biomarkers for autism The disclosed invention comprises methods and materials for screening cells for genetic profiles associated with autism spectrum disorders. The methods typically involve isolating a cell from an individual and then observing the expression profile of one or more genes in the cell, wherein certain expression patterns of the genes observed are associated with autism spectrum disorders.
US08173368B2	Programmable oligonucleotide synthesis The invention relates to methods and devices for preparing synthetic nucleic acids.
US08173365B2	Method for inhibiting signal transduction, signal transduction inhibitor to be used therein and use thereof An object of the present invention is to provide a method for inhibiting activation of signaling pathway mediated by erbB1 or erbB2 in human cell and a signaling inhibitor to be used therefor. The above-described activation of signaling pathway can be inhibited by a polypeptide comprising at least one of PTB domain or ERK2 binding domain of human FRS2β. The above-described polypeptide may be introduced directly into cell, or nucleic acid which encodes for the above-described polypeptide may be introduced into cell to allow expression of the polypeptide in the cell. Such polypeptide and nucleic acid can be used, for example, as a signaling inhibitor. In addition, since erbB1 and erbB2 are involved in development of cancer, the above-described signaling inhibitor is also useful, for example, as an anticancer drug.
US08173364B2	Methods and composition for the production of orthogonal tRNA-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase pairs This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo.
US08173363B2	Random transposon insertion in Staphylococcus aureus and use thereof to identify essential genes The invention provides a method for generating a database of candidate essential genes in Staphylococcus aureus, as well as otherwise important genes that, when mutated, lead to a growth attenuated phenotype. Such genes and mutants of such genes are important for identifying antibacterial agents suitable for treating and preventing S. aureus infections. The invention includes methods for confirming the essentiality or importance of candidate genes, as well as methods for utilizing those genes to screen for new antibacterial drugs. The invention also includes the antibacterial agents identified using the disclosed methods, as well as methods of using the same for treating and preventing Staphylococcus infection.
US08173362B2	Cytomegalovirus surface protein complex for use in vaccines and as a drug target Immunogenic compositions and prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines for use in protecting and treating against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) are disclosed. Subunit vaccines comprising a human CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, and nucleic acid vaccines comprising at least one nucleic acid encoding a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130 are described. Also disclosed are therapeutic antibodies reactive against a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, as well as methods for screening compounds that inhibit CMV infection of epithelial and endothelial cells, methods for immunizing a subject against CMV infection, methods for determining the capability of neutralizing antibodies to inhibit CMV infection of cell types other than fibroblasts, and methods of diminishing an CMV infection.
US08173356B2	Three dimensional scaffold and method of fabricating the same A three dimensional scaffold having a three dimensional structure is easily fabricated by employing a lithography process used in a semiconductor manufacturing process. A method of fabricating the same is also disclosed have a conformational structure. In the method of fabricating a three dimensional scaffold having the conformational structure according to the present invention, a first pattern is first formed on a substrate by using a first photoresist through a lithography process, and a temporary photoresist is coated on a whole surface of the substrate. Next, a temporary pattern exposing the upper part of the first pattern to the surface is formed by using the lithography process, and a second photoresist contacting the first pattern via the temporary pattern is coated on the whole surface of the substrate. Subsequently, the temporary pattern is removed after exposing and developing the second photoresist, and then, a second pattern connected to the first pattern is formed with the second photoresist, to thereby obtain the three dimensional scaffold. Accordingly, the present invention can readily fabricate a three dimensional scaffold having a three dimensional structure through a lithography process using a photoresist.
US08173355B2	Gradient colored mask The invention relates to a process for forming a structure comprising: (a) providing a transparent support; (b) forming a color mask having a selected absorption spectral range wherein the color mask has an effectively transparent portion and a partially absorptive portion, wherein the partially absorptive portion includes at least two portions having different optical densities within the absorption spectral range; (c) coating a layer of a photopatternable material sensitive to visible light in the absorption spectral range; (d) exposing and developing the photopatternable material to form a photopattern corresponding to at least one of said two portions of the partially absorptive portion; and (e) depositing and patterning a layer of functional material such that a pattern of functional material results corresponding to the at least one of said two portions of the partially absorptive portion.
US08173349B2	Photosensitive resin composition, polymer compound, method of forming a pattern, and electronic device A polymer compound is provided which is excellent in heat resistance and insulating property, and a photosensitive resin composition is provided which includes the polymer compound, and may form a cured pattern or a cured film excellent in pattern forming property, resolution, heat resistance and insulating property. Also, a method for forming a cured pattern excellent in pattern forming property, resolution, heat resistance and insulating property using the photosensitive resin composition, and an electronic device having high reliance for a semiconductor device or for a display device are provided. The photosensitive resin composition includes a polymer compound obtained by reacting a monomer represented by Formula (1) and a monomer represented by Formula (2), and a photosensitizing agent.
US08173348B2	Method of forming pattern and composition for forming of organic thin-film for use therein A method for forming a pattern contains (1) a step of forming an underlayer film containing (A) a radiation-sensitive acid generator capable of generating an acid upon exposure to radiation rays or (B) a radiation-sensitive base generator capable of generating a base upon exposure to radiation rays on a substrate; (2) a step of irradiating the underlayer film with radiation rays through a mask with a predetermined pattern to obtain an exposed underlayer film portion having been selectively exposed through the predetermined pattern; (3) a step of forming (C) an organic thin film on the underlayer film so as to attain chemical bonding of the exposed underlayer film portion with the organic thin-film formed on the exposed underlayer film portion; and (4) a step of removing the organic thin film formed on areas of the underlayer film other than the exposed underlayer film portion.
US08173347B2	Micropatterning of molecular surfaces via selective irradiation A method for surface micropatterning includes forming on a surface containing a first polymer a first coating containing a second polymer having first functionalities capable of being converted to second functionalities by exposure to an acid. A second coating containing a photoacid generator is formed on the first coating. The second coating containing the photoacid generator is selectively irradiated in one or more regions thereof with radiation having a spatially varying internsity pattern to generate an acid in each irradiated region of the second coating. The acid converts the first functionalities of each region of the second polymer underlying a respective irradiated region of the second coating to second functionalities. A first molecular patterned surface having one or more regions of the first functionalities and one or more regions of the second functionalities is formed.
US08173346B2	Printing members having permeability-transition layers and related methods Affinity transitions from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states, rather than ablation mechanisms, facilitate the creation of an imagewise lithographic pattern on a printing plate. In various embodiments, a lithographic printing member comprises a topmost “imaging” layer that undergoes, in response to heat, a transition from a hydrophobic and oleophilic state to a hydrophilic state (which may or may not also be oleophilic); and a substrate disposed below the imaging layer. The affinity change in the imaging layer may be due essentially to a foaming agent therein. The foaming agent decomposes upon heating, creating a gas that foams the surface of the imaging layer. The resulting spongelike texture enables the surface to retain water, i.e., renders it hydrophilic.
US08173344B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member and electrophotographic apparatus The present invention provides an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a photoconductive layer is an amorphous layer that contains a silicon atom as a main component, and a surface layer contains an aluminum atom, a zinc atom and an oxygen atom so as to satisfy Expression (1) and Expression (2): 3.0≦100{y/(x+y)}≦7.0 (1), and 1.05≦z/(1.50x+y)≦1.20 (2), in Expression (1) and Expression (2), x represents atom % of the aluminum atom contained in the surface layer, y represents atom % of the zinc atom contained in the surface layer, and z represents atom % of the oxygen atom contained in the surface layer.
US08173343B2	Electrophotographic photoconductor, image forming apparatus using the same, and process cartridge The present invention provides an electrophotographic photoconductor which includes at least a photosensitive layer and a surface protective layer over a support, wherein the surface protective layer contains a filler, a charge transporting material and a specific compound; and the photosensitive layer contains at least a charge transporting material; the charge transporting material contained in the photosensitive layer has an oxidation potential lower than the oxidation potential of the charge transporting material contained in the surface protective layer and is a specific compound.
US08173342B2	Core shell photoconductors A photoconductor that includes a photogenerating layer, and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport component, and a core shell component, and wherein the core is comprised of a metal oxide and the shell is comprised of silica.
US08173340B2	Digital electrostatic latent image generating member Embodiments pertain to a novel imaging member, namely, an electrostatic latent image generating member that can generate an electrostatic latent image digitally without using a raster output scanner (ROS), photoreceptor and charger. The imaging member facilitates the charge injection process between an organic conjugated polymer and N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′bis(3-methylphenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′diamine charge transport layer.
US08173339B2	Electrophotographic apparatus, electrophotographic photoconductor drum, developing device and image forming device An electrophotographic apparatus includes a photoconductor, a plurality of a series of bump portions formed on a surface of the photoconductor, the bump portions having slopes with respect to a circumferential direction of the photoconductor, and each of the bump portions being spaced apart by a predetermined interval from adjacent bump portions with respect to the circumferential direction.
US08173329B2	Molded product and method for manufacturing same A molded product having a phase separation structure formed by photopolymerization of a photopolymerizable composition and imparting a sharp diffraction spot at a high diffraction efficiency, and a method for manufacturing same are provided. The molded product (1) comprises a matrix (2) and a multiple columnar structures (3) disposed within the matrix (2) and having an index of refraction different from the matrix (2), wherein the half width of a diffraction spot is 0.6° or less and diffraction efficiency is 10% or greater in an angular spectrum obtained by irradiation with a laser beam having an intensity distribution of standard normal distribution and a half width of the intensity distribution of 0.5°. The multiple columnar structures (3) are oriented in approximately the same direction, and are aligned in a regular lattice on a plane perpendicular to said orientation direction.
US08173328B2	Interconnects for solid oxide fuel cells and ferritic stainless steels adapted for use with solid oxide fuel cells Various embodiments relate to interconnects for solid oxide fuel cells (“SOFCs”) comprising ferritic stainless steel and having at least one via that when subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature develops a scale comprising a manganese-chromate spinel on at least a portion of a surface thereof, and at least one gas flow channel that when subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature develops an aluminum-rich oxide scale on at least a portion of a surface thereof. Other embodiments relate to interconnects comprising a ferritic stainless steel and having a fuel side comprising metallic material that resists oxidation during operation of the SOFCs, and optionally include a nickel-base superalloy on the oxidant side thereof. Still other embodiments relate to ferritic stainless steels adapted for use as interconnects comprising ≦0.1 weight percent aluminum and/or silicon, and >1 up to 2 weight percent manganese. Methods of making interconnects are also disclosed.
US08173324B2	Catalyst A platinum alloy catalyst PtX, wherein the atomic percent of platinum in the bulk alloy is from 5 to 50 at %, the remaining being X, characterised in that the atomic percent of platinum at the surface of the alloy is from 10 to 80 at %, the remainder being X, provided that the at % of platinum at the surface of the alloy is at least 25% greater than the at % of platinum in the bulk alloy is disclosed.
US08173322B2	Tubular solid oxide fuel cells with porous metal supports and ceramic interconnections An intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell structure capable of operating at from 600° C. to 800° C. having a very thin porous hollow elongated metallic support tube having a thickness from 0.10 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.35 mm, a porosity of from 25 vol. % to 50 vol. % and a tensile strength from 700 GPa to 900 GPa, which metallic tube supports a reduced thickness air electrode having a thickness from 0.010 mm to 0.2 mm, a solid oxide electrolyte, a cermet fuel electrode, a ceramic interconnection and an electrically conductive cell to cell contact layer.
US08173318B2	Fuel reservoir for fuel cell The fuel reservoir for a fuel cell is a fuel reservoir detachably connected with a fuel cell main body, and it is equipped with a fuel-storing vessel of a tube type for storing a liquid fuel and a fuel discharge part; the fuel discharge part is provided with a valve for sealing communication between the inside and the outside of the above fuel-storing vessel; and a follower which seals the liquid fuel and moves as the liquid fuel is consumed is disposed in the rear end part of the liquid fuel stored. The valve assumes a structure in which a slit is formed in an elastic material and a structure in which a valve member is pressed by a resilient body.
US08173315B2	Fuel battery system, method for detecting gas leakage in such system, and mobile object The accuracy of detecting gas leakage in a fuel battery system is improved. A fuel battery system includes a fuel battery to which a reactive gas is supplied to generate power, and a gas passage (a fuel gas supply path and a fuel gas circulation path) connected to this fuel battery, this gas passage is provided with a plurality of adjoining closed spaces, and the system includes a detecting unit (a control section) to detect gas leakage in one closed space in a state in which at least a pressure of another closed space adjoining the one closed space as a gas leakage detection target on a downstream side is lowered.
US08173313B2	Method of stopping a solid polymer type fuel cell system A fuel cell system for power generation comprising a solid polymer type fuel cell having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for separating an anode gas and a cathode gas, a resistor, an inverter, a switch for switching the inverter and the resister with respect to the fuel cell, the switch and the inverter, a supply conduit and discharge conduit for the anode gas and the cathode gas, and a supply vale and a discharge valve. When a molar ratio of the hydrogen contained in the anode gas to oxygen contained in the cathode gas becomes 2/1 or less at the time of the stop of the fuel cell, the supply valve for air is closed.
US08173312B2	Fuel cell system with electric storage device and voltage converter The present invention seeks, when a temporary abnormality occurs in a voltage converter, a recovery of the voltage converter, and minimizes the inadequacy of the drive power. In a fuel cell system comprising an electric storage device disposed with a voltage converter, in the case where an abnormality occurs in the voltage converter, the voltage converter is stopped once, an attempt is made to recover the voltage converter to a normal state after the voltage converter is stopped, and drive power is generated in at least a fuel cell until the voltage converter recovers to the normal state. It is preferred that an upper limit of the power which can be generated when the voltage converter recovers to the normal state be set to a value lower than an upper limit of power obtained prior to the occurrence of the abnormality. Further, it is preferred that the limit be canceled step by step when recovering the voltage converter to a normal state.
US08173310B2	Fuel cell system and method for operating the same A fuel cell system and a method for operating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a fuel supplier, a reformer for reforming a fuel supplied from the fuel supplier into hydrogen gas by a reforming reaction, and a fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen gas and an oxidizing agent. When the fuel cell system is to be stopped, the reforming reaction of the reformer and the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell are stopped and a portion of unreformed fuel is fed to the reformer and the fuel cell stack. Residual hydrogen is reacted and residual power from the fuel cell stack is dissipated by a power dissipation circuit. By largely removing hydrogen from the fuel cell stack on a stopped condition, reactions that are detrimental to the fuel cell membrane are reduced.
US08173306B2	Catalyst, method for producing catalyst, membrane electrode assembly, and fuel cell A catalyst is provided and includes fine catalyst particles of a composition represented by formula (1): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hf, W, Ni, and V; u, x, y, and z are 10 to 98.9 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 35 atm %, and 0.5 to 35 atm %, respectively, or formula (2): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ct, Mo, Nb, Zr, and T; u, x, y, and z are 40 to 70 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 15 atm %, and 0.5 to 15 atm %, respectively.
US08173304B2	Electric current collector, electrode and charge accumulating device The electric current collector of the present invention comprises a substrate composed of aluminum, a junction layer, formed on the surface of the substrate, in which aluminum and an electrically conductive material having electrical conductivity have been mixed, and an electrical conductor layer, formed on the junction layer, comprising the electrically conductive material. The electrode and the charge accumulating device of the present invention employ the electric current collector of the present invention.
US08173303B2	Lithium secondary battery Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery including a positive electrode including a positive active material; a negative electrode including a negative active material; a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte, where an alkaline metal powder layer is formed by dispersion coating on a surface of at least one of the positive and negative electrodes and the separator.
US08173301B2	Positive electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the same A positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a lithium-containing transition metal oxide having a closest-packed cubic structure of oxygen, the lithium-containing transition metal oxide having a composition represented by the formula (1): Li[Lip(NixMnyCoz)1-p]O2, where x, y, and z represent element contents of nickel, manganese, and cobalt, respectively, and satisfies 0.2+y≦x≦0.7, 0.15≦y, 0.05≦z, x+y+z=1, and 0≦p≦0.1.
US08173300B2	Acid-lead battery electrode comprising a network of pores passing therethrough, and production method A structure including a network of parallel, homogeneous pores extending through the structure, and an outer frame around the lateral faces of the structure. The structure and the frame are made of carbon. The electrode is covered by a layer based on lead. The pores are filled with an active material based on lead.
US08173283B2	Ceramic substrate A ceramic substrate according to one aspect of the invention comprises a main surface wherein a diameter of a first imaginary circle inscribed in a circumference of the main surface is represented by C (m), a thickness of the ceramic substrate is represented by h (m), a Poisson ratio of the ceramic substrate is represented by ν, a density of the ceramic substrate is represented by ρ(kg/m3), a Young's modulus of the ceramic substrate is represented by E(Pa), a deflection of the ceramic substrate is represented by X (m), the deflection being measured in a condition that the ceramic substrate is supported in a region between the first imaginary circle and a second imaginary circle which is a concentric circle of the first imaginary circle and has a diameter of C-0.01 (m), wherein X≦1.5×(C4/h2)×A and A={3×9.807×ρ×(1−ν2)×(5+ν)}/{28×(1+ν)×E} are satisfied.
US08173282B1	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium with an ordering temperature reducing layer FePt-based perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) media including an ordering temperature reducing layer between a bottom FePtX magnetic recording layer and a nucleation layer. In one embodiment, an ordering temperature reducing layer of carbon is employed to lower the L10 ordering temperature of a FePtC recording layer.
US08173281B2	Ceramic sinter, magnetic head substrate using the same, magnetic head and recording medium drive unit A ceramic sintered body contains Al2O3 crystal grains, internal TiC crystal grains existing in the Al2O3 crystal grains and external TiC crystal grains other than the internal TiC crystal grains. The Al2O3 crystal grains and the external TiC crystal grains retain stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient remaining after sintering, so that the Al2O3 crystal grains and the external TiC crystal grains pull each other in the interface therebetween. As a result, when the ceramic sintered body is machined, micro-cracks generated in the interface can easily grow due to the residual stress in addition to the shearing force caused by the machining operation, so that machinability is improved.
US08173279B2	Wetting resistant materials and articles made therewith Ceramic materials with relatively high resistance to wetting by various liquids, such as water, are presented, along with articles made with these materials, methods for making these articles and materials, and methods for protecting articles using coatings made from these materials. One particular embodiment is an article that comprises a coating having a surface connected porosity content of up to about 5 percent by volume. The coating comprises a material that comprises a primary oxide and a secondary oxide, wherein (i) the primary oxide comprises a cerium cation, and (ii) the secondary oxide comprises a cation selected from the group consisting of the praseodymium and neodymium.
US08173278B2	Coated body A coated body and a process for producing a layer of hard material on a substrate are described. The body comprises a substrate (30) and a layer of hard material (36) which has been applied to the substrate (30) and at least partly covers the body. The layer of hard material comprises the metallic elements Al, Cr and Si and also nonmetallic elements selected from the group consisting of B, C, N, O. The atomic proportion of oxygen among the nonmetallic elements is greater than 30%. The layer of hard material is deposited on the substrate by means of magnetron atomization.
US08173276B2	Materials for electroluminescence and the utilization thereof The present invention relates to organic semiconductors which contain structural units L=X and in addition structural units which emit light from the triplet state. The materials according to the invention are more soluble and easier to synthesise and are therefore more suitable for use in organic light-emitting diodes than comparative materials in accordance with the prior art.
US08173274B2	Organic compound and organic electroluminescence device employing the same Organic compounds and organic electroluminescence devices employing the same are provided. The organic compound has a chemical structure represented as follows: wherein, R1 and R2 are independent and can be aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, hetero-cycloalkyl, or a cycloaliphatic group, or R1 and R2 link together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached to form a fused aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, hetero-cycloalkyl, or a cycloaliphatic group, and R3, R4, and R5 are independent and can be H, C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkoxy, C1-8 halo-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, hetero-cycloalkyl, or a cycloaliphatic group.
US08173273B2	Anthracene derivatives, method for preparation thereof, and organic electronic device using the same The present invention relates to a novel anthracene derivative, a method for preparation thereof, and an organic electronic device using the same. The anthracene derivative according to the present invention can function as a hole injecting, hole transporting, electron injecting, electron transporting, or light emitting in an organic electronic device including an organic light emitting device, and in particular, used alone as a light emitting, or as a host or dopant in a host/dopant system. The organic electronic device according to the present invention exhibits excellent characteristics in terms of efficiency, drive voltage, life time, and stability.
US08173271B2	Fluorescent rare earth complex, and light-emitting element, security medium and lighting device using the same The present invention provides a fluorescent rare earth complex having high solubility to a medium, showing fluorescence of high intensity and possessing excellent durability, and also provides a light-emitting element using that complex. The rare earth complex comprises a rare earth ion and a phosphine oxide ligand, and the phosphine oxide ligand contains a phosphorus atom connecting to at least one phenyl group. In the phenyl group, at least one of the meta-positions is substituted. It is also necessary that the para-position of the phenyl group be not substituted.
US08173269B2	Alloy coating film, method for production of alloy coating film, and heat-resistant metal member In an alloy coating film having a diffusion barrier layer and an aluminum reservoir layer on a substrate, the diffusion barrier layer is composed of a single phase that is a Re—Cr—Ni—Al system σ phase containing Al by less than 1 atomic %, or composed of a first phase which is the Re—Cr—Ni—Al system σ phase and one or more second phases selected from a γ phase, γ′ phase and β phase.
US08173267B2	Functionalization of poly(arylenevinylene) polymers for integrated circuits A method is provided for modifying a poly(arylene vinylene) or poly(heteroarylene vinylene) precursor polymer having dithiocarbamate moieties by reacting it with an acid and further optionally reacting the acid-modified polymer with a nucleophilic agent. Also provided are novel polymers and copolymers bearing nucleophilic side groups which are useful as components of electronic devices, e.g. in the form of thin layers.
US08173265B2	Coating compositions for cans and methods of coating A coating composition for a food or beverage can that includes an emulsion polymerized latex polymer formed by combining an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component with an aqueous dispersion of a water-dispersible polymer.
US08173263B2	Heat treatable low-E coated articles and methods of making same A heat treatable coated article (e.g., vehicle windshield, IG unit, etc.) is provided with a dual-silver low-E coating. Before and/or after heat treatment (HT), the coating and/or coated article has a visible transmittance of at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%. Moreover, the coating and/or coated article is designed so as to have approximately the same color when viewed over a wide range of viewing angles. In certain embodiments, at least one contact layer (e.g., of or including NiCrOx) that contacts an infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., Ag) is oxidation graded so that it progressively becomes less oxidized through its thickness as it nears the IR reflecting layer. In still other embodiments, a Si-rich silicon nitride layer(s) may be utilized to reduce haze.
US08173259B2	Methods to fabricate functionally gradient materials and structures formed thereby Methods and associated structures of forming microelectronic devices are described. Those methods may include forming a first layer of functionalized nanaparticles on a substrate by immersing the substrate in at least one of a solvent and a polymer matrix, wherein at least one of the solvent and the polymer matrix comprises a plurality of functionalized nanoparticles; and forming a second layer of functionalized nanoparticles on the first layer of functionalized particles, wherein there is a gradient in a property between the first layer and the second layer.
US08173253B2	Laser-imageable marking compositions A tape construct comprises a laser-imageable composition, whereby images can be created in said tape by irradiation with a laser. In an alternative, a laser-imageable formulation suitable for spray application to a substrate, comprises a color-former, a binder and a carrier.
US08173252B2	PSA tapes for splicing flat web materials The invention relates to pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for flying splice of flat web materials, having at least one splittable carrier and two layers of adhesive, at least one of the adhesives being a silicone PSA, more particularly an electron-beam-crosslinked silicone PSA, and also to a method of producing them. The silicone PSA advantageously has at least one polydiorganosiloxane having the structure —Si(R2)—O—[Si(R2)—O]n—Si(R2)—, where the 2n+4 substituents R independently of one another are monovalent hydrocarbon radicals and n is an integer, and also at least one resin (“MQ resin”) constructed from (R2)3SiO1/2— units (“M units”) and SiO4/2 units (“Q units”), the substituents R2 of the M units being independently of one another alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkylsilyl groups, hydroxyl groups or hydrogen.
US08173250B2	Metal/plastic hybrid and shaped body produced therefrom The invention relates to a metal/plastic hybrid and to a shaped body produced therefrom. By combining metallic additives in plastic, it has been shown for the first time that specific volume resistances of less than 10−2 Ωcm can be realized while the compounds have, at the same time, a good processability during the injection molding process.
US08173248B2	PVD coated substrate A PVD coating is disclosed, and in particular a nanoscale multilayer superlattice PVD coating comprising high hardness, a low friction coefficient and increased chemical inertness. The multilayer coating comprises a repeating bilayer represented by (VxMe(i-x))CyN(i-y)/(MezV(1-z))CyN(i-y) where 0.1≦x≦0.9; 0.01
US08173244B2	Transparent sheet-like shaped plastic part with concealed sprue mark, and process for producing it A transparent sheet-like shaped plastic part, in particular a plastic pane, on account of the use of a direct injection-molding process during production of the shaped plastic part (1), has at least one sprue mark (4) located on an optical surface (1.2) of the shaped plastic part (1). The sprue mark (4) is covered by a covering material (2) of lower transparency than the shaped plastic part (1).
US08173234B2	Labels There is described a label comprising a self supporting sheet of a biopolymer, preferably cellulose (e.g. regenerated cellulose, cellulose acetate and/or PLA), said sheet being substantially transparent to visible light when uncoated, wherein said sheet comprises: (a) a first coating on at least one surface thereof to aid printability thereon; (b) a second coating comprising an adhesive dispersible in an aqueous medium; and (c) optionally a third coating to modify water permeability through the sheet. The labels are to be applied to articles such as glass containers. Preferred labels are wet glue cellulose labels, for example where the first coating also comprises a copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate to aid water permeability and hence rapid drying of the label on an article.
US08173233B2	Foamed film package A package includes at least one layer of foamed thin film and an opening feature formed in the layer of foamed thin film. The foamed thin film has a caliper of from about 10 microns to about 250 microns thick. The foamed thin film comprises from about 5% to about 50% density reduction as compared to a non-foamed thin film of substantially the same caliper and substantially the same composition. The package may include foamed thin film made of a plastic resin and a whitening additive that is added to plastic resin. The whitening additive is selected to produce a foamed thin film having an opacity value of from about 35% to about 99%. The whitening agent is of substantially the same composition and is present in substantially the same amount as would be selected to produce substantially the same light reflectivity in a non-foamed thin film of substantially the same caliper and substantially the same composition.
US08173231B2	Heat-shrinkable cylindrical label, long cylindrical body, and cylindrical-label-attached article The heat-shrinkable cylindrical label of the present invention comprises a cylindrical body formed a heat-shrinkable film into a cylindrical form, and a resin layer laid on a partial region of the cylindrical body, wherein the heat-shrinkable film is a film having a heat shrinkage ratio of 30% or more when the film is heated to 85° C. and having a shrinkage stress of 6.5 MPa or less when the film is heated to 85° C., and the resin layer is a layer which does not substantially deform when the layer is heated to 85° C.In a cylindrical-label-attached article, wherein the cylindrical label is shrunk by heat to be fitted to an article, the regions where the resin layer is formed rise up as a three-dimensional pattern in a convex form.
US08173229B2	Intermediate transfer medium, and image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer belt, which receives plural color toner images from one or more image bearing members and then transfers the plural color toner images onto a receiving material. The intermediate transfer belt includes a substrate; and an outermost layer located overlying the substrate and including an epoxy-silicone copolymer. An image forming apparatus including at least one image bearing member configured to bear plural color toner images thereon; a primary transfer device including the intermediate transfer belt, wherein the primary transfer device transfers the plural color toner images from the at least one image bearing member to the intermediate transfer belt to form a combined color toner image thereon; and a secondary transfer device configured to transfer the combined color toner image onto a receiving material.
US08173228B2	Particle reduction on surfaces of chemical vapor deposition processing apparatus A method of reducing the amount of particulates generated from the surface of a processing component used during plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of thin films. The body of the processing component comprises an aluminum alloy, and an exterior surface of said processing component is texturized to increase the amount of surface area present on the exterior surface. The texturizing process includes at least one step in which the surface to be texturized is bead blasted or chemically grained, so that the surface roughness of the texturized surface ranges from about 50 μ-inch Ra to about 1,000 μ-inch Ra.
US08173227B2	Recording ink, ink media set, ink cartridge, ink recorded matter, inkjet recording apparatus, and inkjet recording method There is provided a recording ink containing: solid constituents, which contain a colorant and a resin, and stay solid in the ink having a temperature of 25° C.; liquid constituents, which have a higher boiling point than a boiling point of water, and stay liquid in the ink having a temperature of 25° C.; and water, wherein a total amount of the solid constituents in the recording ink is in the range of 2.0% by mass or more to less than 20% by mass, wherein a ratio A/B of a total amount of the liquid constituents in the recording ink A to the total amount of the solid constituents in the recording ink B is from 0.70 to 1.75, and wherein the viscosity of the recording ink at 25° C. is 10 mPa s or less.
US08173221B2	Protective coatings for metals Metal products having improved properties and processes for preparing the metal products are provided. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a metal product comprising a metal surface, an oxide layer and a glass layer. The glass layer is provided by coating a stable aqueous silicate or borosilicate solution onto the metal surface and curing the aqueous solution to produce a glass layer. The metal products have surface characteristics that outperform current anodized metal surfaces.
US08173220B2	Method of producing metal plated material The invention provides a method of producing a metal plated material, the method including: preparing a polymer solution containing a polymer; preparing a composition by mixing the polymer solution with a monomer at an amount of from 30% by mass to 200% by mass with respect to the polymer, and with a compound having a non-dissociative functional group and a reactive group, the non-dissociative functional group being capable of interacting with a plating catalyst or a precursor thereof, and at least one of the polymer or the monomer having a functional group that reacts with the reactive group in the compound; forming a cured layer on a substrate by applying the composition, drying the composition and curing the composition; applying the plating catalyst or the precursor thereof to the cured layer; and conducting plating with respect to the plating catalyst or the precursor thereof to form a plating film on the cured layer.
US08173219B2	Porous fiberglass materials having reduced formaldehyde emissions The present invention relates to formaldehyde scavenger treatments for porous fiberglass material having formaldehyde emitting binders thereon. The invention also relates to methods of making porous fiberglass material having reduced formaldehyde emissions.
US08173214B2	Substrate processing method A substrate processing method for use in a substrate processing apparatus having a stocker therein which stores a multiplicity of dummy substrates; a reaction chamber for producing semiconductor products; and a transferring unit for transferring into the reaction chamber a process substrate and the dummy substrate stored in the stocker in order to form a film on the process substrate, the method includes transferring one dummy substrate selected among the dummy substrates stored in the stocker to the reaction chamber without being out of the apparatus; and introducing a cleaning gas into the reaction chamber to clean said one dummy substrate within the reaction chamber.
US08173210B2	Methods for surface modification of non-dispersible metal nanoparticles and modified metal nanoparticles for inkjet by the same method A method for surface modification of non-dispersible metal nanoparticles comprises mixing metal nanoparticles having an amorphous carbon layer on the surface with an alcohol or thiol solvent, mixing a capping molecule having a carboxylic head group in the mixed solution, and separating the metal nanoparticles from the mixed solution and the metal nanoparticles for inkjet printing thus modified.
US08173208B2	Method for producing dustless graphite spheres from waste graphite fines A method for producing graphite spheres from graphite fines by charging a quantity of spherical media into a rotatable cylindrical overcoater, charging a quantity of graphite fines into the overcoater thereby forming a first mixture of spherical media and graphite fines, rotating the overcoater at a speed such that the first mixture climbs the wall of the overcoater before rolling back down to the bottom thereby forming a second mixture of spherical media, graphite fines, and graphite spheres, removing the second mixture from the overcoater, sieving the second mixture to separate graphite spheres, charging the first mixture back into the overcoater, charging an additional quantity of graphite fines into the overcoater, adjusting processing parameters like overcoater dimensions, graphite fines charge, overcoater rotation speed, overcoater angle of rotation, and overcoater time of rotation, before repeating the steps until graphite fines are converted to graphite spheres.
US08173202B2	Multi-layer coating structure with anti-reflection, anti-static and anti-smudge functions and method for manufacturing the same A multi-layer coating structure with anti-reflection, anti-static and anti-smudge functions includes a substrate and a coating module. The coating module is formed on a front surface of the substrate and composed of a plurality of indium tin oxide compound coating layers and a plurality of silicon dioxide compound coating layers that are alternately stacked upon each other. The coating module further includes a fluorocarbon compound coating layer that is the uppermost layer of the coating module. Because the surface layer has good electrical conductive properties, the surface layer reduces much of the work in the grounding process and also increases the total yield and reliability in high volume production. The present invention provides a surface conductive layer structure with an anti-reflection coating that can be applied to the LCD and PDP display industries for glass and plastic film substrates.
US08173199B2	40-O-(2-hydroxy)ethyl-rapamycin coated stent A method and coating for reducing the release rate of an active agent from an implantable device, such as a stent, is disclosed.
US08173196B2	Method of coating a stent with a polysaccharide layer and associated stents The invention concerns methods of coating stents and stents produced in accordance therewith. The object of the invention is to provide methods of coating stents with a polysaccharide layer which has improved adhesion capacity on the substrate surface of the implant, and to afford correspondingly functionalized stents. That is achieved inter alia by covalent bonding of a non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid to a substrate surface of the stent with the formation of hyaluronic acid layer and crosslinking of the hyaluronic acid layer.
US08173194B2	Peanut butter with an organic stabilizer and method for manufacture thereof The present invention is directed to a novel organic peanut butter formulation and method for production. The peanut butter includes an organic palm oil stabilizing agent that reduces or prevents separation of oils from the peanut butter during storage. Peanut butter incorporating the palm oil, methods for manufacturing the peanut butter, and foods incorporating the peanut butter are also disclosed.
US08173190B2	Non-settling fruit beverages and methods of making non-settling fruit beverages The present invention relates to non-settling fruit beverages (e.g., smoothies), including processes for making non-settling fruit beverages. In particular, the present invention provides processes for making storable non-settling fruit beverages.
US08173189B2	Magnetic device and method for treating perishable items such as food or ice A method and device for treating a perishable object, the method exposing the perishable object to a south magnetic field created by magnetic interference of a plurality of magnets. The device comprising a panel defining a portion of a space for containing the perishable object, the plurality of magnets housed within the panel and arranged such that the magnets extend into the space for containing the perishable object.
US08173188B2	Method of controlling heating cooking apparatus In a method of controlling a heating cooking apparatus, when a generated steam volume at a forced finish time Tn−1 determined based on a minimum volume-minimum steam curve does not reach a minimum steam volume B1 determined based on a slowly rising maximum volume-maximum steam curve, the generated steam volume is smaller than in the case of a food having a maximum weight. Therefore, it can be judged that heating is performed in a no-load condition with an exceedingly small generated steam volume, and the operation of the heating cooking apparatus is forcedly stopped. When a generated steam volume at a maximum detection time Tm+1 does not reach a standard steam volume A determined based on the maximum volume-maximum steam curve, it is judged that a large amount of food exceeding a maximum amount is being heated and the operation of the heating cooking apparatus is forcedly stopped.
US08173186B2	Chocolate drawing method A method of making a drawing on a chocolate by causing a pulsed laser to irradiate the surface of a solid chocolate under limited operation conditions, and a chocolate manufactured by said method are provided. The irradiation energy per pulse and the irradiation energy per sweeping unit line length of the pulsed laser are limited to a certain range. The trace of the laser irradiation remains circular or arc-shaped on the surface of the chocolate manufactured under the above conditions. Further, the method makes a drawing on the surface of the chocolate, using the phenomenon that chocolate changes color when being irradiated by a pulsed laser under the above operation conditions.
US08173182B2	Enhanced antimicrobial activity compositions of blends of plant essential oils Antimicrobial compositions based on a combination or blend of plant essential oils is of enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness; by adding to the combination of at least two plant essential oils, and preferably adds a small but antimicrobial enhancing effective amount of an enhancer selected from the group consisting of polyionic organic enhancers and polyionic inorganic enhancers. One preferred blended oil composition is a mixture of plant essential oils wherein at least one of the oils is oregano oil. The oil blend is used as a major component in the finished product anti-microbial.
US08173179B1	Granular bioplastic biocontrol composition Previous research demonstrated that aflatoxin contamination in corn is reduced by field application of wheat grains pre-inoculated with the non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain NRRL 30797. To facilitate field applications of the biocontrol isolate, a series of laboratory studies were conducted on the reliability and efficiency of replacing wheat grains with the novel bioplastic formulation Mater-Bi® to serve as a carrier matrix to formulate this fungus. Mater-Bi® granules were inoculated with a conidial suspension of NRRL 30797 to achieve a final cell density of ˜log 7 conidia/granule. Incubation of 20-g soil samples receiving a single Mater-Bi® granule for 60-days resulted in log 4.2 to 5.3 propagules of A. flavus/g soil for microbiologically active and sterilized soil, respectively. Increasing the number of granules had no effect on the degree of soil colonization by the biocontrol fungus. In addition to the maintenance of rapid vegetative growth and colonization of soil samples, the bioplastic formulation was highly stable, indicating that Mater-Bi® is a suitable substitute for biocontrol applications of A. flavus NRRL 30797.
US08173178B1	Compositions and methods for controlling metabolic syndrome using whole fruit-derived cranberry ingredient profile enriched in stress adapted bioactives (SABs) Compositions of a whole fruit-derived cranberry ingredient profile, enriched in Stress Adapted Bioactive (SABs) from cranberries are described, for use in reducing the blood glucose level of diabetic, prediabetic, or other hyperglycemic individuals and individuals having one or more metabolic syndrome related factors. The compositions are prepared from whole fruit-derived cranberry pomace, which may be liquid or powdered, and which is enriched in Stress Adapted Bioactives (SABs) and enriched in soluble polyphenolics. Methods for using whole cranberry ingredient profile, enriched in polyphenolic-containing SABs, for the management of individuals having one or more symptoms of metabolic syndrome and for minimizing the effects of the syndrome are disclosed.
US08173177B2	Compositions of botanical extracts for cancer therapy Methods and compositions for prevention and therapy of cancer are provided. Compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of two or more of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum, an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and an extract of Scutellaria barbata and optionally a therapeutically effective amount of an extract of Hippophae rhamnoides are provided. Novel synergistic effects of the use of these compounds in combination therapy are disclosed. Embodiments further comprising therapeutically effective amounts of at least one chemotherapeutic agent are also provided.
US08173173B2	Anhdyrous lactose agglomerates and the preparation thereof The invention relates to a process for the preparation of anhydrous lactose agglomerates, said process comprising (i) subjecting essentially anhydrous lactose primary particles comprising at least 60 wt % crystalline-lactose in a granulator to a wet granulation step at a temperature in the range of 30-100° C. using a binder solution, wherein the granulation mass is subjected to drying for at least part of the granulation step, and (ii) after-drying the granulation mass. The anhydrous lactose agglomerates thus produced comprise at least 50 wt %-lactose crystallites and have a total water content in the range of 0-1.0 wt %, which is required according to the standards laid down by the Pharmacopoeia for anhydrous lactose excipients. These agglomerates combine have excellent compactibility and flowability properties and are particularly useful as excipient in moisture-sensitive applications.
US08173170B2	Drug carrier and drug carrier kit for inhibiting fibrosis An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.
US08173168B2	Dispersible macromolecule compositions and methods for their preparation and use A process for preparing ultrafine powders of biological macromolecules comprises atomizing liquid solutions of the macromolecules, drying the droplets formed in the atomization step, and collecting the particles which result from drying. By properly controlling each of the atomization, drying, and collection steps, ultrafine dry powder compositions having characteristics particularly suitable for pulmonary delivery for therapeutic and other purposes may be prepared.
US08173164B2	Oral administration forms for administering a fixed tramadol and diclofenac combination An oral administration unit containing the active substances Tramadol and Diclofenac and/or physiologically acceptable salts thereof, in which both active substances are contained in the same administration unit as two separately formulated subunits.
US08173163B2	Polymeric drug delivery compositions and methods for treating ophthalmic diseases Degradable polymeric compositions containing water-insoluble drugs blended with copolymers of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups polymerized with biocompatible diphenol com-pound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid ester groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks, wherein the molar fraction in the copolymer of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks relative to the weight percentage of the drug in the composition is effective to provide pseudo-zero order release of the drug from the composition during the sustained-release phase of drug delivery under physiological conditions. Ocular treatment methods and manufacturing methods are also disclosed.
US08173160B2	Compositions comprising edible oils and vitamins and/or minerals and methods for making the compositions The invention provides compositions for an administration to a mammal orally or in a suppository that include one or more edible oils (preferably including one or more omega-3 fatty acids), one or more plant stanols, phytosterols, or esters thereof, and admixed in the one or more edible oils one or more water-soluble vitamins and/or minerals, for example, vitamins B6, B9 and/or B12. The invention also provides a method of making the compositions comprising mixing the foregoing components to form a suspension or emulsion of the vitamins and/or minerals in the edible oils. The mixture can be inserted into hollow soft or hard capsules, gelcaps or caplets. The edible oils can coat particles of the water-soluble vitamins and/or minerals, which may provide them with an improved absorption in the body due to an increased resistance to degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach.
US08173157B2	Pharmaceutical composition comprising phenylamidine derivative and method of using the pharmaceutical composition in combination with antifungal agent A pharmaceutical composition comprising a phenylamidine derivative or a salt thereof, represented by a general formula, wherein R1 and R2 may be same or different, and represent an optionally substituted C3-4alkyl group; and one or more agents selected from azole antifungal agents, polyene antifungal agents, candin antifungal agents and fluoropyrimidine antifungal agents, and a method for combination use of the phenylamidine derivative or a salt thereof and the agents are useful for treating fungal infections caused by a fungal pathogen.
US08173151B2	Antimicrobial material and method for making the same This invention provides a modified catheter biomaterial that provides both immediate, and long-term microbiocidal effects on otherwise antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms. The material, which exhibits good mechanical performance characteristics for medical devices, is composed of a hydrophobic polyurethane (PU), a hydrophilic polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), a soluble silver salt and a sparsely-soluble silver salt. The hydrophobic polyurethane provides the good physical properties, the PEVA the hydrophilicity necessary to allow some water ingress into the catheter, the soluble silver salt for an immediate burst effect, and the sparsely-soluble silver salt for sustained-release over many months postimplantation.
US08173147B2	Gentle, non-irritating, non-alcoholic skin disinfectant The present invention relates to leave-on antimicrobial compositions that provide a substantial reduction in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without the use of alcohol as either a vehicle or a secondary active ingredient.
US08173140B2	Compositions and methods for activating innate and allergic immunity Methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of Proteosome-based immunoactive compositions are provided. The immunogenic compositions, which include Proteosomes and liposaccharides, may be used to elicit or enhance a nonspecific innate immune response to, for example, treat or prevent infectious disease. In addition, after activating the innate immune system, immunogenic compositions further containing an antigen may be used to elicit a specific adaptive immune response. Furthermore, provided are compositions capable of altering hyperreactive responses or inflammatory immune responses, such as allergic reactions. Such compositions may be used as a prophylactic, or in various clinical settings to treat or prevent infectious disease (such as parasite, fungal, bacterial or viral infections), or to alter inappropriate inflammatory immune responses (such as allergic reactions or asthma).
US08173138B2	Stable liquid formulations of botulinum toxin The invention includes liquid formulations of botulinum toxin that are stable to storage in liquid form at standard refrigerator temperatures for at least 1-2 years and to storage at higher temperatures for at least 6 months. The invention also includes methods of treatment using such formulations for various therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
US08173136B2	Attenuated recombinant newcastle disease virus and vaccine containing the same The present invention relates to a recombinant vector for transcription of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) genome, a strain of attenuated recombinant NDV with a surface antigen of pathogenic NDV prepared by the vector, a method of preparing a recombinant NDV having low pathogenicity and high protectivity efficiency against Newcastle disease (ND) using the vector, and a vaccine against ND containing the recombinant NDV.
US08173132B2	Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 213P1F11 useful in treatment and detection of cancer A novel gene (designated 213P1F11) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 213P1F11 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 213P1F11 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 213P1F11 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 213P1F11 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08173128B2	Methods and compositions for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells with an anti-DR5 antibody Anti-DR5 antibody agonists, combined with apoptosis-inducing agents, synergistically induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
US08173126B2	Blood VEGF level-lowering agent containing IL-6 antagonist as the active ingredient A blood vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level-lowering agent comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist as an active ingredient.
US08173125B2	Wise/Sost nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences which influence bone deposition, the Wnt pathway, ocular development, tooth development, and may bind to LRP. The nucleic acid sequence and polypeptides include Wise and Sost as well as a family of molecules which express a cysteine knot polypeptide. Additionally, the present invention relates to various molecular tools derived from the nucleic acids and polypeptides including vectors, transfected host cells, monochronal antibodies, Fab fragments, and methods for impacting the pathways.
US08173121B2	Lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) and elastogenesis Described are methods of treating and preventing conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers. Also provided herein are methods of screening for agents useful in treating such conditions, and animal models of conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers.
US08173119B2	Use of adipose-tissue cell fractions for post-irradiation tissue regeneration The present invention concerns the use of cells derived from the cellular fraction of the vascular stroma of the extramedullary adipose tissue to promote the regeneration of tissue following lesions caused by irradiation. More specifically, the use according to the invention aims to prepare a drug for promoting regeneration of the skin, and in particular to repair the cutaneous wounds caused by irradiation.
US08173116B1	Biodegradable biocompatible carrier for use in artificial fish bait The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a biocompatible, biodegradable, and moldable plastic carrier for a fish attractant or stimulant suitable for use as a component of an artificial fish bait. The carrier comprises one or more grades of poly(vinyl alcohol), a plasticizer, a humectant, and water. It may additionally contain one or more of the following additives: fish olfactory/gustatory stimulants, visually stimulating colorants, preservatives, scrim, and biodegradation enhancers. The present subject matter additionally relates to a method for the production of such carriers and fish bait or lures incorporating the carrier.
US08173115B2	Particle compositions with a pre-selected cell internalization mode A method of formulating a particle composition having a pre-selected cell internalization mode involves selecting a target cell having surface receptors and obtaining particles that have i) surface moieties, that have an affinity for or are capable of binding to the surface receptors of the cell and ii) a preselected shape, where a surface distribution of the surface moieties on the particles and the shape of the particles are effective for the pre-selected cell internalization mode.
US08173110B2	Pre-shave preparation with enhanced lubricity A pre-shave composition to lubricate skin, comprising at least one polyfluoroalkyl dimethicone polymer, a volatile component to serve as a carrier to the polyfluoroalkyl dimethicone polymer, and a suspending agent to suspend the polyfluoroalkyl dimethicone polymer in the volatile component.
US08173100B2	Catalytic system for generating hydrogen by the hydrolysis reaction of metal borohydrides Catalytic system comprising at least two components: a catalyst for the hydrolysis reaction of metal borohydrides to hydrogen; and a material in solid form, the dissolution reaction of which in water is exothermic.
US08173098B2	Titanium oxide, catalyst for treating exhaust gas and method for purifying exhaust gas A catalyst for treating exhaust gases having excellent durability and performance for removing nitrogen oxides and organic halogen compounds and a low SO2 oxidation rate, a titanium oxide suitable for preparing the catalyst and a method for treating exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxides and/or organic halogen compounds using the catalyst are provided.The BET specific surface areas of the titanium oxide and the catalyst for treating exhaust gases are in the range of 85 to 250 m2/g and in the range of 50 to 200 m2/g respectively. The titanium oxide and the catalyst for treating exhaust gases have each a ratio in the range of 15 to 145%, the ratio of the intensity of the peak indicating an anatase crystal present in the range of 2θ=24.7° to 2θ=25.7° of powder X-ray diffraction thereof (Ia) to the intensity of the peak indicating an anatase crystal present in the range of 2θ=24.7° to 2θ=25.7° of powder X-ray diffraction of the standard sample comprising a mixture composed of 15% by mass of pure anatase-type titanium dioxide and 85% by mass of pure rutile-type titanium dioxide (Ib).
US08173092B2	Regularly arranged nanoparticulate silica and process for producing the same A novel silica which is in the form of ultrafine particles having mesopores and has a regular structure; and a process for producing the silica. The silica is a self-organized nanoparticulate silica characterized in that the average particle diameter is 4 to 30 nm, preferably 6 to 20 nm, and these particles are regularly arranged so as to form a primitive cubic lattice. The self-organized nanoparticulate silica is produced by mixing an alkoxysilane with an aqueous solution of a basic amino acid, reacting the mixture at 40 to 100° C., and subjecting the reaction mixture to drying and preferably to subsequent burning. Also provided is a process for producing fine silica particles having a particle diameter of 4 to 30 nm, which comprises mixing a solution of an alkoxysilane compound having 1 to 4 alkoxy groups with a solution of a basic amino acid and reacting the mixture at 20 to 100° C. to cause hydrolysis and condensation polymerization.
US08173089B2	Method for the separation of sour gas Method for separating a gaseous mixture that comprises as main ingredients H2S and CO2, wherein the gaseous mixture is contacted in a first device with a solvent comprising a weak Lewis-acid, wherein H2S is absorbed in the solvent and the remaining CO2 is abducted, and wherein the at least partially saturated solvent is regenerated subsequently, in at least one second device wherein the weak Lewis-acid comprises copper aluminum chloride (Cu[AlCl4]) and wherein the solvent comprises monochlorobiphenyl (MCB).
US08173078B2	Gravity-driven micropump A microfluidic chip with a built-in gravity-driven micropump is provided. The gravity-driven micropump comprises a winding channel, an inert fluidic material placed inside the winding channel, and a suction channel that links the winding channel to the microfluidic chip. The winding channel is for the inert fluidic material to flow in. A fixed volume of high density, inert fluidic material is placed in the winding channel to act as a micropump in the bio chip. When the microfluidic chip is placed in a declining or standing position, the inert fluidic material flows along the winding channel due to the gravity. The invention provides a simple, convenient, and robust microfluid pumping source. With the built-in micropump, this invention is free-of-pollution and saves the manufacturing cost for the pipe link between the bio chip and peripheral devices.
US08173077B2	Reusable PCR amplification system and method A DNA amplification device utilizing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silicon substrate coated with spin-on glass (SOG) is provided. This PDMS layer is irreversibly bonded to the SOG layer of the silicon substrate using oxygen plasma. The amplification device is an inexpensive, microfluidic device, which can be utilized as a portable thermo-cycler to perform PCR amplification of DNA in the field.
US08173071B2	Micro-fluidic test apparatus and method An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the at least one micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.
US08173070B2	Sample injector system for liquid chromatography An injection device (10) includes a carrier inlet (40), a sample inlet (46), waste outlet (44) and a chamber outlet (64) attached to separation column (66). Valves (52, 54, 56) are used to control flow such that sample flows into chamber (22) and is carried into the chamber outlet (42).
US08173063B2	Process for producing a molding The invention relates to a process for producing a molding, comprising a disk-like or plate-like basic body -5- having a large number of knob-like and/or web-like elevations -4-3- which merge into the basic body -5- with inclined side surfaces, by means of pressing and sintering powdery raw materials close to the final shape.According to the invention, the pressing is carried out in a two-stage pressing operation. In the first stage the boundary surfaces of the basic body -5- are pressed to at least the approximate final shape as far as the transition regions of the elevations -3-4- and, at the same time, the elevations -3-4- are pressed to an oversize. The projection h′ of the elevations -3-4- from the basic body -5- is greater by 10%-150% as compared with the projection h from the basic body -5- in the finally pressed state. Their side surfaces form an angle of inclination α′ in the range from 90°-150° with the respectively adjacent boundary surface of the basic body -5-. In the second stage, the elevations -3-4- are pressed to at least approximately the final shape, the angle of inclination α′ being enlarged to a value α which lies in the range from 95°-170°.
US08173062B1	Controlled deformation of a polymer tube in fabricating a medical article Methods of manufacturing a medical article that include radial deformation of a polymer tube are disclosed. A medical article, such as an implantable medical device or an inflatable member, may be fabricated from a deformed tube.
US08173056B2	Method of fabricating an entity and corresponding device A method of fabricating an electronic entity includes the steps of: forming at least part of the entity by hardening a material (28) in a mold, and (26); personalizing the entity while in the mould (26). A corresponding device is also described.
US08173048B2	Composition for circuit connection film and circuit connection film using the same A composition for a circuit connection film and a circuit connection film using the same, the composition including a binder resin including an acrylate modified urethane resin, a carboxyl modified acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, and an acrylic copolymer, the acrylic copolymer having an acid value of about 1 to about 100 mg KOH/g, a radical polymerizable compound including at least one of an isocyanurate acrylate compound and a compound having a (meth)acrylate group, and an organic peroxide.
US08173042B2	Strontium oxyorthosilicate phosphors having improved stability under a radiation load and resistance to atmospheric humidity Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to inorganic phosphors based on silicate compounds having improved stability under a resulting radiation load and resistance to atmospheric humidity, which are capable of converting higher-energy excitation radiation, i.e. ultraviolet (UV) or blue light, with high efficiency into a longer-wavelength radiation which may be in the visible spectral range. A calcium molar fraction x having a value between 0 and 0.05 is added to a silicate phosphor having the general formula Sr3-x-y-zCaxMIIySiO5:Euz.
US08173041B2	Method for intercalating chromophores into zeolite-L nanochannels and products thereof The present invention discloses a method for the intercalation of a chromophore within channels of a zeolite L crystal. The intercalated chromophores exhibit J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The invention discloses method parameters which lead to the J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The J type aggregation of the chromophores affords unique florescent properties rendering the intercalated zeolite L crystals as a material for use in novel optoelectronic devices.
US08173040B2	Composition including benzoxazine-based compound for forming board and board fabricated using the same Disclosed is a composition for forming a board including a benzoxazine-based compound and a liquid crystal polymer or oligomer, and a board fabricated using the same. A board comprising the composition including the benzoxazine-based compound and the liquid crystal compound, and a prepreg comprising the cured composition, are also disclosed.
US08173039B2	Method for preparing cerium oxide powder using organic solvent and CMP slurry comprising the same Disclosed is a method for directly preparing cerium oxide powder in a solution phase by a) mixing a cerium precursor solution with a precipitant solution to cause a reaction; and b) performing oxidation treatment of the reacted solution, wherein at least one kind of pure organic solvent containing no water is used as a solvent for the cerium precursor solution as well as the precipitant solution to thereby prepare the cerium oxide powder, the particle size of which is adjusted to 50 nm to 3 μm. Cerium oxide powder obtained from the method and CMP slurry comprising the cerium oxide powder as a polishing agent are also disclosed. The method makes it possible to prepare cerium oxide powder with an average particle size of 50 nm or greater and high crystallinity, which is difficult to prepare by the conventional wet precipitation process, by using an organic solvent as a solvent in a wet precipitation process, and the so-prepared cerium oxide powder can be used as a polishing agent for CMP slurry even without being subjected to separate heat treatment.
US08173038B2	Methods and systems for forming microstructures in glass substrates A method for forming microstructure cavities in a glass substrate includes directing a first laser pulse onto the glass substrate thereby forming a first microstructure cavity having a tapered configuration. The first laser pulse may have first spot area on the surface of the glass substrate. A second laser pulse having a second spot area on the surface of the glass substrate may be directed onto the glass substrate thereby forming a second microstructure cavity having a tapered configuration. The second spot area may be substantially the same as the first spot area and may overlap the first spot area such that a portion of the sidewall disposed between first microstructure cavity and the second microstructure cavity is ablated. After the portion of the sidewall is ablated, the diameter of each of the first and second microstructure cavities may be less than the diameter of the first spot area.
US08173027B2	Method of separating a composite liquid into at least two components Method for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component including centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid and a volume of gas so as to sediment at least a first component and a second component separation bag; displacing a volume of hydraulic fluid against the separation bag to cause a transfer of at least one fraction of the content of the separation bag into at least one component bag connected to the separation bag; determining the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced and determining the volume of the composite liquid or the transferred components from the determined volume of displaced hydraulic fluid.
US08173019B2	Method for forming facultative-organism-adapted membrane bioreactor A method for forming a facultative-organism-adapted membrane bioreactor by: providing a membrane bioreactor having a membrane module, aerating intensively the membrane module at a lower part thereof and maintaining the scouring against the membrane module so that an aerobic environment is formed at a middle and lower part of the membrane module, and controlling aeration intensity so that a facultative or anaerobic environment is formed around the membrane module excluding the middle and lower part thereof. The a facultative-organism-adapted membrane bioreactorformed by the method has low energy consumption, low sludge yield coefficient, and high efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus removal.
US08173015B2	Photocatalytic reactor A photocatalytic reactor for carrying out a photocatalytic reaction on a liquid which is to be treated, the reactor comprising a reaction chamber which comprises: (i) a foraminated member which supports a plurality of mobile photocatalyst particles, the size and density of which is such that they tend to rest on the foraminated member in use; and (ii) an aeration device which causes gas bubbles to rise from the foraminated member and agitate the mobile photocatalyst particles. The reactor may be a flow-through reactor. The photocatalytic reactor can be applied to the remediation of waste water using titanium oxide.
US08173013B2	Fuel filter Disclosed is a fuel filter in which is disposed in a fuel suction port of a fuel tank or in a fuel line and used to filter the fuel. At least one of filter materials constituting the fuel filter is made into a multifunctional filter material having a function of trapping dust of different particle diameters in stages, by differing the diameter of the pores in the filter material from the primary side to the secondary side of the filter material so that the size of the pores decreases toward the secondary side.
US08173011B2	Methods and apparatus for a pool treatment and water system A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane.
US08173009B2	Process for improving a hydrotreated stream One exemplary embodiment can be a process for improving a hydrotreated stream for lubricating a machine. The hydrotreated stream can include an effective amount of one or more saturated hydrocarbons. Generally, the process includes hydrogenating the hydrotreated stream having no more than about 300 ppm, by weight, sulfur based on the weight of the stream in a hydrogenation reaction zone to produce a product stream having no more than about 5 ppm, by weight, sulfur.
US08173008B2	Method for determining an analyte in a bodily fluid sample using an analyte test strip with combination electrode contact and meter identification feature A method for determining an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes inserting the analyte test strip into a test meter. The insertion is such that an electrical connector pin of the test meter travels along an electrical contact pad of the analyte test strip, and across a meter identification feature disposed on the electrical contact pad, during the insertion. Moreover, during the insertion, a signal processing module of the test meter measures an electrical characteristic via the electrical connector pin as the electrical connector pin travels along the electrical contact pad and across the meter identification feature. The method also includes identifying the analyte test strip, using the signal processing module, based on the electrical characteristic measured as the analyte test strip is inserted into the test meter and, thereafter, applying the bodily fluid sample to the analyte test strip upon notification by the test meter that the identification indicates that such applying is appropriate. The method then includes determining an analyte in the bodily fluid sample using the test meter only if the identification indicates that such determining is appropriate. The electrical contact pad of the analyte test strip employed in the method has a predetermined contact electrical characteristic value and the meter identification feature of the analyte test strip has a predetermined identification feature electrical characteristic value that is dissimilar from the predetermined contact electrical characteristic, thus providing for identification of the analyte test strip by the test meter.
US08173006B2	Apparatus and method for producing electrolyzed water An electrolyzed water production apparatus and method safely and simply produce electrolyzed water having a sterilizing action, having a physiologically neutral pH value, and, in addition, simultaneously with strong acidic electrolyzed water and strong alkaline electrolyzed water depending upon the structure. The electrolyzed water production apparatus has an electrolyzer tank with an end that receives or stores raw water, and a power supply. The interior portion of the electrolyzer tank is partitioned by a plurality of diaphragms into a plurality of regions. An anode and a cathode (constituting an electrode pair) are positioned on either side of the diaphragm. In a certain region of the electrolyzer tank, an anode and a cathode are arranged so as to face each other without a diaphragm sandwiched between them. When raw water for electrolysis is electrolyzed, electrolyzed water having a desired pH of a neutral range is produced during electrolysis.
US08173005B2	Upgrading waste heat with heat pumps for thermochemical hydrogen production This invention relates to hydrogen production using combined heat pumps and a thermochemical cycle. Low grade waste heat can be upgraded to higher temperatures via salt/ammonia and/or MgO/vapor chemical heat pumps, which release heat at successively higher temperatures through exothermic reactions, or vapor compression heat pumps that upgrade thermal energy with phase change fluids. Using this new approach, low grade heat or waste heat from nuclear or other industrial sources can be transformed to a useful energy supply for thermochemical hydrogen production.
US08173002B2	Electro-blotting devices, systems, and kits, and methods for their use The invention provides a dry electroblotting system for dry blotting gels, in which the system includes an electroblotting transfer stack that comprises an analysis gel and a blotting membrane, an anode, a body of anodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the anode between the anode and the transfer stack, a cathode, and a body of cathodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the cathode between the cathode and the transfer stack, in which the anodic gel matrix and the cathodic gel matrix each comprise an ion source for electrophoretic transfer. The dry electroblotting system does not use any liquid buffers that are added to the system just before electroblotting (such as when the transfer stack is being assembled). The anode, the cathode, or both can be separate from a power supply and provided as part of a disposable electrode assembly that also includes a body of gel matrix that includes ions for electrophoretic transfer.
US08172999B2	Low maintenance reference electrode for electrochemical measurements A low maintenance reference electrode has a liquid junction body with a multiplicity of micron-sized capillary channels extending through the body for transporting electrolyte to a test solution. A viscosity-increasing agent thickens the electrolyte to limit its flow to a rate on the order of microliters/day so that a few milliliters of electrolyte suffice to provide an extended electrode life.
US08172995B2	Electrochemical test strips An easily manufactured electrochemical test strip is made with facing electrode but side by side connectors for insertion into an electrochemical test meter. Current is conducted from the electrode on one layer to a connector on the other by a conductive layer disposed adjacent the end of a spacer layer, or by displacing the layer to bring a conductive surface on it into contact with the connector.
US08172993B2	Magnetron sputtering electrode, and sputtering apparatus provided with magnetron sputtering electrode In a magnetron sputtering apparatus an arrangement is made such that the peripheral portion of a target is uniformly eroded to attain a high efficiency in target utilization and, in addition, that an abnormal discharging hardly occurs to thereby enable satisfactory thin film forming. A magnet assembly is provided behind a target that is disposed opposite to the process substrate. This magnet assembly has a central magnet that is disposed linearly along the longitudinal direction, and a peripheral magnet that is disposed so as to enclose the periphery of the central magnet, while changing the polarity on the side of the target. At this time, among the respective magnetic fluxes generated between the central magnet and the peripheral magnet at the longitudinally end portions of the magnet assembly, the position at which the vertical component of the magnetic field becomes zero is locally shifted to the central magnet within a certain range.
US08172991B2	Hydrogen generating apparatus and fuel cell power generation system A hydrogen generating apparatus is disclosed, which can provide a constant amount of hydrogen regardless of its orientation. The hydrogen generating apparatus can include an electrolyte bath, which contains an electrolyte solution; a free-moving first electrode, which is positioned inside the electrolyte bath, and which generates electrons; a free-moving second electrode, which is positioned inside the electrolyte bath, and which receives the electrons to generate hydrogen; a spacer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control unit, which is connected with the first electrode and the second electrode, to control an amount of electrons traveling from the first electrode to the second electrode.
US08172990B2	Apparatus and method for controlling nucleation during electrolysis In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation.
US08172987B2	Low-energy extractive distillation process for dehydration of aqueous ethanol An energy-efficient extractive distillation process for producing anhydrous ethanol from aqueous/ethanol feeds containing any range of ethanol employs an extractive distillation column (EDC) that operates under no or greatly reduced liquid reflux conditions. The EDC can be incorporated into an integrated process for producing anhydrous ethanol used for gasoline blending from fermentation broth. By using a high-boiling extractive distillation solvent, no solvent, is entrained by the vapor phase to the EDC overhead stream, even under no liquid reflux conditions. The energy requirement and severity of the EDC can be further improved by limiting ethanol recovery in the EDC. In this partial ethanol recovery design, ethanol which remains in the aqueous stream from the EDC is recovered in a post-distillation column or the aqueous stream is recycled to a front-end pre-distillation column where the ethanol is readily recovered since the VLE curve for ethanol/water is extremely favorable for distillation.
US08172986B2	Fabric belt having ends of reduced thickness A fabric belt unit for manufacturing corrugated board in a corrugator machine includes a belt (1) joined together at its two ends (2, 3) to form a continuous belt. The fabric belt has an outer paper side (6) as well as an inner driven side (8). The belt ends (2, 3) are reduced thermally in thickness and have a plurality of approximately U-shaped clamps (7) which are connected to each other to form a joint. The U-shaped clamps (7) lie at a distance (a) one next to the other. The distance (u) of the driven side (8) of the belt to the plane (36) of the thickness-reduced belt ends (2, 3) is greater than the distance (v) between the paper side (6) and the plane (46) of the thickness-reduced belt ends (2, 3) in order to obtain a longer service life of the belt.
US08172984B2	Digester with improved space utilization and/or sample holder An apparatus is provided for digesting samples. The apparatus includes a vessel, a closure, and a fluid transporting system. The vessel has a digestion chamber therein that contains a sample holder, e.g., with a plurality of weights, the holder being accessible through a vessel opening. Typically, a vessel flange circumscribes the chamber at the chamber's opening, and the closure has a closure flange that may interface with the vessel flange to form a fluid-tight seal against a digestion pressure and temperature within the chamber. The fluid-transporting system may direct digestion fluid out of the digestion chamber through a submerged outlet port and back into the digestion chamber through an inlet port that traverses through the closure or the vessel flange. Such a fluid transporting system may be set up to allow the sample holder have a high volumetric capacity, e.g., at least 75% of the chamber.
US08172983B2	Controllable filler prefloculation using a dual polymer system A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of high and low molecular weight flocculating agents to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution.
US08172978B2	Reinforced radio frequency identification device support and its manufacturing method The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a radio frequency identification device (RFID), the device featuring an antenna and a chip (12) connected to the antenna, the method including the following steps: printing an antenna (12) having contacts (17 and 19) on a support (20) made of paper or synthetic paper, placing adhesive dielectric material between the contacts of the antenna, positioning an integrated circuit module (10) on the support, the module featuring groups of contacts (17, 18) and the chip (12) connected to groups of contacts inside an encapsulation (14) of the module, so that the groups of contacts of the module are opposite the contacts of the antenna, placing a thermoplastic layer (22) and a paper or synthetic paper layer (24) on the support, the two layers (22 and 24) being provided with a recess (21, 23) at the location of encapsulation (14) of the module (10), laminating together the three layers, the antenna support layer (20), the thermoplastic layer (22) and the paper or synthetic paper layer (24) in order to electrically connect said module to said antenna and agglomerate the layers (20, 22 and 24) together.
US08172975B2	Thermal transfer media and method of making and using same There is disclosed thermal transfer media containing both fixed and variable printed information, and method of making and using such a thermal transfer medium. The fixed information is printed in one or more fixed-information zone(s) preferably on a web during a long production run and thereafter as the need arises the variable information is printed or imprinted in one or more variable information zone(s) on sections of the web during shorter production runs. The transfer medium is particularly suited for printing onto fabrics that are subject to repeated home laundering and commercial dry cleaning.
US08172974B2	Heat transfer methods of applying a coated image on a substrate where the unimaged areas are uncoated Methods and products for forming a coated image on a substrate are generally disclosed. The methods can include forming an image on a printable surface of a transfer coating layer of a printable transfer sheet. In a separate step, the negative mirror image of that same image is printed with toners on a toner printable sheet. After registering the sheets together, a portion of the transfer coating layer of the printable transfer sheet is transferred to the toner printable sheet, such that the portion of the transfer coating layer transferred to the toner printable sheet corresponds to the imaged areas on the toner printable sheet. However, the image formed on the printable surface of the transfer coating layer and the underlying transfer coating substantially remain on the printable transfer sheet. Thereafter, the image and the transfer coating layer remaining on the printable transfer sheet are transferred to a substrate.
US08172972B2	Panel An insulating panel 1 comprises a first sheet 2, a second sheet 4, and a body of insulating foam 5 between the sheets 2, 4. The foam 5 has a plurality of longitudinally extending conduits 7 through which a heat exchange medium such as air is circulated. A barrier 10 is used to create an enlarged void space for air circulation. The barrier is located below profile crowns 3 to prevent foam from entering the crowns 3 and to create additional foam-free voids below the crown. Heat transfer efficiency is increased.
US08172971B2	Joining apparatus and method of manufacturing absorbent article A joining apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibrating device, and an anvil roller facing the ultrasonic vibrating device with superimposed continua of front waistline portions and back waistline portions interposed therebetween. The anvil roller includes a protrusion configured to press the continua in a predetermined region between the anvil roller and the ultrasonic vibrating device, a motor configured to rotate the anvil roller, a belt configured to connect the anvil roller and the motor and to be driven by the motor, and a pressing mechanism configured to press the belt in a cross direction perpendicular to a driving direction of the belt.
US08172967B1	Mouldable plastic explosives and inert simulants for mouldable plastic explosives A solvent-free process is used to make moldable plastic explosives or moldable plastic explosive simulant products.
US08172965B2	Explosive compositions and methods for fabricating explosive compositions PBX compositions and methods for fabricating PBX compositions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a PBX composition comprises a binder matrix comprising a thermoset resin and an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC), the oxidizer homogeneously dispersed within the binder matrix. In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a PBX composition comprises providing an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC) and blending the oxidizer with a prepolymer that, upon cure, forms a thermoset resin.
US08172964B2	Pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composites and methods of making the same A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.
US08172962B2	Fixed constant velocity universal joint and method for manufacturing outer race thereof A fixed constant velocity universal joint includes an outer race having a spherical inner circumferential surface, the outer race including axially extending ball grooves formed in the spherical inner circumferential surface at regular circumferential intervals, and an inner race having a spherical outer circumferential surface, the inner race including axially extending ball grooves formed in the spherical outer circumferential surface at regular circumferential intervals. Balls are interposed between pairs of the ball grooves of the outer race and the ball grooves of the inner race. A cage has pockets for receiving the balls, the pockets being formed at predetermined circumferential intervals. The outer race is produced by hot forging or lathe-turning and subjected to thermal refining treatment.
US08172959B2	Austenitic stainless steel, manufacturing method for the same, and structure using the same There are provided an austenitic stainless steel having high stress corrosion crack resistance, characterized by containing, in percent by weight, 0.030% or less C, 0.1% or less Si, 2.0% or less Mn, 0.03% or less P, 0.002% or less S, 11 to 26% Ni, 17 to 30% Cr, 3% or less Mo, and 0.01% or less N, the balance substantially being Fe and unavoidable impurities; a manufacturing method for an austenitic stainless steel, characterized in that a billet consisting of the said austenitic stainless steel is subjected to solution heat treatment at a temperature of 1000 to 1150° C.; and a pipe and a in-furnace structure for a nuclear reactor to which the said austenitic stainless steel is applied.
US08172958B2	Method of manufacturing a diffusion-hardened medical implant The present disclosure provides methods of making an improved composition and medical implant made therefrom. The methods generally comprise forming a ceramic layer, diffusion hardening, and optionally, forming another ceramic layer. The present disclosure provides methods of making an improved composition having a thick diffusion hardened zone and orthopedic implants comprising the improved composition.
US08172957B2	Method of manufacturing carburized parts To provide a method of manufacturing a carburized part contributable to cost reduction, a portion intended for a non-carburizing portion is treated to a surface roughness corresponding to Rz 50 like a first work surface and a portion intended for a carburizing portion is treated to a surface roughness corresponding to Rz 1.5 like a second work surface.
US08172956B2	Sintered soft magnetic powder molded body A sintered soft magnetic powder molded body having a composition containing Fe, 44 to 50% by mass of Ni and 2 to 6% by mass of Si, or a composition containing Fe and 2 to 6% by mass of Si, wherein the Si is unevenly distributed among particles, is provided.
US08172953B2	Alkyl polyglucosides and a propoxylated-ethoxylated extended chain surfactant A cleaning composition includes an alkyl polyglucoside, an ethoxylated, propoxylated extended chain surfactant having between 6 and 10 carbon atoms and a cloud point of about 42° C. or less, a water conditioning agent and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins.
US08172950B2	Substrate processing apparatus and semiconductor device producing method Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus, including: a chamber, made of a metal, to form a processing space for processing a substrate; at least one rod-like heating body to heat the substrate; and a tube body, made of a material different from that of the chamber, to accommodate the heating body therein, wherein an outer diameter of the tube body on a processing space side in a penetrating portion where the tube body penetrates a wall of the chamber is set to be smaller than an outer diameter of the tube body on an outer side of the chamber in the penetrating portion.
US08172948B2	De-fluoridation process A feature in a layer is provided. A photoresist layer is formed over the layer. The photoresist layer is patterned to form photoresist features with photoresist sidewalls, where the photoresist features have a first critical dimension. A fluorine-containing conformal layer is deposited over the sidewalls of the photoresist features to reduce the critical dimensions of the photoresist features. Fluorine is removed from the conformal layer, while the remaining conformal layer is left in place. Features are etched into the layer, wherein the layer features have a second critical dimension, which is less than the first critical dimension.
US08172946B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of semiconductor device Stagnation of gas used for substrate processing in an exhaust trap is prevented, and localized precipitation of components in the gas used for substrate processing is reduced. The proposed apparatus includes a substrate processing chamber (cylindrical space 250), a gas supply tube 232 for supplying substrate processing gas to the substrate processing chamber, a first exhaust tube (upstream exhaust tube 231a) for discharging gas used for substrate processing from the substrate processing chamber, an exhaust trap 49 for removing components contained in the gas used for substrate processing introduced through the first exhaust tube, and a second exhaust tube (downstream exhaust tube 231b) for exhausting gas out of said exhaust trap 49 after components have been removed from the gas used for substrate processing, wherein the exhaust trap 49 is provided with a cooled baffle plate 59 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which gas is introduced into the exhaust trap 49 and that has a concave surface 59a in the side facing the gas introduction port 55a of the exhaust trap 49.
US08172944B2	Device for producing a block of crystalline material with modulation of the thermal conductivity The device for producing a block of crystalline material from a bath of molten material comprises a crucible having a bottom and heat extraction means arranged under the crucible. It also comprises means for modulating the thermal conductivity fitted between the bottom of the crucible and the heat extraction means. The means for modulating the thermal conductivity comprise a plurality of plates made from thermally conducting material of low emissivity, parallel to the bottom of the crucible, and means for moving said plates closer to and away from one another.
US08172943B2	Single Crystal manufacturing method Single crystalline ingots can be stably pulled free from dislocation and with a good crystal shape by actuating a crystal driving unit so as to immerse a seed crystal in a silicon melt, and controlling the crystal driving unit and a crucible driving unit under predetermined conditions so as to pull the seed crystal. During pulling, a horizontal magnetic field positioning device applies a magnetic field in the horizontal direction to the inside of the silicon melt, fixing the magnetic field axis at a constant position from the liquid surface of the melt. Positional adjustment of the vertical position of the horizontal magnetic field is performed in advance by a magnetic field position adjusting device, and the magnetic field axis of the applied field is fixed at a constant distance lower than the liquid surface of the melt by more than 50 mm and at the same level or higher than a depth L from the melt surface at the point of tail-in.
US08172942B2	Arc discharge apparatus, apparatus and method for manufacturing vitreous silica glass crucible, and method for pulling up silicon single crystal The arc discharge apparatus comprises a plurality of carbon electrodes connected to respective phases of a power supply for heating a silica powder and causing it to fuse by generating arc discharge between the carbon electrodes. All of the carbon electrodes have a density in a range from 1.30 g/cm3 to 1.80 g/cm3, and variability in density among the carbon electrodes is 0.2 g/cm3 or less. The carbon particles that constitute the carbon electrodes preferably have a particle diameter of 0.3 mm or less.
US08172925B2	Multi-functional cabin air filter A multi-functional cabin air filter includes a dust collecting filter layer for collecting fine dust; an oxidation catalyst filter layer for oxidizing nitrogen monoxide into nitrogen dioxide; and an adsorption filter layer for adsorbing nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, wherein antimicrobial nanoparticles are applied to at least one of the dust collecting filter layer, the oxidation catalyst filter layer and the adsorption filter layer. This cabin air filter has dust collecting, denitrifying, deodorizing and antimicrobial functions, and it may be utilized in various ways for air purification in a limited space such as a vehicle.
US08172918B2	Filter appliance A filter device has a filter housing and a filter element that is exchangeably arranged in the filter housing. A housing cover for closing the filter housing is provided. Interacting locking elements are arranged on the filter element and on the housing cover wherein the interacting locking elements have a locked position and a release position and are moveable between the locked position and the release position.
US08172914B2	Infiltration of hard particles with molten liquid binders including melting point reducing constituents, and methods of casting bodies of earth-boring tools The present invention relates to compositions and methods for forming a bit body for an earth-boring bit. The bit body may comprise hard particles, wherein the hard particles comprise at least one of carbide, nitride, boride, and oxide and solid solutions thereof, and a binder binding together the hard particles. The binder may comprise at least one metal selected from cobalt, nickel, and iron, and at least one melting point-reducing constituent selected from a transition metal carbide in the range of 30 to 60 weight percent, boron up to 10 weight percent, silicon up to 20 weight percent, chromium up to 20 weight percent, and manganese up to 25 weight percent, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the binder. In addition, the hard particles may comprise at least one of (i) cast carbide (WC+W2C) particles, (ii) transition metal carbide particles selected from the carbides of titanium, chromium, vanadium, zirconium, hafnium, tantalum, molybdenum, niobium, and tungsten, and (iii) sintered cemented carbide particles.
US08172913B2	Array of planar membrane modules for producing hydrogen A shared or common environment membrane reactor containing a plurality of planar membrane modules with top and bottom thin foil membranes supported by both an intermediary porous support plate and a central base which has both solid extended members and hollow regions or a hollow region whereby the two sides of the base are in fluid communication. The membrane reactor operates at elevate temperatures for generating hydrogen from hydrogen rich feed fuels.
US08172912B2	Self-regulating gas generator and method A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. The gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.
US08172911B2	Process for the treatment of phosphogypsum and in particular of phosphogypsum leachates The present invention describes a process for treating phosphogypsum and in particular the related leachate that comprises the steps of feeding a continuous leachate flow with a dry content of below 5% by weight into a concentration unit heated to a predetermined temperature and equipped with dedicated mixing means, and continuously discharging a concentrated leachate flow having a dry content comprised between 20% and 95% by weight from the concentration unit.
US08172909B2	Modular prosthetic foot A modular prosthetic foot characterized by an ankle component; a forefoot component having a circular part with a rounded top surface and at least one flat side surface, said circular part being connected to a rear part of the forefoot component; a forefoot cushion bumper positioned around the circular part; and a heel component.
US08172908B2	Implant for tissue engineering The present invention relates to uses of resorbable medical implants that are metallic or semi-metallic, to produce soft tissues, membranous tissues, organs or organ parts within the body by fibrosis. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implants are made of specified alloys or metals, e.g. magnesium and its alloys. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implant is surface modified. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implant is pre-implanted at another part of the body before implantation into the target site.
US08172906B2	Artificial joint fixation mechanism An artificial joint fixation mechanism has a base for being attached to an artificial joint, a stem for guiding an artificial joint to engage with a human bone, and a sleeve. The base defines a conic shaft hole therethrough. At least a positioning section and at least a threaded section are extended adjacent an end of the shaft hole. The stem includes an engaging pole at an end thereof for jointing to an artificial joint. The sleeve is threaded for screwing to the threaded section and defines an inner cone hole therethrough. In use, the engaging pole of the stem implants into the shaft hole. The sleeve is screwed to the threaded section, and the inner cone hole reversely pressing against the guiding section. Thus the stem is pressed reliably.
US08172903B2	Expandable intervertebral implant with spacer An expandable intervertebral implant for insertion between vertebrae of a human spine is described. The expandable intervertebral implant includes an upper body that engages a first vertebra of the human spine, a lower body that engages a second vertebra of the human spine, an insert, and a spacer. The insert may be positioned between an inferior surface of the upper body and a superior surface of the lower body. The insert may be engaged to increase a separation distance between the lower body and the upper body. A spacer may be inserted between the upper body and the lower body to maintain the increased separation distance between the upper body and the lower body after expansion of the intervertebral implant in the human spine.
US08172899B2	Ocular implant with stiffness qualities, methods of implantation and system Described herein are devices and methods for treating eye conditions. Described is an ocular implant including an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and at least one outflow port communicating with the flow pathway. The elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that at least one inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber, at least one outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space when the elongate member is implanted in the eye. The elongate member has a wall material imparting a stiffness to the elongate member. The stiffness is selected such that after implantation the elongate member deforms eye tissue surrounding the suprachoroidal space forming a tented volume.
US08172893B2	Expandable stent A stent has a porous surface having a repeating pattern generally in the shape of a “butterfly” comprising alternative concave and convex segments which give the stent good flexibility when unexpanded, and good shape retention once expanded.
US08172891B2	Stent grip and systems for use therewith A method and apparatus for reducing the longitudinal aspect of the catheter to stent force having at least one grip member for use with a stent delivery system. The grip engages a stent in the unexpanded state prior to delivery of the stent. The stent may be deployed by retracting a stent retaining sheath. The grip has a body region having an outer diameter, a first end and a second end. The outer diameter of the first end is greater than the outer diameter of the second end. The grip is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material.
US08172888B1	Thermal pack having a comfort fit A thermal pack having a bent lip uniformly disposed away from a skin side of the thermal pack. The thermal pack of the present invention eliminates discomfort associated with prior art thermal packs by providing a lip that bends up and away from the skin, thereby avoiding or minimizing contact with the skin and limiting irritation. The pack is preferably provided with an insulated wrap 90 that can be attached to the pack, such as by a hook-and-loop fastener. The wrap will aid in placement of the device upon the user, as well as extend the benefits of the thermal medium. The wrap is conventionally formed of a thermoplastic material commonly used in packaging.
US08172885B2	Bone plate system Bone plate and bone screw lock systems are provided for use in surgical implants. In a preferred form, the bone plate or other implantable member defines a bore for receiving a bone screw and a recess in communication with the bore. A screw lock operates in the bore at the recess to engage and lock the bone screw against unintentional movement. The preferred screw lock is shifted about the screw between an unlocked position to allow manipulation of the screw and a locked position in which the screw lock grips the head of the screw to prevent movement of the screw. The screw lock preferably has a c-shaped collar configuration with opposing ends and a camming engagement with the plate or other member in the recess. Upon rotation of the screw lock, the camming engagement causes the ends of the collar to either shift toward one another in which the collar compresses about the screw to lock the screw or away from another to unlock the screw head.
US08172882B2	Implant system and method to treat degenerative disorders of the spine An implant has a first hook and a second hook. A connector is coupled to the first and second hooks. The implant is adapted in a preferred embodiment to hook and look onto a spine.
US08172877B2	Inter-cervical facet implant with surface enhancements Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.
US08172876B2	Spinal fixation systems A spinal fixation system is provided that includes a coupling member and a locking device that is operable to fix an elongate member relative to the coupling member. In one form, locking device includes opposing lock arms operable to retain the locking device relative to the coupling member in an initial position prior to the locking device fixing the elongate member relative to the coupling member. In another form, the coupling member and locking device include cooperating structure therebetween in the form of a protrusion and a guide track, the cooperating structure arranged and configured to retain the locking device within an internal space of the coupling member. There is also provided a retainer operable to minimize pivoting of the coupling member relative to an anchor member and to substantially retain an anchor member depressed within an internal space of the coupling member to minimize play therebetween.
US08172874B2	Nipple A nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola of a woman's breast. The bulbous region can simulate the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola. The areola region has a texture or surface geometry that is different from the texture or surface geometry of the stem or bulbous region.
US08172863B2	Methods and apparatus for crossing occlusions in blood vessels Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a device for facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The device includes an intravascular device including a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The device further includes a handle assembly fixed about the proximal end of the shaft, the handle assembly including a first portion. Further rotation of the first portion in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft causes rotation of the shaft in the first direction when a torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is below a first maximum torque. Still further, rotation of the first portion in the first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft does not cause rotation of the shaft in the first direction when the torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is equal to or above the first maximum torque.
US08172862B2	Polymer covered vaso-occlusive devices and methods of producing such devices This is a medical device for forming an embolism within the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, it concerns an occlusion device comprising an inner core covered with a polymer. The medical device encourages cellular attachment and growth while maintaining favorable handling, deployment and visualization characteristics.
US08172859B2	Clipping device The present invention provides a clipping device having a coil sheath inserted into an insertion tube in a back/forth movable way to allow it to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation wire inserted into the coil sheath in a back/forth movable way, and a clip directly connected to a distal end of the operation wire to allow it to clip a living tissue.
US08172851B2	Cement shroud for use with cemented prosthetic implant A shroud for protecting exterior portions of a prosthetic implant from adhesive and a method for utilizing the same. The shroud includes a hub, a rim, and at least one bridge connecting the hub and the rim. The rim of the shroud may be sized to cover substantially the same area as a guard of the implant. The method of utilizing the shroud involves securing the shroud to the prosthetic implant. A quantity of adhesive is provided, and the prosthetic implant is secured thereto. The shroud is removed from the implant, and then the guard is secured to the implant.
US08172849B2	Midface distractor An external midface distractor is disclosed for attachment to the bones of a patient's cranium and midface region for performing an osteogenesis procedure to gradually lengthen a portion of the craniofacial skeleton. The midface distractor generally includes an external halo assembly for engaging the patient's cranium, a central adjustment assembly, a vertical central rod, at least one horizontal cross piece assembly including at least one distraction screw, and at least one bone engaging portion which is mounted to the targeted facial bone to be distracted. The midface distractor may also include various individual adjustment mechanisms that provide surgeons greater and more precise control over the distraction vector than is available with current devices. That is, the midface distractor may provide surgeons with additional anterior-posterior and medial-lateral adjustments, thus permitting surgeons to more precisely and accurately control the direction of distraction. The midface distractor may also permit surgeons to easily and accurately alter the direction of distraction after the distraction procedure has commenced thereby providing surgeons the ability to readjust the ultimate vector of distraction anytime during the procedure, as necessary. Methods are provided for using the distractor to conduct a distraction procedure.
US08172846B2	Method for performing high speed surgical procedures A method for performing a surgical procedure on tissue at a target site of a patient includes providing a surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube, inner wire assembly and a cutting tip. The outer tube defines a curved segment. The inner wire assembly is rotatably disposed within the outer tube. The cutting tip is connected to the inner wire assembly and positioned at a distal end of the outer tube. The tissue at the target site is exposed and the cutting tip is deployed against the tissue. The method further includes rotating the inner wire assembly relative to the outer tube at speeds in excess of 50,000 RPM such that the cutting tip removes contacted tissue.
US08172844B2	Bone implant device The present invention relates to a bone implant device, particularly for dental and orthopedic prosthesis on the vertebral column, having a quicker osteo-integration compared to the prior art devices. Particularly, the present invention relates to an implant device, of metal or polymer nature, a layer of hyaluronic acid being chemically bound on the surface thereof, for use in applications in contact with the bone, with activity of stimulating the bone tissue growth, as well as a process for preparing the same.
US08172843B2	Vertebral fixing system A vertebral fixing system comprising a connecting part with two longitudinal elements coupled to each other at a first end and having mutually facing recesses for receiving a rod. A portion of a flexible ligature extends through orifices of the two longitudinal elements to define a loop opposite two free ends of the flexible ligature. The two longitudinal elements are engaged at a second end of the connecting part via a locking means. When the two longitudinal elements of the connecting part are locked at the second end of the connecting part, two strands of the flexible ligature are pinched between the rod and a wall of the mutually facing recesses of the two longitudinal elements of the connecting part, preventing the flexible ligature from moving in translation relative to the connecting part.
US08172842B2	Cervical plate system having an insertable rotating element A cervical plate system which includes a cervical plate having a thickness between a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and at least one slot extending through the thickness of the plate. The system further includes a first rotating element positionable within a first slot of the cervical plate, the first rotating element including at least one threaded hole, and at least one bone screw insertable into the at least one threaded hole of the first rotating element.
US08172841B2	Intramedullary fixation device An intramedullary fixation device for use with a bone comprising a proximal end, is provided. The fixation device includes a nail sized and configured to be inserted into an intramedullary channel of the bone, the nail having a generally laterally extending bore, an arm sized and configured to be located so that at least a portion of the arm extends through the bore of the nail along the neck of the bone when the device is implanted in the bone, the arm having a threaded portion at one end for fixation into the head of the bone. The device also includes a locking mechanism to prevent rotation of the arm relative to the nail, the locking mechanism configured to allow sliding of the arm through the bore, the locking mechanism configured to be located on the lateral side of the nail and the distal side of the bone when the arm is disposed within the bore.
US08172837B2	Clamping ablation tool and method Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. A clamping ablation tool can include an upper arm having an upper neck, a link assembly, and an upper actuator. The link assembly can include a distal electrode and a proximal electrode. The clamping ablation tool can include a lower arm that mates with the upper arm. The lower arm can include a lower neck, a distal jaw, and a lower actuator. The distal jaw can include a jaw electrode, and the lower actuator can control movement of the distal jaw.
US08172835B2	Subcutaneous electric field distribution system and methods Apparatus and methods for dynamically controlling electric field distribution within tissue disposed at various depths beneath the skin at a target region of a patient's body by independently controlling the electric potential of each of a plurality of electrodes in relation to the electric potential of a ground pad. By controlling electric field distribution during a procedure, a target tissue at particular depths beneath the skin can be selectively heated relative to adjacent non-target tissue. At least one of the electrodes and the ground pad may comprise a spiral inductor comprising a substantially planar spiral of electrically conductive material.
US08172832B1	Fat harvesting container A fat harvesting container that safely harvests human body fat, whereby it minimizes exposure to air and bacteria to reduce contamination risks. It comprises a container assembly. A funnel structure is secured within the container assembly. The funnel structure comprises a top edge, an aperture, a sidewall, and a connecting line that extends from the aperture. A lid assembly comprises a top wall having a first outlet and a first inlet. The lid assembly also comprises a sidewall and a channel that aligns with to receive the first top edge when the lid assembly is placed thereon with a predetermined force to seal the container assembly. The instant invention also comprises a tubing assembly. The container assembly further comprises a first valve assembly, and the tubing assembly comprises at least first, second, third, and fourth tubes, and a second valve assembly.
US08172830B2	Composite ophthalmic microcannula Microcannulae are constructed with multiple components in a composite design, allowing the microcannulae to have varying mechanical and delivery properties that will enable ophthalmic treatments by minimally invasive means. The microcannula includes at least one flexible, tubular communicating element with an outer diameter of 350 microns or less, a proximal connector for introduction of materials, energy or tools. It may also include a reinforcing member attached to the communicating element, which may be designed to create variable stiffness along the length of the microcannula. The microcannula may also include other features such as a signal beacon near the distal tip.
US08172827B2	Apparatus for treating asthma using neurotoxin Apparatus for providing intrabronchial delivery of neurotoxins to control the effects of asthma comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a neurotoxin applicator assembly disposed on the distal end. The neurotoxin applicator assembly comprises a deployable needle assembly, a rotating needle assembly, and a needle-less injection assembly or a nebulizer assembly.
US08172822B2	Wearing article and method of making the same A wearing article configured so that hook elements of a mechanical fastener can be firmly attached to a chassis and the hook elements can be held in engagement with loop elements of a mechanical fastener tightly without correspondingly increasing a manufacturing cost. The wearing article has front and rear waist regions that respectively include a first pair of lateral zones and a second pair of lateral zones, these lateral zones in each pair are opposed to each other in a transverse direction X and extending in a longitudinal direction Y. An inner sheet is provided in the first lateral zones with mount members attached thereto and hook elements are attached to the diaper via the mount members. In the second lateral zones, the inner sheet is provided with loop elements attached thereto. First and second arrays of the hook elements include deformed regions created over the entire areas thereof by pressure-treatment.
US08172816B2	Anisotropic drapes and systems An anisotropic wound drape for treating a wound on a patient includes a flexible sheet for placing over a tissue site. The flexible sheet includes a first isotropic zone, and a second isotropic zone. The first isotropic zone and the second isotropic zone are configured to provide the flexible sheet with anisotropic stretching properties. The anisotropic drape may used as part of a reduced-pressure wound treatment system. Other systems and methods are also presented.
US08172809B2	Safety shield apparatus and mounting structure for use with medical needle devices A safety shield apparatus including a safety shield and mounting structure for mounting the safety shield to a medical needle. The safety shield includes a distal segment, a proximal segment and a retention member. The distal segment is pivotally secured to the proximal segment and the proximal segment is pivotally secured to the retention member. The retention member includes an opening for receiving a nose of a medical needle device, e.g., a blood collection device. In one embodiment, a retaining collar is provided which is dimensioned to be press-fit about the nose of the medical needle device to secure the safety shield to the medical needle device. Alternatively, mounting structure is formed directly on the retention member to secure the safety shield to the medical needle device.
US08172797B2	Medical delivery device The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a housing, a container containing medicament to be injected through a needle (34) attachable to said container, drive means (46) operatively acting on said container for injecting said medicament, the drive means comprising a gas spring (50), locking (57) and activating means (56) arranged to hold said gas spring in a loaded state, and when activated, releases said gas spring to inject said medicament.
US08172787B2	Method and apparatus to detect biocontamination in an insufflator for use in endoscopy An apparatus to provide a regulated pressurized gas for introduction into the body of a patient during a medical procedure comprises an internal flow path through which to convey the pressurized gas, a regulator in the flow path to regulate the pressurized gas, and a biosensor to detect a body substance entering or in proximity to the flow path.
US08172786B2	Method of operating an ultrasound handpiece A method of operating an ultrasonic handpiece by pulsing the power supplied to the handpiece and varying the type of vibration during the power pulse.
US08172784B2	Compositions, methods, and devices for treating liver disease Described are compositions and methods for treating liver disease, e.g., acute liver disease, using bone marrow-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem cell conditioned media.
US08172779B2	Orthopedic device for treatment of the back In an embodiment, an orthopedic device in the form of a lumbar support includes first and second elongate belt members, an anatomically shaped plate, and a closure system connecting the belt members to the plate. The closure system is arranged to move the belt members relative to the plate, and connects to the belt members via a flexible belt attachment which removably secures to the belt members. The closure system includes tensioning elements corresponding to the belt members, and a pulley system connecting to the tensioning elements. The closure system is slidably mounted to the plate and arranged to the belt members relative to the plate between opposed linear directions. The plate has various contours which provide pressure distribution over a lumbar region of a back. Anatomically shaped and resiliently formed handles secure to the tensioning elements and the belt members.
US08172776B2	Systems and methods for detecting labor conditions via electromagnetic field disturbances A system may detect a labor condition in a laboring patient. The system may include an electromagnetic field generating unit, an electromagnetic field sensing unit, and a processing unit. The electromagnetic field generating unit may be operable to create an electromagnetic field about the laboring patient. The electromagnetic field sensing unit may be operable to detect a disturbance in the electromagnetic field. The processing unit may be operable to process the disturbance in the electromagnetic field to extract a labor condition.
US08172770B2	System and method for minimally invasive disease therapy A system for treating a lesion site of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a cannula having a lumen, a conduit in communication with said lumen, an introducer stylet removably disposed within said cannula, a resecting device selectively insertable within said cannula, and an adjuvant treatment device selectively insertable within said cannula.
US08172768B2	Systems and methods for intra-operative stimulation Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.
US08172766B1	Integrated sleep diagnosis and treatment device and method The present invention relates to an integrated sleep diagnosis and treatment device, and more particularly to an integrated apnea diagnosis and treatment device. The present invention additionally relates to method of sleep diagnosis and treatment.
US08172765B2	Method of assessment of airway variability in airway hyperresponsiveness The invention relates to a method of assessing airway variability in airway responsiveness or asthma by measuring the variation of resistance (Rrs) by a forced oscillation technique utilizing either a single or a plurality of input frequencies during a plurality of respiratory cycles of a patient; calculating the statistical variability of the Rrs for the patient; and, correlating the statistical variability of the Rrs of the patient to a standard curve to quantify the degree of asthma of the patient. The invention also enables the effectiveness of a bronchoactive agent to be measured.
US08172764B2	Method and system for high-resolution extraction of quasi-periodic signals A quasi-periodic signal with high signal-to-noise ratio containing signal features that exhibit poor temporal localization is processed to identify waveform temporal reference points that are used to provide the temporal reference points for extracting a representative waveform of a signal feature having high temporal localization in a second, related, quasi-periodic signal that has low signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting representative waveform exhibits much improved signal-to-noise ratio while preserving the temporal detail contained in the second, related, quasi-periodic signal.
US08172762B2	Simultaneous blood flow and hematocrit sensor Embodiments of the present invention provide blood flow sensors that can be used for measurement of various physiological parameters under a wide array of conditions. In some embodiments, the blood flow sensor can be implanted into a blood vessel and left in place indefinitely and will unobtrusively measure and record data as the patient engages in regular daily activities. The data can later be read out by a clinician using a suitable interface. In other embodiments, the data is collected and analyzed within a data collection device implanted in or attached to the patient's body, and the collection device can report to the patient on an ongoing basis or in the form of alerts issued when conditions requiring medical intervention are detected.
US08172759B2	Methods and systems for detecting epileptic events using nonlinear analysis parameters Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting an epilepsy event in a patient using a medical device. The medical device is capable of determining an occurring epilepsy event, for example a seizure or an increased risk of a seizure. The determination is performed by determining at least one nonlinear analysis parameter associated with the beat sequence of the patient's heart. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and treating the epilepsy event.
US08172757B2	Methods and devices for image-guided manipulation or sensing or anatomic structures Forward-looking ultrasound transducers are positioned at the tip of a transseptal catheter to facilitate transseptal puncture and interventions within the left atrium, pulmonary veins and mitral valve. Catheter devices and systems are guided by forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging for penetrating from one location within a mammalian patient's body to another location, and/or performing diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. A penetrator, diagnostic, or interventional device (eg. probe, biopsy apparatus, electrode, needle) is positioned at the catheter tip and is advanceable from the catheter to a target location outside of the lumen in which the catheter is positioned. The imaging probe uses forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography that allows one to locate both the target and the medical device. The operator may then adjust the position and/or rotational orientation of the catheter such that when the medical device is subsequently advanced it will either enter or be deployed at the target location.
US08172756B2	Ultrasonic imaging system and method The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging system for evaluating and displaying a deformation of a body organ. A sequence of image data sets comprising at least a first image data set and a second image data set of echographic data is acquired. A motion vector field is calculated between image points of the second image data set and image points of the first image data set. A reference point is chosen within or outside the first and second image data sets. A first scanline is defined, which comprises said reference point. A motion vector of an image point is projected onto the defined first scanline, which provides a projected tissue velocity along the first scanline. The projected tissue velocity is used for evaluating a ID component of a deformation of the body organ at the image point along the direction of the first scanline. Such a ID component of a deformation of the body organ, for example a strain rate or a strain, is further rendered in a graphical representation of the sequence of image data sets.
US08172749B2	Bolster assembly A bolster assembly for use in aligning a tubular interventional device along an outer epidermal layer of a patient. A base portion of the assembly has a first surface for contacting the epidermal layer at an exit site of the tubular interventional device from the body of the patient, and has a second surface generally opposite the first surface. An elongated member is engaged with the base portion second surface and extends therefrom at a first angle. The elongated member and the base portion are structured and aligned to define a passageway to enable passage therethrough of the tubular interventional device. The elongated member is capable of flexure relative to the base portion from the first angle to a second angle generally parallel to the epidermal layer. A retaining member is provided for releasably retaining the elongated member at the second angle.
US08172747B2	Balloon visualization for traversing a tissue wall Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tissue wall. In one embodiment, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. A tissue traversing element may be forwarded through a working lumen defined by the catheter and controllably pushed through a tissue wall as observed with the imaging element. The tissue traversing element may comprise sensors and the like to facilitate monitoring of changes in pressure, color, oxygen saturation, flow rate, and echo timing, to determine the position of the tissue traversing member relative to the tissue wall.
US08172745B2	Treatment of anal incontinence and defecatory dysfunction A method of treating anal incontinence in a patient comprises providing a sling having a central portion and first and second arms, creating a subcutaneous tunnel between a first buttock incision and a second buttock incision in the patient, mechanically widening the subcutaneous tunnel to create a pocket for the central portion of the sling, grasping the first arm of the sling and pulling the sling through the subcutaneous tunnel such that the central portion of the sling rests underneath the ano-rectum, inserting an introducer needle through a first thigh incision formed in the patient and advancing the introducer needle through the first buttock incision, pulling the first sling arm through the first thigh incision, inserting the introducer needle through a second thigh incision formed in the patient and advancing the introducer needle through the second buttock incision, and pulling the second sling arm through the second thigh incision.
US08172743B2	Interactive hypnotic bio-stabilization system An interactive biological stabilization (IBS) device includes at least one communication path enabling operative coupling with at least one patient data monitoring device, and a processing device enabled for operative coupling with the at least one patient monitoring device through the at least one communication path. The processing device includes a hypnotherapeutic treatment decision block selecting at least one hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on patient data received from the at least one patient data monitoring device through the at least one communication path. A system for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the IBS device. A method for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the steps of providing at least one apparatus monitoring vital patient data and providing at least one processor processing the vital patient data which selects a hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on the processing of the vital patient data.
US08172742B2	Magnetic stimulation apparatus for central nervous system, circuit and use thereof, and method of using the apparatus A magnetic stimulation apparatus for central nervous system and circuit thereof, and use of the apparatus and method of using the apparatus are shown. Controlling circuit design and outputting wave form signal to a drive power supply circuit enables the drive power supply circuit to output current of corresponding wave form to coils, and by means of the design of the shape, number of turns, size, interval of the coils, generates within a certain region inside the coils a desired time-variant magnetic field which is then applied to the brain of an animal or a human being so that the central nervous system can receive a wide area synergy magnetic stimulation with a precise wave form, high frequency or a combination of a plurality of frequency components, thus achieving the treatment of nervous and psychiatric diseases or brain function improvement in combination with behavior guidance, thought guidance, or psychological guidance.
US08172741B2	Seed magazine The invention provides magazines for radioactive brachytherapy seeds. The seed magazines provided herein include housing, seed holder, and pusher components, and optionally have a slidable shield to protect a user from radiation.
US08172740B2	Controlled centrifuge systems The present disclosure is generally directed to centrifuge systems and methods for controlling centrifuge systems, wherein the systems in certain aspects are adapted for processing material, e.g., but not limited to drilling fluids with solids therein. One illustrative method includes providing a centrifuge system that is made up of, among other things, a bowl, a bowl motor system, a bowl variable frequency drive, a conveyor, a conveyor motor, a conveyor variable frequency drive, a pump, a pump motor, and a pump variable frequency drive. Additionally, the centrifuge system includes a control system that is adapted to control the bowl variable frequency drive, the conveyor variable frequency drive, and the pump variable frequency drive. The method includes controlling the centrifuge system in the G-force differential control mode by controlling the G-force on the bowl as the bowl is rotated by the bowl motor system so that the G-force on the bowl does not exceed a pre-set maximum G-force.
US08172734B2	Dumbbell with antimicrobial handle A dumbbell having an antimicrobial handle comprises a bar having a pair of end regions, and extending generally longitudinally therebetween along a generally central axis, weight plate masses mounted at the end regions and mechanically secured thereto, and a pair of collars located at longitudinally opposed positions on bar to define a handle region therebetween. A handle is located within the handle region and includes a generally tubular grip surface member supported by the bar and formed from an antimicrobial copper alloy, the generally tubular grip surface member extending generally axially between longitudinally spaced-apart end regions. The pair of longitudinally-spaced generally annular collars have axially-inwardly extending flange portions sized and structured to substantially circumscribe the end regions of the generally cylindrical grip surface member and to securely capture the end regions between the flange portions and the bar.
US08172731B1	Gridiron power machine system A support assembly has laterally spaced horizontal base rails. The support assembly has laterally spaced vertical rails. The vertical rails extend upwardly from the base rails. The front vertical rails house a safety rod to catch the pivot rails. Pivot rails have interior ends and exterior ends. The interior ends are pivotally coupled with respect to the vertical rails. A cross bar is coupled to the pivot rails adjacent to the exterior ends. A plate is coupled to the pivot rails adjacent to the interior ends. The plate has recesses. The recesses receive and support attachments.
US08172729B2	Exercise treadmill for simulating pushing and pulling actions and exercise method therefor An exercise treadmill having an endless exercise surface for walking or running while exercising, a resistance mechanism for providing a resistance for simulating the pushing or pulling of a load, wherein the resistance can be adjusted and set to a specific resistance setting. A movable pushing and pulling means is or are operatively attached to the resistance mechanism to transfer the load to the user. The resistance mechanism applies a constant and static force to the pushing and pulling means only in the same direction the endless movable surface moves and opposite a pushing or pulling direction such that operating the treadmill simulates the pushing or pulling of a load by a combination of gripping and pushing or pulling the pushing and pulling means forward or backwards while walking or running forward or backwards.
US08172724B2	Computer automated physical fitness system The invention provides a system for organizing, integrating, coordinating and customizing an individual physical fitness program by employing a set of database management systems, computer platforms and differentiated physical fitness devices and components.
US08172721B2	Powertrain and method of controlling the same When a reduction in a supply hydraulic pressure to a second shift portion is sensed, an engagement command of C0 clutch is generated so that a power split device (electrical differential portion) is brought into a locked state. In the locked state, a sun gear, a carrier rotated by an engine and a ring gear rotated by a second MG integrally rotate, whereby inertia is increased. Thus, high-speed rotation of a transmission member corresponding to an input shaft of the second shift portion can be prevented.
US08172718B2	Planetary gear unit and method for producing a planetary gear unit A planetary gear unit (1) having two guide discs (2, 3) that are arranged parallel to one another and include perforations for accommodating pins (4) which have journals (5, 6) and shoulders arranged on the end sides. The shoulders have circumferential cutting edges (11, 12) and the pins (4) are cut into the guide discs (2, 3) by way of the cutting edges (2, 3).
US08172716B2	Epicyclic gear system with superfinished journal bearing An epicyclic gear assembly includes a ring gear, a sun gear, at least one star gear enmeshed between the ring gear and sun gear, a carrier and a journal bearing. The carrier is disposed adjacent the rotatable sun gear and star gear. The journal bearing is disposed in the at least one star gear and connected to the carrier. The journal bearing has an outer radial surface with an amorphous surface finish of less than about 5 micro inches (127 micro mm) measured on an Ra scale and the outer surface of the journal bearing interfaces with an inner surface of the star gear.
US08172704B2	Football carrying training aid A device which aids the training of football carriers, specifically backfield players, in the desired ball carrying and retaining posture, comprising a belt worn around the waist of the player, an attached cradle or flap hanging from the belt, and a football supported by the cradle or flap, which in combination assist in teaching a player to assume a crouching posture when running while carrying the football towards opposing players, and to protect the football from opposing players in a pocket formed by the player's arms. The training aid also encourages the player to hold the shoulders squared in a horizontal orientation, to form and maintain the protective pocket for the football in the most effective manner.
US08172703B2	Wind resistant practice cage A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.
US08172699B2	Golf club head and method for manufacturing the same A golf club head has a clubface for striking a ball, wherein face grooves are formed by pressing a die; a metallic skin is forming on the clubface including the interior surfaces of the face grooves so that the surface roughness Ral of the interior surfaces of the face grooves becomes not more than 0.20 micrometers; the interior surface of the face grooves is masked with a masking agent; the clubface is provided with a surface roughness of more than 0.20 micrometers by blasting abrasive; and then the masking agent is removed from the face grooves.
US08172697B2	Selectively lightened wood-type golf club head A wood type golf club head having a plurality of interior recesses is disclosed herein. The plurality of interior recesses are preferably formed in a body of the golf club head and remove mass from the body to be used elsewhere on the golf club head to increase the inertial properties of the golf club head.
US08172694B2	Golf club head comprising a piezoelectric sensor An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.
US08172693B1	Playset system components Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.
US08172691B2	Boot A boot is disclosed having a first attachment region which is assigned to a joint, and a second attachment region which is assigned to a shaft. The boot has a plurality of folds, including a first fold region with at least two folds with a diameter that decreases in the direction of the second attachment region and at least one revolving, separating element which is arranged in an annular fold root between two folds.
US08172690B2	Constant velocity joint In a constant velocity joint comprising an outer housing ring having an end wall with a journal and an inner surface provided with axially extending ball races and an inner ring member with outer ball races arranged in the outer housing ring and balls disposed in the ball races for the transmission of torque between the outer housing ring and the inner ring member, and a ball cage for retaining the balls in position in the ball races, a support ring is arranged in the housing ring between the end wall of the housing ring and the inner ring member for axially supporting the inner ring member during insertion of a shaft end into the inner ring member of the constant velocity joint.
US08172688B2	Modular gaming machine A gaming machine has a first gaming device component and a second display device component and is particularly suited to presentation of wagering games. The gaming device is a first housing with associated player input devices and a game controller. The display device has a second housing with at least one game information display. The display device may be mounted to the gaming device to create a unitary device, or it may be mounted or set apart from the gaming device. The display device may also be connected to the gaming device in a number of orientations to create different gaming machine configurations. The display device also supports various display configurations, such as video displays and spinning reels.
US08172687B2	Wagering game community environment A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual gaming community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines.
US08172686B2	Configurable wagering game manager Methods and systems for monitoring and/or servicing wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to configure wagering game manager content, wherein the request is associated with a user identifier. The method can also include transmitting another request and the user identifier, and receiving and presenting configuration options, where the configuration options determine from which of a plurality of application servers that services can be requested. Additionally, in some embodiments, the configuration options determine separate modules for presenting information about the services. The method can also include receiving one or more configuration selections associated with the configuration options.
US08172682B2	Computer network and method for changing the pay schedules of gaming devices Electronic gaming devices are connected by a network to a host computer. The gaming devices award winners based on a first pay schedule. The pay schedule at a selected one or more of the machines is changed by sending information over the network. This change is accomplished by causing additional payouts, over and above the device pay table, or by changing the device pay table.
US08172678B2	Image processing for a game This image processing device for games is a device whereby a prescribed number of models (characters) are setup in virtual space, these models are controlled such that they move in prescribed directions in the virtual space, and images of this virtual space from a virtual viewpoint are displayed on means for display. In order to display the movement of the models that are arranged in virtual space more realistically, in one construction thereof, this device is provided with means for image processing that apply virtual centripetal force to the models. Furthermore, in order to display the movement of the models more realistically and to heighten the dramatic effect, in one construction thereof, this device is equipped with means for processing residual image presentation in order to represent the track of movement of a model as residual images. This means for processing is equipped with means for storage that store without modification motion data of the model prior to the current motion and with means for display control that display this stored data together with the current motion data.
US08172677B2	Wagering games using multi-level gaming structure According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system is disclosed including at least one community display and a plurality of personal media terminals. The at least one community display is adapted to display a community event thereon. The plurality of personal media terminals has a player positioning device and a plurality of speakers. At least two of the plurality of speakers are positioned to provide frontal audio to the player positioning device and at least two of the plurality of speakers are positioned to provide rear audio to the player positioning device. The plurality of speakers is positioned so as to provide a 360-degree sound field relative to the player positioning device. The 360-degree sound field for each of the plurality of personal media terminals differs based on the location of the personal media terminal in relation to the community display.
US08172676B2	System for managing accounting A method for managing game accounting on at least one gaming machine comprising one or more active games is provided. The method comprises providing a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. Active game data is received and stored in applicable active game meters. For any removed game, the game state data is captured prior to the game's removal and is stored in the applicable accumulating removed game meters. The stored game data is accessed in the active and removed game meters and a theoretical win value is used to determine the overall gaming machine performance.
US08172672B2	Game judgment system A server device uses cameras to capture the images of cards dealt to players and a dealer. The server device automatically judges the game win/lose result of the players and the dealer and the dividends of the players through image recognition based on the card images from the cameras. The server device reads information from the wireless IC tags provided on game chips to judge the dividends of the players. The server device compares between the two dividends of a player to judge whether or not the dividends are inconsistent. If the dividends are inconsistent, the server device notifies the dealer and a casino hotel manager that the dividends are inconsistent.
US08172671B2	Method and apparatus for facilitating play of a gaming device Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.
US08172668B2	Wagering game having thematic state based on secondary event A gaming system includes one or more displays and a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game having a plurality of possible thematic states. The gaming system includes a controller coupled to the one or more displays and the wager input device that is operative to cause at least one of the displays to display a basic portion of the wagering game in a first thematic state of the plurality of possible thematic states and trigger a secondary event of the wagering game. The controller is operative to cause at least one of the displays to display the secondary event of the wagering game in a second thematic state of the plurality of possible thematic states and, at a conclusion of the secondary event, cause at least one of the displays to display the basic portion of the wagering game in the second thematic state.
US08172662B2	Gaming machine A gaming machine includes a roulette board where a game is performed continually, a plurality of player terminals that enables bet to be placed on the game performed in the roulette board, a control section that controls a predetermined amount of game value to be added to a winning player terminal based on a result of the game performed in the roulette board, and a game history storage section that stores a history of the game performed continually in the roulette board, while enabling the history of the game to be retrieved.
US08172660B2	Gaming system with blackjack primary game and poker secondary game A gaming device having a primary game and a secondary game is provided. The gaming device includes a primary game, such as blackjack or 21 operable on a wager by a player, and an optional secondary game that is operable on a secondary game wager by a player. After placing a secondary game wager and satisfying certain criteria in the primary game, one or more players are provided with a secondary game card to be used in the secondary game. The secondary game is resolved after a player has accumulated a plurality of secondary game cards over the course of several sequentially played rounds of the primary game.
US08172659B2	Electronic game that is not limited in the number of players or length of play The invention is an electronic game that can have an unlimited number of players and length of play, where in one variation the game includes an electronic scratch card that stipulates either an amount of g-money or a partial electronic image piece that is a member of a set of pieces. A complete set of pieces can be assembled into a unitary electronic image. A player, on joining the game, is issued a set of electronic scratch cards that are an incomplete set of pieces and an amount of g-money. Each player has an individual electronic game board that provides a visualization of the scratch cards and the actions of the player. The players race to assemble the pieces into the unitary image by compiling the issued pieces and acquiring the missing image pieces. The missing pieces are acquired by trading or buying them from the other players. The winner of the game assembles the unitary image.
US08172658B2	Methods, devices, and computer program products for participating in an athletic event with a remotely-located competitor using a mobile terminal A method of participating in an athletic event with a remotely-located competitor using first and second wireless competition devices includes establishing a wireless communication connection with the second wireless competition device. The second wireless competition device is associated with the remotely-located competitor for the athletic event. Positioning data for the second wireless competition device is received via the wireless communication connection. The positioning data for the second wireless competition device characterizes a previous or real-time performance of the athletic event by the competitor. The received positioning data for the second wireless competition device is provided for display on the first wireless competition device relative to positioning data for the first wireless competition device, which characterizes a performance of the athletic event by a user thereof. Related methods and devices are also discussed.
US08172656B2	Attribute-driven gameplay Methods and systems for emotion-based game character manipulation are provided. Each character is associated with a table of quantified attributes including emotional attributes and non-emotional attributes. An adjustment to an emotional attribute of a game character is determined based on an interaction with another game character. The emotional attribute of the first game character is adjusted, which further results in an adjustment to a non-emotional attribute of the first game character. The behavior of the first game character is then determined based on the adjusted non-emotional attribute.
US08172649B2	Floor edger and grinder device A floor edger and grinding device 10 has a deck 20 pivotably mounted to a rear frame 18 with a handle 16. The deck has a motor 22 mounted thereon that drives two grinder discs 24 in opposite rotational directions. The deck has a skirt 26 and a notch 28 extending along the front edge 27 of the skirt. The discs 24 protrude into the notch 28. A case 50 surrounds the drive gears 38 for protection against dust created by the discs 24.
US08172648B2	Chemical-mechanical planarization pad The present disclosure relates to a polishing pad including a chemical agent present in an amount sufficient to be released and dissolving into an aqueous abrasive particle polishing medium during chemical mechanical planarization and reducing abrasive particle agglomeration and a binder. The pad includes a surface such that as the pad is abraded the surface is renewed exposing at least a portion of the chemical agent.
US08172644B2	Grinding machine and grinding method A grinding machine is provided with first and second grinding wheels selectively used in dependence on the steps of machining operations. The second grinding wheel is grooved so that at least one oblique groove vertically crosses a contact surface on which a grinding surface of the second grinding wheel contacts with a workpiece, and thus, is capable of releasing a dynamic pressure in coolant generated between the grinding surface and the workpiece since coolant supplied from over the contact surface flows out from both of the upper and lower sides of the contact surface through the at least one oblique groove. Since it does not occur that fluctuations in the dynamic pressure generated in coolant cause the distance between the second grinding wheel and the workpiece to be varied, the accuracy in grinding the workpiece with the second grinding wheel can be enhanced.
US08172635B2	Alignment device and method for aligning apertures in different plates An alignment device for aligning a second aperture in a second plate with a first aperture in a first plate and an alignment method of utilizing the same. The alignment device includes a main body, a first part extending from the main body, and a second part extending from the first part. The main body comprises a first linear dimension exceeding a width of the second aperture for disposing overlying the second plate. The first part comprises a second linear dimension for extending and fitting into the second aperture. The second part comprises a third linear dimension for extending and fitting into the first aperture.
US08172633B2	Field emission display and manufacturing method of the same having selective array of electron emission source The present invention relates to a field emission display and a manufacturing method of the same having selective positioning of electron field emitters. More specifically, the present invention provides a field emission display and a manufacturing method of the same having selective positioning of electron field emitters which can prevent a cross-talk that is a mutual interference phenomenon between pixels and improve uniformity of pixels based on uniform electron emission by deciding positions of carbon nano-tubes which are sources of electron emission and growing carbon nano-tubes before the structure of electrodes is formed, and forming spacers directly on electrodes such that the spacers divide carbon nano-tubes formed uniformly and selectively into pixel units.
US08172632B2	Method of making white LED package structure having a silicon substrate A method of making a white LED package structure having a silicon substrate comprises providing a silicon substrate and performing an etching process to form a plurality of cup-structures on a top surface of the silicon substrate. Next, a reflective layer on the top surface of the silicon substrate is formed, and a transparent insulating layer on the reflective layer is formed. Subsequently, a plurality of blue LEDs are respectively bonded in each cup-structure, wherein the blue LEDs have various wavelengths. Last, a plurality of kinds of phosphor powders corresponding to the wavelengths of the blue LEDs are mixed with each other and added to a sealing material, and a sealing process is performed to form a phosphor structure on the cup-structures.
US08172629B2	Personal watercraft A personal watercraft comprises an oil cooler including an oil cooling passage through which oil circulating inside an engine flows and a coolant passage through which coolant for cooling the oil in the oil cooling passage flows; a first oil passage through which the oil flowing toward the oil cooling passage flows; a second oil passage through which the oil flowing out from the oil cooling passage flows; a bypass passage connecting the first oil passage to the second oil passage so as to bypass the oil cooling passage; and a valve configured to open and close the bypass passage; wherein the valve opens the bypass passage when the temperature of the oil is lower than a predetermined value and closes the bypass passage when the temperature of the oil is not lower than the predetermined value.
US08172626B1	Three-pin electrical plug with improved terminal structure A three-pin electrical plug with improved terminal structure includes an earth pin, two terminals and a plug body. The terminal has a blade portion, a joint portion and a wire-gripping portion. The terminal further has a first axis passing through a widthwise center of the blade portion; a second axis being parallel to the first axis and passing through a widthwise center of the joint portion; and a third axis being parallel to both of the first axis and the second axis, and passing through a widthwise center the wire-gripping portion, wherein the third axis coincides with neither the first axis nor the second axis. Thereby, a mold for deforming the wire-gripping portion can have its side walls made thicker so as to extend the service life of the mold. Thus, the improved terminal structure is conductive to mass manufacturing of the plug in terms of both efficiency and cost.
US08172625B2	Spherical terminal with guide groove In a pair of mutually connectable terminals, one terminal is provided with a joint having a spherical surface formed on the outer circumferential surface, and the other terminal is provided with a hole into which the joint can be fitted. At least one of the joint and the hole is formed in a plate member which can be displaced elastically in the fitting direction of the joint and the hole. When the pair of terminals are connected, the joint touches the circumferential edge of the hole to displace the plate member elastically. When the joint is fitted in the hole, the plate member is reset elastically and holds the spherical surface of the joint under such a state as the spherical surface is pressed against the edge of the hole.
US08172624B2	Wiring device assembly with contact stabilizing structure A wiring device assembly with one or more electrical contacts having respective contact stabilizing assemblies which are operable to rigidly hold the electrical contacts in a device housing. The contact stabilizing assemblies prevent the contacts from becoming displaced within the housing under vibrational, rotational and other stresses. The contact stabilizing assemblies are connected to the electrical contacts and fit in housing channels specifically shaped to accommodate the stabilizing assemblies.
US08172623B1	Compression connector having contacting ends with co-used deforming section A compression connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals assembled to the housing. The insulative housing having a first mating surface and a second mating surface opposite to the first mating surface. Each terminal cavity disposed between and running through the first and second mating faces. Each terminal has a deforming portion received in the cavity, an upper contact and a lower contact extending from opposite ends of the deforming portion. The upper contact extending beyond the first mating surface and the lower contact extending beyond the second mating surface. The deforming portions are movably limited in the terminal cavities and will cause compressive deformation when either the upper contact or the lower contact is bearing an external pressure.
US08172619B2	Smart card heat sink A heat sink for a smart card, the heat sink having a contact plate having a contact surface, a riser extending upward from the contact plate, and a hook extending upward from the contact plate and located opposite the riser is disclosed. A smart card socket having a frame having a slot for receiving a smart card, the slot being defined by at least one wall, and a smart card heat sink at least partially abutted to the at least one wall is also disclosed. Finally, a method of transferring heat energy away from a smart card, comprising the steps of associating a smart card heat sink with a smart card socket and positioning at least a portion of the smart card heat sink between at least a portion of a smart card and at least a portion of the smart card socket is disclosed.
US08172616B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector has a housing for arranging and holding terminals; and an upper shell and a lower shell formed of a metal plate and attached to the housing. The upper shell and the lower shell extend with a longitudinal direction thereof aligned with an arrangement direction of the terminals. The upper shell and the lower shell are directly connected to each other with solder at both end portions thereof in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the upper shell and the lower shell includes a protruding piece at a middle portion thereof. The other of the upper shell and the lower shell includes a hole portion or a cut portion as a receiving portion for receiving the protruding piece. The housing includes a through space portion for passing the protruding piece, so that the protruding piece is connected to a surrounding portion of the receiving portion with solder.
US08172614B2	Differential electrical connector with improved skew control An electrical interconnection system with high speed, differential electrical connectors. The connector is assembled from wafers each containing a column of conductive elements, some of which form differential pairs. Skew control is provided for at least some of the pairs by providing a profile on an edge of the shorter signal conductor of the pair. The profile may contain multiple curved segments that effectively lengthen the signal conductor without significantly impacting its impedance. For connectors in which ground conductors are included between adjacent pairs of signal conductors, patterned segments of varying parameters may be included on edges of the signal conductors and ground conductors to equalize electrical lengths of all edges in a set of edges for which there is common mode or differential mode coupling as a signal propagates along each pair. Such features for skew control may be used in combination with other skew control features. The features used may vary depending on the location of the pair within the column.
US08172609B2	Joint for a cable A joint for a cable contains a connecting sleeve including threads around an inner wall of an upper end thereof and a shoulder on a bottom end of an inner wall thereof; an internal tube including an arresting ring extending around an upper end thereof and a circular groove around an outer wall thereof; an inner fitting member including a hole disposed on a top surface thereof, at least one curved recess formed on an outer wall thereof, and the inner fitting member including an insertion extending from a bottom end thereof; an outer fitting member including a protrusion and a first fixing section disposed on a bottom end thereof; a sheath member including a bore mounted on an upper end thereof, the bore including an annular cutout formed on an outer wall thereof and a raised loop fixed on a bottom end thereof; a banding member fitted to the annular cutout.
US08172608B2	Reuseable coaxial connectors and related extraction tools and methods Reusable coaxial connectors include a connector body, a contact post that is at least partly within the connector body, a compression sleeve that is configured to impart a compressive force to secure one or more elements of a coaxial cable between the connector body and the contact post when the compression sleeve is in a seated position, and an internally threaded rotatable nut that is attached to the connector body. The compression sleeve includes a first recess on an external surface thereof that is configured to receive a first member of an extraction tool that is used to move the compression sleeve from its seated position to an unseated position.
US08172601B2	Motor cable device and resin component employed thereto The motor cable device which can prevent damage on an inverter-side connecting member of the motor cable device and lowering in a connecting reliability of the inverter-side connecting member is provided. Also, a resin component used in the above-described motor cable device is provided. The motor cable device electrically connects a motor and an inverter and includes an inverter-side protector and a motor-side protector. The inverter-side protector includes a fixed end which is directly or indirectly fixed to the inverter and which supports the inverter-side connecting member. A swinging motion absorbing portion is formed continuously to the fixed end, the swinging motion absorbing portion being arranged to support a cable body at the inverter-side connecting member and absorb the swinging motion generated at the cable body of the motor cable device, is further included.
US08172600B2	Extension cable with several groups of wires of different lengths connected to a plug having an anti-rotation ring and a compression clamp A breakaway cable is provided with a plug that has a number of wires that are arranged so as to disconnect in a predetermined sequence. The disconnect plug is designed to fit into a standard plug assembly. This end of the plug presents the same set of pins as a truck, thus extending the existing cable by the extender length. The breakaway cable is configured to break in a controlled manner in the event a vehicle to which the cable is connected should pull away.
US08172598B2	Electrical connector having improved base plate to support cam An electrical connector includes a base, a cover, a protecting mechanism, and a cam. The base has a contacting area with a plurality of passageways and a first end besides the contacting area with an opening in a first end thereof. The cover is slidably mounted upon the base. The cover defines a plurality of through holes in alignment with the corresponding passageways, respectively, and another opening is defined in a second end thereof and in vertical alignment with the corresponding opening of the base. The protecting mechanism includes a metallic base plate mounted upon the base and defining a stepping hole which includes a larger first hole and a smaller second hole via a drawing process, disposed in the opening of the base. The cam extends axially and vertically in the opening of the cover and the stepping hole of the base, and is riveted on a bottom surface of the base plate.
US08172595B2	Connector impermeable to liquids A connector (1) impermeable to liquids, having two matching connector parts (3) and (5), which is sealed in a connected position by at least one peripherally extending circumferential sealing ring (6) provided between the connector pats (3) and (5). The plug-in position is secured by a rotatable, axially fixed threaded bushing (8), which is fixed in the axial direction, but rotatably supported on one of the connector parts, and the internal thread (9) of which is mated to the holding thread (10) on the other connector part. A further thread or projection or threaded part (12) mating with the interior thread (9) is provided in a loosening direction at a distance from the holding thread (10) interacting with the threaded bushing (8), and a distance A from the end of the holding thread (10) to that of the further thread (12) is greater than a plug-in depth of the connecting pins (2) into the bushings (4). The sealing ring (6) for both connector parts is disposed at a location at which it is still in the sealing position after pulling back the threaded bushing (8) that is detached from the holding thread (10). Any sparks occurring upon loosening of the contacts are therefore shielded from the environment.
US08172591B2	Electrical connector assembly having electrical connector with low profile and processor with cone pins An electrical connector assembly (100) for mounting to a printed circuit board, comprises a plurality of contacts (3) and a processor (1), the contact (3) comprises a base portion (31), a pair of contacting portions (34) and a solder portion (35) extend from the base portion (31), the processor (1) comprises a plurality of pins (11) each includes a cylinder portion (110) and a cone portion (111) extending downwardly from the cylinder portion (110), the bottom end of the cone portion (111) is thinner than the top end thereof to guiding the pins (11) inserted into the contacts (3), the contacting portions (34) contacts with the cone portion (111) respectively.
US08172590B2	Connecting structure of a lamp head base and a lamp tube base The present invention relates to a connecting structure of a lamp head base (2) and a lamp tube base (3). The lamp head base (2) includes an upper cover (21) and a lower cover (22) to engage with each other. The lower cover (22) has two troughs (221) which face downward and a through hole (222) disposed between the two troughs (221). A locking base (5) is connected to the lower cover (22). The locking base (5) includes a press surface (51) which is exposed outside an outer surface of the lower cover (22) and a hook (52) at an inner end thereof. The hook (52) is located above the through hole (222). The lamp tube base (3) includes two tubular sleeves (31) to fix two feet (41) which extend upward from a lamp tube (4), a connecting portion (32) to secure the two tubular sleeves (31), and a locking slot (33) disposed above the connecting portion (32). When assembling, the two tubular sleeves (31) and the connecting portion (32) of the lamp tube base (3) are respectively inserted in the two troughs (221) and the through hole (222) of the lower cover (22) of the lamp head base (2), and the hook (52) of the locking base (5) engages with the locking slot (33) of the lamp tube base (3).
US08172589B2	Modular electrical distribution system for a building A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.
US08172587B2	Card connector and detection switch The card connector can adequately detect the state in which an electronic device such as a memory card to be inserted and removed is fitted, and saves the footprint for mounting the card connector. With this card connector, a card detection switch detects a state in which a memory card is fitted in an accommodating part of a housing through an insertion slot. The card detection switch has movable terminals and fixed terminals, and the movable terminals each have a card contact part which is displaced by being pressed by the memory card to be inserted, and a movable contact part which is displaced in a same direction as a direction in which card contact part is displaced following displacement of the card contact part. The fixed terminals are each arranged in the housing to project in a direction to interest the direction in which the movable contact part is displaced, and is slid against by the movable contact part when the movable contact part is displaced.
US08172585B2	USB connector and contact array thereof Disclosed herein is a contact array of a universal serial bus (USB) connector including a first signal differential pair, a second signal differential pair and a third signal differential pair, wherein the second signal differential pair is disposed between the first and third signal differential pairs, and at least one power contact or ground contact is disposed between the first and second signal differential pairs, or between the second and third signal differential pairs.
US08172579B2	Electrical connector having dust-proof shutter driven by magnetic force An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (1) defining a mating compartment (10) with an opening (101) in communication with the mating compartment (10), a plurality of contact terminals (2) disposed within the mating compartment (10), a moveable protective lid (4) moveably disposed adjacent to the opening (101) and magnetic arrangement (5, 6) disposed between the protective lid (4) and the housing (1) such that the protective lid (4) will resume to its original position by means of magnets (5, 6) arranged between the protective lid (4) and the housing (1).
US08172576B2	Decision support system for simulating execution of an executable clinical guideline A system and method are provided for performing a simulation of patient treatment using at least one executable clinical guideline. The method includes the steps of: providing for getting a selected start point associated with a step of a guideline, wherein the start point is selectable regardless of the actual treatment provided to the patient and condition of the patient; providing for accessing a guideline associated with the start point; and providing for performing a simulation. The simulation includes the steps of providing for processing the start point; providing for accessing the guideline having the step associated with the start point; and providing for executing at least the associated guideline including beginning execution at the start point.
US08172575B2	Map in azimuthal equidistant hemispheric projection with reduced distortion According to one embodiment, world maps in the Azimuthal Equidistant (AE) Hemispheric projection are formed by depicting the main hemisphere of a globe in full and the opposing hemisphere in the form of two semi-hemispheres contiguous two spaced side portions of the main hemisphere. Any city (or location) of interest in the world can be highlighted as the center point of the main hemisphere. Each of these two semi-hemispheres is movable along the circumference of the main hemisphere so that a straight line can be drawn from the center point of the main hemisphere to any other point on the two semi-hemispheres via corresponding tangent points. This straight line is a part of a great circle and will show correct distance and direction from the center point to the other point. A transparent ruler, a set of gears, a compass rose and others may be attached to this map for quicker and easier acquisition of correct distance and direction. Differing from the regular AE projection, this AE Hemispheric projection has less distortion and more realistic shapes of the continents, even at remote areas, and also shows the antipodal point explicitly as a point.
US08172573B2	Methods and apparatus for dental implantation A method for implanting a tooth implant in an at least partially edentulous patient including the steps of anchoring at least one attachment element in a patient's jaw bone, removeably and replaceably mounting a carrier assembly bearing at least one fiducial marker onto the at least one attachment element in a precisely repeatable position with respect to the patient's jaw bone, employing the carrier assembly for providing registration between the at least one fiducial marker and the patient's jaw bone and implanting the tooth implant by employing a tracking system which uses the registration to guide a drilling assembly.
US08172570B2	Mouthpiece devices and methods to allow UV whitening of teeth A plastic mouthpiece insert for allowing a wearer to whiten their teeth while getting a suntan, and have a generally oblong oval-rectangular opening with a curved rear end that abuts against the root surfaces of the frontal upper and lower teeth of the wearer. A raised front edge can protect the lips and separate in place about the opening to the mouthpiece. Whitening agents can be used to enhance the whitening effect so that ultraviolet light and heat source such as the sun or a sunlamp is all that it is needed. Reflective inner walls in the mouthpiece can magnify light to the teeth. The mouthpiece can include bite tables, and the side walls of the mouthpiece can be inwardly flared and funnel shaped for focusing and magnifying incoming light and heat. The mouthpiece can be colored to protect the inside of the wearer's mouth from receiving any light. An attachable and detachable compact hands-free light source can also be used. The light source can clip on the front of the mouthguard so that the mouthguard can allow for teeth whitening without the need for a suntanning lamp or use of the sun or other exterior light sources. The attached light source allows the user to use the mouthguard and not be restricted to staying in one place. With the attached light source the user is free to use both their hands and do all other types of activities and be able to freely move around.
US08172569B2	Dental appliance Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a shell having a number of cavities to receive one or more teeth, each cavity having an inner surface. Fewer than all cavities are scaled-up in size by a first selected percentage over one or more dimensions of a corresponding tooth surface to provide a uniform space between the cavity inner surface and the corresponding tooth surface.
US08172564B2	Process and apparatus for fabricating precise microstructures and polymeric molds for making same There is disclosed a method and apparatus for producing a polymeric film that accurately replicates a complex mold surface at least a portion of which surface has microstructured or nano-structured dimensions. A polymeric powder is electrodeposited on an underlying mold surface. Then the powder is cured to create a polymeric film. Finally the film is removed from the mold surface.
US08172557B2	High-pressure gas compressor and method of operating a high-pressure gas compressor A high-pressure gas compressor comprises a single-acting cam driven piston with a pressure compensation chamber disposed between the piston and the cam. A roller tappet assembly transmits reciprocating motion from the cam to the piston. A pressurized gas directed to the pressure compensation chamber offsets forces acting on the piston from the compression chamber gas pressure, thereby reducing Hertzian pressure between the tappet roller and the cam. Overall efficiency and durability can be improved by reducing friction between compressor components, for example by employing thin film coatings to reduce friction, pressurized oil lubrication systems and higher cylinder bore diameter to piston stroke ratios. The service life of gas seals and compression efficiency can be improved by thermal management strategies, including liquid-cooled compressor cylinder liners and intercoolers between compression stages. Employing a poppet-style intake valve and reducing parasitic volume in the compression chamber can improve compressor volumetric efficiency.
US08172553B2	Small sized heat dissipating fan with outward arrangement of a speed adjuster resistor having a resistance of zero ohms A small sized heat dissipating fan includes a housing, a stator and a rotor. The housing includes a carrying base to hold the stator and rotor. The stator includes a magnetizing member having a plurality of coils and a circuit board electrically connecting to the coils and having a driving circuit and a speed adjuster. The driving circuit, the speed adjuster and the coils electrically connect to each other. The rotor includes a shaft, an impeller fixed to one end of the shaft, and an annular magnet. The other end of the shaft extends through the magnetizing member. The shaft is rotatably coupled to the stator. The annular magnet is mounted to an inner periphery of the impeller and faces the magnetizing member of the stator. Consequently, by adjustment of resistance of the speed adjuster, the rated rotational speed of the heat dissipating fan can be changed.
US08172548B2	Driving agent vacuum pump A driving agent vacuum pump configured as a micropump is presented. The vacuum pump includes an evaporation chamber and a pumping chamber, which are separated by a jet arrangement. The jet arrangement includes a planar arrangement of at least one jet running vertically in depth between two plates. The two plates cover the evaporation chamber and the pumping chamber about the jet arrangement. An opening is provided in the pumping chamber above the jet arrangement for taking in an agent to be pumped. A second opening is provided for driving out a compressed gas below the jet arrangement. A connection is provided between the evaporation chamber and the pumping chamber through which a condensed driving agent is returned.
US08172547B2	Dielectric barrier discharge pump apparatus and method A dielectric element barrier discharge pump for accelerating a fluid flow. In one embodiment the pump has a first dielectric layer having a first electrode embedded therein and a second dielectric layer having a second electrode embedded therein. The first and second dielectric layers are further supported apart from one another to form an air gap therebetween. A third electrode is disposed at least partially in the air gap upstream of the first and second electrodes, relative to a direction of flow of the fluid flow. A high voltage supplies a high voltage signal to the third electrode. The electrodes cooperate to generate opposing asymmetric plasma fields in the gap that create an induced air flow within the gap. The induced air flow operates to accelerate the fluid flow as the fluid flow moves through the gap.
US08172546B2	System and method for correcting for pressure variations using a motor Systems and methods for compensating for pressure increase which may occur in various enclosed spaces of a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may compensate for pressure increases in chambers of a pumping apparatus by moving a pumping means of the pumping apparatus to adjust the volume of the chamber to compensate for a pressure increase in the chamber. More specifically, in one embodiment, to account for unwanted pressure increases to the fluid in a dispense chamber the dispense motor may be reversed to back out piston to compensate for any pressure increase in the dispense chamber.
US08172543B2	Airfoil shape for a compressor An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08172541B2	Internally-damped airfoil and method therefor An airfoil component and method for producing the component. The component has root and airfoil portions, the latter having an airfoil tip and oppositely-disposed concave and convex surfaces that converge at leading and trailing edges of the airfoil portion. The airfoil portion has at least one stiffener between first and second walls thereof that define the concave and convex surfaces, respectively. The stiffener defines multiple internal cavities within the airfoil portion that extend in the span-wise direction of the airfoil portion. A polymeric material fills at least one of the internal cavities and is bonded to the airfoil portion only at an extremity of the internal cavity nearer the root portion, and not to the stiffener or to the first and second walls of the airfoil portion, to define an internal damping member that provides a vibratory damping effect to the airfoil portion.
US08172540B2	Airfoil for a helicopter rotor blade An airfoil family for a helicopter rotor blade, designated SC362XX. SC362XX essentially removes the large lower surface suction peak associated with ‘drag creep’ at moderate lift coefficients while reducing the peak Mach number and shock strength at high lift/Mach number conditions. Another optional airfoil family for use at inboard regions of the helicopter rotor, which is designated SC3252XX airfoil family, is a relatively thicker airfoil section that includes a significant increase in thickness forward of the 30% x/c location to provide a relatively thick and rigid inboard section. The lift coefficient at which the drag divergence Mach number was optimized is the same in both families thereby readily providing application to a single rotor blade.
US08172532B2	Device for adjustment of a rotor blade, wind energy converter, and method for adjusting a rotor blade A method for adjusting a pivotally mounted rotor blade of a wind energy converter includes controlling a first drive and a second drive to collectively turn the rotor blade into an operating position; detecting whether a failure of the first drive has occurred; activating, when the failure of the first drive has occurred, a first activatable lockout connected to the rotor blade, which prevents turning of the rotor blade into the operating position while allowing turning of the rotor blade into a feathered position; and controlling, when the failure of the first drive has occurred, the second drive to turn the rotor blade into the feathered position.
US08172522B2	Method and system for supporting stator components A method and system of supporting removable static components in a turbine engine stator assembly is described. The method comprises the steps of engaging a stator hanger located at a first location on a first static component with a post located on a first static structure whereby the post supports at least a part of the weight of the first static component, engaging a stator stopper located at a second location on the first static component that is located circumferentially apart from the first location with the stator hanger that is located on a second static component, and engaging a hook located at a third location on the first static component with a second static structure whereby the second static structure supports at least a part of the weight of the first static component.
US08172520B2	Turbine vane of a gas turbine A turbine vane of a gas turbine, especially a gas turbine aircraft engine, is disclosed. The turbine vane includes a vane base body with an outer surface forming a suction side and a pressure side, the outer surface of the vane base body being at least partially coated with a thermal barrier coating. The thermal barrier coating extends continuously or uninterruptedly at least largely over the suction side and largely over the pressure side of the surface of the vane base body, with the layer thickness of the thermal barrier coating being variable or adjustable.
US08172517B2	Passive guide vane control A system for passively controlling a variable position guide vane in a turbo-machine. The system includes a shaft rotatable about an axis with an airfoil connected thereto. The shaft is biased toward a closed position, but will open in response to fluid flowing through a flowpath. The guide vane can then be locked in an open position at a desired operating condition of the turbo-machine.
US08172513B2	Adjusting shaft arrangement of a turbocharger The invention relates to an adjusting shaft arrangement (1) of a variable turbine geometry turbocharger or waste gate turbocharger having an adjusting shaft (2) which has a fastening section (3); having a lever (4) which is connected to the adjusting shaft (2) via the fastening section (3); having a sleeve (5) which is arranged on a base body (6) of the adjusting shaft (2); and having a seal (7) which is arranged in the region of the base body (6) between the sleeve (5) and the adjusting shaft (2); the main body (6) of the adjusting shaft (2) having a stepped outer contour; and the sleeve (5) having an inner contour with a stepped inner contour which complements the design of the base body (6).
US08172512B2	Accessory gearbox system with compressor driven seal air supply An accessory gearbox system for a gas turbine engine includes an accessory compressor mounted to a gearbox housing. The gearbox housing defines a seal air core, and the gearbox housing communicates a seal airflow through the seal air core.
US08172511B2	Radial compressor with blades decoupled and tuned at anti-nodes A gas turbine engine includes a radial compressor with first and second blades. The first and second blades have tuned leading edges that prevent natural frequencies from exciting at speeds within an expected operating speed range.
US08172507B2	Gas turbine blade with double impingement cooled single suction side tip rail A turbine blade is provided comprising: an airfoil including an airfoil outer wall extending radially outwardly from a blade root, a squealer tip section located at an end of the airfoil distal from the root, and cooling structure. The squealer tip section comprises a blade tip surface including pressure and suction edges joined together at chordally spaced-apart leading and trailing edges of the airfoil, and a squealer tip rail. At least a substantial portion of the squealer tip rail is located near the blade tip surface suction edge. The cooling structure directs cooling fluid toward the squealer tip rail to effect impingement cooling of the rail after the cooling fluid has convectively cooled at least a portion of the airfoil outer wall. Cooling fluid is also deflected by the squealer tip rail so as to yield a very small effective flow area above the squealer tip section through which hot working gases may flow.
US08172506B2	Method and system for cooling engine components A method and system for a rotatable member of a turbine engine are provided. The rotatable member includes a substantially cylindrical shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a hub coupled to the cylindrical shaft through a conical shaft portion wherein the conical shaft portion includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced air passages and wherein at least one of the plurality of air passages includes a non-circular cross section.
US08172500B2	Turbine, in particular for an exhaust-gas turbocharger, and exhaust-gas turbocharger The invention relates to a turbine, in particular of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, comprising a turbine rotor which is supported rotatable in a housing, and to which at least one guide vane apparatus forming a radial inlet channel for a medium driving the turbine rotor is allocated, wherein the guide vane apparatus comprises a guide vane mounting ring with a plurality of guide vanes which radially surround the turbine rotor and which are located within the inlet channel, as well as a guide vane cover ring, and wherein the inlet channel is axially bounded by the guide vane mounting ring and the guide vane cover ring, and the guide vane cover ring abuts with a front side facing away from the inlet channel against a support area of the housing. The invention provides that the housing (5) comprises in the support area (15) at least one recess (17) which is open-edged towards the guide vane cover ring (9), and through which the medium can flow.Furthermore, the invention relates to an exhaust-gas turbocharger, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a compressor and a turbine which are actively connected with each other in a mechanical manner.
US08172499B2	Portable raise climbing system A portable raise climbing system is provided that comprises a starter box for interfacing with an existing raise climb track, a raise climber that is deployed by the system onto the existing track for normal raise excavation operations, and a transporter. The transporter is configured to carry the raise climber from site to site by interfacing with moving equipment. The moving equipment preferably includes a front hydraulic quick connect/disconnect lift system, e.g. front-end loader, forklift, plough, scooptram, etc.
US08172491B1	Motorcycle tie-down system A strapping system for positioning and transporting a motorcycle or similar vehicle in an upright position include two interconnected straps with reinforced cuffs. The cuffs have a cylindrical body and strap attachment housing contiguously formed and a reinforcement ring substantially enclosed within the walls of the cylindrical body and strap attachment housing.
US08172490B2	Junction between two components of a rotating tool system A junction between two components of a tool system, that rotates about an axis of rotation, includes a conical seat, on the first component, coaxial to the axis of rotation and which is defined by an annular front face. The second component carries a coupling having a conical surface complementary to the conical seat and an annular end face resting against the front face. A tie bolt axially projects beyond the free end of the coupling pin and engages, in a cavity adjacent to the seat. The junction also has tensioning elements that are actuated from the exterior for mutually bracing the components, which are radially guided in the first component, and which act upon the tie bolt and are functionally linked with joint actuating means for adjustment between detached and tensioned positions. The tensioning elements include ejection portions that can be fitted with a rotatably received rolling element.
US08172487B2	Milling cutter and cutting insert therefor An indexable cutting insert and a milling cutter with identical indexable cutting inserts. The indexable cutting insert has an upper surface, opposing lower surface, and a peripheral side surface. Major cutting edges are formed on an upper peripheral edge, with adjacent major rake surfaces on the upper surface. At least two of the major cutting edges have different insert axial rake angles at equivalent index points along the major cutting edges, and at least two of the major rake surfaces have different rake surface profile angles at planar sections which are perpendicular to the major cutting edges and contain an insert axis. The milling cutter has a milling cutter body with a plurality of identical insert receiving pockets, where an equal number of the identical indexable cutting inserts are removably seated, having active major cutting edges and active major rake surfaces with different axial and/or radial rake angles.
US08172485B2	End coupling for a rock bolt An end coupling for a shaft of a rock bolt comprises a body having a lead portion with a leading end, and a tail portion with a trailing end. The tail portion is arranged to be connected to a drive to impart rotation to the coupling about its axis. The body defines a passage extending between the leading and trailing ends and a first portion of the passage extends from the leading end and has a first diameter. A second portion of the passage is disposed adjacent the first portion and has a second diameter that is larger than said first diameter. A first thread extends along at least part of the first portion of the passage and is arranged to engage an external thread on the rock bolt shaft. A rock bolt assembly incorporating the end coupling is also disclosed.

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